Working with AD100 firm Geoponika, they inserted a brick-clad sunken lounge, bed, and dining area into the garden, teaming with unconventional plantlife to create a surrealistic, en plein air annex for hosting and chilling, alike. "Since I couldn't have a sunken conversation pit in the house, I thought, I'll just put one outside," recalls Willis who is always considering how conversation flows.
As we dig out from snowstorms, turn the heat up against the unrelenting cold, and throw another log onto the fire, I thought perhaps an article about summertime pursuits might be encouraging. As hard as it may be to believe right now, winter will in fact end, and our thoughts will turn to warm-weather fun -parties on the deck, porch, or patio. Don't have an outdoor gathering space? Now is the time to start planning.
Primeriza House is located on a small clearing of an otherwise heavily sloped terrain with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean to the front and a strong backdrop of almost vertical slope densely populated by cypress trees. Our clients wanted to make the most of outdoor living, and one of their key requirements was to create many opportunities to inhabit the exterior. Another was to create various different environments, nooks and crannies, and moods inside the house.
Above: "I spend most of my time planning which vegetables, fruits, and herbs to grow, and then dreaming up menus and parties around them," says Janet Mavec of Bird Haven Farm in Western New Jersey. How do we get invited to a dinner party amongst the garden beds? Read the full story at The Secret of Bird Haven Farm: How a Landscape Mystery Was Solved by Fernando Caruncho (and Nancy Drew). Photograph by Ngoc Minh Ngo.
A canopy, parasol, or shade sail can enhance outdoor space usability during hot weather, while covered permanent designs like awnings and pergolas extend outdoor living throughout the year.
The deals extend to many of the same items, including weather-resistant dining sets, stylish outdoor sectionals and sofa sets, hardy woven patio chairs and ottomans, and even some aesthetically pleasing fire pits.
"Environmental psychology research shows that green spaces on a smaller scale, such as a tree-lined street, can yield restorative benefits... linked to stronger community ties, lower rates of depression, and greater resilience."
"My favorite, favorite part is going out on the dock and watching the South River and all the activity on the water. Just sitting out there and watching the water go by is awesome," said homeowner Hugh Martin, chairman of the California biotech company Pendulum Therapeutics.
Summertime is the perfect season to establish a personal retreat, whether it’s a vast woodland escape in California or a serene pond in New York.
Now is the time to enjoy spending time at your home al fresco. Just picture it: sipping iced tea while gabbing with friends, enjoying a light beach read, or relaxing with a fresh crossword puzzle.
The Colonial Gable Greenhouse from Little Cottage Co. provides ample natural light with its charming colonial style and offers multiple uses like a garden shed or craft space.
"Have you and your family been thinking about adding a new pool to your backyard? Maybe it's something you've wanted to do for a long time, but have no idea where to begin. You're not alone."
Homeowners increasingly invest in awnings not only for aesthetic appeal but also for energy efficiency and functionality. The global awnings market is rapidly expanding.
The KYL Fan Attachment transforms standard fans into energy-efficient cooling systems by improving airflow and reducing temperature by up to 1.5°C while minimizing electricity use.
The swarm of circling flies are males, waiting for an unmated female to fly by. Because the lesser house fly is not as tolerant to heat or sun, they choose shady, cooler spots to hang out, and places where the air is still.
Inflatable seating usually feels like a compromise: it either sags under your weight or feels unstable and bouncy, never quite delivering true ergonomic support.
"I love this little bonfire pit. I got this for evenings out in my outdoor oasis, and it's perfect for when you don't have endless time to spend but still want to enjoy an evening by the fire. Easy to use and enjoy!" - V. Heldenbrand
.jpeg)
