4 Exotic Umbrellas Break the Mold for Decorating Outdoor Rooms

Irwin Weiner ASID - It's interesting to me that outdoor furniture designers have come up with exotic variations on the old patio table umbrella we all grew up with - the ones that cranked up and down and looked like retro glam relics from the Fifties. MDT-tex, for instance, turned the parasol shape upside down and created their Tulip parasol umbrella (top photo). Here are a few other variations on the outdoor umbrella that will add interest and flair to your outdoor rooms this summer. Click on each photo for more information.

Pagoda Umbrella from Pier 1Fatboy Flowerpowersol

Exzentro sunshade by StructureLab 

Bonus

Click here to read Amazing Variations in Our 5 Favorite Summer Loungers.

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Eco-Friendly Outdoor Heating for Patios and Decks

Irwin Weiner ASID - There are many nights when we'd love to have more patio or deck time outdoors with just a bit of heat on our legs or bodies - all the better to enjoy the crisp outdoor air during spring and fall months (or winter nights in warmer climes). GreenChance Inc. offers a line of Vireoo tables where the bases have safe, eco-friendly infrared heating units built into the bases. You can avoid bulky, unsightly gas-powered heating units.

I also like their Heatscope products which can mount onto wall or ceiling surfaces - excellent for heating outdoor overhang porches, lanais, and decks. Click on any of the photos for more product information.

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Favorite Fire Pits to Keep You Toasty Warm in Autumn

Irwin Weiner ASID - People living in all different types of climate areas are making increased use of outdoor living spaces to extend the entertainment, relaxation, and hangout options of their homes. Fire pits help to bring warmth, coziness, beauty, and an exciting focal point to patios, pools, and backyards. We've picked some of our favorite pre-made fire pits from the outdoor furniture specialists at Home Infatuation. (You can build your own pit, of course, but sometimes it's easier to order a stylish pre-made model, like the Ak47 Design Zero Outdoor Fire Pit in the top photo.)

Barefoot Beach Fire Pit from Artisan Rick Wittrig

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Summer Project: Do-It-Yourself Deck

Irwin Weiner ASID - Regular readers of Design2Share know that I am NOT a DIY kind of guy. I believe in hiring professionals to do what they're trained to do. But if you'd like to build your own outdoor deck or patio this summer, then knock yourself out! Go ahead, but as you'll see in this time-lapse photo video (with still pictures taken every 30 second during key parts of this homeowner's deck-building process), you're in for more than you bargained for. With that said, many people are much handier than me when it comes to the patience, time, and skill required to do it yourself in the deck department. Here are a few good resources to help you in your deck-building mission.

• DIY Network: Building a Deck

• The Essential Steps in Deck Design & Construction

• A Deck Building Blog

• And when your deck is built, watch our How Should I Decorate My Outdoor Spaces video!

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