Patio Updates

As things begin to slowly bloom and the sun lingers longer into the evening, is there anything better than being able to finally be outdoors? Since it appears we will be spending a lot of time at home this spring and possibly summer (eek!), updates to the patio are well worth it. And given the sales retailers are having, it is a good time to take advantage since patio furniture can be so pricey. 

I pulled some beautiful sets that are all on sale, planters just shouting for flowers, and some fun accessory items that will make you smile.  

1. This striped Target set is SO cute. And also comes in Navy $760

2. I loved this outdoor rug I sourced for a client SO much $191

3. Dying over this wicker set that is full weather proof $129-$1686

4. How chic is this umbrella? $349

5. If there was ever a time to finally put up bistro lights, it is now! Makes everything magical. $28

6. I love a zinc planter box with box woods $152-$225

7. Digging a wood tone Adirondack that will patina $77 

8. Gasped over these ceramic basket planters. so sweet

9. I love a braided rug, this door mat is darling $28

10. A white rocker perfect for evening sipping (comes in other colors) $144

11. This large white table is perfect with fun chairs $1599

12. You cannot ever tired of a perfect teak set. Love the bench for kiddies to pile on. $688

13. A classic white planter box, I have these at my house now $70

14. I love the clean design of this iron sectional. $720

15. This wicker set is the best! LOVE 

Will post on fun kids items tomorrow! Stay tuned! 

xo

Erin 

Spring at Home

I can currently hear the ice/snow/rain mix hitting the window as I write this. So while I would love to be writing about floral dresses and pastel sandals, those things seem too far in the distance to get excited about. sigh. 

But I am not one to get pessimistic. 

Springtime will come eventually, and if we can cannot wear all the fun things, we can at least surround ourselves with a few. 

Floral prints, pastels, and greenery can be just as good for your home as they are for your Spring closet. 

1. An unexpected printed pillow for your sofa

2. A pastel buffalo check rug, comes in many sizes

3. A great little sign for an entry or mud room

4. Love the patter on these bistro chairs 

5. A succulent wreath that will last all season

6. A cool planter for a lonely corner  

7. Beautiful floral dinner plates

8. Give me all the scallop bedding please

9. These pink wine glasses are screaming for Rosé

10. A sweet little floral painting 

11. Pretty green tumblers to jazz up dinnertime

12. The cutest chip and dip platter there ever was

13. A live wall herb garden is genius! 

14. I love the soft colors of this Anthro Rug 

Happy Weekend

xo

Erin 

Refreshing a Space One Item at a Time

Like most people, when it is time to refresh a room's decor I start with one or two elements. A new rug, a new light fixture, a new chair or two. While we like to believe that everyone has the funds to redo an entire room from paint to furniture to rugs to lighting all in one magically swoop, that is not most people's reality. I know Pinterest has us thinking differently. So until the decorating gods bestow us with an unlimited budget, I pulled some of my favorite current home pieces that could easily be swapped into many different spaces for a quick, but highly satisfying refresh. 

1. I am eyeing these pretty chairs for our kitchen. They come in a bunch of colors and I love the natural fiber seat. 

2. & 3. Love these two side tables. The gray (comes in other colors too) has such great texture and the x base option has great lines. Comes in white as well. 

4. This is a such a pretty oushak rug. 

5. A big reclaimed farm table that can adjust for bigger parties. 

6. These dining chairs are perfect for a kitchen and come in a ton of colors. A nice modern update to a windsor. 

7. A soft jute rug with a banding that comes in different colors. PB Kids, not just for kids rooms! 

8. Love the shape and slightly rustic feel of this chandelier. 

9. Love this black and white spindle chair. Comes in a stripe as well. 

10. Spendy, but I LOVE this coffee table. Storage and a coastal feel is a win. 

Any great finds your obsessing over? 

xo

Erin 

Patio Prep: Outdoor Chairs

The Adirondack chairs that we had out back died last summer and it is time for some replacements. We have black iron patio furniture that is not my favorite anymore, but can withstand any weather and never has to be brought in or covered. So it stays. This is what it looked like last summer. 

That bench has also been relocated to our mudroom, which was seriously needed. At this point I can barely even decide what kind of chair let alone what style I want. But, here is what has peaked my interest. 

Serena & Lily / Terrain

Both of these options would have to be stored indoors most of the time, but I love their vintage feel. The beach chairs are something unexpected too. 

Ballard / Pottery Barn

The chaise is a great option because we do not have any of them right now. The Ballard chaise would hold up in any weather and I love the lines and simple design. Plus I can have a custom cushion made in a fun fabric. Or do I just go back to the classic Adirondack? 

