To me, warmer weather means outdoor dining and relaxed entertaining. Who can resist the draw of a Summer breeze on a deck, patio or apartment balcony?! As long as you have some outdoor space you can enjoy stylish outdoor dining.

Decor Pad pictures makes it so easy to fall in love with design and their outdoor dining pictures got me in the summer mood. Because dining outside is usually a more casual affair, the old rules of meals at a formal dining table need not apply. Whether you sit at a bar, coffee table or traditional dining table, it can all be done stylishly.

A key thing to remember is to make sure you have plenty of light if you entertain in the evening. LED landscape lighting in the yard coupled with hanging lanterns or wall lights will make your patio that much more functional and decorative.

Also, just because it’s outside doesn’t mean you should skimp on comfort. Make sure to have cushions and pillows galore to make everybody comfortable and want to stay late into the night.

Because you may be further away from the kitchen when entertaining outside, it’s great to have large trays at hand to carry more things out, avoiding many trips back and forth. Buckets filled with ice will also keep drinks cold so that guests need not get up for multiple trips inside.

Whether you have a hippie or high brow aesthetic, outdoor dining is one of the joys of summer and should not be missed.

1. Keep guests comfortable with the Ikat Yellow Rectangular Outdoor Throw Pillow.

2. The Large Oval Galvanized Steel Tub will ensure drinks stay cold while entertaining.

3. The Stratus Collection Bronze Outdoor Hang Light is essential to keeping things bright on a dark night.

4. I like the Amazonia Teak Dublin Outdoor Folding Chairs if your outdoor space is limited.

5. Stay organized outside with the Estelle Orange Large Round Wood Tray.

6. Mood lighting is ensured with the Salem Chrome Lantern Candleholder.

Photo credits: Decor Pad

Interior decor and florals really do go hand-in-hand. Both are rich in color and vibrancy, both change with the season and most importantly, both can be absolutely beautiful and inspiring.

Here's a round up some of my favorite House Beautiful interior images with equally beautiful floral closeups.

Blue on blue on blue, both in this peony close up as well as this Mid-Century Modern revival kitchen design.

An antique-inpired floral arrangement inspires this classic powder room decor, featuring a bold green and white floral wallpaper. A beautiful vanity mirror is always perfect for reflecting fun design!

Free flowing poppies are organic and vibrant, just like this industrial yet rustic interior decor with a pop of poppy-peach wall.

Modern and chic, the details pop in the pollen of this floral close up and the art and accessories of this bright, white bathroom backdrop.

Gorgeous turquoise poppies with rust colored pollen perfectly mirror this gorgeous turquoise and walnut kitchen vignette.

Delicate peach and sage are a winning combination not only with these florals but in this stunning, formal living room.

Wildflowers are as colorful and unpredictable as this funky powder room decor.

Image credits:House Beautiful, Florals from Pinterest

Like this adorable sign says, wave on today!

Happy Memorial Day!

-Lamps Plus

Image: Polka Dots on Parade

The bookcase is a staple for good interior design, whether they are built in versions or freestanding ones. Time to ban the boring from your bookshelves and upgrade them with a few fresh ideas, these ideas are sure to add style and make them standout amidst as sea of plain and ordinary.

"Picture lights", pictured above from Fieldstone Hill Design, are intended for art but they're also just as useful in a library, office, bedroom, living room, or anywhere else bookcases are present and when mounted to the bookcase itself.

Library lights are available in several styles, they can be hard wired or used as plugin versions just as long as the top of a bookcase has sufficient vertical space for the backplate. They add functionality and style, options for yours include the Wide Brass Picture Light, Wide Black Modern Picture Light, Slim Line Bronze Picture Light, and House of Troy Picture Light.

Wallpaper will jazz up any bookcase, as seen in this image below from Meyer Interiors. Modern wall paper styles are removable so you need not fret about permanence or the use of glues or adhesives, remove or reposition with ease.

Once installed, get busy styling as the new pattern provides a dramatic backdrop to your artwork, collectibles, and favorite reads like this stylish bookcase by Meyer Interiors.

