Houston Home: A Lush Outdoor Paradise

Houston's peak patio season extends from late spring to early summer, characterized by cooler evening temperatures that necessitate restaurant heaters. Dining and drinking al fresco is a popular pastime for Houstonians, with a wide array of establishments offering outdoor seating options. The city's dining scene features diverse patio setups, ranging from elevated rooftop terraces to secluded garden environments, providing various atmospheres for patrons to enjoy. This guide highlights some of the premier patio dining experiences available in Houston, with recent updates including the addition of Coltivare, Loro Heights, and Traveler’s Cart, while Eunice, Prime 131, and Trattoria Sofia have been removed from the selection. Rainbow Lodge, a restaurant nestled along the banks of White Oak Bayou, provides expansive views from both its historic 100-year-old cabin interior and its extensive outdoor terrace. The menu features wild game and seafood, complementing the scenic surroundings. Heights & Co. on Yale Street offers a neighborhood setting with ample picnic and round tables, creating diverse seating arrangements. This establishment also features seasonal promotions, such as discounts during Astros game days and Houston Open drink specials. Loro Heights, a Tex-Asian smokehouse and bar, capitalizes on Houston's spring weather with a patio equipped with traditional seating and swing chairs. The venue recently introduced a limited selection of unique 'Mash Up' drinks, including mezcal-infused Mango Sake Slushees and yuzu spritzes with Hendrick’s Gin, available until April 30. Best Regards, a woman-owned establishment, is recognized for its meticulously designed wraparound patio adorned with lush greenery and string lights, providing an ideal setting for cocktails. The bar offers specialty drinks like the "Wolf of 11th Street," made with Hoja Santa Sous Vide Tequila, and coffee-infused cocktails developed in collaboration with Tenfold Coffee, alongside a distinct matcha martini. Coltivare, a farm-to-table Italian restaurant, is celebrated for its patio where diners can enjoy wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes made with fresh, garden-sourced ingredients. The patio offers a charming atmosphere for wine or cocktails, accompanied by focaccia, pasta, and daily changing gelatos. Daily Gather, a family-friendly restaurant in Citycenter, features a patio overlooking the main plaza, offering opportunities for people-watching and enjoying outdoor events like live music. The patio is heated during colder months, ensuring comfort year-round. Saint Arnold Brewing Company provides a spacious patio where guests can enjoy beers, ciders, and root beer alongside wood-fired pizzas, wings, and burgers, all while taking in views of the Houston skyline. Flora, located along Buffalo Bayou, presents a 'treehouse' ambiance with views of the natural landscape, serving Mexican cuisine like sopecitos and margaritas. Its covered patio is decorated with string lights, creating an inviting space. Verde Garden offers a garden-themed patio for Tex-Mex dishes and a wide selection of beverages, including 12 frozen margaritas and over 250 Mexican spirits. Sister establishments, Heights Biergarten and Bayou Heights Biergarten, offer similar outdoor experiences. Traveler’s Cart in Montrose features a secluded, walled-off patio, providing a sense of privacy while offering a global street food-inspired menu, including beef rendang and Vietnamese betel leaf-wrapped beef. The restaurant also has a brunch menu with unique items like fish-shaped waffles. Zanti Cucina Italiana boasts a heated patio with an Italian garden aesthetic, complete with hanging greenery. The menu includes Neapolitan pizzas, homemade pasta, and grilled items, complemented by a selection of wines and cocktails. Októ, a Mediterranean restaurant in Montrose Collective, offers a glamorous horseshoe bar and a patio ideal for late-night dining or drinks, providing a setting for people-watching. The menu features crudo dishes, squid ink crab linguine, and a bread service, with heated lamps ensuring comfort during the winter. Lastly, Clark’s Oyster Bar features a covered, two-part patio perfect for spring dining, offering seafood options like lobster rolls and linguine with clams. Tiny Boxwoods in West U provides a lush, all-season patio with flowers and rustic decor, known for its salads, sandwiches, and chocolate chip cookies. Axelrad Beer Garden, spanning 12,000 square feet, is an outdoor entertainment hub with a beer garden, art installations, a community event space, and a hammock grove, offering extended happy hour specials. #HoustonRestaurants #PatioDining #OutdoorSeating #HoustonFoodScene #AlFresco #RestaurantGuide #HoustonPatios

