In The Garden: Stone Patio

 It's time to go outside! I'm ready to abandon my comfortable winter dwelling and venture outside for some fresh air and green scenery.  Having beautiful landscaping and/or patio would certainly help, encouraging to bring out a book, a cup of tea/coffee or wine and call it a day!

And here is a proper inspiration: a sun room opens to a traditional wood patio that opens to a stone-paved platform that, through a few gorgeous stone steps, leads to a gravel-filled area around a fire-pit.  Multiple levels of outdoor bliss, that get the party started at the grill on the patio, then have people enjoy a glass of wine at the lower level, until everyone is ready to make some s'mores by the fire-pit.

See more images below . . .

Living Bliss: A White Beauty

 Yes, I could move in! Yes, please!
There are so many things I adore about this house: the wide and open entry, the abundance of windows, the porch at the back and the landscaping, of course! . . . But for now, it remains something to dream about and look forward to. . .

In the Garden: Pretty Pretty Stairs

I love this idea of growing greens or blooming flowers on outdoor stairs. While stone or limestone stairs are beautiful they may be uninviting, but they instantly become magical and lovely when swallowed by beautiful plants. These may begin to grow on their own as careless creepalongs, or you can give them a hand ;) Just make sure you have wide enough stepping blocks, so plants don't become a safety hazard. Stairs have a purpose beyond being pretty, after all.

Images: {1}, {2}, {3}

Living Bliss: Moroccan Retreat

This amazing property in Palmaraie, near the city or Marakesh, Morocco is the creative vision of architect Helena Marczewski and interior designer Esther Gutmer. The estate escapes both the noise and crowds of the city, and the heat and dust of summer Morocco by hiding in a plantation of palm trees. The architecture and interior design combine the organic qualities that characterize the traditional Moroccan earth homes with contemporary passion. Such a blend was a must for the owners, a Belgo-Moroccan family, who hired the Belgian interior designer to bring pieces of Europe in their Moroccan home.

Click below to see many more images.

Living Bliss: Luxury and Class in White

This 19th Century property is located in a small town, not far from Florence. After two years of renovations and remodeling, the owner finally have their dream home. The historical character of the place has been preserved with the 19th century stone floor, original frescoes, working fireplace and four-meter-ceilings.

Living Bliss: Summer Outdoors

Summer bliss by the pool, surrounded by beautiful cool greens. It hardly gets better than this. I love the idea of keeping the pool amidst a block of greens, like a vision in the middle of a forest.

Photographer: Virginia MacDonald

In the Garden: Garden Lovelies

Some of my favorite things in the garden: creeping phlox, whimsical benches and lilac . . . surrounded by fresh-scented air . . . and countless shades of green.
It's like I'm daydreaming, only I'm not.

Images: Glitz Bliss

Living Bliss: Patio Love

The weather's finally getting warmer and the outdoors are more and more inviting. Time to enjoy the patio!
Enjoy the day and have a splendid weekend! 

Image Sources: {1,6} Rob Karosis {2,3,4} Mike Crews {5} Skona Hem

In the Garden: City View

Who says urban critters can't have a peaceful green view to-die-for.
Chicago based architect photographer Mike Crews shows us a divine retreat amidst the hubbub of the city.

Photographer: Mike Crews Photography.

In The Garden: Cascading Greens

It's been a long winter. I am tired of the cold winds and gray skies. Now that it's finally a little warmer I dream of spending every free hour outdoors. I wish I had a garden like this one: with cascading greens and pebble stone pathways.
The landscaping design is by Lila Fendrick.

Landscape architect: Lila Fendrich
Photographer: Alan Karchmer