10 Cool Ideas for Backyard Retreats and Playhouses

 

 

Summer is around the corner, and the outdoor world is beckoning. What better way to enhance outdoor living than with a cool new structure in the backyard? Whether you dream of lounging in a hammock in your own bugproof pavilion, hosting friends for the weekend in a revamped vintage Airstream or getting away from it all in a rustic writer’s cabin, these 10 ideas for outbuildings are here to get your creative wheels turning. Just imagine the possibilities.

M Valdes Architects PLLC

1. Screened pavilion. Even better than a screened-in porch, a screened pavilion is like having a summer house in your backyard. String up a hammock and put a game table inside, and relax all evening, immersed in the ambience of the summer night … without bug bites.

2. Airstream. What could be more classic than the iconic silver bullet that is the Airstream trailer? Spruce up a vintage model and use it as a guesthouse for visiting family and friends.

3. Winged cabin. It’s clear why this structure is called Hawk House — it looks like it’s ready to take flight. Part rustic cabin, part modern innovation, this little shed would make a fabulous writer’s retreat or guest quarters.
Read about this Big Sur hideout

Miriam's River House Designs, LLC

4. Japanese teahouse. Hidden in a far corner of the garden, nestled among trees, a traditional Japanese-style teahouse would make a restorative retreat for meditation and, of course, tea — with or without the ceremony.

NEW THEME Inc.

5. Getaway with a deck. A one-room modern structure perched on a steep lot turns what would have been virtually unusable space into a welcome refuge from daily life. Use it to house guests or simply to feel like you’re getting away from it all without leaving home.

Wooden Wonders

6. Hobbit house. Why not have a pint-size, hobbit-style playhouse in the backyard? This one is actually large enough for adults and kids to enjoy.

Art Gems

7. Glass house. Airy and light, this garden structure can do double duty as a plant nursery and hangout area. Recycle old window frames and building materials to cobble together your own unique take on this design.

Designerpaint

8. Gypsy caravan. Add a curved roof, a Dutch door and a lucky horseshoe, and suddenly that basic shed has been transformed into something utterly charming. Use it as a spot to take your afternoon tea, or set up a mini art or writing studio inside.

Missy Brown Design

9. Tree house. Why should kids have all the fun? This tree house was designed with kids and grownups in mind — it’s equipped to handle sleepovers and dinner parties.
See more of this Colorado treehouse

Missy Brown Design

Here you can see the tree house deck, with a lovely spot for sitting and enjoying the view.

Krown Lab

10. Tiny house. The tiny house movement isn’t just for primary residences — a pint-size dwelling can also be a great option for housing an in-law or visiting guests, or you can even rent it out.

Ron Goldstein,MBA
Certified Luxury Broker@KoenigRubloff-Berkshire Hathaway affiliate
Principal, Silver Professionals

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Spring rains..Test your sump pump

How to Test a Basement Sump Pump

  

 

A basement sump pump can serve as a good investment for a homeowner, and many homes--particularly those in low or wet areas--come standard with basement sump pumps. A sump pump removes water from the lowest level of a home and pumps it outside the house. Properly maintaining your sump pump lets you rest assured that it will function correctly if you should experience a flood of water from unforeseen leaks or weather conditions. If your home has a basement sump pump, you should test it regularly to ensure its proper operation.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Locate the exit pipe, also called an outlet pipe, on the exterior of your home through which your sump pump directs the water from your basement. Inspect the outlet pipe for damage. Verify that the pipe has no clogs made of debris or ice, depending upon the current weather conditions. Make sure that the outlet pipe is clear and will direct water away from the foundation of your house. Remove any clogs or move the outlet pipe if necessary.
     
   • 2
     Look over the sump pump in the basement of your home. You can usually find it near the interior walls of the foundation, typically in an unfinished area of the basement. Verify that the electrical cord for your sump pump is plugged into an outlet. Remove the lid to the sump pump, if your pump has a lid. Using a flashlight, inspect the interior of the basin for any clogs or debris. Remove any debris that you find.
     
   • 3
     Pour approximately 5 gallons of water into the basin of your sump pump. Pour slowly (at approximately the same speed that water might flow into the basin from the basement) until the sump pump turns on and begins to pump out water. Do not pour in more water than the basin will hold. Expect the sump pump to begin pumping out water when the water level reaches approximately 8 to 12 inches below the surface of the basement floor.
     
   • 4
     Look for a float on the sump pump. (Your sump pump may not include a float.) Verify that the float functions correctly and does not catch against the lid or basin, as its proper operation ensures that the sump pump turns on when the water level reaches the correct height.
     
   • 5
     Make any necessary repairs based on your test of your basement sump pump. Continue to test your sump pump regularly (every few months) and replace your pump if needed.
     

Read more: http://www.ehow.com/how_6072081_test-basement-sump-pump.html#ixzz32AxUbe9m

Planning summer Bashes? Light it up!

Backyard Parties: 7 Ways to Light It Up

Have a lush and inviting outdoor space that's gorgeous in the daytime, but loses that vibe after the sun goes down? Adding light to your backyard doesn't have to mean major rewiring or costly fixtures to create blinding results. For ideas, take a look at what we've rounded up from around the Web that will give your backyard a dazzling glow.

Tin Can Lanterns

Let your creativity shine through by crafting these customized tin can lanterns. Use a hammer and nail to punch your design or pattern, fill with a tea light and you’re set. For more intricate motifs, use a pen to sketch out your plan before punching.

Photo Credit: growcreative.com

Mason Jar Lights

Use pages from the newspaper, a back issue from a magazine or your favorite catalog to dress up basic canning jars. Here, these decoupaged Mason jar lights are vessels for flame tea lights, but can be filled with any small battery-powered light of your choosing. You can also use them to hold pencils, kitchen utensils or short-stemmed flowers.

Photo Credit: Melissa Baswell Williams, bubbyandbean.com

Glowing Light Orbs

These glowing light orbs are proof that chic outdoor lighting doesn’t have to break the bank. The basic light shades can be found at hardware stores, second-hand stores and flea markets for the cost of a cup of coffee. Fill them with some of those mini-lights that only see action around the Christmas tree and voila – instant ambiance with little fuss.

Photo Credit: The Art of Doing Stuff

Wine Glass Lampshades

Instead of scattering boring plain tea lights on the table, put unused wine glasses to work at your next al fresco fiesta by topping them with homemade wine glass candle lampshades. Fill the glasses with tea lights, top with decorative vellum or designer card stock paper and you've got instant sophistication.

Photo Credit: iSaveA2Z

Pot Lighting

Give a clay or plastic pot, or even a woven basket from a dollar store, a new look by turning it into a hanging light fixture. Battery-powered light sources work best inside these sconces.

Photo Credit: The Art of Doing Stuff

Paper Bag Lanterns

Another use for a string of basic outdoor lights, these paper bag party lights are a fun family-friendly project that can be done in no time with a little supervision. Colorful bags provide visual pop in the daylight and after sunset. With one flip of a power switch, the inner glow takes over.

Photo Credit: Martha Stewart

Custom Signage

Impress guests with your own lighted custom signage that is both practical and whimsical. This piece was made by cutting plywood and stringing outdoor lights through holes in the letters.

Photo Credit: Nicole Reed

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