Making the Most of New England’s Outdoor Seasons (Before They Freeze Over)

New England’s outdoor season is like your favorite ice cream cone on a hot summer day—gone before you’ve even started to fully enjoy it. These fleeting months are when we race to soak up the sunshine, huddle around firepits, and sip iced coffee outdoors like it’s a competitive sport. Designing outdoor spaces here isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about survival… before the snow comes back with a vengeance.

Whether it’s savoring a quiet morning coffee or gathering for a family dinner al fresco, these outdoor spaces become true extensions of the home—providing not just comfort, but a deep connection with nature and the seasons. This is what New England interior design (I mean, exterior design), is all about – making the most of each space.

City Escapes: Urban Outdoor Living (AKA Backyard Tetris)

For city folks, fabulous outdoor spaces are like gold dust. A garden-level patio becomes your weekend getaway, a rooftop deck transforms into a summer sanctuary, and your balcony? Well, it’s basically your own personal paradise (if you can ignore the neighbor’s laundry line).

In a recent Boston brownstone renovation, we created not one but three outdoor spaces. Why stop at one?! A garden patio for lounging, a second-floor deck for grilling and lunching, and a rooftop escape complete with a sun-blocking sail—because no one wants a tan line shaped like a wrought-iron chair. You’re welcome, Boston. See more of this brownstone’s interior design here.

Enhancing a Historic Poolside Paradise (Without Draining Your Wallet)

Our South Street project proves you don’t need a gut-landscape renovation to make a poolside area feel posh. Instead of tearing up the dated concrete surround at this historic Hingham home, we zhuzhed things up with designated zones – dining, lounging, and more lounging. New sliding doors connect the kitchen to a dining area, teak loungers beckon you to nap by the pool, and facing sofas encourage both awkward staring contests and evening cocktails. It’s all about options.

Vineyard Vibes (not Vines): Where Decks and Outdoor Showers Rule

Martha’s Vineyard is the pinnacle of outdoor living, and our designs rise to meet the challenge. A wraparound deck isn’t just a deck—it’s the deck. Angled chaise lounges? Yup. A dining area so close to the kitchen you can almost flip pancakes on the grill? Double yup. And let’s not forget the BEST part: an outdoor shower. Because nothing says “luxury” like rinsing off under the stars with questionable water pressure. If you know, you know.

Poolside Perfection: The Ultimate Outdoor Living Project

For one suburban family, we took “outdoor living” and turned it up to 11. A custom pool house with an outdoor kitchen, grill area, and expansive dining spaces ensures there’s room for everyone—yes, even that one neighbor who always overstays their welcome. Inside, oversized sliding doors open to create a breezy connection between the indoors and the outdoors, proving you can, in fact, have it all. (Architectural shoutout to Peter Twombly of Estes, Twombly + Titrington Architects).

Embracing New England’s Outdoor Life (Until the Nor’easters Roll In)

At the core of New England interior design is the ability to make the most of the region’s short but sweet outdoor seasons. New Englanders know better than to take their outdoor spaces for granted. That’s why durable furniture and clever storage solutions are key. Stackable chairs and hurricane-proof umbrellas mean you’re ready to pivot from sun-soaked lounging to battening down the hatches faster than you can say, “Where’s my fleece blanket?”

When the snow melts and the seasons change, these thoughtfully designed spaces are waiting—just like us—for the glorious return of spring. After all, in New England, outdoor living isn’t just a season. It’s a state of mind… until your coffee freezes mid-sip. New England interior design transforms outdoor living into an essential extension of the home, perfect for making the most of every fleeting season.

You know who to call when planning your ultimate outdoor oasis. Inquire here.