OUTDOOR
design tips for backyards, outdoor rooms, outdoor parties, picnics
Cabanas are useful and charming. If I got a summer cottage, I would install a few so my guests can get change and put their stuff for the day. Having a cabana helps to keep your house clutter free while you are hosting a beach party.
I was charmed by the cabana next to the pool from the June 2008 of Canadian House and Home magazine. This cabana is available at Fresh Home and Garden in Toronto.
Typical white and navy nautical stripes are not my thing. I prefer the cool turquoise with earthy red shown here.
Thanks to Alex Newman and the Canadian House and Home styling team for presenting this beach house inspired by the Hamptons. The article is titled Water Colored in the magazine.
>>> Sourcing:
Photos credits: Virginia MacDonald for Canadian House and Home June 2008 issue, see pages 134-135 – rights reserved
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
posted @ Thursday, May 15, 2008 5:05 PM | Feedback (0)
If you guess that the couple who owns the urban organic modern home store Stylegarage in Toronto lives in a lofty space, you are right. Except that they accomplished the look in a suburban duplex.
Urban Modern Style
Their interior design borrows to the loft-chic style. You can feel the warm sensibility of the organic moderns style. The house has a lot of warmth due to an extensive use of wood.
Amanda Schuler and David Podsiaglo live in this house with their 18-month-old son. Let’s review their cool entertaining spaces that are featured on the June 2008 issue of Canadian House and Home magazine.
Dining Room
You may say another chalkboard. For me, it triggers childhood memories. So I still dream of a chalkboard wall in my own home.
The pendant light, cool wall-mounted wine rack, the table and chairs are all from their own Gus* at Stylegarage collection. They designed and manufactured the furniture under the brand Gus Design Group in Toronto.
Discover the design philosophy behind their kitchen and dining room by watching a video interview on Canadian House and Home. You get a better feel of the size and layout of the space in the video.
Low Maintenance, No Fuss Backyard
The backyard is a great example of a low maintenance urban backyard. A perfect solution if you prefer entertaining to gardening or taking care of the pool. Even if you prefer a different style of furniture, you can get inspired by the layout and divisions of the space. Make adjustments to fit your lifestyle and priorities.
I really like to get the long wood tray to serve my baguette bread. It looks so modernly chic.
>>> Sourcing:
Video: Loft-Style Living [Canadian House and Home]
Photo credits: by David Bagosy for Canadian House and Home June 2008 issue – pages 136-141 – rights reserved
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
FAMILY style
posted @ Thursday, May 15, 2008 2:58 PM | Feedback (1)
It feels almost like summer. You could bring the Daydream swim ring and Day dream beach ball to complete my first birthday party theme. If you want bright colors, get inspired by the Moroccan pattern.
Revive your inner child spirit and throw some beach balls at a grown up pool party. These designs are brand new. Designroom Group launched them on April 15th, 2008. They have other patterns including a camouflage and a punk pattern.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Beach Ball Daydream by Designroom Group – price: $12 USD
Buy online: Swim Ring Daydream by Designroom Group – price: $12 USD
Buy online: Poolside collection by Designroom Group
Via: {outdoorables!} [Daisy Chain]
RELATED POST:
+ First Birthday Party Ideas for a Girl
Categories:
EVERYDAY
OUTDOOR
PARTY supplies
KIDS party
FAMILY style
posted @ Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:24 PM | Feedback (1)
This is the coolest hammock I ever seen. At a price tag of $19,500 this is not for everyone. Still, we can all appreciate the stunning design of this 113 inch diameter hammock.
You can drape it for privacy or more protection against the sun. It is supposed to be more stable than the regular hammocks.
The standard size day bed and the huge hammock are perfect to party under the sun. It looks so hip. The San Francisco based company Henry Hall Designs proposes fine outdoor furniture in an array of modern and traditional styles.
Vintage Fusion
The Fusion range mixes teak and stainless steel. The best part for me is the falling pool. I always dreamed of a pool like that.
Vintage is made of stainless steel and synthetic resin. Inspired by the curved plywood chairs of the 1950’s, Vintage line proposes a chaise lounge and a stackable dining chair. As you can read on Henry Hall Designs Web site, the Vintage revives an era of visionary design for the outdoors.
>>> Sourcing:
Learn more: Cocoon Hammock with Terrace Base by Henry Hall Designs – price: S19,500 USD
Via: The Cocoon Hammock [The Green Head]
Categories:
OUTDOOR
posted @ Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:58 AM | Feedback (1)
I received an email from Janine who is thinking of doing a garden party for my daughter's first birthday.
She feels that all of the kids party decorations look so passé and cheesy. I have to agree with her. She asked for some ideas. I am proposing a cool flower theme.
Party Planning
A first year birthday is often more for the parents and family since the baby is not well aware of what is going on. It is best to plan for a two-hour party. Schedule some activities to play with the kids.
Flower-Power Décor
The cakes for the 10th anniversary of Cakes by Tatiana were my inspirations. Located in Ottawa, Cakes by Tatiana has a list of distinguished customers including two former Prime Ministers of Canada and Adrienne Clarkson. The two cakes are creations by award-winning pastry Chef Tatiana Vorobej.
I do not expect you to get such an exquisite cake for a first birthday. The flowers and spheres can be reproduced on a larger scale for your garden. Make a few vignettes that you spread across your space to define and cheer up your garden.
A cheap version is the cute Flower Ballons created by Martha Stewart. The steps by step instruction are published on Martha’s site. It is not complicated to do. Fill pails with a baby friendly toy (sandbox tor for example) and insert a paper daisy to dress it up. Reserve the lollipops for older young kids or distribute them to the moms.
