Level Up Your Outdoor Living: A Guide to Patio Furniture and Accessories Selection

Choosing the perfect patio furniture and accessories can transform your outdoor space into a welcoming oasis where you can relax, entertain, and bask in the beauty of nature. Whether you have a sprawling garden retreat or a cozy balcony, the right furniture and accessories can enhance your outdoor experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process of selecting patio furniture and accessories that align with your style, comfort preferences, and maintenance needs, catering to various budgets along the way.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Patio Furniture

Durability:

Opt for materials that can withstand the elements. Weather-resistant options like aluminum, teak, and all-weather wicker are excellent choices. Check for rust-resistant coatings and UV-resistant finishes to ensure longevity.

Style and Aesthetics:

Select furniture that complements your personal style and the overall theme of your outdoor space. Choose from modern, traditional, rustic, or eclectic designs to create a cohesive and visually pleasing environment.

Comfort:

Prioritize comfort with well-cushioned seating and ergonomic designs. Test the furniture in person, if possible, to ensure it meets your comfort expectations.

Maintenance:

Consider the amount of upkeep required. Low-maintenance materials like aluminum and resin are easy to clean, while wood may need periodic staining or sealing.

Types of Patio Furniture and Accessories

Seating Options:

• Lounge Chairs and Chaise Lounges: Perfect for sunbathing or relaxing with a book.

• Outdoor Sofas and Sectionals: Ideal for creating inviting seating areas for socializing.

• Benches and Swings: Provide a charming touch and additional seating.

Dining Sets:

• Dining Tables and Chairs: Essential for outdoor meals and gatherings.

• Bar Sets: Create a casual and elevated entertaining space.

Shade Solutions:

• Umbrellas: Provide adjustable shade over seating or dining areas.

• Pergolas and Gazebos: Add architectural elegance while offering shade and protection.

Accessories:

• Cushions and Pillows: Enhance comfort and style with outdoor-friendly fabrics.

• Outdoor Rugs: Define spaces and add a cozy touch.

• Planters and Greenery: Bring life to your patio with potted plants and flowers.

Patio Furniture and Accessories on a Budget

Budget-Friendly Picks:

• Opt for aluminum or plastic furniture, which is affordable and lightweight.

• Choose simpler designs that still offer comfort and functionality.

Upcycling and DIY:

• Give new life to old furniture with a fresh coat of paint or new cushions.

• Explore DIY projects like creating your own outdoor table or repurposing items.

Seasonal Sales and Secondhand Options:

• Look for end-of-season sales or clearance events for discounted items.

• Consider purchasing secondhand furniture that can be spruced up with a little TLC.

Patio furniture and accessories play a pivotal role in shaping your outdoor haven. By carefully considering factors such as durability, style, comfort, and maintenance, you can curate a space that reflects your personality while harmonizing with your outdoor environment. Whether you're aiming for a cozy nook on a budget or a luxurious outdoor retreat, the right patio furniture and accessories will ensure that your outdoor space becomes a cherished extension of your home, where you can create lasting memories and savor the beauty of the great outdoors.

Improvements for your home in the Villages ® Florida

If you are looking to add comfort, value, style, and protection to your home, look no further than the experts at Authority Home Solutions. As Florida’s #1 awning supplier and installer, we pride ourselves on helping homeowners enjoy both their indoor and outdoor spaces more while saving money. Contact us today to schedule a free demonstration and find out how we have been helping homeowners in the Villages, Ocala, Leesburg, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas to save money in style and comfort!

Lighting Your Outdoor Escape: Unveiling the Beauty of Patio Lighting

Outdoor lighting has the remarkable ability to transform a regular patio into an enchanting haven, enhancing its allure and making it usable long after the sun sets. Whether you're aiming to create a cozy retreat for relaxation, an elegant space for entertaining, or a safe environment for nighttime activities, the right lighting techniques and fixtures can achieve these goals. In this guide, we'll delve into the captivating possibilities of outdoor lighting for patios, exploring various techniques and fixtures that seamlessly merge ambiance, functionality, and safety, ensuring your patio's charm remains constant from day to night.

