Creating and Working in Hilda’s Place

There is something special about having a space that feels like an extension of your home. A place where you can step away from the busyness of life, take a deep breath, and simply enjoy the moment. For me, that place is Hilda’s Place. Hilda is my beloved mom.

Every year I look forward to spring because I can slowly open up Hilda’s Place after the long winter ~ cushions, pillows and ornaments put away, plants and herbs gone, furniture pushed into a back corner and tarped up for the winter.

Slowly, it comes back to life ~ furniture untarped, deck and walls pressure-washed, deck box opened up to remind me of last summer’s joy, ornaments and furniture washed down. And sometimes, even a re-sanding of an old fence! It’s exciting to see my my happy place transpire back into my colorful, comforting and enjoyable place!

Nestled in my backyard, Hilda’s Place has become much more than a gazebo. It is my peaceful retreat, my outdoor office, my creative space, and my favorite place to enjoy a morning coffee or unwind at the end of the day.

When I first started creating this space, I wanted it to feel warm and welcoming. I imagined a place filled with comfortable seating, beautiful flowers, soft lighting, and meaningful décor. A place where family, friends, pets, and nature could copome together.

One of my favorite things about Hilda’s Place is how it changes throughout the day.

In the morning, the soft sunlight filters through the trees while the birds sing nearby. It’s the perfect place to plan blog posts, work on Kindred Comforts Co., and dream about new ideas. Having a dedicated outdoor workspace helps me focus while still enjoying the beauty of nature.

As the afternoon arrives, the flowers and hanging ferns create a calming atmosphere that makes even simple tasks feel enjoyable. Whether I’m writing, reading, or planning future projects, I find myself feeling more relaxed and productive when I’m surrounded by natural beauty.

In the evening, Hilda’s Place transforms into a cozy sanctuary. String lights glow overhead, lanterns cast a warm light, and the comfortable seating invites me to stay a little longer. It becomes the perfect spot to reflect on the day and appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

But first, I need to open it back up for another summer season – it needs plants!

This is the most exciting part of the season ~ snow is melted, spring is behind me, summer is here! I can re-create my happy lush place, while stepping into a clean slate!
I’m also a painter ~ it’s that feeling you get when you set out your clean, white canvas, grab a paintbrush, and know what you are about to paint! It’s like that!

One lesson I’ve learned is that creating a peaceful outdoor space doesn’t require a huge budget. A few carefully chosen pieces can completely transform an ordinary backyard into a personal retreat. Adding colorful flowers, decorative planters, outdoor pillows, lanterns or a few string lights, and cozy seating instantly creates a welcoming atmosphere.

On the first night of getting Hilda’s Place set up, usually, the gazebo is cluttered. Although it doesn’t take all day to set up, my time is spent washing linens, washing down all ornaments, planting flower pots, planting my garden boxes, and washing down the gazebo floor, walls, deck box, and furniture… so it does take a full day for me, which I always look forward to every year.

I usually plant a lot of lettuce and herbs that I use for salads ~ cilantro, basil, chives, hot peppers, parsley, mint, onion, and snap peas. I love it when the garden boxes come back to life! The smells of herbs growing next to my gazebo is like adding a chocolate topping to an ice cream cone!

Oh by the way ~ ignore the fence! I pressure-washed it because the paint was peeling, so it will look like new soon!

For pet lovers like me, outdoor spaces become even more special when our furry family members can enjoy them too, which makes the space feel complete.

Hilda’s Place reminds me that comfort isn’t always found inside our homes. Sometimes it’s found outside, surrounded by fresh air, flowers, and the simple joy of slowing down. Creating a peaceful outdoor retreat has been overly rewarding, and it continues to bring beauty, comfort, and inspiration into my daily life.

Oh by the way ~ the fence is now painted. Solar lights are added. Veggies and herbs are glowing.

Oh, I love Hilda’s Place!

No matter the size of your backyard, patio, deck, or garden, you can create your own version of Hilda’s Place. Start with a few meaningful pieces, add touches that make you smile, and create a space where you truly enjoy spending time.

Every home deserves a place of peace, beauty, and belonging.

If you don’t have a garden herb box, you can purchase one. I got mine for free because they were in my yard when I brought my house. They needed TLC so I sanded them down, stained them, and reinforced the legs; but there is an easier way for you to have garden boxes for your yard.

I attached a garden box below that I found after doing some research. It comes in various wood colors and has a waterproof top that keeps in moisture; so it’s essentially also a mini greenhouse.

Amazon Finds Featured in Hilda’s Place

These products fit naturally with what appears in your image and would work well as affiliate products:

🌿 Hanging Fern Baskets

• Artificial hanging ferns
• Real hanging fern baskets
• Decorative hanging planters
• Macramé plant hangers

🪴 Decorative Flower Pots

• Vintage-look metal planters
• Cement flower pots
• Outdoor herb planters
• Rustic garden containers

One of the best options for strawberries is a breathable flower pot that traps in moisture I love to hand them from the gazebo roof! They do their job, and they look amazing if you have a wooden structure, or wooden accents in your yard! Sometimes, it’s about buying something that works ~ and looks good too!

✨ Outdoor String Lights

• Edison-style string lights
• Solar string lights
• Waterproof patio lights
• Gazebo lighting kits

🏮 Decorative Lanterns

• Vintage black lanterns
• Battery-operated lanterns
• LED candle lanterns
• Solar lanterns

🪑 Outdoor Seating

• Wicker conversation sets
• Outdoor loveseat sets
• Patio accent chairs
• Outdoor throw pillows

I love my deep red (almost burgundy-looking) patio furniture set so much that I searched for a similar set to add to this blog post, in case you love it too. Color adds such a beautiful and calming feel to Hilda’s Place, which truly warms my heart. I added a beautiful patterned carpet and red accent cancles, and other ornaments that tie it all together. This is me, feeling grateful to my mom, Hilda, for this special place. It’s near the beginning of my full gazebo setup before I bring in all of the other added touches. Cheers mom!

🌸 Outdoor Rugs

• Weather-resistant patio rugs
• Boho outdoor rugs
• Reversible outdoor mats

🦋 Garden Décor

• Butterfly garden stakes
• Metal garden art
• Wind chimes
• Solar garden ornaments

🌼 Flower Planters & Raised Containers

• Galvanized planter tubs
• Raised flower beds
• Self-watering planters
• Decorative outdoor pots

🐾 Pet-Friendly Outdoor Comfort

• Outdoor pet beds
• Elevated dog cots
• Outdoor water fountains for pets
• Shade shelters for dogs

🔥 Cozy Evening Comfort

• Fire pit tables
• Outdoor blankets
• Citronella candles
• Patio heaters

These are all relatively affordable purchases that fit perfectly with any outdoor theme. I hope you can find some inspiration here to make your outdoor living space a peaceful sanctuary to bring you daily comfort. ~ Rosemay

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. If you make a purchase through these links, THANK YOU for supporting my cozy little business! 🐾