Outdoor Living Inspired by a Pillow

Living in Atlanta allows for lots of outdoor living and entertaining and designing outdoor spaces is one of my favorite things to do because you can have a little fun with the color palette, the design theme and the accessorizing. I recently created a design plan for a couple whose goal was to extend their living space beyond the family room and take advantage of their beautiful tree-lined back yard.

The Goal:

*  A space for entertaining and lounging that would accommodate lots of people

*  A space with color and a modern Moroccan vibe

*  A space to be enjoyed during the day and into the evening

*  Plants and lush greens to add a cozy feel

*  Texture and color

 

The Plan:

 

 

 

The deck is fairly large so there will also be a dining table and chairs off to one side.

This design plan was executed in record time, the furniture has been ordered and now all that’s needed for my clients Cinco De Mayo party is the margaritas.

Cheers!

   

If you’d like help creating a home or outdoor space you absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services.  Don’t live in Atlanta?  No worries because our Door-to-Door e-design service was developed just for you.

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5 Ways to Style Your Outdoor Space

If you’ve been to your local garden center in the last two weeks, you’ve probably noticed that all the outdoor furniture and gear is on full display.  It’s that time of year when people are getting their outdoor patios and porches ready for spring entertaining, family gatherings, BBQ’s and lots of relaxing.

When it comes to decorating an outdoor space, many of the same techniques you use inside your home are ideal for styling your outdoor living space. Here are 5 simple and easy ways to enhance your outdoor décor.

No. 1  Planters

If your outdoor area is an open patio or deck, planters are a great way to define the space, creating a frame around the boundaries.  While annual or perennial flowers are good for adding texture and color, think about potting a dwarf fruit tree which will add fullness and height.

Fill your low planters with a mix of cascading plants that will add a lush feel.

Group planters of different sizes together to give your outdoor space a layered feel.

No. 2  Outdoor Curtains

I love the look of outdoor curtains and how they add softness and privacy to a porch or patio.

Grommet or tab top curtain panels work best for ease of movement and canvas painter drop cloths are a super inexpensive curtain option.

Add an edge trim to a simple canvas panel to dress it up a bit.

Shower curtains are also a good source for stylish and colorful outdoor panels.

No. 3  Outdoor Pillows

Decorative outdoor pillows are one of the easiest ways to add color and a style statement to your outdoor space.

Colorful pillows on neutral cushions add so much impact and give the seating area the feel of an indoor living room.

 Mix and match colors and patterns to awaken your outdoor living space. 

No. 4  Decorative Accessories

Whenever I’m designing an outdoor space, I can’t wait to layer in the decorative accessories which give the space its personality. 

Just about any accessory can work to decorate an outdoor space but a few of my favorite elements are mirrors, lanterns, indoor tables, chandeliers and garden seats.

Mirrors are an ideal wall décor statement in an outdoor space because of the reflection, the enhanced light and the graphic punch they add.

Crystal chandeliers will bounce beautiful light reflection around and make your outdoor space sparkle.

Ceramic garden seats are sturdy, bold and colorful.  They work great as side tables and serve as additional seating if needed.

Several years ago, many of the top lighting manufacturers began developing indoor lighting looks that could function in outdoor spaces (covered or open spaces).  Adding an outdoor lamp is a great way to add ambience and style.

No. 5  Outdoor Rugs

And probably the icing on the cake when it comes to outdoor spaces is an outdoor rug.  Not only does an outdoor rug add a load of personality to a patio or deck but the space will feel more comfortable with this added layer.

Graphic patterns are always my first option for adding style. 

And I love the look of this space where several rugs have been laid together to create a wall-to-wall carpet.

The same attention to detail that you give to the inside of your home should be given to your outdoor space. Whether your space is large or small, a deck or a patio, adding color, texture, layers and decorative accents will bring your outdoor space to life and allow you to make the most of what your home has to offer.

It’s time for outdoor living!

A favorite sources of outdoor décor:

OUTDOOR PILLOWS

Home Decorators (currently having a 10% off sale on all outdoor décor)

Pottery Barn

Target

Cost Plus World Market (all outdoor items now 15% off)

OUTDOOR RUGS

Home Decorators

Home Depot

Target (nice selection of round and oval rugs)

Pier 1 (great selection of modern stripes, geometric and floral patterns)

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Home Decorators

LampsPlus  (great outdoor pendants and lanterns)

 

 

OUTDOOR PLANTERS

Pottery Barn

Home Depot

GardinRoad  (love these planters)

OUTDOOR CURTAINS

Pottery Barn  (this is my favorite black and white outdoor curtain)

Cost Plus World Market

 

 

OUTDOOR DECOR

HomeGoods

Lowes   (this is one of my favorite styles)

Pier 1

GardinRoad  (great selection of outdoor art and wall décor)

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Getting Ready for Spring–Outdoor Cushion Update

Spring is right around the corner and it has made people start thinking about their outdoor living spaces. One of my readers recently asked me if I had any ideas on what to do with her outdoor patio furniture cushions which are worn, falling apart and faded.  She didn’t want to spend a lot of money and wasn’t keen on the idea of replacing all the cushions.  There are 10 pieces of furniture in her set and a total of 20 cushions which by any calculation = MONEY!

Naturally my first instinct was to suggest new upholstered or slip-covered cushions or to paint her current cushions but neither of those would work given the condition of her cushions and her desire to save money. So, I did a little research and found some really great options on Pinterest that might work for her.

