Outdoor Living and Furnishings You’ll Love Inside or Out!

Hi Guys,

 

*Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

 

I have some very good news that I just realized. The summer of 2020 is the “longest” possible summer. That’s because the beginning of summer on June 21 and ending on September 21 is false.

No, summer begins with Memorial Day weekend and ends on Labor Day, the first Monday in September. And, this year, Memorial Day is the earliest day in May it can be, and Labor Day is the latest day it can be. Hence, the summer of 2020 is over 15 weeks long! But, I’m fine if you want to begin summer now and end it on the 21st of September.

 

Folks in the south, please stop your eye-rolling and snickering.

 

It’s so unbecoming. Us Yankees know full-well, that summer for you, begins on December 22nd and ends on December 21. haha

But, whether your summer is 366 days this year, or 108+/- days, there’s one thing I can pretty safely predict. And, that’s that we’re going to be spending more time outside than ever before.

Of course, we all know why.

The virus.

 

By the way, if you have not seen this documentary, (below), I highly recommend it.

 

I have the attention span of a fly. However, I was riveted the entire time. That’s just how good this documentary about the flu of 1918 is.

 

 

And, the antidote. Well, at least for me.

 

That is watching darling 19-yr-old Maria Khoreva (ballerina with the Mariinsky Theatre) discuss what’s inside her dance bag. In addition, to being one of the top ballerinas in the world, her English is perfect.

 

 

Okay, just a little extra for you, if you’re interested. If not, I have plenty of eye-candy coming your way.

 

However, yes, because of the virus, I am thinking that we’ll be spending more time outside.

One) because we’re going bonkers being cooped up.

two) it’s somewhat safer being outside (provided you’re still heading proper six feet social distancing and/or wearing your mask, if not able to do so.)

Of course, with this thing, anything can change from moment to moment. The fact remains that millions have caught the virus, even AFTER stringent measures were put into place. We don’t need to belabor the reasons for that. But, some of it, I’m surmising, are folks not heeding the requirements.

In any case, I haven’t done an outdoor furnishings post in a while.

 

Of course, there’s no better opportunity than Memorial Day Weekend; which, just happens to be one of the most prolific weekends for fabulous sales in all industries.

 

For example. Serena & Lily.

 

Anyone who’s read my blog for a while knows just how much I love this company. And, have for the last 15 years! But, raise your hand if you know anyone who actually lives like this gorgeous outdoor living room suggests. If you do, then I’m demanding an invitation. Well, at least, when it’s safe to do so. ;]

 

However, the furnishings above blow my mind.

 

The truth is, most of our outdoor spaces are after-thoughts, at best. I know that because I’ve been in a lot of homes.

 

This is more like it. Right? Just so you know, what you’re seeing is my little yard where I’m staying in Northampton, MA. I haven’t touched anything out here. And, there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s your standard Home Depot outdoor furniture. But, of course, you don’t need me to see the likes of the same old.

 

My son, Cale, and I have gone for a lovely walk, three days in a row, and I’ve been snapping pics along the way.

 

Northampton is such a lovely town. It’s full of charming homes, bike trails, and the Hungry Ghost.

 

Oh my. You haven’t had bread until you’ve had THIS bread. I’m just not kidding. Lucky me. I’m only four blocks away. I understand that the folks across the street now only get their bread delivered.

That’s because they can no longer fit through their door. haha

 

This is another shot I took on our walk. Granted, these apartment dwellers don’t have much space.

And yes, the lilacs are in full bloom, here in Northampton.

 

Yesterday, I got this shot, complete with buzzing bee! These lilacs stopped me in my tracks because of their deep shade of purple. I heard the bee buzzing around. And, for once, an insect cooperated.

 

Here is one more outdoor living shot in Northampton on a street with lots of HUGE old trees like this one. And, a pair of indoor/outdoor wicker chairs.

World Market sells these for about $100 for a pair. Of course, they’re out of stock right now. You can find them in the new outdoor furnishings widget. Hopefully, they’ll be getting more in soon.

The outdoor furnishings widget is part of the HOT SALES pages. Please check out the Hot Sales, because this is a fabulous weekend to get stuff super cheap.

 

Okay, enough cheesy jokes on the best bread ever and super cheap chairs you can’t have right now. It’s time to go back to our fantasy, outdoor living and furnishings world.

 

This is how Serena & Lily does seating with a big tree. We know this is fantasy because nobody is going to be having any gatherings like this. That is unless they’ve all been quarantined together. That could work.

Otherwise, they’ll need to remove at least half of those chairs.  As you probably know, I adore the Riviera Collection of chairs and stools. You can see the Riviera armchair and stools in this kitchen I had a hand in.

 

I’m including this image from Pottery Barn because I think that most of us would find this porch quite approachable. And, also, I’ve always loved PB’s Star pendant indoor/outdoor light.  Plus, it’s on sale for only $139! That can’t be beaten. I’ve seen Moravian star pendants that are 20 times that amount. No exaggeration!

