8 Backyard Design Ideas from Justina Blakeney

Justina Blakeney, a celebrated designer, artist, blogger, and author of "The New Bohemians," shares her top eight design ideas for transforming an ordinary backyard into an exotic and lush retreat. Her philosophy centers on creating spaces that evoke a sense of calm and a touch of wildness, allowing occupants to feel deeply relaxed and connected to nature. Blakeney emphasizes that a well-designed outdoor space should feel like an extension of the home, inviting relaxation and entertaining. One key recommendation is to think "floor to ceiling" when designing an outdoor area. This involves utilizing elements like rugs to define the ground space and canopies or overhead structures to provide a sense of enclosure and protection from the elements. Additionally, she suggests incorporating lighting fixtures, such as pendant lamps, to extend the usability of the space into the evening hours, making it suitable for prolonged lounging or social gatherings. Flexibility in seating arrangements is another crucial aspect of Blakeney's design approach. She utilizes lightweight sectional sofas that can be easily moved and reconfigured to accommodate different activities, whether it's entertaining guests, taking a nap, or dining al fresco. The use of varied textiles, such as reupholstered cushions in a suzani-print fabric and a mix of new and vintage Moroccan pillows, adds texture, pattern, and a bohemian flair to the seating area. Maximizing greenery is central to achieving a lush, wild aesthetic. Blakeney advocates for incorporating a variety of plants, including large ravenea and tetrapanax to create a sense of natural enclosure, and hanging philodendrons to add a rich, overhead layer. This layered approach to planting helps create a vibrant and immersive natural environment. For outdoor furnishings, Blakeney suggests creating a versatile base with neutral pieces that can be easily updated with textiles and accents. She uses tables ranging from Moroccan to modern styles, all chosen for their chameleon-like ability to blend with various decorative themes. This allows for seasonal changes in decor without needing to replace core furniture items. Softening the ground with layered rugs is another design tip. Blakeney uses multiple rugs not only for comfort during activities like yoga or for her daughter's playtime but also for their aesthetic appeal. The interplay of different patterns and textures in layered rugs adds visual interest and depth to the outdoor space. Ensuring a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor areas is highlighted, with Blakeney installing French doors to connect her bedroom and patio. She extends the interior's color palette, such as gold accents, to the outdoor space to create a cohesive and harmonious transition, making the backyard feel like an integral part of the home. To enrich the visual and tactile experience, Blakeney recommends contrasting textures. She pairs brass planters and shaggy pillows with rattan chairs, appreciating how rattan, in particular, gains character and charm as it weathers over time. This blend of materials creates a dynamic and inviting atmosphere. Finally, Blakeney emphasizes using plants as decorative elements. Instead of single, isolated potted plants, she advises clustering various plants, such as succulents and cacti, to create a more impactful design presence. This strategic arrangement of plants elevates them beyond mere greenery to become significant decorative statements within the backyard space. These eight principles collectively guide the transformation of a backyard into a truly unique and inviting bohemian retreat. #JustinaBlakeney #BackyardDesign #OutdoorLiving #BohemianStyle #JungalowStyle #PatioDecor #GardenDesign #HomeDecor #TextileDecor #JustinaBlakeney #BackyardDesign #OutdoorLiving #BohemianStyle #JungalowStyle #PatioDecor #GardenDesign #HomeDecor #TextileDecor

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