Lighting Techniques to Elevate Your Patio

• Layered Lighting: Master the art of layering with a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting. This technique allows you to sculpt the atmosphere and adapt the patio's illumination to suit different occasions, from relaxed evenings to vibrant gatherings.

• Moonlighting: Place fixtures high in trees or pergolas to mimic the soft glow of moonlight filtering through foliage. This creates a dreamy and tranquil ambiance that's perfect for unwinding.

• Silhouetting and Shadowing: Position lights behind statues, plants, or architectural elements to cast dramatic shadows, adding depth and intrigue to your patio's visual appeal.

• Cross Lighting: Flank an object, such as a sculpture or focal point, with lights from different angles to showcase its textures and contours, drawing attention to its unique details.

Outdoor Lighting Fixtures to Set the Mood

• String Lights: Drape string lights across your patio to evoke a warm and inviting atmosphere reminiscent of an outdoor café. These lights are versatile and can be hung along pergolas, fences, or even intertwined with trees.

• Lanterns and Torches: Add a touch of rustic charm with lanterns and torches that provide a soft, flickering glow. These portable options offer flexibility in placement and style.

• Recessed Lighting: Install recessed lights on the patio ceiling or under overhangs to create a clean and polished look. These lights offer unobtrusive illumination and can be controlled to set the desired mood.

• Pathway Lights: Guide your guests safely with pathway lights along walkways and steps. These fixtures contribute to both safety and aesthetics, defining the boundaries of your outdoor space.

Safety and Security with Outdoor Lighting

• Motion-Activated Lights: Deter unwanted visitors and create a sense of security by incorporating motion-activated lights. These fixtures instantly illuminate when movement is detected.

• Step and Deck Lights: Prevent trips and falls by installing step and deck lights. These low-level lights are essential for marking changes in elevation and ensuring safe movement around the patio.

• Well-Lit Boundaries: Illuminate the edges of your patio and its perimeters to prevent accidents and create a well-defined, visually appealing outdoor space.

• Smart Lighting Solutions: Explore the world of smart lighting, which allows you to control your patio's illumination remotely through smartphone apps or voice commands. Set schedules, adjust brightness, and even change colors to suit different occasions.

Outdoor lighting for patios is a captivating art that harmoniously blends aesthetics, function, and safety. By experimenting with various lighting techniques and fixtures, you can craft a mesmerizing atmosphere that adapts to your desires, turning your patio into a captivating sanctuary where daytime bliss seamlessly flows into nighttime enchantment. Illuminate your outdoor escape, and relish in the magic of a patio that comes alive under the spellbinding dance of light.

Improvements for your home in the Villages ® Florida

If you are looking to add comfort, value, style, and protection to your home, look no further than the experts at Awning Authority. As Florida’s #1 awning supplier and installer, we pride ourselves on helping homeowners enjoy both their indoor and outdoor spaces more while saving money. Contact us today to schedule a free demonstration and find out how we have been helping homeowners in the Villages, Ocala, Leesburg, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas to save money in style and comfort!

Transform Your Outdoor Space with Creative Crafts on Your Own!

If you love do-it-yourself projects and want to spruce up your outdoor living space, DIY patio projects are the perfect way to unleash your creativity and add a personal touch to your patio. In this guide, we'll walk you through step-by-step instructions and creative ideas for building a patio from scratch, crafting unique furniture pieces, and constructing pergolas and shade structures. These projects will not only enhance your patio's aesthetics but also provide a sense of accomplishment and pride in your handiwork.

Building a Patio from Scratch

Creating a patio from scratch is a rewarding project that adds value and functionality to your outdoor space. Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1: Plan and Design: Determine the size and location of your patio. Mark the area and draft a layout on paper. Consider factors like sun exposure, drainage, and accessibility.

Step 2: Prepare the Site: Clear the designated area of vegetation and debris. Level the ground and create a solid base using crushed stone and compact it properly.

