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Patios to Lounge On
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst, and a stay-at-home mom.
I'm a design and food-obsessed freelance writer and market research analyst,... More »
The house I grew up in has a fantastic lawn. It's wide and flat and, while its too shady to be perfectly grassy and manicured, it's a great place to play games or just to sit and talk. Best of all, about a third of it is covered with a nice stone patio.
Maybe it's because I grew up with one, but I love patios. They're pretty and functional - sitting outside is one of life's great pleasures, and eating outside is even better.
Here are some patios I'd love to find in my backyard:
Maybe it's because I grew up with one, but I love patios. They're pretty and functional - sitting outside is one of life's great pleasures, and eating outside is even better.
Here are some patios I'd love to find in my backyard:
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I think the best patios are the ones that look a little lived in. These stones don't try to dominate the greenery in the yard - they definitely coexist. And if a little grass grows between them, that's even better.
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| This is another great example of stone and grass working together to create a welcoming space. I love the way the grass almost acts as "grout." |
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| Here, it seems like the landscape designer tried to create a gradual fade, helping the patio evolve into lawn. I like the organic effect. |
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My parent's patio is shaded by huge oak trees (some of which the patio's built around). The shade is great, but the acorns are annoying. This pergola solves both those problems - it creates a shady place to sit without the need for constant sweeping.
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This space is so cool - I love outdoor areas that are dressed up to resemble the indoors. Comfort and style!
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| I prefer stone patios, but this brick space works perfectly with the house and with the manicured shrubbery. The red brick is a great fit, too, with the blue-green furniture. |
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Isn't this amazing? The stone floor runs right into a gorgeous stone wall and fireplace, creating a year-round outdoor area that's striking and hospitable.
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Gravel is a great, simple alternative to stone set in the ground. I love the way the gravel floor gives this space a modern feel - without the commitment of laying stone.
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| I love this patio for its sculpture garden feel. The meandering shape and strategically placed furniture create little areas for conversation or contemplation. |
by flickr.com
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Ultimately, this is what I'd like my patio to feel like - an outdoor cafe. This Berlin cafe is great inspiration - simple furniture, pretty stone, lots of sunshine. It's welcoming and open.
Comments
nicole Love the one with the "sculpture garden feel" by AHBL- gorgeous!
4 years ago · Like
Kit Pollard Wouldn't that be a great place for a late lunch? Or wine and cheese?
4 years ago · Like
liz I want to sit next to the fireplace and drink my coffee in that beautiful patio by Turnbull Griffin Haesloop.
4 years ago · Like
david I like modern patios with gravel like the one by design X. Cool.
4 years ago · Like
cecib Hi Kit -- was just reading you Brick House blog and wondered if you also had something on concrete...low and behold...this blog! To save on costs, we are just laying a concrete patio and plan to use our pretty outdoor rugs and furniture to hide it. Are we being crazy skimping on this element? Any ideas on how to inexpensively dress up concrete?
3 years ago · Like
John Aves It would be help ful to have a blog about how to furnish a patio...there are so many options, new materials, etc.
2 years ago · Like
Ideabook updated on Sept. 6, 2009.
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