19May

Live Beautiful: Designing A Chic Al Fresco Dining Space

If you follow me on Instagram, you might have noticed that we’ve been working really hard on our outdoor space, soon to be gardens. At the moment we are working in one area of the backyard to make it into an al fresco dining area. As more states are opening up to businesses, I think my family and I won’t be going to an indoor restaurant anytime soon. Outdoor living has never been more appreciated as in this current moment in history. I put together this chic ensemble for outdoor entertaining, just in case you were looking for some inspiration. Enjoy!

12Jun

Why don’t you: Have An Outdoor Shower In Your Backyard

mediterrenean outdoor shower with ivy tree and grable foor

Now that it is practically summer here in the States; I can’t stop thinking about how convenient it would be to have an outdoor shower where to wash off the day under the burning sun or during sunset. In our case, for example, having an outdoor shower would be not only a luxury but very convenient, for instance, our son, Lucas would frequently use it especially after coming back from many of his summer camps.

We can all consider bathing alfresco as one of the most natural things to do it connects us with nature; when design with luxury and function in mind, an outdoor shower can become the best of the treats. Below, we rounded up 12 Open-Air Showers ideas that will make you feel you are in an eternal vacation.

Hydrangeas and other flower trees frame a great outdoor shower in this shingle home. Desigby Malone Interior Design.

01May

Spring Inspiration: The Charm of Lemon Trees

Nothing is more charming than a beautiful lemon tree either in a garden or inside a home. At the end of this post, you’ll find a selection of potted lemon trees you can buy online as well as a roundup of citrus-infused perfumes ideal for Spring. Potted lemon trees can be kept outside in the summer and inside in the winter. To learn how to take care of them indoors read The Truth About an Indoor Lemon Tree.

Since I can remember my favorite scent has been bergamot. I seem to gravitate towards perfumes with this citrus undertone which for some reason make me feel incredibly happy. “Bergamot is a fragrant citrus fruit the size of an orange, with a yellow or green color similar to a lime, depending on ripeness. Genetic research into the ancestral origins of extant citrus cultivars found bergamot orange to be a probable hybrid of lemon and bitter orange. Extracts have been used to scent food, perfumes, and cosmetics. ^{” Wikipedia}

We started working on our backyard to make it into a garden that is soothing, inviting and very Mediterranean-looking. There is something to be said about that perfect Mediterranean weather where all the pretty plants and flowers I love seem to thrive. Here where we live, in zone 6, the cold season can be very hard on olive trees, cypress pine trees, French lavender, and climbing roses but I’m sure there are always alternate options to choose from. One thing is definite; I want a lemon tree or two or more. Happy Spring!

10Apr

Why Don’t You? Build A Swimming Pool in Your Backyard

I’ve always wanted to have a swimming pool in my backyard. So far the closest we are getting is to becoming a member of the country club which is literally across our home. I’m looking forward to enjoying those hot afternoons alongside the pool while sipping or not a few cocktails. Eventually, though We may or may not build a swimming pool in our backyard, which hopefully will be surrounded by tall cypress trees, white roses or hydrangeas and maybe one big climbing bougainvillea. I just realized that I described the South of France. In the meantime, it’s always a good idea to keep some inspiration for future additions. Here are nine dreamy swimming pool to inspire us.

swimming pool with blue and white chase lounge and striped awning

17May

Mark D Sikes All America Outdoor Patio

Mark D Sikes Patio Summer version

Mark D Sikes has quickly become a very popular Interior Designer thanks to his All-American, exquisite timeless style as it’s greatly represented in his beautiful West Hollywood outdoor patio. Not to mention his own home which has been featured in probably
every single Interior Design blog. I myself became acquainted with Mark’s beautiful work when posting his black bathroom a few years back. But since summer is almost here and we’re all yearning for a comfortable and inviting outdoor patio ready for entertaining,
a venue to throw a party or two, we are relying on Mark’s outdoor patio for some style inspiration. What I love most about Mark D Sikes exquisite choices for his outdoor living space is the smart, four level terraces he created to enhance the architecture of the space. Regulars would just install a deck, fake wood included, but why be regular when you can afford to be exquisite, and when you are Mark D Sikes excellence is the only way. Good design planning pays off as in Mark’s case, where his lovely patio can be seen from almost every room inside the house. The fountain he redesigned and replaced can be heard from even the bedrooms upstairs, how soothing that must be… I saw a few before pictures of the patio where all there was a neglected hill. After seeing the transformation from a haphazard patio to a sophisticated brick paved outdoor living space, my appreciation for well design spaces is further enhanced, from Interiors, to patios to landscaping to a whole new level. It’s amazing what good taste and good design can create. I love to see before pictures, that’s when you can see the real magic.

24May

Deck Inspiration

I’m inspired by outdoor spaces a lot lately and these ones do it for me.

India Hicks

Andrea Duff, owner of Strangetrader.

P.S. Below is a picture of how our deck looks like now after the winter. I’ll be working on it on my spare time to make it cozier and more habitable. I’ll be showing you the process.

Tag: Outdoor Spaces

Live Beautiful: Designing A Chic Al Fresco Dining Space

Why don’t you: Have An Outdoor Shower In Your Backyard

Spring Inspiration: The Charm of Lemon Trees

Why Don’t You? Build A Swimming Pool in Your Backyard

Mark D Sikes All America Outdoor Patio

Deck Inspiration

juliepaulinodesign