For those of you who follow me on Facebook you may have seen the post that my car was broken into yesterday in the parking lot of my design studio. Both windows on the passenger side were shattered and it appeared as though they were trying to steal it altogether. I won’t talk too much more about it, as I am still a bit shaken up, but I am blessed to be ok and nothing valuable was taken from my car. I have shared a photo on both my Face Book pages if you want to take a look.
With that aside, I was delighted that my next door neighbor, whose pool is in the final stages of construction, has asked for my help with the decorations of the lounging and dining areas. She will be throwing a big party in a few weeks to break-in her new pool, and needs some decorative items very quickly and on a tight budget! No time for custom pieces, so a little bit of shopping therapy is in order! I decided to head to a few online retailers. Let’s see what I was able to find:
Her wish list:
- Avoid grandma wicker (Her words, not mine
)
- Conversation area and dining area
- Clean lines and contemporary
- Classic touches
- Feels comfortable, more like indoors than outdoors
- Not very bright colors, subtle but still has some presence
- Cleans easily
We were lucky to find this clean-lined, contemporary set at Home Decorators. We won’t be needing the tables since we don’t want everything to match exactly. We will also be changing the cushions and pillows to bring in some subtle color
This beautiful rug will anchor the seating area. It’s made for outdoors so cleans very easily.
A couple of these ceramic garden stools will act as occasional tables in the seating area
We’ll be re-covering this pouf and adding it to the seating area. Great for reclining and putting feet up on
This zinc dining table is also from Home Decorators and will add the classic touch that she is after
These are the chairs that will complete the dining area. Cushions will also be changed to ones with a bit more color
Some pillows and cushions will be added. We may have time to add custom pillows, in which case we can better coordinate our fabrics
We will also add some accent lighting
Can’t forget about the dishware and serving pieces. Great opportunity to add a bit of whimsy!
Of course, lots of potted plants
Basically, since my neighbor hired me on a consultation only basis, I will provide her with a plan and direction for the project and she will be responsible for purchasing, tracking, managing and installing herself. The plan will include a furniture layout, a more detailed shopping list than the one above (Including photos and dimensions), fabric selection for the items we will customize, elevation of any key design feature, and budget breakdown.
I don’t get to do very many patios, so it was great being a part of this mini project.
Hopefully she likes everything, and hopefully you found some inspiration to go forth and decorate your own outdoor spaces.
One final note – There is an upside to not having windows in your car. I got to enjoy the beautiful weather this morning on my drive to the collision center to get my windows replaced. At every stop light (and I caught every single one), I got to hear the birds singing their beautiful morning songs….I honestly have never taken the time to enjoy the beauty around me, but this morning I couldn’t help basking in the beauty of nature that we so often igonore. Have a blessed day!
Be Inspired!
Love, love, LOVE the decor! But even more, I enjoyed your positive attitude with the vandal situation and your gratitude for being able to hear the birds! Beautiful!
Thanks Loretta. I appreciate that. Sometimes it takes a bad experience for us to stop and take a moment to appreciate the simple and good moments in life. I’m glad you like the decor!
Beautiful ideas! Sooo sorry to hear about the horrible experience. Such a violating feeling for sure.
Thanks Carol Ann! It was definitely a feeling of being violated, but I am ok now. Glad you like the ideas
Nice photos, great colours !
Thanks Jana
I’m inspired!
Thanks Fred! Glad I was able to inspire the decorator in you. Now go forth and decorate!
Glad you are ok! I like that little fire pit!
Thanks Rob. It is a handsome little fire pit. I think I’m going to get one for myself!
Such beautiful furniture and accent pieces. I wish I had your taste…decorating is always a challenge!
Thank you Jen. Those are great pieces. If you ever need help with decorating ideas, I’m here for you!
Glad you are ok! I love all of the decor!
Thanks Heather!
Can’t wait to see the finished product Veronica! I love the ceramic garden stools, what a great idea!!
Me too Meli. This time the homeowner will be doing her own shopping and project management and even installation. I was invited to the party, so I’ll capture some pictures then…..I can already see me tweaking the placement of stuff in the middle of teh party….can’t help myself. Lol
Shared this blog on my personal page for future reference. I LOVE the landscape lights and want to know how to find them?
Thanks for sharing Laurie. The lights are from HomeDecorators.com.
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Small_Adjustable_Spotlight/810/
WOW!! You are truly amazing. I wish I were your next door neighbor so you could remodel my patio!
Lol. Thanks Tina
I agree with grandma on the color concept
I love the sunflower pillow. It looks like it belongs outdoors. And, the rug is terrific. I think when you have a great outdoor space, you want to spend more time there. Sorry to hear about your car. One of our company trucks was stolen on Christmas Eve. Luckily, we found it (ourselves) and were able to fix it. Glad you’re okay.
Thanks Deborah. It’s great you were able to find the stolen truck. I’m so glad mine wasn’t stolen.
The colors you chose are awesome! I wish you could visit my house and help me!!! LOL!
YB
Lol. Thanks Yvonne. I would love to come help you out! I do long distance projects too with digital photos and accurate measurements – whenever you’re ready
I love you ideas and the decor is beautiful. So sorry for what happened to you.
Very nice items!!
Thanks Todd
I LOVE the little fireplace / lantern!!!!