Sizzlin' Summer Patio Ideas

As the warm weather approaches - or continues, depending on where you live - it's time to pull out the patio furniture and enjoy the backyard, deck, and all that it has to offer. I was really inspired by these images from House to Home {UK}. The bright acid colours really give these summer patios a pop, twist, and everything in between. I really loved the over-sized metal lanterns that can be used to transform your patio from day to night. During the day, they act as colourful sculptures. At night, they're true beauty shines when they light up and provide your party with warmth and ambiance. Also, remember that what's on your patio table, for example, is just as important as the patio table itself. It's here where you can add colour, texture and vibrancy. The idea of a drink station was really cool to me. It's colourful and full of function, and who wouldn't agree to a little beverage in the summer heat? Also, beach towels - gotta have them, especially if you have a pool. So instead of keeping them locked away in some closet in your house, showcase your favourites! Plus it makes for easy access when someone wants to dry off. The colour palette of aqua blues, bright greens and yellows - as shown in these images - is perfect for a summer space because it's bright, calming and invigorating. What does your summer patio look like? What's your favourite thing about this space? Happy Thursday, gang!

Image source - House to Home UK

{Light Up Your Life} 3 Pendant Lights I'm Currently Loving

Happy Tuesday, gang! Today I was inspired by some things that immediately grabbed my attention in the latest issue of Style at Home magazine. My eye was drawn to so many beautiful pendant lights. Did you see the article and photos on mason jars? They remind me of my Grandma who used to have a set of mason jar mugs that we would use for cold drinks on hot summer days. I love the pendant lights made out of mason jars because they look like fireflies when lit up. Plus they make a great DIY projects! The Wooster & Jeeves top hat pendants were featured in another posting of mine a few weeks ago but I had to bring them back. They're absolutely adorable! Perfect for the male or female fashion gurus. Finally, the Zettl'z light is more of a chandelier than a pendant, but I love the bohemian chic energy to it and how it can be easily personalized. It looks messy, but in a good way {one that doesn't bother the Virgo in me anyway} and it's a cute way to keep old mementos and personalized items - and also to also show them off in trend-forward decor style. What do you think of these three different lights? Which one is your favourite?

Image sources ~ Mason Jar pendants: Houzz // Pottery Barn // Ramshackle Glam

Wooster & Jeeves top hat pendants: Trendir // Decoholic

Zettl'z:  Marvomatic // House Beautiful

Happy Easter {Inspiration} + My Week in Review

Hoppy - I mean Happy - Easter, gang! What are you thankful for this Easter weekend? For me, it's the beautiful and sunny weekend we've been experiencing in Toronto. It's been the perfect Spring-like weather. Doing some errands this morning left me in a bit of a sweat so I know that summer is just around the corner. Today I leave you with some things that inspired me this Easter season: Pantone eggs, decorations made from actual paint chips and cheeky place-cards that are sure to make your guests giggle. I hope that you have a safe and enjoyable Easter filled with laughter, love and good memories!

What I was up to this week:

H&M Home's Spring 2012 Duvet collection.

My favourite things from Urban Outfitters {Home} April 2012 Look Book

Take your pick ~ Beauti-Tone Paint Palettes: Fresh or Exotic.

Wallpaper wars from York Wallcoverings

A natural Easter from Terrain.

Beautifully bound Penguin Classic books by Anthropologie.

Lamps That "Rock" ~ Incorporating Crystals Into Your Design Scheme

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I guess I'm what you call a modern-day hippie. So imagine my excitement when I came across these natural and beautiful rock crystal table lamps. Usually I wear crystals around my neck (on a chain) for protection but I've discussed using rocks - such as amethyst and malachite - for design purposes. I truly believe in the addition of these magical gems into your design scheme. Not only are they absolutely beautiful to the eye but they are also healing for the spirit. For example, calcite increases and amplifies energy. Amethyst is used for relieving stress, balancing mood swings and dispelling anger, fear or anxiety. Quartz - known as the "universal stone" - is the most recognized type of stone and comes in many forms. One of my favourites is rose quartz, which is the love stone. It's easy to create a modern flare to your rock crystal lamp by adding in a funky lampshade or an eye-catching base. My favourite is the clear Lucite base on the honeycomb coloured calcite lamp. Which lamp is your favourite?