The Great Outdoors

Martha Stewart Living

Late August always has me dreaming of the cooler fall weather to come. By now I've had my fill of long, lazy, sweltering summer days (and nights) and long for the crispness of fall and the holidays to come. Unlike many areas of the country, Houston's best weather is from October through April, and it's during those months that you can find Houstonians enjoying their patios, backyards, and the Great Outdoors generally. For the majority of you though, I imagine that the end of August heralds the end, rather than the beginning, of spending time outdoors. And so, as we all look ahead to the changing seasons, I thought I'd share with you a few of my all-time favorite outdoor spaces.

Kristen Hutchins

Of course a covered porch is almost essential to any great outdoor space (unless, I suppose, you happen to live in Southern California or another location that rarely rains and rarely gets too hot). The gray ikat print is such a wonderful choice for an outdoor space; it's a very "of the moment" and unexpected choice from the ever-popular nature motifs or solids. Gauzy white drapes soften the lines of the porch but also provide essential shade or shelter should the weather shift unexpectedly. And, of course, I love the delicate white lantern.

Amanda Nisbet

A purple ceiling is an unexpected (but brilliant) way to add color to a patio space where painting walls really isn't an option. A classic choice is sky blue, but I'd love to follow Amanda's daring lead and go with a more saturated color that really pops.

Mary McDonald

I love stripes for the backyard -- they're just a classic. For a modern take though, why not try an unexpected color combination as Mary McD. did here with the black and white? A monochromatic palette -- even outdoors -- makes a strong, modern statement. Note too how Mary fearlessly applied the stripes to the walls as well. If you're a bit concerned about permanently altering your home's facade, a similar look could be achieved by using outdoor drapes along the back wall for a cozy, tented look.

domino, May 2006

Another example of some truly fantastic drapes in an outdoor patio. I also love how the floor is a sleek, smooth white. A thoroughly modern touch that really highlights the wonderful blue and white patterns used in this space.

Kristen Panitch

Outdoor fireplaces are a personal favorite of mine as they add such a wonderful touch of ambiance and coziness to any outdoor room. And of course, they serve a practical purpose as well as they can extend your enjoyment of your outdoor space far beyond balmy summer nights. A stone fireplace can bring a wonderful, old world vibe to your outdoor space -- and definitely increases the "indoors/outdoors" feeling. A mantle encourages seasonal decorating.

Bonesteel Trout Hall

Although this backyard is in California, it reminds me so much of the type of yard you'd find in upscale neighborhoods in central Texas -- well, anywhere in Texas, really -- as it typifies the "Hillcountry Look" that many of my fellow Texans are so enamored with. Not that I'd turn this place down myself, mind you. I absolutely love the daybed tucked away at the side of the patio. With a rug underfoot it looks positively perfect for one of my favorite indulgences: weekend afternoon naps.

domino, June/July 2008

If your tastes are more modern, a clean-lined fire bowl that uses ethanol in lieu of wood is a great (and eco-friendly option).

I know that many folks, especially in larger urban centers, do not have the luxury of large outdoors spaces. But that doesn't mean that you can't maximize the usefulness and style of what small patch of earth (or patio or balcony) that you do have. And, on the plus side, smaller spaces allow for more luxurious touches that, due to their size, won't break the bank. Our old town home near downtown Houston had only a small 10 x 10 yard to work with so, trust me, I've been there.

domino, ca. 2007

The shape/size of this yard reminds me so much of our backyard at our old place. Love the horizontal wood fence at the back (which somehow feels far more modern than a vertical fence) and the white shed that doubles as a place house. This is just the kind of small yard that manages to live very large.

Maybe it's just the gorgeous light here or the very tall french doors, but there's just something so irresistibly romantic and European about this small patio. It's just the kind of place that I would love to enjoy a cappuccino and paper on a leisurely Sunday morning.

Stephen Shubel

I absolutely adore the neatness of boxwoods and clever Stephen Shubel managed to make these ordinarily high maintenance plants maintenance-free by selecting high quality plastic ones. A great idea if you (like me) have more of a black thumb than a green one (or just happen to travel a lot).

