Each week, Mansion Global tackles a topic with an elite group of designers from around the world who work on luxury properties. This week we look at how to design an outdoor space that feels chic.
The beauty of an outdoor lounge is that it takes the inside and extends it outside, so you can enjoy all the comforts of home amid nature. It's the kind of space that can function both as a relaxing retreat and a place to entertain.
The look, feel and configuration are a matter of planning. Follow these tips from the design pros to create an outdoor space with distinction.
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Take a Cue From Your Interiors
"Your outdoor space is an extension from your home, so having a look at your interior might reflect what you place outside.
"The best-suited outdoor furniture is made from metals like stainless steel, aluminum and powder-coated metals where rust can be inhibited. Other natural materials like cane, bamboo, wicker and wood painted with marine epoxy finish are naturally suited to the outdoors. But, having a waterproof cover for your furniture is essential to preserving your investment.
"Mixing different types of seating and having side tables to place your food or drink is important. Having some shade and a sturdy umbrella or canopy makes blazing-hot sunny days cooler and fresher. And of course, maintenance-free furniture where upholstery is weather resistant and washable keeps you relaxed and cool."
— Furniture designer Troy Smith based in Toronto
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Consider Your Locale
"Consider your climate and environment. Do you want to face the sun? Are you near saltwater or in a high humidity area? Saltwater can corrode metal outdoor furniture, especially at welded areas, whereas outdoor furniture made of wood varieties such as teak fare wonderfully in humidity and in beachside areas.
"Though most outdoor furniture and fabrics are weather resistant, most pieces still require being covered when not in use, and some companies recommend taking cushions indoors during wet and cold months. Keep this in mind when making furniture choices and ask questions about the required maintenance.
"I always opt for a solid indoor/outdoor fabric option, and to add more flare, I'll bring in vivid pops of color with throw pillows, end tables and colorful succulents or floral plants that can be dispersed throughout the space. This easily allows me to change my color scheme or aesthetic at any given time.
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"Think about creating multiple lounging areas using planters filled with lush grasses or vibrant florals. On my own 1,200-square-foot city roof terrace, I covered one-third of the space in stone pavers and the other two thirds in a soft faux grass.
"For nighttime, consider solar-powered outdoor lighting that can be staked into potted plants, or in the ground and automatically turned on once the sun sets."
— Jenny Dina Kirschner, principalof JDK Interiorsin New York
Delineate the Space
"I like to try and use the house itself as at least one or two of the walls and then use a freestanding wall or decorative fence to create more definition.
"We love a shaded area that has access to open sky. These can be courtyards or porches and even combinations of the two. They can have many other elements that we love indoors like fireplaces, bars, televisions and even kitchens.
"I love to use water as a cooling element in spaces, and there are all kinds of fountains that can be designed into outdoor spaces. At my own home, I made a small plunge pool with a recirculating pump off my living room—opening the doors to that sound immediately calms me."
— Mountain Brook, Alabama-based architect Jeffrey Dungan
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Juxtapose Materials
"I look for materials that nicely contrast with the materials of the space. On a stone terrace, I might use metal and wood furniture for example. On a wood deck, I would avoid wood furniture and choose metal or rattan or wicker instead. I also try to combine several types and scales of furniture rather than buying everything in a matched suite, and always layer and mix between collections.
"A variety of furniture to support various kinds of relaxation is a must—good comfortable chairs for dining and games, big lounge chairs for socialization and comfy sofas and chaises for napping.
"Accessories make the space. Create a strong vignette on a cocktail table: hurricane lanterns, a flowering potted plant or bowl of succulents and some kind of figurative accessory. Add small drinks tables, great throw pillows and a throw blanket in a contrasting color to layer in detail and personality."
— Tom Stringer of Tom Stringer Design Partners in Chicago
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Consider Sun Exposure
"It's also important to have a variety of sizes of furniture, deep-seat cushions for relaxation and coverage from the sun throughout the day from sunrise to sunset.
"Sunbrella fabrics withstand the elements, especially the wind and rain. Aluminum metals, which don't collect the heat from the sun, are the safest materials.
"Look to see how the sun will make its way across the space throughout the day. For example, if you're planning on using the space to lounge during the afternoon, the seating should be oriented to take advantage of the path of the sun.
— Arty Daly manager of Fortunoff Backyard Store based in Westbury, Long Island
Warm Things Up
"Use softer and more luxurious materials like woven rope/straps made of polypropylene, which is super versatile and creates a natural yet modern look. Texture creates depth and brings the coziness of a living room.
"Add accessories like cozy pillows, throws and baskets for storage and texture—they are interchangeable, and keep your home feeling modern and current.
"Lighting and candles are also great ways to create warmth and depth. Opt for a globe lamp or Edison lights strung together to create a warm glow both in the winter and the summer."
— Joanna Leung, VP of business development for Ratana outdoor furniture, based in Vancouver
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