Table Trends for Outdoors

Farmhouse Style

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As I am sure most of you already know, farmhouse style has completely taken over the mainstream decor world. What more perfect place to utilize this pretty trend than in your outdoor table? Farmhouse tables fit right in with the outdoor setting and most are already distressed, so a little wear here and there won't hurt a thing!

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Two-tone Tables

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Another big trend we are seeing in tables both indoors and out are two toned tables. This simply means the table base is a different color or finish than the table top. One of the most popular color duos we are seeing are tables with either white or cream bases with a natural wood top. This has become so popular because getting that bright pop of white or cream on the bottom makes a beautiful statement and you also don't have to worry about keeping a white table top clean. 

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Bar Height

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Finally, bar height tables are hugely popular in outdoor dining! This is a great way to bring in a height variation to your outdoor space, especially if you also have a lounge area outdoors as well.  This breaks up the monotony of having all of your furniture at the same height. This can also give a more casual feel to the space which is always welcome when we are talking patios!

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Lighting Trends for Patios

String Lights

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Outdoor lighting can do wonders to create warmth and ambiance to your space. One of the simplest and most affordable additions you can make to your patio are string lights. Edison bulb string lights are hugely popular right now and can also add a nice vintage feel. 

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Lanterns

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Lanterns are another great option for patio lighting. There are many different ways to incorporate lanterns into your lighting plan. LED candles or mini sting lights (aka fairy lights) make for great filler options. Lanterns work well when placed together in groups made up of different sizes. You can also hang your lanterns which is a fun option!

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Ceiling Fixtures

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Ceiling light fixtures aren't just for indoors! As long as your patio is well shielded from the elements, you can bring beautiful, statement making pieces to your patio. Outdoor ceiling fans can also be a hugely functional as well as a nice statement on their own. Other popular ceiling fixtures include lantern or cage style lights.

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How to Use Rugs Outside and What Type to Look for

Don't be Afraid to go Bright and Bold

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When it comes to outdoor decor, the brighter the better! If you are drawn toward these colors but are hesitant to use them inside, here is your chance. These bright, bold colors reflect what you see in nature like flowers, grass and the sky. The above photo shows a great example of a bright, fun outdoor rug!

Durability is Key

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Selecting an outdoor rug that is durable needs to be top priority. It may seem like a good idea to have a rug with an all white background after seeing it in a magazine, but once you have it outside for a few weeks you will quickly realize it may not have been the best idea. Its also important to select a rug that is specifically made for outdoor use and includes mold and mildew resistant treatment and/or fade resistant treatment. 

Choose the Right Size for your Area 

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Before purchasing a rug for your outdoor area, you want to make sure you get the appropriate size. Take a tape measure out to your seat grouping and test out the different size options for the rug you are interested in i.e. 5’x7’, 8’x10’, 9’x12’ etc. You want to make sure that all of the the front feet on all furniture are on the rug. You can also choose to have all feet on the rug as well. 

How to Update your Patio

Update or Add an Outdoor Rug

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If you have an outdoor rug that has taken a beating for multiple years it may be time to update it. On the other hand if you don't currently have an outdoor rug on your patio, consider adding one. You will be amazed at what a transformation simply adding a rug can do for your space. The goal of any outdoor living area is to make it feel as warm and inviting as your indoor living spaces. The addition of an area does just that!

PDR Interiors

Refresh your Outdoor Pillows

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Outdoor pillows are easy items to update almost every season if need be. If your patio is covered you have a better chance of stretching the life of your pillows. If your patio is uncovered however, there is a good chance you'll need to update your outdoor pillows almost every year. Places like Target or Ikea are great options if you are not wanting to invest a lot in items that may only stick around for the season.

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Add in New Accessories

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Outdoor accessories can really make the space. These include items like lanterns, string lights, and planters/plant stands. One fun addition that can really create a nice ambiance while also combating mosquitos is putting citronella candles in lanterns. Lighting like candles and string lights can add great warmth that your outdoor space may be lacking. 

