outdoor envy {wendi young}

Usually when I browse through a designers portfolio it is the interior spaces where I find inspiration. However Wendi Young's portfolio reminded me that the design of the outdoor space is just as important. I especially love the multiple outdoor spaces she designed for this Newport Beach home. They are all unique and allow the homeowners to host everything from an intimate evening of cocktails to a swanky soiree.

outdoor living {patina punches}

So many people forget to spiff up the outside of there home and too often focus on what is within the four walls. One of the easiest and most cost effective ways to add a little punch to an outdoor space is with color--whether painting beams on a patio, the legs of an outdoor dining table or even the front door. I particularly love the "stop you in your tracks" look that a beautiful bright patina adds.

(Alexandra Champalimaud and nuevo estilo)

sunday {supper} setting

I love Sunday evenings and unwinding from the weekend by preparing a complex meal (think homemade pasta) for friends. As I am in the middle of the Rocky Mountains serving in fabulous and formal beach setting is incredibly appealing at the moment. Especially if it was under a seaglass tinged chandelier and served on a lovely mandarin greek key adorned table covering.

(via haynes robert)
Hope you are having a lovely Sunday supper, wherever you may be enjoying it.

prepping the {picnic} table

I have not done a ton of outdoor entertaining at my current abode so when I decided to have an impromptu casual dinner for friends I looked at my very bare picnic table and knew something had to be done...something quick and on a budget. So this is the blank slate...
I searched the house and found some left over fabric that I had purchased from pottery barn (really!) and then gathered up some candles, my herb pot and snipped a few lilacs from my bush and without spending a cent, voila. Nothing too fancy but definitely an improvement...


(blurry photos via my iphone)

the great outdoors

When you live somewhere as beautiful as Jackson it is hard not to constantly want to be out enjoying the fresh air. The sun shining this morning is leaving me hopeful that this weekend I will be able to just that! I love outdoor spaces that have been given the same design attention as any interior rooms.

I especially love the addition of unique light fixtures and defining the space with billowy curtains.

These spaces from interior designer, Kristen Hutchins, are wonderful inspiration for this look.

(images via ruthie sommers and kristen hutchins, who I recently discovered via coco+ kelley)
Hope you all have a lovely weekend enjoying the great outdoors.

the great outdoors

Yesterday morning I woke up to my daffodils blooming and sunny skies but today I was greeted with chilly air and snow covering my deck. Hopefully tomorrow I can wake up and have this lovely outdoor area in my backyard...

(via nuevo estilo)
Wishful thinking I know but it would be a wonderful place to start the day with a cup of coffee. Have a great Wednesday!

christmas {down under}

I am getting on a plane today, one of my least favorite things, and heading home to Chicago for the holidays. However, with the bitterly cold weather we have had lately I think I may just be able to bear the much longer flight down to Australia and enjoy a Christmas dinner under this gum tree. Rannuculas, birdcages and cherry blossoms...oh my!


(via country style)
Also, thank you all so much for your sweet comments yesterday about delight by design's mention in the London Times!

current style {relaxed elegance}

I am so often asked what my favorite style is and the truth is that it is ever changing and this summer it is absolutely relaxed elegance--for both the home and the closet. I think that this outdoor space perfectly defines this style--just love the multi color wood flooring, crisp white curtain panels and the touches of copper.

(via elle interior)
And I thought that this white linen dress, copper toned earrings, amber hued cuff and a simple bone clutch would create the perfect outfit to enjoy this breezy outdoor space.

And this lovely indoor space is a close second place for what I imagine relaxed elegance translating too, the subdued colors and slouchy pillows are just so incredibly inviting.

(scanned from elle decoration)
Of course I couldn't leave this space without a matching ensemble and I think that this effortlessly chic dress, beautifully embellished scarf paired with a simple bracelet and sparkly sandals would do wonderfully.


Do you change your favorite style as much as me? Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and happy Monday.