As individuals, we should make more conscientious choices on what products to buy or what actions to take. Buying recycled products and consuming organic products is a good way to start.

Humans should be able to control their own activities. We should seek a greener earth. “Major causes of tree loss and the expansion of deserts are stripping land of its natural cover for firewood and for growing crops, poor farming techniques, over-grazing, large-scale commercial logging, and depleting groundwater” (National Geographic).

What Can We Do?

Reforestation – Plant trees. For every tree that is cut down, another tree should be planted. Trees are a great source for our oxygen and also help to absorb the carbon dioxide that humans and animals exhale. By reducing carbon dioxide, we are diminishing greenhouse gases; hence helping with global warming.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, deforestation can result from “a combination of population pressure and stagnating economic, social and technological conditions.” Wood from the trees, and farming land serve as an economical benefactor to many countries where alternate resources and land may not be readily available.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, deforestation can result from “a combination of population pressure and stagnating economic, social and technological conditions.” Wood from the trees, and farming land serve as an economical benefactor to many countries where alternate resources and land may not be readily available.

Deforestation is another urgent environmental issue. Though the term is recognized and defined as the immense reduction of forests, it is more specifically defined as the logging or burning of trees in a forested area. Most of the trees cut/burned are used for fuel, building materials and to clear land for farming purposes. With natural resources being stripped faster than they can be replaced, we want to discuss the causes, consequences and some possible solutions to deforestation.

The topic of going green and addressing environmental issues is ongoing, especially poignant and trending within this past decade. From pollution, to waste management and the earth’s drastically deteriorating resources, the amount of information and list of issues can be overwhelming.

Take care of the earth and she will take care of you

The topic of going green and addressing environmental issues is ongoing, especially poignant and trending within this past decade. From pollution, to waste management and the earth’s drastically deteriorating resources, the amount of information and list of issues can be overwhelming.

Finally one of the most important aspects to any decorating project is lighting. How your space is lit will affect the atmosphere. Tiki torches, outdoor lanterns and fire pits all do an excellent job at creating a warm and relaxing environment, while lighting walkways and accenting key visual points in your backyard.

Once you have the greenery and focus point, accessorizing is all you need to do next. Items such as bamboo poles, borders and rugs are the perfect accents to fill garden areas or line your patio floor. If you have an industrial or wooden fence that needs replacing or work, an economical way to instantly give your fence a face-lift and brighten your yard is by using bamboo fencing.

Another key element in creating a tropical backyard is adding exotic vegetation such as palm trees and tropical flowers. The lush environment and vibrant colors will emanate a warm and inviting feel.

backdrops can add life and style to any backyard. One of the first ways to get started is by first evaluating the size of the space being enhanced and then an area of focus. This area of focus could be a patio, a relaxing area of the yard, a rock garden or even the center of the yard. Once this area has been designated, the rest of the design process can easily flow from one point to the next, rather than randomly placing items. The key to a successful landscape is having a fluid visual movement within the space. Using Patio furniture is a great way of adding style to a garden. Some perfect items that can instantly add dynamic to a backyard and create that visual focus includes a Fountain, Tiki Bar, Tiki statue, Palapa or Thatch Umbrella or even a Tiki Bench.

De-Clutter

Though this is number 5 on this list, it is just as equally, if not more important the rest. You can have a beautiful garden with polished furniture and a flowing fountain, but clutter and debris can mask your once immaculate backyard and make it seem old and dull. Spend a day clearing leaves, sweeping the patio, trimming your plants and you’ll be surprised how much detail can be nullified by a mess.

Lighting

Your backyard is not just for enjoying sunny days but also calm and alluring nights. Nothing adds mood and ambiance like lighting to highlight your backyard’s most prominent features. You don’t need to expend a big budget to do this. A string of twinkle lights, tiki torches, path lamps, or stationary lamps, when well placed can do the trick.

Making Simple Additions

Sometimes making simple changes can make a huge difference in how your backyard looks. Rather than replacing an old chain or wooden fence, you cover it with a new bamboo one. Old tables or umbrellas can be dressed up with Mexican or African thatch for that tropical look. Adding a water feature is another way to add atmosphere and bring harmony to your backyard with the sound of water.

Just like the cooking shows that show you how to make meals with five ingredients or less, or in fewer than 30 minutes, we wanted to apply that same formula to decorating your backyard. There are five simple things that you can do, in less than a day, to brighten up your backyard and turn it into a place where you can escape from the rest of the world.

Just like the cooking shows that show you how to make meals with five ingredients or less, or in fewer than 30 minutes, we wanted to apply that same formula to decorating your backyard. There are five simple things that you can do, in less than a day, to brighten up your backyard and turn it into a place where you can escape from the rest of the world.

Durability, a natural aesthetic and versatility to compliment almost any environment or décor are a few of the features that make Bamboo such an ideal building material. Bamboo fencing in particular can conveniently cover an old fence, accent a wall, or serve as a gate to separate varying spaces. With a little creativity, accurate measurements and basic tools, you can use utilize the benefits of bamboo for almost any function.

