For nearly a decade, Kathy Peterson has been one of the nation’s top decorating experts, having authored five books, including “Kathy Peterson’s Great Outdoor Decorating Makeovers,” and appearing on countless television programs on HGTV, DIY Network, E! and more. (Currently, Peterson is a co-host on Lifetime’s new “The Balancing Act.”) Read on as she offers up ideas on how to refresh your open-air space, including a do-it-yourself project that is sure to charge up your creativity and find a new use for that dresser collecting dust in the corner of your guest room.
First, it can always increase the value of your home; and it can extend the square footage of your home and create an extra room. The outdoor space is often neglected, overlooked. It is used as a catchall. It can actually become, even if it doesn’t have four walls, an outdoor room and a great place to entertain or sit and relax.
How can people make their outdoor spaces suitable season to season?
Colors are really going to be key. If you can see the outdoor space from your windows, you don’t want to have turquoise and vibrant colors because, in the wintertime, that isn’t going to make you feel warm. You want to be conducive to what your surroundings are—more earth tones, clay colors. When you have cushions, you want to make sure you are using the right kind of [weather-resistant] products.
Any tips for choosing colors?A lot of times, people are so afraid of color. They don’t know what to do or what choices to make. A simple solution is going to your closet and seeing what colors you like to wear. That can be a definite buffer into the color zone. I live in South Florida, and I am constantly on my back porch. My home has warm yellows and blues, so I carry those colors onto the porch so it is all connected. You should really carry your décor and your colors from the inside of your house to the outside so it is cohesive and connective. It doesn’t [have to] match exactly, but the feel is there [and] can be done with fabrics and accessories.
One of your design staples is using everyday items in unexpected ways. Why is that?
It is fun to go on a treasure hunt in your home and pull out items you don’t really want to part with or donate but are just taking up space. If you have a chest of drawers, give it a fresh coat of paint, put in on the porch in a protected area, and use it as a buffet to serve food from. Or use it as a potting station for your plants. [To protect wood furniture from the elements], you can use sealers that have stain in them. The same [goes for] accessories.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?It brings me a lot of happiness. I have so much fun doing what I am doing. I am passionate about what I do—I just enjoy it. It is like being a kid in a candy store.
What are your passions outside of your career?
I love to refurbish and paint furniture. I love crafting—I love anything I can do with my hands, like sewing. I did all my own drapes and pillows for my home. I want it to be reflective of me and not just store-bought. I love to travel and network with people. I love to learn and educate myself, whether it is marketing or design or spirituality. And I like to relax a little now and again.
Kathy Peterson’s Fab Five
What five things can’t this decorator live without?
“My pet, Narnia.”
“My back porch is very important to me.”
“Fabric.”
“I love flowers.”
“I always enjoy entertaining my friends.”
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