Tag Archives:


outdoor living

Exterior Bi-fold doors make a versatile patio

An outdoor room is a wonderful extension of the home. Access to that room is usually found via a standard back door or sliding glass doors. Bi-fold doors that stack away to the sides opens up the indoor room and provides free, open access to the patio. This staple in Hawaiian and Californian outdoor design

Another way to binge on the patio: An outdoor TV

Football season and binge watching are elevated to another level when you include an outdoor TV in your patio design. A long weekend filled with snacks and an unwatched season of your favorite TV show. A Sunday with fellow fans watching the game. A movie just released for streaming. These are banner weekend plans! But

Rosh Hashanah: Traditions and planning for an outdoor celebration

Celebrating outside brings us back to time-honored customs. This month is Elul, a time of repentance in preparation for the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah (the New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). At sundown on the Gregorian calendar day of September 29, 2019, and on the Hebrew calendar day 1 Tishrei 5780,

Fire Pit or Fireplace? Things to Consider When Planning your Outdoor Living Space

If you are planning a fire feature for your patio, you may ask yourself “Should we get a fire pit or fireplace?” Both give off light and warmth and help create a cozy, welcome atmosphere. While cost is typically a question (and can sometimes be the deciding factor) here are some other differences that you

Friluftsliv: Get a Norwegian breath of fresh air for a boost to mental health

Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.   -Albert Einstein While other cultures have emphasized the role of mental wellness in overall health for centuries, in the US it has only been relatively recently that more attention is being given to developing our mental, not just physical, strength. Increased urbanization takes us further

Planning a new patio? Consider installing an automatic sprinkler system

“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” -Cicero, Roman orator Moving water from its source to where it is needed is an ancient craft. Aqueducts helped cities flourish in ancient times. Today, various water sprinklers help maintain the lawn’s lush look. Homeowners use everything from a simple watering can

8 big ideas for a tiny patio

Urban and dense suburban spaces can be a bit forgotten in the design world. But don’t give up on the dream of an outdoor lifestyle. A tiny patio can be a great space. Whether it is a fire escape, a roof terrace or a tiny back porch patio, every space can become something more. With

How Paver Patterns Help Define Outdoor Living Spaces

If you’ve decided to have a patio, pool deck or walkway installed using pavers, you probably read it over and over again while you were researching your options: ‘The possibilities are endless” and “Limited only by your imagination”.  While not quite infinite, when you consider color, texture, and pattern options, there are quite a lot-

Cooking with kids outdoors

As parents, we want to arm our kids with the skills they need to succeed. Preparing food is one of the most basic life skills, but it often is put off until it’s too late. Learning to cook is a source of pride for many kids and teens who live in a processed-food world. Studies

Skinny spaces: Games and ideas for narrow outdoor areas

We all have those little strips of yard or patio that are too small to be decked out but too big to be ignored. Don’t despair. There’s hope for those skinny spaces. Here are a few ideas to turn those neglected spaces into destination spots. A shuffleboard court is a fun addition to any outdoor