Daniel Keeley on Designing Outdoor Spaces That Actually Get Used
Designer Daniel Keeley is a master of the seamless transition, crafting sophisticated exterior spaces that beautifully echo a homeβs interior aesthetic. Image: Rett Peek
Today, outdoor spaces are expected to do a lot more than simply look pretty. Designer Daniel Keeley, founder of Arkansas- and Tennessee-based DK Design, sees a homeβs exterior as an open invitation to create sophisticated, functional spaces where family and friends can gather. From fully equipped outdoor kitchens to cozy fireside nooks and gorgeous gardens, the Little Rock native-turned-Nashville local marries high-end interior style with the natural beauty of the outdoors.
Your mother was an interior designer. What inspired you to focus on a homeβs exterior design?
In the eighth grade, my school handed out tree saplings for Arbor Day. Instead of taking just one, I took a whole handful home to plant. Iβm not sure why, but for some reason, that sparked my interest in gardening and design. I have been creating outdoor spaces ever since!
What are some of the challenges unique to exterior design that interior designers might not have to consider?
Mother Nature and the effects of the weather are the primary challenges. Everything we place in an outdoor space has to perform under pretty harsh conditions, no matter where itβs located. This is why using quality materials and products is so important.
More than once, I have had clients say, βThat outdoor sofa costs more than my indoor sofa,β and I say, βYes, and your indoor sofa doesnβt have to stand up to snow, rain, humidity, direct sunlight, salty air, etc.β
What is your design aesthetic, and how does it set you apart?
I would say what sets DK Design apart is our ability to design and deliver for clients across many design aesthetics. We have designed projects from coastal Maine to coastal California (and many places in between), and each result is unique and appropriate for the setting and the clientβs wishes.
Still, if pressed, I would say that our designs, regardless of specific design goals, are marked by overall themes of intention and sophistication. Even when a design is meant to be informal or to appear natural, the care and thoughtfulness with which decisions are made are what distinguish haphazard work from good design.
Are there any trends youβre loving at the moment, and, alternately, any timeless aspects of design you cling to?
My favorite trend is simply that builders and homeowners are giving more attention and importance to outdoor spaces in general. As a firm, we definitely strive to create timeless spaces and are heavily influenced by classic design principles such as definition, balance, and genius loci, which is the principle of considering the parameters of a specific place when designing.
For example, when you see an Adirondack chair in front of a formal French façade of a building, it is painfully evident that the setting was not carefully considered when that chair was selected.
Are there any current design trends you would like to see go away?
I swear, if I see one more Adirondack chair, I am going to scream! I love to joke about this, and Adirondack chairs certainly have an important place in history and design, but they are not appropriate for every setting. There are so many options for great outdoor furniture these days that there is no excuse for not choosing pieces that complement the surrounding architecture and setting.
Regardless of the setting, what is one item every outdoor space should have?
An intentional purpose or function. It could be lounging, dining, strolling β¦ anything β but it has to be defined. Otherwise, why are we there in the first place? Some less academic must-haves for me are a comfortable place to sit, the sound of running water, and a focal point of some kind.
What has been your most challenging project to date?
Every project presents unforeseen challenges, and that is perhaps our biggest job as designers β to overcome these challenges and present solutions that propel the clientβs vision forward.
I remember one project in particular, though, that was on a very remote property two hours away from our homes and offices. On the first day, a dump-truck driver delivering topsoil drove off a curvy mountain road and had to be airlifted to a hospital.
On the very last day (one year later), we were on site until two in the morning, making sure things were perfect for the clientsβ arrival. But to this day, that project and those clients are among our very dearest.
What are some of the most common requests you get from clients?
Everyone wants (and should have, in my opinion) a fireplace or pit and some version of an outdoor kitchen or grilling area. Over the past few years, we have also seen an uptick in requests for greenhouses, vegetable and herb gardens, and wellness elements such as plunge pools and saunas.
What is the biggest mistake people make when designing their homeβs exterior?
Not hiring a professional designer. And not giving a project the time, consideration, and budget it needs to succeed. Donβt call a designer a month before moving into your new home and expect to have all your outdoor furnishings in place. Donβt call on the first day of spring and expect to have a swimming pool that same season. Also, be realistic about your budget. You get what you pay for.
Where do you like to take chances in design?
Everywhere! It all just depends on the project and the client. As a tip, though, it is easier and less costly to take chances on smaller details at the end of a project than it is on fundamental elements of the design. If you donβt like a certain perennial or pillow fabric, toss it and try something different. That is a lot easier than moving a swimming pool or tearing down a stone wall that wasnβt thoughtfully considered.
Who are your industry mentors and role models, and how have they inspired you?
Well, my first was P. Allen Smith, and he didnβt even know it. His first book featured several gardens from the neighborhood I grew up in, and I was obsessed. At the time, we had never met, but we later became friends, and he has taught me countless lessons.
I also think of my dear friend Christopher Todd, who is an interiors and events designer. We have worked alongside each other off and on for more than 20 years, and he has opened many doors for me in the design world.
What one piece of advice can you offer us to elevate our own outdoor spaces?
Choose quality over quantity and instant gratification.
If you could describe your design philosophy in five words, what would they be?
Thatβs easy, and I can even do it in four words βΒ they are our companyβs core values: beauty, quality, creativity, and trust.
**********
For more interior design inspiration, check outΒ our home features!
Bonny Osterhage
Bonny Osterhage is a professional journalist with more than 25 years of experience in both print and digital media. An avid fitness fanatic, when she isn't exploring the next trending topic, Bonny can be found cycling, running, and leading classes at SolidCore. Find more of her work at Mind Body Green, The List, Business Insider, and more.