Embellish your own bookcases with these stylish wallpapers, consider geometric motifs like Honeycomb Citron or Gio Silver. Embrace your love of the outdoors with botanicals like Gold Leaf Peonies or Edie Frosted Teal.

The outside frames of a bookcase offer an opportunity to break up the monotony of layers of books and shelves with a decorative mirror. Take a cue from this space featured in Better Homes & Gardens and use the vertical frame as a mount for a small eye catching mirror or layer one or two inside shelves displayed in an artistic way.

These decorative mirrors are smaller than two feet in diameter so they offer great potential for jazzing up a row of bookcases. The Sonrisa 22" Round Wood Sunburst and Ashbury 17" Square Gray Mirror both offer weathered wood tones for beautiful contrast against painted or laquered bookshelves; the dramatic shapes in the Dark Bronze Polaris and the Gaelic Round 20" Orange Mirror guarantee your bookcase will also be a focal point!

Image credits: Fieldstone Hill Design, Meyer Interiors, Better Homes & Gardens

Are you wanting a look that works for both men and women? Something that feels like it's old and has a story behind it? You might be looking for something in the industrial chic category.

What is industrial chic home style exactly? While there isn't really an exact definition of what the "industrial chic" look is, there are repeating materials that fall under the feel of industrial chic. Usually it's a mix of aged metals and iron with varying patinas. All types of wood, usually weathered or distressed in some way. Industrial chic colors are usually neutral browns, tans, grays and graphites. It combines utilitarian design with old world materials.

I've found 10 items from Lamps Plus to help you achieve the Industrial Chic look in your own home.

If you are wanting something glamorous and industrial this brass chandelier is the perfect item.

For something that will be sure to make a statement this circular bronze table lamp will do the trick.

An easy way to add the industrial feel without being too committed is with a wood stool that can double as a side table.

If you're needing a big piece of furniture, a wood and metal console table is understated industrial chic. Want to start using this trend in a small space? Install this bronze bath light fixture for bathroom lighting.

I love all the different elements going on in this wall sconce— iron, wire, steel, brass, and glass.

A wood mirror is an easy, non-committal way to introduce your space to the trend.

The Edison Bulb is a big Industrial Chic item, and caged it takes the trend even deeper in this rust metal floor lamp.

For nighttime reading this accordion wall lamp is perfect.

Add the industrial chic look in your dining room chairs with these reclaimed pine wood side chairs.

Images: Lamps Plus

Now that Memorial Day has officially passed we all have our minds on summertime entertaining right? From the pool parties you love to have with friends and family, to relaxing with your special someone on those cool summer evenings, lighting is essential in the evening hours.

Whether you are looking to add extra lighting around your pool for safety or you’re wanting to add lighting fixtures in lounging areas, here are a few ways to bring summer into your pool area this summer!

Safety and ambiance at the pool:

For many of you the thought of having friends and family around a dark backyard can be displeasing to your guests but also unsafe for them and you. Look to pool lighting inside your pool like in this image above from Land Water Design, but also landscape path lighting around plant beds, walkways and especially stairs and uneven terrain.

Consider installing solar powered lighting stakes in areas that hard-wired lighting fixtures may not be practical – such as near ponds or if you have an extremely large yard. Also take a look at how you entertain and what areas of your pool area need more lighting at different times of the evening.

For summer grilling and cookouts, lights around eating and summer kitchens could be essential, while late night swimming could need lanterns and dimmer ambiance lights near mingling and conversational seating areas.

Adding ambiance with string party lights:

Can you really enjoy a pool party without festive string lights to add illumination and put you in the mood for a Hawaiian Luau?! These Tropical Bermuda Shorts String Party Lights are adorned with playful “shorts” motifs with palm trees can be used indoors or outdoors. Perfect for stringing around fences, hanging from tree limbs, like in the backyard above from Stewart Land Designs, or illuminating the underside of table umbrellas. Your guests will love the exotic feel they bring to your festivities. The 10 light string can add color and light to the darkest areas of your pool party while keeping the theme of your party going.

