Designers seem to know the tiniest tweaks and the grandest gestures that make an outdoor space feel most inviting and comfortable. Here are some quick tips from the pros for taking your alfresco hosting game to the next level.
Photography provided by Tim Clarke
Landscape Architect Bob Wallace, Keenan & Sveiven
Minnetonka
“Create a room with a view. Framing a focal point or long view with a human-scaled feature — such as a pergola, cafe lights or even something as simple as a tree branch — can establish an intimate space that feels comfortable and inviting.”
Interior/Exterior Designer Tim Clarke
Los Angeles
“Consider the architectural style of the home. I personally love a green hedge of boxwood and roses, but that doesn’t work at every house. If it’s Mediterranean, incorporate olive trees. If it’s contemporary, think sculptural and clean.”
Landscape and Lighting Designer Art Luna
Los Angeles
“I’m not so committed to a flowering garden. The more flowers, the more critters you’ll get — more bees, more mosquitoes, more birds, more droppings.” Instead, Luna buys florals at the flower mart and cuts them for the table.
Interior and Textile Designer Schuyler Samperton
Litchfield, Connecticut
“Stick with the color palette found outdoors for your tablescapes. For example, we don’t have any red or strong colors in our garden, so I wouldn’t introduce those on the table; it would be too jarring.”
Principal Scott Endres, Tangletown Gardens
Minneapolis
“Add edible garnishes and flowers from the garden to cocktails and plates to further celebrate the beauty of your surroundings. Details matter. Express your personal style. Don’t forget to enjoy these spaces, too.”
