Author: Fallon Easton

Let’s face it – most of us make outdoor kitchen planning too complicated. We need a simple cooking area, not a spaceship.

I’ve seen many people overcomplicate their outdoor cooking setup. It’s like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions.

A good outdoor kitchen program has four key parts: prep, cook, serve, and lounge. This balance is key to a great outdoor cooking experience.

Imagine your outdoor kitchen as a culinary theater. You’re both the director and the star. Being close to your indoor space is important.

Margaret Donaldson of MDI Luxury Design gets it right. These spaces should feel … Read the rest

Outdoor lighting is more than just avoiding tripping over your dog at night. It’s about creating a nighttime wonderland that rivals Gatsby’s parties.

We aim for three key things: safety that doesn’t look like a prison yard, drama that rivals Broadway, and orientation that’s easy to follow. It’s all about making your outdoor space both safe and stunning.

Luxury outdoor lighting is like a mix of security and art. It’s about creating a design that looks good, keeps you safe, and adds value to your property.

Why just light a path when you can create an experience? Mastering the … Read the rest

Let’s be honest – most landscapes are like that quiet cousin at family reunions: pleasant enough, but utterly forgettable.

What if your outdoor space could channel the dramatic flair of Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul or the curated genius of Jardin Majorelle?

I’m talking about treating your exterior not as mere greenery, but as a living gallery where every plant, every path, every placement tells a story.

This isn’t just about sticking a gnome between your petunias. It’s about developing a curatorial point of view that transforms your yard into something worthy of critical acclaim.

Think of yourself as the MoMA … Read the rest

Welcome to your backyard’s existential crisis. Are you building Versailles or Walden Pond? This choice defines everything about your outdoor space.

Formal designs demand geometric precision. Think Roman fountains that would make Caesar proud. Clean lines, symmetry, and architectural discipline reign supreme.

Naturalistic approaches whisper. They embrace organic forms and meandering streams that say “I woke up like this.”

Your decision impacts material selection, maintenance commitment, and possibly your social standing among landscape enthusiasts. Choose wisely.

This isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about your relationship with nature itself. Will you control it or let it control you?

Siting for sun, wind,

… Read the rest