Lake Minnetonka patio
2006 ASID Showcase House
Nature-inspired reds and greens compliment the surroundings
Unique, playful seating captures the imagination
Before: The well-situated patio needed some design inspiration
Situated on Lake Minnetonka between Wayzata and Gray’s Bay, this Cotswold-style cottage home is both rustic and elegant. A well-situated but underutilized front patio sits outside the home’s dining room; with some help from fusion designed, the patio is now the perfect place to linger over morning coffee or after-dinner drinks.
The newly redesigned outdoor room derives its calming energy by using the five elements of Feng Shui: fire, water, metal, earth and wood. The goal of the project was to create a defined yet open environment to encourage relaxation and reflection.
Cottage-style aged metal fencing creates a sense of space, while an eclectic mix of statuaries, urns and topiaries tucked among furniture, foliage and flowers help complete this outdoor sanctuary. Organic striped cushions in earthy reds and greens accentuate the patio’s inviting feel while complimenting the gorgeous surroundings.
Round and curved objects help facilitate a positive flow of energy, and we used red throughout our textile choices and floral plantings to create a sense of excitement for the patio and entry area. Shady fern pillows were a natural choice for this east-facing patio, which tends to be drenched in cool shade most of the day.
The resulting outdoor room is a stylish, practical and relaxing retreat that can be used as flexible entertaining space or a private area for reflection and meditation.
