Sticking With The Classics
FIVE TIPS FROM A
LOCAL DESIGNER
M
ary Andrews is an interior
designer who grew up in
her family’s home-building
business. Blessed with a
knack for creating attractive spaces and
designs, her foray into finance and real
estate early in her career didn’t stick.
Says Mary, “I gravitated naturally to
a more creative outlet, where I’d be
working with people and helping them
craft their own beautiful spaces.”
Today her business is flourishing even
though she doesn’t work in the same way
as most interior designers. Rather than
focusing on full customer service, including
shopping, ordering, and buying pieces for
her clients, she tries to be more affordable
and accessible to everyday consumers. To
this end, Mary runs her business remotely,
starting with her website (maryandrews.
com) and working with clients individually
by phone or over the internet. “I am
actually more of a consultant to them,
so they still have ownership of their
projects,” she says. “I like to keep my
customers in the driver’s seat.”
While Mary stays aware of summer
trends in outdoor space design and
decorating, she prefers classic styles that
are attractive but will have staying power
too. Here, she shares five key elements of
creating relaxing and beautiful outdoor
spaces that homeowners can enjoy this
summer as well as over the long run:
1) POPS OF COLOR & PATTERNS
Small splashes of color or patterns
are always in style, and work well
alongside nature’s vivid colors. You
can use bold outdoor pillows, throws,
umbrellas, and other furnishings
for powerful splashes of interest.
2) MIXES OF NATURAL MATERIALS
Woods, ceramics, metals, and wovens
are making a strong statement this
summer and with good reason.
Unique blends of fabrics and textures
add depth and richness to outdoor
spaces, creating layered décors that
resemble indoor looks in complexity.
3) POTTED PLANTS
No need for a green thumb here. Creating
beautiful floral designs or lush greenery
doesn’t have to be difficult. Potted
plants, on tables or slotted in corners,
will do the trick just fine. Large-flowered
plants such as dahlias and peonies
are especially popular for potting.
4) FIRE AND SHADE
The environment you create outdoors
should feel like home, providing fire or
heat for those cool summer nights and
shade in areas of bright sun. Consider
everything from fire pits and fireplaces to
pergolas, umbrellas, and screens to create
the perfect space for all types of weather.
5) LIGHTING
The right lighting can really inspire your
outdoor space, so consider overhead
lighting strings, path lighting, or
landscape lighting to create ambiance
and showcase your yard. Mixing
heights and types of light fixtures can
make a striking first impression.
Mary cautions her customers not to be
overwhelmed by the expense and time
required to perfect their outdoor space:
“It’s best to have your idea in mind and
stick with it rather than compromise
because you can’t afford to finance your
whole vision or you see something on
sale that doesn’