{"id":3719,"date":"2023-04-06T15:26:53","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T19:26:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kimcookhome.com\/kchblog\/?p=3719"},"modified":"2023-04-18T15:35:49","modified_gmt":"2023-04-18T19:35:49","slug":"patio23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kimcookhome.com\/kchblog\/patio23\/","title":{"rendered":"Dreaming of Summer in the Backyard or Patio? Create an Oasis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By KIM COOK
Associated Press<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"This<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This image provided by Poltrona Frau shows the portable weatherproof Sparkler lantern from Poltrona Frau and designed by Kensaku Oshiro. Inspired by the Japanese ‘senko hanabi’, meaning hand held fireworks, the fixture references rice paper lamps, traditional wineskins, and organic shapes. Its modern silhouette and interesting lightplay would make it a soothing, contemplative light feature in a blissful backyard space. (Poltrona Frau via AP)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A relaxing retreat just steps from the back door? Count us all in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outdoor home spaces serve a lot of functions, but Soothing Refuge is one that designers say is in high demand. Aromatic plantings. Romantic arbors. A meandering path. A yoga platform. Pergola daybeds. Prefab saunas. Plunge Pools. An outdoor shower. And comfortable furniture that can stand up to the weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe outdoor living trend has been building for the last decade, but it got a major bump during the pandemic, \u201d said Dan DiClerico, home improvement and outdoor director for the Good Housekeeping Institute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In response, manufacturers have made \u201chuge investments in products and materials geared towards outdoor living\u201d year-round, he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SEAMLESS TRANSITION<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There can be comfort and ease in keeping a flow between indoors and outdoors. DiClerico calls spaces that straddle that line \u201ctransition rooms.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He spent much of the pandemic renovating his back terrace in Brooklyn, New York. Deck tiles laid on the diagonal echo the home\u2019s parquet floors inside, and a folding door system (his is from NanaWall<\/a> ) creates a seamless flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen the doors are open wide,\u201d DiClerico says, \u201cthe two spaces become one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interior designer Anna Popov is also using folding glass walls in a client\u2019s home, for a double-sided fireplace surrounded by indoor and outdoor seating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WEATHER-FRIENDLY STYLE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And outdoor seating can by cozy. Durable materials and new tech have made for weather-hardy furniture that looks just like interior stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few examples: Room & Board\u2019s Rayo outdoor sofas are made of sturdy, recycled, high-density polypropylene, with cushions covered in performance fabrics. Their modern silhouette takes them about as far from a folding aluminum lawn chair as you can get. Article<\/a> and Homary<\/a> have sectionals with built-in side tables and convertible lounge features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Annie Selke\u2019s<\/a> new collection of fade-resistant, scrubbable PVC rugs features snappy geometrics and bright plaids. Southwestern, vintage traditional and midmod motifs can be found in Ruggable\u2019s<\/a> washable outdoor collection. There are jute-look rugs that wouldn\u2019t wear out as fast as the real deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A permanent roof over an outdoor living area increases the number of months it can be used, and might merit the investment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for more temporary shade, pergolas and gazebos in kits can be assembled by a proficient DIYer. A retractable, weatherproof fabric awning in a pattern that complements your outdoor furnishings adds an aesthetic and practical element. Or maybe you just prefer a patio umbrella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heaters and fireplaces can extend the outdoor living season. Consider something beyond the standard pit style; Le Feu\u2019s<\/a> ovoid-shaped, steel fire vessels have a sexy \u201970s vibe. Interiors maven Lauren Rottet<\/a> has designed a dramatic firepit out of a pillar of basalt, and there\u2019s a calming, bubbly water fountain in the same collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ZEN AMENITIES<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yoga platforms, hot tubs, Japanese soaking tubs and daybeds are more commonly found at resorts, but people are bringing the idea home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese experiences aren\u2019t just reserved for high-end clients,\u201d says Popov. \u201cThere\u2019s a distillation of these elements happening throughout the design world, as the value of home and comfort increases.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t have the room or cash for a full-size pool? \u201cOne of the things we\u2019re seeing more and more of,\u201d says Apartment Therapy editor Danielle Blundell, is the addition of an outdoor tub or shower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis feels a little more doable in a small space than maybe even a plunge pool,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cold plunge pools in particular have become popular with fitness fans, who find the water restorative. Among other examples, Redwood Outdoors<\/a> makes a lozenge-shaped version, while The Pod Company<\/a> makes a barrel-shaped one; both are portable, easy to assemble and off-grid -\u2013 just bring the water and a few bags of ice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And there are portable saunas that require just a hookup to electricity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GREENSPACES<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Romantic arbors, meandering paths and plantings can create a relaxing backyard retreat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAn outdoor sauna combined with the soothing nature of a sensory garden is a big favorite of ours,\u201d says Popov, describing gardens \u201cdesigned specifically to provide a tactile experience with scent and color, for adults and children.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blundell cites interesting ways to create privacy, including salvaged shutters, wooden slats or greenery walls. With a tall planter of evergreens, microgreens, herbs or succulents, you\u2019ve got privacy and added gardening possibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plant lavender, herbs, jasmine and mock orange for a fragrant oasis; ornamental grasses, ferns and lambs\u2019 ears add texture; wind chimes, a bird bath and feeder, a tabletop fountain and a gravel path will introduce gentle sound to your garden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese little corners of calm are perfect spots for stargazing or starting your day off with a dose of nature,\u201d says Blundell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014-<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New York-based writer Kim Cook covers design and decor topics regularly for The AP. Follow her on Instagram at @kimcookhome.<\/p>\n\n\n\nngg_shortcode_0_placeholder\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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