While an outdoor space presents an opportunity to create the feeling of permanent vacation, assure those vibes also match your everyday. Designer Christopher Boutlier advises clients to approach a garden project by first assessing the home’s architecture. A Spanish hacienda poolhouse behind a shingle-style abode will likely appear disjointed. Instead, incorporate key elements of the architectural style into your outdoor design by mirroring its features in the colors, textures, and flourishes of hardscaping and furniture.
“I approach outdoor spaces the same way I do interiors, starting with the architecture,” Boutlier says. “Circulation, proportion, and the relationship to the house come first. Even a small terrace should feel intentional, with a clear purpose and a sense of definition.”
Source Double-Duty Furniture
“This is their main hub for entertaining,” shares designer Ariel Okin of the homeowners’ poolside loggia in this renovated 19th-century farmhouse in Southampton, New York.Photo: Donna Dotan, Styling: Anthony Amiano
While square footage is the determining factor in just how large a party you can host, making sure your furnishings aren’t getting in the way of a good time is important to keep in mind when mapping out your design. For smaller alfresco areas like a patio or balcony, Alma Russo, principal of AR Interiors, recommends furniture that can serve multiple uses. “Seek out a cocktail table that has storage for additional blankets and accessories that need to be stored during a storm,” she says. “Ottomans that can also act as side tables for drinks can be very useful in tight spaces.”
That being said, Ewer suggests being highly selective about which furnishings make the cut in more modest spaces. She proposes tailoring choices to your lifestyle in order to make the most of this footprint—mentioning activities like morning yoga or coffee, or dinners and late-night conversations—so that it actually becomes an extension of your home. “For small spaces, a classic bistro set is perfect for coffee and enjoying the evening on your balcony,” she says. “It has a pretty woven look, a pop of color, and is made from all-weather material to last.” Audrey Scheck, founder and principal designer of Audrey Scheck Design, agrees. “For compact areas like balconies, a charming bistro table is always a win,” she says.
Bohden Long Bistro Set by Longshore Tides
Pottery Barn Huntington Outdoor Coffee Table
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