Well Styled: Outdoor Styling Tips by HGTV Outdoor Winner, Elizabeth Pr — Boxhill & Co., LLC
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A modern outdoor patio with concrete fire pit, lounge sofa, and large potted plants all covered by a wooden pergola.
December 15, 2023 Elizabeth Montgomery

Well Styled: Outdoor Styling Tips by HGTV Outdoor Winner, Elizabeth Przygoda

When it comes to outdoor living, Elizabeth Przygoda, principal designer and founder of Boxhill, stands out as a beacon of inspiration and innovation. With a focus on creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces, she has established five core principles that can transform any outdoor area into a haven of comfort and style. In this blog post, we'll delve deep into these design principles and explore how they can turn your outdoor space into a true masterpiece.

1. The Basics: Assess, Define, and Design

Assess, Define, and Design Before embarking on any outdoor design journey, it's crucial to assess and define the space you're working with. Elizabeth recommends taking out the measuring tape and creating a sketch that outlines the dimensions of your outdoor area. This step sets the foundation for your design decisions.

Ask yourself essential questions to determine the purpose of the space:

  • What will the space be used for? Entertaining, relaxing, gardening?
  • What are the basic needs? Shelter, lighting, seating, heating?
  • When will it be used? During the day, evenings, specific seasons?
  • How many people will use it, and who are the potential users?
  • What's your lifestyle like? How much maintenance are you willing to commit to?

Being honest and practical in your answers ensures that your design aligns with your actual needs and lifestyle, resulting in a space that adds true value to your daily life.

Featuring Boxhill's Oblique Ebony Pillow and Tavola 6 Fire Table

2. The Budget: Balancing Investment and Timeline

Your budget is the compass guiding your outdoor design adventure. Elizabeth encourages a holistic approach to budgeting by considering both the financial aspect and the timeline for your project.

Key budget-related considerations include:

  • Hiring professionals vs. DIY work: Determine what tasks you're comfortable tackling yourself and where you'd prefer to enlist experts.
  • Prioritize: Allocate funds to the most essential elements first, like hardscaping and large furniture pieces.
  • Plan for ongoing maintenance costs: Factor in the costs of upkeep, whether you're hiring professionals or taking it on yourself.

Additionally, understanding the timeline of your project helps you manage expectations and avoid last-minute rush decisions that might not align with your vision.

Featuring Boxhill's In-Pool Chaise Deep Lounger, Oblique Ebony Pillow, Tall Ice Bin Side Table, and Tavola 6 Fire Table

3. The Mood Board: Crafting Your Aesthetic Identity

Creating a mood board is where the magic of your outdoor design begins. Elizabeth suggests diving into various sources for inspiration, including magazines, online platforms like Houzz and Pinterest, and even physical stores and showrooms. The goal is to collect a diverse range of visuals that resonate with you.

Crafting your mood board involves:

  • Gathering images, colors, textures, and designs that speak to your style.
  • Avoid overthinking during this process; let your instincts guide you.
  • Comparing your mood board with your indoor decor to ensure a seamless transition between your interior and exterior spaces.

By curating a mood board, you crystallize your design preferences, ensuring a coherent and personal aesthetic for your outdoor oasis.

Boxhill's In-Pool Chaise Deep Lounger, Tall Ice Bin Side Table, and Affinity Square In-Pool Sunbed

4. The Little Black Dress: Foundation and Functionality

Just as a little black dress is a wardrobe essential, foundational elements are the cornerstone of a well-designed outdoor space. These elements, which Elizabeth refers to as the "little black dress," include hardscaping, lighting, and significant furniture pieces.

Key considerations for these foundational elements are:

  • Prioritizing hardscaping and larger pieces before accessorizing.
  • Ensuring scale and proportionality: Elements should complement the space's size rather than overpowering or underwhelming it.
  • Focusing on functionality: Consider the practical use and longevity of each element.

These foundational components form the basis of your outdoor space's functionality, enabling you to build upon them with confidence.

Featuring Boxhill's Affinity Square In-Pool Sunbed and Oblique Ebony Pillow

5. The Bits and Pieces – and Barefoot Luxury: Adding Elegance and Comfort

The final layer of Elizabeth Przygoda’s principles involves selecting the smaller details that give your space character and charm. Embracing "barefoot luxury," this principle emphasizes comfort and elegance without sacrificing practicality.

Tips for adding the finishing touches:

  • Select accessories that harmonize with your indoor decor.
  • Invest in durable and high-quality pieces, especially for items exposed to the elements.
  • Opt for outdoor fabrics with UV protection to preserve colors and patterns.
  • Consider changing accessories with the seasons to refresh your space's ambiance.

By meticulously curating these details, you elevate your outdoor space, turning it into a luxurious haven that reflects your unique style.

In conclusion, Elizabeth’s principles offer a comprehensive guide to crafting outdoor spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. By assessing your needs, working within your budget, curating your aesthetic preferences, prioritizing foundational elements, and adding elegant touches, you can transform any outdoor area into a haven of relaxation and style. Whether you have an expansive garden or a small balcony, these principles ensure that your outdoor space reflects your personality and enriches your daily life.

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