Tropical Bermuda Shorts String Party Lights

Marry the indoors with the outdoor pool area:

If your home opens up to pool vista in the backyard like this home below from Urrutia Design, why not ‘borrow’ some of your interior lighting for the outdoor entertaining area as well? This residence by Urrutia Design has beautiful pendant lights that can spread light to the outdoor deck as well. While outdoor wall sconces and pool lighting is still essential, you will be surprised how borrow lighting can bring the indoors to your exterior home for a wonderful entertaining experience.

This summer brighten your summer evenings with these creative lighting tips for your pool party. Keep the party going into the wee hours of the night with safety lighting that performs functionally but still casts an ambiance your guests won’t forget!

Image credits: Land Water Design, Stewart Land Designs, Jason Wells for Urrutia Design

This 1894 Victorian on the North Shore of Massachusetts gets a total decorating redo by a young family who spent years living around the world surrounded by lots of color.

It was important to the homeowners, who did most of the interior decorating themselves, with advice from a local architectural color decider Kimberly Collins Jermain, to infuse their new (permanent) home with pieces of their global past.

That included plenty of bold color, like the turquoise in their family room, a color they first used in a bathroom in Bangkok, back in 1998.

The living room sits off the home’s gracious foyer, which is done in a soft gray with a contemporary chandelier, introducing visitors to sparkle from the get go. In the living room, a polished chrome drum pendant hangs in the center of the seating area, echoed by other silvery touches, like a side table with a lattice design. A similar geometric patterned black and white rug is underfoot, anchoring the room.

A series of circular mirrors found at a flea market hangs between the windows, providing not just extra shine, but a nice juxtaposition to all the angular geometrics. Rich jewel toned art and accessories are layered against the turquoise paneled walls. The collection of colored glass vases is comprised of pieces from their travels. Lastly, the painting, “Under the Sea” is by a Parisian artist.

It’s a bold and happy room that reflects the homeowners’ desire that their place is “enduring, and alive, joyful, and fresh.”

Putting together a bright, bold room is easier than you think, especially if you follow the formula used here.

Start with a dark, patterned rug, like the Comden Collection Westover Area Rug (5). Add lighting with a shimmery finish, like the tailored Eurofase Jura Silver Pendant (1) or the more dramatic Possini Euro Lucille Icicle Pendant (2). Add a series of mirrors, like the hammered metal Cooper Classics Cavallo Wall Mirrors (4) and a reflective accent piece, like the Clarence Textured Metal Nickel Stool (9), to bounce around light in the lower portion of the room.

Use a color on the walls that make you happy, and don’t be afraid to go bold, whether it’s a small space or extra large. Add vibrant artwork, such as We Think We Know II Limited Edition Giclee (3) and dramatic accessories in multiples. Collections can be built over time. Start yours off with the likes of Red Lacquer Flame Vase, (6), Brin Glass Vase (7), a Turin Glass Vase (8) and the Blythe Silver Glass Decanters (10).

Image: James R. Salomon for Boston Globe Magazine

Tropical resort style is nothing if not specific. If your goal is to feel like you are on permanent vacation and create a look worthy of the glorious trade winds, go for it!

The House of Turquoise blog always has bright and breezy pictures that capture the essence of happy design and a “go to” when I need a dose of feel good design.

The great thing about tropical style are the hearty materials and easy fabrics that define this look. Rugged rattan and woven hemps coupled with white gauzy sheers and slipcovers are easy to maintain and always look fresh.

Secretly I love to walk barefoot and there is nothing better than a wooden deck or teak flooring to make that sensation a reality, so make sure to banish the carpet if you take on this aesthetic.

Another great design trick is to install a distinctive ceiling fan to imitate the warm breezes of the islands.

When I think of tropical design I also think of using colors that reflect the surrounding sea and palms. Blues and greens look fantastic and always work well with white sheets and slipcovers.

When it comes to lighting, don’t forget candles in lanterns and whimsical table lamps with woven shades and rope covered bases.

1. This Bamboo Natural Wall Mirror reminded me of the bamboo ceilings found in tropical huts.

2. Lighten the mood of your lamps with this Woven Seagrass Drum Shade.

3. The Casa Vieja Aerostat Wide Palm Blades Outdoor Ceiling Fan will keep things cool on steamy days and nights plus is looks great outside in a covered veranda.

