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Entertaining With Garden Pods

The Garden Pod

Garden Pods put a sci-fi—yet elegant—spin on al fresco entertaining. By F.E. Exley

If Steven Spielberg had become a designer rather than a film director, the Garden Pod might just be a product that he conjured.

Garden Pods are self-contained enclosed units that heighten the enjoyment of a backyard or garden. Think dinner with the family, drinks and cigars with the boys, even an outdoor office. These outdoor havens aren’t yet available in the U.S., but you can be the first on the block to have one when they become available in early 2013.

“The attraction is their flexibility. They can be anything you want them to be,” says Benjamin Hadley of Mars Lab, the company with exclusive rights to distribute the Garden Pod in the U.S.

Currently, Garden Pods come in four models: small, medium, the deluxe summerhouse, and the large diner pod. Note: Three of the models rotate 360 degrees; the large diner pod is stationary and can come with an optional solar panel with mood lighting.

Each pod can also be customized to the owner’s tastes—think interior color and upholstery. Models can also be equipped with touches like a cigar humidor, a bar, and media units.

Landscape architects are already excited for the export to arrive. “It works perfectly as a space within a space,” says Matt Preuss, a landscape architect based in Redondo Beach, California.

The Garden Pod’s appearance reminds some of a prop from a sci-fi flick, but Hadley says it blends well with any garden environment, mostly due to the materials used in its construction. “The pod mimics its environment,” he says, noting the core’s mirroring aspect. “The outer perimeter is made from sustainably farmed Norwegian treated pine. It’s 20 layers fused together.”

Able “to withstand the weather over time,” the pods are well suited for ocean climates, says Hadley. They are also resistant to mold and have UV protection. The Garden Pod should have success in the market if the continued trend of contemporary over classic holds steady, according to Hadley.

Of course, some homeowners just like the idea of “peculiar” spaces that create conversation. Pricing begins at $13,000 for the smallest pod, while the diner pod sells for $30,000; installation takes between one and two days.

The Get: Souluxe

There’s nothing like a soft glow to warm up an evening outdoors. It’s even better when the light source is sustainable. Meet SOULUXE, from Rotoluxe, makers of environmentally friendly display units. This line of sustainable containers can be used as tables, seating, and planters, but they are particularly appealing when lit, as their translucent material diffuses light to create a soft glow. They’re made from recycled plastic, and the containers and stands will remain lit for five-plus hours without need of a power supply. The most popular models (Vazon Magnum, Korto, Kvat, Tavo, and Chumbo) are $170;the Infinity Bench is $420; the Vazon Methuselah is $800.

5 Quick Fixes for Your Home Exterior

Selling your home is not the only reason to fix up the exterior; you may simply want to make your ocean home more attractive and distinctive. While it is possible to spend a great deal of money redoing the outside of your home, you can also do this inexpensively and achieve absolutely fantastic results. Living on the coast means that your home is open to the elements. The sea air corrodes paint and makes ocean homes look tired and worn faster than those inland, so here are 5 relatively easy and fast ways to perk up any home.

1. Painting your home can be the difference between night and day for how your exterior looks. Over time, paint ages and will peel and crack. Usually, new paint can be applied over old as long as you do a bit of scraping. You might also consider trying a new color on the house with a contrasting paint for the trim. For more tips on this, see Choosing Exterior Paint Colors.

beautiful summer beach house with the sun shining on it 2. Even if your home does not need new paint, it can probably use a good washing. While many people think this means using a pressure washer, you might get better results with simpler tools. One of the problems with pressure washers is that they can force water behind your siding. Pressure washers can even damage the siding itself. You can get good results by using a soft brush with an extension handle, a bucket of sudsy water, and your garden hose. When you start washing your home, begin at the bottom and work your way to the top. To rinse, use your hose at the top of the building and work down. If you have mildew on the siding, you will need to remove it with a bleach solution before washing. Rinse the bleach off before the actual washing begins.

3. In all probability your front entry can stand a bit of pepping up. Try adding some new lighting fixtures – there are a number of styles from traditional to modern to choose from, and these can be a quick fix for the exterior. Besides lighting, you can also add some container plants. Tubs with bright flowers or stately dwarf evergreens will really draw the eye. If your front door is beginning to show its age, a new one can make a real difference in how your home looks, to.

