The sun is shining, and the days and nights are getting hotter. Are you in the summer spirit?! Kate here, and I’m excited to share my latest design project with you. Actually, I’m sharing the entire process with you, from start to finish. Remember my recent post on turning your patio into a stylish outdoor lounge? As I researched this piece, I began dreaming about creating my own outdoor lounging space. The only thing stopping me was my budget. But this weekend, I decided that I would find a way to make my summer relaxation dream a reality–for under $100. [outdoor lounge inspiration from Alan Dunn Landscape Design] I have already ordered a few basic supplies, but today I’m searching for a “look”–a little bit ofdesign inspiration for pulling it all together in a way that is clean, modern and serene. Whether you’re planning an outdoor lounge of your own or you’re looking for ways to turn your yard into a tranquil summer retreat, read on for a collection of ideas that will spark your creativity. Outdoor Lounge DesignAs you begin to plan your outdoor retreat, it can be helpful to focus on a look for your space. Will it be modern? Will it be tropical? Maybe “modern tropical”?! You might also consider the style of the items you already own–seating is a great place to start. For example, in order to create the outdoor lounge of my dreams, I knew that affordable seating was key. I wanted something clean-lined and inexpensive, but nothing that looked cheap or skimped on comfort. I was delighted to find the Garden Oasis Hinton Sling Folding Chaise from Kmart, shown below. This piece is so basic that it can easily blend with a variety of visual styles, but lately I’ve been truly inspired by clean-lined spaces that convey a sense of relaxation. Call it “low-key modern”. If you’re a fan of A Beautiful Mess, you’ve likely been reading about the bloggers’ recent trip to Costa Rica. Here is an outdoor shot of their rental house. I love the laid-back feel of this space, as well as the tropical touches: Here’s a pic of another modern outdoor space, complete with loungers covered in white fabric, an abundance of plants, and stepping stones surrounded by gravel. The hassle-free modern look that results is both tranquil and interesting. [from Huettl Landscape Architecture] I’ve always loved the classic look of stripes. I also like the idea of using a bolster pillow for extra back support. There’s something very low-maintenance about the Moroccan-style poolside lounge below, yet the use of pattern on pillow and tile creates plenty of visual interest. I just might have to add some patterning to my outdoor lounge area… [from Lonny] Speaking of stripes, these peachy-pink and white striped beach towels are the perfect subtle dose of pattern and color for the lounge area below. While my outdoor retreat won’t include a water feature, I’m getting plenty of ideas from this oasis. The use of neutral tones is irresistible, and the greenery that surrounds the space truly creates a cooling effect. [from Frontgate] A Place to Rest Your Drink As you saw above, the clean-lined look of my upcoming 0utdoor retreat is inspired by the seating I recently purchased. In fact, this post is filled with sleek outdoor seating options. But once you’ve found a place to recline, there are other elements to explore. Where will you rest your refreshing drink, your book and your tablet? A side table is in order! [from Frontgate] We know–the structure below is much more than a side table! And yes, we featured this design in a previous post on projects created with cinder blocks. But it’s a great reminder of the amazing configurations that can result when you mix (always affordable) cinder blocks with true creativity. With the bulk of my outdoor lounge budget going to seating, I will need to be super thrifty when it comes to my side table. I’m already working on a brown and gray cinder block creation. I promise to share the results here on Decoist! [from The Horticult] In fact, cinder blocks can even be used in your seating endeavors, as shown by this DIY rustic modern bench. Instead of a place to rest your drink, you can create a place to rest the plant of your choice. With merely three cinder blocks, a bit of lumber and a few other supplies, you’ve got a contemporary seating solution with a built-in planter! For a full tutorial, head on over to Jilian Dee. To Top It All Off…Speaking of plants, they are one of the essential ingredients for your outdoor summer retreat. And I’m definitely shopping around for ideas! I’m a fan of the Snake Plant (shown in the image above), but then again, I can’t deny the modern, quirky appeal of succulents, shown below. [fromDerviss Design] If you’ve read my recent posts, you know how much I love neutral tones for modern outdoor spaces. But punctuating these natural hues with a bright pop of color is key. I’m currently on the hunt for a turquoise planter than can add some much-needed color to my outdoor retreat. [fromAlan Dunn Landscape Design] Did you notice the umbrellas in today’s post? There’s nothing more loungey than a little shade from the sun! But where I live, the sun isn’t the biggest problem–the mosquitoes are! Peak lounging hours in my part of the world are the early mornings and the evenings/nights. The sun isn’t such a threat at these cooler hours, but this is a key time for those buzzing insects that love to bite. So my lounging area will include a mosquito net. What can I say–I’m not a fan of bug spray! [from MosquitoCurtains.com]