4. I like the Laguna Weave Pattern Navy Pouf Ottoman because it’s perfect for putting up those sun kissed bare feet.

5. This Set of 2 Boston Havana Leather Rattan Counter Stools evokes the ever-popular holiday happy hour.

6. The Rope and Glass Jug Table Lamp is funky and functional, how can you loose?

Photos: House of Turquoise.

Ceiling fans? It used to be form had to be sacrificed for function.

If you’ve watched enough HGTV, you’re probably having flashbacks of the horrendously outdated fans caked with inches of dust that every renovator couldn’t wait to rip from the ceiling and toss into the dumpster.

Today’s ceiling fans have upped the style quotient so there’s no need to sweat (literally) the decision to install one.

Here are some of my favorites.

1) The aerodynamic lines of this Artemis Maple Ceiling Fan make it the perfect choice for modern interiors.

2) I love the vintage style of these retro looking Matthews Bronze Metal Ceiling Fans and the updated finish keeps it current.

3) The canvas blades make this Aerial Nickel Ceiling Fan a fun choice for casual or outdoor spaces.

4) Did you know you could update just the globe on any fan for an instant facelift? Add an Edison bulb for even more style, like this Possini Amber Glass Ceiling Fan Light Kit.

5) Teak, oil rubbed bronze and cage lights marry to create a very unique Industrial Ceiling Fan.

6) Feel the tropical breezes with this dramatic double palm leaf Fanimation Fan perfect for high ceilings.

Image credits: Sutton Suzuki Architects, Lamps Plus

Do you love the sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the smell of the salty air and the ocean breezes filling the air?

Me, too.

For me....summertime is the sights and the sounds of the beach.  

And it's that feeling that I try to introduce into summer decorating.

It's fresh and welcoming and inspiring topped off with a sprinkling of sand and sea.

So this summer....why not open up your doors....

....and let the beach inspired decor in?

1.  It's all about the color

Paint an accent wall a beach blue and then layer in the color like this colorful porch featured on Better Homes and Gardens.

Begin with a colorful glider and add wicker tables as accent pieces.

Textiles should be bright and colorful, as vivid pillows and a patterned indoor/outdoor rug.

2.  Let the sunshine in

Open the windows and drapes.....let the light and summertime air in.

Decorate with shutters and simple window treatments as featured in this coastal inspired dining room from Better Homes and Gardens.

Complete the look with a simple white dining table and colorful dining chairs.

3.  Decorate the walls

When decorating the walls for summer....think outside the box....like these colorful framed book jackets featured in Better Homes and Gardens.

Frame menus from your favorite restaurants or postcards from vacation or notes from your journal.

Then hang a collection above your work space or a classic simple white desk for inspiration.

4.  Bring the outside in

Decorate your outside spaces with flair like this beautiful outdoor porch from House Beautiful.

Cover outdoor seating  in easy-to-clean indoor fabrics and textiles.

And add simple white curtains to float in the summer breezes.

Open up your doors and let the beach into your summer decorating.

Let imagination and creativity fill your home with the sights and sounds of the ocean.

Beach inspired decorating....

....is as easy as an ocean breeze.

Photo Credit: Photo 1:  Thistlewood Farms Photo 2:  Better Homes and Gardens Photo 3:  Better Homes and Gardens Photo 4:  Better Homes and Gardens Photo 5:  House Beautiful

Country style interiors have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being too frilly and too fussy. But not only is a contemporary approach to cottage-inspired decorating making a comeback, it's perfect for adding an inviting summer spirit to your home.

Whether you inject small touches like Wit + Delight's basket of flowers or this embroidered pillow on Lamps Plus, or overhaul a breezy bedroom as on Another Feather, the hallmark elements of modern country style are a refreshing complement to your existing decor.

To get the look at home, choose pieces that you might find on an afternoon spent antiquing in the country. Think woodgrains and crisp linens like this bedroom via Nicole Franzen, ticking stripes on this throw pillow via Lamps Plus, or worn leathers like Wit + Delight's club chair.

