How to Create an Outdoor Oasis! Covered Patio and Porches

Hey Friends!

Have you been doing a lot of outside entertaining this summer?

It has been very hot over here in Idaho!  At night, I love going outside to eat or just sitting down for a while to watch the sun set.


There have been some STUNNING outdoor rooms that I MUST show you guys :-)

Get ready to be inspired!

First, I LOVE this porch with the build in fireplace.  I wrote a whole article about decorating with lanterns and what the best classic accessories are to use in your home.

homebunch

This is such a rustic outdoor entertainment area.  Once again, a cozy fireplace makes this the perfect place for an evening drink. (oh, and I'm sure the mountain top view helps out with the relaxation effect too) :-)

Maybe I should have titled this post Covered Patio and Porches with FIREPLACES :-) 

Mirrors always make a space appear bigger.  This is a lovely set up with dreamy pulled curtains as a bonus feature.

I picked this little photo because it's more "real".  Us "normal" folks could actually figure out how to do something like this with our home.  Decorating with greenery is one of my favorite design tips.  You can read one of my popular posts on how to make any space go from DRAB to FAB :-)

myhomeideas

The hood on this fireplace makes the space for me :-)  I love anything aged and old world style.

 Walls covered in brick or stone is another one of my favorite features :-) You can click over on that post to see how to create stone veneer walls in your own home for not a lot of money!

I have actually shown you guys this photo below in my post on AMAZING outdoor ideas. I guess I just have a special place in my heart for this photo LOL.  I can't wait for my own pergola to be covered in vigorous blooming vines :-)

I love all the french doors opening up to this covered outdoor area.

I really liked how the stone walls followed through with the same color scheme to the slate floor! I love the patio furniture too - what a great pop of color.

This is simply lovely :-)

emilyanninteriors

I'm not quite sure what I like more.....the room or the scenery!  What a PEACEFUL outdoor room!

landsenddev

This is such a lovely addition to this home.  If you ever have the chance to build your own home having a covered porch area to entertain outside would be invaluable.

Wouldn't you agree there is something wonderful about covered porches with BREEZY curtains flowing in the wind.  I could stay in this space all afternoon. 

waynewindhamarchitect

And lastly, what a GRAND back patio.  Wow :-)  I love the old wooden beams and the stone fireplace.  Simply awesome :-)

What do YOU think about outdoor patios and porches?  Did you have a favorite? 

Do you have one and use it a lot or does it seems to just "be there" but never put to good use? 

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Getting Ready for Spring Outdoor Inspirations

We finally had a warm week over here in Idaho!  The thought that spring might actually be here has me very excited - I am READY for the sun to come out and warm me up!

With all the sunshine, I decided to write a post on beautiful outdoor decor to  get us in the mood for this coming season.

What do you think about this gorgeous hanging table!  Isn't that beautiful!

{Images via GWS by Jess Graham}

{Images via GWS by Jess Graham}


And just to be fun, what's better than a hanging table?  How about a hanging bed :-)




Or how about spending some time outdoors relaxing in a white shabby chic hammock.





Both of the pictures below have lovely climbing roses.  I still need to figure out what I should grow on my own pergola! 

SIMPLY gorgeous - huh :-)

I love how paper lanterns can add a magical touch to any outdoor space! The landscape below is so inviting and relaxing. 

Even if your home doesn't have a big outdoor area you can turn it into a cozy little courtyard full of character.  This couple placed large flagstone on the ground and let Mazus fill in around it. 

PerfectWorldLandscapes

Here is another small backyard......Such a charming area.

Mediterranean Landscape by Encinitas Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers debora carl landscape design

Do you have any new landscape/garden ideas for this year?  Our biggest outdoor plan is putting in a sports court - pickleball and basketball.  I would add a picture but there isn't anything pretty about it! Once we plant all the trees around it maybe it will reach the pages of this blog, We'll see! :-)

Enjoy the inspiration my friends!!

*EDIT:  You can go over to the Completed Pickleball Sports Court post to see it all complete, landscape and all :-)

My Friends Shabby Chic Pergola and Woodsy Walkway

Anyone need help with making their yard look beautiful?  I know I do!  My friend Valerie sent me pictures of her backyard and told me the story behind it all.

Have you ever heard of an Akebia Vine or Lime Scotch Moss?  You'll want to know about them after you see these pictures!!  

Valerie's Backyard

Can you believe that VINE!!!   Valerie told me it is the called an Akebia vine.  It has a cream color in the spring that is very fragrant.  The rest of the year, the vine is just green.  

If I remember right, that vine is only 5 years old.  I NEED that now!!!  I guess it's a very vigorous grower, so vigorous that in some sounthern (hot) states it's considered a "weed" but for us colder climate states it's a great choice.  For those who are wondering, we are a zone 5 and get LOTS of snow in the winter.

I love the white furniture with red accents and the white candle chandelier.

I have seen lamp posts like the one below at Costco for under 200.00.  The just plug into an outlet and away you go!  I love the ambiance it adds.

Next is her beautiful walkway.  She used lime scotch moss between the flagstone.  She mentioned that a lot of times landscape companies will have SCRAP flagstone that they will just give you....ya, for FREE!  Be sure and ask your local company for some scraps before you decide to spend a lot of money buying it.  (Don't you just love good hints like that, in a way, this is what blogging is all about - right?)

You have to see the before picture.....makes you really appreciate the after!

The Scotch Moss is really starting to fill in.  I love how it makes the pathway feel so woodsy.

You have to love using those paper lanterns outside!  It brings so much character to an area.

What do you guys think???  Did you get inspired for your own backyard?  

Do you have a favorite plant you can tell us about?

 I am ready to start planting today!