Soak Up the Summer

PRIVATE RESORT
“This outdoor living experience was thoughtfully designed as a natural extension of the home, centered around an elegant oval-shaped pool by Matt Mosher. The pool house, beautifully crafted by Martini Samartino Design Group, mirrors the timeless Chateau-inspired architecture of the main residence for a cohesive and refined feel. Artificial turf offers a low-maintenance foundation while expansive seating areas encourage effortless entertaining, relaxed lounging, and intimate summer conversations. Together, the space blends sophistication and ease, creating a resort-like retreat designed for gathering and connection.” — Amanda Sinistaj, Ellwood Interiors

AMANDA’S OUTDOOR TIPS:

• Artificial turf is an excellent feature for both beauty and low maintenance.
• Rather than overdoing hardscaping and patio seating that may never be used, edit seating arrangements to a necessary number. This allows guests and homeowners to immerse themselves more in the landscape and setting.
• The Midwest climate can be unpredictable so it's important to think about heating and cooling. Infratech heaters or radiant heat takes the chill off on cool days while fans and shading over the bar, help on brighter summer days.

Available at MDC: Tennant & Associates pool house wall covering.

LAKESIDE LIVING ROOMS
“Whether cozying up to the fireplace with a cup of coffee in the morning, dining with friends for a leisurely lunch, or reminiscing around the firepit in the evening, these outdoor “rooms” are THE places to be. My clients can watch a storm roll in protected from the elements by the covered patio located right off the kitchen, or stare at the stars from the firepit. Nothing could be better!” — Jill Schumacher, Rariden Schumacher Mio & Co.

JILL’S OUTDOOR TIPS:

• To maximize patio functionality throughout the seasons, we incorporated tinted sunscreens that drop down to protect from the blaring sun, fans to stay cool on warm summer days (and it’s hard for bugs to fly in the breeze!), and for those cool autumn nights, heaters help to extend time spent outdoors.
• When planning a lakeside outdoor space, capitalize on the view to create a memorable experience. As this home sits further away from the water, we took advantage of this position by creating a gorgeous boulder stepping path for a meandering walk down to the lake — part visual, part experience.

COMPACT COMFORT
“Designed for a compact Birmingham property just steps from downtown, this outdoor living space proves that small footprints can still deliver a powerful design impact. Our clients love to entertain, so we approached the space as an extension of the home — creating intimate conversation areas layered with texture, comfortable seating, and thoughtful scale to maximize both function and atmosphere. Because Michigan weather demands durability, we selected performance-driven outdoor furnishings and materials that can withstand the region’s colder months while still maintaining a refined, timeless aesthetic. The result is a sophisticated outdoor retreat that feels elevated, welcoming, and effortlessly livable year-round.” — Barbi Stalburg, Stalburg Design

BARBI’S OUTDOOR DESIGN TIPS:

• Consider the transition between indoors and outdoors. When entertaining, it’s important to have proper circulation for easy flow, even if the spaces are smaller.
• Adding swivel chairs allows people to sit comfortably while interacting with others.
• Invest in some outdoor accessories. These finishing touches make all the difference for overall appearance and atmosphere.
• Layer the landscaping. Floral bushes like hydrangeas provide a layer of growth in front of the arborvitae, and act as a natural privacy screen.

Available at MDC: CAI Designs outdoor accessories and side tables, Cercan Tile patio tiles.

SUNNY DISPOSITION
“The vision for this sunroom was to create a high-end, resort-like retreat that feels comfortable and chic for a young family. We made use of the space’s abundant natural light, selecting a wall color that allows the light from the windows and large French doors to bounce throughout the room and highlight the custom millwork and tray ceiling. Built-in cabinetry keeps clutter out of sight, maintaining a clean, elevated feel. Natural elements and textures, such as seagrass, rattan, a custom sisal rug, sculptural hand-carved chairs, and a rustic oak coffee table, add warmth, character, and a refined organic touch.” — Paige Loperfido, Décor & More Design Studio

PAIGE’S OUTDOOR DESIGN TIPS:

• When designing a sunroom, make the most of natural light by choosing colors that enhance and maximize brightness throughout the space.
• Be intentional with finishes, selecting materials that can withstand direct sunlight; natural options like wood and rattan work especially well.
• Choose durable, easy-to-clean flooring, as sunrooms often track in dirt from the outdoors.

Available at MDC: CAI Designs sconces and Rozmallin pillow fabrics.

ARCHITECTURAL ELEGANCE
“This original William Kessler-designed beach cottage includes open-air decks off the water-facing rooms by carving into the sloping roof structure. A thoughtful renovation placed ipe hardwood decks atop the flat roofs, seamlessly integrating them with the restored cedar wall cladding to give the space a sculptural quality. Simple monochromatic and durable furnishings add a spa-like simplicity that reinforces the architecture. Recessed and hidden storage within existing walls controls all the clutter that supports a robust outdoor lifestyle.” — Mark Johnson, Mark Johnson & Associates

MARK’S OUTDOOR ARCHITECTURAL TIPS:

• Keep the material palette simple to create unity. Extend the building materials onto walls and terraces rather than introducing new, contrasting materials. Don’t forget that trees and plants are strong contributors to the outdoor color scheme. Here, native evergreens grow right up to the edge of the building, providing strong definition to the outdoor rooms.
• Build in spaces to provide shade. In addition to traditional umbrellas and sunshades, we provided a built-in niche seat with cushions and pillows as a respite from the sun.
• Create an area for BBQ appliances. Here, the BBQ is built into a niche lined with sheet copper (matching an existing roof material) for fireproofing, with a metal cart below for storage. Plan for a quick-disconnect gas line to avoid the need for an unsightly propane tank below the grille.
• Concealed storage is invaluable for eliminating the clutter that supports an active outdoor lifestyle. Flush doors flanking the lower terraces allow umbrellas, kayaks, water skies, cushions, and hurricane candles to be stored out of sight. Also, add a foot wash or outdoor shower at the building's edge to keep sand out of the house.
• Sun and water are the maintenance enemies of outdoor spaces. Choose materials with the greatest durability and minimal maintenance. Rot-resistant, no-finish materials such as ultra-dense, tropical hardwood ipe decking, cedar walls, frost-proof stone and tile surfaces, and fade/stain resistant, solution-dyed acrylic fabrics for upholstery are all " best practice" materials. 

Available at MDC: Tennant & Associates upholstery and Schumacher ticking stripe.