How to Decorate Your Outdoor Space

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When it comes to mixing styles, we’re inspired by what happens when you put all the things you love together in one space and, somehow, it all turns out just right.

Want effortless style? You have to see how we brought this space, filled with stylish pieces (like these bistro chairs) at reasonable prices-for achieving a balance- together.

The magic stems from the right roomful of mismatched pieces that manage to express the unique personality of its owner.

Behind the scenes photo of domino and Ballard Designs

More outdoor inspiration.

Behind the scenes photo of domino and Ballard Designs

Delicious brunch recipes

Behind the scenes photo of domino and Ballard Designs

Hanging lanterns set the right laid-back vibe.

Brunch on the terrace

Munchies make great snacks.

Assorted chesses’

Of course, since we were going for that domino mix, we wanted to play against type when it came to our surroundings. Since the setting for this scene was this gorgeous pergola, dripping with flowering vines, we decided to keep things slightly casual, a little dressed down. If we’d been in a more laid-back locale, we might have made some different choices—for instance, adding a white linen tablecloth and some silver.

Those period films teach an important lesson about outdoor entertaining (aside from the importance of exquisite art direction). In the Victorian age, there wasn’t a firm demarcation between indoor and outdoor furniture. (Even today, this is truer in Europe than it is in America.) There’s something very inspiring to me about that kind of entertaining. But then, I’m Southern, so there’s a part of me that loves the idea of hauling out the good stuff for my guests. On the other hand, I don’t like the idea of setting an overly formal table that seems forced or stuffy. That’s what I like about this table. It combines a lot of influences. It reads a little bit French, a little Italian, and a little Mexican. You can imagine that this is the scene of a casual Sunday breakfast or a special birthday lunch. Michelle and I both love the classic, timeless quality of the Café Collection—this scene could have taken place last week or 20 years ago. You can imagine so many of these pieces being used indoors or out. Those bistro chairs for instance, would look great around a dining table or as side chairs in a living room.