10 Outdoor Nests to Curl Up in This Summer
Cuddle with your children, snuggle with your partner or nestle with friends in luxurious outdoor seating
Rebecca Gross
13 November 2016
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design, and I study cultural history through the lens of architecture, design and visual culture. I have a Masters in the History of Decorative Arts and Design from Parsons The New School for Design, New York. My latest book is called "Ornament is not a crime: Contemporary Interiors with a postmodern twist."
Design writer and historian. I write about contemporary architecture and design,... More
The style of an outdoor setting has increased in importance in recent years. Attention to luxurious contemporary design and fine detail in furniture is contributing to outside spaces feeling and looking as comfortable as their indoor counterparts. What could be more luxurious and comfortable than outdoor seating and daybeds that accommodate adults and children in pairs, trios and more? If you think this is something worth crowing about, look at these 10 cosy nests that are sure to have you fluffing your feathers.
1. Cosy cocoon
This daybed is like a protective pod that can encompass a number of nesters while sheltering them from the elements. Made from all-weather wicker, it’s perfect for summer relaxation. Just add blankets and it will be cushy for winter too.
More ways to take cover outdoors
This daybed is like a protective pod that can encompass a number of nesters while sheltering them from the elements. Made from all-weather wicker, it’s perfect for summer relaxation. Just add blankets and it will be cushy for winter too.
More ways to take cover outdoors
2. Plush platform
An elevated platform with colourful plump cushions functions as a daybed in this contemporary Perth home.
“The platform and step are constructed using free-form honed and exposed aggregate; and the daybed platform has a merbau timber inset,” says landscape designer Denise Staffa of Outside In. “The client organised the custom-made outdoor cushions and we love them.”
An elevated platform with colourful plump cushions functions as a daybed in this contemporary Perth home.
“The platform and step are constructed using free-form honed and exposed aggregate; and the daybed platform has a merbau timber inset,” says landscape designer Denise Staffa of Outside In. “The client organised the custom-made outdoor cushions and we love them.”
3. Bean bag burrow
Bean bags are a great choice for laid-back leisure, and are easy to move, store and cosy up in. And they’re not just for kids these days – whether it’s catching some rays, reading a book or enjoying a sundowner at the end of the day, bean bags offer cool casual comfort for all.
Bean bags are a great choice for laid-back leisure, and are easy to move, store and cosy up in. And they’re not just for kids these days – whether it’s catching some rays, reading a book or enjoying a sundowner at the end of the day, bean bags offer cool casual comfort for all.
4. Circle of life
This circular daybed is perfect for catching sun and shade. Rattan and wicker are strong, casual and sophisticated, and work beautifully with a neutral and natural colour palette like the one pictured here.
This circular daybed is perfect for catching sun and shade. Rattan and wicker are strong, casual and sophisticated, and work beautifully with a neutral and natural colour palette like the one pictured here.
5. Laid-back lily pad
Like a nice round lily pad, this daybed is just asking to be jumped on. A sun umbrella provides shade and a matching single-seater counterpart offers space for more bodies.
Like a nice round lily pad, this daybed is just asking to be jumped on. A sun umbrella provides shade and a matching single-seater counterpart offers space for more bodies.
6. Swinging sanctuary
This expansive sofa has been suspended from the ceiling to create a sense of floating and movement. Raising the sofa off the floor adds that extra touch of informality; plus, the combination of a wood frame and ropes creates a strong and rustic look.
This expansive sofa has been suspended from the ceiling to create a sense of floating and movement. Raising the sofa off the floor adds that extra touch of informality; plus, the combination of a wood frame and ropes creates a strong and rustic look.
7. Hanging hideaway
Inspired by the sophisticated design of certain bird nests, these hanging cocoons are warm and secluded, like a comforting and embracing environment. They recall shapes, textures and colours found in nature, and gently rock in the breeze.
More outdoor entertaining zones to inspire you
Inspired by the sophisticated design of certain bird nests, these hanging cocoons are warm and secluded, like a comforting and embracing environment. They recall shapes, textures and colours found in nature, and gently rock in the breeze.
More outdoor entertaining zones to inspire you
8. Built-in beds
This timber wall not only accommodates a built-in sofa/daybed, but also a couple of garden beds at either end of the seating and cushions.
This timber wall not only accommodates a built-in sofa/daybed, but also a couple of garden beds at either end of the seating and cushions.
9. Hefty hammock
Part bean bag, part hammock, this swinging daybed is comfortable, supportive and big enough for two. It still has the feeling of weightlessness that comes with a hammock, but with plenty of cushioning, which you can fill to your preference.
Part bean bag, part hammock, this swinging daybed is comfortable, supportive and big enough for two. It still has the feeling of weightlessness that comes with a hammock, but with plenty of cushioning, which you can fill to your preference.
10. Suspended style
This suspended daybed is a picture of supreme relaxation as it hovers over a garden and looks onto a pond. There’s plenty of room for lounging, as well as the option of dining as it’s positioned close to an outdoor table.
This suspended daybed is a picture of supreme relaxation as it hovers over a garden and looks onto a pond. There’s plenty of room for lounging, as well as the option of dining as it’s positioned close to an outdoor table.
TELL US
Do you have an outdoor nest for summer or winter lounging? Upload a picture to the Comments section below.
MORE
Browse more pods, hammocks and swinging chairs
Do you have an outdoor nest for summer or winter lounging? Upload a picture to the Comments section below.
MORE
Browse more pods, hammocks and swinging chairs
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Hi Stefan, design looks amazing..love your work..!!!
Thank you very much.
I realy like modern australian gardens, especaly pictures of your own work are very inspiering.