Poolside with an EGID Project Stratford favorite. Dedon chaise lounges in cool, crisp white with classic cabana stripe towels, generously sized, of course!
As a designer and a mom, I know how important it is to create additional space outdoors for the whole family when the weather warms up. We’ve been fortunate to work in some of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the Northeast from idyllic country estates to Hamptons beachfront villas. I like to blur the lines from indoors to outdoors. With innovative materials, fabrics and design, we can have the interior flow right through to the outdoors. For smart outdoor design, you can consider the same elements you use inside your home, and have it look just as beautiful outside.
Here are some key points to consider when designing a fantastic outdoor space.
1. Form and Function. Who will be enjoying the outdoor space? Kids? The chef? Guests? And what type of events will be in the space – big parties? Weeknight dinners? End-of-season team celebrations? Consider lighting and landscaping, plantings that will enhance these activities.
2. Lay the foundation. Regardless of the size of your space, use every inch to maximize the area. You can use the same principles as you do indoors. Visually, start with a large area rug to anchor the space. There are lots of furniture options, from a simple bistro set to an island with storage, barstools, etc. You can add a fountain or water feature, fireplace, fire pit, grill, seating and more. Create zones for cooking, dining and relaxing.
Stylishly underfoot with Perennials Indoor/Outdoor rugs in my favorite shades of blue and gray!
3. Look up! Think of the ceiling and floor as the fifth and sixth walls. A pergola or awning, like those from ShadeTree Canopies, can provide protection from sun or rain, add some architecture to the space, and be rolled back for stargazing.
4. Create some privacy. You can do this with floating wood panels, draperies, decorative fencing, tall plantings like bamboo or hedges. This creates intimacy and a sound barrier, too.
5. Think of your space as if you’re inside. Incorporate sofas, side tables, chairs, ottomans, even outdoor lamps. If you extend the color scheme from indoors, it expands the visual and makes your space seem larger. Create multiple areas to eat and drink.
A perfect focal point, this fire feature for our Project Hunter Lane makes for cozy nights with family and friends.
6. Create a focal point. Guide guests to a specific area. You can have some artwork, a fire pit, sculpture or a fountain. This draws guests through the space.
7. Remember, you’ll get hungry! Stock an outdoor entertainment center with beverages and remember the appropriate cooking equipment. Outdoor kitchens also make the prep work easier and infinitely more fun. Convenience aside, they can also dramatically improve your backyard or patio space. Today, this can go beyond the grill — which can be gas or charcoal — and include an smoker, pizza oven, a refrigerator or ice maker Make sure these are high-performance models and appropriate for the outdoors. You can build storage into islands. This rounds out the entertaining experience and elevates the “wow” factor!
Modern functionality, galley-style with Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens and Coyote Outdoor Living.
8. Accessorize! Potted plants, mirrors, pillows, lanterns and artwork all let your personality come through. Lightweight, weather proof materials make everything a breeze to cleanup and put away when the party is over!
9. Night Light. This is the key to enjoying your space after dark, for ambience as well as safety. Have task lights for cooking, light pathways, suspend pendants over a bar area, and incorporate dimmable lighting in an eating area. Be wary of solar-powered lights, however. They can look very florescent, defeating the purpose of intimate mood lighting.
10. Eyes and Ears Open! Audio and video technology enhances the mood, whether it’s music for a dinner party or team pride on game day. Be sure your space caters to all ages of the family!
For our Project Hunter Lane, we keep it conversational with seating groups that inspire lots of laughter while keeping the snacks close by!
At EGID, we are always pushing the boundaries of design, whether inside or out., and with so much innovation in the outdoor space through fabrics, furniture, and lighting, there is virtually no limit to how beautiful your outdoor living can be!