Now that you've given some thought as to how to use your outdoor space the real fun begins. If you have decided on a comfy seating area the next step is the feel of the area. Do you want something  casual or a little more refined?  How many people do you need seating for?

One of the more common mistakes made when purchasing furniture for any part of the home is clutter, start small and add.  Purchase enough furniture for the people who will be using he area on a regular basis not the big yearly Memorial day bash…in this case less is better.  You want a relaxed area that is easy to navigate. 

The material that the furniture is made from will often dictate the general feel of the area, for instance wicker or teak furniture will usually lend itself to a more relaxed feel as opposed to wrought iron or cast aluminum which may have a more classic or formal feel .  Also when considering  deep seating furniture keep in mind that the color and texture of the fabrics play apart in the overall feel of the area.  Perhaps the most important consideration is comfort,  the most expensive piece with the perfect look will not be fully appreciated unless you can sit down in it and go aahhhh! 

Now that you know the area and the feel that you want it's time to shop!  Bring your layouts, wishes and dreams into Leland's and give yourself plenty of time to sit and enjoy the many choices and let us help put together the perfect seating area.

Next we'll touch on dining and pool areas.

It's the middle of winter, at least here in central Indiana, and when you look at that deck, patio, or porch area your likely to see nothing but snow and cold but don't despair because soon, very soon it will all get better. Sunshine and warm breezes are just around the corner but will you be ready for it? With a little bit of planning and a little forethought you'll be ready when the first smells of outdoor grilling waft past you!

The first thing to do is take a long look at the area that you have to work with. How do you want to use the area, how have you used it in the past? Unlike indoor spaces which are pretty well-defined your outdoor area can be anything that you want…it's only limited to your imagination. An area to gather friends and family to dine, a relaxing group area for conversation or an intimate area for just the two of you….you decide. Perhaps now is the time to grab that bottle of wine and settle down in front of the fireplace to ponder and explore all of your ideas for that ideal outdoor space…be imaginative and dream a little. Once you've decided how to use it we'll explore how to fill it…so many choices!

For the first time in eight years, color specialist and source Pantone LLC has amped up its Pantone Fashion + Home color system by adding 175 new colors, bringing the total to 2,100 shades.

Not since 2003 has Pantone, an X-Rite company, added new hues to its color system.

"People have been clamoring for new color," said Laurie Pressman Pantone's VP of fashion, home and interiors.

Its  latest additions "reflect today's global color influences across fashion, home furnishings and interior design (and) enrich the current palate and focus on areas pf significant market importance and color trend movement.

"What is key here is not just picking colors that are trend- right." Pressman explained.  "The key is that these colors are technically achievable and reproducible in the real world for all of the markets we serve-from fashion and home furnishings to interior/exterior and industrial design.  Someone really needs to be able to take our colors and make them a reality."

The 175 new colors are permanent additions to the Pantone Fashion + Home Color System, and all color families were expanded to include: a broader range of nuanced neutrals and mid-tones; an increased number of vibrant brights; many complex hues with greater depth and intensity; more subdued and smoky variations of popular colors.

Vouching for the expanded spectrum is artist and designer Jonathan Adler.

"One would think that it would be impossible for Pantone to best themselves, but indeed they have," Alder said.  "I didn't imagine that there were 175 more colors in the world, but Pantone managed to find them, number them and add them to their already legendary assortments."

Reprinted with permission of Casual Living Managing Editor, Cindy W. Ingram

Color is inspirational, color is exciting and fun, and color is different things to different people. When designing outdoor rooms some people pick color to match their interior decor while others pick color to match their outdoor landscaping.  Some people pick color for fun and adventure  and others to calm and soothe.

One thing for sure, color is important and powerful and picking the right color can be very important.

It is important to take the time to evaluate what you are trying to accomplish in a particular space. Is it the major area of your back yard? Do you want to make a seamless transition from one location to another or do you want to startle, shock and ignite the emotions of  surprise?

Spend some time questioning what is important to accomplish in the space.  Consider a few different color directions and ways of thinking, and then you will be able to make an educated decision when you finalize the color you select.