In the East Texas countryside, about two hours from Dallas, lies a unique rural community where each home occupies approximately ten acres. Ashley Avrea Cathey, principal designer at Avrea and Company, undertook a new construction project in this community five years ago for a family. The 6,000-square-foot, four-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom residence was designed in a Texas modern style, a collaboration with SHM Architects. This home serves as a three-season residence for the clients—a couple with three young children—who also maintain another property in Dallas and spend their summers elsewhere. The primary design objective was to create ample space for entertaining family and friends, prioritizing group gathering areas. Instead of distinct rooms, Cathey designed the living area as a large, open "catchall" space, integrating a dining table, multiple lounging spots, and seamless access to the patio. An 18-foot vaulted ceiling with skylights enhances the spaciousness of the kitchen, ensuring it remains uncrowded even when accommodating multiple guests. Additionally, a dedicated keeping room provides guests with a private retreat, featuring a coffee bar, a fireplace, and comfortable seating, offering a quiet alternative to their bedrooms or the main communal areas. The underlying principle behind these design choices was to ensure comfort and convenience for 10 to 15 house guests, rather than focusing on large-scale parties. To address concerns about spills and everyday wear, Cathey upholstered all furniture in durable indoor/outdoor fabric. This strategic material choice allows the furniture to withstand heavy use without compromising its aesthetic appeal, creating a welcoming environment where guests can relax without concern for damaging the furnishings. Throughout the home, a warm neutral color palette and hemlock wood paneling serve as a backdrop, against which contemporary artwork and splashes of red stand out, adding visual interest. This design approach diverges from the clients' more traditional Dallas home, offering a distinct and modern aesthetic for their countryside retreat. The construction and installation phases presented challenges due to the home's remote location, which resulted in a more complex and protracted building process than initially anticipated. Despite these difficulties, the clients maintained a relaxed demeanor throughout the project. The living room, a central "catchall" space, features various seating arrangements, including blue accent chairs by B&B Italia and plaid accent chairs from The Bright Group, upholstered in Holland & Sherry fabric. A custom coffee table and a B&B Italia couch complete the main lounging area. A large orange and blue art piece, flanked by iron table lamps, provides a contemporary focal point. Adjacent to the main lounging area, a separate seating space includes a Berman Rosetti sofa positioned against a window, offering views of a garden with a fountain and local Texas flowers. Another sitting area in front of a limestone fireplace incorporates striking red accents, notably an antique red and gold chair, which is lightweight and can be easily repositioned for social interaction. Cathey emphasizes the firm's preference for small, inviting chairs to enhance coziness. The dining area, distinguished by bare floors, is the home's primary indoor dining space, complemented by an outdoor dining option. It features a Palecek dining table, Design Within Reach dining chairs, and lavender harvested from the garden. A home bar with cabinetry matching the kitchen is also present. The kitchen, designed for a family that enjoys cooking and entertaining, is fully equipped with hidden appliances, such as paneled refrigerator and freezer, and a tucked-away microwave and blenders in a working pantry. A niche, initially planned as a built-in coffee bar, now houses a custom-designed chest decorated by artist Sari Moore of SMI Design + Fine Paint. The powder room features a bold wallcovering by Elizabeth Eakins and mirrors with subtle red stripes, sourced by the client, which guided the room's color scheme. Urban Electric sconces, Waterworks sink hardware, and artwork from Joel Cooner Gallery contribute to the room's distinct character. The keeping room, located between guest suites, offers a private guest retreat with a coffee bar, wood-burning fireplace, and antique mantel. It is adorned with David Bonk wallpaper and Casa Gusto baskets. Guest bedrooms were designed with distinct color schemes, one blue and one red, both maintaining a similar style while offering unique visual experiences. The blue guest room features curtains by Christopher Maya, Inc., Truett Fine Carpets & Rugs carpeting, and D. Porthault bedding. The daughter's room incorporates mixed patterns for a playful, feminine aesthetic, with Alice Sergeant wallpaper, Benjamin Moore White Dove paint, and headboards covered in Holland & Sherry fabric. Animal heads from the clients' Dallas home add a whimsical touch. The primary suite, overlooking the backyard and pool, features Schumacher wallpaper, a Jasper Furniture bedside table, and a Paul Ferrante light fixture. A plaster fireplace and sitting area provide a cozy reading spot. #HomeDesign #TexasModern #OpenConcept #InteriorDesign #GuestFriendly #CustomFurniture #NeutralPalette #CountrysideLiving #ArchitecturalCollaboration

This article highlights three Westchester homes that masterfully integrate indoor and outdoor living spaces, offering a blend of beauty and functionality. The first home, a Scarsdale residence designed by Tara Kantor, features an indoor/outdoor oasis adjacent to a pool. Kantor's design emphasizes flow and connectivity, drawing inspiration from Hamptons-style pool houses but adapted with a bar area. The space is equipped with an adjacent kitchen and bathroom for easy hosting and cleanup. The aesthetic is a fusion of Greek villa, Miami, and Hamptons vibes, characterized by reclaimed wood beams, plastered walls, and a predominantly white palette. Durable indoor/outdoor fabrics like terry and boucle are used for their spill-resistant qualities, making them suitable for wet bathing suits. The lighting is from Allied Maker, stone from Marble America, and stools from Thomas Hayes. The second home, located in Chappaqua and designed by Scott Hirshson of Hirshson Architecture + Design, embodies a resort-style living experience. The family desired a private sanctuary for various activities, leading to the creation of a veranda connected to the family room, a dining patio next to the kitchen, and a pathway to the pool. A central firepit surrounded by an oversized Restoration Hardware sectional serves as a cozy gathering spot with an outdoor TV. Hirshson prioritized the connection between indoor and outdoor areas using Marvin-sourced doors and windows, including glass corners in the breakfast room and large sliding doors. The aesthetic is a timeless modern blend, featuring new windows with bronze cladding contrasted against clapboard siding painted in Benjamin Moore’s Pure White. Performance fabrics are used for outdoor furnishings to withstand weather, and thermal bluestone is incorporated for barefoot comfort. Covered areas provide shade, and an easily accessible bathroom and changing space enhance guest convenience, fostering an ideal environment for entertaining. The third featured property is a guest cottage in Bronxville, designed by Amy Andrews with architect Charles Hilton and builder Significant Homes. The cottage boasts an open floor plan with expansive views of the backyard and French doors that open directly to the pool, functioning as a vacation home for extended family and friends. The design aims for a more casual atmosphere compared to the formal main house, incorporating detailed millwork and architectural elements. Andrews maintained a fresh look with a warm white palette and layered sophisticated neutral colors and natural textures that harmonize with the exterior stucco. Hints of color echo the treelined property designed by Renee Byers. Large windows and doors create a seamless indoor/outdoor experience, allowing the outdoors to merge with the interior living areas. This setup enables the family to enjoy indoor or outdoor dining, relax by an outdoor fireplace, or swim, with all amenities conveniently located. #WestchesterHomes #OutdoorLivingSpaces #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #PoolsideLiving #ModernAmenities #ClassicCottage #IndoorOutdoorFlow #HomeDecor

