Townhouse to Your House from Design Star Challenge 1

For their first Design Starchallenge, the 10 designers had to turn an empty townhouse in New York City into their "home away from home." Here are my tips for some things they did right and wrong and how apply them to your space.

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Hide CaptionShow CaptionAdding warm elements like natural wood, fresh color, inviting seating and live plants can transform a bleak space into an exterior oasis.

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By Vern Yip

Exterior spaces in the city can be both literally and figuratively hard with their proliferation of concrete, brick, stone and metal. Adding warm elements like natural wood, fresh color, inviting seating and live plants can transform a bleak space into an exterior oasis.

Large ceramic pots in white or terra cotta—planted with tall evergreens and annuals at their bases that can be changed with the season—make wonderful statements that last all year long and give the eye a break from the urban harshness. Joseph and Tym did a great job with the structure of the patio. A few more cushions on the seating with some throw pillows—all made from Sunbrella fabric that is mold and mildew-resistant—would have warmed it up even further.