Our backyard is our happy place, and it’s a true extension of our moody modern traditional home. We’re out there all the time with family, either hosting or just cooling off in the pool. And we get so many DMs on how we’ve made it such a chill spot for our family over the years! If you’ve admired the mix of modern and traditional pieces in our backyard and dream of creating a similar feel in your own outdoor space, no matter the size or budget, you’re in the right place!
I’m excited to share the essential elements that have brought our backyard vision to life, offering you a step-by-step guide to crafting your own stunning retreat. Let’s get into it, starting with the one thing every good backyard needs…
1. A Fire Feature
Every backyard needs a fire feature for ambiance & fun! They add such great light and are a fun activity for any entertaining you do—in any season!
From built-in outdoor fireplaces to fire tables, tabletop fire bowls, gas lanterns, or even torches. Solo Stove makes some really great portable small ones if you’re short on space or you’re renting. We’ve gone through a few different styles in our past homes: from portable fire pits to an upright fireplace to build-in gas fire pits. (See all of our past fire features through the years!)
Pro tip: Keep a s’mores basket ready for spontaneous summer treats and make sure to try our blackberry campfire s’more recipe!
1. Citronella Torches | 2. Stone Fire Pit | 3. Citronella Candle | 4. Solo Stove | 5. Outdoor Fireplace
2. White-Cushioned Furniture
Embrace classic outdoor style with white furniture. Its clean and crisp look is a traditional choice that never goes out of style. If you’re worried that you won’t be able to keep it clean, I’ve got you covered. First, invest in higher quality fabrics like Sunbrella which are designed to hold up to stains. Next, get covers for anything that you want to keep more pristine. But even with that, you’ll often see mildew over time. And you know what? I’m OK with that, because at least I can see that it needs to be deeply cleaned! Better that than have it blend into a black cover.
If you have a highly durable fabric, you can power-wash the covers (Chris has done this to great effect, but it does take time) or have them professionally cleaned once a year. It’s worth it for that resort-style luxury look that fits into any traditional decor.
1. Patio Daybed | 2. Outdoor Chair (Set of 2) (similar) | 3. Patio Loveseat | 4. Chaise Lounge (similar chaise & cushions)
3. Patio Umbrella
I looooove an accent umbrella. They are not only functional in providing shade, but also contribute significantly to the overall design and aesthetic of any outdoor living space. I typically go for a more traditional look: either bold black & white market stripes (like we have) or a blue with a scalloped edge that feels fresh.
If you can find it, go for one with a faux wood finish—it won’t deteriorate in the rain, but it adds so much warmth. The other benefit to accent umbrellas? They add height and airiness to an outdoor space that can often feel packed at ground level.
1. Striped Market Umbrella | 2. Cantilevered Umbrella with LED Lights | 3. Scalloped Umbrella | 4. Scallop Border Umbrella
4. Potted Plants
Just like how every indoor space needs some greenery, your outdoor spaces will always look more “finished” when you have some potted plants about. Now, if you’ve got a green thumb, by all means go to your local nursery and have a field day. Unfortunately I’m more horticuturally challenged, so I rely on faux plants.
We’ve got some faux cedar pines by the pool that have looked real year after year. There are also some faux boxwood double ball topiaries in planters that give off an English-inspired look without the maintenance.
Or do what my sister Andi did in her backyard and get a couple of faux topiaries that will last year after year and fill in the gaps with some annual flowers or perennial plants. That way, no matter the season (even when everything is brown outside), you’ll have a punch of green in your extended “living area.”
1. Spiral Topiary & Footed Planter | 2. Faux Cedar Tree & Woven Basket Planter | 3. Double Ball Topiary & Modern Planter | 4. Boxwood Topiary & Square Planter
5. Outdoor Rug
An outdoor rug extends your living space by defining areas on your deck or patio that feel like dining or living rooms! The best part is how durable they are and how they soften up hard flooring, making them more comfortable underfoot. They immediately make a room feel “designed”—they’re also so versatile!
I’ve always wanted to design my own outdoor rug collection, and my vision came true last year with our friends at Loloi! Our dreamy Providence collection has a woven style that resembles natural fiber rugs but is easier to clean—you can simply hose it off and let it dry.
1. Providence Graphite/Sand | 2. Providence Natural/Charcoal | 3. Providence Charcoal/Dove | 4. Providence Natural/Graphite
6. Accent Lighting
Listen, friends: it’s all about layers! Anytime you’re hosting outside around twilight, you want to have a variety of glowing lights to illuminate the night and make it feel more magical. We have string lights over our pool that are waterproof and feel like fireflies in the sky. I also have solar tabletop lamps that are perfect for intimate conversations in our sitting area. And uplights on trees and architectural elements add more visual interest and make the space feel more cozy.
Pro tip: Make sure you’re going for similar light temperatures so it looks cohesive. I’m always into warmer light temperatures (around 2750-3000K) and more of a “glow” than a “spotlight” effect. See the light bulb guide.
1. Outdoor Sconce | 2. String Lights | 3. Solar Lamp | 4. Solar Path Lights | 5. Floating Pool Lights
7. Serving Station
My sister Andi’s deck makeover included a new serving station for all of her entertaining!
Whether you have a built-in counter on an outdoor kitchen, a planting bench, or a bar cart, it’s so important to have somewhere to put out food and drinks. There’s nothing that feels more inviting than a row of cups with a beverage dispenser next to a little appetizer or dessert bar! An outdoor serving station is just so convenient when you’re hosting or even just enjoying dining al fresco—whether you need somewhere to place platters or corral the ice bucket.
1. Blue Serving Cart | 2. Beverage Tub with Stand | 3. Outdoor Bar Cart with Beverage Tub | 4. Eucalyptus Kitchen Island | 5. Bar Cart with Stainless Steel Top
So, if you’re digging the vibe of our backyard and want to snag some of that magic for your own space, you now have the formula for outdoor essentials!