Everything Your Dream Patio Needs, According to Designers

A spot to rest your mojito. “Pick comfortable lounge seating with generous arm width for drink perches,” says Mitchell Freedland, principal of Mitchell Freedland Design.

Cushions galore. “The more comfortable it feels outside, the more time I want to be outside entertaining,” says Denise Ashmore, principal of Project 22 Design. Rochelle Cote, principal of Rochelle Cote Interior Design, advocates for keeping coloured, textured throws at the ready for both warmth and style.

A connecting thread to your living space. “I tend to follow my interior colour scheme outside to create a seamless relationship between the two,” says Kelly Deck, principal of Kelly Deck Design.

Furniture made to handle the great outdoors. “Outdoor patio spaces are exposed to the elements, so it’s important to choose materials that can withstand the weather,” says Jamie Deck, principal of Shift Interiors. “Materials such as metal, concrete and stone are great options for patio floors and walls, while outdoor-rated fabrics and furniture made from weather-resistant materials like wicker or teak are ideal for seating and decor.”

A little sun, a little shade. “Plan for the elements based on how much sun exposure you get at different times of day,” advises Amanda Lwanga, creative director of Linger Design Studio. “It’s important to also visualize what time of day you’ll use your outdoor space and build in heat sources and shading accordingly.”

An outdoor rug... and maybe even some lighting. “Add area carpets, levels of lighting and lots of heat sources for ambiance and to extend the seasons,” insist Curtis Elmy and Trevor Ciona, principals of Atmosphere Interior Design. (Want to take that living-room feel to the next level? Tanja Hinder, principal of Marrimor, suggests adding an outdoor TV or ambient sound.)

Protection from the elements. Andrea Rodman, principal of Andrea Rodman Interiors, recommends 15 feet of covered deck space to keep furniture dry so you can enjoy your perfect patio year-round.

Your Paint Swatch Is Too Small....

“Paint large samples. I mean, half a wall or four-by-four-foot swatches. And paint them different rooms to see the light—the same grey will look different on the main floor and in the upstairs bathroom.”

Nancy Surby, Nako Design

Are Your Rugs

“One of the most common design mistakes we see is rugs that are too small for the room.”

Jamie Hamilton and Greer Nelson, Oliver Simon Design

Flowers Are Always a Great Finishing Touch

“It seems cliché, but fresh flowers really upgrade a space! Consider clipping blooms or branches from your yard or from around your neighbourhood to add an elegant touch to any room.”

Angela Robinson

co-founder of SPEC Interior Design

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Consider your many moods.

“A few well-placed light fixtures can transform how a space feels once the sun goes down, creating anything from cozy to ethereal to dramatic with the right mix of light and shadow.”

Chad Falkenberg, principal of Falken Reynolds Interiors

Add one more accent.

Level Up Your Lighting Designers beg you.

“Decorative lighting and layers of lighting are key to making a space feel warm and inviting. I often find that these items are not considered when designing homes and it is a complete missed opportunity to add some personality to a space.”

Alykhan Velji

Take time to reflect.

“Elevating a space can be done by amplifying natural light so that it’s coming from at least two directions. This adds balance to a space and makes it feel bigger. You can achieve this by adding mirrors to walls in darker pockets and reflective surfaces and accessories—it doesn’t require removing walls or adding windows.” —Amanda Lwanga

Don’t forget technology. Make sure you have the necessary technology to perform your job. A reliable internet connection, printer and scanner are essential for most home offices.

Personalize your workspace.

Decor, plants or artwork can make your space feel more inviting and inspiring. Use proper lighting. Good lighting is essential for productivity. Natural lighting is ideal, but if that’s not possible, choose overhead lighting or task lighting that is bright but not too harsh.

The Jamie Deck Guide to Creating a Great Home Office

Words of workspace wisdom from the principal of Shift Interiors.

Choose the right location. Use a space in your home that is quiet and has good lighting. Ideally, your workspace should be away from distractions and household traffic.

Declutter. A cluttered workspace can lead to a cluttered mind. Keep your workspace organized and free of unnecessary items. Use s torage solutions such as shelving, filing cabinets and desk organizers.

Choose the right desk. Your desk should be the right size for your space and have enough surface area to accommodate your work. Consider a desk with storage options, such as drawers or shelves.

Consider the colour scheme. Choose colours that promote productivity and creativity. Blue and green are calming and promote concentration, while orange and yellow are energizing and promote creativity.

Invest in a good chair. You’ll be sitting for extended periods of time, so invest in a comfortable, ergonomic chair that supports your posture and reduces strain on your back.

More hot tips from WL’s design panel:

Tidy up your wires... even if just with a zap strap. Use homey furniture so it doesn’t feel like a soulless office. Create separation from the rest of the home, whether with a door, a folding screen or tall plants. Invest in compact tools (like Mitchell Freedland’s “cling-wrap size” printer), and in custom millwork that will ensure a place for every folder and cable. Consider how your video-call backdrop will look. Art, plants and accessories are essential. But the most important p iece of advice, courtesy of Robert Bailey, principal of Robert Bailey Interiors? “Don’t make it like the office. Make it a home.”

Seriously: Get Some Cool Throw Pillows

“Pillows are an easy way to change the character of the room. Think of toss pillows as sofa art.”

Paul Lavoie, principal of Paul Lavoie

Interior Design

What Details Can Turn

“Heated floors are key to making a bathroom feel luxe.”

Alykhan Velji

Your Rooms Should Be Cohesive, but Not Matchy-Matchy

use the phrase that all spaces and finishes should related—think sisters or aunts, not identical twins.”

Jamie Banfield, principal designer

Jamie Banfield Design a Bathroom

into the Best Room of the House?

The designer ensuite wish list.

“A heated shower bench.”

Mitchell Freedland

“A ledge for your shower supplies instead of a niche.” Tanja Hinder

“Towel warmers.”

Rochelle Cote

Mitchell Freedland

“Buy a deep, deep tub.” Paul Lavoie

“Gentle diffused lighting for a relaxing spa experience, as well as ‘getting ready’ lighting for the day (or night) at face level.”

Chad Falkenberg

“A steam shower... and furniture, if you have the space!”

Robert Bailey

“An in-drawer outlet for your hair dryer.” Madeleine Sloback, principal of Madeleine Design Group

Sunkissed & Spritzed.

Reserve your patio table online.

How to Find Your Dream Sofa

Don’t fear colour.

Take your time.

rush this kind of purchase—be willing to wait a while for the right piece,” say Jamie Hamilton and Greer Nelson

Put your butt in the seat.

“It comes down to personal preference of firm, medium or soft.

Truly the Goldilocks test,” says Mitchell Freedland

*Measure. Enough said.

Look for a solid structure.

“Not only will a quality frame be more comfortable, it also gives you a piece you can reinvent over time,” says designer Karen Atwell , creative director of Form Interiors. “Look for a kiln-dried hardwood frame and hand-tied coils in the structure of the piece. Quality does cost, but only once.”

Measure again.

“Scale is the most important consideration when you’re choosing a sofa. So often people go to showrooms, test a sofa and then bring home something that is totally disproportionate to the room it will reside in,” says Kelly Deck

Take a 360-degree view.

“If you have a room where the sofa is g oing to be seen from all sides, it’s critical that it has beautiful details on every side,” Kelly Deck says.

Triple-check that measurement. Seriously.

Consider your lifestyle.

“Choose the right ‘sit’ for the purpose—soft and comfy for lounging and TV watching, firmer and higher for visiting with other people,” advises Chad Falkenberg