Planning
Why a Clear Route Makes a Small Patio Feel More Usable
A clear route through a small patio helps define useful areas, ease everyday movement and show where furniture or…
The reading room
Articles
Browse Clever Outdoor Living for considered ways to plan, furnish, plant and care for the outdoor spaces around a home.
Furniture
Bench or Separate Chairs for a Narrow Balcony?
Compare a bench and separate chairs for a narrow balcony, then choose seating that suits your footprint, preferred…
Planting
Container Groups: Use Height and Repetition to Unite Your Pots
Container groups feel deliberate when repeated shapes or materials tie varied pot heights together; plan a balanced…
Care
The Outdoor Cushion Mistake: Storing It Without Letting It Dry
Outdoor cushion storage works better when fabric is fully dry first. Learn how to spot trapped moisture, air cushions…
Seasons
A Late-Summer Evening, Set Up for One Unhurried Meal
Plan a late-summer evening meal outdoors with comfortable seats, a clear serving surface and an easy route back…
Our point of view
Outdoor space should earn its place in daily life
Good choices begin with how a space is used. We look at layout, comfort, planting and upkeep without assuming every home has a large garden.