Rich's for the Home

Winterizing your Yard

I suspect you saw just as I did this AM that the first frost of the year arrived last night. Well, at least it did in my area. Perhaps you have already had a frost. Either way, it's a good reminder to hurry up and finish winterizing your yard, if you have not already done so.

We recommend:

1. Picking the last of your summer veggies. Use them, give them away or find a way to can or freeze them.
2. Pulling up the plant remnants and mulching your beds.
3. Planting winter greens such as sugar snap peas, cabbage, lettuce etc if so inclined.
4. Purchasing a cover for your hot-tub and using it.
5. Purchasing a cover for your grill and covering it well.
6. Stashing your grill and outdoor furniture away in storage (If you are like me, keep 1-2 chairs out for the sunny warm afternoons we are still having).
7. Clearing any leaves and branches from your driveway, yard and sidewalk as they accumulate.
8. Buying material to wrap your outdoor pipes if needed.
9. Picking up planters, chairs, toys and anything else the wind can toss in the air.
10. Tying back any plants you want to keep that might be sensitive to the wind.
11. Crossing your fingers and hope for snow! (smile)
12. Don't forget to shop Rich's for the Home if you are in need of a stove or fireplace for the winter.

Thinking About Fall Storage for Your Outdoor Furniture

With some leaves already on the ground and the blackberries at their late-season plumpness, you know that it's almost time for thinking STORAGE for your outdoor furniture and grill.

Don't do it quite yet! Of course, some of our warmest weather comes about at the end of August and September and you want everything accessible to enjoy the rest of the summer weather. But you can start thinking about what you will do when the sudden rain and wind of Fall comes along. As you know, sometimes it is a sudden change in the season for us and it is good to be ready.

If you just purchased new goodies this year, I hope that you thought ahead. But if not, it's not too late to:

1. Make room in the garage for the furniture and grill.
2. Buy a grill cover and (best option) find a covered place for it.
3. Find a cover or large sheet of plastic for your yard umbrella.
4. Make or purchase a small shed for your yard for all your goodies.
5. Make room inside a warmer area for any rolled up rugs, upholstery, fabric-covered or other items that might mold in a cold shed.
6. Make room in your kitchen or a sealed box for accessories, portable lighting, nick-knacks, etc. Make sure you wrap breakables well.
7. Save planters and pots for next year. Consider emptying this year's dirt in your compost bin if you have one.
8. Consider new mulch for your flowerbeds to cover them for winter.
9. Purchase a cover for your hot-tub.
10. Have supplies ready to wrap pipes if freezing weather comes.
11. Check your power outage supplies
12. Check your fuel supply and primary and secondary heat source.

Patio Furniture: What it Says About You

My patio furniture says comfort, rest and relaxation. What does yours say about you? I want my furniture to be inviting to a guest and to say, "sit down and rest awhile". I do not want it to look like it is on a display floor and untouchable.

Your furniture may not be saying what you want it to say so it may be time for a double take. Here are some ideas to make sure that your furniture is stellar with the impression it is giving to other people.

• The colors blue and green are ones we associate with relaxation. I suspect because it makes us think of water.
• Dark colors may fade in the sunlight. Then it gives a bad impression.
• Plush says comfort. Good for people to stay awhile. Bad if you have teens who might then want to spend the night on the the patio.
• Rod Iron says "elegant" or "old world" decor.
• Curves say "sophisticated" and "high-end".
• Round says "comfortable". Square says "sharp".
• Side tables indicate that you want people to stay awhile. It gives people a good place to rest their drinks. (ever notice how when you set it on the floor, you are constantly worrying about it?)
• Wood gives a picnic/family feel. Wood also says "durable".
• An umbrella says you care about the effects of the elements on your guests.  

What's right for you? Visit Rich's for the Home today and we will help you discover your perfect style and fit.

Outdoor furniture fresher

Now that it is mid-summer, your outdoor room might need a little sprucing up before your next gathering. Take a look at it now to make sure that it is in ship-shape condition.

1. Wiggle your outdoor furniture around to check all the joints.
2. Tighten any screws that need it.
3. Take a cloth with the cleaner the furniture manufacturer recommends and clean as needed. You can usually wipe any cushions that are outdoor cushions too.
4. Fluff and wash the padded pillows, as manufacturer recommends.
5. Add a fresh pot or flowers or replant the pots that have dying flowers.
6. Check the hot-tub for cleanliness and follow manufacturers directions for treating water.
7. Make sure the grill racks are clean.
8. Shake out any throw rugs or mats.
9. Sweep the patio and sidewalks.
10. Remove any dead limbs, leaves or debris from plants. 
11. Check any outdoor lights. Replace bulbs as needed.
12. Check any outdoor heaters or lanterns.

