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Beauty also lies on the outside

Apt AMBIENCE Sure, what's inside is more important. But the outdoor leading up to it has to be equally good. K S Someswara suggests ways in which yo
Last Updated 18 December 2014, 17:33 IST

It often happens that in all that frenzy of building a home, certain aesthetic aspects are forgotten. While you spend a good many hours picking the colour, furniture and upholstery, the outdoors are conveniently forgotten.

Eventually, the garden becomes a breeding ground for weed, your kid’s old bicycle and some odd unused stuff you don’t wish to throw out. Your backyard, too, would  have rusty tools, old brooms, empty bottles...because who has the time, right?
Visitors will only see your parlour and kitchen, so the rest doesn’t matter. Wrong. It is important to maintain every part of your house. Beautifying the outside of your home might actually allow you to spend some time outdoors ­- enjoying your morning coffee with the paper while taking in some fresh air, some quiet time with your music and may be, even a playspace for your kids.
A villa or a house with enough vacant space around can be converted into a scenic spot with gardens and other luxuries. The feeling and effect it will give is warmth, taking us deep into nature.

Sitting in a serene garden with blooming flowers and greenery is no doubt a relaxing exercise. Carefully selected artificial plants, small trees or flowers will add a nice touch.
Tall ferns along the barricade wall will create a pretty atmosphere, not to mention the privacy they offer, aesthetically. Brightly coloured flowering plants in separate pots all around the compound can also enhance the look of the area.

Even palm trees, cacti, foliage plants, creepers or bamboo will make an interesting assortment. It is easy to maintain artificial plants, so many people opt for the same. They need no pruning, watering or fertilizers. The only thing is that they have to be properly located. Even Bonsai plants, mango canopy, bamboo and palm trees are very popular. They are generally made of silk and look like the original.

These plants should be selected on the basis of availability of size and shape of the garden and they should highlight the landscape. There are many ways to make the entire garden vibrant and colourful. Here’s how you can make your outdoors look good:

Fountains
The pleasant sound of trickling of water and its appearance add a tranquil ambience to the space. A pond or a small fountain is a soothing addition and it can transform the outdoors as a heavenly space. Fountains are available in sandstone, marble, fiberglass or wood.

One can even go for a wall fountain with a stone statue or urn brooding water into the container. If the patio is at ground level, a water body like a small pond annexe will be good. A water feature with appropriate lighting gives a scintillating overall look.

Pillars
Pillars give a new dimension to the space and enhance the décor of both, exteriors and interiors at home. Pillars and arches are used to make a home look more imposing and grand. It would be more appropriate if it is round shaped. A cool front portico can be made with granite or stone pillars, beams and arches.

A compound wall will bear a creative look if creepers and climbers are grown over the same with suitable designs etched on these walls. This can be accentuated with small shrubs and flowering plants. Climbers are generally used on the walls, arches, pergolas, porches and pillars. There are many varieties like vines, Bougainvillea and climbing trees, which are much-preferred.

Garden furniture
Open-air furniture in a garden is trendy and deep-seated models are best-suited for the purpose. A stone garden-bench with urns gives a different feel to your garden. A part of the sun lounges with cosy cushions, which makes it perfect for outdoor relaxation. There are many more innovative ways to provide outdoor seating. A wide curving sofa, semi-circular foot stool and a small elliptical table with an arching canopy can be ideal to spend pleasurable time.

Lighting
Lastly, but importantly, lighting options have to be looked at in detail for a garden. Even though daylight is natural, it is necessary to have enhanced lighting especially in the evenings. Good lighting lends both, an artistic and surreal touch to the garden. It gives warmth and adds to the landscape. Overhead cylindrical lights can be used to highlight the specific feature. Spread and diffused units are used to line flower beds, walkways and driveways. Lights that resemble Tiffany lamps, mushroom and hanging lights with frost globe are some of the options to choose from.

These lighting units can be made of wood, metal, stone or glass. Using oil lamps or candles with appropriate lamp shades gives an aesthetic appearance and antique look to the garden. The outdoor lights should perfectly blend with the theme opted for the interiors.

Solar garden lights are topical and popular, too. Backlighting of trees or flooding a wall or a row of trees with soft light can enhance the image of the place. Garden lights in the paths lend a depth to the garden. Lights used should not be flashy; they should be appealing to the eyes.So, go ahead. Add aesthetics and embellish the outdoors of your home with lovely props and accessories!

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(Published 18 December 2014, 17:33 IST)

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