Outdoor planters can really add impact to your landscaping or exterior.
Now I know not everyone has the space or budget for this many, but I love the repetition and graphic layout here. Keep in mind, if you're going to try something like this, best to keep the plants simple, otherwise things might get a tad busy...
Here's a roundup of some planters that have recently caught my eye:
The Pastoral 18" Planter from Crate & Barrel has a lovely, rustic feel to it. Finished with a green glaze, this clay planter would add nice colour to a deck or balcony.
Made out of textured resin, these Orinoco Bowls from Andrew Richard Designs have a Japanese feel to them. With their simple, clean lines, I think they'd look great filled with hot pink flowering plants. These come in different sizes — the largest is 40" by 15" (huge).
I think this Planterworx planter from Design Within Reach is cool — anything that gets better with age appeals to me! Made from steel, it patinas fairly quickly (about 3 to 9 months), developing its lovely rust finish.
This is the Re-Trouvé "vase", designed by Patricia Urquiola for Emu. The scroll-shaped metal pedestal base gives it a delicate yet quirky outline. It's an updated version of the vintage metal garden furniture we've seen so much of. I love an all-white planter (the container is made from enameled terracotta), and this one would certainly add character to your front door!
The Freeport Patio Planter from The Home Depot comes in a sleek white version, too. It has a double wall design and a sub-irrigation watering system. This means the plants are able to soak up water from the bottom of the planter as needed — a process that's easier on plants than being watered from above. A perfect planter for those (like me) who often over-water their plants!
See our Tropical-Inspired Outdoor Spaces for more patio ideas.
Photo credits:
1. Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, photography by Mali Azima
2. Pastoral 18" Planter, Crate & Barrel
3. Orinoco Bowls, Andrew Richard Designs
4. Planterworx planter, Design Within Reach
5. Re-Trouvé Short Vase, Emu
6. Freeport Patio Planter, The Home Depot
Minimal, simple design and natural materials are all words I would use to describe Scandinavian design. Below are a few photos of gorgeous Nordic-inspired rooms from a blog I recently came across called My Scandinavian Home.
One of my favourite stores to visit for Scandinavian-inspired finds is Mjölk here in Toronto. They distribute furniture and handcrafted pieces from Scandinavian and Japanese designers. (The owners are so stylish we've featured their cottage in H&H and Online TV.) If you're in the Toronto area and have not yet been, I suggest you make a trip soon.
Here are a few pieces I love, all available through Mjölk:
Artek's Mademoiselle Lounge Chair.
Artek's X-Frame Glass Top Table.
Tomiyama Koichi Walnut Coffee Lamp.
Maruni's Nextmaruni Lounge Chair.
For more Scandinavian-inspired design, watch these TV tours.
Photo credits:
1. My Scandinavian Home
2a. My Scandinavian Home
2b. My Scandinavian Home
3. My Scandinavian Home
4. My Scandinavian Home
5. Artek
6. Artek
7. Mjölk
8. Maruni
I like all things woven, caned or rushed at any time of year. But one of my summer favourites has to be the looser weave you notice in accessories and furniture. Something about an imperfectly woven chair or lamp hints at a kind of relaxed decorating vibe that works in both cottages and on your back deck. And the big retailers must know that lots of folks feel the same since many new products have this look. It's a kind of vintage, cottagey, friendly woven look that invites you to sit, drink some lemonade and light an evening candle at dusk — which I think feels more summery than sleek and modern outdoor furniture. Sure, I am talking personal style here, but don't you think these new old-look woven products feel like summer? I do.
For more summer patio finds, see our Fresh Finds and High & Low Patio Finds photo galleries.
Photo credits:
1. Woven Glassware Set, West Elm
2. Woven Pitcher, West Elm
3. Montauk Nest Chair, West Elm
4. Diamond Jute Hurricane, Anthropologie
I came across this great patio on Apartment Therapy and wanted to share it with you all. I truly love everything on this patio and think it all works so well together, even for such a small space.
The wood fence lends a backyard feel, which might be hard to recreate for most condo balconies, but here are a few suggestions on how to get this look.
Start with a fun outdoor rug like one of these from Ikea and West Elm.
