Recreate Emily Ratajkowski’s tranquil backyard with these refined outdoor furniture pieces for the warmer months

Model and founder of swimwear brand Inamorata, Emily Ratajkowski took to Instagram earlier this month to share a glimpse of her backyard landscaping in collaboration with modern home decor brand CB2, and it looks like the perfect at-home space to relax in the shade. 

Ratajkowski, who frequently shares glimpses into her NYC apartment where she lives with her 2-year-old son, is a fan of ‘70s-inspired design, with her art-filled home notoriously combining statement vintage items with playful and modern pieces.

But prior to the model’s recent Instagram post, pictured below, we had not previously had the joy of catching a preview of the home’s backyard, and we certainly approve of its functional yet elegant design. 

The backyard is filled with lots of luscious greenery which perfectly frames the seating area and creates an undisturbed, natural feeling. When designing an outdoor space in a major city such as NYC, maximizing privacy by adding lots of greenery will ensure a feeling of calm amid the city’s fast pace. 

'There is a fantastic selection of hedges, trees, and shrubs that can both be beautiful and also provide a barrier from the chaos of the city outside, and also keep your yard secluded from any prying eyes. For example, using schip laurel or inkberry can provide a dense, structural and gloriously-green evergreen screen,' says Homes & Gardens gardening editor Drew Swainston.

'By using screening in this way to block your yard away from other properties, or a busy road, it can make any yard feel tranquil.'

Centered around CB2’s Marteau black iron sofa in white which is low and angular, the space also features a set of two round nesting coffee tables, and rattan lounge chairs which add some warmth amongst the otherwise all-white pieces. The outdoor space is complete with an off-white colored rug with a modern geometric design, bringing the ultimate indoor-out feel.

Talking about the thought process behind the design of the garden, Ratajkowski told Architectural Digest: ‘...I wanted it to feel comfortable but still chic and modern, without being too “try hard,” if that makes any sense.’

‘I think we found a really good combination of pieces because it still feels modern, but it doesn’t feel overly designed.’

Shop Emily Ratajkowski's look

To recreate the look in your own backyard and create the ultimate relaxing outdoor space this summer, we’ve rounded up the items featured in Ratajkowski’s own home from the CB2 site which are practical and chic in equal measure.