This year Pantone has chosen a color that is courageous,optimistic and essential.  A color for all seasons.  Unlike the 2010 Pantone color of the year, Turquoise, which served as an escape for many, Honeysuckle, Pantone's 2011 Color of the year, emboldens us to face everyday troubles with enthusiasm and spirit.  Pantone says, "Honeysuckle is a dynamic, reddish pink, that is encouraging and uplifting.  It elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become a part of our everyday life."  Who doesn't want a little bit of that in their lives?

What ever it is I am certain that you can find the right color for your outdoor living needs.

Reprinted with permission from Cindy W. Ingram,  Editor in Chief,  Casual Living Magazine

Outdoor furniture often comes in a grouping or pairing, such as chat sets, dining sets and bistro sets like those found at Leland's Patio. Whether enjoying your backyard in solitude or entertaining a crowd, more than seating is necessary. Tables to be exact. Completing the sets, tables come in all sizes and shapes from numerous manufacturers, including Gloster, Pride Family, Winston and Homecrest.

While seating pieces have cushions which require cleaning, you definitely do not want to forget to clean the tabletops also. Being outdoors on a daily basis means tabletops can become dirty much more quickly than an indoor piece. Besides bird and insect droppings, normal dust and grime occur, and trees and other pollen producers leave residue. Inclement weather, such as high winds, can deposit leaves and other debris.

Spills from drinks and food create one more reason to properly clean the surface. Check the tabletop for stains. The first; the very first thing to do is to dilute the stain using water.

Storing outdoor furniture indoors during unfavorable conditions is not necessary during warmer months. However, marble tops must be stored in areas that are warmer than 40 degrees. Simply cover the tables with fitted covers.

Although some general cleaning rules apply it is always best to check the manufacturer's instructions, or ask Leland's trained staff or the store where you purchased the table.

Sunbrella is the trademarked brand name of fabric originally manufactured for industrial-grade awning. The company was created in 1961 with only six colors available for its product. The company began covering cushions for outdoor furniture  and unveiled its new line of softer fabrics in the 1990s. It had crossed over from the industrial side to the interior designer side.

Colors and designs were added to the fabric and became available in design showrooms across the United States. Sunbrella offers 217 styles and colors for upholstery and 204 styles and colors for umbrellas. Sunbrella fabrics can be custom-designed to suit any theme.

According to Sunbrella.com the company offers warranties as strong as its fabrics:

Sunbrella's fabrics are specially treated to resist fading, staining and mildew making them ideal for outdoor furniture. In fact, the cushions can stay outdoors year round. Regular maintenance, including keeping residues such as pollen and leaves off the fabrics, ensures a long life for the fabric.

Sunbrella cushions and slings for dining sets, swivel rockers, chat sets, chaises and love seats, as well as umbrellas can be found at design showroom furniture stores such as Leland's Patio. For additional information, visit the website or call the showroom at 317-842-8384.

Sun umbrellas were created to provide protection from the sun’s rays. All that protecting requires a little reciprocal care by the umbrella’s owner. Exposed to the elements, including daily heat, direct sunlight and rain can take its toll over time.

Cleaning regularly prolongs the umbrella’s life and appearance. Sunbrella recommends a monthly hosing off to remove lose debris and dirt. Umbrellas can be detachable, such as Galtech, while others, such as Tuuci, are not. Following Leland’s helpful steps will keep your non-detachable umbrella looking great while protecting you longer.

General Cleaning

Step 1:

Collect needed items-mild soap (such as Woolite), soft-bristle brush, bucket, water (lukewarm)

Step 2:

Gently dry brush the umbrella, removing loose dirt.

Step 3:

Make a cleaning solution in bucket with detergent and water.

Step 4:

Hose down umbrella.

Step 5:

Wet the brush with solution and apply gently to umbrella.

Step 6:

Leave solution on umbrella for a few minutes allowing it to soak into fabric

Step 7:

Remove soap by rinsing with clear water

Step 8:

Leave umbrella in open position to air dry in the sunlight.

Step 9:

Inspect umbrella for stains not removed during general cleaning

Stain Removal

Step 1:

Collect items needed-mild soap (such as Woolite) and bleach solution, bucket, and soft-bristle brush

Step 2:

Apply solution with brush

Step 3:

Allow solution to soak into stains for a few minutes

Step 4:

Rinse with clear water

Step 5:

Leave umbrella in open position to air dry in the sunlight.

Note* For specific product instructions, check manufacturer’s website.

