Long Weekends = Weekends Outdoors

I take every excuse I can to get outdoors (if you're a regular reader of my blog you already know this), but even more so on a summer long weekend.

Whether it's walking the beach at sunset, rollerblading a lakeside trail, horseback riding through the forest, or sitting on a patio having drinks with friends we really do need to take advantage of the short summer season we have!

We can't all get away for the weekend or a holiday and  taking that into account, why not turn your back yard into your own retreat?

Lonny Magazine has an amazing gallery of patio, deck and outdoor spaces. I have included some of my favorite and hope these inspire you to turn your home/space into your own holiday getaway space..that you get to enjoy everyday!

LOVE everything about this space...literally EVERYTHING!

The chairs, the brick wall, the coziness....and of course the Hermes blankets!

Love the idea of using tall shutters for privacy....and the wicker/rattan furniture, animal print rug & french doors....

That pool....

An outdoor fireplace!

The greenery, the brick patio and the huge expanse of windows to let the outdoors in...

Rustic stonework...

Wow....I could just wander and lounge in this atmosphere all day....

So fresh and lush....

Beachy....can almost hear the waves crashing!

A great day to night setting....

The modern pergola - like structure mixed in with the rustic details like the brick shed....

Have a seat and enjoy a latte while reading the morning paper...

Modern, Cali style....that enormous daybed!



Another perfect place for the perfect cup of coffee!



Literally a melding of the indoors and outdoors...feels like a Tuscan villa.

Cheers to a long weekend....I'm off to the lake and I hope you have the opportunity to get outdoors, relax and enjoy yourself!

RR

Re-fresh...

I'm sitting in my living/dining room area after finishing a yummy breakfast of  frittata made with Farmer's Market fresh veggies, eggs and hashbrowns and a tres yummy latte, and am thinking I would like to re-fresh some rooms in my home.

I am a big fan of change, especially around the house and especially when it comes to keeping things fresh. So of course, where do I turn to for some inspiration but Pinterest ....

I have a lot of these pieces in my home already....rustic wooden boxes, barn board, mercury glass etc.....it's time to move them around and re-imagine the uses of theses pieces.

I'm looking for a new entertainment stand/console...this table would be perfect! I would like it to run the entire length of the wall that houses my tv and I may have to add some framed mirrors on either side of my tv as well!

I am always on the look out for equestrian-style accessories.....I would really, really like to find an old saddle and bridle to add to my home....

I don't see anything in this picture that I don't like...the cow hyde area rug, the rustic sideboard/dresser, the exposed beams, those windows and fireplace........LOVE! I think it may be time to head to the Old Mill and get myself a new area rug....

I will always love an exposed brick wall....I had them in my loft and loved the warmth they brought. I  like this idea of painting them out in a grey/white wash...I just don't know if I would have the guts to do so...

I really like my current dining set, but again, time to refresh....I would love a rustic barn board table and these green chairs are a perfect pop of colour!

This mix of rustic and clean lines is the look I would like to work towards in my home....

Rustic Simplicity for the kitchen...a piece of barn board and an iron bracket....

A perfect DIY...a pallet top desk...I can make it whatever size, whatever height and whatever colour I would like to suit my not overly large office... The next few photos are some of my 'dream' home ideas...someday I will be able to incorporate these into a home I own.....

I hope you are all having a relaxing, lazy Sunday....Why not hop on the internet or look through some old magazines for some inspiration to re-fresh some rooms in your home!

RR

Warmth in a storm....

The combination of the snow filled wind storm, power outages and all of the tree branches lying on the ground got me thinking about fireplaces.....yes, fireplaces. I bet there are a lot of people in Ontario today, without power, who wish they had a fireplace to help keep warm on this cold March day.

Of course a fireplace serves a true, practical function in the home, but it can also serve a decor function....becoming the centrepiece of a room. It can be something that draws people together into one room to enjoy not only the warmth, but the beauty of the oranges, reds and yellows of the flames.

Whether it has a stone or brick or concrete facade, a mantel or not...a fireplace adds a rustic, earthy and romantic presence to a home. My next home will definitely have one....inspired by these....

I hope you are all able to stay warm this weekend through these storms.....and if you do have a fireplace, that you have the opportunity  to curl up in front of it and enjoy.....

RR

*images from Pinterest*