Protecting your skin from the sun's rays

With the nice weather, you’ll probably be spending more and more time enjoying your outdoor furniture. And, one of the last things on your mind may be the health of your skin.

May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month and it’s a great time to remind yourself that it is just as important to take care of your skin as it is the rest of your body. The American Academy of Dermatology has, since its inception in 1985, screened more than 1.9 million people across the country and detected more than 188,000 suspicious lesions, including 21,500-plus suspected melanomas.

Scary stuff!

But, even though the sun’s rays can be harmful, you shouldn’t have to avoid the great outdoors.

To enjoy your outdoor furniture and keep your skin safe, you might want to consider adding an umbrella. At Rich’s for the Home, you can find stylish Treasure Garden products. For practicality, there are umbrellas that tilt so you can adjust it to protect your skin at any time of the day. You can also coordinate the umbrella with your current décor. They can be customized by design and colors.

No matter what, stay safe this summer while you enjoy the sunny days and warm evenings. And-don't forget the sunscreen too!

Sustainable Furniture from Jensen Jarrah

According to Rain-Tree.com, the last of the remaining rainforests could be gone in less than 40 years.

By choosing outdoor furniture that is sustainable, you help prevent the loss of the shrinking rainforest. According to Low Impact Living, furniture-grade wood is often sourced from tropical rainforests. In addition, the energy needed to manufacture and transport non-sustainable furniture is great.

Rich’s for the Home offers Jensen Jarrah outdoor furniture, made from Jarrah timber, which is a durable and beautiful hardwood. Jarrah timber is sustainable and hails from southern Western Australia where less than 1 percent of the more than 6.25 million acres is currently being logged. Additionally, no timber is logged from old growth forests.

Since the timber is supplied from regrowth forests only, this means that it is more sustainable because harvesting will never exceed the regrowth. The harvesting of the Jarrah timber is regulated by the Western Australian government as well so many people are keeping an eye out for the impact.

Simple styles for your outdoor room

As the snow melts and the sun begins to shine, a glimmer of summer appears. The one thing I look forward to the most about the upcoming season is enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. I know that you do too.

From cookouts to parties, there are so many memories to be made out on the patio. In addition to great company, sunsets and fireflies, here are a few more ways to make your patio more welcoming to your guests.

1. Simple- If you want to keep decorating simple, add an outdoor rug to your patio. Find a complimentary tablecloth and brightly colored plates, bowls and cups for the table. If you are entertaining special guests, fill an extra cup with fresh flowers or use a lantern for the centerpiece. If you don’t have outdoor furniture yet, check out Rich’s aluminum patio furniture. It is not only durable and maintenance-free, but on sale this month.
2. Elegant- Give your outdoor patio a touch of elegance with two opposite elements: fire and water. A fountain will be calming, while an outdoor fire pit gives a comforting feeling. On the table, fill a small, clear bowl with sparkling fish tank stones for the centerpiece. Elegant decorations go well with wrought iron furniture.
3. Classic-Nothing brings nostalgia like wind chimes and birdbaths. Have a few planters nearby with flowers to give your patio a classic feel and make a garden sculpture your centerpiece. If you enjoy a classical style, woven and wicker furniture might be right for you.
4. Fun- Give your patio an energetic feeling with colorful string lights and hanging lanterns. Surrounding the patio area with Tempest Torches can add essential lighting and a vivid umbrella can prevent sunburn. And don’t forget—keep a radio nearby to keep the party going!

Outdoor Design Samples

Here are some samples of outdoor living spaces that I hope will inspire you to look at what you want in design and functionality. Grab a notebook and jot down your ideas as you browse.

Popular this year is a cabana of some type. They are great for decor of course, but are also practical for some shelter here in the Northwest. Below you will see an Asian-inspired design.

I adore this bench. It is from Indonesia but you can also find wood benches here in the USA, as well as faux wood. Sometimes you can even find this look made with other materials.

I LOVE this patio set below. Do you see how it isn't the main focus, and yet the set enhances the entire picture? The curve of the furniture draws the eye and provides a touch of elegance. And yet, it is a practical set. The cushions are soft and throw pillows are added for an extra touch. Look for the curves in your furniture to soften the look.

The set below draws the eye with the yellow and gray combination. It's also for complete comfort so consider a set like this only if it has full shelter from the elements or is made for our Northwest weather. Looks comfy though for sure!

Another comfy set is below in the same color family. I am viewing more comfort for sure in recent design styles. I love the concept. Can you imagine spending as much time outside as you do on the couch inside? Design like this makes that possible.

