People love to tell us that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but in the design world, it all starts with an Eye for Pretty. Founder Nicole Salceda created her full-service design studio and shop, Eye For Pretty At Home, to bring her elevated aesthetic of bright, airy minimalism to the classic California casual lifestyle (fun fact: design used to be a hobby and then she got so busy, she quit her job as an elementary school teacher to do it full time). Her team does everything from new builds to renovations to interiors and furnishings, but one of her personal favorites is designing outdoor spaces.
GET IN THE MIX – Nicole’s personal outdoor space
“I love the juxtaposition of different materials and styles – even sometimes in very unexpected ways. In my yard, I combine things other people might not put together like a set of airy Napa dining chairs to accent the industrial flair of my Bordeaux dining table.”
“And a fire table is an essential piece for my outdoor space. I have the Coronado Table and it’s so cozy to gather around it on the sofa in the evenings. It really warms up the energy of the whole space.”
WORDS TO LIVE + CREATE BY – Advice for design newbies
Don’t over-design
“Let each piece of furniture speak for itself by giving it room to breathe. Some of the more interesting or colorful pieces will command attention. And don’t feel like you have to hang something on every wall just because it’s there. Let the blank spaces have a voice too.”
Think about flow.
“A well-designed space has great flow. There are multiple areas to congregate, and people will find comfy spots to stop and stay awhile. It’s important to know how you will use a space and design for that.”
Be real
“Only you know how much maintenance you actually will do. If you’re not the type to bring your furniture (or at least the cushions) in for winter, be honest about that. I love the weathered teak of the Belvedere Collection because it’s already faded to the perfect color and texture. Concrete is another great material for the low-maintenance crowd. The Mason Collection is super durable and timeless.”
Get inspired
“If you can’t afford to have someone design your space for you, follow the Instagram accounts of the people who inspire you. They always link to the product they use. Check out @terraoutdoorliving and copy what you love. It’s the highest form of flattery!”
EYE ON THE FUTURE
Follow Eye for Pretty on Instagram @eyeforpretty
Contact Eye for Pretty for design projects through their site: www.eyeforpretty.com
Visit Eye for Pretty at Home (https://eyeforprettyathome.com/) at 200 Hartz Ave, Suite C Danville, California (map)
(pictured above)The Montara Live Edge Teak Standard Dining Table with the Cavallo Dining Chair in Teak