Outside In Style

Inspired ideas from top builders and designers for creating stylish, functional outdoor spaces—think breezy porches, welcoming patios, and open-air kitchens

     As warmer days beckon us outside, porches and patios take center stage as extensions of the home—welcoming spots for morning coffee, sunset cocktails, and everything in between. In this roundup, we’ve gathered the latest outdoor living trends and expert-approved tips from some of our favorite builders, architects, and interior designers. From smart layout ideas to finishes that withstand the Southern sun, these creative voices share how they’re blurring the lines between indoors and out—proving that comfort, function, and style don’t stop at the back door.

What’s your philosophy for outdoor spaces? My goal is always to make outdoor spaces feel like an extension of the home. On screened porches (at right), details such as adding lamps, rugs, throw pillows, blankets, etc., visually create a really great connection between outside and in and will make these spaces more comfortable for everyday life.

    Of course—no outdoor space is complete without well-maintained plants and flowers. I particularly love having potted boxwoods and lemon cypress trees included on my patios to make the spaces feel decorated and complete. Any potted citrus tree is a big plus, too, and doubles by providing fruit for your family all summer. 

Betsey’s Outdoor Living Tips

• I always love an outdoor candle—which makes the space smell amazing but also helps with bugs, which are particularly bad in Mississippi if you live in the Delta or near the water!

• Admittedly, I’m not a great cook, but I love to host! Given that, outdoor entertaining can sometimes be even easier than indoor—as you can easily grill and pick up sides, and it feels more casual. 

• Even if it’s a small gathering, setting up a bar area for drinks makes self-serve drinks easy for you and your guests and helps create flow—bonus points for a bartender if it’s a larger gathering!

• I think in our climate—adding ceiling heaters when you can, and definitely ceiling fans— increases the livability of those spaces and makes them usable almost year-round here in Mississippi!

What’s your best advice for outdoor spaces? One piece of advice I always give is to invest in quality outdoor furnishings. A lot of my clients complain about how expensive outdoor furniture is and are often shocked at the price.  But it’s so worth it because it’s made to withstand the test of time and hold up through all kinds of weather and outdoor elements!  Most outdoor furniture companies have to go through a certification process to prove they are suitable for extreme sunlight and water exposure—think cruise ships!  Sometimes, I don’t think the average consumer understands what goes into the creation of outdoor furniture and fabrics, which is why the price is so high. 

What’s a favorite new accessory? “I’m really loving the new cordless lamps that a lot of people are using now! They are great for small tables and spaces and can be moved around outdoors!  They are just very versatile—I’ve seen restaurants use them for outdoor spaces and clients, too, in their outdoor living spaces.  I love the white or gold for outdoors!”

     The seamless blend of rustic charm and thoughtful design is evident throughout this renovated barn. The essence of easy outdoor living is captured in this space, with its symmetrical layout and Adirondack chairs that are equally inviting and durable. Softened with cushions made of performance fabric, they are made to withstand the elements. Arranged around a central stone fire pit, which serves as a planter in warmer months, this space offers a perfect balance of comfort and style—and is functional year-round.

     The breezy screened porch, anchored with polished concrete floors, is perfectly appointed with a rug, a swing, a huge table for snacks and games, and comfortable seating.

          The contrast of modern red trim work continues throughout this barn renovation and adds an unexpected accent against the rustic siding. Ample seating provides a perfect spot to curl up, read a book, or enjoy evening cocktails.

Tips and advice for outdoor design

What are the non-negotiables for a comfortable patio or screened porch? I think it’s important to make it feel like another room of the house, even though it is outdoors.

Do you have any particular preferences or advice about outdoor lighting? My main advice, always, is if using can lights, definitely use dimmers. It makes such a difference!

Should the space relate to the colors or decor inside? It’s not necessary, but it should blend.

Do you ever include vintage furniture? Yes. I love vintage furniture! My sister-in-law and I both used our grandparents’ rattan chairs and tables on our porches and tied them in with something new.

Do you have a particularly favorite outdoor piece, such as a bar cart? A custom table made by a friend in New Orleans.

