Haylie Duff's Backyard is a Masterclass in Outdoor Dining

a split screen with haylie duff on the left and a picture of an outdoor entertaining area on the right — (Image credit: Alberto E. Rodriguez via Getty Images | Courtesy of Joseph Richardson Landscape Architecture)

Jump to category:

Recreate Haylie's Design at Home

Just looking at a thoughtfully designed outdoor space can feel like stepping out on a summer's night, and the backyard of Haylie Duff's Texas home has exactly this relaxing effect.

The actress and singer debuted her backyard landscaping idea with a video on Instagram, showcasing her vibrant grass, artful stonework, and cliffside patio. Haylie's patio is perfectly positioned at the edge of a hill, looking out over the surrounding lake. She has arranged a dining table and chairs on this platform, providing the perfect opportunity for al fresco dining.

A post shared by Haylie Duff (@haylieduff)
A photo posted by on

Recreate Haylie's Design at Home

Great Deal

Rectangular Patio Dining Table

A dining table in the garden will completely upgrade your entertaining this summer. This black rectangular one is large enough to gather everyone you love around.

Stylish Curve

Modern Rattan Stackable Dining Chairs

This set of four dining chairs is stylish with a bit of extra fun. The woven seats make it feel timeless and long-lasting.

Spanish Colonial Revival Style

Storied Home Terracotta Urn Jar

Nothing says Spanish Revival/ Mediterranean style like an oversized urn. This statement piece deserves a place on any patio, where it looks stunning in the summer light (yes, I'm already thinking of warmer seasons).

Natural Wood Color

Triangle Cedar Bird House

Haylie Duff includes a tower of birdhouses in her yard, and this pretty wooden and black one would be so cute on your patio. It is adorable and easy to set up.

Fast-growing

Japanese Boxwood

Japanese Boxwoods are low maintenance, and provide structure and formality over a long period for gorgeous privacy planting. They are a fantastic option for garden novices and make great privacy screens when planted together.

Irregular Shape

Natural Outdoor Stepping Stone

Slate stones are one of the most stylish ways to upgrade your back yard and add some interesting texture to your greenery. These pretty, irregular ones come at a great price.

As the simplicity of Haylie's backyard idea indicates, outdoor dining design is a careful dance between beauty and functionality.

Alex Bridgman, Design Expert and CEO of Outdoor Furniture Retailer Bridgman, explains: 'When arranging your furniture, it's important to consider balance. Choose pieces that are easy to adjust, so you can reposition them throughout the day as the sun moves. You may want to keep your main table and chairs in a fixed location, but having movable pieces that allow for greater flexibility.'

Natural backyard landscaping ideas — A naturally landscaped backyard like the one at Haylie Duff's home

He continues: 'When planning your outdoor seating arrangement, consider its intended use and incorporate as many practical elements as possible. Design the arrangement to work well for both entertaining and dining, ensuring ample options.'

Furthermore, the best outdoor furniture can last for decades. As Haylie's space shows, this attention to materiality doesn't mean compromising on looks.

Alex explains: When selecting outdoor furniture, choose durable and waterproof materials that are appropriate for the environment. High-quality, long-lasting furniture is designed to endure various weather conditions, including strong sunlight, rain, and cooler temperatures. Opting for sturdy materials and solid construction will result in fewer repairs and replacements over time, ultimately saving you money and reducing unnecessary waste. Additionally, waterproof cushions are essential, as they protect against sudden rain, morning dew, and evening humidity.'

If you enjoy our celebrity news and interior design advice, why not sign up to our newsletter so you never miss the latest features?

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.