Great Outdoors

So when you're not in the middle of an early summer heat wave (like we are), or fending off a tropical storm (like we are), early summer is an amazing time to break out your favorite summertime cocktail, light some pretty citronella candles, and enjoy whatever outdoor space you've been blessed with.

For us, that's a decent-sized screen-in porch overlooking the rest of our green neighborhood and it's tidily kept houses. For others with a little more space (and garden know-how), like my mom, it may be a sizable verdant secret garden-esque landscape with a wild array of colorful blooms and a charming limestone patio, each stone lined with green fuzzy moss. Or maybe you're somewhere in between.

Either way, now's the perfect time to give your outdoor space a facelift. Here's a little checklist of the basics:

A few things:

• Using planters in various heights gives your space more dimension and adds interest, which is always key in creating well-rounded, balanced spaces.
• Depending on your space, your seating may only be two chairs (maybe even just one), or an entire set of lounges, chairs, and bistro set. This is just a starting point. 
• This particular style of box planters could be substituted with DIY wine crates. Sounds good, right??
• Mix greens and florals that bloom and grow to different heights. Again, the variation in height and color creates dimension and interest. 
• This sounds like a no-brainer, but do not put scented candles in your lanterns! Or else some pesky bloodsuckers will think they're invited to this party. Opt for citronella.

And if you're really trying to go all out, here's a concept board I've been working on:

If you want to snag some 101 items for yourself, you can find them here:

• Neutral & White Outdoor Pillows
• Navy Trellis Outdoor Pillow
• Outdoor Pouf
• Outdoor Pod Chair
• Garden Stool
• Lanterns
• Tall Wire Planter
• Crate Planters

Happy Summertime, everyone! Get outside and enjoy it!

Before & After : From Beige to Blues & Blooms

What a busy few weeks it's been. Are you tired of hearing me say that yet?? I'm sure you are.

So let me show you one of the projects that's been keeping me busy. We finished this lovely, colorful living room instal earlier this week.

Check out the before...

My clients haven't lived here long, and they've just celebrated their one year anniversary, so by most accounts, they're just starting out. They wanted to give their new nest a a full-fledged face lift, incorporating blues, greens, and yellows, and most of all brighten the oh-so-nuetral space.

We kept the sectional and chair, and pretty much replaced everything else.

And here's the result...

I absolutely loved their affinity for color, class, and florals!! One of my favorites things about being a designer is to be able to create and execute a variety of unique concepts, and for me, this project was a refreshing burst of energy.

Enjoy!!

Ain't No Rest for the Wicked!

Well, I guess I'm not saying I'm wicked...I'm just saying this is one of those workin' kinda weekends. I'm busy putting together the finishing touches for a client with a living room install at the end of the week, and I have to say...I'm super excited to see this all come together. This is really just a teensy peak into what loveliness awaits!

Can't wait for the big reveal!

Mothers

Brendan and I were walking back home from a friend's house last night and happened to catch a glimpse of this lovely little mama and her two little babies nesting in a beautiful hanging flower basket. The picture looks fake, but I promise it's real! It was such a sweet site and so fitting for this Mother's Day weekend. 

If you're someone who's close to your mom this Mother's Day, count yourself lucky. My mom's nine hours away, but thankfully I was able to spend some great time with her when she came down to Charleston for the shower last weekend. 

Since I'll be a mother myself this year, I'm all the more appreciative for the sacrifices my mom's made for us over the years, and for her love and friendship along the way. She's taught me how to see the beauty in even the littlest things, and though our styles are totally different, she's taught me how import style is. I owe so much to her. 

Happy Mother's Day, Mom, and all the other moms out there! Hope your weekend is relaxing and lovely! 

Concept Board : Soothing Color + Texture

I was doing a little cleaning up on the iMac this morning, and came across this concept board (yet to come to fruition...but I *hope* I will find a client willing to oblige soon!...is it you??)  Anyway, just wanted to share some delightfulness with you on this delightful Friday!

I'm in love with all of the pieces in this concept. The varying textures of the deliciously soft leather, the dreamy striped upholstered high-backs, the glossy vanilla stone-top table, boxed moss, drift wood...I swoon. Can you tell I'm smitten??

I'm thinking a living room makeover may be in order.

Ha! Who am I kidding...I have a house to-do list a mile long, and this is certainly not on it. But a girl can dream can't she??

Anyway, hope your Mother's Day weekend is filled with love and laughs and appreciation for all the lovely mothers everywhere!

{ X O }

Life Lately

Well, hello! I know I've been a bit MIA. Per usual, life is busy, busy, busy. But here's what I've been up to lately.

Last weekend, my mom, two grandmothers, aunt, and bff came down to Charleston for a baby shower. It was absolutely lovely and I'm so thankful for everything they put into it and how blessed I was by everyone who came to celebrate the near arrival of baby Eva. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love you all!

Beyond that, nesting is in full swing as you can imagine, the nursery is almost finished (check out the little sneak peak of our three-tone dresser!), and I'm wrapping up the last projects I'll have on my plate until baby gets here! Everything has gone very smoothly so far, and I'm so excited to see these lovely pillows (among other delightful things) in my client's home.

And of course, it's spring in the south y'all, so I couldn't help myself snapping a few shots of some pretty petals while pricing some parlor palms for clients.

Coming soon: before & after's of a living room project, the nursery reveal, and {fingers crossed!!} the launch of our custom art and textile line!

There's a lot coming down the pipeline (umm...including a baby) so stay tuned!!

Silver & Gold

I'm so inspired by this breezy, clean silver and gold room by London design firm Collett-Zarzycki. I love the warm and cool balance, the clean lines and incorporated textures of the grasscloth, silk pillows, and what looks like a seagrass rug.

Just the breath of fresh air I needed on this manic Monday! Hope your week's off to a sane start! Mine will get there...I hope...