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?

Make a statement

Have you been on Anthropologie's site recently? They have a few tips and tricks for "how to be bold from corner to corner." For the record let me state that I am aware these rooms are not complete - these are simply staged vignettes to showcase the idea. Still, true to the Anthropologie way, it is beautifully executed. Which, if any of these, are you afraid of doing in your space? Do any of these daring design moves come naturally to you?

My new crush

Some girls have crushes on actors, other on musicians, and most on attainable human beings.

Along with the above mentioned, I have crushes on rooms. Today's heartthrob:

Hubba hubba

If I were to actually live in this space I might add a pop of color in the light fixture or on the mantle, however, Kerrisdale Design Inc. chose classic furniture with a pinch of sass, a delightful color scheme, and allows the beauty of the architecture to play a large part in the space. Classic, timeless, and gender neutral. Yum.

Dark Green Walls

I'm not usually one to fall for a trend. My choice in interiors is a classic look that (hopefully) stands the tests of time. However, I'm falling for a particular look right now. What is it that grasped me so?

Dark green walls.

This is a sensitive little bugger. Despite my adoration for this look, there are many a rooms who claim dark green walls that had me seriously considering whether or not I liked the color. However, I pressed forward and made it back here to provide you with a compilation of the goodies I found.

Take a looksy.

So, do you like the look or did it make you gag? What are some trends that you enjoy?

Me oh my

How do I like this? Let me count the ways:

Mix & Match dining room sets. Trendy, maybe so, but it is a trend I plan on holding on to long term.
Peaceful hues
Eames Molded Plastic Chairs. Honestly, is a better chair yet to be created?
Landscape artwork. Iz my fav.
Picture collages - done with order in the overall shape and similarity in the pictures to achieve a clean look.
The table. Why do I cherish old wood tables so?

and lastly . . .

The bread. Mmmm. My favorite way to make myself sick.

Have you found an element that you like most?

Be Our Guest

I've always enjoyed the homes that accommodate their visitors and make them feel like their time spent under its roof is cherished. Those homes allow its guests to feel comfortable sitting on the sofa and kicking up their feet, and usually causes more personalized conversations.

My brother and I recently discussed our desire to have a list of everyone who has put their shoes up on our coffee table. Once 90 degree angles, the edges are now rounded and worn from our homes many welcomed visitors.

The photo below is an example of how to help every guest feel like a part of the home. The woman photographed inherited this kitchen table from her grandparents who, for sixty years, invited nearly every one of their guests to carve his or her name onto their table top. If I were to adopt this idea, I would invite regular guest to continue carving their name. The deeper the cut, the more frequent the visits. What an aesthetic and creative way to show your hospitality.

Happy Sunday

"The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely."

-Louisa May Alcott-

And a song for your listening pleasure:

Campers

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For years I have wanted to go on a family vacation up the California coast to Washington state. Picture it: Pa in the drivers seat, Ma with maps strewn across her lap, while scenes of the pacific coast flit pass the eyes of the children playing together peacefully in the backseats. In my dreams, the children are always playing together peacefully.

Well family, pack your bags because I have proof that living out of a camper for a week doesn't have to be like the stop at Possum Park on A Goofy Movie. These charming campers are filled with personality and comfort. They really are an apartment on the go. It just goes to show that with some effort and out of the box thinking, even the tiniest place can become a cozy haven.

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When you are in a small, temporary space like one of these, using exuberant amount of color and pattern is okay. A small area can be the statement piece - the part that really shows off your personal style.

What do you think? Could you spend a week amid the California Redwoods in one of these? Which camper is your favorite?