The current issue of Domino features some good outdoor inspiration, ideas and sources - especially the home of Carina Schott, which almost has us wishing for a non-city home. This is life in the country with an edge...jump below for a look:
We really love the black stained exterior, bright red doors and the simple signage.
An outdoor playroom features a rolling sandbox.
The delicious looking pool is surrounded by Ipe wood decking.
The owner Carina Schott indoors - even the interior decor is sunny!
We think the black and red color scheme works wonderfully in concert with the green, gorgeous surroundings. It doesn't attempt to blend with the natural beauty, and because it doesn't try to, it makes for a happy aesthetic partnership. These colors would possibly read as "too much" in the city, but with the greenery, they feel sharp and clean.
To see more of the Schott's home, check out the entire slideshow at Domino or pick up the June/July issue.
Photos: Melanie Acevedo/Domino
Dirty Little Secrets of Tidy Families
Emi & Nathan's Natural History
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Sprout Side Table
5 Things Paris Taught Me About Travel
Recipe: Ham, Cheddar & Chive Egg Bakes
This was one of my favorite Domino profiles recently--way up there, for me, with Anita Calero's place in the country. I really like her juxtaposition of higher and lower price points, but especially the environment she and her (frankly cute) husband have created for their children. There is more than enough playfulness in the house to keep the children happy, and that's a good thing.
thank you very much apartment therapy for such nice words about our home! we love it too! and domino (melanie) did such an amazing job photographing it! when people come to visit, it's hard for them to leave...I think that krister is right, it's a combination of accessibility and warmth that makes it just right...many of the things in our house we also sell it my web-boutique called nonchalantmom.com.
and...
funny enough, Anita Calero is a friend and we have flea marketed together in italy...so I know that we are on the same wave length most of the time, amazing how krister picked up on that!
thank you again apartment therapy!! we love you!!
-carina schott
nonchalantmom.com
I have the same outdoor table and benches, got it from Ikea a few years ago.