Decorating & Design
August 16, 2017
See Actress Shay Mitchell’s Moroccan-Meets-Mediterranean Patio
Actress Shay Mitchell was born in Mississauga, Ontario, but judging by her backyard, she’s completely at home with California outdoor living. Best known for playing Emily Fields in Pretty Little Liars, Shay had her outdoor space redesigned by Donna Garlough for AllModern, the sister site of Wayfair.ca. Here’s a breakdown of how the pair nailed the Moroccan-meets-Mediterranean makeover.
Jewel-like metal lanterns dangle from the trees, while the bench is lushly dressed in oversized pillows. “I loved all the new seating areas and little details like the pillows on my bench around the table and lanterns,” says Shay.
Candleholders can be pressed into service for other uses. Here, succulents and air plants take on a sculptural quality when encased within faceted glass.
A fire feature is a natural gathering spot. “I love the teardrop chairs around the fire pit. It’s such a great little nook now for reading or hanging out around the fire,” notes Shay.
An artful planter in a fresh white shade lends even more impact to the fiddle leaf fig tree. The planter’s composite stone and fiberglass construction makes it lightweight to move around, and drainage holes keep roots from getting waterlogged.
“I didn’t have enough seating to enjoy my backyard with friends, which now I do,” says Shay. In the lounge area, wicker-style lounger chairs and a chic black umbrella conjure up a pool in an exotic locale, while the hanging chair is a coveted accent piece.
“I love getting pieces for my house from all of my trips,” says Shay. A glimmering metallic ceramic garden stool that looks like a souk find is a luxe focal point for less.
A set of cylindrical filigree lanterns are pretty by day, and look magical lit up at night. A nautical hurricane candle holder is given a glam update with braided gold-tone rope. A chic hammam-style towel can double as a throw.
Baskets are handy for stashing towels and help instill the well-travelled global touches that Shay was looking for, to give her patio more character.
“Shay had a few ideas in mind for the space — mainly, she wanted a long table with an organic yet modern feel, and to be able to create an exotic, Moroccan vibe with accents. She loves to entertain, so it was important for her to be able to create a relaxing atmosphere for her guests,” says Donna. Synthetic bamboo-frame chairs with brown mesh weave are comfortable for long dinner parties, and can stand up to the elements.
Bring a global feel to your tabletop with laser-cut candle holders that form a modern geometric pattern.
Lu Tapp
Donna Garlough