Learn How to Turn Any Back Yard into the Ultimate Outdoor Living Experience

by | Sep 4, 2010 | 17, 18, 5, Articles

<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0cm 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Learn How to Turn Any Back Yard into the Ultimate Outdoor Living Experience</font></h2><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">(ARA) – With home improvement season upon us, homeowners are eager to make their outdoor living areas as inviting as the inside of their homes. Before visiting the local home and garden center or hiring a professional to create a backyard paradise, consider taking the DIY approach. Here are some tips on how to get started:</span></p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt"><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Consider doing less instead of trying to spread a budget over a lot of elements. Focus on one aspect of the back yard that will help to create the atmosphere that is just right. </p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/18b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/18b.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Get a design in mind before beginning any project, then prioritize — go in order of implementation. Start with a patio (because it adds the most value and has the most impact), then landscaping and lighting.</p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Work with the environment you have and use native plants because they are less expensive to maintain.<span>  </span></p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Buy quality, even if it means buying less.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">To help consumers create the back yard of their dreams, Intermatic recently unveiled its $20,000 Malibu Outdoor Living Sweepstakes. Now through August 15, 2007, homeowners across the country can enter for a chance to win the ultimate outdoor living space with a grand prize valued at $20,000. The Grand Prize Winner will receive:</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* A $15,000 check toward improving their outdoor living space.</p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Malibu lighting products including professional installation, valued at $1,000.</p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* A premium outdoor grill, and</p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Patio furniture from www.patiofurnitureusa.com.<span>  </span></p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Three First Prize Winners will receive $500.00 (ARV) of Malibu lighting products. Homeowners can visit the newly launched www.malibulights.com for complete rules and information on how to enter.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Malibu offers the most complete line of fashionable fixtures and accessories to enhance curb appeal. All Malibu lights can be installed by the DIYer and some can be installed in 60 minutes or less. For more information and for design and installation tips to help achieve a professional look, visit www.malibulights.com. </p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Malibu has several outdoor lighting products new to the market this spring that are sure to please. Here are descriptions of some of them: </p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* The American Country Garden Light — comes with a cast metal dual riser and an oil rubbed bronze finish.</p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* The Contemporary Garden Light — with sleek styling and a textured black finish, gives a fashionable touch to modern-day gardens and outdoor areas.</p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* The Zen Garden Light.</p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* The Rustic Handmade Garden Light — features a cast metal shade with an antique copper finish and a metal riser with a unique twist. </p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* The Eclectic Garden Light — features a metal fixture in a textured black finish with a rounded shade offering durability and sophistication.</p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* The French Country Walk Light — features a glass globe painted with curling vine accents and cast metal fixtures in a variety of rust-free finishes, for soft, ambient light, perfect for entertaining friends and family. </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="400" height="300"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/5c.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/5c.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400" height="300"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* East meets West with the Asian influenced Mission Walk Light featuring a square shade with a frosted glass that is perfect for creating a calm and relaxing space. Both functional and aesthetically pleasing, the light is made of cast metal with a black finish.</p>  <p style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt" class="MsoNormal">The new fixtures are available in a variety of finishes and price ranges to satisfy every style and budget. For more information, visit www.malibulights.com.</p>  <p><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt">Courtesy of ARAcontent</span></p></span>