Perfect Party Patio

As graduation is approaching, I'm dreaming of revamping our patio (or as we lovingly refer to it as the partio.)  Here are a few inspiration photos that I'm drawing from:

I love the mix of layered rugs, soft warm and fuzzy shearlings in the chairs, the kilim cushion covers and the rustic warm woods.  This would probably be the happiest medium for the hubby and me.  There's still enough white, and light in it, but it still feels warm and cozy for him.

This next one appeals to my love for white.  Also, I am scheming up a plan to get a custom built swinging bed.   I love how the rope frays at the bottom.  I also love the mix of white and rustic.  Our beams are wood, so we would (wood) already have enough of the wood tones, so I think it could still be a happy compromise for the hubs and me.  I also would love to throw a bold black and white graphic outdoor rug in the mix!

Something about this swinging sofa is calling my name.  Could it be as simple as inserting some giant eyehooks into a cute sofa and hanging it from the rafters?

Again, this one says, "I'm a little bit boho, I'm a little bit rock and roll!"  I love the pops of color amidst the white cushions.  And that zebra hide takes it to another level!

So, this one has a very laid back moroccan thing going.  From the collection of lanterns to the layered mixed rugs.  I'm also thinking something like this could work for both the Mr. and myself.

Alas, if budget and space were no issue, I would have all of them, but as it is, I will have to do the best I can with what I have.  I have some great pieces an fabrics to work with-- I just need a good outdoor rug, some plants, and a little tlc to get my partio ready.

I'm also a sucker for entering giveaways, and this one from Hayneedle came just as I was dreaming up a new space.  I'm gonna try my luck, and encourage you to do the same.  Good Luck!

This Little Piggy

This Little Piggy (who has two thumbs and some bright yellow pants and shiny silver boots) is going to High Point Furniture Market, and so excited about all the finds for clients and the store.  I'm sure I'll be saying, "wee, wee, wee" all the way there and home!  And spring is finally here, and the trees and flowers are a blooming!

And Now for My Next Magic Act

So how about that disappearing act?  I didn't mean to go away for so long, but things have been a little hectic around here.  The end of one year, the beginning of the next, my last semester of school which consists of a 17 hour semester and a 20 hour/week internship!  All of this can be a little crazy at times, but I'm trying to find a rhythm and I'm keeping at it.  A few things have certainly fallen by the wayside (like this poor neglected blog, my hair, my sleep schedule, and my house), but I can see the finish line in sight, and I'm picking up my second wind.

I have to say that I am absolutely loving my internship.  I'm interning with Lisa Sherry at Lisa Sherry Interieurs.  She is an established designer in High Point, NC, and shares a space with her husband Ron Royals, who is a pretty established photographer.  They both maintain an easy casual luxe style, and their house will soon be on feature in Domino Magazine (look out for the summer issue.)  One of the highlights of my internship so far, was to meet the editor of Domino, Michelle Adams.  Adams is a former editor and founder of LONNY and worked for the original Domino earlier.  It was such a thrill to meet Michelle, and to see what a big time photo shoot entails (not much if you are already effortlessly chic like Lisa!)

Here are a couple of Lisa's beautiful design projects

Other perks of my internship have been helping with blog ideas for Lisa's blog, and getting to play along in the creative process.  LSI is working on a couple of showrooms, and I was given a hands-on approach to one of them.  I'll snap some pictures of the install and be sure to come back and share them here.  I'm learning so much, and really appreciative of the opportunity that I have.

Ciao for now,
Gina