Happy Monday... with Outdoor Beauty!

 

"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves."  James M. Barrie

Hello again and Happy Monday! What a lovely quote to start our week off with...and so true too. May we all bring some sunshine into the lives of others each and every day!

Speaking of sunshine...of another kind, of course...because of the wonderful weather we seem to be having right now (in N.C. anyway!), I thought we'd look at some outdoor living inspirations.  It really is time to start thinking and planning for how you will be using your outdoor spaces this Spring and Summer. It is an extension of your indoor living space and should not be overlooked. It is possible to make these areas (around back and the front porch) look and feel like a "haven" surrounded by nature itself. 

No matter what your style, you can get a few ideas of inspiration from these pictures.  Don't be afraid to use a blend of different styles and types of furnishings outside.  You can mix iron, wood, wicker, etc....and keep those color themes flowing outside just like you would inside. If you prefer neutrals on your furniture...that's OK, just add some zing by adding some mood lifting color. You will be amazed  at the results you will have just by giving a little T.L.C. to these sometimes overlooked areas just outside your home.   

This just looks and feels like a "happy" place, doesn't it?

Letting nature take over is artwork and a backdrop on it's on here!

Notice the wicker used with metal here - great outdoor color scheme too! The blues even tie in the pool.

Ah...a tropical breeze! Take me here!

Oversized pillows do wonders for neutral furnishings.

Afternoon siesta?  I believe I will.

Who wouldn't enjoy a nice afternoon on this cheerful porch?  Talk about "mixing it up"...here's a variety of furniture pieces and even layered rugs... topped with lots of different pillows.  Love it!

Again, think how the space will be used....for dining too?  This outdoor space looks like it is really a "room".

If this were mine, I'd spend all my time here!

What a lovely and simple setting for an afternoon tea!

This design would be easy to duplicate, in any color.

A creative covering! This is work by Elsa Soyars, an interior designer born in Portugal. Most of her work is tranquil and calm, yet elegant and refined.

I am really lovin' this outdoor space!  Definitely feels like an extension of the inside.

OK, I must admit...we don't have a cooking area like this, but my husband really wants one! He loves to grill (or cook just about anything) and I do believe if we had this lovely addition I WOULD NEVER HAVE TO COOK AGAIN! (What am I waiting on, right?) 

I love this cottage style and the "mix" of wood and iron along with lots of flowers and...that chandelier!

Now this one, even I can't imagine, but it is lovely and serene!

Well, for those that know me...this just may be one of  my "faves"!  Do you know why? Yes, look at that VIEW...that's why! The owners of this eclectic Myrtle Beach home were featured in Grand Strand Magazine.  They live here year-round, but still wanted to have a vacation "vibe". The added touches of blue in this setting brings the ocean right up close and personal. Compliments of Roberts Erickson Design (and this is their personal home). 

Creative and fun!

So by all means...start thinking about how you would like to enjoy your outdoor areas.  What colors do you like? Make a plan and get started.  Start with the basic furniture (sofa, chairs, dining table) and then add in accent tables where you can. But don't stop there...you need some "layers" in the luxury...table linens, pillows, greenery, flowers, and even a few unusual accessories to throw in your personality. Be sure to mix it up a bit and "pop" some fun colors to enjoy while you are relaxing (or entertaining) in your new, cozy outside haven!!  It's just that...YOUR haven, so have fun and enjoy letting your personality unfold right before your very own eyes.  

Even though it's Monday....I hope you'll make it a "Simply Irresistible" one!  Ta-Ta, dear readers, and thank you for stopping by!

Photo credits: At Home in Arkansas, Roberts Erickson Designs, GCI Design, Traditional Home, Coastal Living, Better Homes and Garden, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Unknown Source.

*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!

Decorating with GREEN for Rooms that Inspire!

GREEN is in the air...you can see it, feel it...and smell it.  Isn't it wonderful when it's this time of year that you see bits of "green" emerging from nature itself.  The grass starts to grow again, the once bare trees begin displaying new green leaves, and many luscious green perennials sprout up from the ground.  It let's us know that Spring is soon to be in the air!  This season (and color) always reminds me of a time of "renewal" and "freshness"!  

