When we heard our pal Helena Glazer Hodne, the famed fashion and lifestyle blogger behind Brooklyn Blonde, was renovating her outdoor patio, we couldn’t wait to see the finished product. We knew that Helena’s love for all-things neutral combined with her keen sense of style and design would make for a small space Brooklyn oasis.
Born and raised in Queens, New York, Helena is no stranger to making the most out of square footage. “While we love the hustle and bustle of the city, it was incredibly important to my husband and I to create what felt like a mini escape from the city,” she says. “We wanted a backyard that felt like a retreat in the jungle a space where we could unwind and relax after a chaotic day, but also a space suitable to entertaining.”
“While we love the hustle and bustle of the city, it was incredibly important to my husband and I to create what felt like a mini escape.”
Helena chose our sleek teak Tambora Modular Seating. It’s the perfect size for her little family, including 2-year-old Nate, with enough room for guests to gather round. “We opted for light cushions, and while we knew it would come with its share of maintenance, Frontgate outdoor furniture covers have been our savior,” she says.
Her favorite piece in the serene setting is the Nadia Beverage Tub Coffee Table. Its streamlined design and mixed material finish make it a statement in and of itself. But its removable teak center takes its functional appeal to new heights with a concealed beverage tub that can be filled with ice to keep summer libations chilled the evening thorough. “It’s so brilliantly made, but also such a functional piece,” Helena says.
So, what’s her number one piece of advice for city-dwellers looking to design a small outdoor space of their own? Opt for planters of various sizes. “We got a variety of small, large and hanging planters,” she says, “and it really helps create not only depth, but a truly magical atmosphere as well.”
“The most fun part about the designing the space was focusing in on the vibe my husband and I wanted. It turned out we were drawn to the same exact pieces and style. Earthy neutrals with pops from planters, like bronze accents, and green plants everywhere.”
Helena Glazer Hodne launched her blog in 2010 after a conversation with her boyfriend (now husband) about her passions for putting together outfits and merchandising products to sell in online marketplaces. Helena shares her insights on fashion, beauty and skincare, motherhood and life with her many followers on her blog Brooklyn Blonde and on Instagram @brooklynblonde1.
Show us how you designed your city-sized outdoor space by following @frontgate and using #Frontgate.
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