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!

 

 

A little bit about me

I create rooms to live in, spaces with ambiance that feel like a real person lives there. I create interiors. I am Vanessa Prieto, The Design Dreamer. Interior Design has been my passion since 1991, ever since my first “nuts-to-bolts” room redesign. In the years since, I’ve had the good fortune to work on palatial estates and bachelor pad apartments, corporate offices and single-family homes, retail spaces and kids’ playrooms. From high-end luxury to penny-pinching budget-conscious, from Palm Beach traditional to Miami Beach modern and everything in between, each project is a fascinating puzzle.

I grew up right here in Lake Worth, Florida. My mother and father are both artists AND entrepreneurs, so my childhood was pretty grounded, with a bit of the bohemian thrown in for good measure. My dad works with wood (I still LOVE the smell of fresh saw dust!) while my mom is a jeweler. Since before I can remember I’ve been fiddling with beads and wires to create all sorts of jewelry. As a teenager I would design my own furniture, then dad would create it for me!

When I first went off to college, it was with the intent to study Electrical Engineering. I’ve always been really strong in math and science, so it seemed a natural fit for me. A way to actually make a living using those math skills that “you never use after school.” My plan was to work for a high tech firm, like Sony or Motorola, start in the engineering department, then work my way over to the design department. As for Interior Design? I had no idea such a field even existed. When I discovered it in college, I realized Interior Design was the natural extension of my loves and skills that I had been looking for. It’s the perfect blend of all that I love… the mathematical precision of construction drawings, the engineering solutions to all sorts of problems, and the aesthetic eye needed to balance all the elements in a room to create a harmonious end product.

Interior Design grabbed me and hasn’t let me go. From that point on, I’ve gleefully studied buildings, furniture, spaces; how they’re used and how they make you feel. I’ve immersed myself in spaces and places like New York City, L.A., Chicago, Barcelona, even the back roads of North Carolina. I have a tendency to turn over chairs to see how they’re made, scrunch my toes into carpets, straighten the pictures on a wall, and listen intently to the desires and aspirations of people who want to live in harmony and joy with their surroundings but just don’t know how to do it for themselves.

As I have grown as a designer, a mom, an entrepreneur, and a world citizen, I’ve decided to take on the added joy of sharing what I love, with you, through this blog, as well as through my designs. If you’re living in a space that just doesn’t “fit” you, take a look into my design services. I’m here for you, to help you achieve the home or office of your dreams, whether it’s the full enchilada, or one room at a time. Sometimes, you just need a little direction. Get in touch with me for the Design Dreamer’s road map.

Just Business

I hope you've been enjoying the content so far. 

As a side note, if you're looking to "get the look," check out the new tabs at the top of this page.

You too can hire me as your interior designer, even if you don't live in the South Florida area.

Now back to the fun...