Got some ideas? Great! Take your list to Rich's for the Home and let us help you find exactly what you need for your outdoor rooms. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Getting Ready for Spring

Here in the Northwest, we must be conscious of the effects of weather on our outdoor furniture and grills. I hope that you took care to store your items well this past season.

Now it is time to think about bringing them out again and getting them ready for Spring and Summer. Isn't that exciting? Well, it's never exciting to clean things up if they have been out in the weather but spend the time thinking ahead to the days of sunshine and fun family times that are coming. It's also fun to plan where you are going to put everything.

Getting your outdoor furniture ready for Spring is a good time to:

• Assess what you have.
• Check for wobbly table/chair legs.
• Check surfaces for peeling, chips and potential splinter dangers.
• Find those outdoor cushions that you tucked away...somewhere.
• Clean your furniture.
• Make a list of needed repairs and supplies that you need to repair with.
• Make a list of any additional pieces that you would like to add to your set.

Your grill might also need some pre-work. Check for:

• Adequate fuel supply.
• Rust in the joints or on the racks of the grill.
• Secured shelves, nuts, bolts, etc.
• Needed utensils.
• Anything that needs cleaning.
• Ability to light and start up.

Are you ready yet? I can hardly wait for Spring!

Outdoor Decor for Relaxation

I just attended the NW Flower and Garden Show and one of my goals was to find hanging baskets that I liked for my outdoor patio. Well wouldn't you figure? I didn't see many. 

I saw several outdoor furniture sets that I liked but hanging baskets were rare. Apparently I am behind the times. I did see many gorgeous container gardens and pots. I even went to a couple of seminars on pots so I could learn to fill them better. Karen Chapman from Le Jardinet taught one that I found most helpful in the area of pulling colors together in a pot.

I learned by checking out the display gardens that it is soothing to the eye to work with the same colors. For instance, several times I saw a piece of furniture that I liked and either flowers or statue were nearby with that exact color in it too. It was subtle, not obvious, but in looking more I saw that it is part of what makes the gardens so pleasing to the eye and relaxing. I wonder if designers start out with a particular palette? And if so do they base it on the plant that they love or a piece of furniture or art? Or maybe it varies with each garden.

Because I learned so much, I am going to change around my outdoor patio decor a little this year. I have my furniture (except additions I still need to get) from Rich's for the Home already. And I love the reddish color in them. So I am going to the store to get paint chips and bring them home to match them to the furniture. Then I will hit the nursery to find pots and flowers that have that same color lightly throughout.

It will compliment the furniture and the entire set will be more relaxing for all. I can't wait!

Spring is Coming!

 

I’m not sure about that Groundhog. Weren’t we supposed to have more winter? Perhaps I speak too soon but here in the northwest we have had two beautiful days of sunshine! It gets very chilly at night still but in the sun’s rays, warmth is felt. Some bulbs are bursting through in my flower gardens and my family member’s moods are much improved.

 

It puts me in the mood for Spring! I am already looking at my deck and seeing which outdoor furniture I have that will also work for this year. I confess that I have already dragged out a couple of lawn chairs and had a few sitting sessions-although I have yet to fire up the grill for the season. Right now, I am using only “portable” furniture that I can fold up and put away when we have a rainstorm. But soon (I hope) I can re-arrange the patio furniture for the whole season.

 

I want to try out a Tempest Torch this year. And although most of the patio furniture will work well again for this year, I want to make a few additions. Container gardening is one and I will post more on that later this week. We did only one container of plants on the deck last year and I want more this year. I also want to add a couple of side tables to my furniture set from Rich’s for the Home. I am also thinking about hanging planters. Has anyone tried them? I have purchased them for my mom before but have yet to have a few on my own deck.

 

Flowers (and even veggies) can be a wonderful addition to any outdoor room décor. They can be mixed in with the furniture or given their own area-both ideas work.

 

Are you planning your outdoor décor yet? Let’s do it! The sun is out and before you know it, Spring will be sprung! Let me know what you are planning to do!

Outdoor Furniture Care

Why is cleaning your outdoor furniture important? Well, besides the fact that you want it to look good, it extends the life of your investment. Dirt, and that lovely thing called mold that we have here in the northwest, will decay your furniture. If you want it to last more than one season, schedule a couple times this summer to clean.

Larry Pfarr is an outdoor furniture expert who has great ideas on how to clean your outdoor furniture. For instance, he recommends removing the glass on your tabletop (holding it over grass in case your drop it) and using dish soap and water with a soft brush to scrub it on both sides. In addition, "If the paint on aluminum furniture is in poor condition, rub it gently with a piece of steel wool (.000 gauge) or a fine sandpaper to smooth it out. Next, take some standard car-wash polish to buff the furniture back to its original luster." Check out the link for even more great ideas.