The Menu
Since you need to entertain and take care of the babies, keep the menu simple. Serve bite foods, sandwiches and snacks. As long as you make your food look pretty, serving simple foods look sophisticated. And it can look stylish without a lot of work.
Take this cool tray of vegetables designed by Martha. I am sure you have seen those before. You can use square flower vases instead of the glasses or clear acrylic boxes. Start by cutting your vegetables. Cut each type on a same length. Blanch the asparagus, beans, cauliflowers and broccoli to give them a vibrant color. Serve the veggies neatly in the glassware sitting on a tray.
Get inspired by Revisiting the Sandwich Box for serving sandwiches to the adult guests. For the kids, you can serve the blossom sandwiches by Martha Stewart.
Baby Activities
Singing is always popular with babies and parents. Set up a singing circle in the garden where parents and kids can sit. A sandbox is always a fun activity for the little ones.
You can organize a small play. My sister in law asks her teenager babysitter to create a 10-minute show. The farmyard party photo canvas available at Pottery Barn will make great memories and older kids can participate.
Get a girls' first birthday bib for the day. Preserve the memories not just in photos and videos; store the bib and the other decorative elements in a cute keepsake cardboard box.
I hope this will inspire you. And Janine, keep me posted on how the first birthday of your little girl will turn out.
>>> Sourcing:
Party supplies: Flower Balloon How-To [Martha Stewart]
Inspirations: cakes by tatiana -10th anniversary [cakes by Tatiana]
Party supplies: Flower in Pail Party Favors [Martha Stewart]
Buy online: farmyard party photo canvas [Pottery Barn] – price: on sale at $24.99 USD
Buy online: girls' first birthday bib [Pottery Barn] – price: $12 USD
Video: Crudités with Buttermilk Peppercorn Dip Recipe [Martha Stewart]
Dishing up: Edible Blossom Sandwiches [Martha Stewart]
Categories:
FOOD + drinks
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
DISHING tips
PARTY favors
FAMILY style
posted @ Monday, May 12, 2008 3:54 PM | Feedback (2)
With Mother’s Day in less than two weeks, I spot more gift ideas for moms who enjoy hosting outdoor entertaining for her family and friends.
My first suggestion is Late for Dinner, a new melamine collection at Anthropology.
My encounter with these pop-art flora plates on Hostess with the Mostess started the ball. For there, I looked for outdoor tableware that I can harmonize with Late for Dinner patterns.
My search brought me to the grandma macramé look of these Crocheted Food Cover shown here in Yellow and dark green. At the same time of the pop-art trend, the crocheted look was hip. The look reminds me of grandma, because we should not forget grandmothers on Mother’s Day.
The morning-bright flora of the Fresh-Squeezed Juicer and the Painted Garden Pitcher complete the communal look.
As you can see from the pictures, you can mix those with many solids and patterns.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Late for Dinner melamine plates at Anthropologie – price: $25.26 CAD - $24 USD set of 4
Buy online: Crocheted Food Cover at Anthropologie – price: $18.95 CAD - $18 USD
Buy online: Fresh-Squeezed Juicer at Anthropologie – price: $25.26 CAD - $24 USD
Buy online: Painted Garden Pitcher at Anthropologie – price: $18.95 CAD - $18 USD
Via: Retro-Mod Melamine [Hostess with the Mostess]
Categories:
KITCHEN tools
OUTDOOR
GIFT ideas
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Sunday, May 04, 2008 3:27 PM | Feedback (0)
Summer is almost here so it is time to complete your outdoor entertaining kits. A Sunday afternoon at the beach, the park or the cottage with friends and family feels like heaven.
If the weather allowed, why not plan an outdoor party for Mother’s Day? After all, a day at the beach or the cottage encompasses joy, laughs and sharing a meal together.
A few outdoor entertaining accessories will make the day feels more special. I gather some cool stuff from Macy’s and Pottery Barn that your mother can reuse all summer long.
Gift Ideas
The Garden Party Lanterns at the top come with a 5 oz. bag of famous key lime cooler cookies.
Another solution for lighting that you can put on a table and hang is the colored tapered glass Pressick Lantern. Do not forget to buy the lantern stake sold separately if you want to hang the Pressick Lanterns. If you do not like these styles, there are 7 more models of candlelight lanterns and 3 string light lanterns at Pottery Barn.
The retro look of Acrylic Drink Dispenser captivates the imagination. These clear, blue, orange and green vessels are so useful for serving iced teas, cucumber mint water, punches and more. It is a must.
The BBQ Chipwood Baskets carry on the old restaurant style. Instead of complex barbecue equipment, travel light with a few stainless steel bucket-shaped charcoal grills.
If Mother’s Day is not sunny do not worry, you will be ahead for Father’s Day. When you plan an outdoor event, implement a plan B and think about how you will inform your guests about it.
>>> Sourcing:
Buy online: Byrd Cookie Company Garden Party Lanterns with Cookies at Macy’s – on sale at $14.99 USD
Buy online: Pressick Lantern at Pottery Barn – price: $24-$34 USD
Buy online: Acrylic Drink Dispenser at Pottery Barn – price: $59 USD
Buy online: BBQ Chipwood Baskets at Pottery Barn – price: $12 USD
Buy online: Portable BBQ Grill at Pottery Barn – price: $39 USD
Categories:
OUTDOOR
PARTY supplies
GIFT ideas
FAMILY style
posted @ Sunday, May 04, 2008 12:28 PM | Feedback (1)
Living in a 4 season climate enhances the joy that we feel when the warm weather comes back.
It is the best time to introduce the summer 2008 collection from a brand that symbolizes Design, Happiness, Life and Values. I am talking about Koziol, the German company that was founded in 1912 by Bernhard Koziol.
Design, Happiness, Life and Values was the 4 world themes that they presented at the Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt last February. The summer 2008 Koziol collection hit the shelf mid-March 2008. I am showing my favorites.
