The Great Outdoors
Design tip from Kathleen Zbacnik, ASID, IIDA, CID
KZ Design Group
858-361-1100
Located in La Jolla, KZ Design Group is a well-established interior design company that specializes in custom residential interior design.
Enhance your outdoor experience and have a fabulous time entertaining outside with these few tips on making your exterior space appealing, comfortable and fun.
Furnishings
Choose comfortable outdoor furniture with brightly colored fabrics. While interacting with nature, it’s always nice to sit back and relax, put your feet up and lounge. Since the outdoors is filled with earthy tones, mix in a cheery color palette with your fabrics to add a touch of celebration.
Music and lighting
Scintillate the senses and give your outdoor space its own ambience and add the mood of your choice with music and lighting. Lighting can provide a romantic atmosphere in the evening and music is a key element to any style of entertaining from a large cocktail party to an intimate dinner for two.
Natural elements
Think about the effect you want your landscaping to make in your outdoor space. What garden theme do you want your plants to reflect: tropical, Mediterranean, Japanese, Southwest, formal? What water features will you install: spa, pool, fountain, bird bath? And what about fire elements? Will you include an outdoor fireplace, chiminea, fire pit or perhaps tiki torches?
Outdoor kitchen
Cooking brings people together and, in San Diego, one of the greatest places to cook — almost year round — is outside. Whether your backyard has a modest barbecue and picnic bench or gourmet outdoor kitchen appliances and a fancy tabletop, cooking and eating outside are highlights of your entertaining experience. Make this cook’s space even more fun by adding a pizza oven or an Evo grill.
Umbrellas
Plan on both sunny and shaded areas for lounging. In the sun, don’t forget the sunscreen. For shade, even if you have trees in the landscape, add colorful umbrellas for a festive touch.
