“ Pretty Shade”

Spring is here and soon we will all be spending more time outdoors. I know I have been planting some pink and white impatiens in my back yard. I love flowers because they just make me smile!! I started thinking of different ways to beautify our yards. I personally love natural canvas Market Umbrellas. I know that there is nothing new or terribly exciting about a Market Umbrella. I think they make a yard look cozy and inviting. I thought I would look around and find some interesting and different Market Umbrellas to share with you.

 

Aren’t these amazing!! They are made of oil treated cotton and hand painted. I think anyone would feel very special sitting under one of these lovelies! You can purchase one of these here. They measure 76” in diameter. You would not use this as your main source of shade but what a great functional conversation piece. Here are a few more patterns and colors……..

I found a few more really interesting and very pretty possibilities for your yard…….

Look at the detail on this bright pink outdoor parasol. This would look amazing in a yard with a pool and a chaise covered in wonderful Moroccan patterned pillows.

I love the black and white on this umbrella. It is such a sharp look and the detailing is gorgeous.You can find these two umbrellas here

I will take ruffles with my umbrella, please!

Purple with fringe, Yummy.

Pink and white striped delight!

How about a basket weave for your umbrella?

Remember the 1960’s daisy pattern. This totally reminds me of that look.The last five umbrellas can be found here

 

Everyone needs a little luxury for their yard. You would surely have it with this white and gold beauty. Look at the detail on the pole. Amazing. You can find this umbrella here

I hope some of these lovely umbrellas and outdoor parasols have inspired you.

“Enjoy the Process” Of: Adding lovely shade to your garden.

Kathysue

I Wish I were BRAVE!!

After looking at a particularly stunning or unusual room do you ever find yourself saying,”I wish I were brave enough to do that!?” I do, all the time. I have a few things that I could put on a list

1. I wish I could paint a rooms walls all black.
2. I would love to have a room full of fanciful colors.
3. I love the look of all black moldings and door frames.
4. Oh! to have a room done in all white furniture.
5. Wouldn’t it be fun to do a brightly colored contemporary room?
6. I would love a pink and feminine room.
7. I am almost sure black and white awnings would look amazing on my house(I actually think I am almost brave enough to do this.)
8. A tented playroom.

That is my list and I am sure there will be additions as time goes along but for now this is what I wish I was brave enough to do. Now let’s look at some examples of my Brave List………..

Black Walls

Fanciful Colors

 Ruthie Summers

Black Moldings

All White Room

Bright contemporary

 

Pink and feminine

 Phoebe Howard

Tented Playroom

 

Material Girl blog

Black and white striped awnings 

What would you like to be brave enough to do in your home?

“Enjoy the Process” Of: Doing something in your home that is out of your comfort zone.

Kathysue

Brightly Painted Furniture

I am sure you have been noticing a lot of brightly painted furniture in shelter magazines and in blogland. I think it can be such a fun way to give new life to an older or vintage piece of furniture. I have some images that I have gathered to show you all some good examples of fun colors that can be put on furniture.

I think this looks amazing! Notice how all of the artwork has a touch of the purple color family. It is all tied together beautifully with the purple chest.

This looks like it could be in a cabin somewhere and this rough hand-me-down piece has been given a new lease on life with bright colored paint. This is just fun, isn’t it?

With this bright pop of lime green the whole setting is full of life.

This room has a lot of color going on but it is all working together nicely.

 

Fun fabric and a very fun paint color!

I love this color of green , it has the perfect name to describe it, don’t you think?

 

Ruthie Summers

I think this is a great idea to choose a fabric and then pull one of the colors out of the fabric and paint the legs. Just think if these legs were stained wood, there would not be the impact that they now have.

Variety is the spice of life.

I must leave you with one last picture just for fun!

Take your pick!!

Think about it. Do you have a piece in your home that you could add a bright color of paint to give it a fresh new look?  I have a reproduction wall clock that I think would look more updated if it were a crisp shiny white paint. I will have to give that some thought.

“Enjoy the Process” Of: Giving new life to an older piece of furniture.

Kathysue