4. There is hardly anything that adds to the appearance of any home more than flowers. Although you can always take the time and effort to put in flower beds around the house, it can be much easier and faster to use hanging baskets and window boxes. Most nurseries have a great range of colorful flowers that are perfect specimens for use in hanging baskets. All that will be necessary will be to add some brackets to the house itself or onto the porch and hang up the basket. Window boxes are also easy to install and fill with your favorite plants. These bright quick fixes will really smarten up the appearance of any house.

5. If you have a deck or patio, an awning can provide a quick and attractive fix that not only makes your home look better, but helps you get more out of your addition. Patios and decks are a great way to enjoy your outdoor furniture, but often are unusable either because it’s raining or they are baking in the sun. An awning will make these areas an extra, outdoor room, allowing you and your family to enjoy your yard more. These awnings can be either extended or retracted by a hand crank or by motor. The motorized awnings will cost a good deal more than those operated by hand.

Robert is a freelance writer for Bridgman who supply Rattan garden furniture.

Image Credit: Chuck Felix

Automatic Pool Covers

An automatic pool cover not only provides peace of mind and cleanliness, but it also saves money in the long run.

A pool cover will prevent detritus and other debris from seeping into and accumulating in a pool, but a top-of-line pool cover can actually save owners money in the long run.

While manual covers are still manufactured, the way to go is automatic for ease and convenience. Bruce Grogg, president and CEO of Utah-based Pool Cover Specialists says, “If the pool cover is too difficult or takes too long to put on and take off, homeowners won’t use it. If they don’t use it, they won’t get any of the benefits.”

The advantages of using a pool cover are many, says Barry Greenwald, vice president of sales for Cover Pools, a leading pool cover outfitter, which Greenwald says represents about 33 percent of the automatic pool-cover market; its founder, Joe Lamb, is often credited as having invented and patented the automatic pool cover. “Covers keep the pool clean and costs down; a cover can cut operating costs on a pool by 70 percent,” he says. There’s even an app for that—really! The Swimming Pool Energy and Water Savings Calculator from Pool Cover Specialists is available on iPhones and Androids and shows how an automatic pool cover can save homeowners as much as $4,000 per year and 20,000 gallons of evaporated water.

The Save-T 3 Automatic Cover System

Greenwald likens a pool without a cover to a house without a roof. “Warm air escapes,” he says. (It’s easy chemistry: chemicals dissipate, water evaporates, heat rises.) A good cover can keep a swimming pool seven degrees warmer than if it goes uncovered.

Though saving money is always a nice benefit, pool covers—for a family, in particular—offer peace of mind in that they prevent drowning. The cover acts as a horizontal fence, completely sealing off the pool and preventing access to the pool by children and pets.

Cover Pools’ top-of-the-line cover is its Save-T 3 automatic safety pool cover. Each cover is customized for the size and shape of an owner’s pool and can be controlled by the turn of a key or the push of a button. There are 11 colors to choose from, so matching the cover to the pool deck is a snap. “We have a popular grey cover that goes great with grey stone decking,” Greenwald says.

For ocean homes, a common tandem is the pool/spa combo. Cover Pools’ Autosave Spa Cover offers the same safety and energy-saving benefits as a full-size automatic pool cover but with a more compact mechanical system; it retails from $4,000.

Pool Cover Specialists offers its Infinity 4000 automatic pool-cover system that fits both free-form and rectangular pools, and it can be used on both new and existing pools.

When it comes to choosing electric or hydraulic pool covers, Gregg says, “It’s like automobile manufacturers: They all sell cars; it’s just the models and the accessories that are different, but they all work generally the same. In the end, it comes down to personal preference, in many cases.” Grogg says that hydraulic systems work best on larger pools. When retracted, these pool covers literally disappear into thin air, hidden inside housing units or vaults that are typically built in below the pool deck.

Note: It might seem obvious, but installing an automatic pool cover is almost always a job best reserved for the professionals. Homeowners should consult their pool builder or home contractor, who will have relationships with the varied distributors.

Halloween Decor

Cooler weather and the changing of the seasons are upon us. The excitement of Halloween is in the air. It’s time to swap out your carefree summer décor for something a little spookier. However, if plastic tombstones and inflatable witches don’t complement your style, try trimming your home with these classic Halloween decorations that are perfect for easy going coastal design.

Pumpkins

Pumpkin carving is a Halloween tradition that also makes for fun and easy décor. For a more sophisticated execution of the jack-o-lantern, try carving new shapes instead of cartoon faces. Monogrammed carvings give a new twist to an old classic. You could also carve leaves or trees. Set these outside along your front steps or on the porch for an easy outdoor decorations. Don’t forget to light them at night. Mini pumpkins and gourds are great for indoor or outdoor use. Paint them with metallic spray paint for an extra special look. Pumpkins also make excellent flower pots. Simply hollow out a large pumpkin and place a potted plant (mums work well) inside so the flowers stick out of the top. This looks great both outside and in.

