Exterior Design, Axis Home
A perfect outdoor gathering begins with a well thought out design that flows nicely, providing space for homeowners and guests to sit, mingle or just relax—a space that accommodates the seasons, offering fire pits to stay warm and shade to keep cool.
Jesse Riley of Axis Home will tell you that designing your outdoor space in a way that meets your needs and invites entertaining doesn’t have to cost you a fortune.
When Riley and his wife Kelly finished their personal pool in 2020 and began looking at outdoor furniture to fill the space, they realized they didn’t want to spend $150,000. Having had a boutique in Broad Ripple in the past, the Rileys still had connections in manufacturing, and they were able to find companies to build exactly what they wanted for less.
Today, the Riley’s family-owned business provides that same service and discount to customers across the area. Having branched into lighting and landscaping, as well, Axis Home offers everything clients need to create the outdoor space of their dreams.
Rather than approaching their outdoor design with a complete plan, many people look for pieces they can find in stock and within their budget. Riley says they often end up settling, planning to upgrade as soon as possible.
“People have gotten used to throw-away furniture,” Riley says. “They’ll spend $5,000 to $10,000 on stuff they plan to replace in a few years.”
Riley says many people skimp on shade because stock umbrellas can be expensive, so people buy one when they might need three. He also sees homeowners buy what’s in demand in stores without thought to durability. He says aluminum is popular right now, but it won’t last as long as other options.
Axis Home focuses on quality and longevity. For example, Riley encourages clients to consider teak because it’s timeless and will last.
Rather than giving people a limited choice of existing pieces, Riley helps clients envision what they really want, designing their dream pieces to seamlessly blend their indoor and outdoor aesthetic.
“We’ve taken the approach to do fully custom work,” Riley says. “We build furniture to fit spaces, and it’s no more expensive.”
Charcuterie, The Bountiful Board
Charcuterie is perfect for any gathering because it appeals to a wide range of palates, can easily accommodate any theme and can even serve as decor.
Christy Johnson, owner of The Bountiful Board, says she has catered weddings and events where an entire table is covered in colorful, richly textured charcuterie.
Far more than throwing snacks together on a tray, from elaborate boards to cute cups, charcuterie is an art form. Here are Johnson’s tips for the perfect palette:
-
Try the 3-3-3-3 rule: three meats, three cheeses, three starches, three accompaniments such as fruits, veggies and nuts.
-
Keep in mind that cups are easy to serve but time consuming to assemble.
-
If you incorporate flowers, make sure they come from a source that is herbicide and pesticide free, like Growing Hope Blooms.
Flowers, Growing Hope Blooms
Floral elements bring life to any gathering, indoor or out. Amy Koepkey of Growing Hope Blooms suggests choosing blooms that speak to the season, and that doesn’t just mean sunflowers. For example, deep reds can evoke warmth on a cool fall evening.
Koepkey has these suggestions when putting together an arrangement:
-
Stick with one or two shades for a monochromatic look.
-
Choose a focal bloom and pull coordinating colors from that.
-
Mix bloom shapes like disks, spikes, clusters and plumes.
After a party, consider sending a few blooms home with guests or donating them to your local nursing home. Koepkey’s business began by giving away 200 bouquets of flowers during the Covid-19 pandemic and evolved from there, and she still loves to give away flowers.
“It just makes people’s day,” Koepkey says.
Wine, Peace Water Winery
Like good food, good wine brings people together.
But for Scott and Laura Burton, providing customers with good wine isn’t enough. They are intent on giving back to make the world a better place. That’s why 50 percent of all net profit from Peace Water Winery goes to support charities, both local and worldwide.
Here are recommendations when selecting wine for your fall party:
-
Choose both red and white wines for any gathering.
-
Rosé pairs well with a variety of cheeses and cured meats.
-
Always offer a non-alcoholic selection.
But the Burton’s number one rule? Drink what you like.
“Pairing wine with food can be fun,” Burton says. “But the most important thing is to just like what you drink.”
This outdoor space was designed by Axis Home alongside Hilari Goris Designs for the September Home-a-Rama at Promontory in Zionsville.