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” Outdoor Furniture

I have resumed my search for the elusive, unattainable design element. This time I am seeking fabulous outdoor furniture ideas!

Here are a few that caught my eye.  Fun colors, unique shapes, hardworking pieces for your outdoor oasis!

Click on the photo for buying info.

West Elm

Brown Jordan

Janus et Cie

Brown Jordan

Brown Jordan

Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn

Happy Spring!

Spring is probably my favorite time of year. Daffodils, my favorite flower, bloom before any of the other perennials and always signals the start of the season to me!oasis

So, I have been working on patio options for clients and for myself. (I’m always searching for things I will buy when I eventually have a house and a millionaire husband!)

Here are some great new things I think you should check out!

I’m very excited about this new outdoor furniture line, Polywood! It is made from recycled milk cartons and seems almost indestructible! Check it out at: www.polywoodinc.com.

Everyone is gearing up for cocktails on the patio! This is the best time of year to find super cute plates, plastic stemware, etc for a picnic. I personally love using outdoor drinkware for every day indoors because it is so durable! Check out the super cute outdoor accessories at Pottery Barn! There are lots of things to explore in the store as well! www.potterybarn.com

Also, if you have kids and you want to prevent cute sofa pillows from getting ruined, outdoor pillows are a fun alternative! Since they are naturally good at repelling water it solves the spilled milk problem! Check out the outdoor pillows at West Elm! They look too nice to be left outside! www.westelm.com

Dust off the umbrellas, tackle the weeds and get ready to relax outside!