a Question of Pleasure

Dog resting. No matter how hard and unwelcoming the surface, a dog know hows to relax.
This boy is awaiting his owner outside the Tipsy Pig in San Francisco.

we are all celebrating Summer!

Finally the hot weather has arrived, and I am in the mood to recreate some pleasure seating in the garden and enhance the moment of homecoming.
The orange set is fading and cobwebby. The walkway is boring and pitifully flower poor. This past weekend I decided to buy a bunch of pots and plants and create an array of potted plants. Funny thing about words and language. When I first came to America, I used to say pot plants and people thought I meant the type of plant you smoke. Now I carefully remember to say potted plants. Which makes me think of potted shrimp (terribly English & picnic in the garden)
Which makes me think how fun it is to create picnic spots in ones own yard.
On a blanket, a rug or with chairs. Much more civilized dont you think?

and this set above outside Anthropologie in Palo Alto, looks so inviting. I feel ready to sit with friends and have an ice-cream sundae.



this floor would be fab in the yard, to rest a patio set, spied this at a cool coffee shop, in a historic building on Ramona Street, Palo Alto.

Here are some other fun ideas to liven up the back yard living room, and next week I will reveal my "Transformation"

Think about how you can use your existing patio furniture and add some fun accessories,
to set up your perfect picnic hideaway - without leaving home.


A colorful rug can add so much to a concrete floor or hard dirt like this fun rug
from Patio Shoppers

What about an interesting table? like this one below found on Etsy and created by
Timothy Adams Designs






a cool light like this one below





some outdoor art
like these Reflect Spheres or Breeze pinwheels - same old stuff with a modern twist







and no garden spot would be complete without some plants, like these lush beauties



Enjoy!

Creating SPACE without leaving home

Goldie is looking at possibilities - she is close to the AHA moment.
Since the Sun is shining and it feels like summer is getting closer,
now is the time to tackle that outdoor space

Case Study : Real Back yard Dilemma

We turned a tired cement patio area into a charming, relaxing outdoor room, giving our client a bright and sunny additional living space:

Our client Jasmine had outdoor space that desperately needed some design help.
The question that often stops people in their tracks is "How can I fix this ?"

What : The area was a nice size but lacked charm.
Conditions:Budget was a key element.
Already owned:
Positives: white metal patio set that she had inherited
couple of striped pillows and two red Andirock chairs, a garden set, on sale, on hold at a local box store. A couple of pots, and existing built in awning.
Negatives: An ugly shed and a few redwood furniture items that had seen better days.
A mix of cement and aggregate floor not in great shape.

What did Jasmine want?

A patio to enjoy the good weather, a place to expand her living space & a lovely french feel.
Without spending a lot of money.

First item on the list - more comfortable and practical seating.
The set Jasmine had found was versatile and fabulous. Deep bronze with blue cushions.
We told Jasmine to go for it.
The patio set was serviceable and attractive. Our solution was to paint the set to match the new patio lounge set, and tie it in using color.

The shed dilemma was easily solved. We loved the shape and suggested some yummy green and blues, with gray for details.

To hide the utilitarian look of the windows we had our clients add shutters.

We gave Jasmine a shopping list and a chore list.

The family worked hard, cleaning up painting and shopping.

The revitalized patio set looks slick

and Voila - hard work and focus is rewarded!

I just adore how the shed suddenly becomes a destination and how the shutters finish of the windows. The outdoor rug anchors the patio set on the concrete, breaking up the cracked grey surface. The metal lanterns await hanging, and add a European flair.
A space transformed

View from under the covered awning, after Lift Your Spirits Home Transformations was done

We created this cozy spot to read and enjoy the outdoors. It's a great idea to create a few seating areas, to enhance the use and charm of the space. Perfect for one or two. Lemons from the tree with leaves wrapped around the basket handle, add a rustic touch.

A real find for us was this old table stand. It had been stored in the shed, waiting to be tossed.
Now it makes a elegant plant holder, and the wrought iron curls match the awning legs.
Find some fun elements at discount box stores, your local garage sale or the neighborhood Goodwill store, like we did below. Get the color moving around the area. Create distinct groupings.

The versatile patio seating looks inviting and makes entertaining a breeze.
We used what Jasmine had, including a galvanized bin. Upside down, it becomes a plant stand.



I love the new patio, and how it integrates the outdoor areas, and so did our clients.
The biggest reward for Jasmine?

She was grateful to have us keep her on track, to achieve her backyard dream.

Jasmine penned this note :
"I absolutely love what you did with my backyard, especially the addition of the bright color. It's now one of my favorite places to sit with a cup of coffee and return phone calls."

the reward of a job well done is to sit in the sun!

Outdoor ROOM

Summer seems to be here - the heat is rising !

Suddenly all the heavy clothes and dark and cluttered rooms are unbearable.

I was lucky enough to spend a couple days in Chicago. I am on the Board of IRIS -The largest and only non profit organization for International Redesigners and Stagers.
We have an incredible group of dedicated, passionate women who sit on the board, and it is a privilege to share this experience.
In between meetings and meals, and lots of decisions, we had time to be inspired by an amazing town, and friendly people.

And just like Goldie demonstrates above - when the heat rises inside its time to head out to those outdoor spaces.
Art, Color and function all play a role. The sky, ground and trees create the walls, floors and ceilings. What can be more delicious than a carpet of cool ground cover under foot?

A space is transformed by the placement, form and color. To create impact think outdoor art - The joy of coaxing a smile of surprise, from those that wander in.


Breathe deep and enjoy the magic smells and tastes that dazzle the eye - below I have assembled a couple of shots, from the many to make you think of how to add Drama to your simple or magnificent plot of land! Its not in the flick of the wrist, rather in the bold move of creating your own or buying a clever piece or two. And rustic junk can gain you points as you charm your acquaintances with your stylish wit and clever hands!
That old ugly piece, sitting discarded, is begging to be recreated into a conversation piece.

Chicago is a city with planning, somehow the air flows around the buildings and outdoor space and art rises with joy and variety! Space that allows room to move and to enjoy are key elements to a successful room outdoors. Sweet smells, comfortable seating, and shade are desirable too.

So start putting your elements together, to make the most of living out doors, without leaving your home.


More pictures and ideas to come.