Words to Live By

Creating An Outdoor Room

Its never to early to start planning your outdoor space.  Spring is just around the corner even if it doesn't feel like it.  If your anything like us, we live in our backyard once the weather breaks.  If you spend as much time outside as we do, why not make that extension of your home really feel like one by creating an outdoor living room feel.

Shopping for your outdoor space is a great weekend project and is a great bonding time for a couple or even two roommates. There's something for everyone in building an outdoor space.  You may enjoy finding the perfect outdoor pillows,  but maybe your partner is into the decorative outdoor lighting.  Pulling together a look can be accomplished in four easy steps. 

1.  Agree on an overall look and stick to it.  If you have a inspiration you photo found in a magazine, study the colors and elements you most love about the image.  From there, you can replicate those pieces to create your own version.  If you know you really want to make a Trina Turk feel with oranges and blues, find an example of that color scheme and let that guide you as your shopping. 

2.  Build a base.  You need furniture to sit on right?   You don't have to purchase all new furniture to create a new look.  If last year's furniture is in good shape build upon that.  In my case, I built pallet furniture last year and it was a big hit. When making an investment in outdoor furniture, puck items that are comfortable, durable and versatile.  The accents you add in will be the elements you can change year after year to get a fresh look.  Before you add in the fun, make sure you have these basics: a good umbrella, a table and chairs for dining and playing cards, lounge chairs or sofas for relaxing, a cocktail or end table for drinks, a fold down or mobile table for quick bar service and serving apps.

3.  Add in the style!  Start with one piece you love and let that steer all other choices.  Whatever you find first typically determines this in many cases.  You can find excellent outdoor pillows at Homegoods with style and character.  Add an outdoor rug if you have a patio.  Add a ceramic stool in your accent color for an extra seat or drink table when needed.  Find an additional set of pillows in an opposite but coordinating color/pattern.  Oversize floor pillows are great for grass lounging and travel well to picnics.  Find a drink bucket in a bright color to keep beverages cold at parties. The container could also hold towels off duty if you have a pool.  Another great way to update old items: add a coat of spray paint. 

4. Fill in the accents for that lifestyle "lived in" feel.  Add plants of various size and texture, add hurricane vases and lanterns for candles at night.  Garden objects, sculptures of you liking and maybe even a wind chime.  If your theme is nautical, find a large clam shell for your cocktail table and fill it with succulents.  Add objects of interest like old buoys hanging on the fence or place found driftwood along a garden boarder.

Don't get discouraged if you don't find everything all at once.  The fun thing about design is that it accumulates over time and is perfected.  Keep your eyes open for inspiration wherever you go.  In the end, you'll have a space your family and friends can enjoy all summer long.

- Amber


For help sourcing any specific items shown, contact me.

Upholstery Trend: Application Stripes

Have you seen this trend popping up lately?  Application stripes have been catching my eye in recent publications.  Here are three examples to take inspiration from:

Duralee had this application posted on their website.  I love how the bold navy strip is reflected perfectly on the settee bolster.  You almost don't notice it at first.

 I thought this application was clever.  I snapped a pic on my phone from a magazine while waiting for an appointment - one of my guilty pleasures.  This would make a very bold statement in a room, and could be interpreted through almost any style.

  

 This is the most recent example I found from the High Point Market Style Spotters Fashion Report after this October's market.  Caracole makes beautiful pieces and this chair is no exception.  Its almost a modern take on the wing back chair with delicate legs with a back splayed detail and choice of fabric colors.

Have you seen this trend?  Send us your examples!