And while you may not have an apron-front sink and walnut countertops like this kitchen from Nicole Franzen, you can easily find cabinetry pieces that feature a wood-on-white contrast to evoke a similar feel.

The best part? You'll be investing in items with an heirloom quality that never goes out of style!

1. A quilted throw in a calico floral looks handed down from your grandmother's hope chest.

2. A woven finish gives this ceramic table lamp a handmade sensibility.

3. Toss that weekender bag on this woven leather luggage rack then head to the lake for a swim!

4. The contrast of white against dark wood on this basket cabinet feels fresh and summery!

Image credits: Wit + Delight, Lamps Plus, Another Feather, Nicole Franzen, Lamps Plus, Wit + Delight, Nicole Franzen

Foyer lighting is critical, not only because it’s the first space your guests see when entering your home, but because it needs to be functional for when you're getting ready to leave as well as a welcoming spot for when you come home.

The House of Turquoise blog highlights beautiful interiors and was a perfect place to find appropriate images. From traditional table lamps to stylish wall lights, foyers should have a layered lighting scheme that reflects the style of your home.

If flush-mount lights are the only ones that fit, think bling! Single bulbs here won’t work. Try reflective surfaces in mirror, gold and polished metals in conjunction with multiple bulbs to make sure there is ample illumination.

1. Jonathan Adler Sputnik 24-Light Antique Brass Chandelier is jewelry for the foyer.

Lanterns are a classic foyer light option. Traditional lantern shaped lighting always look attractive, but a modern non-glass versions are “on point” and offer a nod to modernity. Don’t be afraid to use lanterns intended for outdoors, inside.

2. The Currey and Company Fitzjames Lantern Chandelier is the ideal modern lantern.

The classic chandelier will always be an appropriate option for large foyers and stairwells. Scale is important, so making sure there is ample head room is critical.

3. The Currey and Company Hannah White Chandelier is visually dynamic.

I’m a huge fan of the wall sconce. They can be a prefect option if there isn't enough room for a chandelier or depth for a table and table lamps. For more subtle light, use shaded wall sconces or if there is a need for bright light try exposed bulbs.

4. Create a touch of Tuscany with the Almont Bronze Wall Sconce.

Assuming you have room for a hall table try to include a table lamp. Table lamps offer another layer of lighting as well as shape and texture. You can add serious pizzazz with a colorful table lamp.

5. The Arteriors Home Cassidy Coral Orange Porcelain Table Lamp offers a coastal flair to the foyer.

Photo credits: House of Turquoise

It's about time to shed your fear of color and embrace the rainbow! The days of monochrome everything are coming to an end, and fun, funky color stories are taking front stage. If you want to go big, why not go all the way and pump up the color volume! How gorgeous is the rainbow sorted bookcase from The Tao of Dana.

Here are some fun and accessible multi-colored pieces you can easily add to your space to begin the journey to color-town:

Bare white walls love nothing more than a big hit of color, making the Ripple 20" High Abstract Giclee Print On Canvas the perfect piece to break the monochrome chain. If you have a room that is begging for a splash of color, why not feature the Aurora Multi Upholstered Armless Accent Chair that utilizes color in a chic, watercolor application.  

A great way to cover up boring, blah or ugly floors is with a beautiful rug like the Boardwalk Contemporary Area Rug, which features a cool, modern color application.

When it comes to lighting, there are two ways to approach color. Adding a funky shade like the Synthesis Giclee Kiss Table Lamp Shade instantly creates a colorful room accent. If you are not going to be satisfied until your whole room is swimming in beautiful, glowing color, the Pasadena Collection Multi-Colored Crystal Pendant is perfect for you.

If bigger splashes of color aren't quite your thing, the Rainbow Multicolor Pillow and the Desert Braid Decorative Wool Throw Blanket have just the right amount of subtle rainbow-goodness to brighten up your space and possibly your every day.

Image: The Tao of Dana

Long loved for its rustic charm and no-frills design, the barn light is a timeless addition to any home's exterior. Excitingly, its rural appeal has been updated for the 21st century, and this classic lighting look is now available as an energy efficient outdoor wall light that utilizes LED technology.

