Mood Board

As we've had a few days to taste warmer weather, my inspiration came to develop my dream outdoor space. The budget is beyond what I would normally work with, but this is just for fun. It can, of course, be modified to fit a real budget. Here's to warmer days, longer nights, and many memories amongst friends!

My inspiration began with the Andalusia Rug from West Elm, in Horizon. (9'x12' for $649)
As you lay that down, your space is created. No matter what you are working with outdoors, your inspired living has begun in that rectangle. You can and you will fall in love with your outdoor oasis.

I then set up my Riviera Sectional from Pottery Barn, in Stone. (4-piece for $2,092)
I chose the stone colored cushions so I could launch my color use with accents rather than furniture. I may choose a different color pallet in future seasons. This is a contemporary piece that has a depth of warmth because of the inviting cushions.

I also added the matching armless chair. ($349)
I do not always "match" furniture when creating a space. However, this was a great neutral find that still had personality. I will bring other visual interest in by mixing some other furniture and side tables.

In front of the sectional, I would place 2 of the Pottery Barn Capri Coffee Cubes ($299 each). By adding the element of wicker, with this piece, you have the interest of a different texture than the sectional. It is the same rich espresso color, so it does not create a visual conflict.

Topping the sectional and chair, I chose to bring color in by using Sadie Outdoor Pillows and Sunbrella Outdoor Pillows (in Peridot) from Pottery Barn ($32-49 each). I love the yellow from the West Elm rug. As that is grounding our space, it is a launching pad fro color. I will bring in several colors to add life by pulling from the Sadie Pillow pallet. The floral design will give us options.

Off to the side, I added the Portofino 3 piece Bistro Set. It's from Costco Online ($99). This will add functionality in a classy way and enable an eating area on those warm evenings! It is in the same dark espresso as our furniture.

Now to accessorizing!!

I chose to use 2 Gothic Lanterns from Pottery Barn ($269 each). The lines of this piece seemed to mimic the design in our inspiration West Elm Rug. By remembering the design of the grounding element in our room, and repeating it above, it will bring continuity to the space.

There is also the Bristol Floor Lamp from Costco Online ($259).

Flanking either side of the sectional are 2 side tables. The Martini Side Table in Persimmon ($129) and the Rustic Block Side Table in Chocolate ($99) from West Elm add surface and visual interest. By not matching exactly, they add an artistic flare without fighting.

The romance element will be brought in by the candlelight. Contained by the Recycled Glass ($19-39 each) are pillar candles in Pomegranate Quince,Lapsang Tea, and Rosemary. These are West Elm $6 each.

I also displayed candles in the Chloe Lanterns ($65) from Pottery Barn.

While this space is expensive, you can take one idea or multiple for your area. Even just changing up some pillows or adding a few candles can refresh you.

As this was my first time participating...I hope you enjoyed it! Please enjoy all the other participators and a BIG thanks to Sarah for hosting! Check out her blog and enjoy; it's one of my fav's!

This is linking up to Pewter+Sage Mood Board Monday!

The Challenge...

Check it out!!

Office Nook Completion

I am so excited to finally have completed my office nook. This desk took so much longer than I ever imagined, but now that I see it...I'm so pleased!

Quick look at before





I asked my husband to build a box to "house" all the cords under the desk. I think it hides them quite well. I love not seeing all the craziness.





I love how it turned out!

Music to my Heart

Sometimes one comes across a resource that is brilliant. A resource, that I would spend time drooling over, if I did not have kids asking for breakfast. I will be back during nap time! I thought I would share so you can enjoy too. Be still my beating heart; a whole site dedicated to advancing one's obsession with having a spot for everything. And, not just a spot for everything, but a cute container that fits in that spot. Enjoy.


Organize.com


I'd love to hear what you are attracted too. What space do you love to organize?

I will leave you with some eye candy that will inspire you to organize!





{Pictures are from Better Homes and Garden Online}

Tip of the Day

When you are painting, using a roller, and need to take a break or are letting it dry and do not want to let the roller go to waste...you can put it in a bag (sandwich or grocery style...plastic) and stick it in the fridge. This will keep the paint from drying and it will be ready to go and paint some more when you are!

