Outdoor living spaces

Outdoor living spaces are much a part of our homes like the indoor spaces.

Outdoor spaces are an extension of our indoor spaces. They are created to provide an outdoor area that one can sit, relax, dine or cook. Architects have come up with many creative ways to use outdoor spaces. Depending on factors like geographical location, continental location, client taste and preferences, etc., outdoor spaces have been created to provide functions that fit the purpose.

Tropical countries have one of the best outdoor experiences.

Outdoor spaces are better experienced in places with good temperatures. Countries within the tropics have all year round weather for outdoor living if not 8 months a year. Due to this, outdoor functions have been created for relaxation, dining and even shower experiences. This is not only done in hotels but also in residential homes.

A cosy fireplace

Fireplaces are elements that can be located indoors or outdoors. In very cold countries, fireplaces are located mostly indoors because they are used many times within the year. Indoor fireplaces have developed to gas and electric versions. Firewood fireplaces however still remain the most authentic type of fireplaces. For many countries located within the tropics, fireplaces are sometimes located outdoors as they are only in use at night or in few months of the year that are cold. 

Covered courtyard

Covered courtyards are a gem in the home.

They provide an opportunity to sit outside and bask in the sun without experiencing wind. They also enable one to sit and enjoy the stars or the clouds whilst being protected from the rain. Courtyards can be covered with glass or Perspex therefore making the area condusive for plants to grow and flourish. Indoor furniture, rugs and artwork can be used in these places however, recommended fabric to be used should have UV protection.

Covered Porch extension

Covered porches are a favorite for many. This is because, the porch is designed as part of the main house and therefore it’s easy to have adjacent shared facilities such as the kitchen. A lounge or dining can be located at the porch based on someone’s preference. In coastal homes, both are quite common as people prefer to sit outdoors both during the day and at night. Drapery can be hang on the sides and drawn when it gets cold or windy.

Open to sky porch

Porches that are open to sky are enjoyable to use in spring or at night during the summer. One gets to enjoy a clear view of the stars and the sky. The feeling of openness if felt in such. The limiting thing about these type of porches is that furniture must be moved around when not in use to avoid over exposure to sun or rain.

Poolside living

Pools are an obvious centre of relaxation for families and friends. They provide a platform for active and passive activities. Water is a therapeutic element in itself and therefore dining near the pool, doing yoga at the poolside or meditation aids wellness. Pools can be heated or cold based on the owners’ preference. Pools also act as a common facility in compounds with more than one structure.

Multiple use spaces

Most often than not, many people choose to have multiple spaces in their outdoors so as to have a variety of things they can use this space for. Depending on the size of the garden, one can put up a dining area, a lounge, barbeque area, fire pit and even swing bed. All these can be placed facing the best view whether it’s the pool, garden, sunset, mountain, lake, beach, tea plantation, golf course etc.

Inspiration pour le Journee

Great Home Ideas gives ideas on how to build or renovate outdoor spaces. If you’re looking to build your own outdoor share garden, Adam and Jason show you how from start to finish.

Check out video below for inspiration.

The Craze of the Prints

Large prints on wall papers in Interior Design has become quite a craze since 2017. Mediterranean prints with large flowers and deep colours are quite common. Nature based wallpapers are much more popular as there are so many ways to adopt flowers. These prints are majorly used in wall papers but have also been adopted in fabrics.

Flowered wall papers were more common in the 70s and 80s in pastel colours but now pick up all types of colours. These have further developed to geometric and abstract patterns for use in more contemporary Interior Designs style projects.

With modern Interior Design, flower patterns can be adopted as 3 dimension or 2 dimension designs.

Tropical Patterns

Tropical Interior Design is largely characterized by deep pop of colours picked up from tropical forests, flowers, birds, butterflies etc. Wall papers tend to have deep green colour with bright orange, yellow or pink colours.

18^th century inspired wall paper

In 18^th century, pastel colours and water colour prints were quite common. Wall papers inspired by this era are floral with more subtle colour pairings. The entire landscape as a whole can is captured however, part landscape with other elements such as birds can also be included.

Contemporary adaptation

Contemporary designs have picked up more abstracted forms from the flowers. Different parts of plants such as leafs, flower petals, roots or tree bark have been used to make these designs.

Inspiration pour le Journee

Wall paper in a bedroom makeover!

H&H’s Reiko Caron shows us how she turned an out-of-date bedroom into an edgy yet pretty retreat for Kylie Miller, lead guitarist in The Beaches band. The spacious room was featured in House & Home magazine in 2002, and hadn’t been renovated since. Now, 15 years later, Reiko gave it a complete overhaul with versatile furniture from Structube, choosing pieces that Kylie can easily take with her when she eventually moves out into a condo. Reiko started with a dramatic moody floral wallpaper mural, and then centered a glossy black low-profile bed in front of it. As the room has no overhead light fixture, she opted for task lamps, a marble-base table lamp and a modern black floor lamp. A glass console table doubles as a desk and make-up vanity thanks to the arched mirror above it. Reiko also created a chic sitting area complete with a gallery wall, green velvet couch and a cozy arm chair. Accessories like a faux fur throw bring in a Hollywood glam look, and ready-made drapery panels neaten the open closet. Throughout the room, the combination of black, pale blush pink, deep green and creamy white create a sophisticated vibe.

Check out video below for inspiration.