Ty Larkins

I love an ivy covered wall, especially when it's well trimmed and maintained. It adds a layer of softness that's so often necessary amongst all the hardscape.

T. Keller Donovan

Even if you only have a small balcony, you can still create a stunning outdoor space with the addition of a narrow (but plush) window bench, small table and a few small stools that can double as extra seating in a pinch. Even outdoors, I love a blue and white palette, which when done with an inky blue feels so wonderfully Greek to me. Even though this balcony overlooks South Beach, it feels like it would be even more at home overlooking the Mediterranean...and thus the transportive power of design, yes?

* * *

During the past few months, we've been planning (and now finally implementing) our own outdoor paradise as we attempt to transform our formerly barren expanse of grass (or what I liked to call the soccer field) into a beautiful and useful outdoor space. Since the summertime is not a good time for planting here in Houston, we spent the hottest months of the year installing the hardscape.

Not only did we brick in the existing covered patio, but we extended the patio out another 25 feet or so. On top of a portion of the patio extension, we'll be erecting a 12' x 12' pergola to provide some much needed shade for what will become our outdoor dining room. Our landscaper will be back in a few weeks to complete the pergola, but you can get a sense of its size and scale from the four posts that are now cemented into the ground. We've run electricity out from the house so that we'll be able to install lighting and a fan: essential for long dinners extending well into the night.

Beyond the pergola, we've installed a fire pit, which was at the top of Dave's wish list. I'm hoping to construct a tabletop for it so when the pit is not in use, it can double as an extra table. I look forward to throwing a party later this fall where we can try it out, but for now, it's nice to just have something to look at beyond the kitchen window besides weeds.

Finally, we've installed some crushed granite beds that will hold some large decorative pots for plantings. We'll also be putting in flower beds along the fences once the weather cools off as well as adding some screens along the back to break up the expanse of red brick (which doesn't match our brick at all). I promise to show some pictures once we start up again later next month.

It's a beautiful day...

It's a beautiful Spring day here in Houston today and I'd much rather be lounging in a gorgeous poolside cabana than in the office. Unfortunately though, it's Monday and my backyard is still in the state in which we bought it (i.e., completely empty) so until we have the time and funds to turn our attention to landscaping, I'll have to make do with a little virtual daydreaming, courtesy of Kristen Hutchins Design.

I love how Kristen has infused classic hacienda style with other global influences like the Morroccan lanterns, the Chinese garden stools, the turquoise Ikat print and the British Colonial furnishings. Despite this cultural mix, the overall effect is seamless and tramquil, with the dark browns and creams providing a neutral base for the pops of turquoise.

And how awesome are these mini-canopies (with the giant tassels!) for the chaise lounges. Not only are they great aesthetically, but they're practical as well. I love getting a little bit of sunshine, but I'm always vigilent about making sure my face/neck are in the shade. The fabric on the pillows is called Tilbury by Laura Ashley and is available through Kravet. It's been making the rounds lately on the blogosphere and I absolutely love it.

One thing I would change though: I'd be trading in that Pellegrino for a glass of white wine or a margarita.

Anatomy of a Console Table

Sara Gilbane

Generally speaking, there are precious few "rules" when it comes to decorating. After all, taste isn't really a matter of following a prescribed list of "do's" and "don'ts", but instead a more elusive art form: it is emotional rather than logical. There's an often repeated mantra that good taste can't be taught -- and perhaps that is in fact the case. However,I firmly believe that if we take the time to train our eyes, we can learn short cuts and handy tricks that can at the very least help us approximate good taste, even if it isn't innate.

One area of decorating that appears to have surprising uniformity is styling a console table. A console table is the true workhorse of occasional tables -- it works equally well behind a sofa as it does in foyer -- and it's also an amazing opportunity to practice styling on a small scale. For many designers, the task can even be broken down into a rather simple arithmetic formula. Take for example Sara Gilbane's alcove (shown above). The classical elegance of the console table is anchors the statement-making gilt mirror. A pair of tall vases flank either end of the table and help bridge the space between the mirror and table top. Smaller-scaled picture frames and a decorative bowl fill in the center of the table and create further symmetry. This symmetrical arrangement is then echoed on the lower shelf with two small plants flanking the inlaid box.

