Alfresco Allure

RESORT LIVING
“This family of seven wanted an outdoor area not only for family entertainment, but for large groups of their friends as well. And this space certainly delivers. Boasting three levels, including a waterslide, large hot tub, pool, suntanning area, pavilion bar, full outdoor kitchen, dining area, fire pit, and an upper terrace to entertain the five children and their friends. As this property is on a lake, it also includes a beach and a dedicated area for water sports. Ryan Payment of Outdoor Living was the landscape architect responsible for the incredible waterslide, pool, hardscape and landscaping.

With such an expansive area, the clients were concerned about maintenance. We selected a mix of low maintenance pieces like all-weather wicker furniture and pieces without cushions for example, to reduce the upkeep. We also chose porcelain tabletops that are virtually maintenance free, and added extra storage in unassuming places like the benches. The space is inviting for all ages, from little kids to adults.” — Lona Battishill, Schaerer Architextural Interiors

LONA’S DESIGN TIPS:

• We used a lot of LED rechargeable battery lighting, including a light-up table on the children’s terrace. You can change the color and light settings via remote control.
• Be mindful of the pavers you use around the pool. During the heat of the day and direct sun they can really heat up. For the main pool deck we have lighter pavers to reflect light. To add dimension, we bordered the area with darker pavers.
• When you have a lot of hardscapes, plants are a great way of softening a space and creating distinctive areas, like near the sectional seating area, for example. 

Available at MDC: Pindler, outdoor pillow fabric.

ALL ABOUT THE AMBIANCE
“The goal for this Birmingham home was to blend both interior and exterior spaces for an ultimate entertaining experience. The door walls open to join the dining room with a beautiful pine-colored sitting room. The main deck, located under a motorized metal pergola, features both a water element and a fire feature. The streamlined pergola also has integrated heating and lighting units. The terrace steps down into a large dining space, outdoor bathroom, and service area for additional room to entertain. With plenty of seating and ample space, it's perfect for any party.” — Amanda Sinistaj, Ellwood Interiors

AMANDA’S DESIGN TIPS:

• Outdoor heating elements, whether portable or built-in, are a great way to create a warm and cozy space that you can use throughout multiple seasons.
• If you are unable to store your outdoor furniture inside during the winter, be sure to cover all the pieces to increase their longevity. 
• Our favorite new obsession is battery-operated portable lighting. It's a great way to create ambiance and group conversation areas.

MALIBU-MEETS-WINE COUNTRY
“The clients of this Bloomfield Hills home were looking for a Malibu-meets-Wine Country look for their pool house. The view and comfort were important considerations, so we have a custom divan that allows easy conversation as well as a lovely view. In addition, we used soft performance fabrics because the clients and their guests may be wearing their swimsuits. Large, motorized glass doors open all the way, eliminating the barrier between warm summer days and full enjoyment of the outdoors. We kept the color palate monochromatic to emphasize their view, and light breezes through gauzy drapery creates movement in the space. It’s a stunning pool house.” — Arturo Sanchez, Art | Harrison Interiors

ARTURO AND BARRY’S DESIGN TIPS:

• Consider the direction of the sun. The first thing we noticed in this space was a six-foot square window that housed the bar. It’s west facing, so the sun beating on liquor is not compatible. Our solution was to coat the window with sun-protective film.
• A pool house should be a complete departure from the main house. Otherwise, you lose that special feeling. For example, you can give the space a spa-like atmosphere, so it feels like you’re on vacation.
• Rechargeable lamps are just fabulous for adding mood lighting and if they get caught in the rain, it’s not a big deal.

Available at MDC: Tennant & Associates sofa upholstery and dining chair seat cushion fabric; Kravet/Lee Jofa/Brunschwig & Fils lounge chair pillow; The Ghiordes Knot wool rug.

CABANA CULTURE
“This incredible pool and cabana area was a collaboration with Matt Mosher of Mosher Design Co. The clients were looking for a new outdoor space to entertain and hold large gatherings in their Bloomfield Hills home, but at the same time, they wanted it to be comfortable and family friendly for everyday use—day or night. 

Features abound in this space. There are custom porch swings that hang from the rafters of the cabana, custom umbrellas have an in-ground mounting system for easy removal and storage in the winter, and the cabana has an outdoor kitchen for serving and entertaining as well as a retractable screen for evening use. Plus, there are four large sun ledges in the pool to lounge and cool off on, fountains at each corner of the pool that also have fire features for evening display, and a hot tub with an infinity edge that connects to a large swimming pool.” — Barbi Stalburg Kasoff, Stalburg Design

BARBI’S DESIGN TIPS:

• A successful outdoor space is an area that can accommodate a variety of functions. It should provide a setting for festive entertainment, as well as a quiet escape day-to-day. 
• Don’t be afraid to add a variety of outdoor pillows—mixing and matching patterns can create a unique design for a space and is an easy way to freshen and update over time.
• Invest in storing your furniture properly over the winter. We’ve had clients who tried to keep their furniture outdoors—even wrapped up. But with our winter climate, there is no other way to adequately preserve your furniture. Marble will crack, teak will split, and we’ve seen homeowners who’ve had to replace all their furniture. We offer a service where we pick up and store furniture for several of our clients. Then, we rotate their furniture for each season so it’s easy and painless!
• The best outdoor spaces are flexible. Many people think a large outdoor dining table is necessary, but I think outdoor seating serves a bigger purpose day-to-day. Lounge chairs, sectionals, swivels, and ottomans provide many opportunities for both seating and dining. Outdoor spaces need to be flexible, particularly in four-season weather.

 Available at MDC: CAI Designs light fixture and standing bar tables

POOL HOUSE POSH
“This Bloomfield Township client built a new shingle-style home in 2017, and just before the pandemic, they requested a pool house that is in keeping with the main house. With the help of Architect Glenda Meads and Landscape Architect Michael Dul, we utilized the same main house bluestone material for the pool house and around the pool deck. The pool house consists of a kitchen, back prep kitchen, sitting room, golf simulator, dining area, changing area, bathroom, and laundry room.  

The furnishings and surfaces were purposely kept neutral and low maintenance, with shabby-chic slip covers in performance materials and indoor/outdoor rugs. The circular flow of the backyard, with the proximity of the pool to the main residence, as well as the spa, dining area, and firepit is perfect for entertaining and offers something for everyone.” — Marianne Jones, Marianne Jones

“With a fully equipped kitchen adjacent to indoor and outdoor dining, and a pizza oven poolside, the pool house makes a wonderful addition for any party.” — Marianne Jones, Marianne Jones

 MARIANNE’S DESIGN TIPS:

• Take the time to understand the needs and opportunities of your outdoor space. You can do this by defining zones. Divide your outdoor space into functional activity zones such as swimming, cooking, dining, lounging, and perhaps even a firepit area. This helps to create a sense of organization and makes it easier to cater to different activities during gatherings.
• Provide adequate shade and shelter options to ensure comfort during hot days or inclement weather. This could include umbrellas, pergolas, retractable awnings, or even a covered patio or gazebo. Incorporating natural elements like trees or tall shrubs can also provide shade while enhancing the aesthetic appeal.
• Invest in comfortable and durable outdoor seating options with outdoor-friendly fabrics. For example, consider materials like powder-coated aluminum, teak, cedar, or all-weather wicker. These materials are resistant to rust, corrosion, and fading, making them ideal for outdoor use.

Available at MDC: CAI Designs chairs, ottoman, side table, bar stools, dining table and chairs, and chandeliers; The Ghiordes Knot rug.