By: Tayler Cree

As the weather warms up and backyard gardening begins, now is the perfect time for homeowners to plan their outdoor décor.

TC Chou, AD-100 recognized architect, interior designer, and founder of NYC-based design firm, Design Determination, offers his insight on the best way to decorate outdoor spaces and gardening.

Which outdoor decor trends do you see being popular this spring and summer season? 

A: An outdoor planter or lighting integrated into your garden space is on trend this season. Incorporating light can extend the time spent outside so you can enjoy your garden into the late hours. Your garden is your favorite living room in the summer!

What are your must-have outdoor furniture or decor pieces? 

A: If I could have only one piece of outdoor furniture, it would be an armless lounge chair in teak wood with an adjustable back and washable cushion. It is comfortable with minimal maintenance, and easy to transform into bench seating.

What outdoor furniture or decor pieces do you see consistently standing the test of time? 

A: Great, timeless outdoor furniture would have to be a gazebo, which is considered both a structure and a free-standing furniture piece. Elements to consider in the gazebo include lighting, shade, enclosure, outdoor cooking, and seating.

How to select plants, flowers and trees to provide color, aroma and dimension? 

A: Know your plant hardiness zone and daylight conditions before selecting plants. Based on your planting zone and hours of sunlight your garden receives, you can then decide based on your preference of color and blooming season, a type of flower that will bloom in each season. This will allow you to enjoy your garden blooms longer throughout the year.

How to decorate your outdoor space to accommodate hosting? 

A: Always place your best seating area facing the best view and easy to serve from your kitchen or outdoor prep/grill area. If possible, when hosting a smaller, more intimate group of guests, you want to ensure you can easily engage with your guests, placing decorative items or potted flowers in spots that make it easier to see. Guests can enjoy the view of your garden work and make a conversation piece.

How to maximize small outdoor spaces? 

A: Think function, lighting and reflective surfaces. Find a layout that will help to reduce circulation paths and provide maximum usable space. Use some reflective vertical surface as your material to design a fence or as decorative items, for example a mirror or black acrylic panel.

Leave imagination for your space planning, make sure your seating is facing an open area or a view, facing the light is helpful, creating layers and hiding the edge of your space so you can’t tell the size of the garden, by plant or furniture. Introducing an object of interest, around seating to guide the focus in close range, helps to draw attention to the space. A small water feature that draws attention to sound is also helpful. Another option to consider is a smooth waterfall surface with a reflective vertical surface to create layers of the space. 

How to incorporate relaxing water features such as fountains and spas? 

A: When you plan for water features like fountains, you want to make sure that you pick a location that is easiest to maintain and an easily enjoyable space. Be mindful that water is not just a visual element but also provides sound, so select a proper location that is visually appealing but not too close to seating to create issues for hosting or maintenance.

How to choose outdoor furniture that is both functional and stylish? 

A: Find outdoor furniture that is made from weather-resistant material. Work with your garden color scheme, like the color of the plants and flowers, before you decide what style you want to go with. Know your dimensions before you shop for your furniture.

Learn More About TC Chou:

Having originated from an architecture and fine arts background as a distinguished painter, TC Chou embodies the essence of a multi-faceted designer. His expertise spans across various domains, encompassing luxury interiors, urban landscapes, and intricate furniture and lighting designs. 

TC attended Columbia University, where he earned his Master’s in Architecture and Urban Design. At the beginning of his career he worked under award-winning interior designer, Samuel Botero.

He now heads his own design firm, Design Determination, headquartered in New York City with offices in Taipei and Shanghai. His projects encompass a wide variety of sectors including residential, commercial and hospitality buildings. He is also a recognized LEED accredited designer with a strong foundation in interiors, project management, decoration and product design.

Some of his previous projects include Beast Boutique Gym, Christian Dior Parfums North America, Posman Books, Ritz Carlton Condo Los Angeles, Queens Living, Nanjing Jurong Model Home, Brooklyn Brownstone Eclectic, along with various residential spaces, lofts, penthouses, brownstones, flats, retail spaces, and hotels around the world. Currently he is working on the Peppa Pig Entertainment Center in Beijing, China set to open in 2025. 

Recently, there has been a notable extension in focus for him, driven by his passion for sketching, making art accessible, and fostering connections with loved ones. He is particularly intrigued by the potential of augmented reality (AR) technology and its integration into his artwork, further enhancing the accessibility and interactive nature of his creations.

Published by Jeremy S.