Over at the Do-It-Yourself Network, there are more great ideas. A recipe listed there works well for cushions:

Basic Recipe for Outdoor Cushions

1 teaspoon dishwashing detergent
1 quart warm water
1 tablespoon borax

1. Saturate a sponge and use it to wash the cushions. You can put it in a spray bottle and saturate cushions on both sides, paying particular attention to the crevices and creases. Let the cushion sit for 15 minutes.

2. Spray the solution off with a hose using a strong force of water.

3. Stand each cushions on its edge out of the direct sun to dry.

4. When almost dry, spray with a fabric protector.

5. To remove dust between cleanings, vacuum as needed. Or, if the cushions are small enough, just shake them out.

But in addition, there are also good ideas for canvas, white plastic and colored plastic on that page so be sure and check it out.

Furniture to Invite Interaction

Check out this Wandatech Spa Umbrella with wheels, stereo and lights. As heavy as it looks, it pivots 360 degrees and is easy to maneuver. With the stereo, the price starts at only $1799.00. You can see one on display at the Bellevue store (14404 NE 20^{th, Ste 200, Bellevue, WA 98007-right next to Harley Davidson).}

Also on gorgeous display in the Bellevue showroom is this green double lounge that pops out at you and grabs your attention. It will impress your guests and is sure to invite comments from those who pass by. As well as comfortable, durable and cozy, the price for the set is right at $4899.99 (on sale down from $5829.99) and it is made by Jensen Jarrah.

A Lloyd Flanders porch swing is another draw for family and friends and invites all who walk by to sit a spell and relive the days of swinging peacefully on the playground or at the park. You can buy the swing without the stand for only $969.99.

Rich’s has financing available and six months pay-off is the same cost as cash. So don’t let the chunks of change sway you from buying the essentials for your outdoor room.

See you soon!

Deck-orating Your Patio or Balcony

During the first two posts in this series, we’ve talked about how to dress up your patio or balcony with furniture, and how to create mood lighting.  Today, I’ll share some additional deck-orating ideas for your small outdoor space.

Heating

If you live in the temperate Pacific Northwest, as I do, a space heater is a “must” for your patio.  Perfect for an outdoor covered patio, gazebo, or awning is the Solaira Cosy 1500 and Cosy 2000.

Music

I like to listen to the soft tinkle of wind chimes when I’m on my patio. No electric outlets needed; windchime music is created by nature itself.

Screen

If you’ve got a nosy neighbor next door or you just want a bit more privacy, consider investing in a bamboo screen.

Plants

No matter how small your space, a few well-chosen plants will ramp up your patio’s attraction factor. Choose from a variety of containers to house your plants: a terracotta or ceramic pot, a plastic beach pail, or an old tea kettle.

Here are a few splashes of color to consider:

• Cherry tomatoes and other veggies – If you’ve got a warm, sunny patio, chances are good that you’ll be able to reap a nice harvest of tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and cucumbers. Start ‘em inside from seeds and transplant into patio-sized containers after the last freeze of the season.
• Herbs – Similar to planting veggies, you can grow and harvest your own basil, mint, or thyme, from seed or from cuttings. When planting, choose tall containers for tall herbs and short pots for flat herbs.
• Bonsai – Bonsai and other diminutive plantings not only adapt well to container life, but they provide a gorgeous miniature landscape for your patio.

What’s your favorite deck-orating idea? Please share it with me in the Comments area.

Mood Lighting for Your Patio

In my last post, I provided you with tips for furnishing your small balcony or patio. But selecting the appropriate patio set is only the beginning of the fun. Now it’s time to create ambiance.

Think of your patio as a getaway space where you can relax with glass of wine or cup of coffee, chat with friends, or enjoy the sunset. Your patio lighting shouldn’t be too bright and glaring, but should be soft, with a touch of romance.

Consider the following types of fixtures:

Twinkly Christmas tree lights - Wrapped tastefully around your balcony railing or dripping from the ceiling.

Paper lanterns - Hung from the ceiling or tacked to a wall.

Tall, funky floor lamp - Choose one that complements the style of your patio furniture.

Camp lantern - For that rugged, outdoorsy feel.

Bracket torch - If you want a more feminine or romantic touch, a glass and wrought iron torch clamps to your deck railing.

Candles – The possibilities are endless: floating candles, jar candles, tealights, pillars, votives, scented or unscented. Include a couple of citronella candles for repelling insects; they now come in pretty containers.

Bamboo torches - You’ll feel as if you’re in the Tiki Room at Disneyland!

Solar lights - Tuck these versatile accent fixtures into planters or window boxes. Attach them to a lamp post or hang them from a pole. You can even light your patio pathway with solar stepping stones!

In my next post, we’ll talk about how to deck-orate your patio with plants.