Name: Kalyani C.
Location: India
Size: 250 square feet
Your Favorite Thing About Your Outdoor Space: Coming in out of the rain. Whether I'm on foot or on the scooter, when I get home and open the gates, I'm in shelter, away from the elements, and this gives a good feeling. The loud patter of rain on the roof magnifies the feeling that I am safe. And I can fish out my keys, out of the rain.
Passers-by too, take shelter from sudden showers in the verandah. And many of them stop here to get a drink of water from the tap in the corner. Our cool green verandah is relaxing and welcoming the moment you step in.
Biggest Design Challenge With This Space: One half of our verandah doubles as a car port. It was not possible to keep any plants in this half without them being knocked over. So I painted a mural of the Sun God in bright colours. Its the first thing that guests see and they're cheered immediately.
Tips for Creating a Great Small Outdoor Space: A secluded space outdoors to read, eat, chat, and enjoy a cup of coffee gives a home added character. Make an enclosure while still allowing in glimpses of the space outside. Use hardy materials. Seating which can withstand the weather is important. Bring in as many plants as you can. Dress the walls. Bring back little interesting inexpensive objects from your travels to add colour. Spend as much time here as you can.
Thanks, Kalyani, and good luck!
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Stanley Console by ...
nice and sweet...location in india??
@susrith, the applicant didn't tell us.
HI Susrith, thanks for the comment. We are in Ooty, south India
I've heard that it rains 364 days in Ooty (and you get sunshine for one day) Is it true?
it looks very refreshing and energizing! creatively done. Sun God looks nice.
That looks oh-so-welcoming! rain, or no rain. We are tempted to plan a vacation soon, or simply walk in.
Very Ootyish................The verandah is Lovely Dark & Deep.............classy graffiti............ truly bringing Nature Indoors !!!!!!
@dnr, its about half of the 365, i think. right now we havent seen the sun for weeks, and that's we why we have to create our own and the bright colours.
@Shanthi, thanks
@latha, welcome any time. Plan a trip soon
@shashi, Thanks!!
how gorgeous. i love it! can't imagine such greenery in my little Delhi balcony.
Gorgeous space and colors! I live in Bali Indonesia and am wanting to do just this for my husband's previous home in Sulawesi. We are planning the renovation now and I would LOVE to see an image on the carport side, if possible. My email is anna (at) frombaliwithlove (dot) com