If you were to ask me which — of the countless beautifully designed rooms I have experienced over the years — were my favorites, you might be surprised to discover that all of them were out of doors. No traditional walls or ceilings, or lighting. Not a one. Yet all these spaces were actual rooms — as real in function and esthetics as any other, just as they are all now indelible images stashed in the pleasure-seeking portions of my mind — spaces I can visit whenever I want to feel that all is right with the world.
Coastal Point • SUBMITTED
I first started collecting these treasures in the late 70’s, while touring the back roads in southern France. The day was perfect: peaceful summer morning, cloudless skies overhead, with just a hint of a cool breeze in the air. One after another, picturesque tree-lined fields framed the sides of the road.
Then, it happened: Out of the driver’s side window, I spotted it. Atop a rolling hill, alone in the middle of an open space — a dining room had been created — complete with rustic wooden table and chairs. I pulled over to get a better look and take in the glory of this unusual setting.
Instead of traditional walls, trees, now in bloom, had been planted on the two longer sides of the rectangle, their branches trimmed tight and flat on front and back, while outreaching lateral branches were braided one to the next. Having grown solidly together over the years they had formed a tall, fence-like surround on two sides and overhead. (I later learned that “pleaching” is the term for this artful grafting process, a skill developed using trees as a substitute for iron fencing during war time.)
Nowadays you see the same structural idea used for field animals as a “run-in” shed. Granted, that’s not quite as romantic a notion as what I imagined as I stood there in the French countryside that perfect day summers ago, enthralled by the imagined perfection of friends gathered to celebrate life.
The magic of the scene has never left me. Years later, I attempted to recreate it in my own back yard using six mature Quanzon cherry trees. The nursery from which I purchased the trees had pronounced this batch of trees unsuitable for landscaping as they had been severely windblown, the large trunks noticeably sloping. Absolutely perfect for me, I judged.
I had them placed at the far end of my yard — three on either side of the space — their curved shapes leaning, bowing to each other, tips eventually touching to form the most exquisite pink canopy. I had low-voltage spotlights placed at the base of trees – lights that traced the trunks and reflected off the pink underbelly of the arched branches, providing the perfect rosy glow to the space and the happy folks gathered in it.
What unforgettable times we had with family and special friends at the requisite nightly dinners those two weeks each spring season when the chubby, pink cottonball blooms graced the enchanting “room.”
True, the window of opportunity was brief, so we had to jump into action to capture the fleeting blossoms. Often, heavy sweaters were necessary as we braved the chilly night air, but time there was laced with magic and wonder — worth every bit of mad preparation.
There are other magic gardens in my playbook, but one in particular stands out: the terrace behind my daughter’s Manhattan brownstone. Terraces are a rare commodity among the folks of the Upper West Side — especially this one, positioned on the roof of an old three-carriage garage. In its day, vehicles stored in this narrow garage would have been positioned one behind the other. Therefore, the garage roof, when later claimed as a terrace, sported the same long, slender shape.
What made this outdoor area notable was the fact that it was the only deck on the block and it backed up to a solid mass of tall, colorless apartment buildings. From the vantage point of literally dozens of neighboring apartment dwellers, the view of the second floor terrace was the best show in town. However, it was a real fishbowl situation. But the open-air space was available and offered exciting potential as additional square footage to tight living quarters.
Analyzing the situation, my daughter and I realized two things: first, the intended terrace renovation might well affect the aesthetic lives of many more people than initially anticipated, and secondly, whatever plans we developed had to include a little backyard privacy. With both civic duty and personal needs in mind, we set out to beautify this potential spare room.
The roof deck with its perimeter knee wall was decidedly brown, so color was the obvious immediate solution. That in mind, with the working girl’s budget in hand, we trotted off to purchase something to cover the largest surface: groundcover. The normal first choice, soft, green grass, was, of course, out of the question. A ready alternative: Astroturf. Bright green Astroturf. Plastic grass by the yard.
At first, I was horrified at the thought, but my daughter insisted, and quantities of the stuff were purchased and rolled out. Being a fan of instant gratification, I had to admit (if somewhat secretly) the moment of unveiling was rather exciting. Next, containers and flowers of every kind and color were purchased and planted in an array of window boxes and festive pots, which were then placed on top of the knee wall. The colors and textures spruced up the area and the added height of the containers and plantings offered a little more privacy around the perimeter of the space.
