As January approaches, our countdown to all that is al-fresco design is on! The month begins with a trek to Orlando, FL to launch my Coyote Outdoor Living furniture line at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) January 9-11. Joining me there will be the Kitchen Cousins, Coyote Outdoor Living, ClifRock and ShadeTree Canopy to host fireside chats about outdoor living. Excited for my segment “Design It” on January 9 and to join a panel of my outdoor design friends on January 10. We will also celebrate a Cosentino Trendspotter Reunion, which I’m looking forward to.
Later in the month, I will hit the Dallas Market where I will launch my Feizy Rugs “Coast to Coast” outdoor collection and GO Home accessories collection. Added excitement includes attending the ARTS Awards Gala, where I am nominated for a Designer of the Year award! With some stiff competition that includes several friends, I don’t expect to win, but that soirée is certainly one of the most impressive in our industry!
At month end, we will hit The Las Vegas Market to launch the Feizy and GO Home collections on the west coast, where I will be on a panel about trends in tile with my friends at Crossville Tile. I look forward to reporting back to you on all of the fun!
As I think about the collections and talk to our media friends, I thought it may be helpful to share how I think about designing for outdoor spaces. Here are a couple thoughts to get your new year space started:
1. Lay the foundation.
Regardless how big or small your space is — use every inch of it. Start with a large area rug to anchor your space. There are many affordable options that serve as a stylish base for your furniture plan.
2. Look up.
Get the most out of your space by installing a pergola or awning to allow versatility throughout the year. An awning can help you screen off harsh rays during the summer and then retract it back to star gaze. The structure will help create a zone for dining or lounging, and add a little architecture, too.
3. Think like you’re inside.
Approach the furniture layout as you would for your living room or family room. Incorporate sofas, side tables, chairs, and ottomans. Coordinate the palette with your interior one to create a sense of spaciousness.
4. You’ll get hungry.
The last thing you’ll want to do is retreat indoors when the party is outside. Stock an outdoor entertainment center and refrigerator with your favorite beverages and set up an outdoor kitchen, too. A grill and Coyote Outdoor Living Asado smoker will allow for casual cooking with big rewards.
5. Accessorize.
Add decorative items such as mirrors and artwork to personalize the space. All the pieces you use don’t need to be part of the same set. Let the space announce your personal style.
6. Light the night.
A great lighting scheme is key to enjoying your space after dark. I love lanterns and a stone-like fire pit for ambiance, and chic outdoor lamps — weighted bases, shades made from Sunbrella fabrics — are unexpected and beautiful.
7. Set the mood.
Audiovisual elements and technology shouldn’t be forgotten outdoors. Speakers, televisions and music systems create ambiance for an alfresco dinner and team pride on game day. So set your playlist depending on your event type.
We hope you’ve had a great start to your New Year already and we can’t wait to share more of our new collaborations in the future!