Outdoor Entertaining
A must outdoor entertaining is the new PURE series with carafe, cups, bottle cooler and tray. A specially engineered lid keeps out dust and insects. Cool! The same lid keeps in ice cubes and lemon slices while pouring.
An ingenious combination of porcelain and plastic surrounds the AROMA series. The stylish companion for your breakfast, you can choose between a cup, an espresso cup, a cappuccino cup, a latte cup and a bowl called AROMA BIG. The AROMA series is available in orange, raspberry and tuerkis (aqua).
PIC UP is a fun Party Fork Set. Use this handy tool to serve tapas, olives, antipasti and cheese chunks. For a family barbecue party, you cannot go wrong with PIC UP.
The OXYGEN partition recalls pebbles or the bubbles in carbonated drinks. I may install an OXYGEN partition wall like in front of my urban terrace. I wish for more privacy that carries an airy lightness. The vibrant green and turquoise of OXYGEN partition elements create the perfect backdrop for my pool. It was designed by the Spanish team Harry & Camila.
Picnicware
Old products are also hot this summer. Designed in 1995 by Rainer Lehn, the FROSCHKÖNIG bottle opener wears new colors. The OLLI Lunchbox keeps food fresh and mobile since F. Person and J. Hansen designed it in 1996. What I like about this lunchbox is its form. It must be easy to carry it around.
Hanging on the tree like fruits are the cute BOSKOP Lunchboxes. You will get no problem fitting double-layer and triple-layer sandwiches inside the BOSKOP. And your fresh fruit will still be intact on destination. The cute leaves work as the snap closure. This brand new design BOSKOP emerged from the brain of Luisa Finke.
Kitchen Cleaning and Storage
TIM & TWEETIE brushes wear the cool colors of summer 2008. The are so lovable.
HEIDI is a floral tie fastener. For party favors at Mother's Day, a Sunday brunch or a bridal shower, HEIDI will enhance your packaging. And your guests can reuse this cute band. Adorned with its pretty flower, the band dependably seals bags and pouches. HEIDI opens at will, as often as you wish.
Where to Buy
The German retailer Design 3000 carries the entire Koziol catalogue. Design 3000 is a heavenly shop for me with tons of wonderful brands. They got all the colors, even in hues that I did not talk about. Koziol seems harder to find in the United States since the distributor has closed down. Design 3000 ships to the United States and internationally.
In Canada, specialized retailers across the country carry the Koziol. As usual, Canadian retailers are shy when it comes to publish their inventory online, so I cannot provide you with specific links. So shop around, you can find the Koziol products in Canada.
Sourcing:
Buy online: PIC UP Party Fork Set by Koziol at The Well Tempered Kitchen – price: $14.50 USD
Buy online: Lunchbox Boskop solid green at design 3000 – price: 9,95 €
Buy online: AROMA Latte Cup strawberry at Design 3000 – price: 12,55 EUR
Buy online: Carafe Pure transparent by Koziol - price: 14,95 EUR
Buy online: Oxygen Partition transparent turquoise - price: 4,95 EUR
Buy online: HEIDI grass - price: 1,95 EUR
Learn more: Koziol brand Web site
RELATED POST:
+ Follow-up story | My search for retailers of Koziol
Tags:
fun,
colorful,
picnic,
kitchenware,
kitchen,
entertaining with kids,
european,
modern,
outdoor party
Categories:
EVERYDAY
HOME decor
KITCHEN tools
OUTDOOR
GIFT ideas
FAMILY style
posted @ Thursday, April 24, 2008 3:36 PM | Feedback (4)
If you have followed me for a while, you probably know that I adore the UK store Habitat. For summer 2008, Habitat stylists did not fail to impress me.
Once again, Habitat stimulates our imagination for casual entertaining. Looking at Habitat setting teaches how to create a unique experience. I enjoy especially their kid theme outdoor rooms.
Kid Party Theme
The camping trip in the backyard is an archetypal kid party theme. You With outstanding decorations, your outdoor party will stand apart. Use great props to create the theatrical illusion. Plan several activities to keep the kids occupied all night long.
The GERONIMO tents are simply adorable. I cannot imagine one kid that would not be thrilled to have a sleep over in these cute tents. Another must have for a kid party is OLI, a fresh olive green pigment lacquered eucalyptus kid picnic table.
The second picture showcases the MAUI deckchairs and the MINI WORLD rugs. Cushions play a huge role in a kid rooms. Here, you see the BELLA toy, the MAP cushion and the BIG MOUTH cushion.
MAUI is available in adult and kid sizes in saffron, orange, ginger, nut, aqua, charcoal, multi-color lined, multi-color urban pattern.
Outdoor dining and picnicware
The delicately neutral floral patterns of UTOPIA melamine picnicware collection goes with solid color dinnerware. Make your own assortment of round tray, plates, bowl, drinking cups, salad bowl and servers.
For an eclectic look at your next outdoor party, mix porcelain plates with earthenware bowls with melamine serving ware. You can even mix the LANDSCAPE porcelain dinner plates with COULEUR pieces and use the round UTOPIA tray. Punch your table by selecting an accent color from COULEUR - which is the French word for color.
I hope these three pictures will inspire you to host an amazing outdoor party in the coming weeks.
Sourcing:
Buy online: OLI kid picnic table at Habitat – price: £149
Buy online: MAUI deckchair in saffron – price: £6
Buy online: UTOPIA round tray – price: £8
Buy online: LANDSCAPE dinner plate – price: £6
Buy online: COULEUR earthenware dinnerware set in red – price: £35 for 16 pieces
Categories:
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
TABLEWARE
FAMILY style
posted @ Tuesday, April 22, 2008 12:35 AM | Feedback (1)
Things can be bold, cheerful and playful and still convey a mature look. Fun tableware goes hand in hand with spring and summer entertaining. I went on a lookout for festive glasses to decorate in a flash your table settings.
