This Hamptons-Inspired Backyard Channels Summer All Year Long in Minnesota

In her Minnesota backyard, interior designer Bria Hammel set out to celebrate the space’s warmest and loveliest months by looking to the East Coast for inspiration: “I’ve always been drawn to the ease and simplistic beauty of the Hamptons,” she says. Bria also dreamed of features that would enfold her family throughout the year, and she created a three-season porch for getting cozy as the weather changes. Read on for great ideas on how to transform your own outdoor space from summer to fall and winter.

Bria created a handsome (and deer- and rabbit-proof) 35’ x 35’ raised-bed retreat by pairing pre-treated cedar posts with welded wire garden fencing. It feeds her family and her spirit: “My house sits on an acre lot in the city which can sometimes be hard to come by, so I just love that it feels like we live out in the country with all of the outdoor yard space we have,” she says. “After a day in the office, I can come home and spend time with the kiddos in the garden and it’s just good for the soul.”

Bria’s not the only one who delights in her garden. “My daughter, Brooklyn, loves to pick all the vegetables with me, especially the tomatoes,” she says. As for those glorious blooms, “I love mixing a variety of hybrid tea roses like 'Champagne Wishes' roses and Barbra Streisand roses. They’re so beautiful when in bloom and bring me so much happiness. I do however have to select my plants smartly (Zone 4) to ensure that they can stand up to our Minnesota winters.”

“Finding the right pieces for an indoor-outdoor space is important,” Bria explains. “Although [it isn’t] necessarily considered outdoor-worthy, I can still maintain this furniture by easily tossing the slipcover in the wash or spot treat it. The materials are hot/cold weatherproof, so they work perfectly for this covered porch area.” She punctuated the space with details like a limestone fireplace surround, a limestone mantel and a sculptural, six-light antler chandelier.