Celebrity Outdoor Spaces

Last, but certainly not least, how do your favorite celebrities spend their time outdoors? While most have spectacular pools, it's often the views that stand out to me. So why only enjoy breathtaking views through panes of glass? Go outside and live!! Your outdoor spaces can be utilized for dining, relaxing, meditating, and even showering! So don't be afraid to maximize your outdoor square footage... after all, it's yours!

Indoor/Outdoor living at it's finest in Kelly Klein's Palm Beach, Fl home

Outdoor living room complete with fire place at Jenni Kayne's home

Outdoor balcony at Will and Jada Smith's home

Also at Kelly Klein's home, this outdoor shower
connects to the master bathroom

Lounging area around the pool at Ellen Degeneres and Portia DeRossi's home

Outdoor pavilion by the pool at Jonathan Adler's home

Multiple outdoor living spaces at Adam Levine's home

(All photos courtesy of Architectural Digest)

How to create outdoor spaces with interior items

When it comes to entertaining in the summer, taking full advantage of all your available square footage is just smart. That means utilizing your outdoor space too. Here are a few ideas on how to maximize your outdoor space for entertaining.

When you're thinking about reupholstering indoor furniture, think about using an indoor/outdoor fabric. Not only will you be able to use those pieces outside when entertaining, any inevitable spills will be a snap to clean up! And today's options when it comes to indoor/outdoor fabrics may surprise you... 

Ceramic Asian plant stands do double or even triple duty. From holding potted plants inside, you can then move them outside to be used as additional seating and/or side tables.  From traditional to ultra-modern, there's a plant stand out there just for you.

Lastly, don't forget to 'dress' your table! Bring out your linens, china, and crystal for an elegant evening complete with candelabras and flowers. Or, for a more relaxed evening, hang some old mason jars with tea candles from the trees with simple place settings and a bushel of fruit as your centerpiece. 

Tell me what you love to use to when entertaining outdoors!

Outside Rugs

Adding an area rug to a room can help to anchor a space and define specific zones. The same trick can now be applied to your outdoor living spaces. And just like the fabrics, outdoor rugs have come a long way.

No matter where you live or what your personal style is, there's a perfect rug (or twenty) out there for you! Here are just a few of my finds... (Yes, they are all designed to be used outdoors!)

As always, I hope you're enjoying the blog so far. And, if you're contemplating taking on a design project of your own, but need a little help to achieve 'the look', browse through my E-Design options.

All the trimmings - Outside!

Yesterday's post wasn't enough for me when it comes to the indoor/outdoor theme. I wanted to show you fabrics, trims, rugs, even lighting for your patio, but it turns out that's a whole lot for just one post! 

So today, let's talk trim. I'm sure you know all about tassel fringe, decorative cording, gimp and chair-ties. They're some of the little touches that make your space feel extra special.

Well, today there are a number of companies who offer entire lines of indoor/outdoor trims! So, how can you incorporate these trims into your outdoor decor?

Using an interesting rope cord, instead of the standard self-cord, takes your cushions to a whole new level.  Or add a pillow with brush fringe to your current seating. Curtains with a decorative tape applied to the leading edge can be added to a porch or pergola.

Basically, all the things you can do inside are now available outdoors too. So let your imagination (or mine) go wild!

Modern Patio Seating

As a Floridian, outdoor living is a yearlong activity. But as my friends a little farther north know, when you live in a climate where winter always seems to be right around the corner, you must take advantage of every "outdoor living" day you're presented with.

In recognition of summer drawing to an end and the kiddies getting ready to go back to school, I present you with... The outside!!!

Outdoor furniture has come leaps and bounds from your parents vinyl mesh chairs. With the advent of indoor/ outdoor fabrics (and trims!) you really can extend your indoor living right outside.

Any style, from modern to traditional, is now available in outdoor furnishings.  My favorite new website, HomeInfatuation.com, has some fantastic yet funky outdoor finds, all with a modern twist. Here are a few of my favorites. 

Modular seating. The coffee table fits right in the center!