Beach Finds

If you home style is beach chic, these subtle changes can carry your décor right into Halloween. If not, this project is a great opportunity to start adding a little coastal style into your Halloween decorations. Specimen jars are a great way to give your home some Halloween flair. Instead of using acid green food coloring and fake eyeballs, take a more natural approach. Pour small sea shells or black sand into apothecary jars. Place small pieces of drift wood, dried flower buds or single bird feathers inside others. You can find old fashioned labels at a craft store to stick on the jars. Label them as different potion ingredients like raven feathers or poisonous pods.

Flowers

Flowers may not be frightening, but they can lend to the Halloween spirit. An arrangement of dried flowers and spindly twigs makes a great Halloween decoration. There are also a few species of flowers that are hauntingly beautiful and perfect for Halloween. Mums, calla lilies, and dahlias are available in the deepest shade of purple, they look almost black! An arrangement of fresh-cut black flowers is a little unnerving.

Books

This is an easy project that looks great along with the beachy specimen jars. Recover hard-bound books as spell books. There are templates online that you can print out, or you could make your own.

Candles

There is something about the flickering flames of a candle that add to the Halloween spirit. Consider an arrangement of tall candles and various size pillars. Old fashioned candelabras or antique finger holders add to the haunted manor vibe.

Photos

Another easy way to decorate for Halloween is to swap out your photos with creepy portraits. There are hundreds of images online of old fashioned painted portraits that look downright spine-chilling. Print them out on photo paper and stick them in any frames you already have in your home.

Don’t get caught up by the gaudy inflatable zombies and fake cobwebs. These easy projects are all smart ways to deck your halls for Halloween.

This article was written by Erie Construction. Follow Erie Construction on Twitter.

Photo Credit: (1-2)Martha Stewart Living (3)It’s All About O
(4)Earth Sea Warrior (5)Soda Head (6)In between Seams (7)ChickaBug
(8)Unknown (9)Kaboodle (10)Chicago Tribune/Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Choosing Exterior Paint Colors

There’s nothing like a fresh coat of paint to revive the look of your home. Choosing the right colors can seem like a daunting task, but these easy tips will ensure that you pick the best colors for your house.

Look to the neighbors

Check out the neighbors for inspiration. It’s likely that there is a common color scheme in the neighborhood. If neutrals and muted tones are de rigueur, then you may want to reconsider that sunshine yellow paint you’ve picked out. Instead, opt for a pale yellow and bump up the color with brightly colored flowers in your landscaping. You want your home to stand out without becoming the eyesore of the neighborhood.

Reflect the environment

Homes in more tropical locales can introduce bright, bold colors that mimic the lush plants and flowers in the area. For example, those with homes on St. Croix are lucky enough to have Bird of Paradise flowers in their backyards. The beautiful orange color of the flower can be carried throughout the property not only in the landscaping, but on the house itself in the trim and shutters. Beachfront homes in any climate can echo the ocean by pairing shades of blue with sandy neutrals. Properties on the east coast can boast their famed autumn foliage all year long with their exterior paint colors. Choose colors like rich reds and warm golds.

Stay true to tradition

If you own an older home, a great way to choose an exterior color is to use the original paint color. Historically accurate color schemes a tried and true way enhance the look of your home. If you don’t know the original colors, check out a few period books to find a palette that would work with your home. You could also check with neighbors or your realtor for any old photographs from way back when.

Match your home’s features

Whatever palette you pick, be sure to match your home’s features. Choose colors that go well with the color of the roof and anything that won’t be painted, like fieldstone or brick. Be sure to consider any detailing on the home, such as wrought iron balustrades or copper awnings.

Play it safe or go bold

Staying within a single color family creates a sophisticated look for any home. Consider tints and shades of a single color for different parts of the job (walls, shutters, trim, etc.). This is a fool-proof way to get fantastic results. If monochromatic isn’t for you, go bold! Playing with a few different colors, dark and light, subtle and bright, will add drama to your residence. Be careful not to overload the palette, or you may end up living in a funhouse.

Keep in mind

Lighter colors make a house appear larger, while darker colors narrow
Glossier paints are more likely to show imperfections, but are easy to clean
Flat paints hide imperfections, but are difficult to clean
Paint swatches can be deceiving. Test the color on your home and look at it throughout the day for subtle changes in the sunlight before you commit.

