ohnotheydidnt

When actress and singer Lea Michele asked us to help transform her outdoor space, we jumped at the chance. “The two things I wanted were to add color and to make it more comfortable,” says Michele of her idea for an outdoor space better suited to hosting in LA’s near-perfect weather. With that in mind, our own Estee Stanley and Mat Sanders reimagined spring’s palette in fresh Sunbrella fabrics, plopped concrete poodles from LA’s Inner Gardens on the poolside, and transformed Lea’s space into an outdoor wonderland using mixed pieces from Crate & Barrel‘s spring outdoor collections. Read on for Lea’s tips on nailing the looks she loves most in your own backyard.




Create the feeling of escape with outdoor fabrics:



“I really love the curtains that we added around the pavilion. Now I look into the backyard and see these dramatic striped curtains and blue cushions. It’s just so much more beautiful.”



Know your signature flower power:



“Indoors, my favorite flowers are Mums. And I really love Gardenias around my house.”



Robin egg blue is in for spring:



“I really like the girly elements Estee brings in. I probably would not have picked the robin egg blue at first sight, but now that it’s there, it’s perfect.”




The best ice-breaker is a cozy floor plan:



“Make the environment comfortable with lots of places where people can move around and sit. They will feel like this is their home too, not that they are in someone else’s space.”



Spring’s “it” drink: a Pimm’s Buck with edible flowers for garnish:



“The key to hosting the perfect outdoor party is a great drink. Our Pimm’s cocktails had beautiful flowers in them — both inviting and delicious.



Simple, garden-fresh dishes keep the party casual:



Chef Nimer served crispy chicken cutlets and a fresh bibb lettuce salad with roasted garlic buttermilk dressing. Click through for the recipes below.

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what's your dream home/area look like ontd? mine is miss honey's cottage