Everything You Need to Make Over Your Backyard, According to a Landscape Design Firm

The masterminds behind Manscapers share their expertise on the heels of releasing their first book.

Dec 14, 2021 - 03:17

Everything You Need to Make Over Your Backyard, According to a Landscape Design Firm

The masterminds behind Manscapers share their expertise on the heels of releasing their first book.

What if interior design was also exterior design? That’s the philosophy behind Manscapers, the New York– and Los Angeles–based landscape design firm that’s so much more than that. Founded by Garrett Magee, James DeSantis, and Mel Brasier, the firm helps tired outdoor spaces turn over a new leaf.

Garrett Magee, Mel Braiser, and James DeSantis, cofounders and leading team members of Manscapers.
Photo by Dane Tashima

Last week, Manscapers released their first book, Take It Outside, which offers a treasure trove of tips for taking your backyard from "blah" to "beautiful." We asked them to give us the scoop on some of their favorite furnishings and outdoor decor—scroll on to see their picks!

"We are all about using modular furniture for outdoor spaces, like this pouf from Nordstrom that can be used as a stool or as a small side table."

For a pop of pattern and boho charm, this tufted pouf is shaped from hearty woven cotton with a striking geometric motif in black and white.

"Using textiles and layering different patterns and materials is a fast and easy way to get a lived-in, cozy vibe, especially on those cooler nights. This Pendleton throw is the perfect blanket to curl up by a fire pit with."

A Pendleton throw done in a geometric jacquard weave with earthy colors brings the trademark traditional Western look to your home decor.

"Mixing and matching pots is a great a way to make your space feel more worldly. You can get the high/low look by mixing some inexpensive terra-cotta pots with a few high-end pots like this one."

A fantastic addition to your garden, each of these weathered planters features a distinct maritime texture. An antiqued glaze will continue to change over time, adding to the pot's character and authenticity, while high-fired earthenware offers durability, strength, and resistance to frost.

"Everyone needs a good pair of pruners for an outdoor garden. Whether working with a small space or a large garden, they are our most used tools—and we love this pair."

With an angled cutting head that’s gentle on the wrist, these pruners offer a mid-way lock position ideal for trimming small vines and buds. Chrome plated steel blades resist corrosion, while ergonomic handles are well-suited for smaller hands. Berger’s professional-grade tools have been crafted in Germany by a family-run company since 1918.

"Instead of bending over to pot plants, consider this teak potting table. If you have the space, this practical piece is both useful and beautiful—and it will save your back."

A practical piece for the outdoor kitchen or potting shed, this multi-use table features a wide work surface, slatted shelf below, and smaller shelf above. Each spacious work table is made from durable teak wood and treated with our Instant Grey + Teak Shield finish, which gives the wood a silvery, aged patina and prevents wear and tear from sun, heat, or rain.

"You don’t have to compromise style with this beautiful chiminea—it’s great for maximizing outdoor space into the cooler months."

A ideal addition to the patio for entertaining guests through the seasons, this chiminea features a storage space for wood below the firebox. Each chiminea is constructed from a single piece of weathering steel, a heat-resistant steel alloy that develops a stable, rust-like finish when exposed to the elements.

"We love to add a whimsical touch to any outdoor space. Parks Project’s hammock can be a permanent fixture in your backyard, or a travel must-have on all of your wilderness explorations."

Whether you’re deep in the wilderness or just relaxing in your backyard, this mushroom-print hammock from Parks Project will add a whimsical touch to any hang. Perfect for cuddling up with your boo, it features enough room for two, made from lightweight, durable polyester with retro-sweet mushrooms and flowers dotted all over. Finished with a set of installation ropes and an attached stuff sack for packing away after your nap.

"We are the queens of indoor/outdoor design! We love these pillows that can transition with the seasons. This color blocking print can work in most spaces, and they are crafted in a Fair Trade–certified facility."

An updated take on stripes using color blocking. Durable and water-resistant for any weather. Keeps 38 water bottles out of the waste stream. Crafted in a Fair Trade Certified facility.

"This recycled glassware set is the perfect way to finish any chic table setting—it’ll add an old-fashioned touch to your outdoor celebrations."

Created in collaboration with Diego Olivero, these drinking glasses are made from environmentally friendly recycled glass.

"We are completely obsessed with this outdoor rug collection by Turkish designer Begüm Cana Özgür. The magical quality of the gradient woven colors creates an instant soothing effect in your outdoor (or indoor) space. Place this rug near a water feature for the ultimate relaxed vibe."

The Shade Outdoor Rug by Nanimarquina brings a soothing essence to exteriors through the soft, flowing gradient on its surface and handmade authenticity. Created by Turkish designer Begüm Cana Özgür, this rug inspires a magical quality as it offers a comforting and durable foundation for gathering. Adhering to traditional weaving practices, its intricate weave yields a stunning effect that breathes life into outdoor living spaces, creating new experiences whenever in use.

"The Sill is the ultimate in indoor plants, and we love love love the monthly plant subscription they offer. Their vibrant plant selections paired with chic ceramic planters can turn any novice into a green thumb."

Doting pet parents can be thriving plant parents too, with our monthly pet-friendly plant subscription box. Subscribers receive a new non-toxic plant and chic ceramic planter delivered to their door every month. This subscription is perfect for anyone with a curious pet, or small hungry child, at home.

"After a long day of working with our hands, nothing is more soothing than a luxurious moment of self-care. That’s why we love this gift set from Aesop. Their products elevate any sink space (indoors or out!) while they cleanse and nourish the senses."

Comprehensive care for hands and body: formulations that cleanse, nourish and lightly scent skin from neck to toe, housed in a recycled paper pulp case. Contents: Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash, Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, Citrus Melange Body Cleanser, and Rind Concentrate Body Balm.

"The doormat is the first thing your friends and family see when they come to your home. Why not make it fun and festive with this adorable holiday-themed welcome mat?"

When decorating for the holiday season, start from the ground up! Our holiday-themed doormats are a perfectly cheerful way to warmly welcome friends and family into your home.

"These dip-dyed vessels are perfect to use in the garden as planters, or inside as decorative objects. We love this combination of color and texture."

For a play of color and texture, we glazed the upper portion of our planter and left the bottom untouched. Side handles are a nice detail and let you move your potted plant with ease. Includes drain holes for planting directly into the vessel.

"We love to decorate for the holidays (or any time we can find a reason to celebrate), and no tablescape is complete without the perfect candlelight twinkle. These Japanese-made tapered beauties add such a fun detail to any tabletop!"