Outdoor Design Ideas for that curb appeal

If you have been blessed with an open patch- a yard, terrace, a patio or a porch, the lure of the season is truly hard to resist. The weather calls for soaking in the warmth of the sun to beat the winter blues as also those barbeque lunches and dinners that make this season ever so special. Of course what it also means is picking up some cool outdoor décor ideas. So here goes.

If there is one thing that is likely to endear itself to just about all your guests, it is adding a whole lot of colour to your outdoor design. Think colourful outdoor furniture or even adding colourful accents to your existing furniture. The fuchsia or those royal blue cushions will light up your space in no time. Florals, stripes, ikkat prints all come together to create that colourful melee that perks up the space.  An outdoor rug can add just the warmth that the place needs.

Speaking of outdoor furniture, there is a lot to choose from. Take your pick from that bamboo or wicker furniture that will simply enchant you into believing that you are on an exotic holiday! That it is lightweight is an added perk as you can move it around and create either an intimate setting or one that is more spread out, depending on your guests. Consider having a swinging seat bench that can be the perfect retreat for those me-times. Alternately a hammock is just what you need for that afternoon siesta or the times you want to just curl up with a book.

Space need not be a constraint for your outdoor living ideas. If you are short on space and do not have the luxury of a lounging area, even a corner can be tastefully done! Think of a red bistro table, a piece of art on the wall, few punchy coloured chairs and luxe cushions and you are all set for a great time. This is the perfect spot for a steaming hot cuppa sipped alone or with that significant other.

Vibrant lights, especially when it comes to those evening get togethers are an absolute must when it comes to outdoor décor. Bright Chinese lanterns or even fairy strings can go a long way in adding oodles of character to your open space. For that intimate appeal, consider doing up the place in lots of candles. Hanging lights with planters make for one great combination as well and set the stage for those lovely meet ups. Installing a fire pit is another sure-fire way to add oodles of charm to your outdoor space. Whether you want to do some fire gazing on your own or want to play host, it will act as the perfect backdrop.

When in doubt about the outdoor design idea, just remember to keep it simple. After all fuss free is the time you want to spend outdoors and what better way than keeping the décor fuss free.

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Kitchen design ideas that you cannot have enough of

The true heart of a home, the kitchen is one versatile place. Much more than a space for cooking alone, it is perfect for those cosy meals with family or even entertaining guests. It is only right that your kitchen is done up in a manner that leaves everyone in awe of your style sensibilities.

One way of giving your kitchen a great decorative touch is by the use of colour. You can choose to stick to a monochromatic palette and yet add personality to your kitchen. Black and white makes for one great combination. You could choose to induce the combination by way of checkerboard floor tiles. If your idea of kitchen décor is modern, you can go in for bold colours with a glossy finish. Even if you like to do up the walls in neutral colours, you could add to the kitchen’s character by painting its cabinets in bright colours. A cherry coloured cabinet, for example, is just the right foil to a white kitchen wall. Alternately, dark wood cabinets are a great option to add depth.You could also add a pop of colour to the kitchen through a colourful backsplash. A gingham pattern in a backsplash may just be the perfect way to add both colour and pattern to the kitchen.

An important element of kitchen decor is its storage. Opt for smart space saving storage is not only functional but also aesthetic. A multi cubed shelving unit may just be the right answer to store the many knickknacks that you need to store in the kitchen. Lining the back of the shelves with a creative wallpaper may just be the design flourish that your kitchen needs. Floating shelves on the walls also add to the décor.

 

Think of kitchen designs and accents have a big role to play. Think black accent lights that work particularly well for an open kitchen layout especially for small kitchens. Their craftsmanship is sure to divert the attention away from the size of the kitchen. Your kitchen will also benefit from appliances in an array of bright colours to make that style statement. Bar stools are yet another way to add oodles of character. If ornate is your style you could also benefit from having a black, glossy chandelier in the kitchen.  Doing up the kitchen in stylish accents however need not necessarily mean breaking your bank. When it comes to kitchen ideas, you are limited only by your imagination. Consider colouring old plates with acrylic paint and see them become great conversation starters. A chalkboard wall is another great way to add character to the kitchen. You can perk up the place by using it to display the menu of the day or an inspiring quote that is bound to lift up everyone’s spirits. Making room for your cookbooks in the kitchen is also one great way to add tons of impact to the kitchen.  Food for thought, did we hear you say?

