Celebrate Al Fresco: Dine, entertain, or retreat to your personal oasis

Imagine breathing in the fresh air, listening to the sounds of the night, looking up and wishing on the stars. 

Ah, this is al fresco.

When visiting my sister-in-law, Robin, at the Salem, Mass. waterfront, she always used to say, “Let’s eat al fresco!” 

It always sounded so European and fabulous. Lunch definitely was more enjoyable outside with a light breeze, birds chirping, clear views of the flowers and trees, and everyone was so relaxed. Just that act of taking lunch or dinner outside transported us as if on a lovely terrace in Italy or somewhere. Divine!

The beauty of living in Florida is enjoying dining or entertaining outdoors year-round, no matter the season. There is always a space right outside your door that can be transformed into a little oasis — a place to share with family, friends or have quiet time all to yourself. 

When designing for my clients, I always tie the elements of nature outside into the interiors.   Similarly, the furnishings, decor and fabrics that we bring outside need to be cohesive with the landscape and elements. Manufacturers have embraced the al fresco lifestyle even more by offering unlimited lines of weatherproof furniture, decor, fabrics and marine-grade building materials.  

My go-to vendors are Lexington, David Francis for classic styles, and Fermob for a fun Euro-style in exciting colors. Greenhouse Fabrics provides great patterns and shades for a pop of color in pillows and draperies.

Your space, your style

The extent of outdoor entertaining depends on the client and their needs or desires. One may want a cozy intimate area to relax with family that includes an outdoor sectional, colorful soft pillows, pouf ottomans, fire pit table and a TV. 

Another may prefer to have a visual barrier and create some privacy from neighbors. Natural hedges, wood or metal screens and stepped walls for planting and seating create a customized niche resembling a high-end city rooftop patio. 

And yet others enjoy larger gatherings and space to allow multiple mini groups and conversations to take place concurrently. A group might hang at the bar having cocktails and cigars, and some might sit at a table near the pool while deep conversations happen around the 5-foot diameter gas coil fire pit that can seat eight or more guests.  

If you have the space to expand your patio, summer kitchen or yard, it is amazing what a little creativity and planning can do to transform a standard outdoor space into your own tranquil haven or social space. 

Everyone’s outdoor space can be as individual as their lives. It is up to how you want to design and enjoy it. Becoming one with the natural outdoors elements is not only part of our human existence, but it is crucial for our health. Nature keeps us grounded, connects our soul to the magnetic pull of the earth, teaches us an appreciation of the world and miracles around us. 

Take it all in as you breathe the fresh air or wish on the stars above. This is your oasis.  

Kristina Kitsopoulos, a licensed interior designer and owner of K2 Living Well, has been practicing for over 22 years. She provides interior design consultation for both residential and commercial interiors offering a full spectrum of services from color theory to new-build or full-renovation coordination. She specializes in harmonizing spaces with natural elements and organic form. Learn more at k2livingwell.com