I’m not really considered as the “outdoor type” although I truly do enjoy nature. The inspiration it provides me is by far what I love most about it.
I can stare at the clouds and dream up shapes, I hold up leaves to see the intricacies of the pattern created by its veins, I often revel at the pure whiteness of a new snowfall. Each element nature creates provides detail, colour, pattern that all designers take home with them to eventually be influenced by.
I’ve found spending time outside makes all four of us happier, we feel content. There’s nothing like the smell of sunscreen on the little ones necks and coming home to a nice cool bath. With this heatwave upon us though, we’ve not been able to eat dinner outside in the evenings as much as we would like. These spaces are a perfect and are an ideal combination of nature and shelter.
Sunday morning spent reading newspapers with a warm drink in any of these would be a dream.
A collection of favorite summer spots. What are yours?
Images from, vavrinec mensi, dwell, apartment therapy, owen & wokes, australian design review, arent & pyke, dwell, saltspoon as seen on flickr, marmol radziner, contemporist
How I would love to get lost in any of these spaces. So peaceful and serene.
Comment by bridgett — July 13, 2010 @ 10:10 pm
Ooh hoohoo! I love all of these spaces. Big sigh.. We haven’t been able to take advantage of outside meals either but not due to the high humidity or the heatwave.. more an onslaught of wasps & other stinging insects. This year they’re brutal! I’m sure these places pictured above are wasp-free and loverly!
Comment by ChantaleP — July 13, 2010 @ 10:12 pm
gosh, I’d take any of these. I love indoor/outdoor blurring of the lines kinda living. If only we could have some consistent weather out here in the west….hahaha
Great post….Love the look and feel of your presentation on this one!
Comment by Sharon Laxon — July 13, 2010 @ 10:14 pm
I really think you should work on your “outdoorsy type” and come camping with me at the end of the month. We can make the interior of the tent all fancy and you can peak at the outdoors from there. Sound like a plan?
Beautiful post as always Michelle! xo
Comment by Adele {modernemotive} — July 13, 2010 @ 10:20 pm
OOOOHHHH, how I love these photos. Great post. Just dreamy…. Is this after the bathroom remodel.
Comment by kristin — July 13, 2010 @ 10:28 pm
Chantale, Bridgett,
Imagine a place where the kids could play outside while we enjoy our food indoors, so perfect!
Sharon,
All the more reason for you to make it all the way East
Adele,
Glamping is what I like to call my type of preferred outdoor activity.
Kristin,
Bathroom remodel is complete, almost. Missing some tile so am delaying its post, but am so excited to show you all, couldn’t be any more pleased!
Comment by Michelle — July 13, 2010 @ 10:37 pm
I love the outdoors, I think mostly because I’ve spent most of my life in cities..to me the outdoors still has an element of fantasy – like the enchanted forest of an Enid Blyton kids book..
The sound of the wind in leaves – the strange crisp air that is unfamiliar..because its the scent of FRESH air, views, the absence of civilization..I love it.
I just spent a week up in NH..and loved the forest, the crystal clear lakes and the wildlife..one of my absolute favourite places for the outdoors is Katja Juta in the Australian Outback..The reason cannot be fully explained as it has to be felt. There is an overwhelming sense of silence at the realization that there is no one for miles around. The colours of nature are so vibrant that its almost unreal – and the feeling all in all is one of peace.
An outdoor space in a home that can evoke those feelings – peace, a connection with nature, meditation – is possible anywhere if done properly. In fact the last picture reminds me of that feeling.
Comment by saer — July 14, 2010 @ 12:08 am
michelle, fabulous post! [as always]
these spaces are delicious, each one better than the next. i love them all, but i think especially the top one + the eames eiffel base chairs, surprise surprise.
we love eating outside and enjoying the nice weather at the moment, but our modest outdoor space is currently overrun with toys + an inflatable pool. not so glamourous! ah, well, i can look at these pics and dream…
Comment by lesley — July 14, 2010 @ 12:08 am
I’m an indoor kinda guy, Michelle. I love to get outdoors and fill my lungs with lovely fresh air (is there any greater pleasure?!) but for me, my home is all about the inside. I like it to be cosy and a haven from the elements (UK weather is less than forgiving…!). That said, these kinda spaces would be ideal if I lived in LA or Orange County – so I guess it’s more about where I live. Fantastic, inspiring post as always. Will
Comment by Will — July 15, 2010 @ 4:12 am
I LOVE the first photo of this series – I could spend hours in that room doing absolutely anything. Thanks for the inspiration! I think I know how I will spend the rest of my Friday now…
Looking forward to more
*T
Comment by Tania/TLC_Designs — July 16, 2010 @ 11:06 am
Oh I wish I had the option to be in and out like these homeowners! Sigh… Pause for daydreaming…
Okay, I’m back! Thanks for the lovely post!
Comment by Staci Edwards — July 19, 2010 @ 12:06 pm
Hi Michelle! I love the comparison of indoor and outdoor spaces. They are oh so dreamy! I’ve actually been in the house 2nd set from the bottom on the left side. It was a house featured on the Dwell on Design house tour last year. I didn’t end up with great photos of it so I didn’t post about it. That laser cut wood detail in the skylight that you’ve shown is the most impressive detail of that house. I stood and admired it for several minutes!
Comment by Nyla — July 19, 2010 @ 1:26 pm
I love the Eames looking shell chairs with the wooden legs in the minimalist photo. They’re the perfect example of my taste which is somewhere between mid-century modern and countryish. Is there a classification for that? I have no idea.
Comment by Rachel — July 20, 2010 @ 4:45 pm
I’ve been dreaming of these types of spaces! Especially the mid-century homes in places like Palm Springs where it’s just a couple steps from house to pool. Gorgeous.
Comment by Keely — July 27, 2010 @ 9:01 pm