I started my search with the Scandinavian designers since designing lively and fun patterns is one of their strength. I found what I was looking for at BodaNova. Founded in 1971 in Boda, Sweden, BodaNova is now part of Iittala Group.
One Tube - Four Glasses
The tube package is really neat. With pattern names like Joy Smile, Joy Fun, Joy Happy, Joy Play, One Tube - Four Glasses conveys Glad to Be Here when you give it to the hostess. Handy to carry around, you can buy a set or two for when you go to picnic.
With its retro vibe, One Tube - Four Glasses is the perfect gift for people who like to chill in a cocktail lounge atmosphere. The glassware design would also be perfect for a kid party.
Fun-Filled Nature Inspired Glassware
One year ago, the Season concept was launched (middle right picture). Designer Barbro Wesslander for BodaNova played with her sense of color, style and fantasy. Season comes in green, yellow, red and black. The series includes a glass, a small plate, a serving plate, a tray, tablemats and serviettes.
For spring 2008, Barbro Wesslander has created the Blossom series (top right picture). The patterns are clearly more organic. You can serve all sorts of coffee, chocolate drinks and beer in the Blossom’s Blue Flowers and Brown Flowers. In fact, the Brown design includes three round metal canisters that are ideal for storing tea, coffee, cocoa and sugar.
For an alfresco dinner or Mother’s Day, go with the Green Plants or Pink Plants. This year pink and green is a hot color combination, so you can mix both. It is easy to imagine yourself sipping a fresh juice or a glass of rosé in the Plants design. Three rectangular canisters for serving crisp breads, crackers, biscuits and sweets complete the Green Plants family.
Crisp Breads
I am a fan of crisp breads. I stopped eating crackers and replaced then by crisp breads about five years ago. I typically buy two kinds: the Light Rye and the Dark Rye by Ryvita. These are made in England. To inspire you to eat more crisp bread, I took a tasty photo from Wasa Web site, they are the world's largest producer of crisp bread.
Stock several crisp bread bags on your pantry. You will be ready to make canapés for improvised parties. Why not borrow the Insalata Caprese on crisp bread idea from a Ryvita advertising campaign?
Sourcing:
Buy online: BodaNova One Tube - Four Glasses Joy Tumbler at GreenerGrassDesign – price: $32 USD for 4
Learn more: Blossom Collection by BodaNova
Categories:
EVERYDAY
OUTDOOR
TABLEWARE
posted @ Tuesday, April 08, 2008 12:40 PM | Feedback (0)
A look at entertaining essentials: a beautiful dinnerware to serve great food, a glamorous living room to enjoy the sunset and a stylish outdoor room to sip your cocktails.
My 3 picks of the week
Blue Orchid Designs for Style Spotlight: Terra Keramik
This post introduced a new line of environmentally friendly dinnerware. This dinnerware is über stylish dinnerware according to Liene of Blue Orchid Designs. I really like the vast selections of rich, saturated glazes. You can select eight exquisite colors. The platinum rims bring sophistication to sophistication to an otherwise simple design.
If you are interested, the online store of Terra Keramik operates from Connecticut. They currently deliver within the United States, Canada and Australia.
Blue Ant Studio for moree
Lounge Tisch is produced by Moree from Germany. The light of Lounge Indoor can be controlled by a dimmer. In the evening, Lounge Outdoor fashionably illuminates any terrace or garden. Use a colored bulb to manually update the Lounge table to a color that fits your style or a party event.
Design To Inspire for Carlu Seaver
Have a look at the impressive portfolio of Autralian stylish Carlu Seaver. On top of interiors, Carlu Seaver also styled food related shoots. Look at this one-of-a-kind lush carpet. What a view from a glamorous, mid-century Hollywood style living room. I love it!
I wish to live you on this quote by Virgina Wolf (posted by Liene):
One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Terra Kemarik Soup Bowls – price: $29 USD
Buy online: Terra Kerarik Dinner Plates – price: $38 USD
Buy online: Moree Lounge Tisch Outdoor at Einrichten Design – price: 495 €
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
TABLEWARE
posted @ Monday, March 31, 2008 3:35 PM | Feedback (1)
These pictures from Habitat illustrate well the trends I saw at the Interior Design Show (IDS) Toronto 2008 last month. It also demonstrates that a little color goes a long way.
Deep Dark Luxury
The purples, chocolate browns, deep blues and khaki greens of 2008 are colors that you do not have to be afraid to commit. Darker hues feel luxurious. In fact, most of the luxury market favors the darker tones right now.
You will see purples mixed yellow greens, gold and lilac in 2008. Whenever you select a color for your home, choose the tint in function of the type of room, the time of the day where you use it and the lighting. For example, the purples of the casual outdoor room are of medium values because they sit outside.
Punch Colors
I feel that the most interesting lesson that you can learned from these fabulously styled rooms by Habitat was is that the big expensive pieces can stay pretty neutral. The top picture is the perfect example that you do not need a huge investment to follow the trends.
Khaki green is perfect for a family room. Yellow green feels fresh in the kitchen. If you live in an open concept kitchen/ dining room / living room, you can mix the two colors but always give more importance to one or the other in each room.
Defining Your Open Space
Even though you want to create a cohesive look in a concept space, you need to clearly define each space. Otherwise, your house will lack dimensions. For that reason, I do not recommend to carry around the same, identical color palette over the entire open space.
