Designer Spotlight: Lisa Eppley-Pelusi
A Riverfront Residential Garden
Supporting and advocating for the designers and users of beautiful spaces, as well as the artists and manufacturers of the carefully selected objects that fill them, is my passion. I had the pleasure of collaborating with Country Casual Teak on a second residential garden design project by the talented team at Campion Hruby Landscape Architects (CHLA). This private garden, set along the Potomac River in Alexandria, Virginia, was designed by Kevin Campion, with Joe Heilman managing the project.
The outcome was a testament to the creativity and dedication of many, including Chris Tucker of MODE4 Architecture, the construction managers at CHLA, and the contractors, along with countless other unsung heroes like the vendors at Country Casual Teak. The client, with their keen creative eye and exemplary communication, made the furniture selection process a true partnership.
Country Casual Teak stands out for its unmatched service, quality and design. When the homeowners expressed an interest in comfort and versatility, I knew CCT would be a perfect fit to present to the landscape architects. Once the client visualized how the Country Casual Teak furnishings would complement the modern design of their home and its natural materials, the decision was clear. Visiting the showroom and experiencing the furniture firsthand made their choice even easier.
My confidence in Country Casual Teak assured me that the results would be exceptional, and that the procurement process would be handled with the utmost care. These special clients would not only receive a top-notch product but also develop a positive relationship with the furniture vendor. CCT is dedicated to making their customers happy and honoring the design intent, whether by customizing pieces or deeply understanding how a client and garden will interact with the furniture.
Versatility was a key consideration for this project. Some of the furnishings needed to be stackable and interchangeable to accommodate reopening views, adjusting to seasonal changes and meeting entertainment needs, all while letting the striking architecture take center stage. With Country Casual Teak, everything blends seamlessly. There is a piece for every need and every style, including the modern landscapes that Campion Hruby Landscape Architects design to celebrate nature’s beauty, as seen in the stunning images of this project. I smile with gratitude when I think of the guests who will enjoy these spaces, seated in the furniture I helped select. It was a joy to contribute to creating such inviting spaces for reflection and socialization.
As the outdoor furniture specialist on this project, here are my key takeaways:
Tip #1: Versatility in Modern Spaces: When designing for modern spaces, suggest versatile, stackable and storable options to maintain simplicity in areas with changing seasonal views, requirements and varying numbers of users.
Tip #2: Balancing Practicality and Comfort: When combining natural and rustic materials with clean lines, prioritize both practicality and comfort. Look for timeless brands like Country Casual Teak, which innovate while maintaining traditional values and introducing a fresh modern aesthetic.
Tip #3: Understanding Your Client’s Color Language: Color is deeply personal. Just as everyone has a landscape memory, they also have a color memory. Especially in outdoor environments, color is inevitable. Neutrality doesn’t always make sense. In this project, the colors of a favorite painting in the home’s foyer became an inspiration. Pay attention to your client’s color language to maximize its impact and evoke emotion.
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