Koheid Design
Crystal Blackshaw Interiors2. Dining Oasis
Designer Crystal Blackshaw turned the basement-level patio of a historic Lincoln Park row house in Chicago into a greenery-filled dining retreat perfect for one or two. The patterned tile and white tabletop pop against the home’s traditional red brick facade, and the furniture blends with the classic ironwork. String lights, seat cushions and flowering window boxes elevate the enticing outdoor retreat even more.
Michael D’Angelo Landscape Architecture LLC3. Rooftop Relaxation
This built-in cubby on a Boston rooftop invites one to settle in with a good book or simply chill out. The secluded, comfortable spot allows for relaxing even during inclement weather. Interior lights extend the nook’s usefulness into the evening hours. Landscape architect Michael D’Angelo had one more practical reason for including the structure: to conceal mechanical equipment and screen less-than-stellar views.
Plantology Ltd4. Wildlife-Spotting Seat
Two chairs and a table set at the end of a meandering gravel path are ideally situated to take in views of the birds and other beneficial wildlife that visit this yard in Warwickshire, England. The curved path and tree placement help conceal this nook from the rest of the landscape, creating a more intimate and secluded feel. Landscape designer Sam Plant of Plantology filled the space with a mix of herbaceous plants that have long-lasting, pollinator-attracting blooms.
Hutten & Co. Land and Shore5. Water Views
A small deck off the back of this woodland home in Ontario, Canada, offers gorgeous views of the forest beyond it and soothing sounds from the waterfall just below it. The team at Hutten & Co. Land and Shore used tumbled rock to create the water feature, with a result that is pleasing to both eyes and ears.
Tierra Madre Fine Gardens6. Elegant Sanctuary
A single lounge chair between a dining pavilion and a custom fountain is an appealing destination for a single wanderer at this San Mateo, California, home. Designer Hallie Schmidt of Tierra Madre Fine Gardens used a plant palette of greens punctuated with bits of color that contrast beautifully with the grays and dark woods of the path and planting beds. The fountain provides a soft, relaxing sound that also screens neighborhood noises.
Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors7. Hidden Nook
An abundance of plants helps make this tiny terrace off the lower level of a Chicago-area home a lush locale for relaxing or catching up on a good book. Photos and candles along the top ledge of the stone wall personalize the space. More candles set along the floor provide an evening glow. Hursthouse Landscape Architects and Contractors also included a self-contained fountain for added ambiance.
koara – Paysagistes et Jardiniers8. Lush Look
Koara infused this small balcony in the Bordeaux region of France with plenty of style and greenery. While the seating area is small, plenty of plants in freestanding planters and hanging containers create a feeling of lushness, privacy and seclusion. The simple built-in bench for one or maybe two is tucked nicely along one end, while the red bistro chair adds a colorful accent.
FormLA Landscaping9. Stopping Point
A strategically placed seat can be the perfect getaway spot in your yard. The team at FormLA Landscaping set a classic park bench along a meandering path, where it will invite strollers to take in the sights and smells of the native garden at this Los Angeles home. Mounding grasses, shrubs and a boulder shield the space slightly and create the feeling of a more secluded, tucked-away nook.
Verdance Landscape Architecture10. Petite Patio
A small flagstone patio just outside this Palo Alto, California, home’s primary bedroom creates an intimate outdoor spot for enjoying morning coffee or afternoon wine. Landscape architect John Black of Verdance Landscape Architecture added a cantilevered steel canopy for shade and as a focal point. A nearby boulder fountain and koi artwork enhance the setting.
Are you looking for a place to get away from it all? That place might be right in your backyard. See how landscape pros used nooks, crannies and even open areas to create cozy, inviting spots for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. Whether you’re looking for a personal retreat or somewhere to sit with a select human or furry companion, the following 10 yards offer plenty of inspiration. (cited)
1. Peaceful Retreat
Tucked into the corner of a Los Angeles backyard, this retreat for one exemplifies outdoor serenity. Koheid Design carefully crafted the details for ultimate relaxation and comfort, from the pergola overhead and steppingstone entry to the L-shaped pond filled with water lilies. The finishing touch in this modern Zen space is the cushy chair that encourages hours of outdoor lounging.