Veranda Rug

Toward the end of last summer, I read an article in the Strib about backyard trends: what was "in" and what was "out."

Tangent: While I understand that there are trends in home decor just as there are in fashion, they strike me as even more stupid. I might drop $30 on a pair of trendy shoes that will be "out" next year, but I'm much more likely to spend more on something that a) has a bit more longevity and 2) that I like regardless of whether it's in. Given that housing projects generally cost exponentially more than shoes (at least, on my budget), I tend to scoff at the idea of making, say, my backyard "trend-right."

Back to this article from last year. I generally enjoy the "House and Garden" section of the Strib (particularly the Greengirls blog -- love them), so this stupid piece might have been a fluke. Among the things that were declared "out" were outdoor rugs. Stop trying to make your backyard look like your living room, the author scolded. Enjoy the grass instead of a rug under your feet.

Um, excuse me, but I've never tried to make my backyard look like my living room. And who the hell puts an oudoor rug on grass? There is a perfect good reason for us to have an outdoor rug: the spot that I romantically refer to as our "veranda" is, in truth a concrete slab. Without some serious help, it's ugly as all get-out. Plus, it's not terribly comfortable on the feet.

Last year, I found a big square of tan indoor/outdoor carpet (if you can call it that -- it felt like plastic) at Lowe's for about $30. Cut to size, it definitely took the edge -- visually and under-foot -- off the concrete. But after leaving it out all winter (my bad -- I really didn't do any pre-winter backyard prep last year. Stupid conversion.), it was pretty mildewed. Plus, even before then (as shown in this photo from last May), it didn't really add much.
So after quite a bit of looking, I found this terrific tan-and-blue one online. It's recycled polypropylene, feels incredibly soft underfoot, and really adds a little something to the erstwhile concrete slab. So much for trends -- thanks anyway, Strib.