Featured – Hazel by design

Some may say this is a little late given that it’s almost August, but I say it’s actually the perfect time to do a little sprucing up of your outdoor living spaces (or create one if you haven’t!). The end of summer marks several things – school starting back, football season right around the corner (yes…this girl from Alabama is doing her GameDay countdown along with the good people over at ESPN…), cooler weather coming soon, AND … “end of summer” sales. This is the perfect chance to pick up a few things for your outdoor spaces on the cheap and have them ready to welcome in that fall weather (when it’s actually NICE to sit outside midday again…ha!).

The cardinal rule of outdoor living in my opinion is to “bring the indoors, out”. Meaning, re-create the comforts of your living room on your porch, deck or patio. Here are some of my few favorite ways to accomplish this…

1. Add drapes, rugs, and accessories (especially on screened porches).

This is one of the simplest and highest impact things you can do on a porch to give it a cozy, living room vibe. Here’s an example below..

Notice how the drapes soften the corners of the porch and the natural fiber rug adds to the “living room” feeling by adding softness to the floor. The lanterns, sconces, and art also make it feel more like an extension of the living room. Take all this away and you lose that coziness. The drapes also serve a functional purpose as well on an outdoor porch – they can block the sunlight when needed. (Crazy concept, I know, but true story…)

2. Add color.

Notice in the picture above how they added bright colors and patterns through throw pillows to, what would otherwise be a very neutral palette. Bright colors WORK outside because of the all the natural light. Not sure what colors to use? Take the main colors in your house and use a slightly brighter version outdoors. I promise, you will like the result.

Another unique way to add color? Tile a patio floor with a colorful tile… take a peek at how inviting that can be…

Screen Shot 2017-07-26 at 8.21.55 PM.png — *Photo courtesy of Pinterest*

Painting a wood ceiling on a porch a light blue is another great way to add interest and color. Check this out…

Screen Shot 2017-07-26 at 6.57.04 PM.png — *Photo courtesy of Pinterest*

This technique mimics the sky and gives you that feeling of a “sunny day, every day”.

3. Don’t be afraid of upholstered furniture outdoors!

No longer does outdoor furniture have to be hard and uncomfortable. Aside from being comfortable, an upholstered sofa or chair outdoors is the quintessential “indoors outside” look. Just make sure you get pieces that were intentionally made for the outdoors (the construction allows for the pieces to breathe and the fabric resists mold, etc).

Screen Shot 2017-07-26 at 8.40.40 PM.png — *Photo courtesy of Arhaus*

Your outdoor space is an extension of your home and can add valuable living space that, if done right, will be enjoyed for years to come. And if you have ever thought about doing some updating to your outdoor areas, now is a great time to act! This fall when the weather is just too beautiful to stay inside, you will be glad you did.

It’s been a while, but I’m back… And, the kitchen is DONE (who hoo!)! The final piece to our renovation puzzle, a custom-built bar cabinet, was delivered this week and it’s time for some “after” pictures!

Honestly, this has one of the most fun projects I’ve done in a while. Sourcing the materials and making decisions on finishes are my love and this was chocked full of options. From the counter tops, to cabinet finishes, to hardware, to fixtures, to design of the new cabinet – decisions were around every bend. Let’s review…

We started with a dark and traditional kitchen – black granite, dark cherry cabinets and black slate backsplash.

Diving right in, I went in search of inspiration and found it in a slab yard in the form of Italian marble. I fell in love and knew I wanted this in my design somehow. After speaking with my stone fabricator, we decided on using it on the island (since that is a focal point in the space) and using a less expensive (but no less interesting) stone around the exterior. This came in the form of Steel Gray granite in a leathered finish.

Knowing that new cabinets were not in the budget for this project, I contacted a fabulous custom painter to discuss refinishing my current cabinets. I knew that I wanted the exterior cabinets to be a different finish from the island, that I wanted a rustic/French country finish, and that I wanted white and gray somehow. Insert Inspire by Color… Nathan Wainscott worked up a couple of sample finishes and we decided on a warm white for the exterior and a charcoal gray for the island. Both would be hand distressed. Add to that solid bronze hardware in a dark iron finish and there you have it!

The final piece of this design puzzle was a custom-built bar cabinet. I will admit, my original plan was to extend my current cabinetry along the blank wall space I had in my kitchen. The goal was to gain extra counter/cabinet space and create a space that I could set out drinks, etc, when we entertain. Upon realizing I could not get my exact cabinets anymore, I knew I needed to talk to someone about building a custom piece for me. Insert TEAM Greenworx. After meeting with Ted Endriss, I knew this was the way to go. I could get exactly what I wanted AND (the best part) I could create this as a separate furniture piece that I could take with me if/when we ever move. I did a sketch of what I wanted, discussed it with Ted, and he and his amazing attention to detail gave my vision life. Add in a live edge walnut bar top and the cabinet finished to match the island (finished by Nathan with Inspire by Color) and I now have a super functional piece that we can use for years to come.

Finishing touches in the form of lantern pendants over the island, a new zinc top kitchen table and rattan back Louis XVI chairs complete what now is my favorite room in our home.

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I’m a little sad this project is finished! Now, I’m onto the next though… our unused study. Stay tuned….