From left: Ikea, $20; Ikea, $25; West Elm, $20.
Then, pick out your chairs. Remember that wicker can always be spray-painted to add a pop of colour and personal style to the patio.
From left: Ikea, $90; Ikea, $60; Ikea, $100.
You'll need a place to put those drinks down on a hot summer day, so try one of these round tables.
Clockwise from top left: West Elm, $140; Crate & Barrel, $44 (on sale); West Elm, $84.
To finish everything off, accessorize! And don't be afraid of colour.
From left: West Elm, $24-40; Ikea, $16.
Clockwise from top left: Crate & Barrel, $11; Ikea, $25; Ikea, $20.
If you're concerned about nosy neighbours — or wind and sun — try these privacy shields for added protection. Ikea, $15.
See our Beautiful Balcony Decorating photo gallery for even more ideas.
Photo credits:
1. Apartment Therapy
2a. Ikea
2b. Ikea
2c. West Elm
3a. Ikea
3b. Ikea
3c. Ikea
4a. West Elm
4b. Crate & Barrel
4c. West Elm
5a. West Elm
5b. Ikea
6a. Crate & Barrel
6b. Ikea
6c. Ikea
7. Ikea
Is it too early to be thinking about picnics? Admittedly summer is still over a month away, but the stores are telling me it's time to get ready. On my to-do list: enjoy a classic picnic experience, even if it's in my own backyard. These finds are sure to help anyone achieve the perfect al fresco dining experience:
For a true picnic, gingham check is a must. Go for classic red or blue napkins, or buy an inexpensive piece of fabric to use as a tablecloth. Gingham check napkins, set of six, $43, Pottery Barn.
In place of disposable cutlery, take along fun stainless steel utensils with plastic handles. You can use these indoors, too. Picnic flatware in blue stripes or green, set of 20, $28, West Elm.
Pack light and opt for durable dinnerware. Drink the beverage of your choice in style with these stackable acrylic wine glasses. Stackable acrylic wine glasses in clear, blue, green or orange (not shown), set of four, $12, Crate & Barrel.
Chill drinks on ice in a bucket and grill on the go with a portable barbecue. Outdoor metal drink bucket, $24, BBQ grill, $40, West Elm.
And what picnic is complete without a classic wicker basket? The basket for two on the right comes with plates, flatware, wine glasses and a wine bottle opener. Jacquelyne picnic basket, $77, rattan picnic basket for two, $103, Pottery Barn.
Now to pack the perfect meal!
Photo credits:
1, 5. Pottery Barn
2, 4.West Elm
3.Crate & Barrel
The bulging linen cupboard in my home is a dead giveaway. I have a bit of a thing for bed linens. My collection falls into two main categories: 1. Pure White, and 2. Striped. There are many proponents of the pure white bed in the design world. I am one — to a point. And that point is when I need to mix in some stripes. I just spent a couple of days scouting new finds and striped bedding was turning my head constantly. The stories I am working on don't require striped bedding — or any bedding at all. It just comes down to how I scout. I first do a quick full sweep of a store and then zero in on what I'm looking for. It's during that first go-around that I might see something that sparks a story idea, or that a colleague might need a photo of. Or, frankly, that I might have my eye on buying. But it's all part of the job to put the personal aside and stay focused on the story at hand. That said, I may just be dreaming of striped bedding tonight. Here are some favourites:
Sailor + Regatta from Unison Home. If I owned a coastal B&B, this would be the bedding in every guest room.
Gallery Stripe from West Elm. Love the bedding, love the walls, love those sconces which are not available in Canada, which makes me sad.
Ripple Stripe quilt and shams from West Elm. This set features the teeniest tiniest stripes in a gauzy fabric with stitched detail. I love switching to a quilt like this when the weather warms up... if it ever does.
Darien from Pottery Barn. I spotted another colourway of this in the store today, checked it out on the website when I got home and found this coral mix. It's so me I can't stand it.
PB Classic Stripe from Pottery Barn. Awning stripes in a romantic but not prissy colour — so serene.
Catalina from Libeco. This is my Holy Grail of bedding. It is pure Belgian linen heaven.
For more ideas for bedding, watch Lynda Reeves' Online TV segment.
