Decorating & Design
How To Bring Glamor To Your Backyard
Published on April 24, 2017
Designer Katherine Newman brings her signature glamorous aesthetic to this formal backyard. See how she used a tiered design to break the large space into zones, creating intimacy. On the bottom tier, relaxed living reigns: a barbecue and bar area feel casual, while minimalist chaises are the perfect spot for poolside lounging. The second tier is devoted to outdoor entertaining; guests can linger over dessert at the elegant dining table, or move to the cocktail-ready sitting area, which is outfitted with low-slung armchairs for maximum comfort. At the top, a pagoda-like gazebo acts as a destination in the space — a landscape design trick that adds drama. Click through to see this beautiful backyard.
“My goal was to create a series of outdoor ‘rooms’ — spaces defined by architectural stone, including planter boxes and integrated benches,” says designer Katherine Newman.
The home’s façade, made of Indiana cut limestone and rubble stone, is a cohesive backdrop for elegant patios and paths, which lead to various French doors across the back of the house.
The gazebo’s large glass doors can be left open to enjoy warm summer breezes, or closed to protect guests from rain or cool weather. Weighty furniture feels both welcoming and sophisticated, while throw pillows pick up on the pretty hues of the surrounding flowers.
The side terrace houses the most formal of the garden’s zones, a sophisticated area that evokes the feel of a traditional dining room. A round pedestal table that seats six is an elegant take on outdoor dining, while the weathered teak chair backs keep it from feeling fussy. The narrow slats of the wooden fencing are reminiscent of a decorative screen, and a small stool adds extra seating and does double duty as a cocktail table.
A custom limestone sofa with a romantic patinated base frames the intimate dining area. Topped with plush cushions and throw pillows, it’s both comfortable and supremely practical. Pale pink piping is a subtle finishing touch that picks up on nearby blooms, elevating the vignette.
Get more spring and summer indoor and outdoor decorating ideas here.
Alex Lukey
House & Home May 2016
Katherine Newman