It's Great Outdoors

Add New ‘Living Room’ to Your Home

May 2, 2013

Photos by AJ Studios Photography

Bob Pittman has noticed an evolution during the eight years he’s owned the local Pinch A Penny franchise.

Homeowners, he says, are expanding the livable area of their homes by creating “rooms” outside on the lawn, porch or patio. And unlike the white resin chairs and tables of yore, many are investing in stylish, customizable outdoor furniture that mimics indoor décor. The trend also includes elaborate kitchens for summer fun and impressive fireplaces for the cooler months. And instead of wallpaper and artwork, people are investing in landscaping to provide a beautiful backdrop.

“People are spending more and more time outdoors. That’s why the outdoor enjoyment product arena is growing so fast,” he says. “It’s nothing for some people to spend $8,000 to $14,000 on a patio group. Eight years ago you probably wouldn’t see that.”

Pittman’s store carries several upscale lines designed to weather the elements, with the look of wood, wicker and wrought iron that’s actually a PVC compound or aluminum. Cushions in dozens of fabric choices are now made of colorfast acrylic yarn that won’t fade or be bleached by chlorinated water.

Like just about every business, Pittman’s took a wallop during the recession, but it wasn’t all bad. “Anything past that back door tends to be last on the spending list, because it’s pure pleasure,” he says. “The upside to that is people aren’t going on vacations as much, so their vacation is in their backyard around the pool.”

Join us for a visual tour of some of Tallahassee’s most beautiful backyard spaces.

DESIGNED BY: Tom Guilford

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: Cary Langston with Langston & Sprowls Dining table and chairs: Restoration Hardware Bar stools: Philippe Starck Patio furniture: Summer Classics

LANDSCAPE & LIGHTING DESIGNED BY: Frank Douglas, Tallahassee Nurseries

CONSTRUCTED BY: Sutton Webb, Riley Palmer Construction Company

STYLED BY: Ed Blissard, Purple Martin Outpost Outdoor place settings, plates, utensils, glasses, serving pieces, etc. from MY FAVORITE THINGS

ORIGINAL DESIGN BY: Tom Guilford (20 years ago)

DESIGNED/STYLED BY: Ed Blissard, Purple Martin Outpost; Outdoor place settings, plates, utensils, glasses, serving pieces, etc. from MY FAVORITE THINGS