Design & Decor

Yesterday was in the mid-70′s here, and we spent the entire day out of doors. It was wonderful! Of course, all of that time spent staring at the outside of my house from various angles had me making a mental list of things to change and special features to add. It’s so easy to dream up ambitious projects in spring, don’t you agree?

Photo: Tara Bussema

Photo: Molly Wood Garden Design

For one thing, I would love to install a small crushed gravel path in the backyard. If it led to a magical sitting area or cafe table, all the better. Eventually I’d love to have both an eating and a sitting/relaxing area in the backyard. Of course, the budget at the moment is not allowing any new furniture purchases, so I am officially beginning the craigslist hunt. It can take some time, but I’ve always had great luck on craigslist – you just have to be willing to persevere.

Photo: from Decorate by Holly Becker & Joanna Copestick

I love the idea of piling on the colors and patterns, especially in summer. It’s so fun, I think it would feel like a mini-vacation each time you went in the backyard. I’ve had my eye on these colorful outdoor rugs (made from recycled plastic!), and I’m almost ready to order one for our front porch. Which one would you pick?

Photo: Arcanum Architecture

A well-lit porch is just about the most inviting thing in the world, don’t you think so? I really want to replace our current porch lights, but I haven’t found any that are just right yet, so that will have to wait. I do love the combination of a single pendant and pair of sconces on the porch shown above – it casts a really lovely, warm glow.

Photo: Banyon Tree Design Studio

Adirondack chairs are on my must-get list, so I really have my fingers crossed that I’ll find a great pair locally through craigslist. I can’t wait to relax in the backyard with my coffee in the morning and watch the sunlight warm the garden.

Photo: Urrutia Design

And wouldn’t it be nice to just whip up an outdoor kitchen like this? Yeah, we’re not getting anything this fancy either. ;) But I do want to position a work table next to our grill so we can have a bit more room for prepping meals alfresco in the warmer months.

Photo: Molly Wood Garden Design

What about you? Any big dreams for your home or garden this spring? I’d love to hear! xo Laura

(all images: via Houzz, please see post for individual photo credits)

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Hello my dears! Today I am craving a dose of warm pink and lively red, so I rounded up a few favorite images from Real Living Magazine to inspire. I love pink, though I don’t really have any in my home for some unknown reason. Do you use pink? Or red? I’d love to hear how you work these colors into your decor.

My favorite looks with pink usually combine a mid-tone warm pink with a bit of red and are grounded with natural wood and plenty of fresh, clean white. Don’t the pink walls in this dining room look beautiful? If I had a separate dining room I think I would paint it soft pink. It gives a wonderfully flattering glow to your skin. : ) Above, it’s the single print on the wall and few red apples rolling around on the table that really make it for me. Otherwise, it would somehow feel too sweet, I think.

In the living room above, it’s the pop of pink and red in the pillows and lamp that warm things up and give personality to the space. Black and white and neutral browns are fine, but why not throw in a bit of happy pink? Pink printed pillows are on my living room wish list already, and now I am thinking a few new lampshades might be needed as well.

A few details I love:
- A big red letter in the dining room with a dark wood table and red cushions.
- Hot pink and orange are fun and super cheerful in a girls bedroom, and the white keeps it feeling modern.
- An art wire hung over the bed is a fresh way to rotate art.
- A low platform bed plays nicely with a low wood bench and small trunk as table, patterned textiles provide interest.

What about you? Any favorites here?

(all images for Real Living Magazine, photography by Chris Warnes/warnesandwalton, Maree Homer, James Geer & Chris Warnes)

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Happy Monday, my dears! Spring is just around the corner, can you feel it where you are? After the mild winter we’ve had here in the Northeast, the ground is already beginning to warm and there is a softness in the air. My mind is whirring with project ideas for my home and garden, and even though I know I won’t get to as many of them as I would like this year, I still relish this planning time when it seems anything is possible.

Inside and out, this spring I am craving more color in my life. Pink, aqua, and mint, tempered with white and chalky grays are what my eye is drawn to. A bit of a carefree attitude, layered textiles, bright plastic outdoor rugs brought in, lots of artwork, painted wood furniture, and handmade goodness. A Selina Lake sort of look. I was reading the new-to-me (and very inspiring) blog Heart Handmade UK the other day when I saw the room above, and my heart lifted. Do you know the feeling? It was exactly what I was craving. The space belongs to Norwegian blogger Manuela, aka Mrs Hardy, who created this scene as part of a decorating challenge for NIB. I have been really wanting floating shelves to house a rotating art display, and I love this example, so I bookmarked it right away.

Even more to the heart of things for me is the idea of having a little nook like this just for me. We can’t all have rooms of our own, but a nook would be nice, right? : ) Just a small place to sit and read magazines and drink tea, maybe knit or chat with a friend. A corner filled with all of my favorite things, colors that lift my heart, pretty textiles and art, fresh flowers and a scented candle or two.

I usually begin to crave color like this in spring and summer, it’s nice to make a few changes around the house, I think. In the winter you can layer on the heavy knit blankets and fluffy rugs in cozy neutrals, then peel it off come spring and bring in light cottons, gauze, muslin and silk instead. I’d love to paint some junk shop furniture this spring, too!

What about you, do you have a nook to call your own, or do you dream of one? What would you put in it? What colors are making your heart sing right now? I’d love to hear. xo Laura

(images: Mrs Hardy)

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