Jamie Chung's skills extend beyond acting. This newlywed [1] also has a knack for decorating [2] and entertaining. Case in point: her stunning backyard. The Once Upon a Time star recently joined forces with reasonably priced online home retailer Joss & Main [3] to give her outdoor space a swoon-worthy makeover. After you see it, you'll understand why Jamie loves throwing al fresco parties.
Her big tip for outdoor entertaining? "Set the time for arrival an hour or two before the sun sets or make sure there is a shaded area for your guests and make sure there is plenty of seating!" It's all too easy to forget that the sun greatly influences the temperature, so planning around this is an all-star hostess move. Jamie adds that she always has bug repellant candles and SPF on hand to keep everyone comfortable.
See all the patio makeover pictures and get the design details in the slideshow ahead, then shop Jamie's same products over on Joss & Main [5].
Jamie's deck was stained dark, so when designing the space she says one of her first goals was to lighten the space up. "I picked out the carpet and a couple of vases I thought would look really nice, and the Joss and Main team picked out these cool wicker chairs and sofa."
Most people think of accent decor as an inside-only design feature, but layers of pillows, blankets, and area rugs are just the thing to make your outdoor space feel like a cozy extension of your living room.
"Succulents are the way to go!" Jamie says when asked her secret to the abundant greenery on her patio. "We get sun almost all year-round, and California has had a horrible drought for the past couple of years, so plants that require less water are the way to go."
Wanting to avoid anything clunky, while still decorating with the comfortable pieces her husband Bryan loves, Jamie went with a mix of metal, rattan, and wicker furniture. It's inviting while being able to stand up to the elements.
Jamie's favorite way to spend time in her outdoor space is Sunday afternoon. "A glass of Rosé and the New York Times Sunday edition is the perfect way to spend time in my new outdoor space," she says.
An adorable outdoor bar cart like this one makes it easy to entertain outdoors. And when hosting guests al fresco, Jamie prefers to serve unfussy bites and libations. "Start with easy finger foods, seasonal fruits, and cocktails. The fewer plates, the better," she explains.
