Haute Design for the Hot Summer Months...

Spring has most certainly sprung! I have always preached neutral upholstery creates a perfect backdrop for seasonal design. Heavily woven, "meaty," fibers have their place in squishy down filled pillows and nubby cable knit throws for the chilly winter months, but not when the sun-is-a-shining. I believe in seasonal design for myself and my clients. A retail store changes merchandise for the changing seasons and doing the same for your home doesn't have to be exorbitantly expensive or complicated. Simply swap out pillow covers (using the same down inserts) and voila instant summer!

A few of my favorite warm weather fabrics from F. Schumacher:

Chiang Mai Dragon-a bold Asian influenced patterned with punchy color.

Manor Gate-a whimsical trellis pattern woven in course linen.

Moonpennies-does not require a green thumb to look alive and vibrant.

Good Day Sunshine-enough said.

Swapping out a few seasonal accessories is another way to stage your home for the summer months & makes fall and winter decor items new and fun again (even if the cold is not). Some of my favorite haute/hot accessories from Stray Dog Designs (done in paper mache and low VOC paint of course):

The Giant Crab in Pumpkin Blush: Can't you see him peeking out from under a cocktail table? He's large in stature measuring in at 12h x 69l x 39w!

A Funky Faux Bois Mirror in Black: Francais for fake wood and totally awesome.

A Little Birdie in Stray Dog Pink: Adds a perfect splash of color perched atop a stack of coffee table books.

Ferdinand (yes, Ferdinand) in Douglas Fir: Seriously, what's not to love?

A Stump Stool in Yorktown Green: A spare spot to sit or a great little side table.

No go on! Git! Head outdoors and enjoy the sun!

Comments and questions always welcome.

Best,

Designing Outdoors...

Spring has officially sprung! The over night temperatures might be a bit too chilly for adding colorful perennials, but don't let this stop you from sprucing up your outdoor living spaces. A few of my favorite picks to easily and inexpensively brighten your outdoor decor...

Bold graphic floral prints without needing a green thumb or a watering can. Outdoor pillows are UV and waterproof. $32 and free shipping from Pottery Barn online.

A place to perch! Add extra seating or a makeshift cocktail table with these espadrille

striped floor cushions or glossy garden stools both from Pottery Barn.

Greet guests with this all weather outdoor rug from West Elm.

Simple as sisal with great natural color and fabulous texture.Get cozy with a gas heat lamp or a copper fire pit courtesy of Restoration Hardware and Smith and Hawkin. Just add friends for wood-sey fun minus those pesky tents and sleeping bags.
A picture perfect window detail.
Every home should feature a window box for seasonal planting all year long.

Grab the spf and a cold glass of lemonade and head outdoors to enjoy!

A sign for the times...

Perhaps the British propaganda poster is more pertinent now than ever. But, how exactly did the simple graphics circa 1939 come to fruition? The history as show below is courtesy of the website Keep Calm and Carry On.May I suggest every home needs a copy as a gentle reminder H1N1 shouldn't

paralyze your home with fear...

Inky blue, easily added to a study or home office. A subtle hint when

checking your account balance online.
Pretty in pink for the little Princess' room, a suppressant for teen or tween drama.
At some point the economy will rebound and perhaps we will have learned a lesson or two on living life a titch more frugally. See more sour apple green...I purchased my copy on Etsy for $24.50 including shipping (unframed).
If you live in the upper Midwest, as I do, we will soon see the sun and get the Vitamin D we so desperately need. Add a little sunshine with a lemon yellow print.

Simple words to live by, "Keep Calm and Carry On."