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.
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."
Blackhouse Diamond Pattern Pouf
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."
Pendleton Rio Canyon Fringe Throw Blanket
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."
Terrain Barnacle Olla Pot
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."
Berger Angled Pruner
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."
Terrain Gardener Teak Potting Table
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."
Terrain Weathering Steel Pular Chiminea
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."
Parks Project Shrooms Two Person Hammock
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."
West Elm Variegated Block Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Pillow
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."
West Elm Recycled Mexican Glassware (Set of 4)
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."
Nanimarquina Shade Outdoor Rug
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."
The Sill Pet Friendly Plant Subscription
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."
Aesop The Advocate Gift Kit
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?"
Anthropologie Gingerbread House Estate Doormat
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."
Serena & Lily Dip-Dyed Planter
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!"
Takazawa Nanao Japanese Candles
Named after the city where Takazawa Candle is situated, the heart of the glorious countryside, this set of five candles has a different motif for each one, representing a plant that grows in the Noto Peninsula. Along with this, the candles are all named after a letter of the word "plant."
Take It Outside: A Guide to Designing Beautiful Spaces Just Beyond Your Door
From the hosts of Bravo's Backyard Envy comes a beautifully photographed guide to converting your outdoor space into an enviable oasis, whether you have a backyard, brownstone patio, or three-season porch. Dubbed the plantfluencers by The New York Times, Mel Brasier, Garrett Magee, and James DeSantis, owners of the Manscapers landscaping company, do more than plant, mulch, and manicure a garden; they look at the space just as interior designers do a room, considering the aesthetics and the way people live in it. Now they show you how to apply familiar interior design principles to your outdoors, including: Deciding on a concept to help direct the mood of your space Zoning your space into functional areas, such as for lounging, cooking, or entertaining Defining the areas with furniture and hardscaping like fencing, decking, pools, planters, pergolas, and pathways Bringing in the green, including plants that are both functional (privacy shrubs and shade trees) and decorative (pretty perennials, climbers, and textural grasses) Adding the finishing touches the pillows, throws, hurricane lanterns, and other details that will make you want to linger long after sunset Plus, you'll have information on hiring a contractor and landscaper and the specific materials and plants the Manscapers love to use in their designs. No matter how big or small your exterior space, this ultimate guide to landscape design will help you bring the comfort of the indoors outside.
