5 minute read
Crafting Inspired Outdoor Spaces
BY ANNE ZIMMERMAN BRIAND
Photos/Crystal Bos with Bos Images
Bathed in the enviable St. Pete sunshine, our year-round climate serves as an endless muse for outdoor living spaces. Whether you’re a longterm local or a recent transplant to the Sunshine State, creating an outdoor space that truly reflects your personal style can seem daunting, especially when faced with a blank slate or an uninspired yard from an era gone by.
Interior designers at Michelle Miller Design have mastered the art of transforming both indoor and outdoor spaces. Collaborating closely with clients, they craft environments that not only fulfill dreams but also enhance the usability of every living space.
In this article, we delve into two standout projects by the team at Michelle Miller, showcasing how diverse outdoor areas can be transformed into beautiful extensions of the home, seamlessly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Beachside Bungalow
This coastal retreat with a resort style courtyard was spearheaded by Michelle Miller interior designer Ciera Thompson. Her assignment: transformation of a1949 Gulf of Mexico beach home into a laid-back coastal chic retreat.
The owners are empty-nesters who desired a space where they could fully immerse themselves in the laid-back Pass-A-Grille lifestyle. They wanted to be able to enjoy equal time indoors and outdoors on the property, so the floor plan was reimagined to utilize the outdoor spaces more while also maximizing the natural light and beachfront views from the inside.
One of the most striking aspects of this project is the front courtyard, which had previously been underutilized and forgotten. By creating an inviting resort-style setting where the owners and their guests can linger and relax, the area was completely revitalized. This welcoming space, unified by a contemporary firepit with seating for four under an enchanted pergola, features outdoor string lights overhead, a trio of water fountains along the space’s perimeter, a chill hammock, and surrounding tropical foliage. Setting the tone for the entire home, this space offers a serene and inviting entry that feels like stepping into a luxurious retreat.
Thompson selected a neutral color palette with pops of turquoise, allowing the foliage, décor, and furnishings to weave together harmoniously. By the pool deck facing the Gulf, soft seating arrangements continue the neutral tones, letting the greenery and beach views take center stage. Natural materials like shell stone, fossil stone, and wood enhance the coastal aesthetic, while the furnishings, chosen for their comfort and durability, are built to withstand the abundant Florida sunshine.
To ultimately achieve the serene and private outdoor oasis, this project was a collaboration with The Argentine Group leading the exterior design, and TriplePoint Design Build, ensuring seamless execution. By integrating the indoor and outdoor living spaces and thoughtfully curating the colors, finishes, and floor plan, Beachside Bungalow embodies the laid-back coastal chic lifestyle envisioned by the owners. It stands as a serene and enchanted oasis that perfectly captures the essence of Pass-A-Grille’s relaxed ambiance.
Snell Isle Contemporary
This warm contemporary project on Snell Isle showcases a new and expansive outdoor space that seamlessly integrates with the modern architecture of the home. Designed by Diana LePine, the Snell Isle home highlights the beauty of open, view-oriented outdoor living.
The owners of this home sought a spacious area for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying their beautiful view with family and friends. The open and airy outdoor space was designed to include an outdoor kitchen with bar stools and serving counter, dining table and chairs, comfortable living space with a fireplace and TV, and infinity pool with loungers.
Aiming for a vernacular aesthetic that harmonizes with the home’s modern architectural lines, LePine chose warm woods and woven textures to soften the starkness of the stone, concrete, and metal materials in the build. And to reflect the hues of the surrounding waters, she chose a combination of solid and patterned textiles, further enhancing the cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
The hallmark of this project is the seamless transition between the interior and exterior space. Selected furnishings feature clean lines to coordinate with the home’s modern architecture, while warm materials and textures add an inviting touch to the expansive outdoor area. This design allows for an almost uninterrupted flow, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.
By transforming existing spaces into beautiful, functional retreats, Michelle Miller Interior Design showcases the true beauty and versatility of Florida living. Their innovative approach to outdoor spaces not only inspires but also invites us all to embrace the endless possibilities for our own outdoor sanctuaries, truly capturing the essence of St. Pete’s sun-soaked lifestyle.
Anne Zimmerman Briand can be reached at anne@ annezimmerman.com
