Why, hello there Kuotes Cuties! The year sure is flying by–it seems like just yesterday we were collaborating with Jenny Cipoletti–the founder and author of Margo & Me–on a her Parisian Nursery reveal after she had just welcomed her first child over the summer.
Earlier this year, it was such a blast working with this fab lifestyle writer and content creator–whose blog is all about infusing your style and home with laidback elegance, subtle femininity–that our Design Team and I jumped at the chance to do another swoon-worthy collab with her.
This time, we were embarking on a design journey in the great outdoors to give her New Jersey backyard a romantic Tuscan Farmhouse look.
“One of the reasons we fell in love with this home was because of the backyard. Living in the city, it’s a rare gem, and we knew it would quickly become our little oasis,” Jenny explains. “Luckily, the backyard was in great shape when we moved in, a manicured landscape, beautiful herringbone brick pavers, and a classic wood fence that was in terrific condition. Our yard is a classic brownstone backyard that’s rectangular and lined by rose bushes, hydrangeas, and ivy throughout.”
Read on for Jenny Cipoletti’s Outdoor Makeover design story, as well as for how you can achieve this look in your own backyard!
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A Magical Tuscan-Inspired Courtyard
A woman who knows what she wants, Jenny knew from the get-go that she wanted distinct looks for her three living areas–the top sundeck, the bottom courtyard, and the area underneath the sundeck. So, the team and I worked to give each area its own special look, feel, and theme. First up: A lovely and spacious courtyard!
“We envisioned the bottom courtyard area as the space we’d spend most of our time dinning and entertaining guests in,” Jenny says. “My husband and I have a deep love of al fresco dining in the Tuscan countryside, so the space was heavily influenced by the craft of Italian dining. I love how inviting the wicker chairs are, encircled by natural flora and foliage, string lighting, the space came together in such a magical way.”
We achieved a look that’s equal parts Secret Garden fantasy and functional reality by selecting top-quality outdoor chairs from our Outdoor & Garden collection, so they not only look adorable, but are designed to withstand the elements. “I am absolutely obsessed with the Coastal Beach chairs around the dinning table. There’s nothing more romantic than wicker furniture but it’s incredibly difficult to maintain through the years,” Jenny adds. “These chairs are made with aluminum and ArtFibre so they give you the look of wicker but are incredibly durable and will withstand many dinner parties!”
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A French Riviera Sundeck
When it came to the top sundeck, Jenny had a vision of the French Riviera coming to life and turning her idea into reality was a true delight. It was a natural choice to go with understated French Country-style metal furnishings from Sunset West. This chic outdoor set served as the perfect backdrop for Jenny to add personal touches and personal treasures that tied the space together.
“For this space, we envisioned a versatile space where we can casually enjoy cocktails complemented by crisp white linen cushions and terra cotta planters,” Jenny says. “Our kitchen opens up to this dreamy outdoor space so we really wanted it to feel like an extension of our Parisian inspired interior.”
Ah, is there anything better than a crisp cocktail or glass of wine on a perfectly Parisian sundeck? I think not (and I have a feeling that Jenny agrees)!
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A Hamptons-Inspired Garden Lounge
Last but not least, Jenny felt strongly that we shouldn’t neglect the area that’s just below the sundeck–and rightly so! Jenny envisioned a “Hamptons-inspired garden lounge,” and we worked with her to select classic wicker lounge chairs that she could easily accessorize with inspired decor pieces. “The rustic brick wall lent itself to decorating with found objects like old wire frame baskets and vintage ceramic pottery,” Jenny notes.
Ultimately, what ties all three outdoor living stories together is the common thread of Jenny’s love of French and Italian culture and style. Every one of the three areas has its own signature look, but they also have the same overarching aesthetic. It also helped that Jenny truly embraced working with our designers for a true creative collaboration.
“Having just worked with the KKH Design Team on my nursery, I knew the process was going to be seamless,” she says. “The designers have the amazing ability of translating what we communicated as a story and theme for each space, into a beautifully-designed space. My favorite part of working together is the conception phase–the team’s suggestions and ideas for decorative elements really brought so much more life to the space!”
And what is Jenny most excited for about the space? Outdoor entertaining with loved ones, of course! “The year has been particularly challenging with the pandemic and it’s been tricky to find an environment where everyone is comfortable. Entertaining outdoors is the perfect alternative so everyone can feel safe.”
