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outdoor decor

OUR FAVOURITES, OUTDOORS

Sunny Sunday Style

sunny-sunday-style

Sunday….one of my favourite days of the week! Mostly because it is the one day that I totally kick back and have a lazy day.  Typically we spend Sunday as a family.  The weather is a big determining factor one what we do as a family – and that’s entirely up to mother nature.

Sunny Sunday…

This Summer, we get to spend Sunday as a family by the pool.  Our summers, here in Ottawa, Canada aren’t the longest so we really like to take advantage of the sunny weather when we can! The pool is a the perfect hang out on those hot days.

These are some of my sunny Sunday must-haves :

Fun Pool Floats – like this pink donut float (my daughter loves this pink one, the boys prefer it in brown but they all think it is hilarious)

Eating outdoors in the summer time is a favourite – the fresh air, the smell of the grill and enjoying the scenery (my husband loves to garden, so it’s nice to spend some time appreciating his hard work). These colourful cutlery pieces add a little extra summer fun in these bold and bright neons!

 

These floating drink holders are just too cute! They are perfect on those really hot days …Your drink fits right in the float – easy! You can use these in the pool, the lake and even the hot tub! I bought a set of these for our school silent auction and they were a hit!

You need to have a big, fluffy beach towel – and these ones are amazing! Lounging poolside with a book or wrapping yourself up after a dip in the water – these fun beach towels are perfect and they come in other prints, too!

 

I’m sure you scratching your head and wondering what this is but for me this is a life saver for days and nights outdoors.  You see the mosquitoes love me… and no matter what I do the moment I step outside they are all over me. This product, the SkeeterVac, has really made my outdoor experience so much more enjoyable –

 

We love to play at the pool but we also like to play around in the kitchen.  With a big family like mine – we often cook at home and we have recently expanded our garden this year to include more veggies! We have always had an herb garden and even for a novice gardener an herb garden is a great start and it’s so rewarding! We love fresh herbs especially basil and oregano – we add herbs to our salads, salad dressings, vinaigrette and our fresh and home made tomato sauce that we make at the end of summer.

How do you like to spend you Sunday?

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TRENDS

What is ‘Shibori’?

what-is-shibori

Shibori – have you heard this term before? Do you know what it is? If you haven’t, don’t worry…you are not alone. But if you are paying attention to home decor trends you will be seeing a lot of Shibori very soon!

So what is Shibori?

Well it is a Japanese dyeing technique that involves folding. twisting, bunching and pleating cloth, binding it and then dipping it in indigo. Usually the cloth is a natural fiber like cotton, hem or even silk. Basically it is a form of tie-dye that results in these amazing and totally unique blue and white prints – so stunning! There are countless patterns that you can create – so each and every Shibori design is complete one-of-a-kind!

Shibori seems to be having a bit of a moment…

Right now Shibori is a bit of a trend.  In my opinion, the reason for this is that the blue and white motif is a classic and it’s not going ‘out’ anytime soon but this technique makes these incredible patterns perfect for summer – they have a relaxed feel and look so perfect for outdoor patio pieces. And with summer right around the corner – we all have the carefree summer days and night on our minds….We love shibori for pillows or throws but you could get really adventurous and use it for upholstery fabric.

 

Shibori works well with the ‘beach’ look….

Because of the blue and white tones and the free spirited pattern of this technique every piece is completely different and no two are identical so Shibori really pairs well with other natural materials like sisal and driftwood – there’s a common organic thread with this tie-dye technique and nature. We love it in a space that has a nautical or coastal feel – it plays well with that theme without being literal.

 

Perfect for the DIY-er….

If you love to create and love this technique, with the right materials you can create your own Shibori designs.

Click HERE for a great and easy to follow step-by-step Shibori DIY that demonstrates 4 different designs.

 

What do you think of Shibori? Do you see yourself using this anywhere in your home? Personally I love it for my patio – it’s fresh and fun just like the summer!