From Backyard to Gourmet—Outdoor Kitchens Designed to Wow

     There are two things that almost all of us from the Delta love: being outdoors and enjoying great meals. Over the past few years, I’ve seen these two great loves merge with the incorporation of outdoor kitchens and living spaces in many Delta landscapes. Outdoor kitchen spaces can bring us together and create truly memorable dining and living experiences—those that we in the Delta do so well. 

     The best part of designing outdoor kitchens is the selection of the appliances and cooking tools that are available to us. Gone are the days of a charcoal grill set out on a patio. Today, we have every type of grill—pellet, smoker, charcoal, gas, and everyone’s latest favorite, the Blackstone. Along with these are so many complementary appliances, from deep fryers and warming drawers to everything you need to keep cool, like your ice makers and even kegerators. I’ve even worked on a design that incorporates a gaucho grill, an Argentinean open-fire grill. So, where to begin? 

     As with the start of any design project, it’s important to understand your goals first. What am I trying to achieve with our outdoor kitchen? A covered area to cook kabobs on a weeknight? Maybe you want all of your grills in one location with a shared counter? Do you want your family outside with you, enjoying the game on a crisp Saturday in the fall? Living where we live with masses of mosquitoes, is a screened-in option best for you? A well-thought-out design can lead to a much more enjoyable—and enjoyed—outdoor cooking space. 

     Next up, where will your outdoor kitchen serve the best purpose? Keep in mind that a poorly placed kitchen is an unused kitchen. The best outdoor kitchens can connect different spaces and tie the landscape together for a cohesive plan. Outdoor kitchens should be close enough to your house for ease of access but far enough away to make them necessary. The proximity to the house also indicates the types of appliances needed. If you’re more than a few steps from your interior kitchen, you’ll need to incorporate a sink. How about the refrigerator? Can you grab something from your inside fridge without much fuss? Regarding appliances, the farther your outdoor kitchen is from your indoor kitchen, the more you may need. 

     Then, how do you like to cook? Our loyalty to a specific grill type runs deep—most clients know exactly what type of grill(s) they want to incorporate into an outdoor kitchen setup and let’s be honest, there is  usually more than one type of grill. So tell me what you have and/or want, and we can design around your preferences. Not to forget—grills are messy and create smoke, lots of smoke. To combat these issues, I’d recommend a ventilation system (of course!) and concrete or stone countertops that can be easily hosed off or cleaned without messy grout lines (which hold pollen for months). 

     While outdoor kitchens are small, they involve somewhat complex construction and engineering. Your existing water and sewer lines, gas lines, and electrical requirements all must be incorporated into the plan—and incorporated sooner rather than later! Knowing how your existing utilities relate to your new kitchen and living space is crucial to creating a usable, lovely outdoor experience. A majority of the kitchen budget can be absorbed with running the correct utilities, so awareness and placement are key to making your budget go further. Also, outdoor kitchens will require maintenance, not a lot, but remembering to drain water lines and clean out grease traps will be part of your annual kitchen maintenance. 

     The outdoor kitchen is no longer a trend but a necessity of true outdoor living, especially in the Delta. If you love the outdoors, cooking, and entertaining, consider incorporating one into your own landscape and outdoor space. The process can seem overwhelming, but by starting with defining your goals and knowing your utilities and placement, you can end up with a space that accents not only your home but your Delta lifestyle” with “accents your home and your Delta lifestyle. And if your own plans go up in smoke, your local landscape architect is a phone call or text away.  

Brantley Snipes Design tips

• Know what you want to use your outdoor space for before starting design and construction. This helps you utilize space and make the most of your budget.

• Be sure to think about unsightly views or screening your neighbor; outdoor living spaces can help solve problems or issues like this.

• Think through materials. You should never have more than three types of hardscape material. Try to incorporate your home’s architectural features in your outdoor living area to maintain architectural rhythm.

• Bluestone and brick are hot in the summer, so think about a temperature-regulating paver or cooling sealant for concrete for your toes.