Happy Saturday!

Have a simply enjoyable weekend!

Photo courtesy of Coastal Living

Fabulous Friday Finds at 1st Dibs

Happy Friday!  It's always nice when the weekend rolls around, isn't it? Today I have ventured over to 1st Dibs to see what fabulous finds inspired me...take a look at what I found.  I have listed the details directly from each vendor.  (By the way...I don't know what's going on with the fonts here but it won't allow me to  change it...and it's not showing our followers today!  Sorry!)

Fine Pair of Chinese Export 'Mandarin Palette' Covered Vases

China

Qing Dynasty, Circa 1780

Flattened Quadrangular Shape with Elaborate Rouge de Fer Dragon Handles. The Body Decorated with 'Mandarin Palette' Cartouches Depicting Scenes with Chinese Figures in a Garden Setting, All on a Turquoise Glazed 'Chicken Skin' Background

Available at 1st Dibs

Pair blue and white Delft vases with matching lids

Holland

18th century

Pair blue and white Delft vases with matching lids. Holland, Circa 1790

Available at 1st Dibs

Set of Twelve Mid Century Spode Dinner Plates

England

c. 1950's

A set of twelve dinner plates by Spode. Each has a pink outer ring with gold floral details. Stamped spode on the bottom.

Available at 1st Dibs

“Transennati” Vases by Anzolo Fuga

Italy

1960's

Pair of hand-blown “Transennati” (Barriers) vases with rods and murrhines designed by Anzolo Fuga for Arte Vetraria Muranese (A.V.E.M.), Murano Italy, ca. 1962. Sold Individually.

Available here

Vase from "Bands" Series by Anzolo Fuga

Italy

1960's

Hand-blown glass vase from "Bands" series with zanfirico and dimples by Anzolo Fuga for A.V.E.M., Murano Italy, ca. 1960

Available here

Pair of Cenedese Glass Murano Vases

Italy
circa 2000
"millefiori' charming Murano pair of vases by renowned glass blower Cenedese.

You can find these lovelies here 

OK...I admit...I ventured off into the jewelry at 1st Dibs while I was there!  Take a look at what I found there...ooh-la-la...they remind me of "mini chandeliers".  I just couldn't resist them (well, looking at them any way)! You can find these here with a price tag of $495.00.  For me, I'd rather put $495.00 in beauties for my home...not my ears!  How about you?

Sterling,Paste and Turquoise Earrings
England
1950's
Sterling and paste dangle earrings with turquoise
ball drops. 14K wires.

That is all my friends...for today anyway!  If you have never visited over at 1st Dibs...you need to.  It's a fun way to get acquainted with vintage styles....whether furniture, art, accessories, fashion, or jewelry.  You never know what "lovelies" you may find.

Have yourself a blessed and "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Photo Credits:  1st Dibs

*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!

"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!