outdoors

I love the idea of outdoor tiles that actually interact with the outdoors, as opposed to those that just crush whatever piece of nature they are placed upon. These tiles, which seem to be from Promise Design, actually have grooves in them that allow grass to grow up through the tile, allowing for a styled burst of color that complements the flowers etched in the stone.

It is too bad that fall has set in already. Even though these tiles only need grass to have their full effect and could certainly be put out over the winter, it's hard to think of decorating the yard when you don't really want to spend much time outside.

[via cribcandy]

Not a fire pit, but a fire basket, the stainless steel Atrio will keep your patio warm on cold fall evenings when you still want to spend some time outdoors. The basket is designed to be raised up off the ground and have a more modern look than most above-ground fire pits. It is 21.25" across and 11.81" tall, which allows it to contain a fire large enough to warm an outdoor sitting area or just hold a few flames for toasting marshmallows. Price: $610.

In an ideal world, everyone would have at least one skylight looking out into a beautiful, clear expanse of space. As it is, we have weather, pollution and sometimes a second-story or upstairs apartment getting in the way of our would-be view. The Sky Factory's Sky Ceilings solve all of those problems. They are photographs of real skies on special opaque tiles that can be mounted over lights to give a natural, luminous effect. The lighting systems provide "daylight-balanced light," which the body will actually recognize as "natural." Hundreds of ultra-high resolution images are available to choose from, so you can open up your space to the great outdoors - or at least feel that way. Prices vary depending on design, size and lighting options.

[via cribcandy]

These floating pool lanterns from Horchow will look equally good on a warm summer night and a cool winter one as they cast ethereal reflections across any water's surface. They have the shape of a "traditional" lamp and a refined look, but each one is a single piece, measuring 9" across rising 9.5" above the water, though the lamps are actually 21.5" long, overall. The lamps get their glow from a rechargeable light bulb, which will glow for up to 8 hours at a time, and can move about freely, unconstrained by wires or another power system. Chargers for the light bulbs are sold separately. Price: $399 each.

If you like dogs and lawn art, this Giant Dog Sculpture is a better way to accessorize your yard than a pink flamingo. If you don't care for either, it's probably not for you. The hollow steel sculpture, designed by Dale Rogers, measures 4'7" x 6'2" and is handmade in Massachusetts. Because it is made from steel, over time the metal with rust and darken, giving the piece a much more attractive - not to mention less retina-searing - than the aforementioned flamingos. Price: $2,400.

The Elsa Stainless Steel Water Feature is a great-looking fountain, without question. It is 1.75 meters high and made of top-grade mirrored stainless steel, providing a surface that the water gracefully cascades over. It is also completely self-contained, with a built in storage tank and pump. The waterfall can be positioned anywhere outdoors, and would make an elegant centerpiece to a rock or sand-covered garden area, or a focal point in a planter with low-rising plants that will conceal the base from view. Price: £999.

[via Cribcandy]

Sun Bricks are solar powered outdoor light fixtures that can be built into a brick or stone walkway. Unlike traditional outdoor lights, sun bricks are designed to be flush with the ground, giving the effect of an illuminated pathway, rather than a path that is simply flanked by lights. The bricks also do not require the use of any cables or electricity, since all their power is generated by the sun. Their solar panels can hold enough energy to provide an 8-hour charge to the bricks' amber LED lights. While bricks do look their best in brick pathways where they can blend into the stone pattern, they can be set into the ground anywhere where they will be exposed to sunlight. Price: $60 each.

[via Boing Boing]

The City Boy Grill gets its name from the idea that many city-dwellers don't have room for a full sized barbecue, but the real applications for this portable grill are many. It can be taken hiking, camping, to the beach or used in the yard. The feature that makes it a standout is the fact that the grill is gas powered and comes with a gas cartridge (which can be refilled or replaced); most small grills use charcoal. This means that there are no coals to deal with, no messy cleanup and minimal smoke. It measures only 8.7" high, with a square grate that measures 7.1"x7.1". The grill is made from stainless steel and has a heat-resistant wooden handle. Price: $300.

Fire pits are definitely a hot item for the yard this year, literally and figuratively. ArtBuzz takes the combination of fire and metal a step further by adorning fire pits with a sharp, elegant flame design. The Bowl O' Fire fire pits are huge. Available in two sizes, one measures 19.5" deep and 37" diameter and weighs in at 150 pounds ($650), while the other is 19.5" deep, 41" diameter and weighs 175-lbs ($695). The weight isn't surprising when you consider that they are hand cut from 1/4-inch thick recycled steel. Since the bowls are hand-cut, each one is slightly different, guaranteeing that you'll get a unique piece that is also a showstopper. All of the bowls have a warm rush finish, so there is no need for any maintenance, either.

ArtBuzz also makes matching Torches by the same process, which are a great way to accent the yard, and a miniature fire pit/grill that is a great choice for cooks, or simply for those who don't have enough room for the full sized pit.

I never had a tree that was suitable for a tree house where I grew up and I suspect that even if I had had one, I wouldn't have had a tree house anyway. All things considered, I'm sure that it turned out for the best, since I survived childhood without serious injury and without having fallen from a tree. But tree houses are undeniably fun and Daniel's Woodland makes some of the most outstanding tree houses imaginable. They also include a tree. There are tons of extra options that can be added to the houses, like slides, stairs and monkey bars, too. Prices start at $7,550 for the basic Ultimate Tree House and go up from there. Custom-built constructions are available and pricing varies by design.

Click past the jump for even more great tree houses!