{Desk Reveal Coming Soon...}

Changing the Look of Your Space Without $$

Today, especially, it is crucial to have creative, free ideas when desiring a new look. Just because there is a lack of funds for new design, does not mean there is a lack of desire for new design in any given space.
The following are quick, easy solutions to finding a new look:

1. Start with an empty space.
Often, for your mind to move past what the space has looked like, it may need to see the space literally cleaned out. If you want to drastically change a look or re-purpose a space, it will be worth the effort to clean it out. Make a list of what you desire for the space or what you must achieve in the space.

2. Bring things back, based on need, one piece at a time.
When moving items back in, only allow something to reenter if it fulfills a need that you have established for that room. If it is something that was previously in the space, try a new spot for it. Move all the big items first, before trying to accessorize. Once you have the furniture in place, you will get a feel for where the gaps are.

3. Shop in your own home.
We often lose sight of our own accessories or decorations if they have been in the same spot too long. When trying to achieve a new look, go shopping in a different room of your house. Finding a new location, for even just a couple things, can brighten up a space and bring new interest to loved items.

4. Less is more.
When designing a space, it does not always need to be filled. If you allow your color palette to speak to your design rather than objects doing all the decorating, you will find it easier to see a change in your room. Often, when you desire a change, you are simply needing more space. A rearrangement and de-cluttering is all you need.

5. Repurpose.
Decorating with objects that need to be in the space or finding a new design element to something basic in your home will provide a new look. Things like a glass, drink pitcher can look like an art piece or the simple framing of child's art or a special letter can provide new, sentimental design. Something like b00ks can provide height for a light fixture.

Bang For Your Buck:

If you have small funds and are looking for your biggest change, invest in color and or window treatments. Painting a new color on the walls can be as inexpensive as $25, but will transform the room's appearance. Curtains will soften windows and add design to any space, especially if color cannot be changed or added (like in a rental situation). A bold print can be used to liven up a space, while using a color similar to the wall will open up a space and add a visual interest through texture.

Know What You Want to Say...

• Red-
  increases energy and enthusiasm
  generates excitement
  instills confidence
  associated with energizing organs, blood circulation, and the senses of hearing, smell, taste, vision and touch
  recommended as an accent since it’s intense
  might hurt a person’s ability to settle down or concentrate for extended periods
  an occasional bold stroke of it can encourage attention to detail

• Orange-
  cheerful, bold, daring, spontaneous
  creates a sense of adventure
  encourages confidence and independence
  takes creativity and enthusiasm to new levels
  stimulates the lungs, respiration, and digestion
  reputed to increase milk production in new mothers and boost the appetite
  may elevate IQ as much as twelve points

• Yellow-
  the most visible color
  sparks optimism, enlightenment, energy, creativity
  stimulates mental activity and memory
  said to encourage expression and communication
  believed to heighten mentality and strengthen muscles
  can assist in concentration, memorization, visualization skills, speaking, and writing
  some research showed babies cried more in yellow rooms
  other studies also found that couples argue most in yellow kitchens

• Green-
  said to be the most refreshing color and the easiest on the eyes
  brings peace, rest, hope, comfort, balance, and harmony
  creates a sense of safety and security
  good for preemies or infants with gastroesophageal reflux syndrome
  strengthens and preserves eyesight
  alleviates depression, nervousness, and anxiety

• Blue-
  perceived as a constant in our lives since it’s the color of the ocean and the sky
  soothing, calming, tranquil, peaceful
  may encourage individuals to be trustworthy, committed and dependable
  is used to help babies with respiratory distress syndrome
  decreases heart rate

• Purple-
  a rich uplifting color
  provides a sense of calmness
  promotes inner strength
  inspires creativity and artistic talents
  is associated with respect and spirituality
  may calm a colicky baby and foster peaceful sleep
  provides a soothing effect on the ears, eyes, and nervous system

• Pink-
  sweet, calming, innocent
  pink symbolizes youthfulness and softness
  it’s often associated with kindness
  said to heal sadness
  allows individuals to get in touch with their feelings

• Brown-
  deep connection to the earth
  has natural and organic components
  is believed to afford a sense of stability and wholeness
  a very grounding color
  provides a feeling of order, reliability, and protection

• Black-
  a submissive color
  makes a room appear smaller for a cozy, stabilizing feeling
  promotes a sense of bring grounded
  strengthens the ability to focus and gain a sense of self

• White-
  a pure and joyous color
  symbolizes cleanliness and new beginnings
  aids in clear thinking and encourages clarity
  generates a sense of balance and harmony
  is associated with speedy healing
  a common color to treat depression
  
  
  {Ideas Found in Domino: The Book of Decorating}