This article was written by Erie Construction. For more information on Erie Construction visit our Guild Quality profile.

Entertaining ideas for your next outdoor dinner party

An intimate evening can be cozy even outside.

Having an outdoor party gives the cook(s) an opportunity to get out of the kitchen and enjoy the fresh air. It also gives the gardener a chance to show off their latest blooms. What better setting for a get together?

First consider what the reason for the dinner party is. Is it aimed at being a small intimate get together, maybe two couples who want to share some special news or just enjoy the evening away from every day stresses or is an event meant to be shared with the whole family and special friends? If it is only for couples this could be a very romantic and special event. Do you have a friend or family member who would be willing to play waitress? Set up some soft music and have it playing in the background and you may find that more than the ice will be melting…

Be sure to spray the backyard with a mosquito repellant. A few uninvited pests can certainly place a damper on the evening.

Maybe you had your mind on something on a slightly larger scale?

A children’s pool full of ice or a large (new) garbage can works nicely to hold cold bottled water or pop. Hot air balloons tied to the mail box help to let the guest know where the fun will begin. Many meat markets run specials on meat bundles and also carry an assortment of other prepared food items in their deli selection. If you purchase a large container of ready-made potato salad or macaroni (perhaps both) if you bring it home and place it in a fancy bowl, who will know you did not slave over this delectable dish? One can always have a get together where everyone brings a dish to pass also. Having one main table set up with the main dishes and finger foods is a great way to get everyone up and circulating. After all you did not have the party to stand around and talk to yourself.

Have a cleanup area

There will always be someone who is uncomfortable with food on their fingers or not having clean hands. Place a hand sanitizer and napkins in a nice little basket in an easy to see spot. You can also have sun block, mosquito repellant and lotion in the basket. Place a lined garbage can nearby. This will remove the embarrassing moment for the guest and make them feel more at home.

Place card tables outside for dominoes, board games, or card games as one option for entertainment. For those who are more energetic, horse shoes or lawn croquet are some others. Bad Minton nets are easy to put up and most people know how to play volley ball. It is a fun game to play or watch and is sure to improve everyone’s appetite and make the food taste better.

Lanterns can be hung from trees or porches.

Lights like these will make even card tables and folding chairs appear more festive and add to the gaiety. Many dollar stores carry outdoor party decorations this time of year so they can be purchased quite inexpensively. Maybe you would like to run some clear Christmas bulbs through a tree to light up the area.

Music and Entertaining

There is nothing like great music to enliven the ambiance of your outdoor get- together. And finally make sure each and every guest knows how much you appreciate their attending and they will be begging you to throw another get together soon. Enjoy your entertaining experience with your friends and family, and use the helpful tips to make memories for future events.

Marina Chernyak is freelance writer and co-owner of decorative mirrors website located at DecorativeMirrorsBoutique.com

Image sources – alkemie.blogspot.com, realsimple.com and punchbowl.com

Upgrade the Ambiance in your Ocean Home with Souluxe, Solar Lighting

New from Rotoluxe, LLC- This line of translucent illuminated stands and planters will add a comforting glow to any table, pool area, or deck. Solar powered and made from recycled plastic, the simple design was engineered to be as minimalist and versatile as possible. Souluxe stands and planters remain lit for up to five hours without the use of supply cord, making them the perfect environmentally friendly addition to your next dinner or gathering.

Pop Up Garages Keep Your Cars Stored Safely

The Cardok Garage is a unique concept for anyone looking to store their car safely and out of sight, minus the bulky garage. Starting to be seen around affluent London locations, the Cardok garage stores individuals cars underground. Raised and lowered by a hydraulic lift, these garages can be ordered in two different options, but both are worth a pretty penny. The single model is $61,181 and for those who want an over and under double, the cost is $72,816. Currently there are eight active models in London, with another 10 ordered and four under construction. It is only a matter of time until this trend goes global.

*Source: We Interrupt

Outdoor Gourmet Dishwasher

The Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet Dishwasher is the perfect appliance to help with al fresco dining cleanup. It can withstand the salt air and elements that come with coastal living and looks downright chic while doing so. The Outdoor Dishwasher is designed with an extra-large tub to meet the unique demands of outdoor BBQ messes and large grill appliances. Even better, the highly focused spray zones paired with six wash programs and temperature settings (up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit) eliminate the need for pre-rinsing dishes, ensuring a spotless load even after the messiest baby back rib eaters are finished. Not to mention the Outdoor Dishwasher’s upper rack, which offers fold-down stemware supports to keep your favorite wine glasses sparkling. Who knew dishwashers could be so fun? Base price $4,990. kalamazoogourmet.com.

