Turn your backyard into a luxurious oasis with tips from renowned interior designer Anita Lang. As CEO and Founder of IMI Design Studio, Lang has over 28 years of experience and is here to share her secrets to transforming any space.
“Space planning is key to turning a patio and the outdoors into another extraordinary entertaining area in your home,” Lang said. “Bringing the ‘interior outside’ with outdoor lounge spaces, dining areas and kitchens will encourage you to use your yard, making memories that will last a lifetime. Create intentional areas that are flexible and functional and that you and your guests will love.”
Lang’s advice starts with this:
• Decorate with different types of seating for lounging, dining and entertaining, creating a relaxing atmosphere for you and your guests.
• Enhance space with shade, landscape objects and architectural features blending elegance and functionality.
• Bring a backyard to life with pools, grilling areas, outdoor showers and fire pits for everyone to enjoy.
Lang recommends natural and authentic materials when choosing outdoor furniture. Complementing colors, textures, and finishes will thrill guests. Weatherproof materials are essential for lasting use.
A native of the New England coast, Lang was drawn into the world of interior design at a young age, designing homes as early as 12. Growing up in a European household, Lang derived much of her influence from her heritage and culture, as she was exposed to diverse architectural styles and design philosophies throughout her family’s travels.
Now known as the ‘Master of the Southwest’ for interior design, Anita Lang boasts a notable career with over 115 design excellence awards by the American Society of Interior Designers and published features in countless magazines.
“I am grateful for the recognition, but what I really find the most rewarding is how my spaces impact those I have served,” Lang said. “It means the most to me when clients or guests in my spaces tell me how they are affected in a meaningful, emotional way. Living in spaces that uplift us allows our whole attitude and energy to stay grateful and continues to pull positivity into our family’s lives.”
In addition to her achievements in interior design, Lang is a philanthropist, entrepreneur of the furniture line Design 528, and commercial developer.
Her most recent endeavor is spearheading an eco-friendly, art-centric resort community in Northern Arizona centered around values of connection, respect for nature, spirituality, and love for the arts. Her firm is also currently working on some notable commercial projects, including a complete redesign of a legacy jewelry store, a swanky private hanger, and a homeopathic healing center based on holistic design principles.
For more information on Anita Lang, IMI Design or The Inspire Foundation, visit imidesignstudio.com.