The article details strategies for transforming an outdoor space into a luxurious oasis, emphasizing the importance of balancing style with comfort, especially for year-round outdoor living. The author highlights the collaboration with Remarkable Outdoor Living to achieve a contemporary resort-like ambiance in a home's backyard. The initial step in this transformation involves establishing a functional centerpiece, which acts as a versatile focal point for the outdoor area. This could be a coffee table or a firepit, around which other elements are arranged to maximize usability and create a central gathering spot. Thoughtful planning, similar to interior floor plan design, is essential for crafting a premium outdoor environment. Following the establishment of a centerpiece, the article suggests incorporating a variety of seating options to enhance the functionality and versatility of the outdoor space. This includes a mix of dining chairs for entertaining and plush lounge settings for relaxation, allowing for the creation of distinct zones within the backyard. Such variation not only makes the space feel more expansive and adaptable for hosting different groups, including large family gatherings, but also ensures comfort for various activities. Examples provided include two-seater lounges, hanging egg chairs, sunloungers, dining armchairs, concrete benches, and daybeds, each offering a unique seating experience. Finally, the article recommends adding curated accents to introduce visual appeal and cohesion to the outdoor design. While natural surroundings form the primary aesthetic, thoughtfully chosen accessories and a tailored color palette can complement the environment and enhance the overall dynamism. Decorative elements like patterned throw pillows and statement lighting are suggested to add personality and polish to the outdoor area. Specific product examples include aluminum lamps, scatter cushions, and concrete bar stools, which contribute to a cohesive and stylish outdoor living space. The article concludes by encouraging readers to explore the extensive range of outdoor living products to realize their dream outdoor sanctuary. #OutdoorLiving #BackyardDesign #LuxeOasis #OutdoorFurniture #HomeDecoration #ExteriorStyling #GardenDesign #OutdoorEntertaining #RemarkableOutdoorLiving

This article showcases a Houston home transformed by designers Celerie Kemble and Lindsey Herod, who infused it with a vibrant, flower-powered aesthetic reminiscent of a greenhouse. The design emphasizes vivid colors, botanical patterns, and an abundance of natural light to create an atmosphere of eternal spring. The living room features hand-painted Fromental silk wallcovering depicting Texas flora and fauna. The textiles, including Brunschwig & Fils upholstery and Lee Jofa stripe fabrics for pillows and curtains, complement the botanical palette. A 1950s Italian coffee table and a bird side table by Kemble for Maitland-Smith complete the space. The dining room incorporates the clients' antique collection, with walls upholstered in Gray Line Linen, Schumacher silk curtains, and a ceiling painted in Sherwin-Williams' Perfect Greige. A notable antique portrait, sourced by Kemble from an auction, hangs over the fireplace. The powder room is enlivened by De Gournay's Deco Monkeys wallpaper, featuring brass sink and fittings by Waterworks, and an Yves sconce by Porta Romana. The family room boasts bright green lacquered walls, matched to a Pantone chip by Fine Paints of Europe. A custom Langham & Fine rug, designed to resemble formal garden hedges, contributes to an outdoor ambiance. Two back-to-back sofas upholstered in ivory Cowtan & Tout fabric define separate zones within the large room. A custom ottoman in Highland Court fabric, turquoise lamps from 1stdibs with custom shades, and a Hunt Slonem painting above a 17th-century mantel from Chateau Domingue further enhance the decor. A 1958 painting by Swedish artist Ann-Marie Ekbom is displayed in the bookshelf area. The stairwell features Kemble's Glimmer fabric for Schumacher on a tufted corner bench, designed to fit under the back stairwell, which is papered in Sanderson's Summer Tree. Pillows include a white Perennials fabric and patterned ones from Suzanne Tucker Home's Jakarta. In the master bedroom, the headboard and bed skirt are covered in Lee Jofa's Chinese Lantern print, which dictated the room's color scheme. The dramatic bed canopy has an exterior of Schumacher wool satin and an interior of glazed linen from Rogers & Goffigon, which designers playfully named "the cantaloupe" due to its color. Walls are upholstered in Highland Court woven linen, and nightstands are from Kemble's Henredon collection. The newly expanded master bathroom showcases mirrors, marble, and abundant sunlight. The garden theme continues with Nina Campbell's Orchard Blossom wallpaper and Canopy Designs' custom-colored porcelain branch chandelier. An ottoman covered in white terry cloth from Holland & Sherry and Calacatta Gold marble tile from Walker Zanger add to the luxurious feel. The guest bedroom features a uniquely designed headboard that accommodates a low circular window, topped with an upholstered "hat." The canopy fabric is by Rogers & Goffigon, bedding by Schweitzer Linen, and wallpaper by Cole & Son. An outdoor terrace with an integrated kitchen is furnished with Graves chairs by McKinnon and Harris and two square tables that can be reconfigured for larger gatherings, emphasizing functionality and design continuity. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #HoustonHomes #CelerieKemble #LindseyHerod #BotanicalDesign #LuxuryInteriors #HomeTour #FloralPatterns