Outdoor Bars

Outdoor bars are the new must-have element for oceanfront entertaining. By, Brianna Lapolla

Imagine ice-cold drinks on a scorching day and having three different beers on tap chilled to perfection—all in your own backyard. Thanks to Perlick’s residential line of refrigeration and beer-dispensing products, that’s just what you can have.

If you’re spending most of your time al fresco, you want your outdoor appliances to stand up to the elements and Perlick products are no exception. Built strong enough to resist the harsh temperatures and salty air associated with coastal living, these refrigeration systems are all UL approved, have a maintenance-free auto defrost cycle, and come with a two-year warranty, promising your open-air bar to not only be stylish but also technologically savvy and weather safe. And as many oceanfront homes are restricted to summertime vacations due to frigid winter temperatures (hello, Hamptons!) you can rest assured that the heart of your outdoor oasis will be in top shape when you return for the summer.

Jeff Wimberly, vice president of sales and marketing for Perlick’s residential and hospitality products, weighs in on the company’s top three items for outdoor entertaining.

“When cooking outdoors, everything our customers need is literally at their fingertips,” says Wimberly. When it comes to outdoor refrigeration, the 24-inch Signature Series boasts 5.3 cubic feet of capacity and industry-exclusive full-extension pullout adjustable shelving to reach any item with ease. The best part? This refrigerator is rated for both food and beverage storage to keep bottled water, beverages, and appetizers cool and fresh all day long.

For those looking for an item to set their home bar apart from the rest, the 48-inch Signature Series Refrigerator with Beer Dispenser is an obvious favorite. Perlick is the only company in the industry that allows for three taps to accommodate up to three of your favorite beachside beers, all guaranteed to put dew on a glass in the hottest of climates. But, Wimberly does warn customers that “having three beers on tap in their outdoor entertaining area may lead to their guests never leaving…” That’s definitely one risk worth taking.

And for the beverages that could use a little extra frost, Wimberly recommends the 15-inch Signature Series Clear Ice Maker, which produces up to 50 pounds of crystal-clear ice per day and has a 22-pound storage capacity.

Whether you prefer a Champagne toast or tossing back a few beers with friends poolside, Perlick’s appliances will make your patio the life of the party. bringperlickhome.com

Ron Hatfield’s Ocean Home

A decade after discovering undeveloped beachfront in Mexico, Ron Hatfield now enjoys year-round ocean views. By, Diane M. Byrne

Since the 17th century, vessels including merchant ships, modern motoryachts, and sportfishing boats have visited the Los Cabos region of Mexico. At the tip of Baja California, its deep, blue waters offer a wide variety of fish, and it is renowned as the marlin mecca of the world. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s that hotels and second homes were developed to attract vacationers and avid travelers. Unlike other areas of Mexico—indeed, many oceanside regions in general—Los Cabos is anything but overdeveloped. Instead, picture stretches of uninhabited beaches, with towering mountains providing spectacular views of sand and sea.

That’s what captivated Ron Hatfield, a real estate developer, when he visited the region with his then-business partner, Ken Schnitzer, 15 years ago. “The elevation of the land off the beach provided incredible sites for mountainside homes overlooking the Sea of Cortez,” Hatfield recalls. They acquired land to offer a handful of homes, which sold so quickly that they purchased additional acreage to create the community of Villas Del Mar. Five years later, Hatfield, president of Del Mar Developments, purchased his own home site and now lives there year-round.

Besides enjoying access to golfing and members-only clubs, Hatfield has one of the more distinctive homes in Villas Del Mar. “It’s built into the mountainside for complete privacy and also has a separate honeymoon suite overlooking the sea,” he explains. Mixing traditional furnishings with Spanish-style ones lends what he considers a casual elegance, ideal for hosting dinner parties for neighbors one day, then welcoming his grown children and grandchildren the next. His favorite room? The living room. “My glass pocket doors disappear into the walls, so it’s open all the way around with views of the sea and the mountains. I get fresh sea air while relaxing and watching the game or reading a book.”

Another bonus: The region is virtually free of crime. “Los Cabos is definitely a safe place,” Hatfield says. “I feel very secure and have absolutely no apprehension at all about bringing family or friends here.”

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