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Natural elements adding pizzazz to your decor

Including natural elements in home décor has become the trending topic of the day. They add natural charm to a place and are one of the most effective ways of adding colour and freshness to a space, whether indoor or outdoor. Not everyone is blessed with a green thumb or has the time to clean the dirt associated with potted plants, which is why artificial plant décor is gaining so much favour. They lend the space the same earthy appeal without any of the maintenance hassles associated with natural plants. Also they are highly cost effective and last a long time making the investment well worth it.

A great design idea for decorating a living room is to combine natural artificial plants with natural flowers. Brighten up a dark area with corner flower vase arrangement; roses, orchids and sunflower are the most commonly used flowers. They add bright pops of colour while giving the space a natural earthy appeal.  Your reading nook can particularly benefit from the natural texture and good energy of plants.. Artificial palm trees are also frequently used for living room decor, as they add to the natural look and feel. You can achieve a beautiful mix of both natural and artificial by combining a beautiful centre table arrangement of natural flowers with artificial potted plants. 

Potted plants are also the perfect way to decorate a small balcony. If you are worried about using up floor space, consider hanging planter boxes for balconies, a beautifully natural way to cover up the railings. Not only do they provide both shade and privacy to the balcony, they also add colour and freshness to the space.

An important part of outdoor décor is outdoor garden furniture. A small balcony can also be made to look beautiful and elegant by adding a few well thought pieces of outdoor furniture. You can also give it a bistro feel by simply adding outdoor chairs in bright colours and pairing it off with a small round coffee table. Made of rattan, artificial wicker or even metal, outdoor furniture adds an unmistakable touch of class. Folding tables and chairs offer the extra convenience of moving the seating around as required. Ottomans and chaise lounges are also great options for outdoor furniture if you are looking for a more eclectic kind of seating arrangement. Simple chairs and tables can be made to look great when accessorized with bright patterned cushions, throws, table runners and rugs, especially when it comes to outdoor décor. You could also add to the eclectic décor by using unusual containers for plants such as tin cans, buckets, old tires and teakettles. You could even consider using an old bicycle decorated with flowers. Now this one will have al your guests in awe.

Whether you have been blessed with a small patio or a large garden, outdoor furniture and plants make for one great combination for a stunning décor. You may as well get used to the many compliments that are sure to come your way.

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Bathroom decor ideas that will pamper you like never before

It might be the smallest room in the house, but that does not mean that its décor does not need inspiration. A dated bathroom décor does not make for an invigorating bath and can in fact act as a mood spoiler leaving you feeling even more tired and jaded than before. It takes only a few design choices to transform your small bathroom into an oasis of beauty and tranquillity. Forget replacing expensive hardware, updating your bath products and including a few modern bath accessories can do the trick far more effectively and without emptying your bank balance.

The first rule of bathroom accessorizing is to remove the clutter. A cluttered bathroom can be a big turn off making the act of taking a bath itself seems like torture. Bring order to the chaos by adding bath and storage solutions that themselves feature as pieces of bathroom décor.

Updating your bathroom is incomplete without paying attention to bath towels and linens. They are the first bath product to draw attention, also because they happen to be the most frequently used. Instead of random towels, add complete bathroom sets of hand and bath towels, if possible add small makeup towels as well and display them stylishly on a wicker tray on the vanity. Why should you need to go to a hotel to get the feeling of being pampered? Stacking beautifully rolled pristine white towels in your bathroom, either in wire baskets or drawers can play delightfully on your senses.

Modern bath accessories have made the task of decorating the bathroom so much easier. Add a beautiful collection of soaps, from unscented to scented ones in a glass canister and you have created a vignette corner that can give your bathroom a spa like essence. If you have the space, go for an all out spa look and feel by adding vignettes like bath salts, sea shell soaps and stylishly bottled perfumes, lotions and serums. Go the whole hog and add scented candles and diffusers to give your bathroom a Zen like vibe.

