Contact:
Ginny Long
Director of Public Affairs
Moen Incorporated
(800) 321-8809, Ext. 2019
ginny.long@moen.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 2006
Kristi Stolarski or Kathy Willmott
Robert Falls & Co. Public Relations
(216) 696-0229
kstolarski@robertfalls.com or kwillmott@robertfalls.com
OUTDOOR LIVING MADE SIMPLE
Create an Outdoor Space that’s 100 Percent You
with Tips and Ideas from the Pros
North Olmsted, Ohio… Admit it. You love the great outdoors. Entertaining
friends. Watching the kids run through the sprinkler. Napping on your patio.
There’s a host of life happening outside the home, and more homeowners than
ever are seizing the opportunity to make their patios and yards extensions of
their living space.
“We’re finding that people want to utilize every square inch in and out of the
home,” says Leslie Segrete, carpenter on the TLC show “While You Were Out”
and co-host of the syndicated home improvement radio show “The Money Pit.”
“They’re turning patios and garages into family rooms. They’re creating outdoor
bedrooms from screened-in porches,”
The key to enjoying these spaces is keeping things simple and functional. By
emphasizing your lifestyle and needs, you can create a space that’s 100 percent
you – and 100 percent useful.
Define Your Style. Define Your Space. Whether you’re faced with just a small
patch of yard – or acres – the first step is to define your lifestyle needs and the
physical space you want for your outdoor activities. Will you be using the space
for entertaining friends? Relaxing? Do you need a play area for the kids?
“You have to look at your yard and say, ‘this is the space,’” recommends
Segrete. “You should then physically define the area using something that
reflects your style – lighting, a stone patio, an arbor, landscaping. By saying to
yourself, ‘this is the area we will enjoy’ you’re more likely to use and fall in love
with the space.”
Segrete has put this plan into practice in her own yard. Although her neighbor’s
home is close to her own, she’s placed paper lanterns around her patio –
creating a calm and serene surrounding that reflects her style and blocks out any
distractions. “I sit out there, and feel I can escape.”
Keep It Simple. Rain, cold weather, extreme wind and harsh sunlight are all
culprits that can ruin any outdoor area. With some upfront planning and smart
shopping, Segrete notes, you can minimize Mother Nature’s effects.
“You don’t want to worry about moving furniture every time you’re not using it. If
you use items that withstand the test of time, you’ll make your life a lot simpler.”
Segrete recommends good, exterior grade furniture in a weather-sturdy material
like teak, and cushions that are waterproof and fade-resistant. If you live in a
high-wind area, consider concrete anchors on furniture and decorative items.
This is also a good time to think about all those activities you’ll be doing outside,
and what you’ll need to make them more enjoyable. “You want convenience, so
you don’t have to rush inside for things,” says Segrete. “With the right planning,
even yard work can be less of a hassle.”
Water is one big outdoor need that’s come a long way over the years. “When I
was a kid, my mother would fill our little pool, and the water would be freezing.
She’d rush inside to get warm water to try to make it more comfortable. With
today’s new water options, you don’t have to worry about that.”
Moen Incorporated recently introduced a single-handle, hot-cold sill faucet that’s
designed for today’s outdoor needs. This unique outdoor faucet features simple
one-handle operation that delivers both hot and cold water, just like a faucet
you’d find in the kitchen.
“With the right water source outside, you can wash away dirt from the yard, car
and pets no matter what the temperature, and keep the inside of your home
cleaner,” says Segrete. She advises placing outdoor faucets within easy reach of
common activities, reducing the need to move and coil up yards and yards of
hose. “It’s all about making your life easier.”
Extend Your Opportunities. As outdoor areas become more stylish and
functional, homeowners are looking for ways to enjoy them longer in the evening
– and longer when the weather gets cold.
Gone are the days of the messy firepit that required constant attention and
cleaning. One tip Segrete has is to put modern technology to use for your
comfort. “You’ll find beautiful copper dishes with fake logs that you can hook up
to a propane line. They are simple to use and easy to set up. It’s a no-nonsense
way to generate heat and ambiance.”
Outdoor fans can also provide some much needed heating and cooling for more
confined areas, like screened-in porches. The Reiker Room Conditioner provides
a remote-controlled heating system in addition to traditional ceiling fan operation.
When it comes to outdoor lighting, look beyond harsh floodlights for maximum
drama and impact. “You want to create something that replicates moonlight –
always from above, never from below,” says Segrete. Hanging lights or lanterns
that surround your space will assure you can entertain or relax well into the
evening.
So open the back door, and start imagining. With the right ideas, your yard can
become not only an extension of your living space – but also an extension of
your personal style.
For more information about Moen’s outdoor hot/cold sill faucet visit
www.moen.com or call 1-800-BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).
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EDITOR’S NOTE:
Timeless designs that reflect good taste. Faucets and fixtures that are livable and enduring. These
are just some of the reasons why Moen Incorporated is the #1 brand of faucet in North America. In
addition to stylish and affordable faucets, Moen also offers residential and commercial sinks and a
full range of tub and showering packages. Moen brands include ShowHouse by Moen, Creative
Specialties International and the Cleveland Faucet Group. ShowHouse offers high-end, luxury
faucets and accessories to consumers with discriminating tastes. Creative Specialties
International® offers complete suites of decorative bath accessories including innovative bath
safety products that are fashionable – not institutional. The Cleveland Faucet Group manufactures
affordable, durable sinks and faucets for the multi-family housing market.
Moen is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO, www.fortunebrands.com) Home and Hardware group – a
leading consumer brands company that includes leading cabinetry, door and lock manufacturers such as
Therma-Tru, Masterbrand Cabinets, Inc., Aristokraft Cabinetry and Master Lock.
With Moen, you’ll always find the perfect balance between styles you’ll love and innovation you can live with.
Buy it for looks. Buy it for life.
For more information on Moen visit www.moen.com or call 1-800-BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).