PROJECT OVERVIEW:

MBID International interior designer Mary Elizabeth Beal was asked to design an outdoor space suitable for entertaining large parties but still cozy and inviting for a young family with two small children.  The result was a brand new patio with a complete full service outdoor kitchen, sunken fire pit area, fountain, and a wide range flexible seating options.

“The existing patio was nice, but needed some style updates and several serious repairs.  It was also not large enough to accommodate the number of guests the client prefers to entertain so a complete remodel was in order,” says interior designer Mary Elizabeth Beal.

“The patio, outdoor kitchen, fire pit area, even the landscaping is brand new.  However, I designed the layout, architectural details, and carefully selected the finishes to insure that it would look as though it was built at the same time the home was constructed.  I didn’t want it to look like an addition,” Beal continues.

The layout was designed with careful consideration to two important aspects of the space.  First, everything was carefully placed to highlight the million dollar view from the home’s great room directly out to the Wyndham Championship golf course. Secondly, Beal designed the placement of the kitchen and wall to frame the space and increase the sense of intimacy and privacy for guests.  Beal explains, “We absolutely did not want to block that amazing view.  However, wide open spaces can often feel exposed and uninviting. The family that lives here is wonderfully welcoming, loving and hospitable so we needed to strategically balance the beautiful view with the need for a space that reflects their personality.”

A smaller sunken patio was designed just off of the main patio and the client’s master bedroom.  This cozy and more secluded space was designed to hold a new fire pit table and seating just perfect for family s’mores roasts.  The fire pit table was chosen instead of a permanent fire pit to allow the furniture to be removed to accommodate other functions for parties and events as needed.

The existing Tudor style architecture and finishes were all carefully incorporated.  “Matching the stain and scale of the posts and corbels and mimicking the homes towering Tudor style roof line was a good start… but I was really excited when the contractor was able to track down brick for the kitchen that would match the original brick of the home,” explains Beal.

The furniture, fabrics, finishes and accessories selected to furnish the patio were selected to coordinate with colors Beal previously selected for the interior of the home. Beal adds, “The full height windows and glass doors from the living room frame a view that must work in color harmony with the interior furnishings.  We used colors that are warm and rich and patterns and details that continue the home’s traditional style.  The colors are muted and mixed with warm neutrals so they are not so vibrant allowing for a color pallette that works year round.  However they are particularly wonderful for fall gatherings as the rust, amber, and gold tones lend themselves so nicely to an Autumn decor and accessories.”

The Autumn inspired tablescape Beal designed incorporates layers of color and texture as well as additional adornment added with the silk floral napkin rings. The large dining table has a center tray that once uncovered reveals a linear fire feature.  “No need for a traditional centerpiece on this table,” says Beal “the colored glass rocks and dancing flames are fascinating to look at even in daylight, but they are pure magic for entertaining under the stars.”