On the HGTV show Celebrity IOU, A-listers team up with the property brothers to make life-changing renovations for their loved ones. Past episodes include Drew Barrymore redoing her makeup artist's home, Kate Hudson gifting her mother-in-law a backyard makeover, and Halle Berry transforming her mentor's home. In this week's episode, not only did Laurence Fishburne perform an act of kindness, but he also set an interior design trend.
In Season 7 Episode 9, 'Laurence Fishburne's Foolproof Surprise,' The Matrix actor tasks Johnathan and Drew Scott with helping him build a backyard retreat for his long-time friend. Though the entire makeover is stunning, we were most impressed by the transformation of the porch from a simple platform to an entire outdoor living room and kitchen. The space features a dining table complete with cushioned seats, a grill, a marble countertop for preparing food, and countless decorative vases filled with beautiful flowers. Fishburne's design is at once functional and beautiful.
Furthermore, it fits into an increasingly popular interior design trend. Paint brand Krylon's Summer Trends Report for 2024 predicts that bringing the indoors out will be one of the biggest trends of the season. The look is about bringing the comfort of your home to the lush freshness of the outdoors, perfectly embodied in Drew, Johnathan, and Laurence's space.
'The trend of extending indoor living to the outdoors continues to gain traction in 2024, with more people embracing the idea of creating luxurious yet functional spaces,' Ashley Banbury, interior designer at Krylon, tells H&G.
'This trend highlights the seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, with outdoor areas designed to serve a range of purposes, from dining and entertaining, to simply relaxing.' This can be accomplished with an outdoor living room, an outdoor kitchen, or even with a majority indoor space like a sunroom.
She adds, 'Natural elements like wood, stone, and greenery play a key role in this trend, creating a harmonious blend between the indoor and outdoor environments. These organic components add warmth and character to outdoor spaces.' We see appear in the space on Celebrity IOU through the natural wood porch and marble countertops on the cooking area.
It's easy to recreate this timeless style in your own home. Banbury recommends: 'To elevate your outdoor living spaces, consider giving your seating area a makeover by revamping old chairs, tables and patio screens. Alongside refreshed furniture, transform your plain planters into striking focal points using a variety of hues to create an outdoor oasis that is both colorful and cohesive. By incorporating these elements, you can create an outdoor environment that is lively and inviting for both relaxation and entertainment. Perfect for creating memorable moments outdoors this summer.' This works whether it's an entire patio or just a small outdoor living room.
Shop H&G's Outdoor Living Room Edit
Whether you build an outdoor living room or just zhush up your sun room, Laurence Fishburne's time on Celebrity IOU is a timely reminder to embrace the sunny season with your decor this summer. More than beauty, design is about experience and connection. This trend is hitting all of the marks.