Yummy Outdoor Spaces

I am so glad that warm weather is finally here! It seems like it has been the looooongest winter. I know, I am spoiled, because winter is hardly winter in Florida. But still, it has been cooler than usual, I think.

These images of outdoor spaces are so inspiring to me. There are do-able ideas in every photo. I love the awning and drapes in this photo. Look how they painted the wicker wing chairs two different colors. The stripe of white along the top pulls from the white on the seat cover. This setting looks so inviting.

photo via BlissMe

Gorgeous...A handy person could easily copy this cabana. The construction looks simple. Notice how there is space between each wooden slat, this allows for air flow. A cabana like this wouldn't have to go near a pool. It could go out in a pretty yard, sans the pool, for just a nice place to relax or take a nap. Also notice how the groups of lounges are placed close together instead of spread out. Together, they make a statement.

photo via BlissMe

What a neat mural in the background! By painting the planters bright blue, it gives this area a WOW factor. Elevating them on the rough, wooden pedestals also adds drama.

photo via BlissMe

I wonder if this could be re-created using a ready made tent? Probably. The stripes are the key to this look. They lend a yacht-y feel. Lanterns like these are all over eBay. The round tables counter all the lines in the space and echo the round lanterns above. It's all about balance.

photo via BlissMe

Another photo pulled from Cote de Texas... What makes this spot so great? The HUGE palms. This photo would have fallen flat had there been two dinky plants flanking the settee. The visual weight of the plants balance the busy-ness of the tiles, etc. They act as ANCHORS. I am a believer in LARGE plants, indoors and out. If you can't afford large plants, at least group your small ones together. Nothing is worse than a lone, little plant. Another idea from this photo is the way they draped the blanket over the center of the settee. If they had not done so, there would have been too much white in the settee and it would have competed with the white walls. The blanket breaks up the white.

photo via Cote de Texas

OK - there are no huge plants in this space, but they DID group the small ones together to create visual weight. My point exactly. Notice how the tile top of the table pulls all the colors from the flowers and the pillows on the bench. If the table had been all white, there would have been an imbalance in the space. If you can't do a tile table top, why not fake it with paint?

photo via PointClickHome

This outdoor spot is serene and clean. Again, the Moravian star lighting can easily be found on eBay and is not that expensive. The wood trellis is an easy project. It echoes the color of the teak furniture. There is a pattern here, BALANCE. Side note - I have teak furniture around my pool and it is a BITCH to keep up. Unless you enjoy cleaning and oiling, stay away from teak. I have decided to let mine go gray - Hampton's style.

photo via La Dolce Vita

This looks more like the color of my teak at the moment. I love this large table. It looks very user friendly. Keep in mind, though, that the reason this table works is that there is plenty of green in the background. If the table sat on white concrete with little landscaping around it, the glaring, white would blind you.

photo via My Home Ideas

More graying teak...beautiful. Another beautiful Moroccan lantern. If wiring is not an option, just put a huge candle inside. Love, love, love the landscaping.

photo via MyHomeIdeas

The Moroccan lantern can make any space look special. See, candles inside, not light bulbs...

photo via MyHomeIdeas

The simple trellis in this photo is definitely a DIY project. It works against the heavily wooded background. Outdoor, propylene rugs, like this one, are a great invention. They are inexpensive and beautiful.

photo via MyHomeIdeas

WOW - this furniture is gorgeous! The structure is simple, yet the furniture is very ornate and it works. It appears that the inside of the loggia is painted a light blue - SO PRETTY!

Big impact can be made in small spaces. The HUGE plants soften the corners in this space.

Lots of small plants soften the corners in this space. The large stone carving makes the statement here.

photo via MyHomeIdeas

Concrete floor? Paint it! Concrete is easy to paint. This pattern looks simple. Tape it off and start rolling! Just be sure to choose subdued colors so as not to make the floor the main attraction. If it becomes the main attraction, all of your painting flaws will be center stage.