Durable black painted steel houses the non-glass design of the John Timberland® LED Energy Efficient Black 5" High Outdoor Wall Light. This Dark Sky compliant fixture is composed of 12 dedicated energy efficient and long-lasting LEDs with a warm 3000k color temperature, perfect for creating a soft evening glow and providing illumination to decks, porches, and patios. 

Advanced energy-saving technology meets simple traditional style in this beautiful and energy efficient outdoor wall light. Shop this style, along with other outdoor wall lights, at Lamps Plus.

Design Dossier is our monthly series where we share highlights of some of Lamps Plus’ most popular, unique, and interesting lighting choices straight from our showrooms.

The minimalist terrace is a way to enjoy your outdoor home design with little fuss or expense. The other great thing is that this look can be achieved on a small scale, so apartment dwellers can have just as much style outside as people with yards.

Both Vosgesparis and Daniellawitte had cutting edge, minimalist home-related images that capture the modern aesthetic and make me want to clean house in a big way.

One thing I have found is that you can be a minimalist whether you like super modern metals and glass or warmer, more traditional mediums like wood and linens...it’s just a matter of paring things down.

I think the simplicity of this design is successful due to the lack of bold colors and patterns. Soothing whites, brown woods and subtle grays keep things calm but can still be interesting if you play with textures like rough hewn tables and benches, incorporate nubby linen pillows, throws and table linens, and infuse the space with living greenery.

Don’t neglect lighting. Proper lighting like LED landscape lighting and simple outdoor wall lights will allow you to use the space well into the night, making sure the party doesn’t end before its time.

Don’t forget that the terrace should be a place to entertain, so having ample seating and surface space is critical.

Again, keep lines simple and colors muted. No doubt, a flowery umbrella over the dining table will probably not work! The great thing about the no fuss terrace is that it gives you times to focus on your friends and family and not on why your hosts has bumble bee placemats and whimsical bird houses.

1. The Howard Elliott Starboard Natural Patio Pillow will soften any outdoor chair or sofa.

2. Keep things bright but stylish with the Hinkley Atlantis Bronze Dark Sky Outdoor Light.

3. I love the weathered Benton Reclaimed Wood Coffee Table for casual outdoor entertaining.

4. Simple, modern and functional defines the Set of 2 Siari Black and Walnut Side Chairs.

5. Outdoor plants are essential and having them in the Set of 3 Gunmetal Square Outdoor Planters is a winning combo.

Photo credits: Vosgesparis, Daniellewitte

What exactly is a Modern Bungalow? The definition of bungalow generally describes the architecture. It's a single-story home that may or may not have a second story with sloped ceilings. Basically, the majority of the rooms are on one floor with possibly an attic-style room on the second floor with sloped ceilings.

However, like you, when I hear the word bungalow it does evoke a certain type of look in my mind. The look that comes to my mind when I think of the term 'modern bungalow' is a comfortable, cozy space that really displays the personality of the owner.

It's not too matchy matchy or perfectly put together. It's a space that when you walk into, you immediately feel comfortable plopping down on a comfy sofa.

The inspiration for this modern bungalow look is the kilim rug bench. The rusty orange and blue palette feels comfortable and homey. Let's design the rest of the space around this stylish bench....

A tan sectional sofa is the perfect base for any living space.

To be sure everyone can kick up their feet, a square wood coffee table fits perfectly in the center.

Define the living space with this navy wool area rug.

Place your morning coffee on this brass garden table next to the sofa.

Add light to the space with a floor lamp that has a wood base and an organic feel.

Finish off this modern bungalow aesthetic with orange lacquer storage boxes, a blue and beige striped pillow, and an antique gold round wall mirror to add warmth and reflect light around the entire space.

Image: Lamps Plus

During the warmer months of the year, entertaining in your outdoor home is one of the best past times for homeowners. The pleasure of grilling in your outdoor kitchen while relaxing during the leisurely days of summer is finally here!

Your summer kitchen may is a wonderful spot to not only grill your favorite dishes, but it’s the best location to entertain friends in a relaxing atmosphere while taking in the summer sun.

