Outdoor Fabrics That Play It Cool

As we wrap up our latest spring fling and spruce up around the pool deck, I have found myself looking into some new fabrics for final outdoor upholstery projects. In earlier days, I might have been a little more frugal in selecting fabric for use by the pool. After all, suntan lotion {and perspiration} combined with spilled drinks and condiment droppings make it difficult to keep anything nice for more than a season. But just because these fabrics will take a beating doesn't mean we need to resort to some Mass Club grade beige or orange. This year, there are plenty of durable designer textiles that'll help us play it cool by the pool. 

Here I'm sharing a few of my favorites. 

The fabric on the white patio banquettes has held up pretty well over the last two years, but I'm envisioning something different. We also are working on a seating plan around our new fire bowl- one that will incorporate some overstuffed cushions. 

Any guesses on which ones I'm leaning towards?

Fresh Ideas // Cargo Collective

It's been a while since I did a Fresh Ideas post. So much of what I have been seeing out there online and in magazines lately has been, well... different variations on the same. But when I came across this creatively styled and appointed apartment found at Cargo Collective, I knew I needed to share it with you all. 

All the rough textures and odd angles in the apartment are pulled together by a neutral palette and bold furnishings. I like this small space so much for it's simplicity - you certainly don't see a lot of excess here, it's really all about the basic living components. But what fills these rooms certainly hints at a well lived life, one full of music, dinner parties and an enthusiasm for good design.

But there is even more to see!

Around Here // The State of Things

As we make the final haul towards summer, we spent the better part of the weekend working on a few more updates around the house.  I thought I'd kick off the week with some progress shots and the intention of revealing final state later this week. 

This was the biggest happening around here this weekend. 

Last week's surprise heatwave brought out the worst in our pool and we decided to turn lemons into lemonade and just have the entire thing acid washed. So Friday night, we began pumping the yuck out and spent the better part of Saturday rinsing the surface down as it drained. Our pool guy was here most of the weekend, managing the pump and acid washing. Today he's finishing off the sanding and we'll spend the next day or so filling it all up again. 

Once drained, we could not believe how big our pool actually is. They rarely make them this big anymore. We're talking 10 + feet deep at the diving board!

Frankly, the big gapping hole in our yard unnerved me all weekend and I'll be happy to see water in it's place once again.

Our contractor is due in to run the gas line to our new fire bowl from Potted. Once that is done, we can bring in all the decomposed granite and remaining beach pebble that will fill and finish that side of the yard. 

In the meantime, I've been overhauling our patio dining table. Our little Ikea table and garage sale chairs have served us well, but it's time for a new look - one that will compliment our modernized backyard landscape design. This one's closest to being finished and I hope to share the result of a week's worth of sanding, staining and painting with you all before this week comes to an end.

Spring really is made for projects around here. But I'm looking forward to a Summer spent relaxing and enjoying the spoils of all this hard work.

Filler Floral // In Defense of Greenery Arrangements

Taking advantage of some of the unique flowers that are only available this time of year, Spring weddings in particular are filled with colorful blooms. But seasonal blooms can certainly become costly. Today, I'm here to make my argument in defense of another option many brides disregard, but one that can be just as unique and beautiful-  and a much less costly endeavor at that. 

Here I present a defense for an all green arrangement.

Always drawn to the dark side, I'm partial Nicolette Owen's take, with her moody and explosive smoke bush arrangement in a modern glass jug (above). This would look sensational paired against a dark tablecloth, or backlit by candlelight. 

But, I will plead my case with some other examples as well.

Exhibit A - Preston Bailey 
Master stylist Preston Bailey recreates a  table top tree out of Philodendron leaves.

Exhibit B - P. Allen Smith via Tobi Fairley

P. Allen Smith uses Chinaberry as a coffee table centerpiece. This draping arrangement would be just as much of a conversation starter en masse, down the center of a long dining table.

Exhibit C - Petite Pots

Sansevieria trifasciata, also called snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue potted amongst other succulents in an urn makes for a modern take on a classical arrangement

Exhibit D - Mark D. Sikes via House Beautiful

 Mark D. Sikes makes a welcoming arrangement out of simple eucalyptus in this house's foyer. 

Exhibit E - Nanette Gower via Urbanlist

Nanette Gower rebels against a typical floral bouquet, creating a tropical looking bouquet out of succulents and lily foliage.

Exhibit F - Bash Please via Style Me Pretty

Bash Please kept it wild near the alter with lush branches flanked by fern and english ivy. 

Exhibit G - Honey of a Thousand Flowers via Once Wed

Speaking of fern, Honey of a Thousand Flowers shows us that sometimes less really is more. Paired only with candles, this arrangement even forgoes vases, making it one of the best ways to make a floral statement on even the leanest of budgets.