Summer 2014 – Sun-drenched Oasis

They say all trends come from the coasts…

After living in San Diego (which is basically a tiny oasis on the fringe of a vast desert), I came to have a great appreciation for succulents known as “ground cover”  for lawns and highways alike.  From my perspective, as a midwesterner and someone who longed for green grass, it was a hint of home and “bloomed” all year long.  Up close, I realized how strong & uniquely beautiful these plants actually are.  So now, 7 years after moving back to Missouri, I’ve noticed that succulents are having quite the renaissance.

And it’s not just succulents, it’s the entire sun-drenched California vibe.  In every catalog and magazine, modern outdoor furniture is adopting a fresh, light-colored hue.  Think of the height of summer where the sun feels like it is bleaching everything in sight.

  • OUT: black wrought-iron/dark aluminum
  • IN:  natural teak/weathered wood/neutral woven/brass

This is refreshing as it parallels our recent devotion to outdoor living and also spurs a new style for homeowners updating their spaces.  See below for inspiration for your home in subtle hues!

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Happy Decorating!

“The One” Lounge Chairs

So, you want to lounge a little, put your feet up, relax after a hard day at work.  Who better to greet you than your favorite lounge chair?  Just because it’s a workaholic doesn’t mean it sacrifices looks and personality.

Check out these great options that deserve a corner in you living room (and your heart).

First we have a classic French Bergere chair with an upbeat paisley fabric and it is instantly reborn!

Anthropologie Antwerp Chair
Antwerp Chair - Anthropologie

Who says “caning” spells traditional?  The sleek black lacquer and modern leg profile make this chair unstoppable.

Atom Designs - Cane Chair Black
Cane Chair Black - Atom Designs

Barbara Barry’s designs are graceful and effortless.   She works to make furnishings the appropriately muted backdrop to our lives.

Starlet Chair - Barbara Barry Realized by Henredon
Starlet Chair - Barbara Barry Realized by Henredon

This one never gets old for me.  They introduce new colors every year and the fact that it can be a recliner and still look like a Parisian club chair, I absolutely love!

Manhattan Chair/Recliner - Pottery Barn
Manhattan Chair/Recliner - Pottery Barn

Houndstooth.  Clean lines.  How can you go wrong with that?

Ryan Chair in Houndstooth - Bernhardt Furniture
Ryan Chair in Houndstooth - Bernhardt Furniture

Even if this chair wasn’t upholstered in a beautiful velvet, it would still make a great statement.

FL3248 - Vanguard Furniture
FL3248 - Vanguard Furniture

The perfect little mod slipper chair, can be redefined with a multitude of fabrics.  Fresh & sleek at the same time.

Abigail Chair - Williams Sonoma Home
Abigail Chair - Williams Sonoma Home

“The One” Area Rugs

Why is it that when you are looking for something, it mysteriously eludes you?

I thought it would be fun to start a recurring blog entry that involved the search for the elusive design element that will essentially pull a room together.  It seemed fitting to base it on our long-standing quest for a mate!

Here are some great links to fabulous, eye-catching rugs!

This one is from a wonderful store in downtown St. Louis, called Atom!

They have lots more floral inspired mod rugs to choose from online!

Here is a great choice from Pottery Barn.  Neutral, nice scale, would go with almost any style!

WS Home has the zebra rug market cornered!

This is available in both black & chocolate & would complete almost any room!

Keep checking back for more additions to “the one” series!

I’d love to hear what design pieces you are trying to locate!