Life is not always a linear path. Designer Angela Colombo Heckler got her start as an actor. She also worked in nonprofit fundraising and corporate marketing for 18 years.
But she never shook the calling of her first passion – designing spaces. “I realized that what I was meant to do had been nagging at me all along,” Angela says. “I’ve been designing spaces my whole life. I just figured every 9-year-old on a playdate spent time redesigning their friend’s living room.”
“I’ve been designing spaces my whole life.”
That’s how SolGrace Home was born. Angela explains, “I had remodeled and redecorated every home I had ever lived in, from college dorms and apartments to the first small homes I lived in with my husband and kids. Once I acknowledged that my artistic abilities in design could be my ‘real’ job, everything changed. I left my steady corporate job in June 2023 and took SolGrace Home full-time as a full home and outdoor patio design company.”
We sat down with Angela to learn more about her history in home design. She also shared what makes Terra furniture her go-to choice, and how she approaches outdoor patio design projects.
(pictured above) End result of transformation of a client atrium area. New outdoor furniture including loveseats and lounge chairs from the Sonora collection, paired with an Aspen fire table.
How’d You Start Designing Outdoor Patios & Living Spaces?
Being fortunate enough to live in Northern California, outdoor living is very much a part of our family’s life. When we bought our house in the midst of the pandemic, we quickly realized how essential a functional and beautiful outdoor space would be. I designed our front yard/backyard remodel and took a (very nervous) leap by posting about it on Instagram, and that’s how SolGrace Home began.
I was literally shaking with panic the first time I posted. Then I thought about my kids, and if they would want Mom to do it scared or never try at all? The answer in my mind was clear and so SolGrace is a tribute to my children and their middle names – Solomon and Grace.
As SolGrace Home grew, people would reach out to me through DMs asking if I lived near them and if I could do the same thing to their outdoor space. That’s how I booked my very first design client.
Find more inspiration from SolGrace Home on Instagram @solgracehome
(pictured above) Before and after view of Angela’s personal outdoor patio design project, featuring outdoor wicker seating from the Carmel collection and a large cantilever umbrella.
What Role Does Furniture Play When Planning Outdoor Spaces?
It is the icing on the cake – pretty dry without it, right? If you build a beautiful space but there’s nowhere to gather, you’ve missed the mark.
SolGrace Home’s philosophy is building beautiful spaces that draw you into the outdoors. Yes, they’re lovely to look at, but they must be functional as well, and that’s where furniture is essential.
Plan for furniture as a budget item just like any other component of your yard. If you want to really use the space, you’ll be happy you invested in quality pieces that are durable outside. Furniture with an out-door remodel cannot be an afterthought, it needs to be a part of the design plan throughout.
(pictured above) Before and after view of Angela’s front porch area, featuring Sonora swivel lounge chairs in charcoal aluminum, along with a relocated Tahoe fire table from her backyard.
What Makes Terra Furniture Good Outdoor Spaces?
My last Terra all-weather wicker set and Bordeaux concrete pieces lasted me 10 years before I sent them to a client to live a new life in their yard. The quality and craftsmanship are simply unmatched.
I also think Terra has the perfect combination of classic and timeless pieces like all-weather wicker and teak in addition to trending styles and unique finds, like their woven rope collections.
(pictured above) Angela and family gathered around a Bordeaux concrete dining table
What Are Some Tips For Others Looking to Transform Outdoor Spaces?
Build your space from the ground up. If you will need to phase the project due to budget, get your full plan together, strip everything away that you want to get rid of and get the ground ready for all the phases.
“Getting the bones of your yard in place first will be the biggest pay off for you.”
For example, if you have old broken concrete and a backyard layout that doesn’t make sense, start there. Leave space for landscaping, knowing that’s the easiest thing to add in and change over time.
Getting the bones of your yard in place first will be the biggest pay off for you – patios, decks, retaining walls and concrete.
(pictured above) Enjoying outdoor dining with loved ones following an outdoor patio design project