Your vanity is the first thing that draws the eye upon entering the bathroom, which is why adding even one accent piece like a gorgeous marble soap dispenser can uplift the entire décor. You can even think of adding a blended set that includes toothbrush holder and soap dispenser for a further touch of elegance. Modern soap dispensers are available in a variety of materials, shapes and designs like the classically elegant Rattan or the moulded glass soap dispensers to make the task of decorating that much easier.

Bathroom Mats are another element of bathroom that combines functionality with décor. A good design choice is to pick out a shower curtain and mat in the same design and colour to give your bathroom a coordinated elegant look. Vinyl mats and shower curtains are a good choice for both decorating and safety; they prevent slippages and are available in lots of beautiful designs to go with any bathroom look.

Another fairly new addition to modern bathroom accessories is the bathtub tray. It is just the thing you need while pampering yourself with a luxurious tub bath. Adding a bamboo or teak bathtub tray makes it a convenient place holder for not only toiletries but also a glass of wine, candles and even a book.

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How to Make Your Home Decor Shine With Lights

A golden rule of decor which has existed since time immemorial is that if you want something to stand out from the rest you put focus light on it. Light fixtures; be it ceiling lights, floor lamps or even hanging lanterns have an important role to play in the decor of a house. Their role in home decor is similar to the one played by jewellery in dressing oneself up. They can add to the beauty of your dress or conversely bring down the overall appeal simply by their presence. Light fixtures should not be chosen merely on the basis of the light that they emit, but also on the basis of their architectural design. In fact there are many factors to consider while buying lights to add to the decor of your home, colour, style, size and shape all matter when it comes to choosing which light is best suited to illuminate different parts of your home.

Ceiling lights can play two very important roles in dressing up a home interior. They are required for general ambient lighting, almost all the rooms in the house need ceiling lights, whether it is the bedroom, living room, kitchen or dining room. Ceiling lights can even be used to dress up the foyer and make a definitive decor statement right at the entrance. From antique chandeliers to trend setting contemporary pendant lights, there is a wide range of ceiling lights to choose from. Each room in the house has its own unique requirement, for instance a beautifully elaborate chandelier might make a beautiful statement in the living room while island lights might work beautifully for a kitchen. Look for both beauty and function while choosing ceiling lights and you will not be disappointed with the way your decor lights up. If you are looking for something uniquely creative in overhead lighting then hanging lanterns might be a great choice. They look great indoor or outdoor and complement both modern and traditional decor beautifully. Hanging lanterns made with clear glass and arranged in the form of a chandelier can add a wealth of beauty and grace to a small space.  

Floor lamps and table lamps on the other hand are required more for task or accent lighting and to supplement overhead lighting. The best part about using floor lamps and table lamps is that they can easily be installed and moved around the home, allowing you to change the decor of a room simply by switching table lamps and floor lamps. Floor lamps are a great way to light up dark spaces and add to the beauty of the overall decor. Table lamps by the bedside, in the study or in children’s bedrooms can be used to provide both task lighting for studying or reading and to complement the decor of the room.

The bar is one of the most difficult areas to design simply because not many homes come with bar provisions and you need to carve one out of the available space. It is a good idea to choose the light fixtures when you are looking for bar furniture online India, this way you can ensure that you have the right complements for a stand out bar decor. 

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Being Creative with Interior Decorating Ideas

Designing the interiors of your home does not necessarily mean throwing out the old furniture and decor to replace it with new. This can end up causing you lot of heartburn in terms of money and effort. If you are bored with your current decor and want to bring in a fresh new feel, even replacing or re purposing a couple of old items can help give the room a whole new look and feel. The best interior design ideas are the ones that allow you to use your creativity to give a new spin to an old piece of furniture or decor. This is as true of the living room decorating idea as it is of bathroom decor ideas. You can either choose to start from scratch or simply add or replace parts of the existing decor to bring new life and character to an existing space.

There is but one room in the house, apart from the kitchen that can claim to be universally loved by one and all and that is the living room. Modern open layouts require decorating ideas that allow for a seamless flow of decor between kitchen, dining and living room. The best interior design ideas are ones that allow the living room decor to acquire a style of its own while also making it a part of a larger theme. Create visual interest in the living room with a clever use of lighting, colors and textures. A beautiful antique chandelier and Persian rug can give the room a formal luxurious look while modern furniture and accessories can give the room an eclectic contemporary vibe. Don’t forget to decorate the walls with a stand out wall paper, painting or wall art that complements the rest of the decor.

