Whenever I’m headed to the park with friends, I’m usually the one carrying multiple bags full of blankets and pillows with a guitar around his neck, and I immediately set out to gather branches and stones to set up little flags or other site-specific installations. What can I say? I like to enhance an experience whenever possible. Now if only I had my own backyard — just think of the possibilities! While daydreaming about the thought of spending more time outdoors, I came across some inspiring images full of charming ideas for creating relaxed and inviting spaces in grassy areas.
If you have the space to play with, I love the idea of converting a little garden shed into a whimsical, grown-up playhouse outfitted in airy curtains and comfy pillows. However, if you must rely on parks and beaches for setting up your mini outdoor escape, take a tip from some of these photos and try stringing up a little tent. The result is relatively easy to achieve and is almost always nap-enducing. Another great takeaway from these images is the undeniably simple and beautiful impact of a string of white lights for a little evening ambiance. Enjoy!
Images: 1. Felicity Jayn Heath 2. House to Home 3. Julia 4. daily suze 5. escapade 6. Studio g 7. A Mad Tea Party With Alis 8. Yvestown
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These make me think of the Kreung Tribe in Cambodia (the girls have little 'love shacks' to bring suitors to, to fool around with and decide whom to marry).
The seventh photo is so dreamy! I'm lucky to have an amazing and large tin roof-covered deck off of my condo's kitchen. It sits kind of high in the trees and overlooks a little stream - I've hung fairy lights and Indian stars and we have a hammock that's loaded with pretty pillows (plus, candles and flowers)... I've always loved creating little outdoor nooks - maybe I'm a reincarnate Kreung. Thanks for this lovely, inspriational photo roundup!
I hate the first one with a passion. Sure it's lovely and all, but can you imagine what a pain in the back it is to move all of that stuff? Especially if it rains? I'm so fixated on it.
Hmmm...
Note to self: Join Kreung Tribe in Cambodia....
All of these photos are so lovely. I actually really like the first one -- sure, it may be a pain to move afterwards...but it's so cozy and warm. Picture the ultimate perfect "summer movie night" under the stars with good food/drinks/conversation etc accompanied by an intimate group of close friends...
PERFECTION.
Lovely garden escapes. I prefer the little garden houses, possibly because I think all the stuff can be kept inside and brought out on a minutes notice when needed.
Love them all! Especially the outdoor movie set up! xo xo
These are lovely! I love the first one!
Love the second! Something you can even sit in when it's raining! So beautiful!
Love the outdoor cinema - roll on summer!
Oh, this is SO MUCH better than a similarly-titled article recently in one of the magazines where actually, the main feature of each of the yards was just that is was a mega-expensive property with a fantastic view. And some unremarkable, uncomfortable seating from which to enjoy it.
Hey, if you live near me, please keep your *@)$(*@#!%& movies inside.
We tried the outdoor cinema idea in Maine a few years ago. The mosquitos and bats LOVED it!
That being said, glamping is all the rage these days...bring bug spray!
Would love to be able to do this but too many bugs here. The mosquitos were soo aweful last year. We tried to do something like this but we couldn't make it through half the movie.
Mosquitoes and rain would make this impossible in the summer, but it's a great concept for winter.
These all look great, so cozy! Still, most of them involve such elaborate set-up and tear-down, I can't help that only people with servants, or high-end resorts, would ever actually do them.
I, too, am fixated by the "what if it rains" issue that LacyBones brings up. (I guess, that's where the servants come in!)
Of course, as a city rowhouse dweller, I can't imagine having enough property to implement any of these anyway. Oh, well!
It tree house escape in the last photo is a magical escape for the everyday. Also superb landscaping adding to the overall feeling.
I love tree houses--they seem so magical. I recall a Tarzan movie with an exquisite tree house, but I definitely wouldn't want to deal with the bugs.
the mosquito net over the clothesline is such a good idea!
Outdoor movie party: yes please!
Visually enchanting!
Mat, Thanks for giving us a little something to snap us out of our Winter Funk! Loved all of the outdoor spaces, especially the first one, which is exactly what my husband and I are going to incorporate into our back yard....I'll post photos on my blog as soon as it's finished! Thanks again!
I agree with Elaine. Florida's on opposite terms from the rest of the country. We could do this in the late Winter/early Spring in Central FL and *maybe* be OK. Stupid mosquitos...
Loving every one of these! Some would be a little harder to set up and break down as mentioned earlier but oh, so worth it. It just brings on the sense of comfort, cozy and relaxation.