In the south, the patio has been a tradition and a staple of social life for nearly 10 decades. There's a good deal of discussion about the social reasons for this fact, but it seems that the only real explanation for this southern tradition is simply a love for pleasant, comfortable social spaces.
One can easily point to the fact that the southern climate, easy going lifestyle, and relaxed pace has encouraged the institution known as the patio, but it would be an oversimplification and a reductive analysis to say that these three broad social generalizations make up what it means to have and enjoy a terrace.
If one is interested in making a southern style patio, or interested in enjoying a veranda they already have in a characteristically southern manner, one needs to realize that there are no guidelines and there is no simple methodology that one can point in order to enjoy their terrace to the utmost. In keeping with the southern way of life, one must simply feel out the patio way of life.
For the scientific minded, one can imagine that enjoying or building a terrace is a phenomenological endeavor- that is, its a project that needs to be felt on an experiential level. Like drinking a mint julep or going for Sunday drive, enjoying a veranda must be felt for it to be understood. The three staples to the terrace experience are easily defined and delineated: they are relaxation, good company, and plenty of free time.
The simplest of these three is finding time. It should be clear to anyone with a busy job (which is so many of us, these days) that finding a decent amount of free time is easier said that done. While surely on most weekdays the necessity of sitting down and getting work done takes precedence over relaxation, there is no doubt that the fastest way to enjoying the terrace in a southern fashion is to squeeze those free moments of the day into classic down-South relaxation out on your patio. But how do you find the time? Well, the simplest way is to take a few hours out of your weekend to relax on the veranda. If you can get a feel for this aspect of your house in a laid back and relaxed manner you will start to understand the essence of this very southern home addition.
Second, once you have a decent feel for your terrace, you can officially christen it by bringing over your friends and your extended family over to enjoy a nice relaxing afternoon and evening on your new home addition. Of course, there are no specific rules to hanging back and enjoying time on your veranda, the only thing you need to ensure is that everyone is welcome and has a good time. In true southern style, that relaxed ethos is the only true rule involved.
Thirdly, you need to know how to relax. Is there a formula to relaxing on your down-South style patio? No, not quite. There is no guidebook or ten commandments to follow- relaxation are as natural, and as indefinable as life- it needs to be lived.
So sit back, relax and enjoy your time on your terrace. The less you worry about the style and function of your patio, the more style and the more functional you'll find your patio being. Take a break, lean back, and invite some friends over to your patio- it's the southern way.
Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent of LifeStyle Builders. The new home contractor provides new home construction throughout the Richmond Virginia area. For more information on their New Homes Richmond Virginia please visit their website
Painting A French Door
No comments:
Post a Comment