Spring is in the air! – Patio Inspiration

Last year, I finally moved into a place with an outdoor patio!  I was so excited and searched for things to fill the space.  However, the indoor rooms needed a bit more attention so instead I worked on those spaces.  Also, I found myself spending a great deal of time at the pool and less emphasis on the patio resulted.

However, 2015 is a new year and I’d really love to make that space an extension of my living space.  Here is a concept photo as well as a sketch of the space:

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It’s not a huge space but I think I can maximize it’s potential :)

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A before photo…a little sad at the moment but the weeds are gone!

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I already purchased this great little wrought iron folding table at Target…awesome b/c of size and portability…but i need chairs…

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Love the Parisian bistro chairs!

This chaise/daybed from C&B would really make the space.  Extra seating for guests but a great place for me to curl up with my ipad and get inspired…I hope I can make this happen :)

 

I love how colorful (and affordable) outdoor area rugs are!  This is a great option to bring in my blue color scheme…

Fun patterns, yes?!

If I have space for this; I would love a little extra room to bring the bar outdoors…

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The rest is all fun entertaining ideas!

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I’ll keep you posted on the progress!  Happy Decorating!!

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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Yin & Yang Setting 03

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Happy Decorating!

“the one” – outdoor pillows summer 2012

Hi all!  It’s been a while since I shared a design crush with you!  I am in love with these outdoor pillows and can’t pick out which is my favorite!  Outdoor pillows used to be so boring and now there are all these options full of style and personality.  I love mixing & matching all the patterns & colors!

What do you think?  Which one is right for your patio?

Crate & Barrel – Marimekko Pillow
West Elm – Echo Pillow
Crate & Barrel – Topiary Pillow 
Pottery Barn – Ikat Pillows
West Elm – Sunset Pillow
Pottery Barn – Ikat Multicolor Pillows
Ballard Designs – Outdoor Pillows (multiple fabric options)
Pottery Barn – Palace Pillow

Enjoy the outdoors & Happy Designing!