Patio Season

I live in a condo so my spring gardening and yard maintenance is next to nothing - a few pots to clean out and re-plant. However this weekend we headed out to our family cabin on a nearby lake to prepare for summer. After just one day of dusting, washing, sweeping, and mowing, our patio is margarita ready - bring on summer!

I really love my low maintenance condo but the privacy and feeling of retreat that a backyard, big or small, provides is unmatched, especially as a venue for summer bar-b-ques, water fights, and late night camping. Although I don't have a full backyard, I do have a lovely little patio overlooking downtown - green space, in some form or another, was essential when house shopping. 

These lovely patios are proof that no matter the size, or budget, you can create a wonderful outdoor space - just in time for summer.

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A gorgeous stone fireplace gets some old-world charm from climbing ivy. I can just imagine sitting in front of the fire, under the open sky, on a crisp June night.

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I love how attainable this patio is - square cement paving stones set in a grid pattern over a bed of loose gravel for drainage - and the straight lines and kept lawn make my knees weak.

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The tile and high walls make this eclectic dining area feel exotic and remote - not just another patio in sunny LA.

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Amazing what a little colour can do to a space - indoors or out. I would start every day of summer on that little bench, latte in hand.

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Gorgeous concrete steps create a fun bridge, and architectural element, between two levels in this backyard - when budget isn't a concern. 

Enjoy!

Calli

"Hey, Nice Table...

... can I buy you a drink while we discuss the stamped tin ceiling tiles and reconditioned wood plank floors?"

And that would be it, I'd be a goner - no corny pickup lines or fancy sports car needed. Although a well fitting suit couldn't hurt.  

Unfortunately that is also where the night would end. Admiring flooring leads to discussing bar stools, and after touching up your lip gloss in the bathroom, faucets and back-splash are up for debate which easily parlays into how you would design your own restaurant... it's last call before you know it and the Ryan Gosling look-alike (who, it turns out, really does have a sports car) pays the bill and bolts, free at last - no one can keep up with a decor nerd in a trendy restaurant.

But enough about my perfect Friday night. Restaurants really can be a great place for design inspiration - or to daydream about expensive installations and designer furniture.

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Add in some delicious food and fabulous company and you've got a perfect evening!

Calli

Hey Girl,

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I have been known to make a pretty mean spreadsheet.

Happy Wednesday!

Calli

Perfection Found - Bohemian Bedroom

It's music festival season and seeing photos from Coachella, king of the concert circuit, have stirred up some emotions I'm not used to dealing with.

First, and most obvious, I am insanely jealous of everyone lucky enough to attend and take in the fabulous performances. The weather looks sunny, the fashion unique, and the performances unbelievable. I can't wait to see what they'll do next year. 

Secondly, I seem to be growing an appreciation for quilted patterns, tasseled throw blankets, and mixed and matched layers of colour, texture, and print. Normally a lover of minimalist, clean, and modern looks, I'm not sure where this new appreciation for bohemian design will lead.

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However I'm sure I will revert back to my love of clean lines soon - it's only a matter of time. Until then, enjoy this colourful bedroom.

Have a wonderful day,

Calli

AWOL

The other day a friend reminded me that I hadn’t posted since May 5^th.

I apologize for the disappearing act – and for taking off without so little as a goodbye note. If it eases your mind I can assure you I was not trapped under anything heavy, I have not forgotten about you, and I definitely did not fall out of love with crafting/painting/baking...

The only way I can describe my absence is that I’ve been in a funk.

For the past two weeks I have had zero desire to take initiative, exert energy, or shower. Luckily, as I still have to go to work, I’ve forced myself to do that last one regularly. I bake but can’t be bothered to photograph anything, and when I open my computer I browse Pinterest in a zombie-like state instead of trying to write anything funny or insightful.

I’d like to have something to hold responsible for my complete lack of motivation but I’m too tired to try and place blame. No, wait, I can do this... Maybe I’m getting sick?

Even as I fumble through this post I’m feeling funk-ish; on a sunny long weekend, how disappointing.  Somehow  I’ve got to  change that “ish” to a “y” and get my groove back – a little suffix shuffle if you will.

I apologize for the abundance of musical themed puns in that last sentence – It was uncalled for and unnecessary but further proof that something is not right.

In an attempt to force myself into funk remission I’ve got plans to bake this week; it has never let me down before but if it doesn’t work at least there will be chocolate cake to down my sorrows. If you need me I’ll be in my kitchen – hopefully not trapped under anything heavy.

Have a great week!

Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - Colourful Geometrics

Lovely spring colours in amazing geometric shapes create something really special. Beautiful macaroons in rich hues, patterned nails to match your throw pillows, delicious striped heels, and a fabulous honeycomb toy basket - is anything better?

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As I eluded to earlier this week, I'm heading off to sunny Las Vegas for the weekend. In fact, as you read this there's a good chance I'm shopping my little heart out!  Have a fabulous weekend and I'll be back in a few days.

Enjoy!

Calli

Perfection Found - Collected Living Room

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Where do I start with this lovely living room? Upon first inspection a few fabulous pieces stand out - the chrome pendant light, hung nice and low to be admired by all, a graphic print framed in black plays perfectly off of the eye catching area rug, and an airy glass cabinet blends seamlessly into the far corner but still has something special to offer with great hardware. 

However to admire the true mix and match genius in this space you have to look a bit further. An average sofa is given some oomph with an assortment of printed pillows, two basic frosted glass tables have more impact when grouped together, and basic white walls are an after thought thanks to the amazing architectural window. 

This room perfectly summarizes all that can be achieved with some mixing and matching - embrace those hand-me-down pieces, offset them with a few key elements, and you are on your way to extraordinary. 

Enjoy!

Calli