Designer Room Tour: Elza B. Design

Design: Elza B. Design

Warm weather calls for spaces that embrace the season with easy furnishings, pops of color, and a gorgeous view. This sun room designed by Barbara Elza Hirsch, owner of Elza B. Design hits all the right notes with it's updated wicker chairs and comfortable entertaining spaces. Read on to get all of Barbara's secrets to creating the perfect summer look.

Design: Elza B. Design

What was your inspiration for this space?

I was inspired by the water and surrounding landscaped garden. It was winter when I was designing the space but the water view and the touches of greenery outside offered an inspiring palette. As a gardener I was able to envision the potential of this very large porch in the summer months and I wanted it to feel elegant yet relaxed.

What made you decide to mix distressed pieces with more modern elements such as the dining chairs?

That's what I love to do. I come from Europe where we are in the habit of mixing old and new, and so I've come to think eclectically. I also am very drawn to the textural contrasts of contemporary pieces next to vintage finds.

It looks like the perfect spot for a summer soiree! Do you have any tips for warm-weather entertaining?

Layering is key. An outdoor rug, comfortable seating, and plush outdoor pillows create a backdrop for your gathering. At the serving table set a big water dispenser with slices of lemon next to a bucket of ice and white wine so that guests can help themselves. Place candles in lanterns and string lights through trees to add ambiance and don't forget mosquito control. The secret is to make it feel casual yet intimate.

Design: Elza B. Design

Can you walk us through your space planning process for this room?

I wanted to focus on the view with a seating area facing the water. The dining room area on the other end of the room has a console table for holding games and beverages. A slim bench along the wall helps transition the two spaces and provides additional seating.

Some folks are weary of using white in an indoor/outdoor space. What are your designer secrets for making lighter colors work in high traffic areas?

Indoors I recommend Crypton coated fabrics to create washable slipcovers. These are great for families with kids and pets. Outdoors, Sunbrella fabrics are the best. Use colorful polypropylene rugs in high traffic areas to add some color and make dirt less visible. It's important to remember to bring pillows inside when the space is not in use or the weather is bad and vacuum furniture pieces and rugs at the end of the season.

We love your layers of patterned pillows. How did you decide which colors and patterns would work in the room?

It's a very fine balancing act between the patterns playing off each other but also how they work in relation to everything else in the room.

What is your go-to finishing touch when styling any room?

Accessories such as throws or trays are always a go-to, but the important secret to finishing a room is wall art. Do not underestimate the importance of art in a room design. 

Design: Elza B. Design