Outdoor Havens

My Home Ideas

As I sit here writing, I’m thinking about all of the things I need to do to get my patio ready for summer living. Of course, how much outdoor living I do will be determined by the temperature as I live in Jacksonville, Florida. I remember last summer – hot and steamy weather sometimes made the patio off limits. I was disappointed. I like to lounge out there with my tall glass of iced tea (or wine!) and listen to my fountain – my own little refuge. In the spring, I like to grab my breakfsast, a hot cup of coffee and escape out there to be with nature. I can hear the hum of bypassing cars on the highway in the distance - workers scrambling off to work. I’m glad I’m not part of that rat race any longer. I’m now just a home stager waiting for that next big call from a frantic homeowner who can’t sell his home.


Enough rambling…. My purpose in writing about outdoor rooms was to explore some ideas for them. My patio started off with wicker furniture and grew to include a water fountain (I love this), some plants, a fire pit with chairs, and , my favorite thing, my arbor. I am growing a Carolina Jessamine vine on it which is blooming right now. The arbor also provides seating for two. It was an old-fashioned touch I liked. We also included some travertine tile on the floor for a very rustic look. My next project will be to fill the remaining bare wall with some art work. Originally, I wanted to pave the wall with Eldorodo stone, but I think that is going to be too expensive. So I’m looking for some other less expensive options. Maybe I’ll get a potter’s bench to create that rustic garden look. When you think of an outdoor room that you would love to have, what would it have in it? Please feel free to comment. In the meantime, here are some pictures of outdoor rooms I love. They might inspire you like they have inspired me.

House Beautiful

This is like being in someone's living room outside - great conversation areas and a good mix of shapes and textures

Am I at home or at a spa? The wicker and wrought iron create a light airy mood

My Home Ideas

HGTV

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Brick walls really do create a warm and inviting space, don't you think?  I always love to eat in restaurants that have brick walls - love this ambience.

House Beautiful

Did you notice how many of these rooms had fireplaces?  This outdoor room has a monochromatic color scheme which makes it a bit more formal. 

~ Can words describe the fragrance of the very  breath of spring ~ Neltje Blanchon