Cozy Nooks: Creating a Secret Outdoor Place

Everyone seems to love a secret -- and when the secret is a nook in your outdoor space, all the better. A nook is defined as a private or secluded quiet inner place. Any outside space, from a balcony to an acre estate can benefit from including a nook. Here are points to consider:

Purpose

It doesn't make any sense to set up a secluded garden reading bench if you never have the time to pick up a book. But maybe you'd like to spend 15 minutes in the morning over coffee with your partner, or want to have a quiet spot for conversing with a special friend. Or maybe your nook will be an intimate dining space for four. Consider what you really want to do with your outside space and then make your nook available for that. Otherwise, you'll end up with a space that's lovely to look at but seldom used.

Mystery

Much of the charm of a nook is the secrecy of the space. To achieve this, hide the furnishings at least partially from view. In a garden you might do this with a fence, the wall of an outbuilding or a hedge. On a porch or balcony, consider using fabric panels or drapes, pots and planters or a decorative screen. Lattice screening is especially appropriate to create a nook area on a deck. If your space is small, consider keeping the height of any dividers under 4 ft. That will allow for a feeling of privacy in the nook, yet not completely cut off the visual flow of the space.

Boundaries

Hiding the furnishings from view may also help with another design principle that should be applied in your nook -- defining the boundaries of that space. A nook is often closed in on three sides by walls, plantings, trees, arbors, fences and so on.

You can also define the nook's space by changing the flooring in that area. This might mean a few flagstones in the grass; a different color of stain (or a painted faux rug) on the deck; or a scatter mat on a protected balcony or porch. Consider, too, the ceiling. A leafy bough overhead, a pergola or a ring of mosquito netting can all serve as a roof for the area.

It's not necessary to have three walls, and a delineated floor and a roof, but at least some of these elements will help define the nook and create the cozy feel of a hideaway. A well-defined point of entry also adds to the welcoming effect.

Comfort

What furnishings your nook will hold depends on your use for it. But whether it's a reading chair, a conversation bench or a small dining table, be sure the furniture is comfortable to use. Seating should support you properly and tables should be the proper height for relaxing dining. Side tables for coffee or books should be easily accessible. If you'll be reading in the evening, you'll want to consider lighting that is restful to your eyes. And have always have lots of cushions and pillows so you can sink into them!

Finishing Touches

Try to include some greenery in your nook if it isn't there naturally. It will add color, texture and luxury to the space. If you can, include a favorite piece of whimsy that personalizes your nook. Remember that, although the view looking into your nook is half the fun, the view looking out can add immeasurably to the pleasure of the time you spend there. Keep it in mind when you're situating your space.

Use these principles and create a secret nook that will give unexpected delight to you and your guests alike.

About The Author

Debbie Rodgers, the haven maven, owns and operates Paradise Porch, and is dedicated to helping people create outdoor living spaces that nurture and enrich them. Her latest how-to guide "Attracting Butterflies to Your Home and Garden" is now available on her web site. Visit her at www.paradiseporch.com and get a free report on "Eight easy ways to create privacy in your outdoor space". Mail to debbie@paradiseporch.com

---

How to Grow Asparagus

Asparagus is a perennial plant with erect, edible stems and... Read More

Teak Furniture - A Cut Above The Rest

As you shop around for outdoor furniture, you will notice... Read More

How to Grow Apples

The first thing you need to grow apples is a... Read More

Manage Algae

There are several different ways to manage algae in your... Read More

Orchid Care - What The Root Tells Us

Orchid Care Part 4 Diseases of the RootsOur final part... Read More

How To Mow A Lawn

Although push lawn mowers are wonderful machines that do a... Read More

Orchid Myths -The Truth

Here are some of the popular orchid myths#1 Orchids are... Read More

Orchid Care What The Flower Tells

In Orchid Care The Flower Will Tell You About Some... Read More

How to Grow Blueberries

Along with lip-smacking sweetness, flower and foliage are also worthy... Read More

Growing Organic! Herbs, Flowers and Fruit

Creating no dig gardens on top of the soil gives... Read More

Gardening During Hard Times or Emergencies - You Can Feed Yourself!

Do you ever worry about always having to rely on... Read More

Camellias

Camellias Named by Linnaeus in 1735 in honour of... Read More

Are You Being Taken Advantage of when Ordering Flowers Online?

Did you know that you can send flowers many different... Read More

Tidy Your Garden Up Cheaply

Recently I got involved with gardening. Preior to that, all... Read More

Seeds and More Seeds...What Your Garden Needs

Seeds are the most important ingredient in all gardening. Without... Read More

Growing a Sustainable Garden!

Do you wish you could grow a sustainable vegetable garden?... Read More

Garden Sheds - More Than Just Storage

You may already have a garage or shed in your... Read More

Growing Great Asparagus

I went out to feed the birds this morning -... Read More

Plants, Birds, Love and Deer Hate

Hi Friends;This is the second year in a row I... Read More

What Is One Flower Benefit That You Know Of?

The biggest flower benefit of all is the fact that... Read More

Greenhouse Buying Guide - Choosing The Right Greenhouse

When choosing a new greenhouse for your garden there are... Read More

Feng Shui in the Garden

"The Ancient Art of Placement" called Feng Shui (pronounced phung... Read More

Buying Teak Wood Furniture Responsibly

Teak has many qualities that make the indoor and outdoor... Read More

Vegetable Growing for Beginners

If you have never grown vegetables before the first thing... Read More

Lawn Disease And What To Do About It

Every lawn, whether new or established, is susceptible to a... Read More

5 Things To Consider Before Purchasing a Push Reel Mower

Push Reel Mowers are making a "comeback" of sorts, though,... Read More

Summer Lawn Care Tips

Summer is just around the corner, and your lawn could... Read More

Everyone Loves Flowers

Flowers Truly Reach Your Soul.Flowers are a heartfelt, natural way... Read More

Patio Swings Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space with Comfort and Style

Are you looking for a way to spruce up your... Read More

Patio Design ? Expanding Your Home Outdoors

A patio can be... Read More

About Hummingbirds and How to Attract Them to Your Garden

Visualize watching a bright green hummingbird in your garden moving... Read More

Delavays Blueberry (Vaccinium delavayi)

Whether we know it or not, most of us are... Read More

The Indoor Garden: Plants that Clean the Air

There are many reasons for creating an indoor garden ?... Read More