With fall around the cornerI wanted to reflect on my favorite summer decorating this year.Luckily here in Southern Californiawe still have at least another month of summer weatherbecause I still have some backyard summer projects to finish.But I wanted to make my summer notes for next yearbefore I got into my fall decorating plans.
This season I intentionally simplified my decorand have found it to be so calming and refreshing.
Instead of my usual couch filled sofasI opted for just two pillows in each cornerA huge bit of editing for me!
I also drop clothed both couches this seasonwith two painters drop clothsusing extra large drops for a draped and tucked finish.
I edited out some smaller furniture piecesbut I did add in a striped puff piece for some graphic impact.
As I have mentioned before our lovely little house is comfortably smallso everything I add into the exchange must have a purpose of either function or beautyever more so in the hot months of summer.
Our living and dining rooms are truly just one roomso the furniture arrangement is key to having two distinct spaces.
This is also the reason there must be color and decor continuity not only in both spacesbut my outdoor spaces as well.There are sight lines through the spaces no matter where you are inside or out.
I always have my backyard living areasandmy courtyard and front terracestyled in the same colorationsto provide a calming tranquil feelas well as making our small spaces appear larger and more inviting.
The result are spaces that are cozy. intiment and inviting.
To divide the living and dining areasI chose to use a custom buffetthat this season I filled with succulents.
My vintage mannequin atop a cast iron pothelps further visually divide the space.
We have gotten plenty of use of our dining room this summeras we have implemented family dinners on Monday nights.
I am in the process of draping each chair with drop clothand tying them each with a hand frayed ribbonand puddled and tucked underneath.
I approach my home decorwith a similar aesthetic as my wardrobe.I like a base neutral backgroundwhere to I can add in seasonal accessories.
This past monththe dahlias that I have planted in my backyardhave exploded in a most prolific blooming season!This is the first time I have had such an abundance of flowersthat I have been fine harvesting them for inside!
It has been such a treat to be able to just step out backand have flowers at the ready!I already have plans for next yearto put in a true cutting garden on the side!
These dinner plate dahliascatch the summer light so magicallywhether the light be from the rising sunor an afternoons setting.
This summer seasoni even simplified my pacesettingopting for a minimal appeal.
I have been happy this season to simplify
my table settings
inorder to let the beauty of the food take center stage.
This has definitely been a summer
of time spent
creating heathy homemade meals
with bounty collected at many a farmers market.
It was also the seasonour kitchen was completed with the arrival of our farm sink!
I redid some countersso now the kitchen is alive with off setting colorto bring out the very best in ingredients!
My organic plantings are thriving as well!I have found if I keep most of my edible growing out frontin potsthey are remembered dailyand benefit with the daily love and care.
Stepping out front for herbsis itself such a treat!I have been leaning towards growing things I can actually useas this is such a happy treat come harvest time!
During the hot summer monthsmy front courtyard is my favoritemorning retreatas it is protected from the glaring sun in the early hours.
I am still just as taken with my faux zebra chairas I was with it's first delivery!
I am enjoying it so in the courtyardbut know come wetter daysit will be moved inside.
But right nowit is the decorating exclamation mark I have been yearning for!An unexpected visitor into the scene.
My seasonal vignettes do bestwhen I let them come together over time.
It is not unusual for all of my decoratingto finally come togetherat the end of the seasonafter much happy fluffing and changing things along the way.
I had no idea when I planted these baby tearson a quick whim for EasterThat they would make it to September!
I have loved the calm, cool centerpiece of the courtyardall season long.
It was my trip to Palm Springs and the Viceroy here,that had me yearning for a striped umbrella.I was able to satisfy the yearnwith an umbrella from Pottery Barn this summer.
Sitting out front with a glass of wineis a perfect way to catch up the neighbors.
I am quite content with the little center table I fashioned froma block of wooda soap stone platterand sandfor a table reminiscent of a day at the beach.
Now to make some headway on some summer finishing touches out backbefore it's time to celebrate the arrival of my most favorite season
Fall.
As always my friends
I wish you love and joy as your style your life
