I hope you all had a beautiful long Memorial Day weekend. To me, the end of this holiday represents the beginning of summer. BBQ season is here, long days spent in the sun and longer evenings outdoors. This is the time to spruce up your porch, patio or balcony. I thought I was get the summer energy flowing with some Pinterest Inspirations and some furnishing ideas from yours truly! 

Adding greenery, plants along with textile adds texture and dimension to your outdoor space. 

Wicker chairs are a no brainer on a porch or balcony. They give off the perfect vibe and match close to everything!

Mixing wood tones and paints is another great idea. Take a look at some of our custom paint work.

There is something so dreamy about string lights. I think I may have to pick some up this weekend. 

1- Mallorca banana leaf lounge chair: here

2- Valencia rattan dining chair: here

3- Palma rattan dining chair: here

4- Ibiza seagrass dining chair: here

As always, enjoy the rest of the work week... only 3 more days! 

Planning on throwing a party this weekend? Or maybe just a get together with family. We have found some of our favorite recipes perfect for the holiday, along with some perfect red white and blue table styling ideas!

-Brownie (& Fruit) Kebabs: here.

-Celebration Pretzel Sticks: here.

-Memorial Day Flag Cookie Platter: here.

-Strawberry & Blueberry Mini Cheesecake Trifle: here.

-Blueberry, Strawberry & Jicama Salsa: here.

We all know that the best part of holidays is food... and of course the gathering of our family and friends; a table over flowing with delicious food and all of our close ones gathered around. Here are some of our favorite dining tables for the special occasion. All made in the USA, custom sizes and finishes available:

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Acceptance, balance, reflection and love. No, I am not talking about the keys to a happy life (although these to hold true to that as well), but how you can make the most out of your space and how to use size, style and decor to your advantage. More and more of us are downsizing to smaller homes or choosing condo living over owning a house, and then there are those of us who are renting apartments or smaller homes until that dream place comes along. Whatever the situation may be, these tips will not only help you make the most out of your space, but also make it a more enjoyable and welcoming place to live. 

1. Acceptance

First and foremost we must accept our space. It is easy to look on Pinterest, scroll through our daily blog feed, flip through the magazines and see these homes which physically can not be replicated in our current spaces We have to be realistic with our wants and needs. For example, we see a beautiful California King four poster bed with all the trimmings but we only live in a 500sq ft apartment, Its just not happening is it? Instead look for inspiration from similar style spaces and homes. The sooner you accept your space that you have and start taking steps to make the most of it the faster you will appreciate your home for what it is. 

2. Flow

Arrange your furniture in such a way that there is flow to your space. Make sure you can easily travel from one room to the next in a easy and free motion. Don't put pieces in your home which don't fit, over cramming will only lead to a unusable and over crowded space.

3. Balance

Use a constant variety of different textures and materials; mix your woods and metallics, use pops of color and a variety of textures. Connect each room by repeating these patterns through out the entire space. This will help the space flow together, as if they are extensions of each other rather than several small, disjointed areas. 

4. Let Go 

Hoarding. Need I say more. Go through all your stuff: your closet, books, pantry, kitchen supplies, everything! Anything your haven't used in 6-12 months donate. You don't need it, but that doesn't mean to say someone else won't appreciate it. Getting rid of unwanted things not only clears your space but also your mind. 

5. Leave Your Comfort Zone

I have mentioned this before, that one of this biggest design mistakes we see is people playing it too safe. Just because you are in a small place doesn't mean you have to stick to white walls, neutral curtains, beige rugs and cream pillows (not to over exaggerate). Add pops of colors to your walls, find bold patterns to use as your window dressings or bed linens, paint a few pieces of furniture in unexpected colors. All of these little things are your stamp, they are your expression. Don't be afraid. 

6. Filling the Void

When living in a small space we really have to make the most of every little inch we have available. Think, under the bed, on top of the cupboards, empty walls. Anywhere and everywhere must be used to its best advantage for not only function but decor and style as well. 

7. See the Light

Natural Light. I can't say it enough. Don't block it with heavy curtains and blinds instead choose sheer fabrics to get the most light possible from your windows. Light opens spaces and fills with positive and warm energy. 

8. Reflection

Again with the natural light, placing mirrors to reflect light and brighten up a space will also make a room appear larger. 

9. Mindplay

There are special tricks with decorating which can play with the mind and make a space look larger than it actually is. For example, hanging curtains from the top the ceiling as appose to from the top of the window. Using a larger area rug instead of a small floating rug. Replace lots of small furniture with a few larger statement pieces can actually make the room appear bigger (just not too many). Oversized mirrors, paintings and art of the walls also have the safe effect. 

10. Love

And finally the most important tip is to style and decorate your space with love and care and make it a home that you feel comfortable in and enjoy. 

Hope you all enjoyed! 

Another weekend gone, another Monday here. What better way to get you into the working spirit then to be inspired by these dreamy work spaces.

With technology ever evolving and resources such as iBooks, The Kindle and Amazon books are becoming something of the past. More and more people are downloading books onto their ipads or reading from their desktops. But don't you think there is something different about reading a physical book vs. reading from a digital screen? I have to admit the feeling of a hand bound cover of pages upon pages of ink typed words and stories is just... magical. Illustrated covers, photographs and typography. On of my favorite past times is grabbing a good book, maybe a cup of teach or hot chocolate, sitting in my favorite chair and just getting lost in the pages of a good read. Fictional fairytale, romantic love stories or educational, it doesn't matter what it is. Now, don't get me started on my local Barnes & Nobles, the antique book shop downtown or our public library. I have been thinking about starting my own home library for a while now. We have accumulated a lot of books through the years and on our travels so it just seems like the logical idea to give them a home. Naturally I went online to look for inspiration. I have gathered together a few of my favorite home libraries and bookshelves and would like to share some tips and ideas I have found out.

Hope you all have a beautiful weekend!