Expert Advice: Perfecting Your Outdoor Space - The Palm Beaches Luxury Living & Lifestyles

09 Jun Expert Advice: Perfecting Your Outdoor Space

Posted at 09:35h in Featured Story, Interior Design by Luxury Home Magazine

Designer Billy Ceglia is known for interiors that transcend period and time, creating classic environments that are perfect for modern living. His distinctively hip, modern, and witty flair endears him to his clients, who come to him for rooms that are infused with glamour and elegance without being stuffy or overdone.

We recently caught up with Billy, fresh off designing the outdoor space for the highly acclaimed 2023 Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach, to ask about his tips and tricks for designing areas outside of the home.

What is the process you have when designing for an outdoor environment as opposed to indoor, what are the challenges/opportunities?

The initial thought process for designing an outdoor environment is surprisingly similar to designing an indoor
space – one must think of functionality, the needs of the client, the level of comfort desired and of course their aesthetic tastes. Where the process differs is in the details: practicality, functionality and durability are key. One of the most important factors to consider when designing an outdoor space are materials – performance fabrics and finishes that can stand up to the environment have come a long way and are the most important decision to be made.

What are some general rules to work with?

Much like designing an interior, we review the space and consider how the client will use the space. We like to create as many multi-purpose areas within an outdoor space as possible to allow for a client to use the space in different ways, whether it’s a space that’s a kid friendly play area during the day that can easily convert into an entertaining space for adults in the evening, or a dining area that can become an alfresco work-from-home spot. We pay attention to the details – making sure there is flexible seating, a place to put things down while enjoying the outdoors, and that there is adequate lighting for evening entertaining.

Are there any trends you’re seeing in outdoor furniture/design?

A big trend in outdoor design is that we are seeing finer details in furniture and accessories, more interesting details, and finishes, especially in outdoor performance fabrics, and an overall idea that outdoor can be luxurious AND practical, with many pieces being able to transition seamlessly from outdoors to indoors.

How would you hide or diminish any unsightly areas, fixtures?

There are so many great products on the market for this – both ready-made and custom – A simple lattice folding screen can hide a million unsightly areas, faux greenery mats are also an easy solution. Potted plants would also be effective in hiding discolorations and add a touch of softness to a patio or terrace.

How often should someone refresh their backyard space?

Like the saying goes, “buy the best and you’ll only cry once”. Outdoor furniture and furnishings are a huge investment and with proper care, should last for 20 plus years. I’d suggest a 4-year schedule for swapping out soft goods like umbrella canopies, pillows, and high use cushions.

A self-avowed tabletop aficionado and collector of many things, Billy is a graduate of NYSID and began his career with Ralph Lauren before opening his eponymous design firm in 1999. Based in Connecticut, Billy’s projects can be found across the country.

Billy Ceglia Designs

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