OUTDOOR PRIVACY SCREENS

MODERN SCREEN BLOCK PRIVACY SCREENS AND MORE

I mentioned yesterday that our landscaping was in need of an overhaul.  While our extremely overgrown yard is not ideal, one thing is does provide is privacy, and Braxton and I really really love our privacy.

We have super nice neighbors, we sure do, but I don't want to engage in a conversation every time I go into the back yard...sometimes I just want to read a magazine on the patio in peace, or have a moonlit cocktail with my husband, sometimes I even work out side.  Ahhhh privacy!

If we do decide to cut back (or down) some of our trees and shrubs we will have to replace some of them with a privacy screen.

Check out these gorgeous ones!

It's a holiday weekend here in the States...B. and I will be hanging out on the patio (in private!), going for a hike on the Parkway, and perhaps taking in a movie...who's seen Dark Shadows?
I'll see you back here on Tuesday.
Have a beautiful and safe Memorial Day weekend!
yancey

MODERN LANDSCAPING

MODERN LANDSCAPING - WHEN STYLES COLLIDE

 As much as I would love to live in a modern house...we don't.  Ours was originally a log cabin built over 100 yrs. ago, renovated in the early 20th century then again in the early 1970's, then once again (by us) in the 90's.  When we moved here the yard was fairly simple...a maple or two...a fruit tree here and there...simple shrubbery around the house...and lots of grass.  
Fifteen (or so) years ago, we decided to "spruce up" the place by planting lots of trees, a circle of bushes in the back yard, a lovely pear tree in the front yard, and a hedge of holly bushes around our property.  Now, the whole thing is waaay over grown, as in, about to rise up and choke us to death.
I really really want modern landscaping this time!  The question is...will modern landscaping seem out of place with our simple cottage?

I actually could see something like this working with our house (minus the balls) . The simplicity of the design allows for the house to be the focal point.

The slope of our yard would make this pretty impossible.

Love the gravel/stone driveway...this we could do!

Have you noticed that almost every one of these yards is landscaped with rock and/or stones?

Notice the privacy screen on the right?  We'll talk about those tomorrow.

Done!  I am definitely incorporating some river rocks into our new landscaping...and stepping stones.  Are you listening Braxton?

I found a traditional house with modern landscaping!  It can be done!

What do you guys think of the juxtaposition of a traditional home and modern landscaping?  Yes or no?
Have a beautiful day.
yancey

OPEN AIR HOUSES

HOUSES AND ROOMS THAT OPEN TO THE GREAT OUTDOORS!

 Apparently there are places on this earth without bugs...or snakes, or small furry rodents, or heat and humidity that can turn your bones to pudding in the amount of time it takes to walk to the mailbox, or barking dogs, crime or air pollution.  None of these places are Virginia.
I love the idea of an open air house, or even a single open air room.  Braxton and I are enjoying every possible  minute on our patio these days because the oppressive heat and humidity will soon be here, along with mosquitos big as wasps.
I've found you some fabulous pics of open air dwellings, some seem to be with out walls or windows, some can obviously be closed up when necessary.   All are dreamy.  Enjoy! 

Do you live in a place where you can open up your house with out screens?  Where is such a place?  May I come and live with you?
Have a beautiful day.
yancey

ATRIUMS, BREEZEWAYS AND COURTYARDS

the abc's of indoor/outdoor living

When I began this post I thought I understood the difference between an atrium, breezeway and courtyard, turns out these words are pretty much interchangeable.  I'm pretty sure an architect or contractor could set me straight on the subject, but for our purposes, let's stick with the following loosey/goosey definitions.


An atrium is a large open space within a building usually with a glass roof and sometimes glass walls.
A breezeway  is similar to a hallway, but without walls, which allows you to walk between buildings without being exposed to the elements.
A courtyard is an open space, surrounded by a building on three or four sides, with no roof.


Whichever word you choose, atriums, breezeways and courtyards, are the architectural equivalent of  paradise...allowing for the enjoyment of nature without a loss of privacy.


Let's take a look...

COURTYARD

COURTYARD

ATRIUM(?)

COURTYARD

ATRIUM

ATRIUM AS ENTRANCE WAY...THIS I ABSOLUTELY LOVE LOVE LOVE!

COURTYARD

COURTYARD

BREEZEWAY AND COURTYARD

ATRIUM

ATRIUM

COURTYARD/BREEZEWAY

BREEZEWAY

BREEZEWAY OR COURTYARD

BREEZEWAY

I love the idea of having to walk outside in order to access a part of your house!  Do you prefer the word atrium, breezeway or courtyard?  Do you agree with my definitions?

Have a beautiful day.

yancey