Step 3: Lay the Foundation: Install paver base panels or pour a concrete slab as the foundation. Ensure it is level and evenly graded.

Step 4: Lay Pavers: Lay the pavers in your desired pattern, leaving small gaps for joint sand. Use a rubber mallet to level the pavers.

Step 5: Add Joint Sand: Fill the gaps between the pavers with joint sand and compact it using a broom. This will secure the pavers in place and prevent weed growth.

Step 6: Seal the Pavers (Optional): If you used concrete pavers, consider applying a sealer to protect them from stains and enhance their appearance.

Crafting Unique Furniture Pieces:

Personalized furniture pieces can add character and charm to your patio. Here's a creative idea for crafting a custom outdoor bench:

DIY Outdoor Bench:

Materials Needed:

• 2x4 lumber (pressure-treated for outdoor use)

• Screws

• Waterproof wood glue

• Weather-resistant wood stain or paint

• Outdoor cushions (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Measure and Cut: Measure and cut the 2x4 lumber into the desired lengths for the bench legs, seat, and backrest.

Step 2: Assemble the Frame: Attach the legs to the seat and backrest using screws and waterproof wood glue. Ensure everything is square and sturdy.

Step 3: Add Support: Install additional 2x4 pieces underneath the seat for added support.

Step 4: Sand and Finish: Sand the bench to smooth out any rough edges. Apply a weather-resistant wood stain or paint in your preferred color.

Step 5: Optional: Add outdoor cushions for extra comfort and style.

Constructing Pergolas and Shade Structures

A pergola or shade structure can create an inviting and shaded area for your patio. Follow these steps to build a simple wooden pergola:

DIY Wooden Pergola:

Materials Needed:

• 4x4 posts (pressure-treated)

• 2x6 beams and rafters

• Screws

• Concrete mix (optional)

• Post anchors (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Measure and Mark: Measure and mark the location for your pergola. Dig holes for the posts if you are not using post anchors.

Step 2: Install the Posts: Set the 4x4 posts in the ground or secure them using post anchors. Use a level to ensure they are plumb and secure.

Step 3: Add Beams and Rafters: Attach the 2x6 beams across the top of the posts, ensuring they are level. Then, attach the 2x6 rafters perpendicular to the beams, evenly spaced.

Step 4: Optional: Pour concrete into the post holes for extra stability.

Step 5: Stain or Paint: Apply a weather-resistant wood stain or paint to protect the pergola from the elements.

Doing it on your own!

With these exciting and rewarding DIY patio projects, you can transform your outdoor space into a personalized and inviting oasis. Building a patio from scratch, crafting unique furniture pieces, and constructing pergolas and shade structures will not only enhance the beauty of your patio but also provide a sense of satisfaction in creating something with your own hands. So, roll up your sleeves and embark on these projects to make your patio a true reflection of your creativity and style.

If you are looking to add comfort, value, style, and protection to your home, look no further than the experts at Awning Authority. As Florida’s #1 awning supplier and installer, we pride ourselves on helping homeowners to enjoy both their indoor and outdoor spaces more while saving money. Contact us today to schedule a free demonstration and find out how we have been helping homeowners in the Villages, Ocala, Leesburg, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas to save money in style and comfort!

Protecting Your Home with Retractable Solar-Powered Window Awnings

Many homes in Florida have been upgraded with more efficient windows to help with energy costs. With these modern, more efficient window designs, solar gain is still a problem in warm climates. Solar gain refers to the increased heat of an object or structure as a result of absorbed solar radiation. In cool weather, this solar gain can help warm you indoors, but in the warm climate we have come to expect throughout most of the year in Florida, it can make the indoors feel downright uncomfortable. Air conditioners work so much harder, as our electric bills climb so much higher. We have a solution for you, and we are excited to share that we are now providing and installing retractable solar-powered window awnings! You are going to love these features!