Following this symmetrical formula is a simple and guaranteed way to achieve a visually pleasing arrangement. A few more examples from some of my favorite designers to illustrate some of the many variations on this theme:

Hillary Thomas Designs

John Willey Interior Design

David Jimenez

Mary McDonald

Meg Braff

Ashley Whittaker

Miles Redd

If you have a longer wall to fill, follow the lead of Miles Redd (above) and Sally Steponkus (below) and try flanking the console table with a pair of smaller chairs. When company comes, you'll have the extra seating, but otherwise the chairs will be out of the way for day-to-day activities.

Sally Steponkus

Kristen Hutchins

If you're ready to move on to the next level, try breaking up the symmetry a bit, which can create a far more interesting (and less "decorated") look. The key to your success though will be to maintain the balance. Here, Kristen Hutchins uses only one table lamp (a good choice as the console table is on the small side), but balances it with a small floral arrangement at the other end.

Kara Mann

Here, the very symmetrical arrangement of mirrors above the console is loosened up by the more haphazardly arranged orange boxes below. If the boxes had been stacked more tidily, the overall effect would have been far too geometric, which would have felt too studied and not in keeping with the more organic qualities of the decorative objects on the table itself.

Ruthie Sommers

If you're trying to break up the symmetry a bit, I'd suggest keeping at least one element symmetrical, as Ruthie Sommers did here with the pair of sconces flanking the mirror. This is a simple trick to bring balance back to an asymmetrical space. [Random aside: Did you notice the adorable dog lounging on the stairs in the mirror's reflection?]

Lindsey Coral Harper

Sometimes a simpler, less cluttered arrangement is best, particularly in a small entryway or hallway. Here, Lindsey puts the emphasis on the vertical space of the room rather than the horizontal by using highly reflective elements (the metallic wall paint, the gilt mirror, the glittering wall sconces). The effect is further realized by placing the mirror and sconces higher up on the wall. A word to the wise though: when hanging wall art, mirrors, sconces, etc. it's best to keep them below the height of the door or window frame.

Tim Clark

Time for the masters' class! In this vignette by Tim Clark, nothing is symmetrical and yet the arrangement is still highly successful. The red rattan chair is balanced by the palm in the red pot and the height of the pot is similar to the height of the floor lamp behind the chair. The green stools echo the color and shape of the small vases on the opposite side of the console table. As each side speaks to the other, the eye moves back and forth across the vignette.

Amanda Nisbet

A final point to consider is that sometimes fewer, larger pieces are far more effective than a bunch of small tchotchkes. In this vignette by Amanda Nisbet, the scale of the mirror, lamp and bust create a lot of drama without creating a lot of visual clutter. The neutral palette also ensures that these disparate pieces work harmoniously together.

Kristen Hutchins' Den

A few weeks ago I came across the work of California-based designer Kristen Hutchins, who recently launched her own design company after working for both Ruthie Sommers and Kelly Wearstler. Once you've had the opportunity to browse Kristen's entire portfolio, I think you'll agree with me that this girl has some serious talent. Her rooms are inventive, colorful and pulled together, but also incredibly livable. I'd describe her style as Hollywood Regency meets beach house, with a good helping of global eclecticism thrown in -- in short, it's incredibly of the moment. But, while her particular style may be trendy right now, her rooms also possess that distinctly California vibe of casual sophistication. And that's a feeling that absolutely never goes out of style.

Of all of Kristen's rooms, my favorite is this yellow and blue den in the Hollywood Hills. While the furniture layout and even color palette is very traditional, Kristen keep the feeling of the space young with trendy ethnic prints and streamlined furniture.

Yellow and blue is a cheery and classic color combination that will never go out of style. Depending on other design elements in the room, the colors can read as beachy and casual or as traditional and sophisticated. Kristen's den successfully walks a delicate balance between these two extremes by including more casual and funky accents (the sheepskin pillow, pieces of coral, bright ikat print) with traditional and tailored furniture. The dark wood and brown rug ground the pale yellow walls, white trim and bright fabrics.