The only thing is it’s only 13″ wide. That’s on the small side. So, it would be terrific for a smaller front door area. Or, you could do two or three down a longer overhanging porch.

 

I know that many of you would like me to do a post about outdoor lighting. Keep thinking positive thoughts. :]

 

This stunning home belongs to Gray Malin.

 

Above you can see the benches from Serena & Lily better. Those benches were discontinued fairly recently.

 

Here’s a side view. As you can see, this porch is quite shallow

 

Above is a closed-in Porch or patio with another bench, from Serena & Lily, that could work. Of course, it all is. Love that. And the dining table too. Also, their collection of indoor/outdoor rugs is sublime.

There’s a wonderful and inexpensive Chinese Chippendale style bench here. That could also work beautifully on a porch.

 

Serena & Lily Sundial Outdoor Side Chair in Performance Navy Surf Stripe. You can find the equally beautiful Sun Dial armchair, here. I would definitely use these chairs inside, too. Why not?

 

I included this chair because I think it’s awfully good looking. And, it’s a stacking chair. So, one idea is when it’s not summer (for some of us), and you need extra seating, you can go and grab your outdoor chairs. Of course, these would work in a more casual dining situation. I wouldn’t put them with Mahogany Chippendale style chairs. haha

 

I know that a lot of you hate the thought of nice furniture, even with sunbrella-type fabric outside. And, I don’t disagree with you. It depends where you are. If you’re in a more arid part of the country where it doesn’t rain in the summer, then it’s probably fine. That is unless it gets super dusty.

However, a covered porch or patio, or a screened-in porch offers more protection from the elements. Serena & Lily also has a wonderful collection of outdoor pillow covers.

As I’ve mentioned before, on this post about sophisticated twin bedroom decorating ideas, Serena and Lily is a terrific source for decorating inspiration. And, not just the furnishings, but the architecture of the homes they choose is absolutely wonderful, IMO.

 

Hint: Sometimes you’ll find the best images if you look up the accessories, like pillows and throws, or lighting.

 

Another wonderful outdoor living room by Serena & Lily.

 

McCann Design Group

How fabulous is this tropical outdoor living area with the most delicious pool, ever!

 

I think my blood pressure just dropped 10 points. haha

So, I guess I’m wrong. People DO live like this. Actually, what am I saying? It was almost a year ago when I went on that sublime garden tour in Greenwich, CT.

However, I’ve saved my favorite find of the day, for last.

I found an Instagram feed by a woman in Denmark who is definitely living the fantasy. But, not only that, she’s stepped it up a few notches with the most exquisite gardens and styling.

Frankly, I wanted to help myself to every shot on her stunning Instagram account. I think I need to update this post about some of my favorite Instagram pages.

 

Laurel? Who is she already?

 

Oh, sorry. Yes.

Of course, I’m going to tell you, but for now, only that her name is Gina. I want you to see the photos I’ve selected, first. (and no fair peeking ahead) ;]

I’ll take you in gently before I hit you between the eyes with the most incredible outdoor living spaces and gardens. The house ain’t too shabby either.

 

I love this charming outdoor living area!

 

You’ll notice that Gina loves to move things around.

Okay, get ready

 

sick

This is so beautiful, it hurts.

 

I love those baskets. I think it’s so interesting that much of her garden is in containers. That might give some of you who can’t have a flower bed some inspiration.

 

I’m presuming that Gina is a landscape architect? And yet, her profile has no link or information.

 

Really?

 

And, here is the garden in the fall. I imagine that it’s gorgeous year-round.

Okay, now I’ll tell you. Gina’s insta handle is @gncgarden. And, she has 164,000 followers, so I bet that some of you are already following her. Every photo is fabulous, so please go check out her fantastic feed.

 

I found a similar Adirondak chair and stool like Gina has at World Market. These pieces are also sold separately and come in four other finishes.

I hope you enjoyed these homes, outdoor furnishings, and gardens. And, I hope your Memorial Day is full of love and peace.

 

* This is from the first sentence in the post.

 

Every year, I say “Happy Memorial Day Weekend,” And, unfortunately, at least one person feels it necessary to remind me that it is not a HAPPY day.

First of all, I never said it was. I said, Happy Memorial Day WEEKEND.

Second, what should I say instead?

Hey Guys,

Hope you’re having a miserable Memorial Day Weekend!

Is that better?

Third, my best is to wake up from not having slept the night before to find someone shaming me for expressing a loving sentiment.

 

However, I feel that the best way to honor those that gave their lives for our freedom is to BE happy.

 

Isn’t that why they were fighting in the first place? I mean, when my time comes, I hope y’all have a big party.

And, please make a BIG chocolate cake with extra frosting.

Of course, I realize that some of you may have lost loved ones. I’m sorry for your loss and understand that it might be difficult to feel happy at this time.

xo,

 

 

Please go here to check out many more of my favorite outdoor furnishings and find out what the red metal box is for.

And, please check out the newly updated HOT SALES.