Room Envy: This cozy pavilion’s design was inspired by a trip to Morocco

“It’s the epitome of a staycation spot for entertaining but cozy enough for ‘work from home,’” says the interior designer

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Room Envy

Photograph by Ali Harper

Inspired by a trip to Morocco, interior designer Chris Hutcheson designed a freestanding pavilion for her Smyrna client. “It’s the epitome of a staycation spot for entertaining but cozy enough for ‘work from home,’” says Hutcheson.

Clever construction
A mix of materials adds to the al fresco charm, including stucco, whitewashed pine, and—to keep bugs out—screens. The built-in window seats and fireplace are seamlessly linked but a bit asymmetrical.

Floor facts
The designer chose concrete floors because, she says, “I wanted the floor to look aged and imperfect while still being durable.” As a nod to Moroccan tiles, she had the surface hand stenciled.

Movable seats
Furnishings are purposefully lightweight and easy to move around, such as teak chairs from Indonesia and imported textiles made into pillows and poufs.

Look up
The unpretentious light fixtures are actually fishing baskets from Bali turned into pendants.

Designer tip: New construction looks less so if you incorporate antiques. Reclaimed barnwood as a fireplace mantel and a handcarved Moroccan door–turned–coffee table add history, says Hutcheson.

This article appears in our November 2021 issue.

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