Durability, a natural aesthetic and versatility to compliment almost any environment or décor are a few of the features that make Bamboo such an ideal building material. Bamboo fencing in particular can conveniently cover an old fence, accent a wall, or serve as a gate to separate varying spaces. With a little creativity, accurate measurements and basic tools, you can use utilize the benefits of bamboo for almost any function.

Just because you don’t have a large backyard it does not mean you cannot create your own getaway space as well. The great thing with balconies is that you’re generally provided with a fencing structure that you can utilize for support. HGTV, suggested bamboo fencing is a cost effective, easy and green way to instantly dress up your balcony. Adding flowers and plants is a great way to add color and life to an area. Often time’s balconies either come with a faux green turf or cement floor, bamboo rugs are perfect for adding appeal to your floor while still being durable for outdoor use. Throw in a quaint table with some foldable chairs, or even a corner water feature and you have an outdoor environment in which you can escape the world to.
Decorating a small space simply requires selective pieces and ideas along with a bit of creativity. Remember to not get discouraged and to start one thing at a time. So no matter the size of your home, you can create your relaxing retreat.

Similarly to how lighting opens up a back yard and highlights varying textures, inside a smaller space, light can also reveal a landscape of details. Well placed mirrors not only give the illusion of larger room, but it also helps direct and reflect light. Sheer window curtains or Venetian blinds allow slivers of light to gently highlight areas of your room. Railed lighting along your ceiling is the perfect way to light up the entire space or direct lighting towards paintings or pictures that adorn your wall.

Similarly to how lighting opens up a back yard and highlights varying textures, inside a smaller space, light can also reveal a landscape of details. Well placed mirrors not only give the illusion of larger room, but it also helps direct and reflect light. Sheer window curtains or Venetian blinds allow slivers of light to gently highlight areas of your room. Railed lighting along your ceiling is the perfect way to light up the entire space or direct lighting towards paintings or pictures that adorn your wall.

Once you have the walls planned out, the fun part is embellishing and accenting with more colors. Window sills, an old radiator, and even floor vents can complement the room’s aesthetic with a fun shade of paint. Match cohesive pieces to tie in the design like having throw pillows that match with a lampshade.

The old saying of keeping your walls white to increase space is a myth! There are no rules when it comes to selecting the colors for your space. Start by planning your color placement on your walls first. Lighter colors opposing light sources (windows) and/or darker walls visually open up an environment. Keep your palette choices to sharper more saturated colors. Dull colors, even when in lighter shades, can diminish the liveliness of an area. If your apartment happens to have a hallway or walkway painting it a darker color than the room it leads into can make the room appear bigger.

Just like starting a painting on a canvas it is easier to start with a blank page then try to re-work an already painted piece. This doesn’t necessarily mean getting rid of everything you may already have, but before designing, de-clutter as much as possible. Sort out items such as picture frames, vases, candles, lamps or furniture you may want to keep and re-use. This will also help in deciding the theme to your space.

There are common misconceptions that in decorating small spaces, almost everything has to be kept minimal and walls should be plain and white to make the space look larger. The truth is contrasting colors, textures and well selected pieces can expand your space into a vast area. The advantage to decorating apartments, lofts and studios is that since you are working with a more limited space and key items make a world of difference, a smaller budget can go a long way.
The Beginning Steps

The sentimental saying “Home is Where the Heart is” holds such truth especially when it comes to personalizing and dressing up the place you live in. Whether your home is a house with a back yard, an edgy loft or an uptown studio, style and décor are never limited by spatial boundaries.

Whatever your plans may be this coming Labor Day, make sure you take the time to relax and enjoy quality time with friends and family. Many times we get caught up in life’s daily routines and don’t allot for enough quality moments with those we love. So pick your theme, activities and location and have a wonderful Labor Day weekend.

For entertainment, you can play island music in the background, have a Tiki Bar set up serving drinks, or even add in some games.

For entertainment, you can play island music in the background, have a Tiki Bar set up serving drinks, or even add in some games.

For entertainment, you can play island music in the background, have a Tiki Bar set up serving drinks, or even add in some games.

Decorating does not necessarily require a big budget or weeks of setting up. Decorative items such as Tiki statues, bamboo fencing, or thatch, instantly add a dash of tropical flavor to any setting, without requiring much installation and once the event is over, the same décor can still be used for your home and garden

Decorating does not necessarily require a big budget or weeks of setting up. Decorative items such as Tiki statues, bamboo fencing, or thatch, instantly add a dash of tropical flavor to any setting, without requiring much installation and once the event is over, the same décor can still be used for your home and garden.

Your theme could also be a potluck which would relieve a lot of the preparation work from you, and also allow for a variety of tasty items from all your guests. Having guests show up in themed wear such as Hawaiian shirts or Sarongs will add life to the event and will help in bringing everyone together in the festivities.

Rather than your just winging a backyard BBQ with friends or family that may “stop by”, plan out a themed event such as “Tiki Totem Party” or “Tropical Labor Day Getaway.” The idea of throwing an organized party may seem like a lot of work, but a little pre-thought can actually help in many ways. By officially inviting guests and planning an event, guests are more likely to commit to the time and event, which also provides you with a good idea of how many people to provide food and drinks for.

San Diego Outdoor furniture, Patio Furniture, pottery and fountains