Celebrating Summer at Home

As the summer season continues, I find myself drawn to more time outdoors. Screened in porches, patios and fire pits are on my mind. Places to gather, relax and celebrate the feeling of home.  These days, we spend almost every morning and evening in our backyard, enjoying the blooms and welcoming this change in weather. The collage above includes a few of my favorites inspirational images that I have returned to again and again while designing our landscaping and garden spaces. 

Miranda Brooks is my favorite garden designer. I am endlessly inspired by the stunning outdoor sanctuary she created for Lauren Santa Domingo at her Southhampton home. 

Photographed by Ricardo Labougle, Vogue, September 2019

On a recent visit to the Denver Botanical Gardens, I fell in love all over again with wisteria and decided to grow some in our own backyard. We planted it this week along our back fence.

I also admired the colorful, oversize poppy varieties alongside the perfectly blooming peonies, which were such a surprise as I am not used to seeing these flowers in Texas. For anyone visiting Colorado in the summer or fall, I highly recommend a visit to the gardens. The Japanese gardens designed by Kochi Kawana are a must see, however all 23 acres are incredible.

Our outdoor space is centered around our fire pit. Thanks to my friend & favorite follow Kristen Ellen Hockman who shared these lovely Grafton Teak chairs, our garden has become the perfect space to lounge.  

The Adirondack chair, originally called the Westport chair, was invented in 1903 by Thomas Lee while vacationing in Westport, New York with his family. The original prototype had a backrest made from a single piece of knot-free wood, but the chair has since evolved to include three to seven slats. It's truly a classic addition to any outdoor space, and the simple form does not compete with  landscaping. 

1. Terrain - Sneeboer Traditional Dutch Transplanting Trowel.

2. Bergs - Palace Pot + Saucer.

3. Tori Jones - The Original Magic Hat.

4. Bistro Chair & Round Folding Table Set

5. Neighbors - Ash Handled Secateurs.

6. Garden Heir - Italian Garden Clogs  

7. Terrain - Grafton Teak Chair

8. 19th Century French Patisserie Table with Travertine Top  

9. Antique Turpentine Herty Pots

I seek out unique garden elements when antiquing and do not shy from incorporating my finds both outside and inside my home. French plant stands, unique cement planters, and over size pots - all add magic and bring the outdoors in. Shop a few of my favorite garden essentials above - and explore more suggestions here! 

Happy shopping!