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.

A Garden Reunion

 Over the weekend, my mother-in-law hosted a get together dinner/bbq for my visiting sister, her 4 children, and a dear family friend from NYC.  With a grand total of 7 kids and 5 adults her home became a hub of activity and for the first time since her move we all got to enjoy her outdoor space.  Like her home, the garden is a reflection of  her love for botanicals, with lots of personal touches and ethnic details.  Take a look:

Thank you, Natalia, for having ALL of us over for dinner on a lovely California evening.

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.

So Pinteresting: 7 Fantastic Outdoor Rooms And Tips For Creating Your Own

Even the mildest winter is followed by spring.  It's time to begin thinking about and planning our outdoor spaces.  Whether they're big, small, roof topped or open, outdoor 'rooms' allow you to fully appreciate nature's wonderful perks.  Take a look at 7 very special outdoor spaces and tips for creating your very own.

To see more of our outdoor 'room' click here.

Tips for creating an outdoor room:

1. Define your outdoor space and decorate it as you would your indoor space.  Make the two cohesive.

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

2.  Add lighting.  It can be provided by candles, solar or electric lights.

3.  Have plenty of seating for guests and make it comfortable with pretty cushions and pillows.  Keep a throw handy for chilly nights.

4.  Place small pots on tables and side tables with interesting plants (i.e. succulents or bromeliads).

5.  Don't over accessorize with garden art and sculptures.  Less is more in nature.

6.  Look for affordable garden furniture on Craigslist and at garage/yard  sales.  Remember that you can use indoor furniture as well.

7.  Have designated outdoor plates and glasses.  I keep a basket stocked with napkins, flatware, dishes and candles so that when that spontaneous BBQ happens, I'm quasi ready.

Maybe I should add a flask or two of Gin & Tonics to it...

images: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7