WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR CREATING A WELL-DESIGNED OUTDOOR SPACE?
The goal is to have “layers.” Layers of different silhouettes, layers of texture, and layers of various light sources to add movement, warmth, and richness to the space. Don’t be afraid of a good “mix.” Just as your living room furniture is comprised of various pieces and a blend of styles, your exterior should do the same. The result is a confident, “collected” look of gathered pieces you love!
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON MISTAKES OR MISCONCEPTIONS YOU SEE WHEN PEOPLE LOOK TO DESIGN AN OUTDOOR SPACE?
The number one mistake I see homeowners make is selecting items from a single collection. If all of your items are from the same series or collection, the space instantly flattens out. It’s predictable at that point. There’s no interest or surprises. You need “disrupters” in the space—items or pieces that build drama and enrich a space.
“Gloster is my go-to brand for luxury, eye-catching statement pieces. One or two well-detailed accent pieces can go a long way in a layered look of materials and textures. An intriguing side table or sequence of lanterns can polish off a high-end look with minimal effort.”
“Cane-line is a Danish brand that exceeds my high expectations not just for looks and durability but also comfort. Let’s be clear: aesthetics are important, but you have wasted your money if you don’t use your furniture because it simply isn’t comfortable.”
ARE THERE ANY DESIGN RULES YOU LOVE TO “BREAK”?
I mix clean, modern, more structural silhouettes with more textural, traditional designs. For example, mixing the Kingsley Bates Sag Harbor collection and the Elementi Hampton Fire Pit Table. This creates an updated feel. It’s also a fantastic way to blend existing pieces you invested with new, more up-to-date pieces.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR “SECRET WEAPONS” WHEN CREATING A WELL-DESIGNED ALFRESCO SPACE?
Layers of light. Go beyond fire pits by staging light sources at various heights. My favorite three are the Gloster Ambient Cocoon Outdoor Light for patio or tabletop lighting, the Elementi Hampton Fire Pit Table, and the Travis Industries Tempest Torch for perimeter lighting and adding light above eye level.
“The POVL Outdoor brand is truly representative of the “updated classics.” I would consider these my staple pieces and the building blocks of my overall design. Their collections sare influenced by European designs, resulting in a blended look of fresh, clean updated silhouettes that are the cornerstones of most of my designs.”
Abbi Williams is a graduate of the FIDER-accredited Interior Design program at the University of Georgia. She brings over 13 years of combined construction and design experience to her clients.
In 2006, after teaching in Italy and publishing research in Germany, Abbi opened a full-service design studio specializing in custom home design and blueprints, project management for out-of-state clients, as well as commercial design for medical and dental offices.
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