Ryan Hughes, a prominent designer in Tampa, Florida, has built a successful career by crafting exceptional outdoor living spaces for discerning homeowners. His journey to becoming an elite designer began with the rebranding of his family firm from The Hughes Group to Ryan Hughes Design / Build. This strategic move, along with obtaining a State of Florida Certified Pool Contractors License, allowed him to connect with a more affluent clientele and elevate his firm's profile within the industry. Hughes emphasizes that his firm's mission is to create better lifestyles through innovative outdoor living. He recounts a pivotal moment in 2008 when he re-evaluated his approach, realizing the importance of focusing on the client experience rather than just design and construction. This introspection led him to understand how high-net-worth individuals make purchasing decisions and the critical role of maintaining healthy profit margins to deliver exceptional, over-the-top projects. He learned that simply mimicking industry standards was insufficient for achieving true excellence in the luxury market. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the outdoor living sector, creating unprecedented demand as homeowners reinvested in their properties. Ryan Hughes Design / Build experienced substantial growth during this period. Initially, there was apprehension about expansion, but the firm decided to accelerate recruitment, a decision that proved timely as demand for backyard enhancements skyrocketed. This surge in business has resulted in a two-year project backlog and a six-month waiting period for design contracts, underscoring the sustained high demand for their specialized services. The pandemic also brought challenges, particularly concerning widespread price increases in materials and equipment. Hughes’s firm operates on fixed-cost contracts, which meant honoring original agreements despite rising costs. However, by maintaining higher profit margins, he was able to absorb these increases without passing them on to clients. He also implemented a proactive strategy against future inflation by purchasing and warehousing pumps and heaters, aiming to mitigate risks associated with fluctuating material prices and potentially profit from buying at current rates. When designing for the elite 1%, Hughes’s process is highly personalized. Instead of directly asking clients about specific features, his team delves into their lifestyle preferences—travel habits, dining choices, car ownership, and entertaining styles. This in-depth profiling helps in creating an atmosphere that resonates with the client's identity. He stresses that his role is not merely to fulfill requests but to interpret their lifestyle and propose designs that are truly applicable and enhance their experience. The goal is to create a world-class client experience through over-delivery. Hughes believes that meticulous space planning, which prioritizes functionality and defines distinct outdoor zones (e.g., lounge areas, firepits, outdoor kitchens), precedes the actual pool design. This approach ensures that the entire outdoor environment seamlessly integrates with the client's lifestyle. The firm incorporates elements like fire features, color-changing LED lights, and acrylic windows, tailoring them to create a specific "vibe" or atmosphere rather than generic luxury. Hughes likens this to the experience of a high-end restaurant or boutique hotel, where atmosphere and feeling are paramount. The firm is expanding its footprint, notably into the Orlando market, where it is undertaking large-scale residential projects. These include a 300-foot lazy river with unique water features and a cantilever pavilion, as well as an indoor 100-foot lap pool adjacent to a koi pond, separated by acrylic for a distinctive swimming experience. The average job cost for Ryan Hughes Design / Build has significantly increased, reflecting the growing scale and complexity of their luxury projects, which now range from $1.5 million to $3-5 million for residential endeavors. #RyanHughes #OutdoorLiving #LuxuryPools #PoolDesign #LandscapeDesign #ClientExperience #HighEndHomes #CustomBuilds

