Summer Breeze
“Our community is tight-knit, and neighborly, so we wanted something that was welcoming,” says Jo Jones. “The original space just didn’t have the feeling we were looking for.” Having previously worked with interior designer Lane Oliver on their main residence, the Joneses were confident that she could transform this space as well. “Bill and Jo love to entertain, so I suggested we extend the living room to the outdoors,” says the designer. “I showed them fabrics and trims, wonderful things that could withstand Colorado’s erratic weather and allow us to create a custom space. “The design complements the main interiors, but I also looked to the gardens as inspiration for the color palette.” The resulting scheme is as refreshing as the Colorado air.
All-weather wicker seating pieces come alive with coordinating coral fabrics while a pair of petite armchairs are softened by seat cushions in a melon- green stripe. A bench at the far end of the space, with a cushion in the same soft stripe, allows Bill and Jo to accommodate eight or more. “We even brought in a couple of garden seats,” notes Oliver. “You can use anything that a little rain won’t hurt.”
An area rug echoes the predominant coral and green hues, but the finishing touches are the most unexpected elements in this outdoor room. A table skirted with weather-resistant fabric flanks one end of the sofa while a matching ottoman does more than offer put-your-feet-up comfort; it also opens to reveal convenient storage space, where Jo keeps a serving tray ready for drinks and appetizers. Over the sofa, a mirror reflects the nearby garden view, edged on either side by decorative plates. “Jo loves to collect plates and found some reasonable pieces online,” says Oliver. “We use a mix so she can easily replace them.”
The most surprising element may be the curtains that soften the space; they are nothing less than what you might find in the finest interiors, down to the tiebacks with brush fringe. “They are Gatsby-esque, wonderful when there is a light breeze and they billow,” says Oliver.
Thanks to the deft hand of their designer, the Joneses have the best of both worlds, they can enjoy their patio privately or share it with family and friends. “We wanted a place where we could sit in the late afternoon and have a cocktail and enjoy the neighborhood. It is a perfect place for impromptu get-togethers,” says Jo.
Additional Resources
Chair Pads
Fabric: “Barnegat woven in Palm,” Brunschwig & Fils, Denver Design District (DDD), (303) 733-6484, brunschwig.com
Button Fabric: “Beausoleil in Coral,” Schumacher & Co., DDD, (303) 733-2591, fschumacher.com
Pillows
Sofa Pillows
Fabric: “Margate Woven Stripe in Palm,” Brunschwig & Fils, DDD, (303) 733-6484, brunschwig.com
Trim: “Spring Lake Brush Fringe in Ivory,” Brunschwig & Fils, DDD, (303) 733-6484, brunschwig.com
Chair Kidney Pillows
Fabric: “Margate Woven Stripe in Palm,” Brunschwig & Fils, DDD, (303) 733-6484, brunschwig.com
Trim: “Spring Lake Brush Fringe in Ivory,” Brunschwig & Fils, DDD, (303) 733-6484, brunschwig.com
Bench Pillows
Fabric: “San Remy Coral,” Schumacher & Co., DDD, (303) 733-2591, fschumacher.com
Contrasting Flange: “Barnegat Woven in Palm,” Brunschwig & Fils, DDD, (303) 733-6484, brunschwig.com Trim: “Spring Lake Tape trim in Ivory,” Brunschwig & Fils, DDD, (303) 733-6484, brunschwig.com
