Page 31 - Designing Ways 255
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a stylish addition to a  home.  Outdoor   one to adjust the shutters at the touch of
                                              blinds are sometimes called ‘straight drop   a button.
                                              awnings’ to distinguish them from indoor   A great practice for any deck, especially a
                                              blinds.  The can be used as an outdoor   smaller deck, is to connect it to an existing
                                              window  covering  or  can  be  installed  in   doorway  with  the  home.    For  instance,
             Bringing outdoor lights to the patio can   the patio to give shade and protection   glass sliding doors are a perfect way to
           make a big impact in upping the ambiance   from wind and rain.       seamlessly move from an indoor setting
           of an outdoor room or patio.  Café lights   Outdoor shutters have a unique   onto an outdoor deck.  In warmer weather
           are easy to set up and they create a lovely   appearance that makes them very popular.     one can open the glass door and have a
           glow.  To use them year round, invest   Shutters can be ideal for outdoor use   flow of indoor outdoor traffic to make the
           in string lights that are industrial grade   because one can adjust them to block out   most of entertaining guests on the deck.
           quality and have water tight seals around   the sun, but still be able to enjoy cooling   Furniture with clever features, such as
           the bulbs.                         breezes.  Another option for outdoor use   benches that incorporate hidden storage,
             Along with light, adding heat also   is bi-fold or sliding shutter doors.  These   can help to make the most out of the deck
           makes a patio more inviting all year round.     can cover a wide area and are ideal for   space.  By incorporating benches into
           Freestanding patio heaters can warm up   installing on a patio.      the  design  of  the  deck,  or  placing  them
           a patio and wall mounted heaters can be   Another clever type of outdoor shutter   flush against a wall gives more space to
           positioned to direct heat just where needed,     is the ‘opening roof’.  If one would like   entertain.  Benches with built-in storage
           like over an outdoor sofa or dining table.  to cover an outdoor area but don’t want   drawers give extra space to tuck away
             Outdoor blinds and shutters give   a solid cover, this is a perfect solution.     spare towels, cushions and blankets.  dw
           protection from the elements and can be   Some models are motorised, allowing




































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