Outdoor Living Ideas

If you want to create an outdoor living space that looks and feels like something out of a zen garden, this gong from VivaTerra could be a fun addition. The work of music- and instrument-designer, Garry Kvistad, the Emperor Gong is handcrafted and made from materials that allow it to endure the weather and last for years. The gong “captures the romance and splendor of the Far East with a beautifully rich, deep shimmering sound.” I just think it looks cool. Can’t you see it next to one of those sand and rock meditation gardens?

The gong costs $75: VivaTerra

Hey, who says rubber duckies are just for the bathtub? There’s no reason they couldn’t make fun pool toys, especially if they’re a little more interesting than the usual yellow ones. For example, this camouflaged “luxury duck” is one of several available from Elsewares, each with unique prints.

Made in Melbourne, Australia, each duck comes in its own custom-designed box that highlights the personality of each unique duckie. Constructed from non-phthalate plastic, they’re completely non-toxic (so if your kids, or the family pet, take a nibble on the tail, it’s no worries). Each duck is $8.99.

Elsewares

Just because you have a cool outdoor living area and you’re big on entertaining (or maybe just spending time out there with family) doesn’t mean you can totally forget about the hour of the day. Appointments must be kept, kids must be picked up from soccer practices, favorite television shows must be watched… Sure, you can always wear a watch, but if you’re in and out of the swimming pool and working on your tan, you might not want to be so burdened. Here’s where an outdoor clock comes in handy.

Specifically designed to withstand the elements, this handsome slate mosaic wall clock from Bed Bath & Beyond has large, easy-to-read numbers so you can tell what time it is from anywhere in the backyard. You don’t need to run a cord to an electrical outlet in order to get it working; all the clock requires is a AA battery. In addition to keeping the time, the clock has a handy thermometer, so you can check the temperature easily. The price is $130.

Bed Bath & Beyond

Unless you’re out in the backyard grinding your own flour, you probably don’t need a millstone, but they do make lovely focal points in a garden. If your yard just seems to be missing something, this could be a fun addition.

Maine Millstones fabricates hand-carved traditional granite millstones in many shapes and sizes. The company “antiques” their millstones, so they look like authentic pieces from centuries-old flour mills. This lends them a lot of character and makes them handsome additions to the garden or yard.

The company also makes half millstones for doorstops, or you could try their custom carved posts or other architectural ornaments.

http://www.mainemillstones.com