Landscape Architecture

Here are some of the most unique ideas for your outdoor area.   Often people don't realize that you can increase your living area by playing up the space that you aready own.  They say the outside is an extension of the inside of your home, yet most people don't as much effort into this area. Check out some of the ideas that can improve your outdoor living space.

Photo Credit-Leper Chapel 8 on Flickr, New York Times

 

Photo Credit Willowdecor Blog

Drexel Heritage- Stunning photo....  Also a bit unrealistic with such stunning armchairs outside.  Drexel has the nicest furniture, if you didn't know.  (Who would put 1K armchairs outside?  LOL!  It sure makes a stunning picture though!   You can have a spectacular farmhouse table outside that is fully protected from the rain and the sun.  You can have the wood finish that is in your dreams and not have it be destroyed by rain.  the secret is - You will want to polyurethane your wood well.  (One trick I was taught is to use those cheap foam brushes when adding polyurethane rather than an actual paint brush)  You will sure thank me, when the finish turns out perfectly even.  I have done dozens of tables. 

New York Times The Quiet Corners of Paris

This look of having the veins grow up the side of your home is a really spectacular idea.  One word of caution that was given to me by a concrete termite inspector is that it actually damages the brick or stone of your home, as the plants eventually dig into the concrete damaging the structure.  Instead, consider a metal lattice that you weave your plants through.  As they grow, be sure to just add additional lattice.  It is a much better idea than suddenly finding out the stones are crumbling beneath.  Picture Credit- Cottage at Polesden Lacey on Flickr

Old Wrought Iron Fencing. Even this paint finish can be duplicated.  There are several ways of producing this look.  (Actually my specialty is in faux finishes)   First you can start off painting your gate in a (Rockwood Terra Cotta Color from Duron Paint.   Next, (after it drys) Use a white oil paint, and paint a (small) section and wipe it off with a rag, or paper towel.  (ALways wear gloves with oil paint)  Photo Credit Michael Cemetry on Flickr

Are you after more of a shabby chic look for your patio area?  These iron painted chairs have shown their age beautifully!  You too can have this aged look simply by painting your chairs white, and then distressing them in the right areas, where obvious wear and tear occurs.  The trick to this faux look is the distressing, as well as the brown glaze that you paint over the white.  Ralph Lauren has a line of paint that you can tint any color.  We suggest a brown glaze which when used over white creates a beautiful antique look.  Simply take a dry cloth and gently wipe off the glaze in areas revealing a antique white.  Photo Credit House Of Bliss

Photo Credit House Of Bliss

This picture was a cut out of the Country Home Magazine.  I really love their idea with the concrete square slabs, creating an architectural look with grass.  You can transform your back yard simply by adding geometrical patterns with these concrete slabs.  For an even more interesting look, turn the squares off to form a diamond pattern than the typical square pattern.  It may require some cutting, but the extra effort will pay off.  It is another great idea for a simple patio area that doesn't require building skills.  (I actually cut out this picture  for the unique door color....  Isn't it stunning?

 

Outstanding Historical Architecture -Photo Credit Deur on Flickr

Ornate Iron Fencing -Gold Leaf
Photo Credit Sunday adventure club on Flickr

Brick and Stone Architecture -Photo Credit- Daily Dose of Green on Flickr

 This wood outdoor trellis is the perfect idea for an outdoor sitting area.  -Home and Garden by Washington Home & Garden
 

Another cut out from my Country Home Magazine.  I thought they did a spectacular job of setting up a comfortable dining area outside.  The metal folding chairs work well, as they don't wrought in the rain, and will hold up through the seasons.  The outdoor fireplace is another spectacular idea of creating a "inside space" and bringing it to the outdoors.  Don't you just love their Architectural design with the cobblestone borders on the ground?

 

Another cut out of my favorite projects (that I would love to get to) --"someday"  Isn't this an interesting idea?  It looks like tall metal poles that support a circular form built with wire netting.  I know you can buy small sheets of this at Home Depot, but if any of you readers have any other ideas of how to build this, please feel free to leave your comments at the end of the post.  It sure is a spectacular idea.  You could in fact built it with small windows around the cylinder - creating a feel similar to the Roman Coliseum.  It would take some time to build, but a relatively accomplishable  structure that anyone could build without fancy building skills.

Another cut out of my favorite magazines that features some spectacular outdoor decor ideas.  The hedge is shaped to complement the architectural columns.  It is a really great look~

  Pierre Deux- Fruit Tree

Pierre Deux- Notice the overhead branches formed to create an over head trellis.   All you need is to build a support and gently wind in your branches and plants over time to create this look.  I might add, I would built it a bit higher.  No need to invite the spiders to your family gathering. 

Another cut out- Another perfect example of this.  You don't have to spend a lot of money on this idea.  The fullness happens over time, as you gently guide the branches over head as they grow.  The iron table is a perfect practical

Outdoor Green House?  I love the Black paint.  Most people would pick white, but I think the black does a spectacular job!

Arched Stone Architecture. Photo Credit Orange Jeep