Solar-Powered

Retractable solar-powered window awnings require no electrical hook-up. Since these window awnings are powered by the sun, which we have in abundance here in Florida, they are free to operate! You can enjoy the shade and protection from harmful UV rays, knowing you are also saving money and reducing energy usage. 

Retractable and Automatic

In the event of heavy winds, retractable solar-powered window awnings will retract automatically to protect your investment. The awning sensors also detect when the sun is setting, or the weather is getting cooler, and they automatically retract! This helps to preserve the energy of your solar-power charge.

Fully Customizable

Like the other high-quality awnings we offer at Authority Home Solutions, solar-powered window awnings can be customized to fit the size of your window and the overall look of your home. With hundreds of cassette colors and fabric swatches to choose from, you are sure to find a combination that will complement your home. 

At Authority Home Solutions, we are excited to share new products with our customers. We are passionate about helping homeowners to save money and enjoy their homes both inside and out! As Central Florida’s #1 awning and storm protection company, you can expect superior products, installation, and customer service.  We have been helping homeowners in the Villages, Ocala, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas to create safe, beautiful outdoor spaces that add protection and value to homes. As a SunSetter authorized dealer, we are happy to help provide you with the highest quality products and service. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!

How Can A Retractable Awning Help Me Reach My Goals in 2023?

It’s that time of year again! With a renewed sense of purpose and hope, you start the year ready to tackle new goals and projects. Did you know that adding a retractable awning to your home can help you reach your goals in 2023? Whether you are planning on saving money, connecting with family and friends more often, or improving your overall health, retractable awnings can help you reach that goal.

Saving Money

With costs soaring on many of our most basic needs, saving money on your electric bill can be especially helpful. With a retractable awning, you can reduce cooling costs in your home by up to 50%. In addition to that, your small investment will also help reduce wear and tear on your patio furniture and add value to your home!

Connecting With People

Connecting with friends and family is so important. If you hope to spend more time with loved ones in 2023, a retractable awning can add additional living space to your home. This added space is the perfect place to host dinners, game nights, and other events. Not only will you be able to host more people, but you will also have the great outdoors to provide the perfect scenery. 

Investing in Your Health

If your health is becoming a greater priority in 2023, you might be surprised by how much a retractable awning can help. Awnings block 90% of the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends retractable awnings to help reduce your risk of developing skin cancer while still enjoying your outdoor spaces. Creating this additional, protected space for your home allows you to exercise, garden, and nurture new hobbies in your beautiful outdoor oasis. Who knew that becoming an awning owner could help your physical and mental health?  

Happy New Year from Central Florida’s #1 retractable awning supplier and installer. At Authority Home Solutions, we have been helping homeowners in the Villages, Ocala, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas to create safe, beautiful outdoor spaces that add protection and value to homes. As a SunSetter authorized dealer, we are happy to help provide you with the highest quality products and service. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation! We look forward to helping you start the year off with an investment you are sure to love! 

Enjoying Your Spaces with Motorized Garage Door Screens

The home garage has so many uses. Whether you are taking on a car repair, spending time in your garage workshop, creating storage, working out, doing laundry, or entertaining friends, your garage can be a more comfortable space for you and your family. With a motorized garage door screen, you can enjoy the flexible space of your garage with the touch of a button!

Cooler

Having a motorized garage door screen installed will block 97% of the sun’s damaging UV rays that reach your garage. This means cooler temperatures and safer conditions for you and your family. The garage door screen blocks the sun’s rays while still allowing airflow for maximum comfort. 

Keeping Harsh Weather Outdoors

If your garage is housing cars, bikes, golf carts, or house storage, consider protecting these items from the elements. You can work and spend time in your garage during harsher weather as the weave of the motorized garage door screen protects the inside of your garage from debris and rain. 

Pests Aren’t Welcome

Don’t let spiders, mosquitos, and other annoying pests interfere with your garage space. The motorized garage door screen keeps pests out, saving you from bites, stings, and pest control costs.

