Divine Outdoor Spaces

Monday was a gorgeous day...bright sunny skies with temps hitting nearly 60. The light had that different quality that comes with the arrival of spring, and it simply made me feel happy. It's a time of year when I simply can't wait to start living outdoors, and here are some favorite outdoor rooms I know any of us would enjoy spending time in!

Country Sweetness via Country Living

Enjoying Friends & Good Food via Apartment Therapy

Light a Fire via Twin Companies

Pour a Glass of Lemonade Via Midwest Living

Terrace Living via Elle Decor

Ultimate Outdoor Chic at Suzanne Kesler's home via Architectural Digest

Down Home & Comfy via Better Homes & Gardens

And finally, Bohemian Chic via Domino Magazine

Which one would you choose to be yours? I'd take any of them...

"Don't Yuck On My Yum"

While fixing dinner last night, catching up with my husband on this and that, he responded to an experience I was relaying by saying, "It's like something I read today, don't yuck on my yum." Wow, I like that. Where did you hear it? So he sent me the link.

It is just one of 43 points in a post by J.D. Roth, written in celebration of his 43 years.

This I Believe: 43 Lessons from 43 Years

19. Don’t yuck someone else’s yum. Just because you don’t like something doesn’t mean it’s bad. Pursue your passions, and let others pursue theirs. If you don’t like something, fine. There’s no need to make a big deal about it. (Note: This is a tough one for me to actually practice in daily life.)

The other 42 points are a really good read as well, but this one just struck a cord with me. We all have different opinions and thank goodness we do...it'd be terribly boring if we all thought the same. But there's a way to have differences while respecting another's yum!

Alexandra Angle Interior Design

And just because this is a blog and you expect pictures, here's a fav I came across recently! It's today's yum, for me.

Can't Find The Perfect Lamp? Use A Vase!

I came across this design on Pinterest last week, and when clicking over to see the resource I was taken to Houzz, where someone suggested this lamp might have been made from a 1940's vase. What a fantastic idea, if you can't find just the right lamp, how about looking for a vase and put your DIY skills to work! (Or find a great lamp shop to work with like Naomi's here in Portland.)

Design by Emily Ruddo

A designer to be featured in the upcoming issue of House of Fifty did just such a project. When a pair of fantastically (expensive) vintage Italian lamps were spied on 1stdibs, perfect for a project but not the budget, the look was replicated on a budget by finding look-alike vases.

Cassity from Remodelaholic turned a glass vase she had on hand into a lamp when her search for a "glass bottle" lamp came up empty. The result is not only great but she makes it look easy!

{vase before}

{the supplies}

 {vase after...a lamp}

And all types of vases can work, ones with larger openings. I found a helpful tutorial at Southern Living showing how to turn these type of vases into lamps.

"Following the instructions on the box of plaster of Paris, mix enough to fill about one-fourth the depth of your pot. The plaster dries quickly, so be ready to pour immediately after mixing. Center the pipe, socket side up, (yes, that would be smart!) inside the pot."

How about that? I never knew...

I want to try this project! Have you?

I Dare You To Show Me A Cuter Coffee House

I dare you to show me a cuter looking coffee house!

This ultra adorable coffee shop is located on the Oregon Coast...

...and of course we had to cruise through to pick up a hot cup and snacks for the drive home.

It was all I could do to restrain myself from asking for a tour! With Schoolhouse Electric lighting, subway tile and classic painted cabinetry with oil rubbed bronze hardware, this is no typical drive-through coffee shop.

And no wonder, it was built by a favorite coastal builder, Jon Oksenholt, looking quite similar to some of the beach homes he has built!

I adore this type of architecture and all that it conjures up...

time spent relaxing at the beach with friends and family.

What To Do When That Perfect Find Smells of Smoke

Have you ever looked and looked for a specific item on Craigslist, finally finding it - only to discover, upon arriving to pick it up, that it's been living with a smoker (or two) for years and years?

Well that is what happened to some friends of mine. This past weekend my family enjoyed spending time at their beach house, where I spied this vintage console that was the result of a patient search on Craigslist. And yes, it had been living with a smoker.

When I mentioned how much I loved the piece, I was asked if the room still smelled. What? No. That is when I learned about the tip.

If an item smells of smoke, put coffee grounds in the drawers to "eat up" the smell.
It may take a little while, but it will work!

Well, how about that. Did you know this little tidbit of information? 

If not, next time you are in a similar situation, don't pass on that perfect piece you've finally discovered, simple reach for the coffee grounds. 

Simple Is Best

A little bit of simple from Little Bit Funky...painted wooden spoon handles.

Crystals wrote on her blog: "I just knew my wooden utensils were meant for greater things. I gathered them up, scuffed the shiny ones a little with sandpaper and painted myself a rainbow. Once they are dry they will be coated with a layer of food/baby/people safe shellac. I used regular non-toxic craft paint and was sure to keep my painted area pretty far from where it would come in contact with food on a regular basis."

before

Colorful after!

Wallpaper Or Stencil?

It's a stencil! Bath by Lisa Palmer of Summerhouse with gorgeous metallic stenciled walls and rich vanity with unique hardware. 

Room Crush: Mudrooms

If I could grab a few extra square feet from my living room and upstairs landing - completed wasted in these spots - and move them to our back door to create a real mud room, well I tell you life would be simplified!

I spotted a beauty at Muse Interiors, with lots of pretty built-ins, a chic light fixture and bench area,

so convenient when slipping off and on shoes!

And Ron Brenner Architects created a mudroom around the corner from the laundry, perfect!

The brick herringbone patterned floor in a mudroom by Crisp Architects 

takes away the worry of wet and muddy soles.

While mudrooms are typically seen towards the back of the house, setting up storage in a front entry can add functionality and encourage the front door to actually be used! By LDa Architecture & Interiors

I can't take my eyes off this mudroom by Smith & Vansant Architects, 

with the gorgeous worn bench and stone flooring.

MainStreet Design Build didn't forget the pets in this design...

...and Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. thought of everything in this combination mudroom/laundry room, even setting up a space to catch up on a little work or email while getting a few loads of laundry done.

And seriously? When did rustic get so glamorous! 

Stay toasty while removing shoes and grab a book while you're at it 

in a striking mudroom by Smith & Vansant Architects. 

Room Crush: Butler's Pantries

Butler's Pantries are making a comeback, and why not! They provide the perfect spot adjacent to the kitchen to prep, store less used items and entertaining pieces, as well as a great area to set up a bar and serving area during a party.

The Happiest of color from Live Work Play

Pure classic elegance from Newman & Wolen Design, LLC

Open to the kitchen as seen in House Beautiful

Country cozy from Smith and Vansant Architects PC

Utter chicness from Miles Redd

Gorgeous cabinetry in a space I've love to call my own from Signature Woodworks

Proof that great things come in small packages from Rebecca Zaveloff

Updated classic with a fabulous tile from Markay Johnson Construction

Dark cabinetry and brass fixtures hark to an era gone by at Munger Interiors

Stunning Moroccan tile in a Tineke Triggs design, a favorite featured in the last issue of House of Fifty magazine.

How about you, would a butler's pantry be on your wish list when selecting a home?