Outdoor Living

Well it's the start of another work week...what did YOU do this weekend?  Believe it or not, I still do not have our deck area off from the breezeway...ready for Spring (much less Summer!).  I know, I always talk about how important those first impressions are when someone walks up to your door...you want it to be "inviting and cozy".  So do I and it's been driving me crazy that I can't seem to get it done...HELP!!!  


Over the weekend I was thinking about this picture I had seen...

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I just love this b/w gazebo...it's charming.  I'd love to be able to add this in somewhere...hum, maybe so!  However, I think it's the black-n-white stripes that I am really loving.  I like this look! So, it got me to thinking.

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I started looking for a little inspiration for all the ideas rolling around in my head.  Pillows...ok, yea, I could do cushions and/or pillows in this classic stripe.  Oh, how I LOVE that awning though and we desperately need one to give us more shade too!

Here's another one...

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This one even looks like our outdoor furniture...so maybe white cushions with the b/w striped pillows...but is that enough for me?  Not so sure it is!  (See, I really do have a hard time deciding for ME!)

Here they are...Love them!

...Or...

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Maybe sport the stripes on a new umbrella too...hum, still not sure.  See, I told ya...I need HELP!  I just cannot pull this look together for myself!!

Oh, and I even ran across these adorable paper lanterns by Z Gallerie...what do you think?  

And then I moved on to THIS...

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Oh me oh my...I LOVE turquoise with the black and white...now, I am possibly on the right path for the design of my outdoor areas...turquoise, black and white....yea, I think that's it!  But now, I still need a design plan for exactly how to carry it out. Any ideas out there???



Here are a few other items I spotted along the way in my "inspiration quest"...

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Take a look at this really neat chair for your outdoor area...I just loved it.  I already have the solid black woven furniture...but isn't  this chair great?  Who knows, maybe YOU are still trying to put your outdoor look together!  Hopefully I'm not the only one out there that is trying to make it happen...towards the END of June!

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For now, all I know is I love this rug (in black) from Ballard Designs and think these would go well on my deck...I'd need two of them.  Now I just need to do a design board for ME, right?  That way maybe I can pull it all together...before the end of summer (Ha!)


How did YOU design your outdoor spaces this year?  What colors did you decide on?  Is it finished...or are you just getting started too?


Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

Week in Review...

I think this sums up the kind of week it's been for me...

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That pretty much says it all...need I say more?  Nope!  It's just been one of  "those" weeks that you are glad is finally behind you!  Ever had one of those?  

 Oh, and just for the sake of design...aren't these all such fun posters?  Which would YOU choose?  What color frame would you select?

Hope you are enjoying your weekend and making it...

"Simply Irresistible"!

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

How to "Dress" Your Coffee Table

No doubt it's late in the week, but I am glad to be back on here with a chance to share some design tips with you. I have been pondering that we'd like to share with you some great "tips" on how to dress up (yes, meaning decorate) your coffee table.  Many time I find that  our clients just don't have any idea what to put on it (unless it's just ONE thing right in the middle of it which doesn't really complete the look most times). I already had some ideas and photos put together for you, but then...along came this great article from Southern Living.  Who can say it better than...Phoebe Howard herself.  So, I ditched my article/blog post for a better one!  This is her "fool proof formula" for it...

The Formula: Using these elements, you can apply Phoebe’s chic and simple method to any space or tabletop.

1. Something Tall
Hurricane vases or candlesticks are great because when you light candles, they add sparkle and make everything festive.

2. One Oddball Object
Choose something that’s sculptural and quirky to express your personality. Some ideas: a piece of coral, a glass orb, or a small ginger jar.

3. Something Fresh
A nice pot of ivy, a fern, or some fresh-cut flowers add life and easy-to-change color to the room.

4. A Stack of Books
Use a few large, pretty art books to make a stack, and top it off with something decorative.

There...you now have a simple formula that will work for most any tabletop space.  Funny thing is that it is almost exactly the same ideas we were going to share!!  It's the same "formula" we use many times too. Imagine that! So, there must be some truth to it, right?  I love her work and Southern style...and I knew YOU would too.  Thanks Phoebe!!

Enjoy "Dressing" Your Coffee Table

and

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Photo Credit:  Southern Living, Phoebe Howard

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

Friday Finds!

Are you ready for an exciting weekend?  I certainly do hope so, but at least for today you'll have a bit of excitement to look at anyway...with our Friday Finds...from where?  Well, of course...more Lilly finds!!  Take a look...

Colony Cocktail Table

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Singer Ottoman

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Aster Lace Bed

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Lillian Barstool

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Boulevard Wing Chair

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And now...by this point and for what is to come...all I can say is I WANT IT ALL...I am in love with Lilly's home furnishings...style, frame colors, fabrics....yes, ALL of it.

Hum, I think I'll start with this one in my newly painted living room...Fresh, Fun and Yummy!

This one is lovely if you want white...I love it too, but do "I" really want white?  Not too sure!

Here's one of her loveseats done up just the way I like...in turquoise...to use with my yellows!  Ooh-la-la!

Not only do I love this chair style, but look at this gorgeous bright fabric...what's not to love, right?  These are my colors...so it's no wonder I "want it all".

And look at this lovely more traditional style chair with this fun fabric!  Oh my, choice, choices...

If you want more of these exciting bright and beautiful finds for your home...or perhaps just to drool over...head on over to Lilly Pulitzer Home here and enjoy!

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Weekend!

Images from Lilly Pulitzer Home

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

On a Lilly Kick

Lilly Pulitzer, that is.  I can't seem to get enough of it.  Do you remember the days of carrying a "Daytimer".  You know, the hard- bound cover with all the calendar pages in it?  Well, I gave it up a few years ago (and yes, it was like pulling a blankie or pacifier away from a baby! Truth!) to go with a calender on my computer...not a tangible "thing".  Was it this hard for YOU to let go of?  Well, it was for me...so that secret about me is out!


