A VIEW FROM THE PATIO
PULL UP A CHAIR, SIT BACK, RELAX, AND VIEW THE BACKYARD FROM OUR EYES.
When I was growing up, the front porch was the place to be. It was somewhere to sit and chat with neighbors, read a book or just watch the world pass by.
As I grew up and got my own apartments in Chicago, I still clamored for that front-row seat to the neighborhood and would regularly hunker down on a concrete step or stoop. This, of course, was not as comfortable as a porch swing, but it was just as eye-opening.
These days, living in a 1920s home outside of the city, I’ve shifted my focus to the backyard. Quiet. Serene. Nothing but me and the birds and trees. It’s refreshing. Meditative, even.
Of course, the backyard opens up plenty of opportunities to create livable spaces. It’s where you can create unexpected extensions of your home, and let activity flow freely from inside to outside. I’m not talking about sunrooms. I mean real outdoor spaces.
At my home, this means a covered patio and a garden. For you, it could be a deck, terrace, porch, fire pit circle ... when it comes to using the sky as your ceiling, the sky truly is the limit. And that’s exactly what this issue is all about.
Be ready to be inspired by outdoor living ideas—and even get your hands dirty if you feel like undertaking a project. Our team has created an original step-by-step plan for a porch swing. Want a project you can do in a weekend? Look no further than our how-to for building a table and chairs, perfect for a patio. And don’t miss the chance to add a little ambience; we show you how to build planter boxes three ways.
Because having a solid foundation matters, you’ll also learn the ins and outs of maintaining and building a deck. Find out how to restore, repair and replace a deck, so no matter what state your wood is in (or what state your mind is in for doing some heavy lifting), you’ll get some token advice.
Is gathering around a fire pit more your style? We have fire pit tricks and tips, instructions on how to build your own, and an homage to the Solo Stove.
One thing is certain: The time is ripe to get outside. And we’re here for you, for every sunrise and sunset along the way.