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10 Designer Tips for Upgrading Your Outdoor Spaces
Whether dining on the patio, partying by the pool, or sipping something sweet on the front porch, Southerners love to gather outside for a good hang. That’s why outdoor spaces should never be an afterthought, but rather an extension of your home — warm, welcoming, and deserving of the same attention to detail as the interior. We asked some of our favorite designers to share their tips for creating outdoor spaces that feel purposefully put together, just in time for summer!Plan with PurposeThe first step in any project, from refreshing a well-loved porch to designing a patio from the ground up, is knowing exactly how you want the space to function. “Before you place a single chair, ask yourself, ‘What do I want to do here?’ and let that answer guide everything,” says Marcelle Guilbeau of Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design in Nashville.If your vision includes small, intimate gatherings, this cozy patio offers the perfect setting to settle in and stay awhile. Image: Reed Brown for Marcelle Guilbeau Interior DesignConsider Your StyleIf your home leans heavily toward traditional styling, a sleek, modern outdoor space will feel out of place — and vice versa. Brad Ramsey of Nashville’s Brad Ramsey Interiors says indoor and outdoor spaces should flow seamlessly for a “consistent overall vibe.”“When that connection is established, the space becomes more immersive and ultimately more enjoyable for entertaining,” he explains.“The most compelling outdoor spaces feel like a natural extension of the interior rather than a separate design moment,” Brad tells us. Image: Zeke Ruelas for Brad Ramsey InteriorsMake Seating StrategicA dreamy outdoor retreat doesn’t necessarily require a major furniture investment. In fact, you probably already have everything you need. You may just need to rearrange it. Think about cozy seating areas and vignettes that make interacting effortless.Rather than pushing furniture to the edges of the room, which can feel disconnected, Jasmine Chambers of Jasper in Nashville recommends pulling the seating toward the center of a space and arranging the sofas and chairs to face one another.Arrange chairs and sofas to face one another to create a space that invites conversation and connection. Image: Allison Elefante for JasperSara Ray, of Nashville-based Sara Ray Interior Design, leans into visually defined spaces. “Create distinct zones for dining, lounging, and conversation through thoughtful furniture placement,” she advises. One easy way to create ...
Landscape Designers Say These 6 Common Mistakes Make Your ...
Cultivating a garden is one of the most rewarding—and challenging—journeys a homeowner can take. Whether it’s starting the potager of your culinary dreams or simply planting a few fragrant flowers to liven up an entry, gardening can better your overall mental and emotional health, support the local ecosystem, and elevate your home’s curb appeal. However, some rookie mistakes can sorely reduce the benefits of your garden—and even make your yard look rather cheap.There are some key factors and planting rules to keep in mind that can make or break the appearance of your garden, whether you’re starting from scratch or simply giving your existing landscape some much-needed TLC. We asked landscape designers to reveal the common mistakes home gardeners make—and what to do instead to ensure your garden is not only beautiful, but also a place where you want to unwind. Read on to discover the things that can make your garden look cheap, according to the pros.Starting Without a Cohesive Plant PlanLiliboas - Getty Images (Liliboas - Getty Images)Landscape experts all agree: Understanding the bones of your garden and the overall growing conditions are necessary in cultivating a green space that will thrive for decades. We’ve all fallen victim to being a little too eager to get our hands dirty, but California-based landscape designer Stephen Block believes starting with a clear plan of action is the most crucial step in succeeding in the garden: “Don’t start digging until you have developed the plant palette first in each area, and preferably do not remove the existing plants until you have identified and found the plants you are going to eventually plant.”Connecticut-based landscape architect Renée Byers adds that in addition to developing a clear plant palette, understanding how to group plants and pair them together with existing plantings is another important factor. New gardeners tend to only plant one or two of each type of plant, which can make flower beds or boxes look sparse and like an afterthought. As a solution, Byers says, “Groupings of five (or many, many) of the same plants, interwoven with other varieties of contrasting form and leaf texture, that thrive in similar environments are much more effective.”Having Messy or Overgrown PlantingsSouthern California-based landscape architect Adam Kober warns against selecting plants that “have a growth rate inconsistent with the scale of the space.” Nothing can instantly make your yard look messier than overgrown ...
The secret to exceptional outdoor living isn't one grand gesture. It's ...
1 hour ago ... In landscape design, it's not just about relief from the sun, it's about shaping how a space is experienced. Trees provide natural canopy and softness, while ...
What Trends Are Interior Designers Already Sick of Seeing In 2026?
I want to see people rethink these grand spaces and use them in fun, creative ways.' 'Instead of a sofa, coffee table, and club chairs, why not make it a ...