The bright colors work in this photo because every thing else in the space is white and subdued. The only color comes from the green painted, glass doors, the large plants in the corner, the pillows, and the furniture. I love using fabric curtain panels outdoors. An inexpensive alternative to custom , outdoor panels is to buy ready made, white panels from Pottery Barn. I washed mine before installing them because they shrink when washed. Now when they get dingy, mildew-y, or dirty I can throw them in the wash with a little bleach and they come out like new.

photo via Cottage Living

All of these outdoor rooms have something in common, they are INVITING! They make you want to go outside and enjoy the fresh air instead of plopping in front of the television. Make your outdoor space a place for YOU to enjoy, don't save it just for entertaining. Have breakfast out there, sort the mail out there, talk on the phone out there, do WHATEVER out there, just get out there and enjoy!

eBay Friday 13 on Tuesday

Better late than never...

1. This is a photo of my dresser and where I store and display my jewelry. I have found that if I keep my things where they are easily accessible that they will be worn more often. This is one of my goals this year, to wear and enjoy what I have and buy less.

It is really difficult to photograph shiny objects.

I draped the long necklaces and concha belts over the mirror for easy access.

These little silver candy dishes and compotes make excellent jewelry storage.

The coral branch is another good idea for bracelet display.

I found this little silver candy dish on eBay.

I found this one, too. It is good because it provides elevation.

This blue Opaline dish and silver basket is gorgeous.

Another good one for elevation...you may even have one of these already in your china cabinet?

I am in love with blue Opaline. This ashtray is perfect for earrings.

This blue Opaline box is lovely.

2. This photo is from Elle Decor. I like the whole composition.

I found this Venetian mirror on eBay.

Another Venetian mirror...this one has a prettier shape I think.

This Mercury glass jar with lid could be used for the orchid container.

This antique painted chest is not as ornate as the one in the photograph but it will do. I like the soft blue color.

I even found this blue silk drape on eBay. Done. Next...

3. This branch chandelier was in Elle Decor's December 2008 issue. What a statement! I also love the wine rack in the corner. Scroll down, please...

This twig chandelier is in the lovely home of fellow blogger, Lime in the Coconut.

I found this one on eBay.

I did not find this wine rack on eBay, but in the Napa Style catalog.



4. I do not know where I found this photo, maybe Country Living? Anyway, it is neat how they grouped together the vintage bird pictures.

I found a few vintage bird pictures and prints on eBay. This one is my favorite. It features different kinds of pigeons.

Parrots...

Chinese pheasant...

5. I really like this bedroom. The colors are peaceful. The bed looks like it would be easy to make up every day. Nice.

photo via PointClickHome

I found this ornate mirror on eBay. It is not as large as the one in the photo but it would do until a larger one was found.

These small, vintage, crystal chandeliers are pretty easy to find. This one is on eBay.

Throw in this vintage Louis Vuitton carry-all and the look is complete.

I hope the rest of your week is warm!

eBay Friday 12

Another busy week...

1. I saw this photo in this month's issue of Elle Decor and fell in love with this bathroom. I love the marble walls and the huge paned window looking out into the garden. I also love the little mirror next to the tub.

I found this antique rococo mirror on eBay. It would be perfect near my tub.

2. I did not find anything like this Black Forest chandelier in any magazine. Isn't is neat? I have never seen this before.

3. I did find this beautiful chandelier on Point Click Home. I like the little shots of blue on the all white background.

This is a similar antique Opaline chandelier. What a beautiful color!
I found these antique Opaline sconces, too.

4. These Opaline wine glasses are so beautiful and would pretty up any table setting. I think they would look great with a variety of dishes.

5. This photo is from Elle Decor, too. Look closely at the wire chairs in the foreground.
I know these 1950's Eames wire chairs are not exactly the same, but they translate for an overall look.

6. Another photo from Elle Decor...check out the obelisks on the table.

I found these mirrored obelisks on eBay.

7. I like the mirrored tables in the next two photos (Point Click Home).


But this antique mirrored table on eBay is even prettier. The oriental design makes it more unique.

8. I searched Miriam Haskell vintage jewelry and saw these three necklaces on the first page. Since this week has featured "fancy" eBay items, I thought these went along with the theme. I see why people get obsessed with MH, there is soooooo much out there and it is so UNIQUE.

WOW!