Intentional Outdoor Design

Combine Functionality and Taste to Create a Cozy Environment 

After another long winter, nothing feels better than getting out and enjoying some sun. But as Hamptonites shift their gaze from interiors to exteriors, area designers are reminding us to be intentional with our furniture and decor.

For Kathy Kuo, founder and CEO of Kathy Kuo Home, “intentional design” entails selecting items by placing as much importance on their craftsmanship as you would on their purpose and aesthetic. It means investing in high-quality pieces that are sustainable as well as beautiful. “These days, it feels like there’s so much fast furniture out there and so many viral trends,” Kuo said. “Intentionality is the opposite of that.”

The idea is to combine functionality and taste, explained Paul De Andrade, founder of Studio Kestrel, a New York City design studio with projects in the Hamptons. The design of a space should create an “open, easy flow for people to circulate through things like seating areas without obstacles or sharp edges that kids or shins can get hurt on,” he said.

Getting Outside

“Intentionality in outdoor spaces is particularly important because they need additional considerations that indoor spaces often don’t,” De Andrade noted. For example, shade from the sun must be created by adding an awning or umbrella, he said. Fabrics should be hardy against the elements but soft and comfortable, too. “You’ll only want to use it if it’s comfortable — but you also want the materials to look great months or years down the road,” De Andrade said.

“Thinking about how people will live and function in an outdoor space is really important,” added Amy Kalikow, founder of Amy Kalikow Design. “Most outdoor spaces are an extension of the indoor spaces, so carefully selecting fabrics and materials is important to create something cozy and chic but also user-friendly and durable,” she said. 

Climate Consideration

Hamptonites know that the environment here can be intense. For example, direct sunlight can cause the wrong fabrics to fade quickly, warned Kalikow, who said she likes to shop from the outdoor living collections at The Laurel Group in Water Mill. “Sandy feet, wet suits and sunscreened-skin all can read havoc on the design of a Hamptons home,” she said. “If ocean air is a factor, then all materials must be selected to withstand the influx.”

Outdoor pieces should be made with teak wood, concrete and powder-coated aluminum which can hold up in the elements, Kuo agreed. When in doubt, go for Sunbrella upholstery. Her firm offers numerous outdoor furnishings, too, such as the Cassandra slipcovered sofa, the Allen Coastal Beach rattan rope seat and the Summer Classics Sunbrella, she said. “Make sure you’re intentional in choosing pieces that are truly built to weather the outdoors and stand the test of time,” Kuo said.

Colors and Motifs

When you’re returning from a day at Sagg Main Beach or a meal at Jean-Georges at Topping Rose House, you want to plop down in a space that feels like home, even if it’s outside, Kuo said. This means incorporating color schemes and decor motifs that are cozy and aesthetically pleasing. “When it comes to color schemes for your outdoor design, it can often work really well to mirror the colors of any flowers growing in the area — for example, blue hydrangeas,” she said. In the Hamptons, “many homes feature expansive outdoor areas and poolside patios,” Kuo added. “These are wonderful opportunities to have some fun with outdoor design.” Consider your favorite aesthetic, but remember that you can’t go wrong with a classic coastal motif, she noted.

“Add enticing secret moments throughout your property, to encourage yourself, your kids, or your guests to wander and explore,” De Andrade offered. Tuck a chic, sofa-style swingset under a treeline or place a stone bench out front for kids to sit and chat on as they come and go. A bubbling fountain near seating areas can create a sense of serenity and calm when lounging on weekends. In terms of color, De Andrade said he loves the Italian and French rivieras. “Think beautiful, warm dusty shades of mauve, ochre, or apricot,” he said. “They blend perfectly with outdoor space and complement the leafy green of gardens while creating interest and a splash of color.