Additionally, an expandable bamboo trellis was secured at the narrow, far end of the deck and served not only to screen the area but also support a healthy batch of morning glories and moon flowers, already on the move and desperately needing a place to climb.
Against the backdrop of the vines, a vintage glider and collection of unmatched chairs, freshly painted fire-engine red and filled with cushy striped cushions, was the perfect accent. The colorful grouping of once-orphaned furniture created an ever-ready invitation to sit and relax or chat with friends.
This unfolding transformation of the terrace was like the readying of a stage set for the upcoming production. The daily additions and changes did not go unnoticed by onlookers. More than once, as the work progressed, surrounded by pets and planting materials, we were greeted through open windows with thumbs up and nods of approval by an unfamiliar, ever-emerging army of smiling faces.
As time went on, my daughter and her pet Sheltie were frequently approached in the street or at the corner market by otherwise unknown high rise neighbors with remarks like, “Aren’t you the one in the back with that beautiful garden? I recognize your dog,” or “Thank you. We all love what you did with your flowers. Brightens up the whole place.” And, “We watch your cats sleeping in the sun.” With smiles, there were questions from others about subletting the apartment.
Over the course of that summer in New York, the flowers flourished well beyond expectations, under my daughter’s careful hand. She learned to take quiet time with morning coffee or afternoon iced tea with friends there in her little corner of paradise. Her cats watched and played as birds and butterflies visited the garden.
The morning glories and moon flowers eventually outgrew the trellis and were extended by long, long strings from the far end of the deck to the roof top of the five-floor apartment building. The effect of the multiple, flower-covered garlands was dazzling by day and enchanting by evening — a veritable canopy of blue and white fragrant blossoms and privacy to boot.
It was clear that this claimed bit of real estate, this stage, this garden room, had been the source of peace and enjoyment for my daughter, her friends and furry creatures, and many others, as well.
So, now let’s step out of our design daydreams and apply these fantastic images to practical use. Here’s how to convert spare room into an inspired summer space: seek out an unused place in your home that has the potential to stage future enjoyment. It could be an unused corner of the yard, a porch, a balcony, even an existing gazebo or other structure.
Now see the space with new eyes. Ask yourself, “How do I want to enjoy this space?” A quiet corner? A reading nook? A place to have a drink with friends? A dining area? A cool spot where kids can recharge on hot summer days? An outdoor kitchen area? An open-air shower? A bar?
Now make a plan and start to customize the space. Then, it’s on to my favorite part of the plan — retail therapy.
This year, more than ever, the shops and catalogues are chocked full with fresh and colorful ideas to satisfy your every need — from cushy, custom sectionals and double-wide chaises with tufted cushions (even an outdoor poster bed) to outside kitchen cabinetry, hundreds of market umbrellas in new shapes and sizes sporting paisley prints, and bright stripes and solids, bars with canopies, foldable directors chairs in adult and kid sizes (some with polka-dot covers), ready-made showers stands that require only a garden hose, plush terrycloth towels in bold colors, not to mention cleverly designed candleholders, colorful votives, exterior electrical lighting fixtures and accessories galore. Even outdoor drapery panels and hardware. You name it, it’s out there, from the essentials to the fanciful.
From me to you, here’s one of the season’s best design tips: anchor your new furniture grouping with one the many, new, colorful weather-resistant area rugs. Exciting styles range from the look of traditional patterns and tribal kilims, to weather proof sisal-like rugs with large jacquard borders, even chenille — all woven with polypropylene reeds, made to resemble indoor rugs. Colorful, chic, some surprising soft underfoot, and best of all — hose them off for cleaning. Pick your favorite style and start decorating early.
Soon you will have redefined that unused space, be it patio, backyard porch or poolside. You will have created your own personal outdoor room that makes you feel truly at home. This is the stuff of dreams and fond memories. Open your doors of your mind and welcome your outdoor spaces into your home.
Connie Britell, ASID, is owner of Dovetail Interior Architecture and Design with offices in Washington, D.C., and Ocean View. She is co-author with her sisters, Mary Jo Donohoe and Suzanne Hawkins, of “SOS: Sisters On Style, The Professional Organizer For Your Home Designs,” available through www.SistersOnStyle.com.