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PAPERCITY PROMOTION S ummer heat permitting, Texans are lucky that we can enjoy the outdoors year-round. From lunches on the patio and holiday gatherings around the pool to simply enjoying coffee with the morning sun, your outdoor space can be a true extension of your indoor lifestyle — when planned with both form and function in mind. Enter Javier Burkle, a Dallas designer known for his ability to translate every detail of an outdoor space with the client's lifestyle, personality, and needs in mind. The result is as beautiful as it is practical. A Place to Dine "Think of outdoor living in terms of sections," Burkle says. "Always start with the dining table — this is where you'll enjoy a casual dinner as a family and entertain friends. Decide on the best location for your table and chairs based on where the light hits during the evening. You don't want blinding light at sunset hitting you or your guests." Outdoor An Indoor Approach to A HOW-TO GUIDE TO CREATING THE PERFECT BACKYARD ESCAPE WITH JAVIER BURKLE He recommends metal for the table and natural materials for accents and accessories. "Metal stands up to the weather better than anything else. Of all the pieces for your outdoor living spaces, you'll likely have the table and chairs the longest. Mix and match them. I love a look that feels like it's evolved over time." Make sure you have a good serving table nearby, so you don't have to hop back and forth to your kitchen. "Thanks to this setup, everyone will be more relaxed," he says. "Especially you." A Place to Sit "I think of the seating area outside the same way I approach an indoor formal living room," Burkle says. "Start with a comfortable sofa as the centerpiece and work your way out, from accent chairs to a coffee table and drink tables. Anything from a daybed to a bench can result in a well-rounded space." If the sitting area isn't naturally shaded, have standing umbrellas handy to block the sun when needed. Keep the color theme consistent for cohesion throughout the space, but don't overthink each piece too much. "Have fun collecting," he says. "Some of my favorite pieces were picked up at vintage shops or antique fairs like Round Top. Those are fun because they tell a story. It's all about the mix." A Place to Relax "Is there anything more luxurious than a chaise longue!" Burkle says. "Every backyard space needs at least one, and most likely two!" Think of a set of lounge chairs as your personal space to start or end the day, or as the perfect place to take a call, read a book, or catch some sun in solitude. The best lounge spots are often situated in a place of their own, from a small patio off the primary bedroom to a quiet corner by the pool. "Add a small table and place your favorite potted plants nearby to create a personalized oasis," he says. A Place to Garden Whether you're a gardening aficionado with a green thumb or you simply enjoy keeping a few seasonal potted plants, flowers, or herbs in bloom, designate a place in your outdoor area for gardening tools and accessories. Javier recommends a spot near a water source and choosing a durable shelter from the sun and rain, whether it's an awning, a cover, or even a small greenhouse-like structure. "The options are endless, but the more equipped your space is, the more you'll enjoy it," he says. Burkle Creative burklecreative.com Javier Burkle Cozy fireside seating Outdoor seating a la living room Nothing is more relaxing than a chaise longue. PHOTOGRAPHY COSTA CHRIST PHOTOGRAPHY BECKLEY PHOTOGRAPHY COSTA CHRIST 88