As I told you in my review of 10 years of design, successfully decorated rooms mix several trends. It is the end of the package theme. You sculpt your design by playing with the shapes, the finishes, the textures, the contrast, the lighting, the symmetry and the styles of what everything that fits into the room. The goal is to create dimensions in an eclectic but harmonious way.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Living and Storage at Habitat
RELATED POSTS:
+ Spring 2008 yellows
+ Home Color Trends for 2008
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
TRENDS
posted @ Saturday, March 08, 2008 1:52 PM | Feedback (2)
What I am talking about today is how the presence of others colors can modify the perception of a color? It is an important element when you are designing a room or creating a tablescape.
I select kitchen and dining pictures from the latest catalogue of Habitat. They illustrate current trends in decorations.
You could easily spot how the same yellow accessories create a different mood whether they are placed in a crisp white room, next to vibrant colors and with black wood furniture.
The Peake is the latest picnicware collection by Habitat. Nigel Peake designed a collection with distinctive urban-inspired illustrations and bold colors. I love it!
Coordinating Principles
How the overall room or tabletop look depends on several elements. The first thing to remember is that any color is influenced by their immediate neighbors. The impact can be up to a point that a color can take a totally different hue depending on the colors that sit next to it or the lighting. So before making a final decision, I recommend you:
- analyze the relative proportions of each color in your design
- analyze how the colors looks next to each other – try several ways to dispose colors next to each other
- try to insert a neutral (white, grey, brown or black) between two colors and see how if it enhances or not the results
How to live with the Spring 2008 yellows?
The lemon yellow, canary yellow, mustard yellow, curry, marigold are the hot yellow colors of Spring 2008. Some tones evoke bright and lively while the ones with reds feel warmer.
I cannot be happier that the warm and cheerful yellows are hot again since I opted for bright sunny yellow walls on the entire second floor of my house. I love colors in home decor. My house is mainly decorated in darker and richer colors with a few bright colors for punch in specific rooms. I cannot live in a crisp pure white house, even for a day.
Living in a bright yellow room makes me happy. I like to use colors but I wish nonetheless to create a sophisticated atmosphere. So I toned down my sunny yellow in several ways.
First, you need to consider the level of natural light that you normally get. My row house does not provide a lot of natural light. Second, several lamps, wall sconces and ceiling fixtures allow me to modify the level of light intensity at will. I can go from a subdued mood up to the brighter task lighting level. From an architectural point of view, my space features a long, antique reddish bricks wall and an extensive use of warm medium brown wood. Both bring a rich feeling to the open spaced room.
Going back to the pictures from the Habitat Spring 2008 catalogue, you see three hot color trends for Spring 2008:
- The crisp white room with yellow used as the accent color
- The colorful, fun almost child-like yellow, orange, pink, and red scheme – you can also do the acid citrus
- The black theme with yellow accents, done here as casual chic for the patio
Accessorize
You can read on the PANTONE Fashion Color Report of Spring 2008 - download the pdf at the bottom of the page:
Warm, cheerful Freesia, like an uplifting ray of sunshine, is a friendly, inviting color to which people are instinctively drawn. It is also a color that allows for diverse accessorizing opportunities.
Since not everybody is ready to commit to these lively hues, my next post will be about how a small amount of a punch color can go a long way?
Sourcing:
Buy online: PEAKE city illustration dinner plate in melamine - price: £2.50
Buy online: PEAKE picnicware collection at Habitat - starting at £2
Buy online: SADIE champagne glass at Habitat - price: £3
Buy online: SADIE tumbler at Habitat - price: £3
Buy online: SADIE wine glass at Habitat - price: £3
RELATED POSTS:
+ Purple, Khaki Green, Yellow Green of 2008
+ Home Color Trends for 2008
Categories:
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
TRENDS
FAMILY style
posted @ Friday, March 07, 2008 2:46 PM | Feedback (0)
It is snowy a lot down here so I feel that a piece of sunny paradise is in order. These pictures were taken from the Six Senses luxury resorts, which are absolutely stunning vacation places.
Guests at any of the Six Senses resorts stay in their own villa with generous personal space. Although the villas respect the country traditional architecture, their style displays a hint of modern architecture. These resorts are unique and remarkable.
But even though you do not live in such an idyllic place, you can still throw a fabulous romantic picnic. As I checked how Six Senses designed the private dining experience for their guests, I can see that the same elements are reused and adapted to the surroundings.
The Basic Recipe
If you wish to host a romantic dinner, find a beautiful secluded spot, bring up lots of deep cushions, rattan stools or even a table and chairs. Add candle lights, throws and serve a bunch of appetizers. Bring exotic looking trays in earthy materials. Hire a caterer and ask them to set it properly so it is easy to display on site.
Even on your backyard, you can create a sentiment of intimacy and grandeur. If you live in the city or the crowded suburbs, enclose the dining space with drapes, small trees, vines and dividing walls. Use a small waterfall to cover the noise. Play your favorite romantic music or go with a spa mood with the relaxing sounds of sea. The idea is to set a time and place, away from your busy life.
If you have children, hire a babysitter if the picnic is not at home. Otherwise, organize for them to sleep at grandma. Make sure you and your partner close the cell phones. Enjoy your time together!
About Six Senses Resorts
The first two rows are pictures from Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay, located on the northern Musandam Peninsula in the Sultanate of Oman. The place is magical if you wish a real change of scenery.
The bottom pictures were taken at Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay located in Vietnam. In 2007, Six Sense Spa at Nha Trang was one of the Top 50 Hotels from the Travel + Leisure World's Best Award.
The Six Senses Spa at Hua Hin, Thailand was awarded the Best Rooms by Conde' Nast Traveller The Gold List 2007. I will stop because the list is too long. If you are looking for luxury accommodations in Asia, check out the Six Senses Web site before finalizing your travel arrangements.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Six Senses Resorts & Spas
Categories:
PARTY ideas
OUTDOOR
TRAVEL
posted @ Wednesday, March 05, 2008 12:32 PM | Feedback (4)
By listening to my friends who are new mothers, I noticed how much fun they appreciate a picnic in the park with young children. So I compiled a list of stylish colorful accessories.
