No Place Like Home

As summer beckons, so do pools, patios, grills and backyard spaces.

However, if your yard is a little lackluster, you may find yourself hibernating inside all season long. 

But it’s never too late for a revamp. We spoke to Krista Watterworth Alterman, the award-winning interior designer and creative director of Krista + Home in Palm Beach Gardens, to learn how to design an irresistible backyard oasis.

“I think people tend to put a lot of thought into their interior spaces but neglect the outdoors,” she says. “The best backyards are carefully planned for functionality, comfort and style.”

Here are her tips.

Find Your Inspiration

“When I design, I always start with sketches and a mood board,” Alterman says. “I choose the colors and materials I want to use, and I find inspirational photos of appealing spaces that have the look I want to achieve.” She recommends perusing Pinterest and Houzz. “Having inspirational photos will help you when shopping for outdoor furniture or meeting with designers and landscapers.”

Choose Classic Comfort

When it comes to selecting furniture, “think about how the backyard will function and what will truly be happening there,” she says. Alterman suggests comfortable pieces, like plush chairs or a sectional, for relaxing and entertaining. “Make an investment and get something that is truly durable and will last. I encourage my clients to choose styles that are more classic and traditional instead of something super trendy that will not stand the test of time.”

Remember The Elements

Be sure to keep Mother Nature in mind. “If your backyard gets a lot of sun, you will want to create shaded areas,” she says. “If you live near the water, you need to think about how the ocean air and salt will affect the materials you use in the space. If you live near a lake, consider mosquitoes and whether you want to have a screened area.” 

Have Some Fun

Try to think outside the box for your backyard. Unexpected additions like pizza ovens, tree swings, outdoor movie theaters and sculptures create a fun vibe sure to please guests, Alterman says. O