Rather than explaining how I refurbished another piece of household furniture for my Outdoor Living Contractor Nashville as I did in Parts One and Two, this article will serve more as a conclusion to the series by explaining my motivation for these projects and the first two articles. Let's face it, it is probably questionable why someone who sells new patio furniture and garden accessories online would advocate restoring old furniture as re-invented patio items. The reason is twofold.

One, I am by nature an eclectic who believes that the old and the new can not only live side by side but also be aesthetically pleasing, complimenting and complementing each other.Outdoor Living Area Design Nashville In this way the homeowner has the opportunity to be imaginative, individual and unique. Why should the patio not be a good area to place one's stamp of personal taste and creativity?

Two, I believe in saving money wherever possible. Since, in many cases the outdoor living area of most homeowners, which may include a patio, deck, pool, play area, garden and landscaping, is often the last piece of the puzzle in the creation of a dream home. As a result that creation may come at a time when finances are running low. Restoring old items to blend with new patio furniture can save money because fewer new items will need to be purchased.

A little personal history that dates back almost fifty years to my childhood on my parents' farm will add insight to my reasoning on this matter. When I was twelve years old my mother decided she wanted a new set of living room furniture. The old set had been there since before I was born and it was not new when purchased. That set included a couch and two chairs. They had high backs and high sides with oak trim along the arms which needed refinishing. The wine-red material was some form of synthetic, probably a nylon blend with raised areas in a paisley pattern. To my mother it was old-fashioned and needed replacing.

I, on the other hand, loved that stuff and enjoyed the way I could curl up in it and have it wrap around me. Never the less, new furniture was purchased and the old went to the dump. The new furniture was modern and attractive but not the same. About ten years later, I purchased a similar chair at a garage sale for $25.00 then restored the oak trim and re-upholstered it for $250.00 in high quality navy Dacron. It was beautiful, it was comfortable and after thirty years it still sits in the living room alongside a few new pieces.

My mother's decision to rid herself of what she thought had devolved into junk probably planted the seed of my love for mixing restoration projects with new pieces to create a unique look that reflected my personal taste. It was a seed that sprouted later with that chair and has grown steadily since.

My years at university studying literature further developed my interest in the arts, architecture and timeless classical styles that compliment new quality designs. As the first two articles in this series indicate, I am still looking for ways to restore and re-invent old items, now with a focus on enhancing patio design and outdoor living. Buy some new quality pieces to be sure but always look for ways to save money and add interest with restored classics.