When it comes to bathroom decor ideas however, the design choices are vastly different. Very few look for flamboyance in their bathroom decor, what they prefer is a bathroom that is functionally organized with a calming ambience. If you want to change the decor of your bathroom without changing the layout or hardware then look for bath accessories that can help infuse new life into the bathroom. From bright colored bath mats to luxurious cotton towels, coordinated soap and dispenser sets to shower caddies and curtains, you can use bath accessories in a thousand different ways to infuse the tiny space with color and beauty.

Even a single small item can brighten up the space like choosing a beautiful bath mat online India. Apart from providing a soft comfortable place for wet feet to land on thereby preventing slippages and falls, bath mats give the finishing touches to a beautiful bathroom decor. Choose a colorfully patterned bath mat to bring textural beauty to your bathroom, supplement it with shower curtains in similar patterns and you have a decor that speaks volumes of your decor style. You can even re purpose old glass jars and tea cups to serve as beautiful toiletry holders and use natural plants to give your bathroom a natural earthiness.

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Master Bedroom Decorating Ideas

Designing your dream home is never an easy task especially when you have to work within the constraints of space, time and money. But it can also be a fun learning experience provided you treat it as such. Luxury is a state of mind and it is possible to create a luxurious home without having to spend the bulk of your savings. A few accent pieces, a bright new paint or even some interesting wall décor can all give your home a sense of luxury and a definitive personality. Whether you like it or not, first impressions matter which is why your home décor ideas need to start right from the entryway going all the way up to your backyard and beyond. Home décor is not about filling up a space with furniture, it is about ensuring you arrange furniture and accessories in a manner that they talk to you as well as about you.

There is one room in the house, however, that you would rather keep away from prying eyes. Even on days when nothing seems to be going right in your life, it is your bedroom that gives you the solace and comfort you need to rejuvenate yourself to face yet another day. The bedroom is your sanctuary besides being the room which houses your most intimate secrets. Look for master bedroom ideas that allow you to be yourself while also creating a peaceful retreat that is soothing and relaxing. A good place to start is to look for modern wooden beds online since retail stores offer limited variety. Platform style wooden beds are a great choice for small bedroom interior design since the low profile of the bed helps in making a small bedroom appear larger. Shopping for modern wooden beds online India is also recommended because there are more options to choose from including ones with storage. You can even choose to custom order a headboard to add more style to your bedroom interior design. In fact if you are one of those for whom the bedroom walls mean pastel, muted colours, a colourful headboard is just the way to add a dash of energy to the room.

Successful home décor ideas are ones that pay attention to detail. For instance, you could create a separate nook in the bedroom with a two-seater recliner sofa fabric. A recliner sofa is a perfect choice as it allows for both fun and relaxation. Leather recliners have been the traditional favourite due to their attractive features but fabric recliners are slowly gaining the upper hand. Few things in life are as relaxing as stretching out on a two-seater recliner sofa fabric while watching your favourite show after a hard day at work. The best part about choosing two-seater recliner sofa fabric is that there are plenty of customizing options. You can choose the style, pattern, colours and designs from a huge collection of contemporary designs allowing you to create a décor that is uniquely yours.

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Table Lamp Ideas

One of the most essential yet ignored elements of any room décor is the lamp. Lights are no longer considered just for their functional value, they can also add oodles of personality to your room. Proper lighting can raise the bar for your décor by several notches.

Overhead lighting is not sufficient in itself to illuminate every corner of the room, which is where lamps come into the picture. They can supplement the overhead light when required and can also serve as accent pieces to add further style to your décor. Each room has its own unique requirements in terms of lighting. For instance table lamps with soft lighting in a bedroom can be used to set the right mood. The soft pink glow can set the stage for a perfect romantic evening with your partner within the cosy comfort of your bedroom.

