The outdoor living panel at High Point Market with Smith, Mende, Keeley, Larsen, Capra and Lillo. Image courtesy of NKBA.
Whether customers can take advantage of outdoor living year-round, or just savor it seasonally, designers agree that outdoor living is increasingly being integrated into home design with furnishings ranging from seating and dining to outdoor kitchens and wellness retreats.
During the panel “Open Air Living: Designing the Ultimate Outdoor Experience” at the NKBA|KBIS space at Broad Hall during High Point Market, Designers Today Executive Editor Andrea Lillo and panelists explored the changing face of outdoor living.
“Since COVID, outdoor living is more important,” said Lisa Mende of Lisa Mende Design in Charlotte, N.C. She noted an increase in calls from clients wanting to expand outdoors, especially after being stuck inside and at home during the pandemic. Being outside is a respite for many, she said, and is important to the psyche.
Located in Sedona, Ariz., Stephanie Larsen of Stephanie Larsen Interior Design said people there use outdoor spaces year-round. “It’s an extension of indoor living,” she said. Similarly, Alena Capra, who is based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., said outdoor is as critical as indoor living for Floridians.
When designing, Capra said, “outdoor is part of the conversation—maybe a part of the later conversation—but it is a part.” She urges clients to think about zones when considering their outdoor space as well as factors such as weather. In an area impacted by hurricanes, it’s important to think about pieces that can be easily stored or brought inside, she said.
Larsen, who specializes in wellness, said the outdoor space should be part of the design from the beginning. Features such as cold plunge pools, spas and mediation spaces can’t be done as an afterthought, she said.
Exterior and landscape designer Daniel Keeley of DK Design in Arkansas, said he hopes “we’re part of the initial conversation” about any design project.
“When we start with clients, we want to know how they live,” said Mende, and that includes the use of outdoor spaces.
Budgeting for a design project should also include any outdoor work, the designers said. Larsen said her ideas for outdoors via mood boards and samples are presented with the entire design. Even if a project’s budget can’t support the completion of the outdoor space, Mende said clients should at least do the infrastructure for their outdoor project, adding it can be hard to incorporate that later.
Likewise, the panelists emphasized the importance of a cohesive look when choosing materials for outside living and an emphasis on quality and durability. Whatever is chosen, said Ashley Smith of outdoor kitchen company Urban Bonfire, it should fit with the architectural style of the home, the surroundings and the family’s lifestyle.
“You want to be consistent with the interior of the house,” said Keeley, who urged investing “in the best you can afford.”
“Try to consider having a seamless, flawless look,” said Larsen, who said how clients live will ultimately dictate what goes in the space. Interior designers, Capra said, will work with clients to bring it all together with color and furnishings, but also with a focus on creating a space and using materials that are appropriate for outdoors.
There is much give-and-take during the design process, the panel noted, with designers asking clients specific questions about space use including dining needs, seating, recreation, the incorporation of nature and more. Smith said it’s helpful to create a priority list and think about different zones and which activities will take place there.
Some of the problems to avoid include overcrowding and trying to fit too many things into a finite space. “You need to focus on what is important to you,” said Smith.
Capra added problems can arise if designers don’t consider safety, traffic flow and maintenance issues. Key elements to think about, the designers said, range from providing shaded spots with pergolas, canopies and umbrellas; lighting for activities and accenting plants and other decorative features; and even dealing with insects.
Being successful in designing for the outdoors also means educating themselves on products, trends and brands, the panelists said, noting that many exhibitors at High Point Market have provided that expertise.
