By LuAnne Silvia, ASID
We are interior designers, true, but our skills translate quite naturally to outdoor spaces as well. We approach exterior design projects in the same way as we approach interior projects. We discuss your vision and create plans. We find out if you will be dining, entertaining, reading, lounging. We select finishes and fabrics that will weather. We have the same kind of fun, only outdoors!
We had fun recently designing this outdoor patio space. Our clients criteria was to have gathering spaces for small and larger groups to dine and have conversation and spots for individuals to relax. We went to work selecting a variety of seating types with a variety of materials:
- lighter weight teak chairs and bright red polypropylene stools that are easily mobile
- woven and stainless steel frame sofas with cushions for comfortable seating
- mesh loungers for relaxing by yourself
- smaller red metal dining tables that can be used separately or pushed together
Add a couple of umbrellas and a bright stripe fabric and the result is an inviting casual space that provides flexibility. Here are the plans we drew to illustrate and the before and after photos.
Before
After
Before
After
The outdoor furnishings we selected for the spaces:
Llyod Flanders sofa with outdoor stripe fabric by Donghia
Stones by Maya Lin for Knoll
Teak armchair by Thos. Baker
Ohla polypropylene chair by Jane Hamley Wells
Stainless Steel loveseat with cushions by Barlow Tyrie
Dining table by Brown Jordan