Privacy

Motorized garage door screens allow you to create privacy for your space without sacrificing visibility and airflow. With the touch of a button, you can transform your garage into a private space for working out and entertaining without the worry of passersby judging your Zumba skills. 

At Authority Home Solutions we help home and business owners to love their outdoor spaces again. For over ten years we have been providing the Villages, Ocala, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas with beautiful and functional retractable awnings, storm protection, and motorized garage screen doors. We are a SunSetter authorized dealer with exceptional customer service and installation. Contact us today to schedule a free demonstration of our high-quality SunSetter retractable awnings, EasyShades, or motorized garage door screens.

SunSetter’s EasyShades: Comfort and Protection with the Touch of a Button

When searching for high-quality, fully customizable retractable awnings SunSetter’s products are truly unmatched. Did you know that America’s number one awning company also makes retractable and customizable shades that blend seamlessly into your home’s outdoor spaces? SunSetter’s EasyShades can protect your home and your family with the simple touch of a button. 

Creating Comfortable Outdoor Spaces

Retractable awnings and EasyShades block 90% of the sun's rays. With the touch of a button, you can protect yourself and your family from damaging UV rays and intense heat. Both products also greatly reduce cooling costs in your home as well. EasyShades are especially useful to home and business owners that want additional privacy for their outdoor spaces. EasyShades create privacy without sacrificing light and a view of your surroundings. 

Keeping Pests Away

Florida is no stranger to pesky bugs and wildlife. Don’t let mosquitos, flies, gnats, beetles, and other pests keep you from enjoying your private outdoor oasis. With SunSetter’s EasyShades you can host outdoors while keeping pests and wildlife outside of your patio, balcony, porch, or lanai. 

Protection from Harsh Weather

With SunSetter’s EasyShades you can count on cooler temperatures and privacy, but how do they hold up in Florida’s harshest weather? Homeowners spend millions each year to repair their homes from the damage of hurricanes and harsh weather conditions. With EasyShades you can have peace of mind knowing that with the touch of a button your EasyShades can protect your home and outdoor spaces from flying debris, wind, and rain. EasyShades are designed to withstand Category 5, 200 mph winds. EasyShades are made with a kevlar mesh storm shield, making them tear and puncture-resistant. The protection level is comparable to aluminum shutters, but EasyShades allow light to pass through. EasyShades are both Miami- Dade, and Villages community approved. 

When choosing products from America’s best awning company, you can count on Florida’s best professional awning installation company! As an authorized SunSetter provider, Authority Home Solutions has been transforming outdoor spaces into safer and more comfortable places. For over ten years we have been serving the Villages, Ocala, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas. We are passionate about providing retractable awnings and storm protection that you can rely on. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Don’t Lose Your Cool This Summer

As Florida’s temperatures continue to climb towards summer, it can be challenging to keep your home cool. Achieving a comfortable temperature indoors is possible, even in the hottest summer months. Here are a few small investments and changes you can make to your home that are sure to help you keep your cool this summer.

Fans

Install ceiling fans in the rooms that you and your family use most often. Operate your fan counterclockwise on the warmest days to draw cooler air upwards. 

Window Treatments and Shades

Block some of the intense heat reaching your indoor spaces with blinds, curtains, and SunSetter EasyShades. EasyShades are installed on the outside of your home’s windows and block 90% of sun, wind, and mist. They will help guard your home against intense heat and glare, resulting in lower cooling costs, greater comfort, and decreased fading of carpet and furniture. 

Trees

While it may take a few years to fully reap the rewards of this solution, consider planting more trees around the outside of your home. Trees will help reduce the amount of heat reaching your home through the ceiling and windows. 

Cooking Outdoors

Get the grill going and keep the heat outside. The kitchen can generate a lot of heat when the oven and stove are in use. Try opting to grill outside more often this summer to keep your kitchen from warming up your entire house. 

AC Maintenance

Remember to keep up with the care and maintenance of your HVAC system. With proper maintenance your air conditioner will run more efficiently, keeping you comfortable, and your cooling costs lower. 

