INTERIOR DESIGN

Get Outside.

The challenges of 2020 brought a lot of people renewed perspective on work, home, and family. With so much uncertain, home – previously the spot from which we came and went without much thought – became haven. And as our wanderings were limited – mountains, oceans, and landmarks suddenly unavailable – we began to make the most of our own backyards.

Many of us recognized our outdoor spaces – whether big or small – as sanctuaries for the first time. The vacant nursery lots reflected a zeal for planting and we began to push the furniture around, literally or figuratively. Certainly, expanding outdoors – not necessarily in square footage, but in opportunity – can change the way you live.

“I always suggest that people consider how they could use their outdoor space year-round,” Kristopher Dabner, president and creative director of The Greensman, says. “With both landscape and hardscape.”

While people may see the wisdom in creating structure in their garden with evergreens – firs, yews, and hollies – that will hold up under our midwestern winters, they may overlook

house itself or stone walls, which are great ways to extend your opportunities to be outside as it gets cooler,” Dabner says.

While he doesn’t like to dictate, he finds he suggests ideas to make the most of outdoor living in every season more than he’s asked.

“It just never occurs to some people that they’ll use their patio beyond spring and summer, but they end up loving it.”

Still, he doesn’t dictate.

“Ultimately, it’s always about how the client wants to use the space.”

He does recommend adding a fire element – whether it’s a portable fire pit or an outdoor fireplace built to reflect the architecture of the house – as a way to extend your time outside.

“I like a fireplace if the space and budget allow,” Dabner says. “The architecture can make it integral to the house, but if space doesn’t allow, a raised gas fire element – like the kind you see in restaurants – can be a great solution.”

He notes that it’s not only patios that offer three season respite.

“I love a screened room that people can use for three seasons. With a ceiling fan for spring and summer and ceiling-mounted heaters for the cooler months; it’s ideal.”

HEATING THINGS UP

Being outside isn’t all about sticks and stones. Gracious living means having just the right thing on hand when friends drop by, whatever the weather. Here are a few ideas from our favorite shops to keep you and your guests cozy this fall.

Pinon Wood is many a fire starter’s favorite. Pinon lights easily, burns cleanly, and has a distinct pine scent that repels insects. Available for pick up at Southside Wood Company at Woodyard BBQ, 3001 Merriam Lane, Kansas City, Kansas. southsidewoodcompany.com

The Dorsey cashmere throws come in six colors reminiscent of the landscape and would make the perfect wraps for your friends gathered under the stars. Find your favorite at Terrasi Living & Scandia Home near the Court of the Penguin Foundations on the Country Club Plaza. terrasi.com

Your favorite soup (whether you cook it or simply spoon it yourself out of the carryout container) will warm hands and hearts in Le Crueset soup bowls. Several colors to choose from at Pryde’s in Westport (though the author’s favorite is turquoise.) prydeskitchen.com

A little planning is key to using your yard nearly year-round.

Dabner is not all about sitting and lounging, however.

“It depends if you have a more active lifestyle. Besides sitting and eating, I’ve designed spots for volleyball, lawn bowling, and even a bocce court. My clients find they take advantage of the outdoor activities all the time when friends come over.”

This year as we head into the cooler months, we’ll be fortunate to have the opportunities to spend time with family and friends. Hopefully, we’ll be mindful of taking the best of our experiences from the last year and carrying them forward – inside and out.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patricia O’Dell started the lifestyle blog “Mrs. Blandings” in 2007. Her curiosity led her to write about designers, artists, business owners, and industry leaders. She’s been published in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Chicago Tribune, Flower magazine, Kansas City Spaces, and The Kansas City Star, as well as archdigest.com and elledecor.com.