Comfortable and versatile bar stool seating is a must when using your summer kitchen and versatile counter stools are one of the best ways to seat everyone in style. Here are a few tips to consider when updating your outdoor summer kitchen.

Sahara Maize Outdoor Barstool

Choose stools that reflect your entertaining lifestyle

When you think about entertaining this season does it include a few intimate friends once the sun goes down, or does a family reunion hosted in your backyard ? Depending on who you invite, the number of guests and what type of parties you will host has a great impact on the right type of counter height stools to choose.

Large metal stools, with durable seat cushions are comfortable for longer events. Also, consider having a mixture of lounge seating and light material stools so your guests have options. 

Lago Set of 2 Red Steel Barstools

Is your back patio looking a bit dull this season? It’s time to add a burst of color with seating. These stools above add a brilliant color to accompany your outdoor kitchen while adding an urban edge to your outdoor home.

Constructed from galvanized steel and painted red with no assembly required. Make sure to measure your bar height and ensure that the seated position for your guests will give adequate room for enjoying the summer feast prepared. These stools come in 26” height and are ideal for a summer kitchen that loves a contemporary edge to its design.

Black and White Boxed Outdoor Seat Cushion

It’s time to have fun when choosing decorative accents, textures and colors to match your summer kitchen ambiance. Take cues from surrounding landscape colors, wood stain variations of your summer deck or overhanging pergola. This outdoor cushion above would contrast beautifully with brick, wood, and tile.

Want to add a wow factor to your party? Mix and match counter height stool cushions to match your themed party. Bright floral prints, geometric chevron stripes or patriotic colors for the summer holidays are perfect for summer kitchen this season.

Image: Lamps Plus

What does the term “bachelor pad” mean these days in terms of style? Is the look still stuck in the 1980s, all black leather and chrome? In reality, it's just a masculine style living room. And may we suggest some modern lighting to spice up the design...?!

According to interior designer Michael Ferzoco, owner of Boston-based Eleven Interiors, these days guys are looking for a tailored, classic sense of style with clean lines. Ferzoco says, “They’re looking to establish themselves in a new, serious, and powerful way.”

Ferzoco likes to steer them towards investment pieces, at least for a one or two things; perhaps a sofa or dining table, and artwork. He favors items that will last, rather than trend-driven pieces meant simply to impress.

Ferzoco designed this space above, a condo in Boston’s South End neighborhood, for a gentleman in finance who wanted to upgrade his level of design sophistication. He wanted a mix of styles, so Ferzoco mixed vintage finds, like the mi-century modern dining table and Art Deco side table, with sleek new pieces, like the Italian sofa upholstered in off-white leather and arc shaped floor lamp. The rug and throw pillows warm up the room, and add a dose of pattern, both geometric and organic.

This formula achieved the uncluttered and contemporary (but not funky!) feel that the client requested.

Below are some tips for getting Michael Ferzoco’s contemporary bachelor look: 

Use furniture with strong, clean lines to anchor the space, like the Patron Grass Cloth Centennial Sofa (6) upholstered in natural hued grass cloth and  Window Sage Bycast Leather Dining Chairs (7) with rectilinear peekaboo cutout.

Slip in a rug with warm earth tones and an organic design, such as Kaleen Astronomy Gamma Graphite Wool Area Rug (9).

Balance the strong swirls with the elegant arch of the Camber Black And Brushed Steel Arc Floor Lamp (2) and bold black and white photography like this Eiffel Tower canvas (3).

A simple (but shimmery) white pendant lamp above the dining table, like the Floris Collection White Glass Pendant Light (1) and wall sconce, such as the Possini Frosted High Art Glass Pocket Wall Sconce (4) round out the lighting scheme, offering light sources from multiple angles.

A coffee table with a curved base, such as the Saly Walnut Glass Top Coffee Table (8) is a nice contrast to the hard lines of the seating.

Add a few curvilinear accessories in a fun accent color, like a Dark Plum Bottle Vase (5) with a lacquer finish.

