There’s just nothing like throwing open the doors and windows for the first time each spring to bring all that fresh air and light indoors. It’s a feeling you want to capture all summer long, especially in the hot, turgid days of July and August. Washington D.C.-based interior designer Patrick J. Baglino, Jr., ASID, (www.pbaglino.com) welcomes the change of seasons as the perfect opportunity to bring changes into your home, whether it’s de-cluttering or simply exchanging dark accessories for light. Baglino, who as a child used to change his bedspread and curtains with the seasons, was recently voted one of America’s top young designers by House Beautiful. Here, his tips and trends for decorating this summer: Outdoor rooms
I love eclectic design, but I also believe it’s very important to have a harmonious design statement. You don’t want to go from a home that’s traditional with contemporary accents to a very minimal Italian design porch that sort of comes out of left field. Even though an outdoor room is an extension of the home, it should still convey the feel and look of what’s happening inside. However, it can be set apart from the feel of the house by the use of different fabrics, maybe something a little livelier than what you’d have in your living room. Accessories are huge in terms of creating interest and flair. Bring in a really cool lamp or some beautiful indoor/outdoor rugs. (I love the plynl floor coverings by Chilewich.) Whereas in the past you’d go into a home and garden store and see a basic patio set with two choices for cushions, now you can have an outdoor sofa upholstered with fabric you choose, and add floor coverings and other details that will make an outdoor room really feel like a room.
Trend: I’m seeing a lot of bright colors. They’re not my first choice; I tend to go with tone-on-tone neutrals. I love earthen tones, especially in a room that’s going to create a bridge between the inside of the house and the outdoors. But there’s a definite trend toward brighter colors and stronger patterns. If your outdoor room is a screened-in porch, remember those things are going to be there pretty much year round, so be sure you can live with them that long.
