outdoor

35 decorative rugs that will turn any outdoor space into an oasis

By Jenny J. Richards 5 days ago

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Summer is around the corner, and if you plan on spending lots of time at home, now is the perfect time to invest in your outdoor space.

From an outdoor fire pit to inflatable kiddie pools (or even a fun pool float!), there are plenty of ways to turn your backyard into an oasis. And let’s not forget about revamping that outdoor living area or a patio.

One way to add texture or color to any outdoor living space is with an outdoor rug. It offers comfort, helps reduce mold or mildew in moisture-prone areas and is an easy way to upgrade

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10 things you need to design a stylish outdoor oasis for summer

By Jenny J. Richards 5 days ago
<span class="copyright">(Ross May / Los Angeles Times; Getty Images)</span>
(Ross May / Los Angeles Times; Getty Images)

Summer will look different this year as we continue to shelter in place. Now, when warmer weather hits, many of our favorite places to cool off won’t be open. Outdoor living, whether a balcony or patio or backyard, will have new meaning as we seek solace in the outdoors. So if you are lucky enough to have some outdoor space, we have some ideas for making it special, and we’ve included some images from our photo archives for inspiration.

A Hollywood front porch is transformed into a stylish outdoor room with a recycled plastic rug from Mad Mats. <span class="copyright">(Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)</span>
A Hollywood front porch is transformed into a stylish outdoor room with a recycled plastic rug from Mad Mats. (Bethany Mollenkof / Los Angeles Times)

1. Recycled rugs

Outdoor rugs are a great way to add style while helping to define your “outdoor room.” Sustainable rugs made from recycled plastic work well outdoors because they are colorful, pet-friendly and washable. Available in

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Lighting and Outdoor Space Were Key to Transforming This New Construction Home

By Jenny J. Richards 5 days ago

When Shanty Wijaya of Allprace Properties decided to take on her latest project—a modern farmhouse in L.A.’s historic Jefferson Park neighborhood—she wanted to create a calming atmosphere with an intrinsic outdoor-indoor living situation inspired by the California-cool neighborhood it was built in.

“This neighborhood is known for its Craftsman-style homes, filled with character and history,” says Shanty. “The layout was very closed off and the finishes were uninspiring. The landscaping was completely bare, unappealing, and empty. Our goal was to transform this standard new build into a character-filled Craftsman-style home that blended nicely into the charming neighborhood.” Working with a theme of modern farmhouse and Craftsman style, she completely restored the newly built 2,000-square-foot home, which includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms on a 5,076-square-foot lot.

<div class="caption"> <strong>BEFORE:</strong> Shanty says that landscaping was one of the most difficult tasks of the transformation. “When we designed and landscaped the project, it was winter and most of the plants were still dormant. It was difficult to find tall, mature plants that had a full appearance, which is the look we were going for. We wanted to make sure that the homeowner could enjoy an outdoor, private <a href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/creating-your-own-edible-garden?mbid=synd_yahoo_rss" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:oasis" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">oasis</a>, and we were able to get the desired look for the landscaping, which I am very proud of.” </div>
BEFORE: Shanty says that landscaping was one of the most difficult tasks of the transformation. “When we designed and landscaped the project, it was
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North Face launches fund to protect the outdoor adventures of the future

By Jenny J. Richards 3 weeks ago

In a bold attempt to help preserve the future of adventure holidays, The North Face is offering a helping hand to those whose business it is to encourage exploration and adventure, at home and abroad.

The clothing company’s motto is ‘Never Stop Exploring’ and in a bid to put its words into action it has announced a €1million (£890,000) fund to help companies, individuals and charities to ensure they can reopen again in the future. Adventurers are championing the initiative which will back businesses that saw custom “evaporate overnight.”

The Covid-19 Explore Fund is the first of its kind and provides critical financial support to those that make exploration possible. Open to the likes of mountain guides, climbing centres and ski schools in the UK, Germany, France and Italy the brand is keen for activities like these to remain an important part of the travel and leisure industry when the

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