 

 

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HOME DECOR

How to Decorate with Stripes

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Stripes are a classic and even better they can work with any decor style!  If you have read any of our posts, you know that we love a print and mixing patterns.  So if you are thinking of trying out a pattern in your space consider a stripe – it’s very transitional, it come in all scales and colours, too! You can’t go wrong!  Not sure where to add this classic pattern? We have some ideas for you!

Wall treatment

– whether it’s wall paper or a streamlined paint job – try stripe son the wall.  You can get as big and bold as you like in terms of colour and scale – or opt for a classic neutral. It could fill an entire room or just an accent wall.  We also love to layer our patterns, so don’t be shy to add some art, photography and mirrors over your striped wall.

Pillows

– this is an easy addition (or subtraction) in a room.  Adding some printed pillows can completely elevate the look of your room.  There’s just something about a pattern that adds a designer look to a space.  Some of the great things about pillows is that they aren’t permanent, the selection is endless and they are affordable!  On a sofa, side chair, bed – they work everywhere!

Furniture

– this might be an intimidating step for many but trust us!  A stripe furniture piece can really add a WOW factor to a space.  We do recommend sticking with a neutral palette if you are opting for a pattern piece – it’s easier to work with long term as you want to change up your decor.  And for someone that likes neutrals this can add another sophisticated element to your room, mix it with some other patterns and some solid to give it a designer look.

Drapery

– We love what window coverings can do to a space – from a functional side but also a decor side – sure they block the sunlight (or an unpleasant view) but also add a softness and again, visual interest in a room.  Whether it’s panels or roman blinds – we love them both!  This is a great option for a living space, dining room and a bedroom – we love a stripe window treatment in a kids’ room so timeless and it can grow up with them!

Floor covering

– we love area rugs in any room, they add another layer of softness, they are nice on bare feet,  they pull a room together and of course, it’s another opportunity to add some pattern.  Area rugs can be pricey depending on the size and material you choose, so if you are concerned about budget consider a classic pattern like a stripe.  A stripe area rug is a classic (we have said this a few times, but it’s true!).

Outdoor furniture and accessories

– decorating your outdoor living space is no longer boring! There are so many options for furniture, umbrellas and accessories, too.  We love the look of a stripe in an outdoor space, it’s so fresh and clean! Pillows, umbrellas, cushions and even rugs – it’s up to you!

Stripes are everything – fun, classic, fresh, bold, and also soft – it’s all about the colour tones and what you mix them with this print – you can’t go wrong with bringing stripes into your world…

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HOME DECOR, OUTDOORS

How to Add ‘Flare’ to your Patio this Summer

how-to-add-flare-to-your-patio-this

One of the best things about summer is entertaining outdoors.  We have been cooped up all winter and even on those cooler spring days and evenings – so it is a welcome change to get outside in the warm weather.

 

Summer nights are perfect for having friends over for a BBQ and some drinks but they are also great for quiet nights in as a family or couple. Summer nights are the best! Just because you are outdoors doesn’t means that you are limited to basic patio furniture – there are so many options! You can add decorative touches to make your outdoor living space even more comfortable and inviting.

 

Here are some of our favourite summer outdoor living decorating ideas:

 

Lanterns:

We love the look of lanterns! We even like them for the indoors.  But lanterns are a great way to add some candle light or soft lighting to your space.  Keeping open flames like a candle in a lantern keeps it safe, too.  We like lanterns on the ground but try them on a table top (think dining under the stars) or hung up – they look great every way.

 

 

Outdoor rug:

A rug? Outside? Yes!  It is a great look – it adds some colour and possibly some print and pulls the outdoor living space together. It makes the outdoor area look and feel cozy.  Make sure the rug you get is designed for ‘outdoor use’. An outdoor rug is made of materials that can stand the weather (sun and rain).  An outdoor rug also has a nice ‘foot feel’ – meaning when you stand on it, it feels good on bare feet unlike a concrete, cement or even wood surface, which can all be a bit rough.

 

 

Pillows:

Like the rug – this is a great ‘indoor’ comfort that can be brought outside – just be sure to have pillows in an outdoor safe fabric. There are tons of colour and print options.  Pillows not only add even more comfort to your outdoor seating space but they add some style, too.  Be sure to have an overall colour theme (which includes your rug as well).  Just like decorating the indoors you want consistency with your style. See the image below – the pop of colour is red and orange -so bright and fun even the table top lanterns coordinate with the colour theme.

