May 2024 | Backyard Nirvana

In the whole, I’m a glass-half-full type of person. For me, positivity is the only way forward, even though it’s a hard task in a world dealing with so much negativity and turmoil.

Yes, there are plenty of things you can do to boost your endorphins: vigorous workouts –not my type of thing, ice baths – again not me, chocolate, sex, yoga or meditation – but to my opinion, above all, it’s a choice of surrounding yourself with the most wonderful people. The people that intrigue you feelings and give you new perspectives, people that spark you creative side or make you laugh your ass off.

Growing up in big and loud Mediterranean family, our backyard family gatherings played a crucial role in my upbringing. The loud talks of my grandmother’s sisters, the loud laughs between me and my cousins, the creativity taking place everywhere in the house, from my mother’s cooking, my dad’s gardening to our fun spontaneous outdoor games. 

So as you can guess gathering spaces, especially backyards or patios for me play a crucial role in my very well - being.

In a perfectly perfect world, your home would have a sprawling backyard with designated spaces for a pool, an outdoor barbeque, and a lounge area. The reality for most of us is quite different though, especially for those ones living in the city. And to be honest you don’t have to own five acres of land to create the perfect spot. You just have to pick  the right furniture and materials to flaunt all the square footage you've got and get a little creative with your porch/patio or balcony.

In all the homes I have lived over the years, no-matter the size of the place, I always made sure to have a comfortable inviting outdoors spot. Choosing the right seating area/sofa plays a huge role to that.

Business & Pleasure offers amazing furniture and outdoor solutions for small & cute places. I love their outdoors umbrellas which we have featured in the past. I have bought myself their Tommy chair which is super comfortable, plus it is folding thus taking no space.

Another must see is The Fillap Club's inflatable sunbeds. Check out their zig-zag patterns which make a statement but they still stay neutral at the same time.

If you wish to stay comfortable but also make an outdoors statement then do check out New Le Bambole collection by B&B ITALIA and its lima stripe orange pattern.

Creating a setup that allows you to fully take advantage of the warm Spring/Summer weather helps you also finding a sunny slice of paradise in your own backyard that can be the medicine to those winter blues. So try to make sure to make it functional even when the weather’s not agreeable. Dinners-all year-round are best enjoyed in the great open air after all.

Extra tip; go all in with one material or mix and match with minimal atittude.

Also, always remember when shopping for outdoor furnishings and furniture, it’s important to consider durability and materials, as some options will hold up better than others through the years.

ELENI NODARAKI

Creative Editorial Director

Write to me on eleni@decorationrunway.com