dwellings and décor

There is only a few weeks left of summer so I thought I would post some outdoor design inspiration. It seems like people either dread the end of summer or they are ready for Fall. When I lived in Oregon I loved Fall for about a week and then I hated being cold. When you live in a place that is on average 85 degrees every day it may seem like its the best thing in the world but it can be hard at times to not experience the seasons. I live on a part of Maui that gets more rain which helps me get over the monotony of sunshine and it always reminds me of Oregon. No matter where you live or what the season is enjoy the outdoors and make it lovely!

Clockwise from top left: 1. Point Click Home 2-4. Cottage Living

Clockwise from top left: 1. Suzy Hoodless 2. Lizard Management 3. Tripod Agency 4. House Beautiful

Clockwise from top left: 1. House and Home 2. Judy Casey 3. Domino 4. Verne

Summer tabletops are all about fun, fresh and casual. For outdoor table décor be inspired by your garden. Bring in colors from the flowers or if you mostly have leafy plants have a simple more natural look to your table décor by adding white linens and wood and grass materials like wicker or bamboo.

Here are some tips from Canadian House & Home:

• Line hurricane vases or lanterns along the middle of the table for simple yet stunning centerpieces.
• Create easy summer centerpieces with fruit, stones or branches displayed in baskets.
• Transform a favorite lightweight scarf, sarong or leftover fabric into a summery table runner.
• Add bursts of color to an all-white table by using different colored chair cushions or tie fabric or inexpensive sarongs around chair backs for an extra splash of color.
• For a more minimalist looking table, opt for no tablecloth at all and place a grouping of chunky white pillar candles in the centre, atop a bamboo runner or placemat.
• Sea-themed tables: White pillar candles set in sand are perfect for clear hurricane vases. Place pretty seashells on the sand around the candle, and sprinkle a few more on the table around the hurricanes for an airy, seaside centerpiece.

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From Top (when ther are two left to right) 1. Kemble Interiors 2. Zara Home 3. Western Interiors 4. Refresh Agency 5. Real Simple 6. Pietere Stersohn 7. Judith Miller Inc. 8 & 9. Dubois 10. Cheryl Rowley Design

There is something so magical about these interiors with multiple hanging light fixtures. Lighting is too often an afterthought for people and it can be very difficult to create the right amount of light. You will notice in these interiors that the design has been carefully thought out. The first image has multiple chandeliers that sparkle when sunlight hits from the large glass skylight. The second image down is a retail store and the designer used the same light fixture in different sizes but hung them at different heights to give it a more scattered feel. I love that there are so many and it still feels subtle and it gives the space a nice glow. I think this idea of multiple hanging light fixtures may work best for events and special occasions. It can really give you that drama that your looking for.

From Top (left to right when there are two) 1. Shoot Factory 2. KWID 3. Martyn Lawrence Bullard 4. Little White Dress 5. D Wiseman 6. Event Design Group

Most of us are spending a lot more time outside lately because of the warmer weather. When decorating your outdoor area it can be quite lovely to choose neutral colors and natural looking furniture and decor. If you have a view of the country hillside or the ocean keeping it neutral near the home can enhance your view because your eye will be more drawn to the vibrant greens and blues of nature. Neutral fabric also wont fade as easily from sun and rain. I hope these images will inspire you to do something beautiful with your outdoor space.

Clockwise from top left: 1. Tom Scheerer 2. Maison Cote Sud 3. Caroline Vesey

Top: William Hefner Bottom: Matheus Phototography