SOUTH SIOUX CITY | Is it contradictory to be chilling at a fire table? If it is contradictory, Renee Palmersheim doesn't seems to mind it one bit.
Indeed, she said elaborate outdoor fire tables and pits are all the rage at Bloomers Lawn and Garden Center, 2302 W. 29th St.
"People are staying home more and want to outfit their outdoor areas as well as they would indoors," Palmersheim said. "A beautiful fire table allows you to feel warm and toasty outside on a cool night."
In addition to propane-heated fire tables, she said hot tubs, saunas and spas are showing up on neighborhood decks while outdoor kitchens are becoming a part of many backyards.
"I remember when guys wanted grills with wheels for easy transport," Palmersheim said, shaking her head. "Now they want complete outdoor kitchen spaces that have grills, refrigerators, sinks, you name it."
Palmersheim said it's all part of a trend to stay home with family.
"Eating out used to be a treat," she reasoned. "Now, eating in is just as enjoyable."
That's especially true when an outdoor space is adorned with colorful furniture and creative pieces of art.
"An outdoor space can allow you to show off flashes of personality just as easily as an indoor space," Palmersheim said. "If you're into nautical themes or sporty themes, you can show your interests in the types of accessories that you choose."
Even if your typical style is neutral, she said, you can add pops of color anywhere you want.
"You may not want a busy stripe or an especially bright color indoors," Palmersheim said. "But it will look completely different outside of your home.'
The same holds true for metal wall art and special solar lighting.
"If you're afraid to go too elaborate with outdoor furnishings, special lighting and art is an easy and inexpensive way to make a difference," she said.
Plus a person can easily changed things out quickly for a slightly different atmosphere.
"That's the nice thing about design," Palmersheim said. "It's certainly more fun and less serious than decorating the interior of a home."
After all, it's hard to be too serious while chilling by a fire table.
"We spend so much time cooped up inside of houses," Palmersheim said. "That's why having fun out-of-doors can feel so invigorating."