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We at Decoist love celebrating fabulous design through the change in seasons. And it’s easy to get excited about summer style! The bright, warm weather lends itself to crisp, cheery patterns. Stock up on bold geometrics, from the earthy and breezy to the retro and modern. Lines, angles, shapes and curves blend well with any style, thanks to a wide range of geometric patternsavailable. Today we highlight our current favorites. Enjoy! Geo Patterns for the WallsLet’s start with the walls! Pick one (or more) and get ready to wallpaper. In fact, an accent wall is a great way to freshen up your interior! Showcase a radial grid motif with this Orbit Small Metallic Self-Adhesive Wallpaper from CB2. Mod yet contemporary, thanks to a double-line design: A Little Geometry for the Floor From the walls to the floor…and don’t forget the outdoors! This Bergama Reversible Outdoor Rug from CB2 features a geo tribal pattern in white and gray, thanks to the talents of designer Aelfie Oudghiri. Geometric Furniture Patterns
Some of today’s most interesting geo patterns appear on furniture. This large chevron pattern in reclaimed pine really calls attention to the slanted wooden planks of the Alexa Bed from West Elm. Yes, slanted wood is once again stylish! Are you shopping for new furniture and decor? Whether you follow design trends or you prefer to choose timeless pieces, it’s always helpful to spend at least a little bit of time reveling in the latest offerings. After all, many of today’s top styles have their roots in classic motifs, from the beauty of pastels to the evergreen allure of plants! Yet there’s something undeniably fresh about today’s featured trends. Enjoy browsing the eye-catching selections below, and let them inspire you as you embark on your design endeavors for the new season… PastelsWe begin with pastels, which are anything but washed out, thanks to their recent makeover. What makeover, you might ask? The design redo that’s cast pastels in edgy patterns such as bold geometrics and striking combinations involving deeper hues, as shown below. Say hello to the Spear Cushion from ferm LIVING, printed by hand and crafted of organic cotton: Also from ferm LIVING are the Stackable Jars shown in front of the colorful tray below. But of course, we’re smitten with the entire vignette, which includes a range of pastel hues, as well as rich shades such as deep teal and olive. Anyone notice how retro-style refrigerators are making a comeback? And they’re offered in a range of shades, including candy-colored pastels that look good enough to eat. Below we see the Smeg Refrigerator in Pastel Green from West Elm: Tropical Motifs The tropical look never goes out of style, but there are definitely times when it truly seems to shine. Like the 1980s, when flamingos, parrots, watermelon and other breezy motifs made a big impact. The style is definitely experiencing a current revival, thanks to retailers such as Zara Home. Vibrant colors and exotic designs combine to create a lush vignette in the image below: Before we bid adieu to Zara Home, we must acknowledge the company’s stylish commitment to tropical patterns, often showcased on throw pillows, such as the Jungle Pillow featured in the image below. Fruit, a flamingo and lush vegetation are a few key features of this pattern. The New Chevron We at Decoist love the chevron pattern. And we’ve seen a lot of it in years past, especially the black-and-white/gray-and-white varieties. Which is why this beloved motif was clearly in need of an update. An update it got, thanks to a couple of new takes on the pattern, which push it in a retro direction. This Large Chevron Deco Table Lamp from West Elm showcases one such revamp, which involves the intersection of chevron stripes. The pattern seems to originate at the tops AND the sides, creating a true dimensional, Deco look. And when the chevron pattern is monochromatic, it has a retro-meets-modern feel, especially when wood grain is involved. This Chevron Grain Nightstand is geometric and chic, thanks to a walnut-veneered surface outlined in a chocolate-stained frame. Brass hardware is the icing on this fabulous cake! Here’s a stylish bedroom set featuring the Chevron Queen Bed and Chevron Nightstand, both from Crate & Barrel. The thickness of the stripes and the way they’re angled can’t help but channel the slanted wooden paneling of the ’70s and the ’80s. Yet because the slanting comes from two directions, the pattern is very on-trend. Plants
We end with one of our favorite current design trends: a heavy focus on plants! It’s been interesting to see plants play a key role in so many of today’s interiors and outdoor spaces. Sure, they’ve always been essential, but a new range of pots and planters has given us even more reason to enjoy them. These iron plant stands from ferm LIVING will serve as the perfect pedestal for the pots and plants of your choice. There’s no denying that succulents make a strong statement! |
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June 2017
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