Michelle Rohrer-Lauer from Michelle's Interiors Design Group in Grayslake and Chicago Shares Her Tips on How to Get Ready for Outdoor Summer Entertaining
 
It's almost here! While we are all starting to emerge from hibernation to soak in the approaching warmer weather as much as possible, it's important to get ready for outdoor summer living now.
 
Outdoor patio lovers may be too late if they wait until summer to get the latest in outdoor décor and design. Especially with the economy, people are making their homes into the destination this summer as an entertainment space and relaxing retreat. I recommend for people to design their outdoor spaces now so that your space can be complete by Memorial Day!
 
Here are some selections to make your outdoor space a beautiful extension of your home.
 
Updating the Tiki Torches: Forget tiki torches to add light for an outdoor party and keep the bugs away, Michelle recommends decorative lanterns and hanging chandeliers (for screened-in porches) to add modern design elements that can be left out before and after the party. Now, you can even find large outdoor planters with lighting to bring light to the beauty of outdoor plants.
 
Sectional Patio Furniture: The uncomfortable patio and deck furniture is now a thing of the past. Patio furniture now incorporates beautiful weatherproof fabrics and materials that look like an extension of interior living. Michelle even recommends an outdoor sectional that has deep seats and a cozy fit for a very relaxing outdoor environment. Another way to incorporate interior living is with an indoor/outdoor rug that adds an elegant, homey feel to an outdoor space.
 
Bring the Entertainment Outdoors:  One of Michelle's favorite summer pastimes is watching a movie with her family outdoors. It's fun and easy to bring the entertainment center outdoors with wireless speakers and a decorative portable cart that can be used for transporting the TV. A decorative outdoor cart can also be a great design element to transfer drinks and appetizers on other occasions.
 
Add a Pop of Color with Umbrella Fabric: The selection of outdoor fabrics has expanded to a wide-variety of different colors and patterns. While this durable, weatherproof fabric has been used for patio umbrellas of the past, roman shades or re-upholstered cushions with these fantastic fabrics can add a pop of color to your patio space.
 
Michelle's Interiors:
Michelle Rohrer-Lauer of Michelle's Interiors, Ltd. in Grayslake, IL is an award-winning professional in Interior Design. Catering to a wide-range audience of all ages and design needs, Michelle has 25 years of experience as both a designer and a business owner. Her work has been published in Better Homes and Gardens, Midwest Living, and newspapers such as the Chicago Tribune and Daily Herald. She has also appeared on ABC7 Chicago, WGN-TV and NBC 5 Chicago. Michelle has also been awarded the Best of the Best Design Award and Artistic Surface Award by Chicago Home & Garden Magazine. For more information, please contact www.michellesinteriors.com.