Outdoor pavilions, once charmingly referred to as "follies" by the English elite, have endured for centuries around the world. Intended to provide shelter and repose, as well as a designated space to entertain throughout the seasons, the backyard pavilion has enjoyed a particularly modish comeback in recent years, as these incredible backyard outdoor pavilion ideas demonstrate. From cozy beach retreats...
You've probably heard of the idyllic house and white picket fence, the joy and security each provides the other. While we may be more or less past that decidedly 1950s pinnacle of domestic bliss, there's no denying the timeless function and appeal of a well-crafted and attractive fence, as these backyard fence ideas illustrate. Your backyard is a place of...
The basement is quite possibly the most overlooked, if not openly disregarded part of one's home. After all, the basement tends to encompass everything most people eschew: little to no lighting, accessible only by a descent underground, and often a last resort for storage and social gatherings. But in recent years the idea of a basement has taken on a new...
Camping amenities and beach rinse-offs aren't the only occasions that call for the outdoor shower experience. For those of us who savor the earthy liberation of the outdoors but prefer a bit (or lot) more privacy, an outdoor shower is the perfect backyard luxury. At last, you can cleanse and purify under sunny and starlit skies alike, without risking the...
There was a time when no garden or plot of land was complete without botanical implements to compliment the surroundings and suggest an air of natural poignancy. Water fixtures are a particularly time-honored tradition, as seen in the majestic fountains of Rome, graceful lakes of European estates, and poetic Japanese koi pools, to name a few. The backyard pond is also...
The advanced landscaper is inclined to regard the retaining wall as a kind of engineering masterwork, an invaluable tool for crafting an outdoor space with optimum beauty and enjoyment in mind. Designed for preventing soil and plant life from escaping or overrunning elevated terrains, the best retaining wall ideas serve a dual purpose: containment and refinement. And thanks to today's style-savvy...
You don't have to splash out on a trip to Bali to bask in the splendor of a tropical waterfall. Today's ingenious backyard waterfall designs blend convenience and eye appeal, all in a scaled-down model fit for any outdoor space and personal approach. While natural waterfalls have long been celebrated for their breathtaking beauty, the best backyard waterfalls make for more...
For those with a particularly passionate flair for the culinary joys of feasting and entertaining, a well-appointed pantry is an absolute must. That's why we've come up with this collection of the best kitchen pantry ideas. Older houses often boast impressive walk-in pantries or butler's pantries, offering a glimpse of just how crucial these utilities were for early homeowners. While...
No doubt a chore that few of us relish doing, laundry is hardly a worthy topic in the realm of interior design, right? Well, it may be time to rethink that sentiment as these best laundry room ideas demonstrate. The modern and modish laundry room is inviting and functional, and may further boast some surprisingly time-saving implements. A top-notch washer...
For a sad many, the kitchen is still a place of utilitarian function only. Oven, stovetop, sink, refrigerator, some counter space—done, right? Alas, how much they miss. The kitchen is the nucleus of the home, regardless of whether you live in the city, suburbs, or country. It is where you provide for and fortify yourself and your family, where you...
