Laurence Fishburne built the perfect outdoor living room with The Property Brothers – their result is dominating summer trends

On Celebrity IOU, Drew and Johnathan Scott helped The Matrix actor build a resort-level outdoor living – the simple but beautiful look is shaping how we decorate

laurence fishburne and the property brothers outside
(Image credit: HGTV)

On the HGTV show Celebrity IOU, A-listers team up with the property brothers to make life-changing renovations for their loved ones. Past episodes include Drew Barrymore redoing her makeup artist's home, Kate Hudson gifting her mother-in-law a backyard makeover, and Halle Berry transforming her mentor's home. In this week's episode, not only did Laurence Fishburne perform an act of kindness, but he also set an interior design trend.

In Season 7 Episode 9, 'Laurence Fishburne's Foolproof Surprise,' The Matrix actor tasks Johnathan and Drew Scott with helping him build a backyard retreat for his long-time friend. Though the entire makeover is stunning, we were most impressed by the transformation of the porch from a simple platform to an entire outdoor living room and kitchen. The space features a dining table complete with cushioned seats, a grill, a marble countertop for preparing food, and countless decorative vases filled with beautiful flowers. Fishburne's design is at once functional and beautiful.

Furthermore, it fits into an increasingly popular interior design trend. Paint brand Krylon's Summer Trends Report for 2024 predicts that bringing the indoors out will be one of the biggest trends of the season. The look is about bringing the comfort of your home to the lush freshness of the outdoors, perfectly embodied in Drew, Johnathan, and Laurence's space.

laurence fishburne and the property brothers putting together an outdoor living room for celebrity IOU

(Image credit: HGTV)

'The trend of extending indoor living to the outdoors continues to gain traction in 2024, with more people embracing the idea of creating luxurious yet functional spaces,' Ashley Banbury, interior designer at Krylon, tells H&G.

'This trend highlights the seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living, with outdoor areas designed to serve a range of purposes, from dining and entertaining, to simply relaxing.' This can be accomplished with an outdoor living room, an outdoor kitchen, or even with a majority indoor space like a sunroom.

Headshot of Ashley Banbury
Ashley Banbury

Ashley is Color Marketing Manager at Krylon, with over 15 years of experience in the design world. Ashley is NCIDQ Certified with a background in restoration architecture and is an active member of Color Marketing Group and ASID.

She adds, 'Natural elements like wood, stone, and greenery play a key role in this trend, creating a harmonious blend between the indoor and outdoor environments. These organic components add warmth and character to outdoor spaces.' We see appear in the space on Celebrity IOU through the natural wood porch and marble countertops on the cooking area.

laurence fishburne and the property brothers putting together an outdoor living room for celebrity IOU

(Image credit: HGTV)

It's easy to recreate this timeless style in your own home. Banbury recommends: 'To elevate your outdoor living spaces, consider giving your seating area a makeover by revamping old chairs, tables and patio screens. Alongside refreshed furniture, transform your plain planters into striking focal points using a variety of hues to create an outdoor oasis that is both colorful and cohesive. By incorporating these elements, you can create an outdoor environment that is lively and inviting for both relaxation and entertainment. Perfect for creating memorable moments outdoors this summer.' This works whether it's an entire patio or just a small outdoor living room.


Shop H&G's Outdoor Living Room Edit


Whether you build an outdoor living room or just zhush up your sun room, Laurence Fishburne's time on Celebrity IOU is a timely reminder to embrace the sunny season with your decor this summer. More than beauty, design is about experience and connection. This trend is hitting all of the marks.

Sophie Edwards
News Editor

Sophie is a London-based News Editor at Homes & Gardens, where she works on the Celebrity Style team. She is fascinated by the intersection of design and popular culture and is particularly excited when researching trends or interior history. Sophie is an avid pop culture fan. As an H&G editor, she has interviewed the likes of Martha Stewart, Hilary Duff, and the casts of Queer Eye and Selling Sunset. Before joining Future Publishing, Sophie worked as the Head of Content and Communications at Fig Linens and Home, a boutique luxury linens and furniture brand. She has also written features on exciting developments in the design world for Westport Magazine. Sophie has an MSc from the Oxford University Department of Anthropology and a BA in Creative Writing and Sociology from Sarah Lawrence College.