So, with that in mind...why not bring some renewal and freshness indoors....with green.  Have you ever really thought about decorating with this wonderful color of nature?  Let's take a look at some of the effects of using this color in our decorating... 

Design by Toby Fairley

How much more refreshing can it get than this? This is over the top and so inviting.  White and green together is such a sharp, clean look....I'm loving it!

Photo Courtesy of Category Architecture

What do you think about these luscious colors here?  Is this eye candy or what?  Notice in this room that it has a contemporary flair because of these bright colors and of course, the rug.  However, take a look at the architecture in the  room and even some of the furniture...it speaks of a more formal style.  I love the mix used here! You can actually "feel" the energy from this...by the use of color.

Photo courtesy of Decorating Room

Again, we sort of have that fun mix of styles...look at that artwork on the walls - contemp, while the fabrics and most of the furniture is more formal....so this should prove to you that you don't have to be afraid to mix it up a little.  And I love the couple of "pops" of the pinks and reds..."Simply Irresistible" for sure!

Photo courtesy of Elle Decor

Here we have greens dripping with that cozy formal feeling.  But take a glance at that table skirt used with it...navy and red! See, again...you CAN mix it up.  I love every element of this room...how about you?  

Photo courtesy of Elle Decor (Design by Quito Fierro)

I could get down right cozy in this room.  Oops...I left my shoes in the floor (ha!).  And there's my "pop of pink" in the decor again....love it! What a refreshing way to say "welcome".

Photo courtesy of Elle Decor

Now here is a room that totally goes in another direction.  Soft blue tones and then the punch of bright greens in the chair, window treatments, and the patterned throw pillows.  Very nice ... and you've gotta love those window valances!

Lovely Dining Room by Mary McDonald

And again we have our pop of bright green with the wallpaper that adds the energy to this space, yet the rest of the room radiates formality and elegance.  I love the way this bright yellow fabric was incorporated into this design...does this usher in Spring or what? Be sure to take time to look at all the details of this well designed room.

Photo Courtesy of Elle Decor

Now THIS is artwork!  Look at all the color possibilities for this room just from one piece of art.  You could take this area in any direction with this piece alone.  Let your imagination go wild and see what colors YOU would be inclined to create in your room using this colorful work of art.  This proves the fact that an entire room (or house) can be designed from only one basic starting point...and that can be just a picture that inspires you!

A few basic things to remember when using green in your decorating...since there are many shades of green, start with using the shade that most inspires YOU.  Now, just for some fun facts, I'll share what some of the greens are known to represent. 

Dark green - ambition

Bright chartreuse green - health and healing

Olive green - peace

According to a Mood Color Chart, the green colorways lean to the "relaxed" side of things.  That alone is a great reason to decorate with green...of course, that is, if you like green. Yes indeed, GREEN (the color of nature) does have a calming effect.  Let me know what effect you think your favorite shade of green has on YOU.

Keep in mind that our design team is available to work with you to bring "renewal" to your rooms....whether it be with green or not. Be sure to take some time today to also look around and see the emerging signs of renewal in nature and...

Make it a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Pillow Talk #1

Today we are taking a look at a quick and creative way to add "life" to any room. Decorative pillows can give an immediate splash of color and a new feel to many areas in your home. A room with a neutral palette can be the blank canvas for the

use of hot-colored accessories...starting with pillows! Neutral can sometimes feel more formal, so these accent pillows help give it a more casual look. I like to think of decorative pillows as an easy way to incorporate your own personal style and dive into a new world of color. With neutral furniture, these pillows can be layered to add not only a punch of color, but pattern or even a certain theme. This is a versatile design addition that allows you to change with the seasons or update at any time. Now, this is a design tip that can impact your room in an instant! Try a color-punch for yourself...It's "Simply Irresistible"!

Images are courtesy of Coastal Living Magazine.