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How to Use Heirloom / Generational Pieces in Your Holiday Decor

Outdoor Displays

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Incorporating items that have been passed down from generation to generation is your home decor is a beautiful way to pay homage to the past. It can be even more fun and fitting to include these items into your holiday decor. When it comes to your outdoor display, things like vintage skis, wagons and sleds can make for the perfect addition. The great thing about these items is they can bring back priceless memories every time you see them!

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Indoor Displays

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When it comes to incorporating heirloom pieces into your indoor holiday displays, the possibilities are endless. Vintage items work so beautifully when paired with holiday pieces. For example, a vintage pair of ice skates can be hung with winter foliage tucked inside them for a gorgeous look. Another fun idea is to take an heirloom bowl whether it be crystal, glass or something else and create a mini winter wonderland inside it as shown below!

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Decor for a Late Summer Outdoor Party

Although Summer is coming to an end, the weather is still plenty nice enough to enjoy your outdoor space! If you are throwing a late summer outdoor party, you may be interested in freshening up your outdoor living space. Now is a fantastic time to purchase outdoor furniture and rugs as the season is coming to a close. Below are photos from a clients outdoor living space we worked on last summer. We opted for cool blues, aquas, and greens for the overall color scheme. These are great colors to use as people associate them with being calm as well as with the beach. These are all good feelings to have while enjoying your outdoor space!

Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors

Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors

Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors

Polka Dots & Rosebuds Interiors

All the Leaves are Brown

Crisp air.  Cable knit sweaters.  Skinny jeans.  Boots.  They all point my absolute favorite season!  Fall!   Not everyone shares my sentiments, though.  Here are a few suggestions on how to ready yourself & your home for the cooler temps without adorning the front stoop in scarecrows & pumpkins.

1. Swap out your lightweight cotton throws with those made of a heavier a material.  Great replacements are crocheted or lambswool.  Both visually signal warmth and comfort- things we all desire as the weather turns cool.
2. Exchange brightly colored candles for earth-tones.  Another subtle signal that compliments the changes outside. 
3. Update your front porch.  Potted mum or a gorgeous arrangement to hang on the front door allow your house to blend well with the landscape. 

If  you typically grumble at the thought of summer’s end.  Try these simple changes to see if they make the transition to fall any easier on you.

Happy Fall!

What do fashion greats Badgley Mischka and Polka Dots & Rosebuds have in common??

They both showed their support for the Woodford County Humane Society at this year's Freedom Fest.  Freedom Fest is an annual fundraiser for the animal shelter that provides the majority of their funding for the year.  Each year the event is held on a horse farm in Woodford County, designers transform horse stalls into dining rooms for a weekend, and there is a celebrity speaker at Friday's breakfast (past events have boasted Vern Yip & Jon Carloftis as celebrities supporting the shelter).  This year's keynote speakers were the fashion designing duo Mark Badgley and James Mischka.  They MCed a fashion show of their latest designs while attendees dined on quiche and fruit from Selma's catering.  Saturday evening was the main event where many gathered in designer stalls and at designer tables under the party tent.  That's where Polka Dots & Rosebuds comes in.

For the third year in a row PD&R decorated a designer table for the event.  The themes of each table have varied. This year's theme was the quintessential summer table.  When the heat index is reaching into the hundreds and partygoers are dining outside, the illusion of feeling cool is a useful one!  The color scheme was inspired by fabric ordered for a client's chairs- a navy & white lattice pattern.  White became a major focus for the table due to its clean and cool appeal.  A floorlength white tablecloth was the first layer while white dinner & salad plates were tiered overtop of the navy & white tabletopper.  My take on white dishware is that the usefulness is endless.  The timeless details and color allow them to be so versatile.  You really can't go wrong with them!

The color punch of choice was lime green.  Napkins in the lively shade (reminiscent of limes, another fave for keeping cool) were pulled through white beaded napkin rings for a finished look.  The final, and most important element was the centerpiece.  A four foot lantern stand was set in the center of the table (check back for Thursday's blog all about centerpieces). Three lanterns with battery operated candles were placed inside to create a romantic evening glow without producing any more heat. Arranged around the base were summer florals in crisp colors- white, yellow and green.  This table could have easily been one for a family patio dinner, an outdoor wedding reception, or at a fun summer fundraiser thus making it the perfect summer table!

