Inspiration for an Artful Outdoor Space

From Jennifer on May 25th, 2010 in Landscaping

Are you pining away for some lounge time in the great outdoors? I don’t blame you. As the seasons warm, all I can think about is hitting the patio with a good book and icy margarita.

artful landscape arbor

Here with an eye for attractive outdoor living spaces: Bourne + Blue Architecture from Australia. The gurus helped one family remodel their typical backyard patio, which was being used for function, storage (and other tragically boring purposes), and artfully transformed it into an inspired outdoor oasis.

artful landscape before
Before = yuck!

In the before picture, you get the sense of a young family with small children bursting out of a house too cramped for them. But from the post-remodel shots, you can see a home more befitting a comfortable family lifestyle, a home that has plenty of room for function but just as much for enjoyment as well.

artful landscape patio

The patio remains a concrete attachment to the back of the house, but is now completely transformed. Where once there was clutter, now there is space and signs of leisure. One of the most incredible features of the new back patio is actually a progression of the house remodel – the addition of large windows and glass doors, allowing the family within to enjoy views of their patio, yard and garden.

artful landscape kitchen

While the house and concrete are gray in hue, lovely accents have been added to warm up the patio and give it some character. Rich wooden posts and beams run the length of the patio, just about even with the roof line and as support for the patio cover. For an intriguing, layered look, there’s also a transparent shield above to protect from precipitation while still allowing light to flood through.

artful landscape wood flooring

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About the Author:

Jennifer Heyns
I must admit that when my husband dragged me into the world of construction 15 years ago, I did not go quietly. The phrase "kicking and screaming" is probably what comes to his mind. But I’ve learned a lot through my experience with his company - from the planning and work required to design and build a house to the ideas and sweat equity that go into remodeling, expanding, and decorating a home. On my way to finding my passion for writing, I even enjoyed a short career as a kitchen and bathroom designer. I soon found house, home and construction-type publications seeking me out, thrilled at having found someone who knows about the topic matter from firsthand experience and who just so happens to be able to write a decent article. My life isn’t all about writing, though. I have two sons, 10 and 12, and those boys (husband and dog included) just don’t raise themselves. We spend a leisurely life in the countryside, enjoying the fresh air, growing gardens (mostly for the sake of the deer), and watching the wildlife who share our property (and not just deer - owls, foxes, groundhogs, chipmunks and hummingbirds, too). For several years I've been successfully finding new ways to acquire quality, affordable healthcare for my family without an HMO. My first book, Bargaining for Our Lives is available now - see more about it (and me) at www.JenniferHeyns.com. On a good day I find time to say hello to all my followers on twitter, or to post a blog (my way of thwarting therapy appointments) at www.JenniferHeyns.blogspot.com. On a great day, though, I also get to bake, knit or make crafts - after the boys are asleep and the laundry and dishes are done, of course.