There are some actual souvenirs: pillows in colorful woven alpaca wool from Cusco, Peru, and embroidered cactus silk from Morocco. Other details are more subtle nods, like the hanging ferns that remind him of New Orleans, where he and his partner live part-time. A warm-cool color mix weaves together the eclectic pieces from his life experiences. “It’s really about incorporating all the ingredients—a lot of color, plants, and texture, some vintage, and personal pieces—to make it fun and festive to remind me I’m home,” he says. Practicality takes precedence outdoors. Most pieces are stain-resistant and can be power-washed, like the sofa cushions upholstered in Sunbrella and the Acapulco chairs. He stores small, non-weatherproof items like the Moroccan pillows inside. To recreate Dabito’s colorful bohemian style, look for sunny colors, teak and rattan furnishings, and nubby, geometric-pattern textiles.
What does style mean to you?
“Style is something that reflects your personality. It’s being bold, letting go, being unapologetically yourself.”
What’s in your creative toolbox?
“Traveling is my No. 1 muse because I get to see how different places, different designers, different cultures use color. I get a lot of inspiration from fashion as well. Also, plants and nature never fail to inspire me.”
What do you do when blocked creatively?
“I take a nap. I sometimes get inspiration in that space between sleep and being awake. Rest is so underrated and so important.”
What’s your best style advice?
“Don’t overthink it. Just do it. Have fun with decorating and being you.” Buy It: Englewood Outdoor Hammock Weave Patio Chair ($213 for set of two, Wayfair) Buy It: Oana Outdoor 2-Seater Sectional Acacia Loveseat, ($526, Overstock) Buy It: Costa Farms 10-Inch Majesty Palm ($40, Lowe’s) Buy It: Avalon Home Mackay Ikat Diamonds Indoor/Outdoor Rug ($21-$253, Hayneedle) Buy It: Cathy Terepocki Ceramic Stool ($148, Anthropologie) She has worked as a decor and home editor for Coastal Living, producing and styling content as well as art directing projects from start to finish. Liz is the founder of her eponymous company, Liz Strong Style, where she often collaborates with clients and publications, including Better Homes & Gardens, for editorial and advertorial features.
