Lilypad Palm Beach Project

Sep 10, 2026

We spoke with Claudia Lambert, stylist of Lilypad Palm Beach, about creating a space that feels relaxed, considered and connected to its coastal surroundings. Layered with natural textures, sculptural forms and a warm, tonal palette, the space strikes a balance between laid-back Palm Beach living and contemporary sophistication.

Claudia shares her approach to styling the space, from creating a sense of effortless comfort to selecting pieces that complement the architecture and embrace the beauty of outdoor living.

Stylist: Claudia Lambert

Project: Lilypad Palm Beach

Photography: Lana Landsberry

Cape Sofa, Cape Sofa Chair, Valencia Curve Side Table, Frankie Outdoor Ceramic Coffee Table

When you first approach an outdoor space, what are you looking to understand?

For me, it always starts with how the space will be lived in. Before I think about furniture, I'm looking at the architecture, the connection to the interior, how the sun moves throughout the day, privacy, views and how the clients naturally spend their time. Every outdoor space should feel like a continuation of the home rather than a separate zone.

What are some of the key factors that make one outdoor space different from another?

No two sites are ever the same. Orientation, climate, surrounding landscape whether it's coastal, urban or rural, the size of the space and the way it connects to the home all influence the design. Then there are the people using it. A young family entertaining every weekend has completely different needs than someone wanting a quiet retreat to read a book.

How do things such as sun, shade, exposure, water and weather affect what you specify?

These are some of the biggest drivers of material selection. A windy coastal project requires very different furniture than a sheltered courtyard. I consider UV exposure, salt air, rain, drainage and how much maintenance the client is realistically prepared to undertake. Beautiful furniture still needs to perform, otherwise it won't remain beautiful.

Cape Sofa, Cape Sofa Chair, Frankie Outdoor Ceramic Coffee Table

How does the way a client wants to use the space influence your design and furniture selections?

It influences almost everything. If they love entertaining, I prioritise generous dining and flexible seating. If they want somewhere to unwind, the focus shifts to comfort, layering and spaces for quiet moments. Good design is about supporting the way people actually live.

What do you look for when selecting outdoor furniture?

The first thing is proportion and form. Furniture needs to feel right within the architecture. Then I look at comfort, materiality, craftsmanship and how the pieces work together as a collection. Outdoor furniture should feel considered enough that you almost forget it's designed for outside.

What gives you confidence that a product will perform well over time?

Quality materials, thoughtful construction and a supplier with a proven track record. I want to know the finishes have been tested, replacement components are available where appropriate, and that the products have been designed with longevity rather than trends in mind.

How do you balance aesthetics with durability, comfort and ease of maintenance?

I don't really see them as competing priorities. The best products solve all of those problems simultaneously. Clients shouldn't have to compromise on beauty to achieve durability. My role is finding pieces that are visually timeless, genuinely comfortable and practical enough to live with for years.

Why is it useful to have access to a broad outdoor collection when working across different spaces and client briefs?

Every project deserves its own response. Having a broad collection allows me to find furniture that genuinely suits the architecture, the environment and the client rather than trying to force one aesthetic across every project. It gives me the freedom to create spaces that feel individual.

What do you need from a furniture supplier to feel confident specifying their products?

Consistency, quality and trust. I need confidence that the products will arrive as expected, perform well over time and be supported after installation if needed. Strong suppliers also understand designers, they provide clear information, dependable service and collections that allow creativity rather than limiting it.

Elle Block Low Plinth, Forme Hyacinth Vase

What do you think makes an outdoor space feel successful?

A successful outdoor space feels effortless. It draws people outside and encourages them to stay longer than they intended. It feels connected to the home, comfortable in every sense and layered enough to feel lived in rather than simply furnished. Ultimately, the best compliment is when clients naturally gravitate there every day.

Using Lilypad as an example, how would the same design considerations apply to other outdoor spaces you work on?

Lilypad is a great example because the principles are universal. We considered how the space would be used, how it connected to the surrounding architecture, the environmental conditions and how the furniture needed to perform over time. Whether I'm designing a compact courtyard, a family backyard or a large coastal terrace, those questions remain exactly the same. The furniture may change, but the design process doesn't. It's always about understanding the space first and selecting pieces that support both the environment and the people living within it.