Category Archives: Outdoor Design Ideas

Looking to spruce up your outdoor living space this Spring in anticipation of entertaining for that high school graduation, engagement party or anniversary celebration? Check out a few unique outdoor items that might just steal the show at your next bash.

Celebrate Mother’s Day in style with a pop of color that will put a smile on Mom’s face every time she takes a seat.

The Grayson dining chairs and table, shown in cream with Paprika fabric, brings an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere to any outdoor space. By Homecrest.

A Rug, Outside? The pros do it. See last week’s post, “Tricks of the Trade,” for more ideas on decorating outside with rugs.

Couristan brings all the elegance of their indoor rugs outside with their latest collection. The Covington motif is fun with timeless design, and the Floral Paisley/Neutrals-Blue color palette is understated.

Outdoor entertaining is a breeze with this teak serving cart. We could see using this table indoors or out!

Barlow Tyrie’s Mercury serving table makes outdoor entertaining a breeze with its ceramic top, two pullout drawers and serving trays, two bottle or condiment holders and positioning wheels. The Marine-grade stainless steel and teak assures it will last for years to come. Available to the trade. Photo courtesy Barlow Tyrie

You’ve designed the outdoor space of your dreams and outfitted it with all the bells and whistles, from an outdoor grilling station and firepit to high-end outdoor furniture. Sure, you’ve got the dream design elements, but how to turn that into an inviting space for entertaining this spring and summer?

“Outdoor spaces can be kind of intimidating,” says designer Brian Patrick Flynn, founder of decordemon.com in an “Ask a Designer” article for The Associated Press. “When you design a room, you have four walls and it’s easy to conceptualize what will fill it. Outside, the possibilities are endless and you don’t really have a sense of scale. The sky goes on forever.”

Here are XX tips to transform your space into the talk of the town:

* Focus on the floor.

“I love the idea of layering little area rugs outside, in an ethnic, Moroccan-y way,” says Los Angeles interior designer Betsy Burnham. “We did it in sort of an American way on a porch in northern Michigan,” she says, “with striped kilim rugs. It made it so intimate out there, and you can sit down on them because it’s not just a cold outdoor surface.” No need to spend a lot, she says: “Pull them from in front of your sink. Be creative with what you already have in your house.”

* Set the mood with lighting.

Don’t assume you have to spend top dollar, and don’t discount low-tech options.

“Candeliers are gorgeous,” says Genevieve Gorder, of HGTV’s “Battle on the Block,” referring to metal racks hung with lots of candles. “So are hurricane lamps, paper lanterns and artificial LED candles. Make it sexy outside and people will be there. You’ll use that space more.”

Another can’t-lose choice, according to Burnham: little white Christmas lights. She wraps a few strands around an olive tree just off her patio to add a soft glow.

* Plants with a Purpose

Let plants create the perfect backdrop. “Use some potted boxwoods,” Burnham suggests, or small potted citrus trees, “and you’ll all of a sudden have this sort of manicured greenery outside.” Also, think color. “Flowers and plants are your paint outside,” says Gorder. She loves geraniums. “They’ll last all year and give that brilliant pop of color.”

Deborah Krasner, author of The New Outdoor Kitchen, shares some practical tips for creating an outdoor environment that “matches our homes in quality, style, performance, and attractiveness,” in a recent article in Elle Decor.

She makes 3 wonderful points we’d like to share, as featured in Elle Decor:

Recognize a Good Area: “Consider choosing the spot that’s neglected and needs the most work: a side yard where the garbage cans are, the place the dog uses most. Areas that need a lot of attention frequently turn out to be the best location. Of course, it should also be on level ground, not too far from existing utilities, big enough for entertaining, offer privacy and a good exposure. Rather than the center of the yard, go off to one side or pick an area that’s tucked away, because if the kitchen becomes the focal point, you won’t have something to look at when you’re there.”

Audition the Area: “Use a portable grill, table, and chairs, even set up torches, and create a temporary space where you can see what it’s like to cook and eat. Note your path to the site, and mark it with powdered lime or a garden hose. See how it feels to transport things there and generally assess the site for its ease and enjoyment. Repeat until you find the best spot.”

Play the Layout: “Even the simplest kitchen needs a place to cook and set food down going on and off the grill, a place to eat and socialize, and some storage. I recommend setting up five zones: hot, cold, wet, dry, and a spot for friends. Each zone should have space on either side and storage, if possible. Even if your “sink” is just a hose, you still need some kind of counter on either side for, say, a colander to rinse off fruits and veggies and maybe soap, and a sponge for washing.The dry zone is the most important because this is where you’ll do food prep. Even if you do most of it inside, you’ll still need a place to set platters, with food and without, down. The dry zone should also have a place for friends to perch and be comfortable. You might just start with a table and an umbrella; when you can spend more, you can do something more elaborate. Bottom line: Even if you only have a grill station, have dedicated prep and serve areas—tables will do.

