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Backyard Bliss: Conjure a Global Oasis Outdoors
Even if your summer vacation takes you no farther than the pool, you can create a getaway feel for your backyard, patio or balcony
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Enjoy your yard like you'd enjoy a resort this summer. If you can't afford to get to Thailand or Spain, transform your backyard to bring those countries to you. A small garden, patio, loggia, porch, balcony or deck can all take on an international look. Here are three ways to get started.
- Close your eyes, spin the globe and stop it with your finger. If it lands somewhere like Antarctica, spin again.
- Take out the photos from a favorite trip and remember which elements made you feel like you were on vacation.
- Decide if any of the outdoor spaces below strike your fancy and copy what you like about them.
| Designer Supon Phornirunlit looks for inspiration on his world travels. A Thai hotel lobby's reflecting pool inspired him to lose his high-maintenance plant collection on his deck in Washington, D.C., and replace it with a shallow pool. He created a relaxing Far East atmosphere by gathering inexpensive umbrellas, chairs and elephants from Pier 1 Imports and Ikea. See the rest of this home |
The Moroccan outdoor lifestyle is all about sun protection and lounging. Rich local textiles bring color and softness to sandy stucco and rattan.
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One big piece of furniture can inspire the rest of your patio, porch or yard. This Asian outdoor daybed must be the most popular spot at this home. I'd take all my naps out here and dream of Bora Bora.
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Earthy colors on the walls and beneath your feet create a Tuscan base, while potted plants, particularly citrus trees and herbs, create an edible container garden. Add a table and chairs and enjoy drinking Italian wine outside.
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| There may not be a view of minarets beyond these arches, but the kilim pillows and rugs used throughout this second-story covered terrace whisk visitors away to Turkey. |
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Traditional Chinese garden stools in blue and white bring China to Philadelphia. Designer Leslie Hayes has cleverly grouped a trio of them together to form a base for a glass-top table.
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| Remember to pay attention to lighting. There's no need to have an expansive electrical system installed; candlelight adds all the ambience this resortlike yard needs. If I had a yard like this, I would never need to travel anywhere. |
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| Transport yourself to Kyoto by going for Japanese style in your garden. While Japanese gardens appear to be minimal and simple, every rock, sculpture, plant and path has been placed with great care. These elements inspire calm meditation when you're sitting and looking out at the garden and provide a very specific experience when you're walking through it. |
| Tommy Chambers Interiors paid special attention to the outdoor spaces surrounding a classic California Mediterranean house. He imported bright colors, tropical plants and geometries found on Spain's Mediterranean coastline. |
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Deep blue and white will take you away to Mykonos, Greece.
| If your home doesn't have all of the crisp white architecture seen in the previous image, add it via your furnishings for a relaxed Greek island look. |
| Attain your French dreams by adding lavender plants, lavender fabrics and café furniture. More: Room of the Week: The Ultimate Breakfast Patio Garden Tour: A Colorful Patio Blooms in Arizona |
Comments
Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel Thanks, Becky, for a lot of good dream material.
12 months ago · Like
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Mary The asian outdoor bed in the 3rd pic--I've seen one more beautiful AND with carving, also without a huge roof, here in Bakersfield, CA, at the store Timeless Furnishings on their first floor. GORGEOUS!
12 months ago · Like
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katinam Becky, this is a really stunning collection of photos. I think I've saved all but one in my own ideabook for future inspiration and current drooling :)
12 months ago · Like
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Ideabook published on May 27, 2012.
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