Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes’s outdoor furniture plays with color and design ‘in ways that plain furniture cannot achieve’

Ayush June 15, 2024

Every year at this point in the calendar we observe the new and exciting furniture trends that influence the most stylish exterior spaces. However, while we look for new inspiration, we continue to revive the patterns and colors that are consistently labeled as timeless – and nobody has nailed this aesthetic quite like Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes.

Mendes, who lives with her husband, Ryan Gosling, offered a glimpse of the outdoor furniture they’re using to unwind this summer. If this footage is anything to go by, they’ve opted for the most ageless pattern of all: stripes.

Best associated with the nautical design style, stripes are often used to tap into the New England coastal style, which is versatile enough to work in homes far beyond the northeast coast. Striped furniture, especially in a gray-blue hue like the one seen in Mendes and Gosling’s backyard, continues to return to exterior spaces annually – but this is no surprise to designers who say that exterior settings are the best places for such pieces.

‘Patterned furniture introduces visual interest and depth to any space. In outdoor settings, where natural elements dominate, adding patterns through cushions, rugs, and even furniture upholstery can break the monotony of plain surfaces,’ comments designer Jodi Peterman from Elizabeth Erin Designs. However, while its good looks are inevitably important, Peterman says these pieces need to be functional, too.

‘For instance, in a project, our team designed in Downtown Des Moines with Hubbell Development for Maxwell Apartments, geometric designs, colors, and abstract patterns created focal points that draw the eye and invite guests to explore different areas of the space. A space not only has to look visually appealing, but it needs to function first and foremost,’ Peterman explains. ‘Using different patterns allows you to play with color and design in ways that plain furniture cannot achieve.’

In Gosling and Mendes’ space, they have kept things timeless with a rich, almost neutral gray-blue color palette (that only further emphasizes the nautical aesthetic). However, as Peterman reassures, it’s hard to go wrong with any kind of patterned furniture – whether we opt for neutrals or more vibrant hues.

‘A bold, patterned outdoor sofa can set the tone for a lively, energetic ambiance, while subtle, intricate patterns can evoke a sense of tranquility and elegance,’ she says. ‘By choosing patterns that complement the natural surroundings, you can seamlessly blend your outdoor furniture with the landscape, creating a harmonious and inviting environment that you and your guests will enjoy.’

(Image credit: Sarah Stacey Interior Design)

While stripes are the star of Gosling and Mendes’s yard, other pattrens can bring a similar statment to an exterior space.

‘Your choice of patterns reflects your personal style and can transform an ordinary outdoor space into a true extension of your home. Whether you prefer classic stripes [like Mendes], playful polka dots, or sophisticated damask patterns, there’s a design to match every taste,’ Peterman explains.

‘Patterned furniture provides an opportunity to showcase your unique personality and create an outdoor retreat that feels authentically yours! Explore these tips and have fun with them.’