Photo: Attainable Sustainable

Finding time to spend together as a family is often a challenge. Busy work schedules, hectic social life and the day-to-day tasks which have to be achieved really eat into the number of quality hours you have.

The thought of a vacation is just that – a thought. There’s no way you can take time out of work, but you know that you all need somewhere to kick back and relax when time permits. Sure, sitting inside watching TV is fun – for a while, but there’s always that itch to scratch that there must be something more that can be done.

Photo: Home Decoor Blogspot

There is – and it’s right outside your window now. Garden space is a vastly underutilized part of the home and often for the right reasons – poor weather, lack of comfortable furniture or the lure of that end of season game that can’t be missed.

There are solutions though – and ones which will enhance all your lives and encourage everyone to spend time together (and not perhaps in separate rooms with just cell phones and laptops for company). Look to the garden for fun – whatever the weather – and also the creation of an environment that will be the envy of your neighbors.

Photo: Architectural Digest

Time for Entertainment

With gadgets nowadays, everyone can watch TV in separate parts of the house, and getting everyone outside to enjoy the fresh air can be hard. Break out and take your TV into the garden, then settle back to watch the biggest box set of the season.

Great technology gadget The TV Shield is a patented miracle when it comes to outdoor entertainment. A lightweight and – literally – bulletproof cover, it encases your screen to create a completely weatherproof and tamperproof way to view your favorite shows while the sun shines. It’s glare-proof and is available in a huge range of sizes – right up to 80” screens can be accommodated.

Photo: Roses and Drust Blogger . blogspot

With the unique locking system as you can see here http://www.thetvshield.com/enclosures/, there’s no chance that it can be vandalized or opened up to have your TV stolen, and it’s perfect for Plasma, LED and LCD models. It has a full swivel features o whether you’re at the BBQ or in the pool, you can see what’s happening.

Twitching curtains

There’s nothing like a bit of gossip to keep the neighbors interested in what’s happening on your road, and a garden makeover will certainly create that. With your TV in place, heighten their envy levels by furnishing the area with hard-wearing but luxurious looking and feeling homeware.

Before buying patio furniture, make sure the sofas for outside are UV and water resistant. You can also buy rugs to separate areas and create soft carpeting underfoot. There are tons of decorating ideas when it comes to outdoor patio decor, and cushions are one of the must-have accessories. They can be found specifically for outside; with a polypropylene mix textile, they are resistant to the rain and easy to wipe clean if they are dirty.

Photo: Grassforwayyourgardens.blogspot

If you want to sunbathe as a family or have a private pool party, knowing those next door can see is hardly a recipe for a great time together. Screen areas with colorful outside curtains can complement the foliage and furniture as well as provide privacy and shade. Makeover your backyard landscaping with relaxing-scented plants such as Morning Glory which will grow quickly up a trellis, and the neighbors will soon be wanting to come around for a beer to inspect not only the comfort of your new seating area but also marvel at your green-thumb prowess.

Taking time out as a family is vital; it creates great memories, strengthens bonds and helps reset stress levels. Using the garden as the catalyst means that you’ll never have to travel far to enjoy yourself and know that you’ve also fully utilized all of the potential space of your home.

Spring is quickly approaching meaning we are going to be spending much more time enjoying the outdoors and warmer weather. It’s definitely time to make your ideal outdoor living area such as your deck, a place to relax, entertain and have fun – in style! Black and white stripes are definitely one of my most favorite trends that look CHIC and CLASSY used in outdoor decor. Take a look at 7 of my most favorite deck decorating ideas using monochrome stripes:

1. Add Elegance with Monochrome Stripes

My favorite trend EVER for outdoor decor? Black and white stripes of course! If you are trying to make your deck look preppy, elegant, and classy, decorate it with black and white stripes. Either for a gazebo cover, umbrella, pillows, cushions, tablecloths, or outdoor rug – use black and white stripes to make it scream THIS IS VOGUE.

Photo: Simple Details Blogspot.hr

2. Hang Monochrome Curtains for Privacy

This homeowner made their pergola a little more private by adding black and white curtains. These look so on POINT when tied back at the sides, they make your deck almost look like an expensive, exotic resort! Even if you have a gazebo or an actual built in roof for your deck, you can also add in these curtains to give it some oomph.

Photo: Apartment Lifestyle.net

3. Make a Private Black and White Striped Cabana Hut

Now this is something I call a at-home GETAWAY! Make an extension to your deck (we recommend using durable composite decking) lead to a private cabana hut with a bed inside for some a relaxing, romantic place to enjoy your afternoon or candle-lit evening! Now really, how gorgeous is this?

Photo: Style me Pretty

4. Bring a Bland Corner to Life With A Sleek Striped Sectional

This photo proves that you truly don’t need to have a large deck to create a glamorous-looking outdoor feel. Create an intimate hangout in an unused corner of your porch with a sturdy wrought iron sectional with ofcourse – monochrome stripes.

Photo: HowtoDecorate.com

5. Lounge By the Pool With Black and White Striped Lounge Chairs

Sit by the pool and relax in STYLE with monochrome striped lounge chairs. To keep up with your preppy theme, use grey or black outdoor furniture and black accessories like your umbrella or gazebo fabric cover. Then, whip out a black can of spray paint and spray all your plantar pots in black to match.

Photo: Blog Stylizimo

6. Create a GLAM Space With A Striped Tent Pavillion

One lucky blogger Dolores Arabian received this GORGOEUS tent pavillion from Z Gallerie. This place has some of the most beautiful home decor items. No wonder Kylie Jenner was spotted in there buying furniture and decor accessories for her new home. You can place a tent pavilion like this on you deck and top it off with a pretty chandelier to make the space inside even more romantic.

Photo: Vignette Design