Tree, Line by Zander Olsen

There is an artist by the name of Zander Olsen that has been stuck in my head for a month or so. In fact, these photographs from his Tree, Line collection became the inspiration for our current Elements of Nature window display at Anthropologie on the Las Vegas strip. His work, carried out in Surrey, Hampshire and Wales, constructs a visual relationship between "tree, not-tree" and the horizon line that appears so simple until a white material is wrapped around the trunks to show each dip and rise along that far off line.

I've gone cross-eyed so many times while looking at these pictures.

I especially like this conposition

Out of Doors

It is not the orange blossoms popping up on the ivy on my house, nor is it the warm breeze coming in through my open window that whisper of winter's end. Instead, I had a harsh slap in the face when I slipped into a swimsuit last weekend and discovered such sharp contrast between my transparently white skin to the black sheen on the fabric. But I am terribly aware that no matter how long spring and summer last, the only way this contrast will fade is if my swimsuit is bleached lighter by the sun. Heaven knows the sun cannot do anything to bronze this gal.

While I'm never eager to let coats, jackets, tights and scarves leave my daily wardrobe, the thought of summer nights spent outdoors is making the transition a bit easier. If you didn't catch my post last spring with tips and tricks to spice up your outdoor area, take a look. Today, I have a few before and after pictures to instill some hope for those who feel they have a long way to go before they can relax on their porch.

A tip from the designer: 

"My favorite piece of furniture is the beanbag ottoman. It can serve as a footrest, a table, or extra seating. Depending on how often you clean your porch, the bottom may get a dirty. I recommend putting a towel underneath to help protect the fabric."

"Husband and wife designer-landscape architect team discovered additional space when they gave their old detached two-car garage a new role as an office and studio. The remodel enlarged the building to include a bathroom, a loft, and a small rood deck so it can double as guest quarters. It can also still function as a garage thanks to a set of glass-paneled Dutch doors opening on the plywood paneled office side. The spare, contemporary aesthetic - the doors, simple exposed-wood framing, visible pipes, and industrial-style lighting - kept costs down."

"Before its transformation, tumbleweeds had more fun on this deck than people did. There was no privacy, no ambience, no plants - just minimal seating that offered a less-than-stunning view of the adjacent carport."

A tip from the owner:

"Other than a grill, one of the best pieces to have on your deck or patio is a buffet. The inside can be used for storage so you don't have to make so many trips to the kitchen when you have guests over."

Which space do you most easily see yourself relaxing in?

Blind-date Boy and the Balcony

Once upon a time I was set up with a boy who had a balcony overlooking all of Salt Lake City. Every time I went to his house I found myself planning it so we eventually made it to the balcony - rain or shine, day or night. You guys, it was incredible. I loved it out there. However, that was the only thing I loved about my time with him. And I'll admit, I went on those last dates just for the balcony. It was hard to say goodbye.

The balcony stayed in my mind far longer than he did, and since then, my interest in designing outdoors has been peaked. Here are some tips to keep in mind when creating your own outdoor living space.

The Purpose

Be it for gardening, grilling and dining, poolside afternoons, a play ground for the kids, relaxing, or parties, having a clear purpose in mind will help your outdoor space to become beautiful and useful.

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Space

Obviously you have what you have. Rather than wishing and hoping for a different shape or size, keep these tips in mind and think outside the box. Surely we can come up with something and make it work.

Comfortable Seating

Hammock, day bed, cushioned chairs, sofa set, or poufs. If it's not comfortable, you won't want to spend time out there.

Color

What colors and patterns would you like to use to accent to the natural beauty of the outdoors?

Landscape

Remember, you are outside. Let nature have a say in the space.

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Lighting

Floor lamps, overhead lighting, spotlights, candles, lanterns, or Christmas lights. They not only make the space useable in the evening hours, but can help set just the right mood.

Shade

And if you live in a warm place, misters are awfully helpful