Weekend Wish

This is a repost of a couple of photos of my favorite outdoor space: my very own back yard.

However you spend this Memorial Day weekend, whether with family and friends, on a road trip or relaxing at home let's not forget the real reason why we observe this holiday and to also thank those who currently serve to protect our country.

Take care and have a great holiday weekend.

Finishing Touches

Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer. Whether you plan on entertaining, just spending a quiet weekend at home or have a notebook of wish list projects you want to start, here are some suggestions for putting the final touches on your outdoor room.

Nothing is nicer than sitting by a crackling fire under the stars. The firepit kit below from Lowes is easy to assemble, budget friendly and can be enjoyed that evening.

Pillows aren't the only way to add color to a space. The Beauclaire planters from Ballard Designs are deceptively lightweight and beautiful. Starting at $79.

If you have a covered patio or pergola, why not make your space a truly outdoor room with the addition of draperies? You can purchase them ready made like these from Ballard or you can make them yourself. I'll discuss how-to in a future post, but I can assure you that it's as easy as sewing a straight line.

Finally, there is no easier, more affordable and definitely more rewarding way to add color than with flowering plants. Depending on what you choose, they can provide a summer's worth of beauty and enjoyment, not to mention attracting butterflies and birds to your backyard.

Now get going and have some fun exploring all your options!

Accentuate the Positive

Even if you have a great seating area that you and your family enjoy using, what do you do if guests show up unexpectedly? Will you have enough seating or serving space to accommodate everyone?

Accent furniture fills these needs beautifully. Many pieces are dual purpose or can be stored out of the way when not in use.

The Allen and Roth side tables from Lowes can be pulled out as side or serving tables when entertaining and slide underneath one another when not in use.

For those who want to show a more colorful side, the metal drum tables from Cost Plus do double duty as side tables or extra seating, and at $59 they're wallet friendly as well.

The mosaic table below from Pier 1 Imports adds a splash of summer color to any outdoor space and is small enough use as a side table, yet large enough to set out a few serving dishes when entertaining.

Make It Your Own

Area rugs, pillows and accessories are the way to express your personality and latest trends. Keep the furniture simple and freshen up the space each season with affordable extras that don't break the bank, yet make your outdoor rooms feel new again. You are only limited by your imagination!

The bright colors of the pillows below add just the right pop of color for more neutral seating while the subdued area rug in a palm motif anchors a space without overpowering bolder furniture. It's all about balance do choose wisely.

With Design In Mind...

I just the spent the last few days at the Pacific Design Center attending WestWeek, where the showrooms open their doors...hosting seminars and open houses for the design  industry. Most notable were the Roger Thomas presentation (award winning designer and creative genius behind the world famous Mirage, Bellagio and Wynn hotels in Las Vegas and Macau) and the Keynote Address, sponsored by California Home+Design Magazine.

The panel included Antonio Ballatore (HGTV's The Antonio Treatment),  David Bromstad (HGTV's Color Splash) and Kathryn Ireland and Martyn Lawrence-Bullard (Bravo's Million Dollar Decorators).  They discussed how fame has changed their lives, helped them build their brands and changed the way the world looks at design.

 I was most impressed with Antonio Ballatore , who is refreshingly humble, down to earth and seemingly unaffected by the celebrity he has garnered through winning Design Star. David Bromstad was, of course, adorable just like we knew he'd be. Kathryn Ireland and Martin Lawrence-Bullard, being well established in the industry, had better insight to the impact that celebrity has to a design business, but all on the panel were warm, inviting and eager to share what they've learned.

What's In Store....

In the upcoming weeks, I'll be showing you step by step how to create an outdoor room of your own that won't break the bank.

The first step of course, is finding the right furniture for your space. It shouldn't overcrowd the area and should be comfortable. Determine exactly how you want to use your space and then start searching for pieces that fit those needs. Here is a sampling of some of my favorite pieces I found during a recent shopping trip.

 

The Ciudad open stock sectional from Pier 1 allows you to customize your seating by mixing and matching pieces. Corner chairs are $199.95, armless chairs retail for $169.95. Use 2 corner chairs to make a small loveseat, 2 corners plus an armless for a larger sofa, etc. Here you see 1 corner chair flanked by 2 armless on the left and 1 armless on the right, making a corner sectional. The ottomans, which retail at $149.95 can do double duty as coffee tables or extra seating The legs of the side tables slide under the chairs for a sleek profile and retail for $129.95. Choose your color of cushions for a personalized look. 

Looks are deceiving with this next set. Target is famous for being able to combine style, function and value and this is a perfect example. These three pieces are actually a 5 pc set that will only set you back $399.

Besides the two comfy chairs, it has two pull out ottomans and the side table top lifts off to reveal extra storage....perfect for small spaces.

Home improvement stores can be a great resource for attractive outdoor furniture as well. These Eastfield Conversation chairs (Set/2 for $530) from Allen & Roth look like real wood, but are actually made of weather friendly aluminum. There is also a loveseat/ coffee table combination for $568 that finishes out this grouping for a very comfortable and upscale look.

I have to admit, I was impressed with the 4pc set from WalMart that retails for $348 and consider this the best value. While it may be slightly lacking in style...remember, it is alright for the furniture to be a little basic as long as you accessorize properly. With attractive pillows, a beautiful outdoor rug and a tray with some candles, you can have a casual, yet inviting outdoor area.

Are you just starting out on your own and don't think your budget will allow for outdoor seating? Do you live in an apartment and think your patio is too small for anything but a hibachi? Well, you are wrong on both counts! The La Salle bistro set will only set you back $99 and comes in four colors at target.com. This is also good for homes that have an unused side yard or patio. Why not turn it into a relaxing breakfast area or a place to unwind with a glass of wine after a long day? 

Up next, I'll cover step 2 for creating your perfect space. We've done the hardest work already, now it's time for some fun. Hint:  think rugs, fountains, plants, etc.

Put your smartphone down, go outside and find the perfect spot to enjoy the season!

Come visit my design services on Thumbtack
http://www.thumbtack.com/ca/stevenson-ranch/home-staging/residential-interior-design

Springing Forward

 As the days get warmer and longer, our thoughts drift to spending more and more time outside in the sunshine. In Southern California we are blessed with amazing weather, so now is the perfect time to start planing a perfect outdoor spot of your own.

It doesn't have to entail a huge remodel or require a second mortgage to achieve your goal. Just find a spot outside and treat it as if it were another room in your home. Think outside the box of the traditional table and chairs and consider a couple of comfortable side chairs. Couple them with an ottoman that can do double duty as extra seating or  coffee table. Define the space with an outdoor rug. Now that you have the foundation of your "room", accessorize it with coordinating pillows, potted plants, some candles for nighttime ambiance....just like you would any other room in your home. 

With so many affordable options available to us now, there is no reason you couldn't be enjoying your new room by the time you set your clocks forward an hour this weekend! Inspired Yet?

Welcome to Inspired Design, where I'll share some of my favorite design trends with you. I'm excited about what I'll find for you!