Want to know where to spend and where to splurge? Unlikely places to find deals on equipment? Check out the “Cooking Up a Kitchen for Al Fresco dining” on PointClickHome.com.

“The Outdoor Living bug” has bit the editors of design publication Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, and we’re loving the fresh-from-market outdoor products they’ve selected for their readers with a well-trained eye.

From hand-blown glass bird feeders to an inexpensive but luxurious-looking lounger from Ikea, here are a few of their favorites finds for the outdoor-minded.

Ammero collection by IKEA, from $169, http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70168369

Illuminated Planters from Design Within Reach, from $375, http://www.dwr.com/category/accessories/collections/illuminated-planters.do

Longing for more inspiration (and the start of spring)? Check out hot outdoor dining sets like the one below on  “A Dozen Designs to Jump-start Spring” on the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles blog.

Metal Heaven through www.kolocollection.com

According to a recent survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), homeowners are still spending on outdoor living, but they are forgoing many of the bells and whistles (think sport courts, showers and outdoor TVs) in favor of focusing on the basics (dining and seating areas, grills, lighting, firepits and fireplaces).

Other outdoor living elements that ranked as popular for 2010, according to ASLA:

Installed seating such as benches, seatwalls, ledges, steps and boulders (90.6 percent)

Weatherized Outdoor Furniture (77 percent)

Counter Space (73.5 percent)

Decorative elements such as ornamental pools, waterfalls, grottos (86 percent)

All projects pictured are by Outdoor Environments. Let us know how we can help you get back to basics, just in time for Spring!

Although Outdoor Environments may be new to the blogosphere, that doesn’t mean we don’t have a list a mile-long of favorite design blogs, Shelter notwithstanding.

Recently, the blog posted a handful of super stylish outdoor dining rooms, ones that would look equally at home indoors! We are fans of the ordinary shed-turned-elegant dining room in this verdant backyard. What a great idea!

via shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

via shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

That being said, your outdoor dining room doesn’t have to have an overly “decorated” feel. Just add a tablecloth from inside, an array of interesting plants in varying heights, and one unexpected element–like the outdoor chandelier–and voila! You’ve got a space that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

via shelterinteriordesign.blogspot.com

Want more inspiration? Check out the post by Shelter, “Dining Out” here.

What are the most important considerations to take into account when designing a screened-in porch? When we look at this image, one of our most recent projects, we’re tempted to say “Comfort,” but the truth is, that is up to the homeowner.

Outdoor Environments’ responsibility comes into play at the very beginning–in the planning stages and in the consult with homeowners. Here are a few preliminary things we suggest they keep in mind:

* Space limitations. Will a screened-in porch take the place of a more functional deck? For those who enjoy reading a book outside on a nice spring day, gardening, entertaining, or grilling, will a screened-in porch leave enough room for your family and friends to enjoy the great outdoors?

As you’ll see below, when space is no object, Outdoor Environments likes to design screened-in porches as well as decks for ancillary usage.

* Keeping the addition consistent with the design and aesthetic of the home. The roof line of your home and the height of its rear windows and doors are also a big factor when adding on a screened-in porch, as this will determine how best to integrate the two.

Want to see more of our work? Check out our Facebook page!

What are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when including a spa deck in your new outdoor landscape? Privacy, for one. Whether it’s a fence, overshadowing trees, or a privacy hedge or screen, it’s important to keep the views of both your home and your neighbors in mind.

Space is another important factor. Hot tubs, spas and their covers take up more space than our clients realize. We like to designing the spa as a “built-in” so your new addition will act like a natural extension of the deck without looking imposing.

Take a look at some examples of Outdoor Environment’s work below:

When you think of adding on a porch, it’s important not to limit the scope of your project. How about a gazebo, a pool house, a garden shed or a playhouse? Outdoor Environments has created many a detached porch for our clients, and with brilliant results for clients who like to think outside the porch.

Take a look at some of our most recent projects with detached porches below.

It’s important to us that each of our creations meets the needs of our clients and the unique layouts of their home. Let us know how you envision using your outdoor space and we’ll design an unforgettable space for your family and friends.

What is the difference between three-season and four-season outdoor rooms? Three-season porches, as the name implies, can be used in as many seasons per year (particularly spring, summer and fall); and although they may be insulated, they are not designed to be heated during winter months. Three-season rooms in theory offer the best of both worlds: Acting as a buffer between your home and your yard, the rooms can be used for everything from curling up by the fire to an exercise room or hot tub. Keep in mind, though, that everything in this room will be exposed to the elements; therefore, all materials must be able to withstand freezing elements.

Check out a few three-season rooms designed by Outdoor Environments below:

Four-season rooms, on the other hand, are more utilitarian; enclosed porches may be used 12 months out of the year and provide comfort during the harsh months of Midwestern winters. These rooms are generally an extension of the home’s architectural style and are as thermally efficient as the rest of the home thanks to insulated glass and wall panels that allow for efficient heating and cooling throughout the year.

Below, find a few examples of four-season additions from Outdoor Environments: