It’s been a rainy few days here in West Michigan. Monday we had the freakiest thunderstorm complete with a pummeling of hail that startled the crap out of me as I drove slowly down the highway. Weather in general has been a bit of a bitch this week, what with that awful tornado in Oklahoma. If you’re dealing with less than perfect weather too, I hope these images of lovely outdoor spaces can transport you to sunnier times.

one | Skona Hem via nicety
two | House Beautiful via nicety
three | dustjacket attic

If you’re in the same hemisphere as me, welcome to my least favorite time of the year weather-wise. I like some snow for Christmas but once January starts to drag on and we get gray day after gray day, I’m thoroughly ready for Spring! Doesn’t this first picture just exude warmth? I would love to be kicking back with a fizzy drink on this beautiful patio.

Casual, ethnic, rustic, and so very calming. With a breeze behind you, this porch would be the perfect place to meditate or dream the afternoon away.

This backyard is so very stunning, don’t you agree? I love plant-life, but I tend to side with the folks that say acres of lawn is unnatural and wasteful. Large lawns require so much water to stay green not to mention all the mowing. This backyard is so green but that’s largely thanks to the vertical planting and the topiaries. I adore topiaries, so this looks like heaven to me.

one // Michael Smith
two // Photographed by Morten Holtum, styled by Lykke Foged via 79 ideas
three // Mark D. Sikes for Lonny via Savvy Home

I have returned from my glorious vacation. In fact I arrived home two nights ago but I definitely needed some time to collect myself. My week spent in Sleeping Bear Dunes was possibly the best vacation ever. Just me and my boyfriend, unplugged from the internet and the usual routine, relaxing at a picturesque cottage just a few miles from several Lake Michigan beaches, stunning dunes, and charming wooded trails.

It seems too often people intend to relax on vacation and end up running around frantically trying to complete their planned agenda. We planned only one activity in advance (a fun cruise on a catamaran) and just let the rest fall into place. My fondest memories are simply sitting by the campfire at night, gazing across an open field and a tree-lined horizon at the stunning sunset. I could wax poetic about it for quite some time but I think you get the picture.

And as I’m constantly reminded by my ever so slightly tanned self in the mirror, it’s great to really spend some time outdoors and I need to do it more often. I find myself supremely envious of the gorgeous outdoor spaces I’ve collected here today. While luxury isn’t always attainable, cozy and quaint isn’t all that difficult to create with the right inspiration.

Continue reading for inspiring outdoor spaces >>

Aaaand it’s Friday. I’ve had a bit of a crazy time this week and while I’m inclined to whine about it I think I’ll spare you. If my schedule wasn’t completely full for the day I definitely would be going for a long walk. The sun is out and I always find being outside therapeutic.

This spot is about as welcoming as it gets. More people should take advantage of outdoor fabric for effects like this. I find it enchanting. From a hotel in the jungle of Belize, via desire to inspire.

Simple, cozy, and PINK of course. So much seating you could throw a party out there. A bit of a luxury, no? Designed by Kishani Perera via Shop Talk.

Chevron is a little overly trendy in my opinion, but I would not say no to that floor. It is awesome. This shot is so Secret Garden. I love it. Can you imagine having something like this on your property to escape to? C Magazine via delight by design.

Archways always pique my interest, even more so if covered in plant life. Photographed by Sharyn Cairns for Country Style AU via dustjacket attic.

Cute furniture, but I still don’t like rugs like this. What I do like is the use of those shutters as a massive screen behind the sofa. It’s a great focal point and also gives the space a cozy enclosed feeling. Lonny Mag via My Favorite and My Best.

This outdoor area screams chic and hip. It’s luxurious and laid back at the same time. I just love it, especially the fretwork on the glass. Via delight by design.

A beautiful shared courtyard in Los Angeles. Via Design*Sponge.

This space is so simple and quite humble, but I am really feeling its vibe right now. A little moody but still with feminine colors, lots of soft textures, a sweet breeze and nice view… and most importantly to me at the moment is a spot to lay down. Nap time please. Via buddha interiors.