We're in the process of gutting our backyard. One of the design elements we're adding is a large deck with a built-in, U-shaped sofa—a spot for the family to lounge and unwind. In addition to the great lounging benefits, a built-in design saves us from having to splurge on new outdoor furniture. Here are 10 built-in sofas that have me convinced I'm on the right path to relaxation.
Above: A U-shaped outdoor seating at the Vumbura Plains Camp in Botswana, designed by Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens. (first spotted in the book The New Safari.)
Above: The home of entrepreneur Derek Mattison in LA (originally designed by modernist post-war architects Buff & Hensman) was renovated by Pamela Shamshiri of LA-based design firm Commune. The deck with a built-in sofa and comfortable cushions overlooks an LA canyon. Photography by Richard Powers for Yatzer.
Above: Anthony Wyer and Associates (a Sydney-based landscape design firm), custom-built the bench and deck for the owners of this home in Edgecliff, NSW Australia.
Above: The East House by Built Environment Practice (an Australia-based firm) designed a deck that extends along the home's upper fence.
Above: Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, this Provincetown, Massachusetts cottage features built-in-seating along the deck perimeter. Photography from New England Home Magazine.
Above: A sofa built below a horizontal fence. Spotted at Bungalow 5, via Swedish magazine Hus & Hem.
Above: At the weekend home of Australian designer Shareen Joel a wooden bench (covered in a dark blue cushion) is backed up against a black-painted facade. Photography by Sharyn Cairns via Home Life.
Above: A U-shaped sofa with an intentional hole added to make room for an ivy plant to grow. Via Dutch VT Wonen.
Above: The courtyard of artist Ara Katz and her partner Chris Ovitz in Venice, LA, features a low-to-the-ground pallet-like sofa with large white cushions for the ultimate lounge area. Photograph via Because I'm Addicted.
Above: A patio sofa covered in white cushions. The string lights add a cozy feeling to the nook. Found via Norwegian blog Interior og Boligmessen.
For more outdoor patio inspiration, see:
- Hardscaping 101: Design Guide for Patio Pavers.
- Low-Cost Luxe: 9 Pea Gravel Patio Ideas to Steal.
- Garden Visit: 66 Square Feet (Plus) on a Harlem Terrace.
- Steal This Look: Modern White Patio.
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