 

 

Small furniture:

Sure, you have your main pieces for furniture likely a seating area and a dining area but what about small pieces of furniture like coffee tables and side tables? You will want those for surface space.  The garden stool is also a great option if you need some last minute extra seating – they are a perfect multi-purpose piece.  We also look how a garden stool adds some colour and some texture – plus they are easy to clean and in the cooler months – you can use them indoors!

 

Bar cart:

Outdoor entertaining like indoor entertaining needs serving space.  Since you likely won’t have an outdoor kitchen (and if you do have one – you are so lucky!) you need some kind of serving space for food and drink.  We love bar carts (for inside too) for the outdoors.  You don’t have to sacrifice table space (or at least too much table space) when hosting. It’s a perfect piece for serving light snacks and drinks – if you host huge parties and have the space, consider getting 2 carts – one designated for drinks and the other for snacks.

 

 

Lounging:

Who says outdoor furniture can’t be comfortable?! Hoe about some outdoor bean bag chairs? We love the fun patterns, the easy maintenance and the absolute comfort.  Perfect for summer afternoon naps or eating for kids. We are seeing ‘bean bag’ seating more and more in resort spas because it is so comfortable and comfort is king!

 

In the warm summer months, enjoy the outdoors in comfort and with a touch of style!

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OUTDOORS, WE ANSWER WEDNESDAY

We Answer Wednesday – Outdoor Updates

we-answer-wednesday-outdoor-updates
“Spring is almost here! How can I re-vamp my outdoor décor without replacing everything I already own?”
 
 
Spring IS actually here – after a long winter, I think we’re all looking forward to enjoying our
outdoor living spaces to their fullest. There are many accessories and products available to create your outdoor oasis.. most may seem obvious, but changing up your colour palette, or the addition of just a few pieces will be a game changer!
 
                                                                                                   Photo credit CentsationalGirl.com

Outdoor Rugs

are a fabulous addition to any outdoor space whether it be your front porch sitting area, or as an area rug around your table, the addition of an outdoor rug brings colour, pattern and texture to your space! The added pop of interest will instantly refresh your exterior.
 

Pillows are a common upgrade when trying to refresh your home.

BUT, there are many colours, patterns, and textures to choose from, so in order to make a big impact, choose something different! We love mixing and matching colours and patterns, so try that! The carefully selected mixture of the two will give your backyard that designer feel!
 
Photo credit: horchow.com

Side Tables are more fun than ever!

There are so many great options, garden stools are still a super hot trend right now. They are available in so many colours, designs, textures and patterns! Adding a garden stool as a side table is a welcome addition to the back or front yard! With their compact size, this is a fabulous option for a balcony or a front porch with limited space. There are lots of different styles of side tables, the great thing about patio furniture is that it comes in SO many colours.
 

Planters/Plants

Greenery is always a welcome addition to any area. Having plants and flowers around is a mood booster for most, not to mention its just pretty to look at. Pairing colourful plants in a beautiful planter in various sizes is a
interesting way to make your backyard cozier.
 

If you’re worried about plants dying….

Try using fake plants in real planters. Fake plants have come a long way and there are many that you cant even tell aren’t real! Adding those in a planter or pot is a great alternative for the busy family, or someone who’s lacking in the “green thumb” department.

Chairs come in so many colours, shapes and sizes!

Chose what you love. The options are endless. Adding a few bright
colored Adirondack chairs with a fun pillow is a great spring/summer refresh. Depending on your budget, there are great lounge chairs, outdoor sofas and love seats that are a fun choice for backyard BBQs and get-togethers.

 
Accessories tie a space together both inside and outside. But adding accessories outdoor is pretty different than inside.

Here are a few accessory suggestions..

Outdoor String Lights
Lanterns
Candles
Outdoor Serveware
Outdoor Placements
Tablecloths
Happy spring!!!!
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