Styleguide

When the editors of Pottery Barn's Inside & Out blog challenged me to style some of their new outdoor accessories at home, I knew my barren yard would be put to the test. I'd been aching to create an outdoor space where I could sip cocktails while catching up with friends, but my commitment-phobe tendencies always ruled out traditional dining sets or gigantic loungers. Small, dispersed trees in my yard made stringing lights nearly impossible. I started with four leather Mexican patio chairs and an unflattering floodlight, but with the help of some accessories and simple styling tricks, I managed to turn my outdoor fantasy into a reality. Keep reading for tips on how to tackle this in just a day!

We are huge fans of textile designer John Robshaw, but since we are still waiting for our invitation to visit his house (ahem), we just have to make do with some good old-fashioned voyeurism. Accented with shades of cerulean, his signature ethnic fabrics, and natural finishes, Mr. Robshaw's office manages to be stimulating and calming all at once — a combination that can be tricky to pull off. We dissected some of our favorite elements, like the two-toned paint job and modern campaign desk, and found similar versions that will help you get the look. Don't forget to check out the rest of the house tour on Elle Decor!