Chase and Kate Jarvis embarked on a significant outdoor renovation project for their Seattle home, which was situated on an irregularly shaped triangular lot. The existing backyard featured a poorly maintained, patchy lawn and an inadequately installed fence, creating a visually unappealing and underutilized space. The couple, however, viewed these challenges as opportunities to design distinct zones for various outdoor activities, aiming to maximize functionality and create a year-round oasis in Seattle's climate. The initial phase of the renovation involved a complete overhaul, removing all existing elements, including boulders, the old fence, and all landscaping. This enabled them to re-sculpt the site, increasing usable space by 800 square feet to a total of 2,700 square feet. General contractor Dovetail, with whom the Jarvises had previously collaborated on commercial projects, was enlisted for the construction. Dovetail then connected the couple with Robert Hutchison Architecture to bring their vision to fruition. Dovetail constructed 275 linear feet of five-foot concrete retaining walls around the property, effectively reshaping the landscape. This new structure seamlessly integrated a staggered entry stair, which also incorporated planters, contributing to a more impressive front entrance. A key architectural element introduced by Robert Hutchison was a vertical slat fence crafted from tight-knot, rough-sided cedar, stained black. This material was also used to reclad the home's exterior, establishing a cohesive aesthetic between the building and its surrounding landscape. Hutchinson noted that this fence defined a large outdoor room, which in turn contained approximately 14 to 15 smaller, overlapping 'rooms,' each thoughtfully blended through the consistent use of materials. The design incorporated a variety of functional zones. These included a patio for entertaining and cooking, a fire pit area for relaxation, and a spa zone equipped with a hot tub and a plunge pool designed for meditation and unwinding. The flooring in the spa area transitioned from concrete to black flagstone in organic shapes, complemented by ipe decking around the circular plunge pool and rectangular hot tub. A zen garden, featuring ferns, grasses, and sculptural flowers, guided visitors towards the spa. Kate Jarvis personally selected all the plantings, aiming for visual interest and suitability for each specific area. Near the water features, calla lilies and bamboo were chosen, while the kitchen garden featured edibles such as artichokes and various herbs. She emphasized a mix of shapes, textures, and heights, incorporating elements like feathery ferns, spiky Acanthus mollis with deep purple flowers, tall horsetail reeds, black mondo grass, and colorful blooms such as Crocosmia lucifer and hellebores. This diverse selection created a vibrant yet organized garden. The renovation, completed in 2017, proved particularly invaluable during the coronavirus pandemic, offering the Jarvises a safe environment to host friends and family. The couple expressed profound gratitude for the space, describing it as a sanctuary that even extended to their parents, who used it as a meeting place for their own friends. This transformation successfully converted an awkward, underutilized backyard into a resort-like retreat, perfectly balancing modern design with natural elements and catering to diverse outdoor living needs. #backyardDesign #landscapeArchitecture #outdoorLiving #homeRenovation #gardenDesign #modernDesign #SeattleHomes #RobertHutchisonArchitecture #outdoorSpaces

The 2021 NW Natural Street of Dreams luxury home tour, held in Happy Valley, showcased a variety of al fresco spaces designed for dining and entertaining. The tour, which ran through August 22, featured ideas from top builders, interior designers, and landscape architects across two developments: Heritage Crest, a gated community of custom houses, and Pleasant Valley Villages, a master-planned community by Holt Homes. The article highlights that outdoor furnishings are evolving to match the sophistication of indoor living spaces, with designers increasingly selecting durable materials and timeless styles that complement the home's architecture. The rising demand for outdoor living areas has led to the development of interior building materials suitable for exterior use, allowing for luxurious outdoor setups such as covered patios with metal chandeliers, pendant lights, and high-end exterior counters. Interior designer Whitney Hicks, who managed Holt Homes' model houses for the tour, provided several tips for creating inviting outdoor living spaces. Her recommendations include designing for year-round comfort by carefully choosing patio sites to offer optimal views and protection from weather elements. Hicks emphasizes investing in good, comfortable furniture and customizing sets with elements like benches instead of side chairs, and adding large floor pillows for a lounge-like feel. She also suggests changing decor seasonally with outdoor-rated items, such as colorful outdoor rugs, while keeping neutral-colored furniture. A key takeaway is that even small outdoor areas can be transformed into luxurious extensions of the home, illustrated by the Elevated Evergreen model home's rectangular dining set and Traeger grill, and The Pacific Peak model home's classic Adirondack chairs. Weatherproof drapes and quality lighting are also highlighted as essential for privacy and mood-setting illumination. The article references related content on lighting and kitchen upgrades, further emphasizing the holistic approach to home design showcased at the Street of Dreams. #StreetOfDreams #PatioDesign #OutdoorLiving #HomeDecor #LuxuryHomes #InteriorDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #OutdoorFurniture #HappyValley

Matt Sorum, the Grammy-Award winning drummer known for his work with Guns N' Roses, has transformed his yard into a versatile outdoor living space. This elegant patio serves multiple functions, including a living room, movie theater, desert garden, and pool lounge, all while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. Sorum designed the space with his family in mind, focusing on creating an inviting environment for his wife and daughter. The design harmoniously blends timeless style with practical needs. Key to the patio's appeal is its expert planting, which aligns with the Palm Springs desert landscape but with a softer, more romantic touch. Sorum opted to relocate most of the original cacti to the front yard, introducing lush elements like 18 olive trees, two Bismarckia trees, an aloe tree, desert flowers, and lavender. This selection of diverse desert plant life helps to integrate the patio with its natural surroundings while providing a refined, yet not overly manicured, appearance. The use of potted plants and designated planting beds further contributes to the room-like quality of the outdoor area. Outdoor furniture plays a crucial role in establishing the comfortable and luxurious atmosphere. Sorum selected Flex Outdoor Sofas by Resource Furniture, arranging them to create a large outdoor sofa. This setup is ideal for family movie nights, projected onto a screen outdoors, and also functions as daybeds around the pool. The furniture choices emphasize lounging comfort and versatility, catering to both relaxation and entertainment needs. Additionally, the patio features a gorgeous firepit, perfect for backyard barbecues, enhancing its functionality as an outdoor gathering space. Sorum emphasizes that personalization is vital in creating an effective outdoor living room. He advises homeowners to invest in areas they will use most frequently. For those in warm climates who enjoy films, a projector for outdoor movie watching is recommended. If poolside activities are a priority, comfortable loungers or sofas with performance fabric are a wise investment. For frequent hosts, a stylish fire pit can elevate the social experience. Sorum views the backyard as an extension of the home and its inhabitants, encouraging individuals to infuse their unique style and preferences into its design. This approach ensures the space is not only beautiful but also highly functional and reflective of the homeowner's lifestyle, creating an inspiring and personalized outdoor haven. #PatioDesign #OutdoorLivingRoom #CelebrityHomes #DesertLandscaping #HomeDecor

