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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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(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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Bits of Inspiration: Outdoor Living

The sun is out, the air is warm and it’s time to go outdoors…

 

A Hidden Hideaway

 Elegance Even Outdoors

 Bold and Beautiful

 Dark and Dramatic

Using Nature to Your Advantage

Dramatic Drapes

Fireside Glow

Southern Charm

 

Quaint and Quiet

 

Down by the Seaside

If only for a moment, close your eyes and escape!

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TAKE IT OUTSIDE

With the holiday weekend approaching, I wanted to share a few inspiring outdoor spaces.  The key to designing an outdoor space that is comfortable, relaxing and beautiful, is to view your patio, deck and yard as an extension of your indoor living space.  There are so many wonderful products on the market with “indoor style”, but are made to live outside and weather the elements.  Create an outdoor living room with sofas, chairs, tables and ottomans that are reminiscent of furniture you’d find indoors.  Infuse your outdoor space with a multitude of fabrics to provide layers of texture, comfort and softness.  Don’t shy away from color– create an outdoor space that is bold and dynamic.  And, let your “style personality” shine through by selecting accessories that add character and personality. 

Enjoy these inspiring outdoor rooms!

Photo:  House Beautiful

Photo:  Southern Living

Photo:  Kelly Hoppen

Photo:  House Beautiful

 Photo:  Country Living

Photos:  1,2,3,4,6,7–Unknown Source

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