Indoor/Outdoor Living

True outdoor/indoor living feels like a natural extension of your home. Here are a few great examples...

 Natural stone and stainless steel come together in this natural mountain setting.

 Outdoor living the way we really live. Who would ever want to venture back inside again?

  

 There are all kinds of things you can do to show off your personality. In this space it's the signs that set the tone. Remove them, and the whole mood of this tropical poolside bar would be irrevocably damaged.

Remember, it doesn't take much. What ever space you have, there is a way to stamp it as yours!

Outside Rugs

Adding an area rug to a room can help to anchor a space and define specific zones. The same trick can now be applied to your outdoor living spaces. And just like the fabrics, outdoor rugs have come a long way.

No matter where you live or what your personal style is, there's a perfect rug (or twenty) out there for you! Here are just a few of my finds... (Yes, they are all designed to be used outdoors!)

As always, I hope you're enjoying the blog so far. And, if you're contemplating taking on a design project of your own, but need a little help to achieve 'the look', browse through my E-Design options.

Bring your outdoor fabrics inside!

I remember what outdoor fabrics used to be. They ...zzzz.... Sorry, where was I? Oh yeah, they were boring. The only options were solids or stripes, and the color options left a lot to be desired. Not anymore!

Today you'll find outdoor fabrics in fuzzy textures, traditional weaves, modern pop prints, and a plethora of colors to choose from. They're so nice, I often spec outdoor fabrics for interior upholstery; a soft outdoor chenille used on a nursery glider, a solid sailcloth wrapping a kitchen banquette, or a fabulous modern print used on a bergere chair in a funky beach house. 

Of course, you can still use them outside too! 

Great collection of indoor/outdoor fabrics from Duralee

All the trimmings - Outside!

Yesterday's post wasn't enough for me when it comes to the indoor/outdoor theme. I wanted to show you fabrics, trims, rugs, even lighting for your patio, but it turns out that's a whole lot for just one post! 

So today, let's talk trim. I'm sure you know all about tassel fringe, decorative cording, gimp and chair-ties. They're some of the little touches that make your space feel extra special.

Well, today there are a number of companies who offer entire lines of indoor/outdoor trims! So, how can you incorporate these trims into your outdoor decor?

Using an interesting rope cord, instead of the standard self-cord, takes your cushions to a whole new level.  Or add a pillow with brush fringe to your current seating. Curtains with a decorative tape applied to the leading edge can be added to a porch or pergola.

Basically, all the things you can do inside are now available outdoors too. So let your imagination (or mine) go wild!

Modern Patio Seating

As a Floridian, outdoor living is a yearlong activity. But as my friends a little farther north know, when you live in a climate where winter always seems to be right around the corner, you must take advantage of every "outdoor living" day you're presented with.

In recognition of summer drawing to an end and the kiddies getting ready to go back to school, I present you with... The outside!!!

Outdoor furniture has come leaps and bounds from your parents vinyl mesh chairs. With the advent of indoor/ outdoor fabrics (and trims!) you really can extend your indoor living right outside.

Any style, from modern to traditional, is now available in outdoor furnishings.  My favorite new website, HomeInfatuation.com, has some fantastic yet funky outdoor finds, all with a modern twist. Here are a few of my favorites. 

Modular seating. The coffee table fits right in the center!