Designing Outside the Box

By Nicole Castillo

TV shows—such as those on HGTV—and countless home-design publications have created extreme interest in the beauty and functionality of outdoor entertaining spaces. Living outside the walls of one's home is an especially large part of life in the Hamptons; designs often extend to the exterior, where relaxing and entertaining seamlessly integrate with the environment.

Pembrooke Fine Landscapes has designed and created several outdoor living spaces for many of the finest homes in The Hamptons. Their design and build approach has successfully created fine outdoor living on properties from oceanfront estates to country farmhouses, and anything in between.

Pembrooke's design concepts always incorporate the natural beauty that surrounds Hamptons' homes. One of the best ways to make use of the surrounding natural space and truly define it as an outdoor room—and a favorite of Pembrooke's—is through a pergola. Pembrooke designs pergolas to emphasize the natural landscape, whether it's overlooking the ocean in Sagaponack, the dunes of Montauk, a negative-edge pool in North Haven, or an old country barn in Amagansett. Handcrafted custom stone and patio work, correct elevation with a backdrop, ideal lighting, thoughtful design elements, exceptional furnishings, attractive and functional ceiling fans, customized entertainment integration, and carefully chosen plantings all allow the pergola to become a natural extension of the Hamptons home.

Another element Pembrooke recommends working into the outdoor space is a finely-crafted and well-built custom stone fireplace. These outdoor fireplaces are often designed and built around the pool and spa area, patio, or pergola—blending in to create the ideal setting for memories of gathering around the fireplace, toasting marshmallows, and the indescribable feeling of sitting fireside and poolside on a gorgeous Hamptons summer evening.

The proper design and installation of an outdoor kitchen is another essential component of luxurious outdoor living. Pembrooke works alongside the top-notch contractors that are required for the proper installation of an outdoor kitchen. Most signature outdoor kitchens include high-end grills, refrigerators, ice makers, a double sink, hot and cold running water, custom counter tops and storage areas, and stone work that integrates the cooking area with the scenery of the backyard, pool, and patio. Attention to detail and the special touches result in outdoor kitchens that are more enjoyable, more functional, and more attractive, largely because of the way they blend in effortlessly with the landscape.

Whether it's a pergola, a fireplace, or a kitchen, any addition to an outdoor living space will guarantee a beautiful summer in the Hamptons—and a home that's sure to impress.
For more information:
pembrookefinelandscapes.com