Finding outdoor furniture is not difficult. Big Box superstores carry them, hardware stores have sets stacked up and small boutique shops have them displayed beautifully.

What are the advantages of purchasing outdoor furniture at the locally owned and operated establishment? This is one in a series of posts created to educate the consumer about outdoor furniture, umbrellas and other items available at both small and large retail outlets.

In this post, Leland’s Patio owner Thom Davis gives insight into outdoor cushions.

Q: What are some high-quality brand names?

A: Actually, the cushions with which we have had the best luck are made by Sierra. The cushions can be made to order in various shapes and sizes. Otherwise the cushions on the sets Leland's sells are the best you can buy.

Q: How many color choices exist?

A: At last count there were more than 700 different colors not counting color combinations

Q: What material does Leland’s recommend for long-lasting cushions?

A: Look for a quick draining, sturdy interior core with a polyester wrap. For cushions of less than 4 inches go with 2-3-4 layers of polyester wrap depending on the thickness. The cushion should be completely free of bumps and smooth on all six sides.

Q: How often do they need replaced?

A: With moderate care you should obtain 8 plus years from the fabric if you use Sunbrella fabric.

Q: Are the cushions carried by Leland’s made in the United States?

A: Yes

Q: What brands does Leland’s carry?

A: We carry Brown Jordan, O.W.Lee, Winston, New River, Gloster, Kingsley Bate, Homecrest and Sierra.

Q: How much maintenance is required?

A: It is best to hose off any buildup of dust and dirt. Should there be “deposits” from our feathered friends, mix a solution of mild liquid dishwashing soap. Dawn is one that we use. Wet the cushion and lightly brush the stained area then rinse. Place the cushions on edge for faster drying.

Outdoor furniture is generally low maintenance. A few things are required for upkeep, however. For example: cleaning large seat cushions. Although routine cleaning should be followed, occasionally an extra cleaning may be required for special situations.

Patio and backyard furniture cushions sometimes develop mildew and mold from being left out during inclement weather. After a damp evening or outright rainstorm, cushions become a virtual playground for mildew and mold. You can avoid the costly solution of purchasing new ones by following Leland’s easy steps.

Step 1:

Collect needed items-cushion, tarp or plastic sheet, water, lemon juice, laundry detergent, cloth or sponge and bucket.

Step 2:

Spread the plastic sheet or tarp outside on the ground, placing the cushions on the ground covering.

Step 3:

Create a sudsy solution in the bucket consisting of one gallon of water and ¼ cup of laundry detergent.

Step 4:

Using the sponge or cloth, scour the cushions with the soap solution. Give extra attention to the spots of mildew and mold.

Step 5:

Rinse the cushions with clear water.

Step 6:

Apply undiluted lemon juice directly to any remaining stains.

Step 7:

Dry the cushions in the sun for several hours by leaving them on the ground covering with the lemon juice on the stains. The heat from the sun works with the citric acid in the juice to break down the stains as the cushions dry.

For information on outdoor cushions furniture, including the Brown Jordan ones shown, visit LelandsPatio.com.

“Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” This quote is credited to American investment entrepreneur Warren Buffet. It can be applied to every purchase made by consumers, including appliances, automobiles and outdoor furniture. Just as buying cheap will get a substandard product, paying more in the initial investment will get a better product, a longer-lasting product.

When purchasing outdoor furniture, consider the original price in terms of value. The higher price reflects the quality of materials used to create a piece of outdoor furniture which will stand the test of time. It also reflects the sales staff’s knowledge in the product and the customer service received when shopping in a retail store.

Buying higher-quality furniture for your patio or backyard at Leland's will be less expensive over the years if a topnotch brand is purchased. Brand names such as Winston, Gloster, Brown Jordan and Homecrest offer chaises, dining and chat sets, and umbrellas which will withstand the normal wear and tear for decades. With the cost of any item likely to go higher every year, the amount paid for the same lower quality will increase and repurchasing the patio furniture results in money down the drain.

“It is unwise to pay too much, but it is worse to pay too little. When you pay too much, you lose a little money, that is all. When you pay too little you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the things it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot, it cannot be done. If you deal with the lowest bidder it is well to add something for the risk you run. And if you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better. There is hardly anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell for a little cheaper, and the people who consider price only, are this man's lawful prey.

- John Ruskin-