Home & Garden: Outdoor Oasis

By Rachel S. OHara
| 5:00 a.m. December 5, 2012

Ronald Giarrusso bought this Buddha statue while on a trip to Thailand. Giarrusso is a big fan of the Buddha and what the Buddha represents and has multiple Buddha statues and pieces of art around his home and in his outdoor rooms.

Arts + Culture

Ronald Giarrusso says his most spontaneous purchase was his home in Sarasota. Giarrusso and his partner of 23 years, Steven Van Lenten, bought their second home eight years ago. After they came to visit friends, they fell in love with the area. Giarrusso and Van Lenten have aspirations to retire early and live here full time but, for now, the two spend part of the year in New Jersey. Giarrusso, who does interior and exterior design, has enjoyed customizing his Sarasota home.

Although the inside of their home is impressive, what makes Giarrusso’s home interesting is the utilization of the outdoor spaces that surround it. Each outdoor room has its own feel, style and use. Whether you are looking to get sun, enjoy a cup of coffee or get cozy around an outdoor fireplace, there is a room for every purpose.

Giarrusso describes his design style as eclectic and does not discriminate when it comes to where he gets his plants or furniture.

“I buy what I like. It could be from Crowley’s, Home Goods or Home Depot,” says Giarrusso.