Courtesy of Brown Jordan.
Picking the right materials & products to create your outdoor oasis.
This is your year to redefine luxury in your backyard. Imagine stepping out of your back door and feeling as if you’ve entered an exclusive resort—where lush textures, warm lighting and sophisticated design surround you. Outdoor living spaces are no longer an afterthought; they are a true extension of the home. If you’re ready to reinvent your outdoor sanctuary, our expert insights will guide you in selecting the most luxurious materials to make your vision a reality.
Courtesy of Brown Jordan.
COLOR PALETTES THAT REFLECT NATURE
When it comes to creating that luxurious escape, the outdoor design experts we spoke to all had the same thing to say: It’s about complementing the surroundings. Earthy neutrals like sandy beiges, rich clays and soft greens complement California’s coastal and desert landscapes beautifully.
William McKinnon Massie, co-founder and CEO of McKinnon and Harris, was raised amid the verdant rolling hills and abundant gardens of central Virginia. His deep-rooted love for horticulture and design is evident in his personal residence where he has transformed his urban garden into a verdant oasis over the past two decades. How does he bring that oasis to the coast?
“In coastal or desert settings, prioritize light, sandy hues and breezy textures,” says Massie. “Choose organic shapes, soft curves and finishes that mimic the environment. Natural stone, wood and earthy textures help blur the lines between built and natural spaces.”
For those who prefer bolder aesthetics, there are options, according to Ben Collins, president of the outdoor furniture brand Brown Jordan. To make a striking impact that still enhances the nature around you, think rich jewel tones such as deep emerald, cobalt blue and terracotta. The key is balance—contrasting colors, mixed textures and layered fabrics create depth and character.
“Blues and greens have always been a neutral outdoor choice, but now we see just as much love for clay, sand and charcoal,” explains Collins. “Additionally, customers are enjoying adding patterns in pillows, on dining chairs, even on deep seating.”
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Courtesy of McKinnon and Harris.
THE POWER OF FABRICS: DURABLE, STYLISH, AND LUXE
Gone are the days of stiff, uncomfortable outdoor upholstery. Today’s high-end performance fabrics offer both durability and sophistication. When creating your outdoor space, the key is using weather-resistant materials, of course, but many options can withstand elements without sacrificing luxury.
“Mixed materials continue to trend outdoors,” says Collins. “We’ve introduced a couple of collections lately that are primarily aluminum, which provides the durability and low maintenance that we’re known for but also incorporates teak or rope accents to elevate the piece.”
Brown Jordan offers more than 20 powder coat finishes across almost all its frames, allowing for a fully curated outdoor aesthetic. Pairing high-performance fabrics with custom finishes ensures a seamless, collected feel between indoor and outdoor living.
If you want your indoor space to perfectly integrate with the home furniture, you can buy outdoor for both, according to Catarina Monnier of Tidelli Outdoor Living.
Courtesy of Tidelli.
“One of the top challenges homeowners face when trying to create an indoor-outdoor flow is not realizing that outdoor furniture can also work indoors,” Monnier advises. “With advancements in material technology and design, you have the creative freedom to use the same materials to create a unified look across both spaces. This makes it much easier to design a singular, cohesive space.”
Another standout fabric trend? The use of nautical rope. Tidelli Outdoor Living’s signature rope collection is a prime example—crafted from high-resistance nautical fibers, it’s designed to withstand the elements while providing a touch of artistry and texture to seating, swings and statement pieces. Its intricate weaving patterns offer both functionality and style, making it a favorite among luxury designers.
Plus, it offers more than 60 color options, giving you the flexibility to create a luxurious and customized outdoor space that’s as practical as it is beautiful.
“Consider outdoor living an extension of your home, featuring timeless, durable designs that are just as comfortable as they are stylish,” explains Collins.
Courtesy of Tidelli.
STONE THAT STANDS THE TEST OF TIME
When it comes to outdoor surfaces, selecting the right stone is crucial for both aesthetic appeal and longevity. Quartzite has emerged as a go-to material for luxurious outdoor spaces, providing the beauty of marble with the resilience of granite.
For those seeking a timeless ambiance, antique stone elements such as reclaimed limestone or hand-carved travertine can add old-world charm. Massie integrates historical stone pieces in his own projects, placing architectural fragments throughout gardens to reinforce a sense of history and sophistication.
“In my own garden, I’ve incorporated marble capitals from 18th century Rome, Val d’Osne cast iron urns with snake handles dating back to 1860 and marble catapult balls from Florence,” Massie shares. “I’ve placed classical architectural fragments throughout the garden to reinforce the antique ambiance.”
Courtesy of McKinnon and Harris.
LIGHTING THAT TRANSFORMS THE SPACE
Lighting is essential for setting the right mood and making an outdoor space as inviting as possible. Whether it’s integrated LED fixtures, lanterns, or string lights, layering different light sources enhances depth and functionality.
“Think of lighting as the frame around a piece of art—it enhances the space, highlights its best features and adds depth and warmth,” Monnier of Tidelli Outdoor Living adds.
With well-placed lighting, your outdoor area becomes a seamless transition from day to night—ideal for both entertaining and relaxing.
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Courtesy of Brown Jordan.
MAKE IT YOURS
At the heart of luxury outdoor design is personalization. The most stunning spaces are those that reflect the owner’s lifestyle and personality.
“The first thing to focus on is buying for yourself,” advises Monnier. “A lot of people prioritize hosting or decorating for others, but your outdoor space should be an extension of your home. You and your family should be the first to feel accommodated and comfortable there.”
Whether you start with a single statement piece or embark on a full-scale transformation, the key is to make it truly yours. Because outdoor living should be just as ICONIC as what’s inside your home.
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