As much as I do like having everything right on my computer...no paper trails (unless of course I print my schedule)...I miss having it.  I don't rely on a calendar on my PHONE...nope, I don't.  I have the capability of it, but just haven't done it.  So...for what I am getting to (finally, right?)...

2013 may just HAVE to be different because of these...

These are Lilly Pulitzer 2013 Agenda Books (available here) complete with a 17-month agenda that has weekly and monthly calendar pages, dates to remember, contacts and notes.  What's not to love about these?  Should I use them for design business/schedule?  Or personal agenda?  What's a girl to do...give up the calendar on the computer and once again revert to her old ways...with these beauties...I think I may choose to!!

How about you...do you love these enough to go back to the "old" way...or incorporate one of these into your life along with the phone and computer calendars...???  Do tell.

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Images by Lilly Pulitzer

What I Like about You

"You" meaning...this photo of a Lily Pulitzer room.  OMG, I am simply in love with it! (Sorry for the over-run of photo, but wanted it large enough so you can see it good.)

First, and you know this one by now...it's PINK!

Second, it could be created in a room where the homeowner already has furniture that may even have a little more traditional flair.

Thirdly, love the pineapple (southern hospitality) legs on this traditional table.

Fourthly (is that even a word?), the banquette seating on the far wall actually blends right into the "Lilly" wallpaper.  You barely even notice this piece of furniture in the photo since it's covered in fabric that matches the wallpaper.

Fifthly, The hot PINK end chair is...well, "to die for"!

Sixthly (once again, is this a word?), the skirted parson chairs...oh my!  I love that they are white and corded with hot PINK.  This small detail makes a huge impact on these chairs...an often forgotten way of adding flair to upholstery. (Always remember...it's in the "details"!)

Seventhly, the contemp mirror and light fixture...even with the "traditional" furniture pieces.

Eighthly, the all over pops of lime green in here as accents to the pink and white color scheme.

Ninthly, the fact that it looks like no rug was even used in here...hum, and it doesn't look "hard or cold" at all from not using one.  I am now liking this idea!

And just because I like, OK, LOVE this room...here it is one more time...

What do YOU like about this room?

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Ta-Ta!

Images:  Lily Pulitzer 

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!

Ikat Art...and more!

Happy Monday!  It's been a busy day around Alpha & Omega Interiors but the week is off to a wonderful start...how about yours?


I was going through some of our new art vendor introductions today and I wanted to share a few with you.  Hope you don't mind!

Aren't these new Ikat Florals lovely?  The colors are so bright and bold.  These are 24 x 24 in size and would make a great pair in most any room needing a POP of these colors!

What do you think about this new piece?  Hum, I like it, but not for ME!  Could you use this in your home any where?  If so, it's a 29 x 29 in case you want to measure that perfect spot.

This is a fun one I thought I'd throw in....we talk about "Man Caves"...but a KID cave?!?!  How neat is this for a playroom area?  It's a 32 x 10 in case you like it too.

I'd LOVE to have a place to use this lovely pair...ooh-la-la!  Yummy colors, aren't they?  OK now, where could YOU add these in...the family room, the hallway...where, where where?  The size is 10 x 36.

Butterfly I

and...

Butterfly II

Another pair that I love.  These are both 30 x 30 in size.

And last, but not least...check out this Paris Clock...

It's also a 30 x 30.  Isn't it cool?

How's that for sharing some new products with you....did you enjoy?  These are great pieces that are actually at very affordable pricing.  Be sure to let us know if we can help with YOUR accessorizing projects!  After all, it's the accessories that make the room come to life!

Have a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Image Credits:  Alpha & Omega vendor Propac

Coastal Retreat

Back again and I simply cannot believe it is Friday all over again.  I hope you are looking forward to a simple, laid-back weekend! With that in mind...how about a coastal retreat?

Let's look at some southern charm, shall we?  Inside of this Palmetto Bluff, SC home...

For one bit of interesting info about the exterior of the house...the homeowners used "Tabby" (a mixture of lime, sand, water and crushed oyster shells that dry like concrete). This was also used by early settlers since the ingredients for it were easily found along the coast...how cool is that!

I just love shutters...just the "look" they give is enough for me, but also that they have operable slats...so you can control the amount of light, or breeze, that comes in.  

Now, let's step inside...

I could certainly go for the inside charm too.  I love the painted pieces, the shells used as accessories, the palm fronds (of course!), the rug...well, all of it really.  

How about this neutral color scheme with the subtle pops of blue?  Calming and serene...don't ya think?

 

Same goes for the kitchen...not too much blue, just pops.  I love the marble counter tops.  Also, the nautical lighting over the island...ah, I'm a lovin' it!!! 

And the best part about this kitchen is...

It opens right up to the lovely porch on the FRONT, yes front, of the house!  Just open up the french doors and enjoy your meal in this beautiful space...with the dog too, of course!!

Now, if the FRONT porch is this nice...wonder what the back porch is all about?  Shall we see and head on out that way...

Oh my!  What a cozy spot and I am not surprised at all to find the homeowner out here (again, with the dog!!) soaking up some R&R on this swinging daybed.  How nice this must be!  The drapery panels are made out of weatherproof sailcloth for a little shade and privacy.  Then, with a little more TLC they added the large throw pillows and euros and a bit of greenery...all of which "soften" the look out here.  So...with that in mind...I think I'll tarry a bit longer out here...

So, enjoy your weekend and be sure to make it...

"Simply Irresistible"!  

Photo Credits:  Southern Living

Photographed by:  Laurey W.  Glenn