Crate & Barrel / West Elm

I love this more modern take on the Adirondack. Plus, it would be nice to have a wood element out there. The rustic feel of the West Elm chaise also goes very well with the style of our house and a nice juxtapose to the furniture we have now. 

Think I am leaning towards a chaise. Once we get our landscaping under control for the Spring (sometimes I love all the land we have and sometimes I want to cry about it) I will know more about budget, which of course drives all of this. Both the wood option and the iron one would look great and my head is already swirling with fabric ideas. Stripes? Solid with Piping? Ikat? Yep, something else to torture myself with. 

Any other great outdoor chairs you have come across? 

xo

Erin 

Bringing the Outside In

The spaces that end up most inspiring to me are those that actually look like they can be lived in. They are more casual and have an eclectic mix of patterns and textures that is easier to recreate than something that looks formal and totally "done." One material that I love in spaces is rattan and bamboo. It almost feels like these pieces are meant for the patio, but look fantastic in a living room or kitchen. Plus, it gives off that whole beach-y, relaxed vibe that makes your space look inviting and comfortable. 

I LOVE this living room. Totally eclectic and fun. 

These chairs make a fun statement and bring warmth to the room. 

Again, eclectic. Makes you feel like you can put it together with some things you already have. 

I have been eyeing these Ikea chairs for awhile. Look how great they look with a cushion and colorful pillow. 

Chairs are so insanely expensive, so the rattan options can give you some seating options that do not feel like they will break you. 

1. Pier One $299

2. Byholma from Ikea $94

3. Serena & Lilly $450 (Just for fun, but I kind of want one)

4. Stella from Home Decorators $299

5. Pottery Barn $179

6. Storsele from Ikea $119

7. Pier One $159

8. Almsta from Ikea $99

9. Furbish $795 (pricey, but look comfy)

xo

Erin 

Target Home

I am feeling slightly out of my writing funk. I swear that  the winter kind of just sucks the life out of me. I am lazy in every sense possible and have watched more bad TV then I care to admit. A quick trip to Target for some snow gear for the little guy ended up being a great way to wake me up. 

Target has always has great home stuff, but have you noticed how they have upped their game recently? The Threshold line especially has me putting way more in my cart than I expected. (like that doesn't happen already)

How ridiculous are these peach colored ottomans? I did not end up getting them, but I have to go back and pray that they are still there. 

And these knit side tables? The cable makes it look so cozy and the wood is such a nice warm color. 

The Target website is so insanely large and filled with so much goodness that it is hard to find the best. After some serious couch time, I scoped out what I want most. Some of these can be found at your local store, but it is strange how much Target only sells online. 

1. This brass soap dispenser has matching items for your bathroom. Mirror, carafe, and toothbrush holder. 

2. This side table ($80) is such a fun bright color and love the modern shape. 

3. I am such a sucker for a Captain's mirror ($30)

4. Love this tie die woven rug (various sizes). It would be great in an entry. 

5. This wooden side table ($41) is perfect. Think I might snag one for my guest room. 

6. These dishes remind me of hand painted Spanish tiles. LOVE ($69 for 16 piece set)

7. This hammered accent table ($70) could be perfect on a patio or in the living room. 

8. This pitcher ($16) has such an Americana feel. It also has matching pieces. 

9. This vintage style crate ($25) would be great in the kitchen or to hold toys in the basement.

10. Beverage tubs can be so pricey, this one allows you to get one for beer and one for wine. ($35) 

11. Nothing like a little gold smoke to brighten your morning coffee like on these mugs ($16/4)

12. There is never enough storage around. This canvas bin ($12) has such a great print. 

13. As does this one ($12)

xo

Erin 

Zara Home is Stateside

Everyone has long coveted Zara Home overseas and the day has finally come when you can live the dream. Zara Home is now available in the States and it will now be your go to site for affordable bedding, accessories, linens, accent tables, rugs, tabletop, and a few furniture pieces. Think girlie, bright colored, and romantic themes throughout the collections and options you have never seen before. Especially at this price point. 

Check out all the gorgeous prints available for table linens and napkins...

Rugs and runners are available in some fantastic patterns (hello paisley runner) and I am obsessed with these accent tables and the bar stool (option for my basement bar now!)...

Glassware in fun shapes and colors, bright plate sets, gilded trays and wine holders, and check out the teapot dripping gold... 

There are so many bedding options and throw pillows. I kind of want to redo each guest room now. One girlie and gilded, one floral and pretty, and one classic with a Brit twist. They even have bathroom accessories and towels. 

The accessories and wall mirrors are perfect for the upcoming gift giving season. I kind of die for the gold box, perfect for jewelry...

