This Fall, Stay Outside

With the colder weather approaching, wouldn’t you love to wrap a scarf around your house and give it a cup of tea? Hamptonites certainly don’t head inside just because it’s chilly out, and interior designers have a fresh challenge in making backyard spaces as cozy as the indoors.

“It used to be everyone thought outdoor living in the Hamptons could only happen between Memorial Day to Labor Day, but things have changed dramatically,” said Libby Langdon, founder of Libby Langdon Interiors. “Also, the weather is staying warmer longer these days so why not soak up all the exterior living fun in the fall?”

We consulted Langdon and other local designers for tips to keep yourself warm and comfy outside this season.

Get the fire going
Designers advise considering your outdoor spaces as extra square footage in your home. Think about patios and porches as if they’re rooms added on.

For an attached area like a porch, designers said an easy way to warm it up is by enclosing it with commercial-grade partitions and heavy Sunbrella drapery. “This will create an indoor-outdoor effect and allow you to continue using the space during colder months,” claims Southampton-based designer and licensed real estate broker Roxane Mosleh Ginsberg.

Adding an outdoor billiards or ping-pong table enhances the living room vibe, while fireplaces and firepits, like those from Anywhere Fireplace, are a classic way to keep yourself and your guests warm.

“If you don’t have a firepit, that’s the best place to start,” Langdon advised. “It really becomes the hub of your outdoor space when the weather gets cooler.”

Layer up
Among Mosleh’s favorite cold-weather pastimes is enjoying a cocktail by the fire pits at Gurney’s Seawater Spa in Montauk. “Hamptonites enjoy a variety of outdoor activities during the colder season, such as hiking, ice skating and even just taking leisurely walks on the beach to enjoy the winter ocean air,” she said. After all, the Hamptons lifestyle is about the environment, even at home.

“Outdoor space is truly an extension of one’s home,” said Susan Strauss, founder of Susan Strauss Design. “I truly believe there’s no formal ‘season’ to the outdoor spaces anymore.” To accommodate cooler weather, start by “using warm, earthy tones in outdoor furniture, fabrics and decorative pieces that can be swapped out from season to season,” she explained.

Outdoor area rugs keep the ground cozy under your feet and delineate living spaces, Langdon added. Adding throw pillows in bold colors and textures to outdoor furniture creates a fall feel.  Chunky blankets to snuggle under can be stored in big baskets nearby. “There are synthetic fluffy sheepskins that look great when they are placed on top of seat cushions. What’s cozier than that?” Langdon said.

Set the mood
“Creating warmth and coziness in outdoor spaces can be accomplished by incorporating soft, ambient lighting such as candles and lanterns,” Strauss added.

This is key in the fall when the sun sets earlier in the day, noted Langdon, who favors outdoor lamps made to withstand rain and wind, and chandeliers for covered porches. “A great lighting scheme is the most important element to make sure you enjoy the area at night,” Langdon said. “You really do feel like you are in a living room with soft and inviting lamp light which is unexpected and beautiful.”