In the past, the garden has traditionally been a separate entity, with wrought iron or plastic furniture dotting the landscape in no particular design pattern. Seen as simply a place to have a picnic or, perhaps, read a book on a nice day, attention wasn't given to the fact that the garden is a natural extension of the home.

Today, things have changed, and homeowners are now considering their garden area as simply another room that happens to flow into the outdoors. In fact, great care is often taken to extend the home environment into the garden, integrating the design of the furnishings and expression of the homeowner's personal style to create a comfortable retreat for those who choose to enjoy the benefits of nature.

Let's suppose, for instance, that the furnishings within the interior of your home reflect French styling. A natural way to extend that theme into the garden area is to utilize blue and yellow in the color scheme of the garden furniture. Since this is a reflection of French dcor, as is wrought iron furniture, the transition from interior to exterior will be natural and tasteful.

Stone walkways and patios will re-enforce the French design, offering a sense of European nostalgia to the presentation. Of course, the total design of the garden doesn't consist of mere furniture. Statuary and antiquities can be blended into the overall effect, sealing the lid on the French theme.

Extend the Theme of Your Home

Those whose homes are decorated to provide a bit of the orient in design can also extend the theme through garden furniture and other outdoor accessories. For example, granite and bamboo are natural elements in a classic Japanese theme.

Garden furniture that's constructed using these items and appropriately designed cushions will turn an ordinary garden into a Japanese paradise - particularly if the proper accessories are included. These may include bamboo fountains and/or fences, granite benches and sculptures, rain chains, chimes, arched bridges and, perhaps, a temple garden bell. These and other accessories will add the finishing touches to a beautiful oriental garden and provide a natural extension of the home.

Your Own Italian Villa

If your interior furnishings express an Italian flavor, that, too, can be integrated into the garden furnishings and accessory line. Acacia is often used in the construction of Italian outdoor furniture, and can be purchased in full patio sets, benches, chairs, lounges, trolleys, rockers and decorator items for the garden.

Numerous accessories that are of Italian design will accomplish a total picture, making this outdoor sanctuary reminiscent of a fine Italian villa. Among these are torches, lanterns, iron and glass decorator pieces and pavements or patios which offer Bangkirai wood flooring, to name a few. Floors such as these are available in a variety of designs and patterns, which reflect the Italian dcor.

Regardless of the type of interior furnishings that your home may possess, rest assured that there are options for garden furniture that will blend right in and, in fact, make your personal garden area a true extension of the home environment. While an eclectic garden design was once the "norm," the gardens of today should be consistent with the theme of the home - and a mixture of cultures within the design should be avoided.