Summer Decorating Inspiration

Today I thought it would be fun to show some inspiring photos of spaces that have been decorated in red, white, or blue (or some combination of these colors). I was browsing bhg.com and was loving what I found. I chose interiors - and exteriors - that reflect a laid-back style...nothing too fussy...just crisp and clean and looking like summer.

Um, yeah, I'd live here. Wouldn't you? Look at that front porch!

These deep cobalt walls are pretty striking - but they work with the clean white upholstery in the room.

Whoa, that's a lot of stripes on that porch, huh? But somehow they all work together and end up being fun and relaxed.

I've always like blue and white pottery. It's really the star of the show here, with simple white walls in the background. It can be traditional, Asian, or beachy.

Note the red mats around the pictures on the wall. That's a neat touch. I also like the red toile seat cushion cover on the chair.

Here are some dramatic blue walls again...not quite as dark as the last blue room, but dramatic all the same. It's a few more patterns than I would normally put together in one room - but somehow this Bohemian look really works here.

My favorite part of this room...the vintage sheets they used as chair covers! And more blue and white pottery.

In this mostly white entry, the blue and white bowl with the red apples stands out perfectly. This looks calming to me, and I almost feel like I can smell the salt air from the ocean, which is surely only a few steps away!

What a relaxing guest room this looks like. Sweet and simple.

And, okay, forget the first house I showed you...can I live here instead? Instead of a front yard they have a BEACH...instead of a street they have the OCEAN...instead of a view of their neighbor's house, they have a view of the SUNSET OVER THE WATER.

Let's all just close our eyes and pretend we're here for a moment...just a moment...

The ocean breeze smells wonderful, doesn't it?!

(all photo credits: bhg.com)

Friday's Fabulous Finds - Patriotism

Liberty banner by BridgetMcKinley - love the vintage look!

A brief apology to my lovely international readers...I understand you won't fully appreciate the fab finds this week, since July 4th - Independence Day - is a uniquely American holiday. (A special apology to my British friends. :-) I was in England once over the Fourth of July and my friend Jane (as British as can be), felt the need to remind me, "Well, we won the War of 1812!") Anyway - the fact remains that the upcoming Fourth of July is a favorite holiday for many Americans, and as with all of our holidays, there are plenty of ways we can decorate, dress, and entertain.

patriotic cuppies (in sets of 12) by yummycuppycrafts

You all know how much I love cupcakes. Not only are these cuppy wrappers perfect for your July 4th cupcakes, but yummycuppycrafts carries many other styles that would work for any occasion. They come in sets of 12 and there are all kinds of funky patterns! Afforable, too.

Yep, still thinkin' about cupcakes. Look at these vintage-inspired cupcake picks by RockabyeRetro. You get a set of 6. I'm loving all things vintage for this July 4th celebration, and this fits the bill with style.

Guess what? I'm still thinking about cupcakes. (Hungry, anyone?) If you're feeling crafty, print out this sheet of 1-inch round vintage patriotic images from mydigitaldaydreams and make your own cupcake picks! Or gift tags...or drink tags...or whatever your crafty little heart desires. Then send me photos of your creation. :-) (FYI - The photo at the bottom of this post is also from mydigitaldaydreams.)

For the little girl in your life...check out this adorable tutu and headband set from alexasboutique. Now, if only I knew a cute little girl or two. ;-)

Another great banner...I could make my own...or save time and energy and buy this one! It says "God Bless America" and is created by maryhadalittleparty (don't you just love that name?). I've discovered this shop is a fun resource for handmade banners, party favors, and packaging for parties.

For a little man in your life...this super cute overalls and hat set from littleguystogs. I love that this is a set. (Does the little boy come with it? 'Cause he's CUTE!)

This is a unique and fun idea for your Fourth of July celebration. It's a Party Cake by polkadotsandpetals made of individual boxes, each with candy inside. It's a centerpiece...no, it's a cake...no, it's the party favors! Mostly it's a big hit, just waiting to happen.

And you just can't have a Fourth of July party without...mosquitoes? Well, actually you can...with this set of 3 cute citronella soy candles, by WorthySoyCandles. They're so affordable you could get several sets and scatter them throughout your outdoor party space.

For the wee one...heh heh...just made me chuckle. Reversible bib by pinkbabyandpancho.

And, last but not least, more vintage images...this time in the shape of downloadable gift tags, also from mydigitaldaydream. But don't just think gifts...what about tied around the neck of a wine bottle? Incorporated into your invitations? Scattering them like confetti down the center of your table?

***Want more??***

Read here if you'd like to catch up on some of my past Friday's Fabulous Finds.

Read here if you'd like to see some of my before-and-after pics of interior redesigns (new ones coming soon...I'm booked up all summer!)

Read here if you'd like some tidbits on entertaining and parties.

Friday's Fabulous Finds - Newcomers

I was browsing lots of fairly new shops on Etsy and spied several fabulous finds I thought I'd share with you today. They are varied, fun, quirky...something for everyone. They happen to share a somewhat neutral color palette and each reminds me of summer. It's extremely hot here today in Portland (or at least it's hot for us) so it's impossible to not have summer on the brain. Here we go...be sure to support each of these new artists and their shops!

"Cafe in Rome" print

Cathy's Sunroom print

I love these prints by watercolor artist and Etsy newcomer Judysbrush. I feel like I'm there at that cafe in Rome or standing outside Cathy's sunroom. The prints are very reasonably priced and come in a few different sizes.

"Calm" photographic print

"Fleur" photographic print

These images strike me as both romantic and soothing. They are photographic prints from F2Images, printed on metallic paper. Very pretty.

"Lonely Mushroom" print

I don't know...this just struck me as adorable. Can't you see it in a kid's bedroom or playroom? I'm sure there's a story behind this sweet mushroom, by Tungnut Studios.

Dragonfly Necklace

I like this sweet copper necklace from Industrial Poppy. So summery, and it could work with any outfit.

Dragonfly Garden collage

This is a complex creation of a variety of recycled papers, Japanese Yuzon paper and metallic gold thread...though regardless of what it's made of...I just think it's pretty! By Etsy seller Artbycaro.

That wraps up these fabulous finds...show your support for these new Etsy artists! And enjoy your weekend - we have our first taste of summer here in the Pacific Northwest! I'll be back on Monday with another fabulous redesign to show you! For now, if you'd like to browse past Fabulous Finds over the weekend, read here.