A masterclass in outdoor minimalism: How Alison Brie and Dave Franco designed the porch everyone will be copying this year

In 2025, our outdoor spaces are getting more and more pared back, and the 'Together' stars are leading the charge with their glass and metal style

alison brie and dave franco
(Image credit: Mat Hayward via Getty Images for IMDb)

As the inside of our homes are growing more characterful, people are seeking out simpler, more tranquil designs in the outdoors. Clean lines, striking metals, and modern statues are all the rage in patio styling. Alison Brie and Dave Franco are leading the charge.

We spotted the couple's modern patio idea in the background of two Instagram posts shared by Alison. Behind her, we spotted her glass and metal railings and contemporary sculpture sloping towards the outdoors. Above her, a string of LED lights brings effortless illumination to the actors' home. The entire patio is butressed by trees and a striking bird of paradise plant.

Their space is a masterclass in current outdoor decorating trends, which favor a pared-back, contemporary look.

Amanda Evans, Wayfair's trend expert, explains: 'Outdoor design steps into the future with the latest forward-thinking trend. Surreal silhouettes, a stark palette, and subtle tech contrast with nature for an otherworldly effect, blurring artificial with reality.'

Shop the look

Part of nailing the contemporary trend seen in Alison and Dave's backyard has to do with tapping into beautiful outdoor lighting ideas. For instance, according to Google data, searches for "contemporary outdoor lights" and "patio lighting" have surged by 5,000% over the past 30 days.

To get the look, a set of LED string lights, as spotted behind Alison Brie, is a great place to start.

Andrew White, outdoor expert at Harbour Lifestyle advises: 'LED lights are the ideal option for those looking to add atmosphere that quite literally turns on at the push of a button. With remote controllable colours and dimmable options, LEDs create a truly versatile (and energy-efficient) social space for every occasion.'

Though Alison's patio is free from seating, the best outdoor furniture is an essential component to make a contemporary patio feel cozy and wonderful to live in.

White recommends: 'For the perfect finishing touch, complement the lighting with chic accessories and a showstopping seating arrangement – the ultimate outdoor retreat.'


Just like our interiors, outdoor spaces can be minimalist or maximalist, bold or pared back.


Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a writer and News Editor on the Celebrity Style team at Homes & Gardens. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly passionate about researching trends and interior history. She is an avid pop culture fan and has interviewed Martha Stewart and Hillary Duff.

In her free time, Sophie freelances on design news for Westport Magazine and Livingetc. She also has a newsletter, My Friend's Art, in which she covers music, culture, and fine art through a personal lens. Her fiction has appeared in Love & Squalor and The Isis Magazine.

Before joining Future, Sophie worked in editorial at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens brand. She has an MSc from Oxford University and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.