On the other hand, table lamps in a living room are used mostly as accent pieces on side tables and to provide soft ambient light when needed. Remember to choose lamps that blend with the décor of the room. For instance for a more traditional décor, an antique table lamp works best to add a further layer of depth. Lamps with tapered shapes also are a great addition for traditional spaces.  If on the other hand your living room décor is more contemporary, online colourful mosaic table lamps are the perfect selection. Made up of little glass and colourful mosaic pieces, they add a bright glow of colour to set the mood for a bright and jolly evening. Lamps withslim bases and drum-shaped shades are also great to add an element of drama.

There is no rule against adding a table lamp like the Basilisk lamp in the study to lend character to the room while also providing light where you need it the most. The beauty of these lamps is that they are made from sustainable materials and accentuate the look of your study effortlessly.

Go ahead and add texture and colour to any room with an eclectic choice of lamps. 

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Bathroom Mats Ideas

A cold bathroom floor is the last thing you need to start your day on a good note, which is why a bath mat is essential to add warmth to the floor and personality to the décor. Bathroom mats not only keep the floor warm they also soak in excess water to keep the bathroom floor dry to prevent slipping accidents.

The new wave in bathroom mats designing has enhanced the stature of bathmats from being purely functional to being regarded as an essential decorative accessory. Choosing a bathroom mat is no longer a simple choice of picking the one, which falls within your budget. Bath mat should not only adhere to the size of the room, more especially the bathtub and the vanity, but should also complement the overall décor of the bathroom. For instance online cotton bathmats like the classic chenille toggle or even the baby corn bathmat go well with traditional style designing.  Made from high quality cotton for greater comfort and lasting colour and texture durability, these online bath mats are also equipped with anti- skid latex to prevent any kind of slippages.

Bold contemporary patterns and colours are the staple of modern bathroom designs which is why the Bold Damask Acrylic mat or even the Carpet Bricks patterned bathmat are so highly recommended for bathrooms with more contemporary flavour.

Acrylic reversible bathmats are also a great design choice as they provide an easy way to bring variety to the décor by simply reversing the sides. Striped on one side and sheared on the other end, you can keep flipping them to keep changing the look of your bathroom. Irrespective of whether your bathroom is modern or traditional you need to ensure that the bath mat complements the other elements of décor that style your bathroom. 

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Modern Bathroom Design Ideas

Bathrooms are no longer treated as second cousins in the home with just about enough to allow you to complete your daily cleansing rituals. Today, bathrooms are designed to exude spa like luxury where you can indulge yourself with a deep relaxing bath while listening to some jazz music on the surround sound system. In sharp contrast to traditional bathroom designs which focused more on grandeur, modern small bathroom designs focus on creating a soothing, luxurious experience that suddenly makes the world appear a much better place.

Contemporary bathroom designs focus on clean angular lines and geometric shapes. Rounded mirrors, for instance, are a departure away from the traditional rectangular mirrors and a great way to introduce new design elements into your bathroom designs. Large rounded mirrors are perfect for small bathroom designs, for they create a focal point for the wall, while also enlarging the space through optical illusion. Modern bathrooms are about making a luxury statement, which is why art pieces are making their way back into bathrooms. Modern art pieces can draw attention with their geometric shapes and bright colour combinations, and are perfect for creating a spa like ambience for your bathroom.

A bathroom soaked in luxury needs the right lighting to focus on its unique design images. A mix of natural and artificial light is the most preferred design for small bathroom designs. Place the tub or shower area near beneath the window- for there is no better way to indulge in a luxurious bath than by soaking yourself in water while drenched in natural light, which is why many modern bathrooms include skylight options for homeowners to engage in star gazing while soaking in the bath. Pendant lights, wall scones or recessed lights- a combination of one or two or all of these can provide the additional lighting required to create the best contemporary ambience.

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Feminine Bedroom Décor

Your bedroom is your personal haven, and as such, you would ideally like every nook and corner of the bedroom decoration to be stamped with your personality. A truly cosy bedroom should feel like a home inside a home, a friend who lets you be you without judging or throwing tantrums. For that, you need bedroom design ideas personalized to your needs and interests. While some prefer a more masculine functional look with clean lines and simple décor, others obviously want a little more curves, colour, romance and mystery for a look that is both feminine and visually appealing.

