Even if you wouldn't buy a coordinated furniture set for the rest of your house, there's something about the outdoors that lends itself to simple, one-and-done furniture solutions. However, as this 'fast fashion' approach to interiors falls out of favor, the outdoor space is changing as well. Images of Rod Stewart's backyard from the '70s show just how chic the alternative can be.
The singer's backyard was full of stunning wrought iron furniture, wicker pieces, and an antique stone fountain. A photoshoot from 1973 at his Berkshire, UK home shows Rod lounging across various stunning vignettes. His wrought iron pieces are painted white, and his wicker rocking chair is refreshingly bare. The fountain adds some height. All of these pieces are nestled amidst hanging planters and bushes chosen for maximum privacy.
Even at the time when Rod was decorating his backyard idea with these pieces, they were remnants of another era. It's a testament to the power of decorating with vintage in the outdoors. To explore this trend, let's dive into what works about Rod's outdoors. I've curated an edit of the best vintage-inspired outdoor furniture to recreate his look.
Recreate Rod Stewart's Garden at Home
A European-style fountain is the perfect way to upgrade any garden. This scalloped one is especially beautiful.
If you love the intricate wrought iron look, this 3-piece aluminium bistro set from Amazon is absolutely stunning. It would be perfect for enetertaining this summer.
Combine the two looks with a wicker rocking chair. This set of two will bring a relaxed symmetry to a veranda and could be paired with a matching couch, or a wooden framed one for contrast.
This hanging basket is a brilliant addition to your porch, patio or living area. The tapered base adds a dash of contemporary flair.
Ficus is one of the most popular privacy hedges in Los Angeles and Southern California. Fast-growing, upright, and evergreen, they stay lush and green all year round.
The American Boxwood Shrub is a dependable favorite. Easily shaped and trained, it makes a striking foundation hedge when planted in a row or adds year-round privacy and greenery when lined along your porch.
Outdoor design trends are shifting to reflect Rod's choice. In a recent interview with the acclaimed interior designer Nate Berkus, he told me that his biggest pet peeve in outdoor spaces is a matching set. Though these pieces are widely available, they lack personality and longevity. Nate instead recommended perusing local flea markets, antique shows, and estate sales to find a variety of vintage pieces. He explained that styling the outdoors of your home just as you would with the interiors of your house brings personality and longevity.
In Rod's space, we see the beauty of wrought iron and rattan, but we've also witnessed the return of color, pattern, and fringe to these once minimalist spaces. Interior designer Priya Gupta advises: 'We are seeing people take more chances and express not just through fashion but with their outdoor home furnishing choices. What I mean is that color, pattern, and textures are on the rise. So, I'm not surprised how fringe is getting back in fashion. It has the ability to add instant drama and is versatile depending on how we use it. It can be dramatic when used in a contrasting color and in size.'
She continues: 'At the same time, it can be subtle when used tone on tone and can look very polished and put together. I think after Covid, there was a decline in minimalistic contemporary looks. They appeared very sterile and boring. Instead, we started seeing eclectic, vintage style combined with clean lines appear everywhere. We were looking for warmth and rich textures and tones around us.'
Overall, this gorgeous outdoor space is a reminder to embrace personality outside the home as much as we do on the inside. No matter what vintage aesthetic you love, this is your sign to bring it to your backyard.