It was an honor to once again be able to help support Woodford Humane in their great mission of helping animals find homes.  I encourage you to visit their website for more information if you are not familiar with all that they do.  Their work is applauded by many far outside Kentucky and I think it's great that high end fashion designers, Badgley & Mischka, paused their schedule to help keep this cause going for another year!

Lawn Art: Friend or Foe

Gnomes. Patio furniture. Water features.  How can we determine what is tacky and what is tasteful?   I, personally, like to apply an adaptation of the CoCo Chanel fashion rule- place everything you want in the yard and then take one thing away.  In the case of my neighbors- more than one thing really should go...but that's really another story. 

One good rule of thumb is to keep most lawn decor  and furniture in the back yard.  There are some exceptions to the rule for oversized plots of land or houses that need a little softening to add to their curb appeal. But most houses don't require a table & chairs set, stone lions (meant to be used as drainage systems for castles), and other shiny yard "art" placed in the front yard.  Oh sorry, that neighbor thing keeps creeping back in.  When you use items that are disproportionate to the size of the house the pieces overpower the house.  They take all the attention off the beauty of the home or the landscaping and focus it on the out-of-place pieces.  At that point you've gone from art to eye sore.  Not a good move.  The same holds true is you fill the yard with a zillion little knick-knacks.  They make things too busy, distracting from your beautiful flower beds.

To recap, here's a few tips on how not to go overboard:
1. CoCo- place everything & remove something
2. Choose decor that is proportionate to the size of your home.
3. Don't overcrowd.
4. Nice landscaping provides more curb appeal than a family of gnomes.

Some of my favorite pieces to use outside include:
1. Wreath on the front door.
2. Monogrammed garden flags.
3. Outdoor sectionals (on the back deck or concrete patio)
4. Table & chair set with umbrella and lights (also on the back deck or patio).
5. Bench on a front walk.
6. Swing on a wrap-around porch.

Happy yard-arting!

Patio Season: Think Before You Buy

Last summer, my husband and I had been using cute little citronella candles out on our deck at night.  We had a couple days of rain so when the rain stopped, I went outside and turned the candles over to drain out the water.  Then I had a flash of brilliance- why not leave them turned over all the time so rain doesn’t puddle up inside?!   I was pretty proud of that idea.  A week passed before we went back out there and one evening I was setting up to blog and watch the sunset from our deck.  When I took all my supplies outside, I noticed the tile table appeared to be wet (which was weird considering our never- ending wave of 90 degree days).  I ran my hand over it to discover it was candle wax.  My flash of brilliance came back to bite me!  Somehow, when turning over those candles, I forgot we receive direct afternoon sun on our deck.  The brightside of this story is that the tile table is now adequately wax-sealed.   

The purpose of sharing this with you is to remind you the importance of really thinking things through when it comes to your outdoor spaces!  Spring is coming (I think) and then Summer after that (hopefully).  The retailers are stocking their showrooms with patio table sets.  The catalogs are enticing you with poolside lounge chairs.  Before you give in to their advances think about your personal patio/backyard/pool deck.  What do you need?  What do you want?  Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself before you make your purchase:

1.       How much sun does the patio get? Those cherry red cushions look ah-may-zing in the store but what happens when they spend day in and day out under the merciless sun?  Are you okay with them fading to brown? 

2.       When rain showers hit, are the cushions going to be left on the chairs?  Are you okay with purchasing new ones each year if these rot out? If not, do you have a place to shelter them from the wet weather?

3.       How will the materials used to make your furniture weather (wicker, metal, fabric, wood, etc). Opting for a cheap metal over the more expensive wrought iron may seem like a good idea now, but you may feel differently in July when your rocker is rusted and squeaky.

4.       How much space do you have?  Remember to measure the area so you know for certain that your new pieces will be accommodated.

Taking just a couple extra minutes to ask these questions could save you some disappointments later in the season!

Happy patio season!