When it comes to interior design, it’s all about the art of the mix. Layering in pieces—of different materials, from different eras—makes for a much more interesting and personal point of view than a buy-it-all-in-one-weekend trip to the big-box store. (This acquired-over-time approach is also a hallmark of the slow decorating movement, which is a design tactic that has been garnering more interest as of late.)
However, when it comes to our outdoor living spaces, the “matching set” mindset still tends to reign supreme. Even though we theoretically know better, we’re quick to snatch up coordinating furniture in the name of convenience.
Recently, though, we’re seeing more and more designers and homeowners applying the mix-and-maybe-don’t-match approach to outdoor settings, and our only thought is: Why haven’t we been doing this all along?
How to Perfect the Layered Look Outdoors
This is not a case against buying new, but rather a simple encouragement to apply the same thinking you’d bring to interior rooms to outdoor spaces—think more materials, softer silhouettes, and a few peppered-in antiques.
This mix of materials aligns with a larger indoor and outdoor trend of “high texture decorating,” says Daniel McCurry, cofounder of Father Nature Landscapes in Birmingham, Alabama, who adds that texture was a hot topic at recent high-profile garden shows. “With the significant adoptions of technology in the early 2000s came a minimalist trend, but people are now getting their confidence back to place thoughtful pieces and differing textures, which helps make a space feel warm.”
Clare Horne, the owner of Nashville-based garden design studio The Grass Girl, is seeing a similar movement away from sterile. “My clients are increasingly moving away from modern, minimalist aesthetics and are instead embracing traditional furniture designs,” she says.
If your outdoor living space is covered, you obviously have more flexibility here, but even the most exposed-to-the-elements of spaces can still utilize a mix of outdoor-friendly materials as opposed to all teak, all the time. You can still opt for a big-box store table, but maybe skip the corresponding seating (if sold separately) in favor of something else entirely—preferably made of a different material or with a softer shape. Or perhaps you opt for a wicker sofa, but round out the seating area with wooden or metal chairs. We also love a good garden stool.
As mentioned, antiques will also go a long way toward helping an outdoor space feel more soulful and thoughtfully designed. While not everything can stand up to the elements, it’s worth hitting up local estate sales for more weather-tolerant antique wares (wrought-iron pieces, metal gliders).
The ultimate goal is to infuse your outdoor spaces with as much soul, sentiment, and personality as your interiors. Just as nostalgia gardening prioritizes plantings tied to memory and meaning, this mix-it-up approach to outdoor design ensures your spaces will be a better reflection of you.
The Best Examples of the Layered Look
Rachel Hardage Barrett has written for and edited lifestyle publications for more than 20 years. As the editor-in-chief of Country Living, she has covered all things related to country life—including design, gardening, food, travel, antiques, crafts, and country pop culture—for more than a decade. Before Country Living, Rachel spent several years at Southern Living, where she served as Executive Editor covering travel, food, style, and features. Before Southern Living, Rachel was the Special Projects Director of Real Simple, where she wrote and oversaw books and special issues about food, travel, weddings, organizing, and parenting in addition to working on international editions and licensed products. Before working at lifestyle brands, Rachel started her magazine career at Glamour, where she wrote and edited relationship articles, celebrity interviews, as well as fashion and features content. When she’s not working on the magazine, she can likely be found poking around an antiques shop, perusing country real estate listings, or dreaming of opening a general store.