Retractable Awnings

According to the Professional Awnings Manufacturers Association (PAMA), awnings can reduce annual cooling costs by more than 25% compared to those with unshaded windows. Installing a retractable awning to your home will provide you with a smart and stylish way to extend your outdoor spaces while keeping your home and outdoor guests cooler. 

For over ten years, Authority Home Solutions  has been keeping Florida families and homes cool! Our dedication to quality products, expert installation, and friendly customer service has made us the #1 awning and shade installation company in The Villages, Ocala, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Light Up the Night Under Your Sunsetter Awning

When you invest in the outdoor space of your dreams, you want to spend as much time there as possible. Thanks to SunSetter’s energy-efficient dimming LED lights, you can do just that. Imagine spending evenings under your beautiful awning entertaining, cooking, and relaxing with LED lights that attach right to the arms of your awning.

SunSetter’s energy-efficient dimming LED lights never have to be taken down during awning operation. They attach directly to the arms of your awning and are controlled using a multi-channel remote control. The remote turns the light on and off, but also allows you to set the mood using the dimmer switch feature for soft or brighter illumination. If you have a motorized awning, your remote will operate both your awning and your lights, with the quality you have come to expect from both SunSetter Awnings and Somfy motors.  

Your SunSetter LED lights are custom-made to the exact size required for your specific awning model. The lights come equipped with an 18-foot power cord that plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet. It also includes a waterproof transformer box that converts 110 volts to 12 volts, helping you to conserve energy. SunSetter’s lights are designed to match your awning hardware, illuminate your space perfectly, and save energy! 

At Authority Home Solutions, we are proud to be your #1 local SunSetter and Sunbrella authorized supplier. We are locally owned and operated and have been serving Ocala, the Villages, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas for over ten years. We offer unmatched customer service and installation quality and would love to schedule a free consultation for you. Contact us today so you can experience outdoor living with the protection, durability, and beauty of SunSetter’s retractable awnings and accessories. We look forward to making evenings spent under your awning, a time to remember.

SunSetter’s Manual Lateral Retractable Awning Models

With SunSetter retractable awnings, you can affordably create the outdoor space of your dreams. With so many models to choose from, it is important that you select the model that is right for you and your home. The Sunsetter Manual Lateral Model is a non-motorized version of lateral arm style retractable awnings. If the convenience of a motorized awning is not for you, you can opt for this non-motorized version to create a protective outdoor getaway for you and your family. Sunsetter’s Manual Awnings include the beautiful and convenient features that you have come to expect from any quality SunSetter product. 

Quality SunSetter Features

 Manual Operation

SunSetter Manual awnings open and close in less than a minute, using a hand-cranked gear mechanism. 

Lateral Arm Technology

Lateral Arm technology gives your retractable awning the support it needs without the inconvenience of vertical supports taking up precious space in the outer corners of your deck or patio. 

Quality Construction

SunSetter’s Manual Lateral Awnings feature rust-proof, high-quality aluminum components. A baked-on finish also adds to the durability of its components.

Maximum Protection

You can always count on all of the SunSetter awning models to provide you with protection from the hot sun, UV rays, and light rain showers. Even on the hottest Florida days, you can count on temperatures to be up to 20 degrees cooler under your SunSetter awning. SunSetter’s UV protection earned it a recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation. 

Features at a Glance: 

Manual Lateral Model:

• Up to 10 ft. 2 in. protection out from the house. 

• Widths from 8 to 18ft. are available in SunSetter woven acrylic or laminated fabric.

Manual Operation:

Manual hand crank (included). Operates from the right side of the awning, as you are facing the house.

Your Local SunSetter Authorized Dealer 

You can count on the quality care, installation, and customer service of Authority Home Solutions.  For over 10 years we have been providing residents in Ocala, the Villages, Gainesville, and the surrounding areas with their own outdoor oasis. We would love to help you determine which SunSetter awning model will work best for your home and needs. Contact us today for a free demonstration.