Saturday, July 14, 2012

New Outdoor Living Room Reveal

Just in time for summer, my client's new outdoor living room finally came together.
This is how it looked last week after all the pieces except the rug were delivered.

Living on the Northern California coast can be a bit challenging weather-wise, so when this deck was rebuilt, my client had glass walls installed to shelter her from the wind.  Yes, that's the Pacific Ocean in the distance.  A sunny day, but still windy.  When we sat on the new sofas, we indeed were sheltered from the wind!

 I found the outdoor kubu wicker furniture at Orchard Supply Hardware.  It provides the luxurious look and feel she had in mind and works with her budget.  
They're really two corner units stuck together, each forming loveseats. 

I purposely chose gray furniture to go with the new gray deck, along with galvanized accessories. 

They're from Target's Privet House collection and look great with a punch of red from the geraniums...

...and suzani inspired pillows, also from Target.
There is one more punch of red that is missing from this outdoor living room though!

The rug!
It was finally delivered and what a difference it made.  It's amazing how a rug can anchor a space and pull everything together.  This rug was the perfect choice!

It really brightens up the space, especially on a foggy day on the coast!

Ocean?  What ocean?
No matter, there will be plenty of sunny days ahead and now my client can finally enjoy her deck with comfortable seating, shelter from the wind, while enjoying her fantastic view.

Outdoor furniture from Orchard Supply Hardware here.
Rug from Home Decorator's Collection here.
Accessories from Target here and here.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Fleurs Maison

Usually when we entertain guests in Asti, I walk around with clippers, cutting roses, lavender, rosemary, etc. for arrangements in the house like this one.

So I was thrilled when our guests arrived with this beautiful arrangement of dahlias and hydrangeas from a florist in San Francisco.
I promptly put it in the vintage wine cask and set it in the living room for all of us to admire.
Simply beautiful, don't you think?

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Breakfast For Three Tablescape

When a friend and neighbor paid us a visit in Asti last week, offering us fresh eggs, we ended up with an impromptu breakfast for three.

Looking at these gorgeous eggs, it was the least we could do.

Raisin bread was on hand and would be a perfect compliment to a country omelet.


I set the table on the kitchen island, using a red stripe runner to anchor the place settings.

Working with what was available, I used the PB chicken wire chargers, vintage grape leaf plates, and green Bordallo Pinheiro bowls.




By combining tried and true dishes with new linens, I created a fresh, new look.

The coffee cup found a majolica saucer!

Back to those eggs!
Someday, I will have chickens, I swear!

In the meantime, I appreciate the gift of eggs from our neighbor.
He has generously offered to give us a few chickens, but until we retire in Asti, it doesn't make sense.
Although, my son-in-law has generously offered to build a backyard coop at home......
Hmmmmm.....

I'm joining Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday.

Monday, July 9, 2012

A Hot Summer Alfresco Tablescape

 Last weekend, I created a summer alfresco tablescape for our guests, using warm ochre colors, representative of the hot summer weather we have been having in Asti.
The focal point of the table, a French confit pot filled with sunflowers!

Sunflower themed napkins and majolica plates continue the theme.

A rustic burlap runner and willow placemats are right at home on the cement table under the mulberry tree.

Since our guests hadn't arrived yet, and dinner was planned for late evening when the temperature cooled down, I added the mesh domes to the place settings to keep the insects away.


The rosemary topiaries gave off a strong scent in the 100 degree heat...

...and later complimented the menu of tri-tip steak,
heirloom tomatoes, corn on the cob and wild rice.

It was a glorious night, with the stars and a magnificent moon too.
I absolutely love late night summer alfresco dinners, don't you? 

I'm joining Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday.



I'm also joining The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday.  

Friday, July 6, 2012

The Pool House Gets A Fresh Look

 The good thing about the 4th being on a Wednesday is that we get to spend five days in Asti Heaven!
Five days to play in the garden and spruce things up for our summer-time guests.
Last evening, I worked on the pool house.

 I brought up new succulents to replace the old ones...

...and the succulent suitcase found a new, permanent home.
Permanent, because it weighs a ton and took two of us to lift it!  

I found this red floral pillow at Homegoods last week.
Only one, so now I'm on a mission to find more.

 After "decorating" the pool house, I had some photoshoot fun with my Canon, playing with the evening light...  



Summer time, and the living is easy!
Today, I'm working on a summer tablescape, so stay tuned!

I'm joining Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July!

May your holiday be an All American one, filled with family picnics...

pies...

William Cho Photo via Flickr
...and even fireworks!

And last of all, to put you in a patriotic mood, have a listen to the Star Spangled Banner, sung by the late Whitney Houston.  It always gives me chills.  

Have a happy Fourth!

Monday, July 2, 2012

Got Flag?

 "You're a grand old flag,
 You're a high flying flag,

 And forever in peace may you wave.

You're the emblem of the land I love,
The home of the free and the brave.

Every heart beats true,
'neath the Red, White and Blue...

...Keep your eye on the grand old flag."
~George M. Cohen

GOT FLAG?

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