3 California Spaces Perfect For Entertaining Alfresco

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Think beyond the patio for entertaining alfresco, with these full-fledged outdoor spaces worth lingering in well past sunset.

Second Nature

3 California Spaces Perfect For Entertaining Alfresco

Taking full advantage of the dry Coronado landscape, designer Casey Browar created an open-air great room as an ode to the hacienda courtyard lifestyle–with all the accompanying leisurely trappings.

1. Party Line: Craft an engaging atmosphere for fun and frolic with distinctive conversation spots made for mingling. Here, diverse seating options help define different spaces, from the sleek barstools in the bar area to the inviting wicker lounge chairs and sofas around the fireplace.

2. Weather Worn: Showcase the alchemy of materials exposed to the elements with raw, unpolished surfaces, like the reclaimed barnwood lining the walls of the cocktail station or the rustic patina of the chandelier from RH.

3. Garden State: Plantings feel just as sculptural when made a part of the home’s architecture. Feathery vines climbing up the columns add refreshing greenery as well as interesting texture.

4. Fire Born: A streamlined fireplace can make nights by the fire feel refined and cozy. This mantel made of Jerusalem limestone brings a clean contrast to the room’s highly textured finishes.

Swing Time

3 California Spaces Perfect For Entertaining Alfresco

Copious amounts of vintage glam and desert sunshine permeate this Palm Springs home updated by architect James Schmidt, who seamlessly melded the interiors with the breathtaking expanse of the surrounding mountains.

1. No Boundaries: Sweeping, floor-to-ceiling glass doors are a must in creating that fluid connection with the desert. Here, an entire wall slides open for effortless flow between indoors and out.

2. Desert Days: Consider taking note from nature when composing your interior’s color palette. In this seating area, for instance, the earthy taupe of the Bacharach swivel chairs by Jonathan Adler, paired with the vivid orange of the vintage Moroccan rug, mirror the iconic desert hues of Palm Springs.

3. Home Turf: Capture the unique outdoor milieu of your environs with some iconic pieces. Nothing exudes retro Palm Springs patio culture more than this 1960s Rohe Noordwolde hanging chair with its midcentury silhouette and effortless spirit.

4. High Climbs: A minimalist banister proves essential when featuring such picturesque views. The slender railings leave a clear sight line to the surrounding’s signature palm trees while remaining harmonious with the home’s style.

Bolt Of Blue

3 California Spaces Perfect For Entertaining Alfresco

The hectic city hum of Los Angeles seems to melt away in this Kara Smith-designed sun room, blissfully tucked away in the Hollywood Hills to take full advantage of Southern California mornings.

1. Pearly Whites: Nothing reflects sunshine better than a crisp, alabaster color scheme, nicely defined here with the pristine walls and slipcovers over the seating, and punctuated simply with pops of blue to complement the original vintage tiles on the floor.

2. Shadow Play: Cast a striking silhouette against the sky with dramatic fenestration. The slender and symmetrical framing surrounding the tall doors injects some architectural girth to the towering glass while still conveying a sense of lightness.

3. Painted Veil: Soften part of your wall-to-wall windows with some barely there draperies, like these ethereal curtains made with fabric by Chella, which reveals a different facet of the daylight.

4. Light Fantastic: Skip traditional alfresco lighting for something more distinctive. A glittery crystal chandelier conveys gentility while drawing the eyes upward to the high ceiling.