A punch of colors stimulates babies. Reading Syrliga karameller on Purple Area this morning led me to a whimsical Danish brand called Rice.
What is new at Rice?
The Spring / Summer 2008 catalogue of Rice is full of sweet candy colors. You will discover a vast collection of melamine bowls, plates, lunch boxes, glasses, trays and utensils. Several formats and colors caught my attention.
The ice cream cupcake bowls with their orange spoon are so cute. Use them to serve fruit salads, puddings and baby food at the park. I am a fan of the Bento lunch box. The food stays well separated and you can prepare the servings in advance.
After the meal, moms can use the leftover Green Animal Print Napkins for storytelling in the park.
Gift ideas for a baby shower
Why not give colorful melamine dish ware? From my experience, new parents will use them often.
The same is true for the picnic stool by Reisenthel. Offer in four colors, the foldable stool make an instant table or seat. It comes in a matching color carry-on bag.
A classic baby shower gift is a baby travel bag. One of my favorite, the red Babybag with orange accents by Reisenthel comes with all sorts of equipments and compartments. It hangs easily on the stroller handles. Unfortunately, it seems that retailers are still too old-fashioned. I only found the feminine Polka Dots online. If you can find the red, tell me because it looks so much better.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Party Time Paper Napkin with Green Animal Print
Learn more: Colorful Melamine at Rice
Buy online: Picnic stool by Reisenthel at Singulier.com – price: 9.50 €
For Americans: Dots Babybag by Reisenthel at Amazon.com – price: $49.99 USD
For Canadians: Reisenthel Baby Bag in Dots at GoneShopping.ca – price: $45 CAD
Categories:
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
TABLEWARE
posted @ Monday, January 28, 2008 3:21 PM | Feedback (0)
If you live in a Northern country, you know that winter does not stop us from having fun outside. Why not tame the cold with a huge chilly dancing party?
For two week-ends in a row, Piknic Electronik organized a Wild Winter Piknic Fun at the Quays of the Old Port of Montreal. A large crowd danced to the beats of DJs from Canada, United States, United Kingdom and Germany.
Ice sculptures, igloos, tree silhouettes and multimedia effects bring vibes to a beautiful location. Suitable clothing, fire pits, dancing and bar stations with mulled wine, caribou and fortified coffee keep us warm.
A Bad Taste Contest
When you will watch the video, you will see bright one piece ski suits and weird clothes. Do not worry; Montreal is still a fashionable city. It is just that Igloofest run a contest.
We were all invited to wear our tackiest, wackiest clothes. Let say that some used sport equipment stores in the city were able to sell their ugliest ski suits. But you have to admit that in a chill party like this, the costumed participants look pretty cool.
The Music
Igloofest played electronic music from 6 p.m. to midnight. Exceptionally, yesterday it was until 1 a.m. We arrived after 9 o'clock and danced to the rhythms of Mateo Murphy from Canada. He was followed by a German DJ. Frankly, Thomas Schumacher was electrifying.
Having an Accomplice
I am glad we stayed in Montreal this week-end for the finale because the party was amazing. But more importantly, it gave me the occasion to see several friends all in once.
In an ambiance like this,I did not feel being alone in the video. Apart from the crowd, my friend Katheline Jean-Pierre joined me as I explored the several locations of Igloofest. A Product Lead for Flickr at YAHOO! Canada, Katheline is used to be in the spotlight. In fact, Katheline was recently voted the Sexiest Geek in Montreal. Congratulations Katz!
As you watch the video, you will notice that we did not take ourselves seriously. We have fun at the end playing girlie roles. To see more photos, visit the official Igloofest 2008 Flickr group.
Lastly, I want to thank my husband Jerome for being such a great cameraman. Watch the video of the January 26, 2008 Igloofest event as I experienced it.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Piknic Electronik
Categories:
OUTDOOR
DINING out
posted @ Sunday, January 27, 2008 7:43 PM | Feedback (2)
The brainchild of Parisian events entrepreneur Thierry Teyssier, Romaneira is out of ordinary. This is the third House of dreams establishment for Teyssier.
Every detail at Romaneira have been planned to make your stay at this hotel a unique experience. You can see that the owner used to organize events for living. Look at this story as the basis for two mood boards about casual entertaining.
A romantic and sophisticated picnic setting
Do you know a lot of hotels that set a picnic space like this one? Wow! You see that a lot of thoughts have been put to design the picnic space. All the comforts and charms you can dream of are concentrated in a simple, almost humble arrangement. Take notice because you can easily reproduce this look at the cottage.
The containers, the dishes, the linen fabrics display simple shapes. They are the proof that you do not need extravagant pieces to create a refined look. You need to be truthful to a feeling and to pursuit a harmonious look.
Maison des Comptoirs
Located on the Douro River, Romaneira takes advantage of the explorer heritage of Portugal. I went to Portugal for my Honeymoon and I recommend you visit it one day.
I am showing you the Maison des Comptoirs with its multiethnic design. The room decor is warm due to plenty of rich woods and the spicy colors of the walls.
The food presentation at the Chocolaterie (chocolate shop) is without pretension. You can taste a vast variety of cold and warm chocolate drinks and small homemade cakes.
These delightful recipes are by Philippe Conticini. My next post will be about the masterpiece creations of this notorious French Chef. You will not want to miss it.
The bottom picture is where you can taste Porto wines. The décor reminded me of an old school communal dining room. What a charming sight. Europeans excel at creating amazing environments with everyday pieces from the past. In all fairness, I must point out that their architecture plays a role in achieving the overall decor. But we can try to replicate the look here.
