Patio Plans // A Geo Pillow Menagerie

It's funny how anticipation for a coming season eventually evolves into a new series of projects around the house. Current focus: the covered patio area surrounding our backyard bar. We had some bench seating installed right after we moved in and though I gave the upholstery a little refresh last spring, I currently have my heart set on adding a menagerie of monochrome geo pillows to funk up the space. After all, we tend to spend the entirety of the summer entertaining in that area. I say, why not stay current and add a little more eye candy?

Would you believe that these inexpensive pillow covers were an inexpensive Etsy find? Check out even more pattern and color options by 5CHomeDecor right here. 

Rise From the Ashes // Decorating With Vintage Ashtrays

I like a space with a good mix of modern and vintage pieces. While vintage furniture can get pricey, accessories offer a more wallet-friendly opportunity to incorporate a little yesteryear into your decor. One of my favorite ways to do this is by using mid-century ashtrays as catch-alls throughout the house. 

Today, I'm sharing a few of my latest Etsy finds.

Etsy and eBay both offer so many options to choose from. Re-purposing these gems- many of which are collectible - allows you to incorporate color, shape and even texture to your console or coffee table. There are even different ways to let your own personality shine through as well; from branded restaurant and highway souvenirs, to amoeba shaped kitsch, to high end, hand blown Italian thoroughbreds, the options are endless. Local thrift stores offer expedience, but may not deliver the selection. 

Nevertheless, keep your eyes peeled! 

Half the fun is the hunt (and let's face it, the day the UPS truck stops at your doorstep).

From top right: 

TWENTY TWO | FOURTEEN | SIXTY FIVE | TWENTY | TWELVE | TWENTY FIVE | SIX | THIRTY 

Spotted on Etsy // Acme Couture

While out walking most evenings, we used to encounter a pack of Greyhounds, former racing dogs that had been rescued and fostered by an agency here in Orange County. As the evenings grew cooler, we'd eventually see their svelte frames walking towards us, blanketed with little custom coats to keep them warm. These were not particularly designed to be fashionable, but I always marveled at how elegant these beautiful dogs looked and particularly so as they paraded past in their colorful, wool coats.

Skipping around Etsy this past week, I spotted a shop- Acme Couture- that makes custom dog coats- many fashioned out of Pendleton type blankets with colorful tribal designs. They made me think of our little four-legged friends we used to meet up with while walking the old neighborhood. 

Be sure to stop by the shop for a peek at their design portfolio. They custom make coats in all different styles and sizes. Our old boy rarely heads outside these days, but I'm thinking of ordering up that purple beanie below to help Dylan keep his ears warm on cold mornings.