Photo credits:
1. Unison Home
2. West Elm
3. West Elm
4. Pottery Barn
5. Pottery Barn
6. Libeco
The other day, my colleague Sally Armstrong and I took a trip over to Designer Fabrics in Toronto's west end. I was immediately surprised by all the hides they have in stock right now. The different patterns and colours are amazing. If you're in the market for a fun element to add to your space, these could be just what you're looking for.
I couldn't resist, so as an early birthday present (today's my birthday!!!), I purchased one of the cream and gold hides (above). I know my husband will think I've totally lost it, but I think it will look great on a bench in either our living room or bedroom.
For tips on reupholstering furniture, leather or not, see Michael Penney's blog post.
Photo credits:
1-5. Sarah Hartill
One of the many places I'd love to visit is Morocco. What better place to find rich, colourful fabrics and dishes than in a worldly market? With no plans to travel there just yet, I might add some Moroccan-inspired accessories to my home as I dream of shopping in a Marrakesh souk...
Ah, I love this outdoor entertaining set-up with the rich reds and oversized trays. These poufs are made from Battani rugs offering a truly one-of-a-kind look. Found Battani pouf, $313, West Elm.
Yes, another pouf. (I might have a slight obsession.) This one features bright medallion patterns. Marrakesh pouf, $501, Crate & Barrel.
These stoneware plates inspired by Moroccan textiles and tiles are perfect for summer entertaining. Amalfi salad plate, set of four, $66, Pottery Barn.
While this tile pattern is quite popular, I love how subtle it is in a neutral colour. Geometric pillow, $40, Urban Barn.
Get more Moroccan design inspiration in this blog post by Suzanne Dimma.
Photo credits:
1. West Elm
2. Crate & Barrel
3. Pottery Barn
4. Urban Barn
In the sea of chartreuse and pale greens filling stores this season, I was so happy to stumble upon these hits of rich, deep green. Here are a few of my faves:
I spotted these crafty handmade baskets at West Elm. They come in a variety of colours, but this dark green will transition from season to season.
On that same crafty note, these Kantha quilted throws — also from West Elm — add the right amount of cottage-style to a space, whether you plan to hit the lake or not.
Indigo's lifestyle section was filled with springtime greens. From pillows and throws to vases and bowls, you have your pick!
Also offered in green, their selection of miniature watering cans are perfect for small-scale gardening (I'm thinking of you, condo-dwellers!).
Hollace Cluny always has a beautiful selection of pillows, and these detailed, leaf appliqué cushions are both fresh and eye-catching.
These unadorned lacquered boxes from 1212 Décor would add a hit of green in a living room or bedroom. Shiny, practical and stackable: what else could you ask for?
For more inspiration, see our Green Rooms photo gallery.
Photo credits:
1-5. Reiko Caron
6. Andrew Campbell
Right now, the windowsill of my apartment’s living room is lined with close to 20 starter pots — each one containing a little, budding sprout that will soon be transferred outside to my vegetable garden. The dirt patch is tiny — between 50 and 60 square feet — but each summer it produces tomatoes, radishes, beans and herbs like cilantro, lavender and lemon thyme (my favourite for its heavenly citrus scent). Given the diminutive size of the lot, there’s very little room for anything but the plants — definitely no space for garden gnomes! Still, a few key elements can make for an attractive, functional space. Here are a few things I've been eying:
These garden markers from Crate & Barrel look like little chalkboards, but are actually made from recycled coffee cups and the “chalk” is a weather-resistant wax crayon.
My colleague Margot Austin pointed out this set of small garden tools. Between 8 to 9 inches, they are tiny enough to maneuver between my tightly spaced plants (and store easily in my apartment), and are lively and playful with their different colours. Plus, at $9.50, the set of six is extremely affordable.
These garden stakes are durable because they are plastic-coated steel, so they won't rot like wooden ones. And because they're green, they'll subtly recede in a mass of leaves.
I'm not sure how practical this watering can is — it might not hold enough water — but it's cute enough to leave out by the garden!
Photo credits:
1. Crate & Barrel
2. Lee Valley
3. Lee Valley
4. Anthropologie
