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Creating Nests: Cozy Outdoor Rooms
Plan a special place to curl up outside, hidden by shady green
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor based out of Hershey, PA. Come visit me at 'A Nest for All Seasons' where I write about design, photography and modern garden living!
I am a freelance editorial and wedding photographer and Houzz contributor... More »
People crave nesting spaces in their homes, and people desire nesting spaces in their gardens and exterior spaces. When you walk through a garden, you most likely are unintentionally drawn to spaces you can curl up in, spaces in which you can look out over a vista from a hideaway or hidden nooks and crannies. There is a reason a treehouse is a child's home away from home!
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| A porch bed is one of the greatest simple luxuries in life. Sleeping amidst the breezes of summer with nothing but a thin sheet is a beautiful thing. To make your bed feel cozy, add a lattice screen for photos or clippings and give weight to your headboard with piece of dark furniture. The enclosure on two sides allows the bed to feel enclosed while still allowing those summer breezes in. |
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Isn't there something grand about turning the corner and finding a classic wooden treehouse nestled away in a little stand of woods? Have you ever seen a treehouse you did not want to climb into?
Most of us have an innate desire to climb up high, safely protected, but able to look out across great vistas. The Swiss Family Robinson had it right!
Most of us have an innate desire to climb up high, safely protected, but able to look out across great vistas. The Swiss Family Robinson had it right!
A modern version of the classic tree house includes those usual features of a protected space: borders on three sides and an opening to a big, beautiful vista. This space accomplishes the feel of a nest thanks to the canopy draped above the seating area and the height of the porch.
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by escale design
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| This modern concrete patio offers many of the same benefits, with three sides enclosed by a half wall, a canopy overhead, a layer of soft furnishings and beautiful horizontal vistas. |
by Blacksheep
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A simple fabric canopy works just as well in a long, hallway-like space. The close columns on either side of the table and the covering overhead allow diners to feel protected and cozy while they sip cocktails and discuss the politics of the day.
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A dining nest doesn't have to be a grand affair. A simple table and chairs, a small draping of blue, and walls on two sides create a quiet, contemplative spot for morning coffee and afternoon tea.
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by escale design
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| Screens are perfect enclosures in an exterior space because they are easy to move and allow air flow while closing off space. This screen does a perfect job of creating an exterior room that doesn't make you feel boxed in, thanks to its translucent material. |
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by SB Architects
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| A bathtub on a tree-house-like deck is quite possibly the most perfect place in the world. Protected by columns, but without view busting walls, this little nest is calling my name! |
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| When you are creating an outdoor nest, don't neglect plantings and green views. Trim your trees to create little arching frames over vistas and you add another layer of protection. |
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| With beautiful purple wisteria blooms dripping down around the structure of this nest built onto an old stump, the views from all sides are framed perfectly. The plantings give the tree house a veil of protection, while the open windows offer vistas. How will you create a nest today? Will you trim a few branches in spring to create a frame? Will you drag a comfy extra mattress out on your rooftop balcony next summer? Perhaps you will be inspired to break out the hammer and nails and build yourself your very own tree house complete with wisteria vines, a tiny door and a zip line — or maybe you will just close your eyes and dream of pirates and a family named Robinson. More: How to Create a Nest at Home Creating Nests in Unexpected Places Staying Cozy Outdoors |
Comments
Rough Linen I love all these nests, but the wisteria stump has captured my heart~
17 months ago · Like
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sanmarc1 That wisteria tree is absolutely lovely. It's such a clever use of the old stump.
17 months ago · Like
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Prior Hey, thanks for featuring my Tree House Iron Bed, that piece of lattice I used is an old baby gate, I am into repurposing.., I love the wisteria too, so whimsical~!
17 months ago · Like
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Amy Renea ooo...thanks for the info! A baby gate lattice?? - FABULOUS!
17 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Dec. 17, 2011.
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