Kellie Smith and Melanie Hönig, co-founders of home decor brand SmithHönig, have different ideas about outdoor living. When they’re working together in the studio, they see things differently, too. That’s part of what makes their styles so unique – and compelling.
Melanie leans towards the classics, viewing the world through a lens of literary references and history. Kellie likes to push both boundaries and buttons, mixing color and texture with strategic abandon and always with an eye to glam things up.
These days, they’re each spending more time at home, working remotely, social distancing and getting outside when they can. Here’s a look at their individual outdoor styles.
At Home with Melanie
Melanie’s garden is an ever-evolving project, filled with cosy living spaces and plants passed down for generations. Her mother was a prolific flower cultivator and her father, a book-loving aficionado of garden techniques and experiments. (Ask her, sometime, about his barley obsession!)
Melanie designed the space herself. Always a masterpiece-in-progress as she continues to improve on it.
The front of her landscape is semi-formal, featuring only white and green plantings. Color – and wildness – increase as you move into the private backyard and the woodlands beyond.
There are high stone walls, a turquoise gate, and climbing pink roses.
Read her story about roots (literally) here.
Under normal circumstances, Melanie would be entertaining in this extension of her home. Her space features social areas, private spaces and spots for outdoor games. These days, though, the yard is used primarily for morning coffee, conference calls and dinner with her husband.
Each area features unique and disparate decor, combining Mr. H’s favorite Italian terra cotta urns…
…with a hot tub, a totem pole and a life-sized driftwood horse. Are these things meant to go together? Well, let’s just say it’s an unexpected mix. We think it works.
At Home with Kellie
When she’s in town, Kellie spends her outdoor time on the wooden deck of her mid-century house, nicknamed Casa de Loco. There are oversized outdoor chairs and an array of colorful accents – from SmithHönig, of course.
These days, she’s also spending quality time at her family’s lake house, which is the epitome of cabin chic.
Kellie and the family love to scoot down to the lake for some major unwind time, when it’s not in use by other families looking for that same relaxing getaway. The house is available to rent so if you are looking for a quiet cove on a small lake with deer wandering through the yard, look no more.
There are bright orange Adirondack chairs filled with comfy outdoor pillows and an enormous metal fire pit. Sitting out by the dock with the flames flickering in the wind is a great way to soothe the soul.
Of course, there are all the necessary accoutrements for staying active, as well.
Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and a boat in the dock keep the whole family entertained.
Want to refresh your own outdoor space? Try some colorful SmithHönig weather resistant pillows for a fresh and fun outdoor mix.
