Cozy Nooks: Creating a Secret Outdoor Place

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 by: Debbie Rodgers

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

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