Date: July 30, 2022 | Story: Tiffany Adams | Photography: Rett Peek | Styling: Stephanie Maxwell Newton |
Designer Daniel Keeley brings cosmopolitan style to a south Arkansas outdoor space
Creating a refined place to unwind was the goal behind Dr. Jeffrey Reinhart’s backyard makeover. Having lived in his Monticello home for decades, he is no stranger to renovations. Most recently, he worked with Tom Chandler & Associates to refresh the home’s interiors, which prompted him to call on longtime friend and outdoor designer Daniel Keeley to create a similar aesthetic outside.
“We know the client, and we know Tom’s style,” Daniel says. “With those thoughts in mind, we wanted to make it a sophisticated space that is an extension of the interiors and feels worldly and collected over time,” he adds, pointing to a number of pieces and plantings throughout that have an Asian influence. While the covered structure was already in place, Daniel transformed a formerly grassy area next to the koi pond into a patio. He notes the client’s draw to adventure led them to incorporate a pebble-shaped firepit here.
Aside from this newly created space, Daniel also refreshed the existing structure with furnishings and accessories that are cohesive with the home’s overall style. “We were trying to be as indoorsy as possible,” he says. To this point, comfort was key. Two seating areas—one in the covered area and a second on the open-air patio—provide space to lounge and can accommodate a crowd, while being equally conducive to enjoying a cup of coffee on a quiet morning.
Natural Destination
A wooden bridge leads across a koi pond to the newly created firepit area. Daniel took a dual approach to screening this portion of the yard with evergreens that will mature overtime in the back and large containers holding Japanese maples and liriope in the front. An overscale Asian bust makes a statement on the console table behind the sofa.
Roundback barstools mimic the curvature seen on nearby sofas, helping to unite the spaces.
“We wanted to make it a sophisticated space that is an extension of the interiors and feels worldly and collected over time.” —Daniel Keeley, designer
An ornamental pond stocked with koi brings a soothing, sensory experience to the space.
Daniel notes caning on the two outdoor sofas elevates the look and makes it feel more like an interior space. “This is not your average patio furniture; caning is an element you don’t often see in outdoor spaces,” he says.
Tom Chandler & Associates specified an Italian tile that runs throughout the interior and continues to the covered space outdoors for a seamless flow.
A mix of Japanese maples and liriope bring texture and play into the Asian influence found throughout the garden.
Design Resources
Landscape and outdoor design Daniel Keeley, DK Design Accessories DK Design and Tipton & Hurst Furniture and plants DK Design Koi pond fish and plants Green Thumb Water Garden
