Savoring Summer

Image courtesy of Elle Decor

I'll admit it- we're in the dog days of summer and I'm already thinking about inside projects and things I want to accomplish in my house before Christmas, which seems to be a major deadline for so many interior design projects. But take a moment to enjoy the heat and the fact that you don't need to dress in 15 layers to stay warm... it's coming soon enough. For now, give that outdoor space a mid-season spruce up and invite some friends over.

I recommend Mario Batali's new book for some Italian goodness you can make on the grill.



Here are a few outdoor eating areas that may inspire you to design something special.


I love the painted floor and the crisp clean look that continues from the eating area to the seating area.

Photo courtesy of Elle Decor

I love the trees... where are the rest of the leaves? Maybe this was shot in the early spring?

This one isn't exactly outside, but don't you want to go to this party?

The All Green Garden

All you have to do is drive by my house and you'll know that I'm not the gardener I want to be. I love a well planted and maintained garden, but I don't have the inclination or the know-how to make my yard & garden what I want them to be. I have been admiring the "all green garden" lately. I mean "green" in the old-fashioned sense... simply the color: green. Boxwood, ivy, and ferns are mainstays of the all green garden.


If my yard had a spot that would accommodate an allay of trees, I'd have one. I love the various greens, especially the green moss or grass growing between the random stone walkway.


When I do finally get to my outdoor space, it will most certainly have a mirror. There is something so unexpected about seeing a mirror outside and reflecting natural elements. Give it a try- there are plenty of resin or metal mirrors that will survive well in the great outdoors.

Outdoor Spaces

I have a no, nothing porch at the moment that each year has begged me to do something to make it shine. So far I haven’t raised a finger or made a single purchase, but this year I want to get the garden done and the porch will be a logical extension. Currently the temperature outside is 4 degrees. It’s supposed to hit a high of 13 degrees. Today is a good day to dream about what the outside could be. Here are a few things peaking my interest.

The above beautiful loggia photograph came from Décor Magazine. This is what I think of when I think of usable, beautiful outdoor space. I love the elegant use of fabric and lighting and the crisp, classic lines. Arched topped doors that are 10.5’ high (custom-made) add incredible height and verticality to the space. Notice the bench in place of chairs around the table on one side- doesn’t it feel nicer than all those “soldiers in a row”? What a refreshing change. It would be like sitting down to one elegant “picnic” table.

Above: I love the painted floor and the tongue and groove ceiling. The feeling of this porch/sun room reminds me of Cape Cod.



This is a simple, clean outdoor space. It looks like a perfect resting point in a busy day, doesn't it? Image courtesy Kelly Wearstler's Book "Modern Glamour"



I think what I love most about this porch is the mirror. It’s proportion and grandeur absolutely make the space.


This space has such a southern, refined feel to it. There is something about such lovely looking things outside that makes it feel like a true extension of your home.