The beauty of feminine bedroom decoration is that it allows you the freedom to work with a multitude of colours to create a beautiful yet cosy retreat. Gentle pink, light yellow, lilac, pale turquoise and pretty coral are all pleasing colours that are perfect for a modern master bedroom. You can even go for tone on tone wall paint to produce an even more aesthetically appealing colour scheme for the room. Complement the bedroom decoration ideas with flowing curtains in a shade lighter or darker than the main wall colour and you have made a luxury statement that also speaks of serenity.

Bed linen is a focal point of bedroom bed designs in a feminine bedroom. Layer the bed with lace trim or linen with lace to give your bed a soft, feminine look that goes with the personality of the room. Cushions, quilts and comforters in floral patterns can add to the graceful look of the bed.

Bedrooms and artwork go hand in hand in bedroom decorating ideas. Remember to integrate the artwork with the overall colour and design of the room. If you prefer to bring a little drama into the bedroom decoration, go for an oversized painting in dark shades that brings dramatic excitement into the overall room décor. If you prefer to keep the tone of the décor gentle and soothing, stick to an arrangement of small paintings in warm neutral tones that keeps the wall interesting without adding too much drama.

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Unique Entryway Designs-Enhance an Entryway

A great beginning, as the popular proverb goes, makes for a great ending, and so it is with home decoration. Homeowners have the tendency of plunging right into planning the décor for their bedroom and living room, without giving a thought to where it all begins- right at the door. Like the cover page of a good book, a great entryway design makes a statement about the house and its owner. A well organised entryway, for instance, tells guests that the house inside is neat and tidy enough to welcome visitors. A scattered and disorganized entryway, on the other hand, rebuffs guests and can give them a signal that the house is not ready to welcome visitors.

A good front door can hide a multitude of sins, which is why people invest a good deal of money in installing statement doors- such as wood panelled models or wrought iron doors, or even contemporary glass ones. But if your budget does not permit, there are many simple home entrance design ideas to ensure your door reflects the personality of your home. Lanterns and pots on opposite walls of the door can be a great way to dress up the entryway in style.

An entryway can be big or small, but irrespective of the size, every entryway contains a wall -sometimes two- and leaving them blank is a decorating faux pas best avoided. A couple of modern art pieces framed on the wall can serve as a great foyer decorating idea, but if contemporary is not your style, you could even use wall tiles or wallpaper to create a stand out wall. If the wall is big enough, creating a gallery effect with family photographs is an instant draw.

If space permits, an entryway design that includes a console table with a skirt can serve a double purpose. It can act as a place to house a few accent pieces along with keys and sunglasses, while also providing space for baskets underneath to store shoes and hats.

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Front yard Design Ideas

A beautiful front yard can win you accolades from the entire street, for it is the front yard that defines your home for outsiders. Even if it is nothing more than just a few inches of space, your outdoor design ideas can turn it into a garden worth beholding, and that too without having to bust your bank balance.

A front yard can be the place where you give wings to your garden design ideas with flowers, trees and shrubs that provide both décor and privacy to your little space. A majority of homeowners would love to have a beautiful looking front yard but simply don’t have the time for landscaping and even maintaining the front yard on a regular basis. Lack of time, however, need not prevent you from owning and maintaining a beautiful front yard with these simple outdoor design ideas.

Plant flowering shrubs along the edges of the front yard as a low maintenance alternative to flowers and watch the play of colours in your own garden. Shrubs tend to grow fast on their own, and will provide you with the privacy you need to enjoy some quiet moments in your private paradise. If your garden design idea involves flowers in the front yard, then go with evergreen plants to avoid the hassle of replanting your garden with every change of season. Perennials maintain their bloom the year round keeping your home garden always covered with flowers.

Landscaping the front yard with artificial grass, or even stones, can provide you with low maintenance small outdoor designs that are also budget friendly. Artificial grass is also great for kids to play around with, as well as to arrange a quiet seating nook without having to worry about cutting the grass to a good length or watering it for better growth. You can even think of outdoor design ideas that involve multiple zones, with one area covered with artificial grass for a garden effect, with another area paved with tiles to create a seating arrangement. This allows you to relax with a cup of coffee while also watching the kids play in the grass area. 

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