Modern Outdoor Decorations

Enclosed Courtyard By Desire to Inspire

This enclosed courtyard design with a central entertaining deck is the perfect layout for enjoying time outdoors while preserving privacy. The U shape created by the home practically begs for a courtyard deck. The idea of building the deck, versus leaving the area grassy, helps to define the space and make it special and purposeful. But leaving the tree intact and building around it directly connects nature to the man made space and it provides natural shade. A nice touch is adding some decorative lighting to the tree so that a nice ambiance may be experienced in the evenings. Al fresco meals are something to look forward to at that extra long table, as are secluded and cozy gatherings (even with many people).

French Style Courtyard by Gerard Faivre

Summer is around the corner and this French style courtyard awakens dreams of outdoor gatherings. This amazing building, formerly a mill in the 16th century, was converted into a residence by Gerard Faivre. The beauty of the building itself is enough to stir feelings of wonderment, and the contemporary furnishings are the perfect choice for adding a modern touch to this courtyard space without taking away from the architecture and rustic feel of the building. The furnishings along with the brick work, the stone work, the pond, the trees and climbing vines they all create an enchanting setting for enjoying the sun as well as a starlit sky.

Garden Pavement Lights By Serralunga

See and show your garden in a completely different light, with this walkover lighting from illumination innovator Serralunga. Designer Roberto Paoli was inspired by Michael Jackson’s music video for Billy Jean (where his dance moves coincide with the lighted floor), and thus Jacko Steps were born. These funky, fun garden pavement lights come in a string of five, which you can arrange in any pattern – as a single illuminated border surrounding your flower beds and plantings, or as an illuminated pathway three “stones” deep. This modern garden walkover lighting will transform any garden into an illuminated oasis. Check out Jacko Steps at the Serralunga showroom at Milan Design Week 2011, April 12 to 17.

Backyard Design with Pool by At Casa

Here is a creative idea for a small backyard design with a pool by Bestor Architecture. Notice how the pool and the house are positioned at an angle. This formation effectively splits a small and very private backyard into two separate areas. One side for after-pool lounging and bonfires by night and the other for friendly gatherings and meals. What’s also great is that the roof hangs off the house significantly, providing shelter to both sides. At night this cozy backyard turns into an illuminated delight. The large full-length doors and windows allow the warm interior light to shine out while the pool lights and the flames from the fire provide attractive kinetic lighting and set an inviting, relaxing mood. The layout and design elements of this outdoor space are exemplary of thoughtful planning and creative thinking when constrained by the lot shape.

Glass Veranda By OpenSun

Extend the indoors out with this modern glass veranda by OpenSun. This modern circular addition to your home encloses any area in contemporary floor-to-ceiling glass panels that slide open. It’s available in any size, so your only boundaries are your imagination, and your budget! Open up your home to a hot tub or swimming pool and deck, create a walk-through kitchen, or add nature into the living room where you’ll enjoy unobstructed vistas of city, forest, desert – wherever you call “home.” Regardless if you live in a warm or cool climate, you’ll enjoy this glass veranda all year round.

Outdoor Glass Art By SWON Design

A fabulous al fresco feature, Cascade is a waterfall-inspired glass wall overlooking a landscaped garden in Toronto, Canada, on the shores of Lake Ontario. This 10-ft. long, seven-ft. high glass installation was meticulously crafted of 77 ladle-poured glass blocks, shimmering in various tones of blue and green. Even the texture of water is echoed in the piece. And fittingly, the glass wall was incorporated into a real waterfall, which lets the muse flow freely over the glass.