I'm a big fan of using an ottoman in lieu of a coffee table, particularly in a more casual space. An ottoman just says "come on in and put your feet up" and in a pinch it can double as additional seating for parties. And, should you need to rest a drink (or your Lean Cuisine) on it, a tray quickly transforms an ottoman into a coffee table. Kristen did a great job of styling this ottoman for the shoot; it's a great lesson in using a few larger objects in lieu of a lot of little pieces. The overall effect is far more modern, and far less cluttered. Kristen also shows off several popular trends in decorative accessories from 2009 (namely mercury glass, white ceramic animals and lacquer trays) that will continue to be popular into 2010. I also like how Kristen elected to keep the large bay window free of any sort of window treatments, allowing in plenty of light and showcasing the window seat.

What I probably love most about this room is Kristen's choice of fabrics (and I think fabric is, more often than not, what separates a designer room from the the rest of the pack). Zigzags, ikat, ethnic-inspired prints, and more subtle and textural silks and plaids all work together beautifully to give the room texture, visual interest and great style. There's no great secret to Kristen's success though: the key to mixing and matching prints is to keep the color palette tight (here Kristen uses a rich chocolate brown, sunny yellow and porcelain blue) and while not all the fabrics need to contain all the colors used throughout the space, it is important to have one or two fabrics that contain the entire palette.

I'll admit that I'm not the most adept at setting up "vignettes" and "mantlescapes"...and I'll also confess that I find both terms to be a tad pretentious. That said though, I do understand the importance of getting those last little accessories just right -- especially when you're styling a room for a photo shoot. The arrangement on the mantle is asymmetric but still ordered. The soft green of the vase works beautifully with the loose arrangement of wildflowers in the mercury glass vases. I also adore the vintage sconce, which has a lovely bronze finish that nicely contrasts with the antiqued silver of the mercury glass.

If I were going to recreate the look and feel of this room, I would focus on a few key elements: the blue and yellow color palette (which I'd have to kick up just a notch in intensity to suit my own taste), the gorgeous mix of bronze and silver metals, the mix of patterns, and the more traditional, British colonial furniture. For a wall color, I'd go with Benjamin Moore's Hawthorne Yellow, which is a gorgeous shade of yellow that eschews both bananas and corn in favor of pure and sunny sophistication. Think "Four Seasons" yellow. I've also selected four inexpensive fabrics (three of which are available through Calico Corners) as my primary fabric choices. I'd use the "duet dijon", a lovely yellow, white and blue paisley to recover Pottery Barn's Belmont armchair. While Kristen successfully upholstered one of the two sofas in two contrasting fabrics (one of which is a rather bold print), I'm generally loathe to do a sofa in another other than a single solid, relatively neutral fabric -- there's just too great a risk the sofa will look dated long before you're prepared to reinvest in reupholstering it. Accordingly, I'd keep the sofa light and neutral, but use the remaining three fabrics for throw pillows.

Source list (clockwise, from top left): 1. Spencer Sofa (Pottery Barn; $1995 as shown). 2. Bronze Ceramic Table Lamp (West Elm; $149). 3. Metro Lattice End Table (High Fashion Home; $449). 4. Belmont Arm Chair (Pottery Barn; $899 as shown). 5. Sevilla Rug (Ballard Designs; $489 for 6’ x 9’). 6. Fabrics (right to left): kimono (Calico Corners; $15.99/yd); Kalah blue (Calico Corners; $23.99/yd); Duet Dijon (Calico Corners; $14.99/yd); and Blue ikat (Decorative Things; $20/yd). 7. Ceramic Imperial Horse (ZGallerie; $79). 8. Chinese Garden Stool (Wisteria; $149). 9. Stratford Ottoman (Ballard Designs; $249 + cost of fabric). 10. Mongolian Lamb Pillow (West Elm; $129). 11. Mercury Glass Trophy Urns (Ballard Designs; $14.99-$29.99). 12. A Pier on Loch Lomand (Art.com; $144.99).