Anni de Saint Phalle, a homeowner in Bedford Hills, sought to transform her outdoor living space, which she felt was too busy and lacked a cohesive flow. To achieve a clean, naturalistic aesthetic suitable for various activities from pool parties to romantic evenings, she enlisted the expertise of landscape designer Max Apton and his team from Bedford-based Sweet Clover Design. The patio area, designed for relaxed lounging, features chaise lounges without cushions to avoid wetness and mold, aligning with Saint Phalle's preference for low maintenance. Apton utilized neutral, muted colors for the furniture that harmonize with the greens and pinks in the garden beds. Due to nursery labor shortages and a surge in quarantine gardens, Apton innovatively incorporated gomphrena, zinnia, vinca, and nigella to introduce color and fragrance, steering clear of plants that attract numerous bees and yellow jackets. He expressed delight in the prolific blooms of gomphrena and the dramatic color of Black Cherry vinca. The pool house interior extends the outdoor theme with grey wash teak and sea-salt wicker chairs, a ceruse-finish wood table, and a wicker drum-pendant light fixture, creating a beachy ambiance. White performance fabric for pillows and cushions, accented with splashes of blue, ensures durability and easy cleaning. French sliding-glass doors with white, semi-sheer curtains maintain an airy feel and offer privacy without obstructing views of the Jacuzzi and pool. The breezeway, connecting the pool house and garage, evokes a European feel with its neutral palette and clean lines. Geometric shapes, including arborvitae, an arched doorway, and a window-pane-framed mirror, add dramatic flair. An eye-catching striped indoor/outdoor runner and blue and gray throw pillows complement the design. Plants like moth orchids and preserved arborvitae were chosen for their elegance and low light requirements, suiting the shaded area. For the table setting, bright-pink napkins were integrated to add flair and highlight blue flatware, complementing Apton's vibrant pink and green floral arrangements. Candles from Country Willow in Bedford Hills provided a sophisticated touch. The pool garden incorporates existing elements such as a large crabapple tree and arborvitae, framed by new tight boxwood parterres filled with colorful, fragrant annuals. Apton’s selection of Verbena bonariensis, Pennisetum alopecuroides, and Drift Rose added texture. Giant Kimberly ferns and boxwood-lined walkways guide visitors to the pool seating, creating an inviting space intended for observation and enjoyment. The pool area itself, with its existing hardscaping of the pool, Jacuzzi, and pergola, was further enhanced by Apton. He used low boxwood hedges to line garden beds, mirroring the hardscape’s clean lines, and added pyramidal boxwoods as accents. Seasonal elements like a pink flamingo float and bright place settings, alongside throw pillows matching the pool water color, amplified the garden’s palette. A row of arborvitae with strategically placed urns of limelight hydrangea and sweet potato vine, along with round side tables, completed the aesthetic. The pool pergola, covered in wisteria, offers a shaded retreat for relaxing and enjoying the garden. Apton emphasized the importance of meticulous pruning to encourage wisteria blooms. The side garden, a serene space off the main house, features Sunset West club chairs and ottomans, forming a cozy nook. Saint Phalle designed the fence and installed a fountain, with lighting by Doherty Electrical Contracting. Apton advised rigorous pruning for trees near the house to balance light and aesthetics. Another pergola near the main house, also covered in wisteria, provides an additional inviting space for cocktails, showcasing a diverse array of plants and architectural elements. Finally, a vegetable garden with raised beds and a nearby greenhouse allows for year-round cultivation of various vegetables, providing Saint Phalle with fresh produce and a connection to the earth. #OutdoorLiving #LandscapeDesign #GardenDesign #HomeRenovation #AlfrescoEscape #BedfordHills #PoolDesign #PatioDecor #ExteriorDesign

This article showcases a masterclass in transitional style, emphasizing how the Austin, Texas home seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living. The residence, designed by Sara Malek Barney of BANDD/DESIGN, underwent a significant overhaul from its outdated Tuscan-style origins. Originally intended for a young family of four, the nearly 5,500 square-foot home now features a sophisticated blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, achieved through characterful architectural details, a nature-inspired color palette, and family-friendly designs. The renovation began with a challenging discovery: the home's exterior had never been water-sealed, necessitating the complete replacement of the stone facade. This unexpected hurdle, however, provided an opportunity for a comprehensive redesign of the exterior. The outcome is a bright, neutral, limewash-textured finish, complemented by a comfortable lounge area and a grand wooden front door, creating an inviting first impression. Inside, the structural and architectural upgrades extended beyond mere aesthetic changes. The designer's flexibility was crucial, as unexpected issues arose once walls were opened. The bathrooms, for instance, were reimagined for improved functionality, and new windows were installed to maximize natural light. The renovation aimed to modernize the home while respecting its original architectural integrity. Architectural details, initially lacking, were a priority. Bespoke elements were introduced throughout, aligning with the client's preference for a transitional style with a traditional touch. An example is the dining room, where a sculptural ceiling alcove now hosts a statement chandelier with six glass pendants, and half-wall paneling in a calming blue tone adds visual interest. Nature served as a significant inspiration for the interior design, reflecting Austin's sunny environment and the home's stunning outdoor pool. This influence is evident not only in the expansive windows and sliding glass doors that open to the backyard but also in the selection of natural materials, organic forms in furnishings, and an earthy color palette. These choices foster a harmonious indoor-outdoor feel. Functionality was paramount, tailored to the lifestyle of a busy family of four. Every detail was selected to ensure the space was approachable and practical without compromising on style. The laundry room, for example, combines function with design through organic open shelving, striking black-and-white tiled floors, and efficient storage solutions. Custom features, like the breakfast nook in the kitchen, provide comfortable and casual gathering spaces, framed by black-framed windows offering views of the outdoors. The home's cohesive color scheme, featuring muted yet colorful tones, reinforces the organic modern aesthetic. This approach ensures that rooms feel connected without being matchy-matchy, with recurring shapes, colors, and finishes subtly unifying the entire residence. Even the bathrooms reflect this organic and fresh aesthetic, with elements like a standalone tub, tiled shower, and rattan light fixture in the primary suite, and gold sconces and neutral wallpaper in the powder room, each contributing to the home's distinct yet unified character. #TransitionalDesign #AustinHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #NatureInspiredDecor #ArchitecturalDetails #FunctionalDesign #FamilyHome