It is always fun to have a new option when shopping for home goods (speaking of, I love that place too) online. This is going to be great for some of my upcoming purchases and I promise to share once I order something. Have you yet? 

xo

Erin 

Weekend Wishes

It is easy to come up with my wishes this week, Pinterest is always filled with things you wish you had, wish you could do, wish you could go to, wish you could find the time to do....


These are my top this week...

I wish I could hang this original painting in my house. 

Artist Jennifer Moreman on Etsy. Beautiful and fun work. 

 I wish I could hang out in this (or own) pool with this furniture all summer...

And I wish I could be with these girls at fashion week....

Hope a few of your Pinterest wishes come true this weekend. Mine are a little far fetched. 

xo

Erin 

Outdoor Decor

With the interior of the house in a state that I like (for now) and the fact that I have put off decorating until I settle in more, I decided the patio needed a little love. We have a large space to entertain and enjoy and the privacy we have now is fantastic. We moved a patio set that we had at our previous place  and I used a few things I had along with some new items to set up two areas where we can sit, relax, eat, drink, and enjoy the summer. 

I wish I could say I planted those flowers, but picking them up from the local nursery (thanks Mom!) was just as satisfying. The teak bench was a wedding present from our dear friends with a plaque engraved with our wedding date. 

The black set was from our previous house, as well as the umbrella. I found all the fun blue and white cushions from World Market. 

I am obsessed with these outdoor ottomans. Perfect as a place to rest your legs, a tray for drinks and candles, or another seat. Also from World Market. 

Did you know you can bring in (sad) pots you already own to your local nursery and they will plant them for you? I did it with the blue pot on the right and had them plant all my favorite herbs. The rosemary tree smells amazing. Need some bigger planters for this entry, but figure this will be great for this summer. 

Now if the temperature can go below ninety-five, I can enjoy it  during the day again. It will be fun to have a party soon and take advantage of the space. 

xo

Erin 

Backyard Prep

Here in the Midwest, we wait a very long time for the temperatures to climb and the ability to go outside without a parka on. If we are lucky, we get about three months of weather where we can actually venture outside and get some vitamin D. 

While other regions of the world take advantage of the weather by biking or paddling down a river, we prefer to eat. The perfect BBQ is relaxed, has plenty of cold beverages, and ridiculous amounts of delicious food. 

With Memorial Day this weekend, and a few months of warm weather, it was time to do some browsing to make the backyard entertaining ready. Since the time frame for outdoor use is so short, I bargained shopped at some of my faves: Target, Ikea, and CB2. 

1. Camp lantern from CB2 $15

2. Galvanized planters from CB2 $7-$30

3. Dinner plates from Ikea .99 

4. Set of 4 Tumblers from Target $20

5. Wood folding chair from Ikea $15

6. Outdoor gazebo with curtains from Ikea $129

7. Smith & Hawken planter from Target $70

8. Pewter pitcher from Target $49

9. Wood serving cart from Ikea $90

10. Set of 6 fuchsia glasses from Target $34

11. Set of 4 stemless wine glasses from Target $11

12. Formosa burnt orange tray table from CB2 $50

13. Clear serving tray from CB2 $35

I am obsessed with the Camp Lantern. You can use it on a table or string some up in a tree. I also like finding cheap, but durable serving pieces. No need to buy paper or plastic when your guests can drink out of a glass and eat off a real plate. If one breaks, you will not care at just 99 cents a pop. 

Here's to a fun filled summer! 

PS: if you need any recipe ideas for your next BBQ, check out my cooking blog under the labels 'grilling' and 'sides' on the left hand side. More to come this week! 

xo

Erin 

Just Breathe

Michigan Avenue Residence designed by Kara Mann Design

I had seen this layout before in a local magazine and could not keep my eyes off of the images. I also could not get over that someone actually lives and breathes in these rooms every day. Talk about a bit of jealousy, I worship it all. It has such an ease and calm to it, but has no shortage of style. The splash of bright color in the living room, the low trays filled with bright green moss, and the butter colored drapes in the eat-in kitchen all bring extra pop to the rooms. Kara Mann is an extremely talented designer in Chicago that can bring you a whole lot of inspiration. Her obvious talent is not something you can just replicate, but try to learn from. What I am taking away from her designs is that a great light fixture can really make a room, never be afraid of a pop of bright color, going with a similar color palate around your entire house does not have to be boring, and if I ever win the lottery I will be hiring Kara. For bigger images and more spaces, check out her site and drool over the other interiors. Also, check out some of her showroom pieces that are not only chic, but also fun (hello, Union Jack chair). 

xo

Erin