Casual entertaining
When you think about it, this post is a follow-up to last week-end 3 blogs and a mood board story. Why not try a party theme done around a warm, casual and familiar atmosphere next time you have friends over? Develop a menu with family secret recipes, keep it simple and enjoy the company of your guests.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Web site of Romaneira
Photo credits: Notes d’hotel Douro des rêves published on Côté Sud – number 107, September 2007 issue
Categories:
EVERYDAY
HOME decor
OUTDOOR
posted @ Monday, September 17, 2007 11:16 PM | Feedback (0)
We still have a few weeks in front of us for plenty of fun picnics. I made a compilation of my favorite picnic bags. These products are not new but I taught it would be fun to see them side by side.
The beauty and practicality of multiple bags
Here you see the trendy Gourmet Gateway Lunch Tote by Built NY inside an orange Reisenthel’s CarryAll bag. A beautiful shot captured by Bea of La Tartine Gourmande, one of my top 10 blogs.
Using multiple bags is pretty practical for a picnic. Initially, you have lots of stuff. But as you eat some food, you can use the free space on the Carrybag to carry everything. Having two bags enables you to spread the load.
I already own a collapsible Reisenthel’s Carry All bag, so I am half ready. I adored the superior construction of the CarryAll for grocery shopping. And I got compliments all the time.
A cheaper copycat option to Reisenthel is the Metro Basket. Designed for picnic in mind, Metro collapsible basket features waterproof interior and expandable drawstring top.
The same company does the Metro Kart on wheel. It is supposed to easy glide across all terrains. I never tried it. The cooler can be removed for cleaning and storage, while the trolley can collapse for compact storage. The Metro Kart is not really what I am suggesting you to do. I find it big to carry around.
Think about individual bags
Instead of the usual communal bags, why not pack everything in individual meals? If you go at a big picnic, people may not eat all at the same time because of the various activities. So it is easier and healthier for your family to separate the food in individual portions at home.
If you go for the individual method, lunch boxes offer the best solutions. Everyone can carry its own lunch. You can also insert the lunch boxes in a larger bag if you are too many or if the kids are too young.
The Bento lunch boxes are great because you get three containers with well-taught separators to neatly store your food. So the food stays in place and everything will look good at the picnic. I suggest you get a different color for each member of the family.
A touch of nostalgia
The Malibu Rose shoulder bag is a nice take on an old-fashioned pattern. This bag for two can hold a good quality of food and drinks.
A friend of mine has a foldable aluminium picnic just like that that used to belong to his parents. It is a must-have accessory with kids when you go camping or to the beach. He was telling me that the table is now a family treasure that is passed along between brothers and sisters. So I was thrilled to find one at Picnic Fun.
The wooden portable picnic is on sale at $110 right now at Picnic Fun. For less, you can get a blue high strength aluminum alloy frame and polyethylene resin at only $70. Did I mention that once you fold the picnic table with 4 seats it fits in that lean carry case. A marvelous idea for family and tent campers.
Stay in touch because later this week, I will publish my menu suggestions for picnic.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Gourmet Gateway Lunch Tote by Built NY
For Americans: Reisenthel Collapsible European Market Tote available at SurLaTable.com
For Canadians: Reisenthel CarryAll bags available at GoneShopping.ca
Buy online: Metro Basket available at Picnic Fun
Buy online: Metro Kart Insulated Cooler available at Picnic Fun
Buy online: Bento Box available at Plastica Shop
Buy online: Foldable Picnic Tables available at Picnic Fun
Learn more: Malibu Rose shoulder bag by Picnic Time
Photo credit: Orange Reisenthel market tote on the beach is a picture taken by Bea of La Tartine Gourmande – rights protected picture
Categories:
OUTDOOR
PARTY supplies
posted @ Tuesday, August 28, 2007 3:21 PM | Feedback (2)
This week edition is a split between retro style and home decor. After a few iterations, I think I have finally found the right name for my Friday’s column. My goal after all with this weekly column is to showcase 3 to 4 posts from bloggers.
Featured blogs
Letterpress coasters are popping every day. I discovered these via retro chic at hello! Lucky published on Hostess with the Mostess. Stock up the Hostess with the Most Coasters as they make original hostess gifts. A Set of 8 assorted coasters is sold for $10 USD.
Dressing up your wall with the cute collage: krista peel mod art prints. Sold at etsy, each 6 x 6 inches art print is only $7 USD. Thanks to Cuteable to introduce me to the cute modern art of Krista Peel. Other drawings are displayed at her etsy shop.
Mix the art prints and the coasters to create instantly an affordable party theme. Check out the Hello! Lucky retro theme party invitations and you will have everything under control for a fun night with your friends.
Rachel from Black Eiffel shared her Chalkboard fantasies with us. Painting a chalkboard wall in the kitchen is one of my fantasies too. I want one even more since I read this comment. This reader named Alyssa wrote that:
I painted the back of our front door and my hubby and I leave love notes and little reminders on it every day ... because really it’s the best place to be reminded to take the dry cleaning and tell someone you love them!
Before the end of summer, the Swedish blog INREDNINGSBLOGGEN presented us the Cone torches designed by Pernille Vea. Cone is made of frosted glass and top of brushed metal. This outdoor torch can be filled with standard lamp oil and burns with a cotton wick. Use a few pairs of Cone to make a great entrance for a party. A pair costs $84 USD.
Sourcing:
Buy online: Hello Lucky Hostess with the Most Coasters
Buy online: Krista Peel prints on etsy
Buy online: Cone torch designed by Pernille Vea at ScandinavianDesignCenter.com
Categories:
OUTDOOR
posted @ Friday, August 17, 2007 12:49 PM | Feedback (0)
I decided to rename my Friday’s night column A few moments of pleasures by other bloggers because this week compilation would have felt short of the truth if I used the usual Small points on my notebook. Peek at the pictures to grasp my point.