This blog post explores a variety of outdoor design concepts and practical advice aimed at enhancing Australian outdoor living spaces. It covers innovative designs for landscaping, patios, and facades, alongside creative inspirations for swimming pools and decking. The content delves into current design trends such as 'Japandi,' which emphasizes clean lines and natural materials, showcasing how this aesthetic is being integrated into Australian homes to create light-filled living spaces with earthy, tactile elements. Another highlighted trend is the resurgence of organic forms in architecture, with a focus on curved edges and archways, suggesting a move away from traditional right angles in home design. For those interested in gardening, the article provides guidance on selecting the appropriate turf for Australian lawns, detailing various grass types and their specific growing conditions. It also offers budget-friendly styling hacks for small backyards, particularly for the spring season, and lists essential garden tools for summer gardening. Further gardening topics include a guide to Australian native flowers, highlighting top choices for home gardens, and practical tips for easy garden maintenance. The post also includes instructions on how to build a raised garden bed. The section on outdoor furniture presents ideas for refreshing outdoor spaces through simple weekend projects. It features gift ideas for gardening enthusiasts, specifically mentioning those who enjoy grilling. Practical advice is given on common style mistakes to avoid when decorating a balcony in a rental property, along with an overview of outdoor furniture trends that cater to different budgets. The versatility of hanging chairs for indoor-outdoor living is also explored. Finally, the blog addresses pool design, offering methods to achieve a luxurious pool experience without a prolonged installation process. It showcases some of Australia’s top pools and spas, provides crucial considerations before installing a pool, and presents various pool deck ideas and designs for inspiration. The article concludes with suggestions for creating resort-style pools and backyards, emphasizing the holistic approach to outdoor living that integrates design, functionality, and aesthetic appeal to maximize the Australian lifestyle. #OutdoorDesign #AustralianLifestyle #Landscaping #PatioIdeas #FacadeDesign #SwimmingPools #Decking #JapandiStyle #CurvedArchitecture #GardeningTips #OutdoorFurniture #HomeImprovement

This article showcases five distinct backyard renovation projects, each offering unique design inspirations for homeowners looking to enhance their outdoor living spaces. The first project features an elaborate outdoor kitchen and dining area in Rye, designed to complement an 18th-century house. Crafted by Conte & Conte Landscape Architect and Crisp Architect, this space includes top-of-the-line Kalamazoo appliances, a custom pergola, a dining table seating eight, and multiple terraces with fireplaces and fire pits. The design seamlessly blends rustic and contemporary aesthetics, drawing inspiration from Napa Valley's Calistoga Ranch and favorite restaurants. The landscape architects utilized a system of retaining walls to create distinct, multi-level terraces, ensuring a spatial balance with the property's steep slope while preserving a mature beech tree as a focal point. They emphasize the importance of viewing landscape constraints as opportunities for creative solutions and integrating indoor views into outdoor design. The second project transforms an adjacent property into a sizable pool house for a family with four children in Larchmont. Motzkin Blum Architects and Glen Gate Company designed this space to accommodate large family gatherings and everyday living. The pool house features all-weather outdoor furniture, wide-opening doors to blur the lines between indoor and outdoor, a gym, and a loft for children. Material selection was crucial, with Norwegian buff granite used around the pool to prevent overheating, and practical elements like a laundry room and extra refrigerator in the basement. The design allows the pool house to function as a second home year-round, catering to various family activities. The third project presents a sleek, modern 2,300-sq-ft pool house with a West Coast style, characterized by an all-white palette and contemporary furnishings. Sean Jancski Landscape Architects and Crozier Gedney Architects created well-defined recreational areas, including a bar, dining area, sitting space with a large sectional, and various outdoor lounges. The simple white color scheme provides a bright, spa-like ambiance, while oversized bluestones extend from the exterior to the interior floor, creating a seamless transition. Special doors from Marvin open completely, fostering an indoor-outdoor living experience, and a simple, sculptural planting scheme with native hemlocks provides screening and architectural interest. The fourth backyard transformation involves a gut-renovated 1950s ranch in Westport, where a side porch room was converted into an attached pool house/cabana. Denise Davies of D2 Interiors focused on creating a casual, fun space for entertaining. The design incorporates modern orange chairs, a stain-resistant graphic sofa, and emphasizes diverse seating options to allow for flexible arrangements. Wall art, such as a bright abstract by Linda Colletta and weather-treated photographs printed on aluminum by Allyson Monson and Jay B. Wilson, adds visual interest and focal points. Divine details like accent pieces from Jonathan Adler and Serena & Lily, along with Sonos speakers disguised as rocks, complete the polished outdoor living experience. The final project focuses on an historical house in Rye, where Sean Jancski Landscape Architects created outdoor living areas that blend 1800s style with modern amenities. Traditional materials like an arched arbor gate, teak bench, brick walkways, and classic garden plants like boxwood, lilac, and hydrangea establish a sense of place. The design features extensive, multi-level outdoor lighting, including copper triangle lights, path lights, and a pergola chandelier, to enhance evening entertaining. The property's multilevel design, with stone walls defining distinct areas, includes a repurposed garage as a pool cabana, an outdoor fireplace, a spa, and various seating areas. A modern fountain in the terraced garden seamlessly integrates with the traditional elements, creating an instant classic aesthetic. #OutdoorRenovation #BackyardDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #PoolHouse #OutdoorKitchen #HomeImprovement #LuxuryOutdoors #GardenDesign #WestchesterHome