Finally, throw pillows add pops of color in contrasting geometric and naturalistic designs. I like the hand-screened Infinity Lemon Retro Tile Throw Pillow (10) and Coral Yellow Throw Pillow (11), which is made from a durable indoor/outdoor fabric.

Image credit: Michael J. Lee Photography

As we settle into the outdoor lifestyle of the summer season, I wanted to share truly inspirational tree house designs from Houzz. They conjure up childhood feelings, but are such high design they whet the appetites of our adult design sensibilities.  

With endless possibilities for design and style these days, there is a perfect tree house for every aesthetic, even a look you can create with no trees at all!!

The rustic tree house is an icon of traditional Americana - Every kid wants one and every parent secretly wants to hang out in one.  

Enhance the look with a Picnic Time Highlander Bombay Style Picnic Basket Set filled with yummy charcuterie (and maybe a bottle of wine for the adults). Adding a Nautington 14" High Outdoor Hanging Lantern will cast a rustic, campy glow that will let you enjoy your youth through the night.

The modern minimal tree house is so chic I cannot imagine someone not wanting to jump into this image and stay indefinitely. With amazingly stylish outdoor products like the Cabana Clear Outdoor Dining Chairs and the Double Box Chrome Outdoor Wall Light, your tree top getaway might end up more chic than your actual abode.

Classic, contemporary never looked so good than on this perched tree house. To achieve this look try classic, nautical furniture and decor. The Veranda VR-16 Maritime Blue Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug paired with a Set of 2 Weathered Blue Metal Dining Chairs will provide long days and nights of enjoyment and high design.

Minimal, Eco-friendly and so stunning, this zen tree house blends in with its natural surroundings while staying flawlessly cool and effortlessly chic. The straight lines and perfect angles of this tree house paired with minimal Wide White Lantern Candle Holders and a Bali Hai Natural Teak Outdoor Rocking Chair are all you need in this minimal, peaceful space.

Don't have a tree and feeling left out throughout this post? Fear not! Create the perfect indoor tree house by mixing in natural elements, colors and fun pops of color. The tree trunk-inspired Maple Brown Indoor Outdoor Rug and a punchy, fun Monterey Fish Sunny Yellow Wood Outdoor Folding Table will have you on your way to the perfect outdoor tree house experience without the "outdoors".

Which tree house are you swooning over?

Image credits:Houzz

Hooray for the red, white and blue.

Take a cue from this classic color combo and add a little all American style to your home.

Barrister Crystal Blue Velvet Chair / American Glory 48" Wide Contemporary Metal Wall Art

From the weathered beams to the classic flag, this family room designed by James McAdam Design screams come on in and kick up your feet.

Get the Look: add a couple of comfy blue velvet chairs or a giant metal flag for drama.

Lago Set of 2 Red Steel Counter Stools / LBL Isla Aqua Nickel 9 3/4" Wide Pendant Light

White kitchens, like this stunner from TreHus, are perfect blank slates for adding pops of color.

Get the Look: Cherry red barstools or a few dramatic glass pendants over the island are the jewelry to a neutral background.

Hyper Blue 32" Round Brezza Wall Mirror / Lights Up! Walker Red Dupioni Silk Shade Floor Lamp

The lacquered walls and geometric floor are high drama in this entrance in Elle Decor!

Get the Look: If you don’t want to commit to such a bold wall color, try a huge statement mirror instead. Adding a red floor lamp adds much needed light and is another unexpected way to add color.

Colonial Mills Portico PO59R Nautica Rug / Sunbrella Striped Jockey Red 18" Square Outdoor Pillow

It all starts with curb appeal like this inviting porch from Good Housekeeping.

Get the Look: A nautical striped rug can be used indoors or out and a collection of red & blue pillows add comfort and color.

Street Smart Stop Sign 18" Square Down Throw Pillow / Sky Stripes Canvas Folding Laundry Basket

My mudroom gets in on the fun with an anchor pillow and a few bold beach towels.

Get the Look: One graphic pillow makes a statement and blue striped containers are perfect for corralling flip flops and beach towels.

How I love this mix of colors - how would you incorporate the look in your home?

Image credits: James McAdam Design, TreHus, Elle Décor, Good Housekeeping, Eclectically Vintage