Happy Saturday!

Have a simply enjoyable weekend!

Photo courtesy of Coastal Living

"Softening" Your Outdoor Spaces

Since we've just finished a mini-series on "softening" your indoor table-tops...I thought we'd look at some ideas that "soften" your outdoor living spaces.  Have you even thought about whether or not your outdoor areas are "soft", cozy and inviting...or just "hard"?  Let's take a look at what I mean by this.

"Hard" outdoor spaces #1

#2

#3

As you can see from all three of these photos above...they have beautiful landscape design...but seem unfinished because they have no personality.  The "softening" of these areas is what makes the impact in spaces like these.  Nothing has been added to say "Welcome, come in and stay for awhile"! 

Now, let's take a look at some outdoor spaces that have had a little TLC and seem much more inviting.

Cushions, pillows, flowers, and greenery (even if the trees you use aren't the "real" thing)...these all help "soften" the look. 

Same here as well...but a rug is added in this one which definitely has the power of "softening" any hard surface area.

This homeowner went way out and added not only cushions, pillows and hanging baskets, but a skirted table....remember, fabric "softens"...so this is also another great way if you have a covered area. The added accessories sure have a way to give it the true personality of the homeowner, don't you think?  Can you tell how "soft" and inviting this spot is?  

I say...if you've got the space to add drapery panels...do it.  This not only gives you privacy and a little shade...but look at how cozy this spot is now.  I could visit here all day for sure! Want to join me?



See how even a tablecloth can soften it up a bit?  Oh, and you've got to love these chairs!  How different from the "norm". 

Even if you only have a dining space out there...be sure to add some comfy cushions, table-top accessories with flowers, and some greenery (potted tree behind table used here) which will bring a little nature into the space. 

A few others that ought to inspire you...

If you don't do any of this...well, it will leave you with just hard surface items...table and chairs...and NO "softening" for that inviting feeling.  Think of your outdoor spaces as you would the rooms inside your home and decorate them!  Be sure not to ignore these spaces this summer...get your colors planned out, then find the items you'd like to see in this space....and go for it!  You will be amazed at the transformation and I bet it will be a spot that you'll want to come settle into after a long days work. Try it and see!

               Bold and Beautiful Cushions

               

                                                

Multi-Color Striped Rug

                                         Ric-Rac Napkins                            

    

      

     Flutter Placemats

     

       Bird Dinnerware

                

  Potted Boxwood Topiaries      

       

Red Peony in Vintage Bottle

 

As you can see...they have lots of great items that you can choose from to help transform your outdoor space...in any color!  So have fun...be creative...and then enjoy your new outdoor abode this summer!

Have a blessed and "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Photo Credits:  Coastal Living, Greenspire Landscaping, Unknown, Colorado Landscape, Seasonal Living, Southern Living, Martha Stewart, Country Living,  John Derian, House Beautiful, Pottery Barn, Pier 1

*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!

Simple Times

Are you taking a "break" from it all this holiday weekend? No matter what you choose to do ...keep it simple...and enjoy yourself!

Perhaps you'll sleep in a bit...    

                 

Or find that special spot to sit and dive into a favorite book you've had no time to read...



Have you been waiting to have time just to soak in a hot bubble-bath?  Ah...THIS could be just the weekend to do that!



Maybe it's a "little" coastal retreat you need...



Perhaps just some fun shopping time with friends...


No matter what it is you choose to do...be sure to

make it a "Simply Irresistible" Memorial Day weekend!

 See you next week!

Photo Credits:  Coastal Living, House Beautiful, Marriott.com

Outdoor Beauty with Fabrics

I hope you all had a wonderful week-end and are ready for the start of another great week. Since so many people seem to be hard at work cozying up their "outdoor living spaces" for the summer, me included...what a better time than now to look at some outdoor fabric ideas.

These Zancudo Outdoor Fabrics by Osborne and Little (osborneandlittle.com) feature five fabric designs in various colors.  These are great for outdoor use as they have excellent lightfastness. They also have a soil resistant finish and they actually dry without leaving stains. An excellent choice for your new cushions and pillows for your outdoor "haven" whether poolside, terrace, or patio.

For those ready-made cushions try these cushions by Sunbrella. This is another excellent choice since they are durable and resist mildew,  fading, chlorine and stains. They can be found at Pottery Barn (potterybarn.com).

Or how about adding a little floral garden theme to your outdoor living spaces...the kind you don't even have to water!  These lovely pillows would add some life to any area and are great used with the solid cushions (or stripes).  These ready-mades can also be found at Pottery Barn (potterybarn.com). 

We can even take Damask to the outdoors...with this swirl floral design taken from a 17-century Indonesian Fortuny print.




Another great source for replacement cushions is Lloyd and Flanders...a well known manufacturer of fine outdoor furniture and cushions.  They are designed to "weather" well during all seasons of the year. They will also send you fabric swatches at no charge that you can see up close and personal in order to make your selection. Be sure to visit their website at Lloyd Replacement Cushions.

 

As you can see...whether using solids or mix-n-match patterns...updating and layering these in your outdoor spaces can help create that retreat feeling in a place that you will want to sneak away to for some "down" time...each and every day.  

Have a Happy Monday that is "Simply Irresistible"!

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!