This article explores the significant trends shaping outdoor living spaces, drawing insights from the 2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study and Deckorators' Outdoor Living Report. Homeowners are increasingly prioritizing the design and functionality of their outdoor areas, with a substantial portion of their home improvement budgets dedicated to these projects. This indicates a shift towards more deliberate and personalized outdoor renovations, where consumers actively research products and builders to ensure quality and aesthetic alignment. Outdoor wellness has become a central theme, leading to the integration of features like hot tubs, saunas, and plunge pools into exterior designs. These additions are driven by a desire for healthier lifestyles and the creation of personal retreats. Architectural elements are also regaining popularity, with posts and frames for pergolas and covered porches allowing for seamless integration of lighting, greenery, and furniture, enhancing both the structure and ambiance of outdoor areas. Color blocking with decking materials is a growing trend, adding vibrancy and personal expression to outdoor spaces through unique color combinations and contrasts. This technique contributes to the visual appeal and individuality of decks. The concept of retractable decks is transforming small outdoor spaces into multifunctional zones, offering flexibility for various activities and maximizing livable square footage, particularly in urban environments. The traditional front porch is experiencing a resurgence as a social hub, with homeowners designing inviting spaces to foster community interaction. This trend highlights a renewed emphasis on in-person connections. Outdoor living rooms and transitional zones remain popular, with consumers investing in formal seating, artwork, and indoor/outdoor rugs to extend the comfort and personality of interior spaces outdoors. Fire pits, whether built-in or portable, continue to be a desired feature for creating ambiance. The integration of smart outdoor technology is essential, encompassing automated irrigation systems and outdoor televisions, alongside a strong focus on outdoor lighting for both functionality and aesthetic enhancement. Outdoor security features, such as smart cameras and sensors, are also increasingly adopted by homeowners for peace of mind. Finally, sustainable landscaping practices, including the use of native and drought-resistant plants, and eco-friendly irrigation systems, are favored by environmentally conscious consumers. Similarly, there's a growing preference for sustainable outdoor furniture made from durable and long-lasting materials like FSC-certified teak. #OutdoorLiving #HomeDesign #WellnessTrends #ArchitecturalFeatures #DeckingDesign #SmartHome #SustainableLandscaping #OutdoorKitchens #CommunitySpaces

Summer Jensen, CEO and principal of Hawk & Co., designed the interiors of a California coastal home, emphasizing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design draws inspiration from the home's sweeping views and the rustic-meets-industrial architectural style, reminiscent of Napa Valley. Jensen, influenced by her Hawaiian upbringing, prioritizes nature in her designs, ensuring ample natural light and seamless transitions between interior and exterior living areas. The home's structure, created by Brandon Architects, provided a minimalist foundation. Jensen focused on architectural cues to inform the interior design, integrating elements like a staggered batten wood-paneled wall near the fireplace that extended to disguise kitchen cabinets. Skylights, particularly in the primary bath, were incorporated to harness natural light, aiding in regulating circadian rhythms. The design also features innovative solutions like barely perceptible kitchen cabinets, veiled by the same staggered batten wood-paneling for a cohesive look. One distinctive feature is a brewmaster’s bar on the lower level, equipped with 16 microbrews on tap and illuminated by a unique lighting sculpture, offering a sophisticated and entertaining space. The living room opens directly onto a patio, further enhancing the indoor-outdoor living experience and maximizing the coastal views. Throughout the home, warm wood tones create a sense of continuity, extending into the primary bedroom. The exterior of the home also aligns with the rustic-industrial aesthetic, reflecting the design inspiration from Napa Valley. The project highlights a harmonious blend of architectural simplicity, natural inspiration, and functional design, creating a striking and livable coastal retreat. #CoastalLiving #CaliforniaHomes #IndoorOutdoorDesign #SummerJensen #HawkAndCo #RusticIndustrial #NaturalLight #HomeInteriors #ResidentialDesign