Outdoor Living 388 Ideabooks

Get the family away from the electronic devices and into spending quality time together outdoors, inspired by these green spaces dedicated to favorite lawn games. more »

When the weather cooperates, there are few meals more pleasant than those you can enjoy in your own backyard. The fresh air and hot grill have a way of conjuring a vacation mood — even if you are only grilling up a quick weeknight dinner. Get inspired... more »

Pieces from the streets of Philadelphia, inspiration from art nouveau Parisian train stations and barn doors from Amish country come together to connect this historic home to its landscape. Located in Princeton, New Jersey, the property looks as though... more »

Dreaming of making over your patio? Start with a solid foundation. Begin your planning process with this quick guide to patio flooring options — estimate costs, get to know the process and learn which materials are primed for your DIY projects (and... more »

Exterior lighting is just as important as an interior lighting design. Universally designed exterior lighting ensures a smooth transition between indoors and out when the evening rolls in. Well-executed exterior lighting design also makes all the... more »

A pathway is more than just a means of getting from point A to point B; it is a journey. Whether just a few steps to the front door or a meandering trail through a sweeping garden, a journey can be made memorable with one simple design trick: repetition. Repeating... more »

As I look outside today I'm noticing that everything is coated in bright yellowish green, and I'm looking forward to the day that the pollen count dips below 4,000 so I can start cleaning it up and enjoying my outdoor space. If your pollen count is lower... more »

With advance planning and perhaps a few friends to help (bribe them with dinner out), you can make a big difference in your patio in a single weekend. Arranged from fast and easy (hang lanterns, make a repurposed table) to more time- and labor-intensive... more »

Freelance motion designer Philippe Vendrolini works almost exclusively from home, and ideas for a backyard office had always circled through the back of his mind. The addition of two children reduced available workspace in his San Francisco home and increased... more »

Dogs and outdoor spaces go together naturally. But with their penchant for digging holes, carving runway paths worthy of an international airport and eating plants, some dogs can wreak havoc on landscape design. Knowing what some of the most common problems... more »

Presented with a blank slate at the back of their house, Australian architects Dominic and Marie Bagnato decided to create an outdoor wonderland for their family. Having a playful... more »

In spring it's time to get outside and enjoy your patio. So make the most of your space without a huge investment of time or money by planting, scrubbing and accessorizing your way to a renewed outdoor room. From the free (rearranging furniture)... more »

Having trouble with animals straying into your garden? The 18th-century English gentry had the perfect answer to protecting their manicured lawns from marauding sheep or cattle — the sunken ditch, or ha-ha. The ha-ha — named for the surprise a person... more »

Companion planting simply means that some plants can, and should, be planted together to create a beautiful and healthy garden. When choosing companion plants for your roses, opt for ones that have the same sun and water requirements first, and then choose... more »

When spring arrives it's time to dream about the perfect outdoor space, one that can host both big-time barbecues and quiet afternoons with your favorite summer read. No matter what purpose you want your outdoor room to serve, consider topping a portion... more »