10 Inspiring Outdoor Spaces And Tips On How To Create Your Own

Now that warmer temperatures are upon us, it's time to work on outdoor spaces that are as comfortable and inviting as your indoors are.  Sharing a few of my favorites:  some created for entertaining summer gatherings and others designed for moments of solitude.  Ideally, wouldn't it be great to have both?!  

Check them out and take a look below for tips on creating your own:  

1. Define your outdoor space and decorate it as you would your indoor space.  Strive to make the two blend and be cohesive.

2.  Create privacy with large plants, billowing curtains or natural screens.

2.  Add lighting.  It can consists of candles, solar or electric lights.

3.  Have plenty of comfortable seating for guests.  Provide pretty cushions, pillows, etc.  Keep cozy throws handy for those chilly nights.

4.  Bring your indoor plants outside.  Mix them with classic annuals or exotic perennials to add interest and depth to your container garden.  

5.  Don't over accessorize with garden sculptures and tchotkes.  In nature, less is definitely more.

6.  Look for unique garden furniture on Craigslist and/or garage, yard sales and flea markets.  Keep in mind that sometimes indoor furniture also works well outdoors.

7.  Forego the fire pit for a full on fireplace. 

8.  Add a swing if that is a possibility.  Children and adults alike get enjoyment out of them.

9.  Paint and exterior door a funky color to liven things up.

10.   Have designated plates and glasses for outdoor use.  I keep a basket stocked with napkins, flatware, dishes and candles.  When that spontaneous BBQ springs out of nowhere, I'm quasi ready.  Hmmm, maybe I should add a flask or two of G&Ts to it...

Images: 1./2./3./4./5./6./7./8./9./10.

Before And After: A Renter's Garden & Tips On Creating One

Almost every time I drop by to see my mother-in-law, Natalia,  I feel drawn into her garden.  It's full of personality just like the rest of her home.   Granted,  she rents, but that doesn't stop her from transforming the small outdoor space into her own private haven.  Since she has been a passionate gardener for most of her life, finding a rental with an outdoor area was of the utmost importance.  When she first moved into the cottage (almost 2 years ago), its small yard was lifeless, barren and depressing.   Now it's slowly becoming verdant (drought permitting) and alive.  Utilizing lots of ceramic pots, a wide array of plants and a few interesting accents she has managed to extend the indoors out.  I asked Natalia to give us a few pointers on creating an inviting outdoor space as a renter.  She shares them below.

1.   Use pots to display the more interesting, pricier plants.  If or when you decided to move, you can take them with you wherever life takes you.

2.   Mix plant materials that are compatible with each other visually and physiologically, i.e. requiring the same amount of shade or sunlight and degrees of humidity or dryness.

3.   Whenever possible use plants indigenous to your geographical zone for ecological reasons or exotic plants that would thrive in your climate.

4.   Don't be afraid to use flea market finds such as mirrors or chandeliers to add whimsy and character to your outdoor space.

5.   Repurpose accessories from previous homes.  The guardian angel plaque has accompanied me through my last 5 moves[!!]

6.   Do plant things in the ground, especially if they will enhance the appearance of your rental.  I am in love with the Pampas grass I planted in the front of the cottage.  It wasn't expensive and it added movement and softness to the rigidity of the containers around it.

7.   Create seating or lounging areas that will encourage you to spend time outdoors, whether it's reading, meditating or just sipping good wine.

8.   Attract bees, hummingbirds and butterflies to your little corner of the world by choosing flowers and shrubs that welcome life and color to it.

9.   If your outdoor space is limited, utilize walls and fences as backdrops for vertical gardens.  Dramatic and showy, they provide great focal points.

10.  Be patient (mind you, not MY best quality).  The drought, or the floods, or the bug infestations will pass, and your garden, albeit rented, will eventually live up to your initial visions for it.

Sunday Supper With Michael Aram Designs And A Reader Giveaway!

This weekend, Alex and I hosted a Sunday supper for a few friends.  While he did most of the cooking, I set a seasonal table with Michael Aram's fine paperware, melamine dishes and serving pieces.   The leaf patterns and woodgrain textures of the Fig Leaf Collection provided the perfect setting for a late afternoon autumn dinner.  Take a look at our gathering and find out below how you can win your very own Michael Aram Madhouse collection for your next dinner party.

Enter to win a Michael Arams Fig Leaf serving tray and coordinating paper dishes by doing 3 simple things:

1.  Visit the Madhouse site here and check out his amazing collection.

2.  Comment below on how you would use it should you be the winnner.

3.  Lastly, visit Madhouse’s Facebook page and give it a like.  If you haven’t already liked Cocoon’s FB page do so here.

Contest ends Friday November 15th!

7 Cool Outdoor Spaces And Tips On Creating Your Own

Outdoor spaces can expand your everyday living experience.  Creating one, whether it's large or small offers you extra square footage and the opportunity to enjoy the longer days of spring, summer and at times, fall.   We're in the process of creating an additional one like this in our front yard.  Can't wait to show you what we've done. Until then, here are a few tips on how to chisel out one of your very own:

For more ideas check out Cocoon's Botanical And Outdoor inspiration board on Pinterest.

Images: 1./2./3./4./5./6./7.

Out And About: Indian Springs, Calistoga

This week's Out And About features a new favorite place to be, Indian Springs in Calistoga. Alex and I soaked in its mineral rich waters over the weekend and hope to do it again soon.  I particularly loved how the historical structures (built in 1812) that make up Indian Springs are accented with contemporary touches, such as Fatboy hammocks, bridging the past into modern day chillaxing.  Take a look at some images from our stay:

Many thanks to Alex's mom (Babik) for watching the kids so that we could spend time alone reacquainting ourselves with just one of California's many natural wonders.  Next time we're all going!