First I came across the idea of creating new cushions using shower curtains as the fabric.  I thought this was a pretty brilliant idea and given the fact the most shower curtains are waterproof this would work great for her outdoor area.  Here’s a look at some pretty fabulous cushions created by MomsbyHeart!.

  

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Next I came across this idea of using standard bed pillows to create outdoor lounge cushions.  Way cool and super easy.

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And finally I came across this idea of using painter’s drop cloths and spray painting the fabric in whatever color you want.  Drop cloths are inexpensive compared to outdoor fabric and with a little sewing and a few cans of paint you can get a new look for not a lot of money.

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Since upholstering is always top of mind for me, this little research project shined a light on the fact that there is always more than one way to skin a cat or in this case get new outdoor cushions.

Spring is just around the corner…have you got your outdoor area together yet??

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Decorating Inside and Out

 I’ve been busy working on a design project that involves several rooms of a home.  The homeowners want a front porch space that is welcoming, cozy and filled with personality.  Here’s a peek at some of the design elements for the space.

The client already has white rockers which work beautifully with their craftsman style home.  We are looking to keep the space fairly neutral and bring in depth through strong patterns, warm colors and lots of natural finishes. 

As you move into the living room of the home, the colors will become richer and more saturated, again using textures and patterns for visual warmth and interest.  I’m loving the mix of rich red and grey paired with antique gold and warm wood tones.   

It’s always fun to create a design plan that will truly transform a house into a home.

If you’d like help creating a home you absolutely love, CONTACT ME about my design services.

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Room of the Week–A Stylish Porch

The Perfect Outdoor Space with Indoor Style!

With Summer in full swing (and winding down soon) a stylish porch like this one is the perfect spot to laze away the days.  What makes this porch so inviting are the indoor details that were brought outside to make this space a true extension to the overall living space of the home.

 The windows behind the sofa provide the perfect backdrop and visual impact that traditional wall decor would.  The mirror adds to the charm providing a beautiful reflection of the space and the iron light fixtures, in triplicate, add style by day and ambience by night. 

I love that the homeowner didn’t stray away from using textiles to add softness and brought in versatile furniture pieces like the ceramic garden seat and rustic wood coffee table. 

The is a perfect space to lounge, entertain and simply enjoy the lazy days of summer!

Perfect in every way! 

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Room of the Week

With summer in full swing, this weeks Room of the Week photo heads outside to the pool.

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I swimming pool has been on my wish list ever since we purchased our first home.  I dream of a space like this one that has a special little hideaway under the sun but right a the pools edge.

Whenever possible, bringing indoor elements outside like this daybed, curtain panels and chandeliers will help create a little home away from home right outside your back door.

The perfect poolside retreat!

 

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Room of The Week

Growing up in Washington State, I wasn’t familiar with the concept of a sun porch.  Here in Atlanta a sun porch is almost a necessity and definitely an added luxury to any home. 

If I had a sun porch, I’d love for it to look a little something like this.

The painted ceiling is so refreshing and makes you feel like you’re looking up to the sky. 

I love the idea of striped roller shades versus curtain panels or heavier blinds.  The somewhat sheer fabric, bold yellow stripe and simple details are perfect for this casual, cottage inspired space.

The rug layout is just brilliant.  A peek of sisal surrounded by four smaller patterned rugs, adding to the visual impact.  And, check out the multi color tile floors, bringing the teal from above down to floor level.

And finally, the furnishing make this a perfect cottage style space.  White wicker, a window seat, light wood tones and fun pillows. 

Now all I need is a glass of iced tea!

 

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So what’s your favorite part of this sun porch??

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Room(s) of The Week

Since most of the country is having unseasonably warm weather now, I know that many of you have your outdoor living spaces on your mind.  During the warmer months, I love nothing more than to spend time outside with a glass of  tea and a stack of magazines.  And, I especially love it when the outdoor space I’m in has as much style and flair as an interior room.  Check out these fabulous outdoor spaces and a few tips I have on making the most of yours!

I love the idea of using outdoor furniture styles that look as though they are meant for the inside.  No longer do you just have to settle for wicker or wicker-like furniture for your outdoor space. This space is stylish, elegant and oozes of comfort.

• Look for weather resistant metal tables or how about outfitting a round fire pit with a wood or metal top to create a table.  When the fire pit is needed just remove the top and you have instant ambience.
• Check on-line specialty stores like Bellacor.com which offers a great selection of outdoor table and floor lamps which have all the style and quality of indoor lighting. 
• Go bold and bright with your pillows.  There’s not better way to energize an outdoor space than with fun and vibrant pillows.  I love the selection of indoor/outdoor fabrics from Calico Corners (just a sampling in the photo below).

via Calico Corners

 

I love the cheery feel that this small but impactful outdoor space has.  Bright colors, lots of flowers and a mix of textures add to the personality of this space.

• When it comes to flower pots and containers, mix and match.  Use a variety of colors, mix metal with ceramic and add pieces with detail.
• Garden Stools are one of my favorite outdoor pieces.  Not only are they practical but there are so many styles and colors to choose from.  Two of my favorite sources for stools are  Wisteria and Home Decor Direct.  And here are a few of my favorite styles…

Turquoise Cane Pattern Garden Stool–Home Decor Direct

 

Carved Stool–Wisteria

• And finally, every outdoor space needs a beautiful serving tray.  I’m loving the large acrylic tray (monogram available) from The Zhush!

And while you’re at it, add in a set of these “oh so cute”  acrylic gingham plaid Salad Servers to serve up your spring salad.  Also available from The Zhush.

 

Now’s the perfect time to take advantage of the warm weather and get your outdoor space together, just in time for the weekend!

 

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