Happy Memorial Day Weekend 2013!
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| How cute are these festive cupcakes from 'Everything Christmas' FB Page? |
Although we are expecting chillier-than-desired temps for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, it is officially PORCH season! There are so many opportunities to enjoy our typically beautiful summer season outdoors....
"Picnic" lunch on the front porch with the kids...
Impromptu corn hole match with the neighbors...
Celebratory "kids-are-finally-in-bed-I-think" glass of wine...
Cozy escape with a blanket and a novel...
Last minute margaritas with the girls...
As I anticipate another fun summer ahead, I gathered several inspiration photos (from BHG, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Pinterest) of fabulous outdoor spaces: porches, patios, and decks. Granted, many of these images have luxurious views, architectural elements, outdoor fireplaces, pools, etc., that may be hard to replicate given your existing constraints. Yet, many offer simple tips for furniture pieces, accessories, color schemes, plant selection/placement that may prove useful to create your own outdoor oasis! I grouped them into 8 different design studies...
(1) The versatile and dynamic design tool:
POPS OF COLOR...
(personally biased toward blues and/or oranges/corals/terracottas at the moment!)
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Love the complementary color scheme in this pillow collection:
blue RL mixed with citrus hued Trina Turk |
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| Love the pops of red against the strong contrast of dark and light tones |
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| So many things I love about this..simple furniture gives way to beautiful stone architecture and views, pop of color provided by red buffalo check, charming chandelier...winery in France perhaps? |
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| Love the variety of organic colors and textures, and pop of color provided by orange pillow... |
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| Love the contrasting coral and turquoise color scheme... |
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| Love the monochromatic orange against the lush green landscaping... |
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| I have always loved the all-blue color scheme...so fresh and relaxing... |
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| Interesting exploration of different blue tones...note the blue painted ceiling... |
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| Love the juxtaposition of the feminine and fun pop of pink against the cool, masculine stone work... |
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| Love the bright and cheery bold yellow painted ceiling and pillows and use of both traditional and contemporary elements here... |
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| Again, love the corals/terracottas and blues...particularly love the interesting tile pattern and placement of blue pots across wall... |
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| Interesting pops of primary colors here against organic textures and colors... |
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| Again, the complementary colors, blue and orange, make an interesting color scheme... |
(2) Next design approach: The calm, serene
NEUTRAL PALETTE....allowing surrounding unique landscaping/architecture/views to take center stage...
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| Neutral color scheme + simple furniture lines balance the strong architectural detail in the fireplace and archways |
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| Love so many things here...interesting graphic grass pattern surrounding placement of stones, seemingly large square table for entertaining, simple lines of the chairs, southwest vibe of fireplace....love, love, love! |
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| Again, simple and neutral furnishings give way to lush and dramatic landscaping... |
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| Love the strong vertical movement provided by curtain panels...so serene and private! |
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| Love the unique continuity of stone materials used for both floor and surrounding walls...simple yet striking! |
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| Neutral dark and light tones provide just enough contrast to add interest without distracting from the beautiful natural surroundings... |
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| Love the simple furniture lines, echoing the above linear pattern of ceiling beams.. |
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| Although a soft blue/grey/green is used throughout, its monochromatic use plays as a neutral, providing a calm and soothing palette... |
(3) Another Design FAV: The bold, classic, CABANA STRIPE...
As mentioned in my earlier post, I have always loved the graphic, chic, impact of the cabana stripe!
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| Clever use of curtain panels to create different seating areas of porch...also LOVE the clever repetition of the cabana stripe from pillows to the painted floor... |
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| Just a hint of cabana stripe is a fun mix within the sweet and charming garden themed porch... |
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| Love the black and white cabana stripe, especially when paired with a bold color, in this case, the graphic pink tiled floor. |
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| A refreshingly unique take on the cabana stripe: yellow and beige (or is it grey?) |
(4) Next Design Study: The INTERESTING/STATEMENT ACCESSORY (graphic rug, artwork, mirror, light fixture)....
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| Interesting arrangement of artwork provide a focal point in this room. The green colors are echoed throughout (lamp, pillows, flower arrangement) |
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| Although the artwork itself is a bit odd, I love its oversize scale in this room...tempers the tall ceiling height. Also love the tall greenery... |
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| Unique location for a sunburst mirror... |
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| Love so many things about this room...bold graphic patterned rug, cozy slip-covered chairs, orange and blue pops of color, and of course the amazing architectural stone archways and fireplace... |
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| Fun use of paper lanterns lively up a space...and how about the outdoor kitchen? Yes, please! |
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| New use for old sails: overhead canopy for taking shelter from the rain, must enjoy that watermelon! |
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| Beautiful lantern light fixture... |
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| Rustic chandelier complements the cozy stone fireplace... |
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| Cool light fixture, paired with vaulted ceiling and beams create a warm 'lodge' vibe... |
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| Moroccan vibe with the fabulous ornate light fixture and Ikat pillows... |
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| Big fan of repeating the same interesting lantern...makes a great statement in a room... |
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| Who would have thought to bring table lamps to this outdoor space? Flanking this white upholstered sofa w fluffy pillows, creates a cozy room... |
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| Interesting accessory here? Too many to count! Either of the two monochromatic floral arrangements (tall white or short red), the large clear bulb vase, bottle of wine...all look good to me! |
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| Unbelievable graphic detail in these carved wood, white painted doors. Love how they kept the furnishings and surrounding color scheme minimal to maintain these doors as focal point, in this beautiful Moroccan home... |
(5) Design Standby: NATURAL DECOR ACCENTS:
flowers, plants, landscaping, fruit...
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| Gorgeous pink and blue hydrangea plants and arrangements adorn this cheerful sunny patio... |
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| Amazing canopy of roses...how lush and beautiful! |
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| A bright monochromatic arrangement of flowers (here in different shades of pinks) provide that pop of color for a space... |
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| and again, here... |
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| and here... |
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| In this case, a large, lush flowering branch placed into a clear bulb vase serves as focal centerpiece... |
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| Simple tables and chairs are surrounded by fabulous repetition of white square planters with small trees...love this design. |
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| Similarly here, simple furniture gives way to a dramatic series of lush, carefully manicured boxwoods.... |
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| A simple collection of fruit can serve as an interesting centerpiece and pop of color! |
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| and again, here... |
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| and here... |
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| and here... |
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| In this case, in this South American home...a basket of local produce! |
(6) Now, a closer look at the URBAN OASIS... It seems a relaxing, green space IS possible, even in the concrete jungle!
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The cabana stripes mixed with the ample, lush greenery create a calming outdoor space amidst this urban setting...
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(7) Interesting takes on incorporating INDOOR + OUTDOOR spaces...
(8) Finally, as we kick off the summer season....the POOLSIDE RETREAT...it is Memorial Day weekend after all!
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| How adorable are these little elephant statues? |
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| Mediterranean-esque pool at the home of Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor |
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| Blue and white color scheme surrounds the pool area of Aerin Lauder's East Hampton home... |
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| Love the lively potted ferns scattered about this pool deck... |
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| Cynthia Rowley's playful and fun Manhattan pool backyard... |
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| Martyn Lawrence Bullard designed this pool space for Grey's Anatomy star, Ellen Pompeo |
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| How amazing are the mountain views from this pool? |
Cheers to a happy and healthy Summer 2013!!
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