08/13/12

Inspired by Balconies

Happy Monday folks! I’ve been very excited lately because I found a new place to live come September and it is quite the beach house. My design mind is overflowing with inspiration and creativity. I can’t wait to get in there and start tackling the space one project at a time.

Today, I am inspired by balconies. Our new home has a beautiful balcony which looks out onto the beach (which is 3 houses away… How did I get this lucky?!) My idea is to create a few different zones on the balcony since it is large enough. Some cozy seating, a dining space and a space for a fire pit/bbq. Check it out:

These 2 spaces inspired the modern designer in me. I love the metal chairs and rustic metal table on the left and I am loving the long rectangular outdoor dining table on the right.

How zen are these spaces? You know what makes them zen? Well besides the modern and clean elements like the dark wooden platforms on the left, the plants create a calming environment which create balance. (Image sources: here and here)

I love these 2 spaces because both seating arrangements are looking out. The one on the left brings in a lot of color through those fabulous chairs and the one on the right brings in comfort with the never ending amounts of pillows and blankets. (Image sources: here and here)

I love L-shape seating because it creates immediate conversational seating. It also makes it really easy to lounge and I’m a big fan of lounging. (Image sources: here and here)

I love both these spaces because a small table and chairs creates a beautiful intimate seating arrangement. It is kind of romantic. (Image sources: here and here)

Ahhh, the ultimate lounge-fest. Some DIY crate seating on the left and a straight up mattress on the right. I’m happy. (Images sources: here and here)

Here is a shopping list and mood board I created to help along the way:

1. Ikea’s Arholma sofa= $700

2. Ikea’s Platta Flooring= $34.99/ 9 pack

3. Urban Outfitters Cafe Chairs= $149/ set of 2

4. Anthropologie La Versha Chair= $248

5. Ikea Brommo Chair= $59.99

6. Crate and Barrel Lyle Side Chair= $199

7. Crate and Barrel Alfresco Dining Table= $599

8. Ikea Lacko Table= $49

9. Pottery Barn Tori Outdoor Rug= $129 for 3′x5′

10. Pottery Barn Palace Pillow= $39.50

04/6/12

Outdoor/Indoor Ambient Lighting

Lighting can set a mood quickly. Fluorescent lighting? My mood is not pretty. Task lighting? My mood is focused. Ambient lighting? Check out some beautiful ambient outdoor lights:

This is amazing!

And for some indoor lighting:

Isn’t that cool? A lit up branch. I think it’s pretty creative.

What kind of dreams you think that person had at night? I bet magical ones.

yum!

So what kind of mood are you going for?

www.arielanajman.com

www.sweetnectardesigns.com

www.etsy.com/people/ArielaN

10/5/11

Outdoor Dining

Why do I love the idea of outdoor dining? I’ll tell ya why. When you are outside you don’t have those modern distractions like television and house phones. When you go outside to sit and dine, you are creating a special time for this. I think it’s really special to nurture yourself in the outdoors, maybe as the sun is setting and the weather gets a little cooler. The drinks and conversation are flowing. Delightful! Check out these inspirational outdoor dining settings I’ve found.