Decorating & Design
Designer Aly Velji’s City Backyard Feels Like A Trip To Palm Springs
Designer Aly Velji is no stranger to color. If you’ve seen the stunning mid-century modern-style home that he shares with his husband, Jason Krell, in Calgary, this will come as no surprise. Their mood-boosting, 600-square-foot backyard doubles as a sanctuary, especially during quarantine, when travel plans have been put on hold. With splashes of electric turquoise and zesty yellow, fresh tropicals and palm leaf prints, you feel like you’ve escaped to California as soon as you step outside. “Every time I look at my yard, it makes me happy,” says Aly. Scroll down to learn how he transformed the lackluster outdoor space into a Palm Springs-inspired oasis.
“We wanted to create different zones because we do have a lot of people over all the time,” says Aly about his get-togethers before COVID-19. “When we do have 30 or 40 people in our backyard [again], there’s enough room.” Aly converted the shed (background, right) into a bar, complete with a fridge for keeping drinks ice-cold, a place to mix cocktails and prepare snacks, and hold barware.
An outdoor entertaining essential? A fire pit. “Especially in our climate, it does start to get a little chilly as soon as the sun goes down,” says Aly. So, somewhere to gather around, roast marshmallows and socialize into the evening is a must.
Aly revamped a $20 umbrella from the grocery store by hot gluing yellow ribbon around the scalloped edge to make it feel more special. A modular sofa is a great option for indoors and out. “If you have a few more people, you can change up the arrangement of how the sectional is laid out, so it makes it super customizable,” he says.
Looking to update your backyard without breaking the bank? Hit the end-of-season sales. Swap out tired throw pillows, blankets and tabletop accessories for budget-friendly finds that feel fresh.
Tropical plants, like palm leaves, are an easy and affordable way to bring Cali-cool style into your city space. Aly purchased his from Ikea, and for those who don’t have a green thumb: they’re long-lasting. “They’re just so colorful and vibrant and add so much to a space,” he says.
It’s important to treat your outdoor space like you would your interiors, so why not dress the walls? “Most people don’t think of having artwork outside,” he says. The designer stapled a piece of fabric onto a wood frame to jazz up the side of the garage. It stays out all year long, so no need to worry about it getting wet in the rain! Plus, a pair of peacock chairs adds even more texture and drama.
Joel Klassen
Aly Velji, Alykhan Velji Designs