Who doesn’t love a beautiful outdoor living space? My husband and I have always enjoyed traveling and some our most memorable occasions have been spent in outdoor spaces, from a balcony overlooking the Mediterranean in Positano, Italy to a beachside restaurant in Barcelona, Spain dining under the stars, to a rooftop terrace in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. On each of these occasions we fantasize about what it would be like to live in these foreign lands and I dream up ways to create that same feeling in our own outdoor living spaces at home.

Over the years, outdoor living spaces have become an integral part of Architecture and Interior Design. The most successful projects I have worked on are those where we focus extensively on how the homeowners will spend their time outdoors. It is so important to dedicate adequate time designing everything outdoors, from verandas and summer kitchens to outdoor fireplaces and swimming pools to the landscaping itself.

Needless to say, we haven’t done much traveling over the last year. So, with summer upon us, I decided to take a virtual trip to explore outdoor spaces in other parts of the world and perhaps get some ideas on where our next adventure should take us.

Our first stop is in Finland, where this amazing greenhouse bedroom by Architect Ville Hara and Design Linda Bergroth was recently featured in Elle Décor. Forget camping! Can you imagine falling asleep under the stars or waking up to a sunrise over the lake in this glorious space. How romantic!

Next, we travel to Singapore where this veranda exudes tropical living. Casual elegance is how I would describe this lush outdoor space designed by Michael Fiebrich’s and featured in Architectural Digest.

Peter Mealin

This veranda in San José del Cabo Mexico is the perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon. Pour me a sangria and I’ll see you mañana.

Pieter Estersohn

New York City is one of my favorite cities in the world. I’ve been there four times and can never get enough. The views form this rooftop terrace, featured in Architectural Digest, are incredible. Who said you can’t do amazing things with small spaces?

Pieter Estersohn

Wherever you call home, make sure to include an outdoor living space in your next Interior Design project.