It’s July and what means cozy to me this month is enjoying an outdoor summer evening when it’s not too hot. Typically, in our locale, the evenings cool off enough to be outside at dusk and past sunset. And when you’re out past dark, you need a bit of lighting in the garden. Here are…
A small patio can become one of the most inviting spots in your home when it’s thoughtfully designed. Whether you love relaxed cottage charm, sleek contemporary style, or colorful outdoor entertaining spaces, these patios show how even the smallest footprint can feel beautiful, functional, and welcoming. This compact patio makes smart use of vertical space…
As we near the month of May, warm breezes are becoming more frequent as the days slowly grow longer. Some of you are probably starting to spruce up your outdoor living spaces. I cleaned my Adirondack chairs, swept the deck, had my pond cleaned, and started pulling up the weeds that are populating the yard….
As the days grow cooler and the leaves turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, your front porch has the potential to become one of the coziest spots in your home. A well-decorated fall porch not only creates a warm welcome for guests but also provides a relaxing outdoor retreat where you can sip…
Wicker porch furniture has long been a staple of outdoor living, synonymous with relaxed summer afternoons, iced tea in hand, and the comforting creak of a rocking chair beneath you. Whether your porch overlooks a wide green lawn, a coastal bluff, or a quiet suburban street, wicker furniture brings a sense of timeless charm, easy…
You don’t need a sprawling backyard to create an inviting and functional outdoor living space. In fact, small outdoor areas — whether a petite patio, balcony, or narrow side yard — can be transformed into cozy retreats that extend your living space, offering comfort and a breath of fresh air. With thoughtful planning, even the…
To kick off the month of May, my blog friends and I are all featuring something outdoor living related. It’s that time of year when we turn our attention to our porches, patios, and garden areas. I love choosing new flowers and redesigning outdoor living spaces – even if it just means adding a beautiful…
Maybe you don’t have a fence so you’re wondering why you need a garden gate. You can still use a gate to define an entry into a garden area, or even to the entry of your home. Fence or no fence, garden gates add charm and interest to outdoor spaces. Above, a hedgerow creates a…
Just because summer is fading doesn’t mean you can’t continue to enjoy your outdoor living spaces. Today I’m sharing some practical decorating tips to create cozy ambiance on your patio, deck, or porch. The gorgeous colors of fall provide free decorating outside which is a plus if you have lots of trees and bushes around…
This past weekend was all about gardening and sprucing up our outdoor spaces for the warm months ahead. My front porch was embellished with hanging baskets, some potted violets, impatiens in the window box, and a container at the foot of the steps filled with deep pink geraniums and blue and white lobelia. Today I’ve…
Normally I feature some type of decorating inspiration on Saturdays, but today I’m in the mood for the outdoor beauty of fall. I thought you might enjoy soaking in the spectacular vision of autumn’s artistry to start your weekend. So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy scenes from Mother Nature herself and see how…
Are you ready for crisp, golden days with a wonderful palette of color everywhere you turn? Garden centers are putting out their mums and pumpkins and gourds will soon follow. I bought a few mums yesterday to replace some faded flowers out by the pond. While I’m not ready to say goodbye to summer, I’m…
Most people add a garden shed to their yard for added storage, but today’s sheds are often aesthetically appealing, as well. Today I’m sharing a fun collection of this must-have outdoor building that will expand your storage options and create a new focal point in the yard. Rather than just plop a shed in the…
We have a spot at the end of our very long driveway that I’d like to transform into a patio. I’ve got some ideas whirling around in my head to make the space livable and pretty. If you’re also looking for summer patio decorating ideas, consider these inspirational photos. Add color and comfort. This beautiful…
Summer is my season! I love the energy of the earth buzzing with blooms and the activity of nature. Everything feels so alive and vibrant. It’s this dynamic spirit that motivates me to continually work on our yard and garden spaces. I’m all about an outdoor oasis and a stylish patio or deck is the…
When I say “ultimate decks” I’m not strictly referring to outdoor living spaces with grandiose decks. I simply mean any sized deck that suits your personal needs for enjoying the great outdoors! While some of the decks shown are gorgeous and expensive, others are smaller and equally as charming. Photo by Artistic Concrete Surfaces …