I thanked Housemartin for offering us a day dreaming moment with a birch canopy daybed under the tree.
Toast and Tables showed us remarkable glassware with the Vega Stemware by Baccarat and the Xenia Stemware by Faberge. I would certainly make a Toast to life in one of these.
Congratulations to Beatrice from La Tartine Gourmande for her article in The Boston Globe about Pretty and portable, verrines offer layers of satisfaction. She wrote in her blog a touching story about about why she is like her dad.
Have a nice week-end!
Categories:
TABLESCAPE
FOOD + drinks
OUTDOOR
posted @ Friday, August 10, 2007 8:11 PM | Feedback (0)
The back to school advertising is the first sign that summer is coming to an end. But there is still plenty of beautiful weather nights left to entertain your kids outside.
Everyone knows that young kids like to camp. That is why Cookie Magazine published a set of activity tips and the things you need to make it a reality in your backyard. I added my little touch of wisdom to complete what they suggested.
For the naturalist or the animal lover
Why not go with a safari-style canvas tent? Your little ones can pretend to be the renowned primatologist Jane Goodalls conducting her field research. Otherwise, you can prepare a bird sighting adventure or an insect discovery expedition.
For the techie or the astronomer
With futuristic outdoor gadgets and gear, you may succeed to lure your child outside for a while. This weatherproof tent is equipped with three electrical outlets. Plug in your laptop and explore the cosmos with the telescope before going to bed. Bring some brain games to occupy their mind until dark.
For the dreamer
Create a fantasy world by crafting an exotic encampment. Plan a game with an Aladdin’s Lamp or a fortune teller before having a tea party with teddy bears. You can organize a stylish Arabic dinner party for the parents in one area to complement the kid party theme.
For an old-fashioned entertainment night
Or you can simply organize a family movie night in the park. Plan a barbecue before the movie. Bring outside the popcorn and the hot dog machines.You can make a little roof and side panels around the screen to increase the viewing quality. A few old-fashioned activities will turn your backyard excursion into a night to remember.
Sourcing:
Learn more: Pitch perfect published in Cookie magazine
Via: Blogging Cookie Magazine: Pitch Perfect Tents published in Apartment Therapy: the nursery
Categories:
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
posted @ Friday, August 10, 2007 6:43 PM | Feedback (0)
Beach cabanas remind me of vacation. You feel pamper and relax when you are lying beneath one. It helps you create an intimate space on a large beach.
When you use a cabana as a pool dressing room, it adds nostalgia and panache to your pool area. Beach cabanas are not just for adults, kids enjoy them too. Cabanas are fun. Moreover, you take control of the mess.
The overall design principles I explained here still apply to adult spaces. I concentrated on the kid version since it is less typical to build stylish décor for kids.
What do you need to do it?
Pottery Barn carried the Kids Chesapeake Cabanas this year that were so cool – they went out of stock pretty fast. Imagine when you host a swimming play date, the kids have their own spot to change and store their stuff. As the kids arrive, write their name on a chalkboard inside a picture frame. Name tags on the cabanas let everyone knows where to put their belongings.
Sure the pool house with the toilet and a walled outdoor shower are a must. But a trio or a quartet of cabanas looks so cool to change clothes. For lockers, I like wood cabinets with doors. The one from Pottery Barn was well designed. If you want to custom made your own, designs like MOLGER or FREDEN shelving units from IKEA are a good starting point. Make sure the furniture will be treated for outdoor use.
Pottery Barn unit have the doors on top which do not allow youngest kids to play with your stuff. But the advantage of having the door at the bottom is that the stuff is protected from dirt and pool water splashes. If you use open shelving unit all the way, you can use outdoor fabric panels to close it.
Provide all the amenities
If you want your backyard to become the own exclusive spa club for children, I got a few tips for you. Provide clean towels nicely folded, a seating bench and a peg rack in each cabana.
Buy coordinating towels to complement your decor. Lend a plastic basket or beach tote bag to your guests while they are staying at your place. Take advantage of end of line sales for the towels. Plastic baskets and tote bags can often be found at the dollar store or at Wal-Mart.
Install a tablet for soap and shampoo plus hang a curtain so people can take a shower before returning home. Keep a tube of sun cream for kids and one for adults available to all. Select waterproof version whenever possible. The ultimate hostess will even have a few sun hats and flip flops ready to use for the hottest days of the season.
If you plan everything in advance, you will have more time to enjoy the pool with your friends. Because, let face it there is always someone that forgot something. For more of my tips, I invite you to read Stock up the essentials for voguish beach parties. Enjoy the summer while it lasts!
Sourcing:
Buy online: Kids Chesapeake Cabana & Peg Rack by Pottery Barn
Buy online: MOLDEN shelving unit at IKEA Canada
Buy online: FREDEN shelving unit at IKEA Canada
Categories:
OUTDOOR
KIDS party
FAMILY style
posted @ Sunday, August 05, 2007 12:12 PM | Feedback (0)
Summer partying at the park, the beach or the roof terrace is great as long as the sun do not feel too hot. Sometimes when you are in a public place, you want to isolate your group from the crowd. I got a modish solution for you.
If you like to hanging out with friends for a picnic, a day at the beach or watch your friends play an outdoor sport, you can do it in style next time with Villa, a gazebo tent designed by the prolific Dutch designer Marcel Wanders for PUMA.
In a floral baroque inspired black and white print motif, the entire line is designed for partying outside your own house.
The product line
Bring your bottles of champagne and picnic meal in the insulated luggage case mounted on all terrain wheels. Your