Two hot colors for spring are orange and blue. This is true both in fashion and home decor.
A favorite outfit with this color palette would easily be this Milly top, JCrew white jeans, Tory Burch sandals and the Prada bag. Let’s take this look and apply it to your outdoor decor.
Milly Top, JCREW jeans, Tory Burch Carys Wedge, Prada bag.
Note: the reason these colors work together is because on the color wheel, they are directly opposite each other, making them complementary colors. They create maximum contrast and maximum stability. Separately, they are a compliment any skin-tone or setting, without being overbearing.
Now, onto that outdoor area where you like to spend time. Let’s refer to that area as your patio. For us Louisvillians, dig deep to remember your patio after two straight months of rain. There is a whole world out there, people, and it is tired of being rained on and ignored. Today, this stops. Today, I give you inspiration:
How’s this for inspiration? I know, this is Mexico, San Miguel d’Allende to be exact, but it gives us something to start with. It’s that gorgeous blue sky that really sets this patio off. So, we are after the same feeling of warmth and comfort, but we can’t count on a Mexican blue sky to be our accent color – we need to provide that ourselves.
So, how about these, from Frontgate.
Blue seating from Frontgate. Don’t ya just want throw on an orange pillow to really make this pop?
Orange seating from Frontgate. Pretty. But, again, a piece of blue pottery on that coffee table would bring much more interest to the room.
When it stops raining and you start sprucing up your patio, think about decorating it. A lot or a little, it matters not, but any attention will make a difference. You want an inviting space.
How fun is this? It only takes a good seamstress, and some bamboo plantings, to mimic it.
I realize you might not be in the market for an entire new seating arrangement on your lush oceanfront view in the Hamptons, or a orange sofa at your Tuscan villa. Fear not, you can just update your accessories for a quick and cheaper option.
How about an outdoor rug? Personally, I am stumped by the concept. I asked the owner of Summer Classics, in Louisville, the following:
Bluebell outdoor rug from Summer Classics
“Can it get wet?”–answer is yes
“Really wet?”–answer is yes
“Well, can I clean it?”–answer is yes
They are weatherproof and mold-resistant. So, I’m going to have to take her word for it. They do definitely complete the look of the patio. Are you stumped or do you embrace the outdoor rug? The StyleBlueprint gals in Nashville are all about the outdoor rug… but they have porches, not patios. Maybe that is the difference… But, back to my original inspiration photo: there was no rug, so I’m feeling justified in my confusion.
For outdoor rug enthusiasts, here are some other options:
From Dash and Albert,
From Sawgrass Mills, www.outdoorrugsonly.com
Jalpur; www.outdoorrugsonly.com
There are a bevy of outdoor accessories and decor. My new favorite option is outdoor art; not just your random garden gnome or statue of the Virgin Mary, I mean paintings. These paintings can get wet. Really. And again, we aren’t looking at that same spectacular view that the San Miguel porch has, so create a focal point:
Available at Summer Classics
From website Comfort House. $109.
These should be okay as long as they are mounted in a covered area. But, really, how cool are they?
Found on Etsy. The set of 5 are just $130. Click photo for more details.
Another way to add a focal point, or simply to balance your space, is to use the ceramics that are inside your house as outside decor. If they get wet or dirty, just wash them off. They will love the attention. Be sure to bring them back inside before the first freeze.
A little outdoor game of chess at Summer Classics
Bring your ceramics outside, available at Summer Classics
And, if your outdoor cushions are in dire need of a change, there are two great directions to go in:
1) Have them recovered in Sunbrella Sailcloth in a white or light khaki (a la inspiration photo). These perfect neutrals are easily cleaned and accessorized– just update the throw pillows when you are needing a change.
2) Embrace color as most yards don’t have the vivid color surrounding them that the inspiration photo has. Imagine that view…. So, create the color display through your fabric. Here are some picks:
Dedar Fabrics, outdoor. Use this for porch cushions and Imagine an orange piping, or pillow on this.
Yes, this is outdoor fabric! Imagine how fun. Sina Pearson Textiles.
Do not neglect the pop of color that your umbrella can give. This umbrella from Pier 1 has stood the test of time (and please note the ever present rain clouds in sky) and still looks great. Plus, it looks like a Tory Burch tunic. Anything that remotely reminds us of Tory Burch gets special attention.
Orange Tory Burch-esque umbrella from Pier 1
When you take the cover off of your pool (finally), be sure to decorate it with these adorable floats from Pottery Barn (is there nothing they do not sell???).
Pottery Barn floats in orange and blue
There is a final option in all of this patio renewal. These are for the more transient folks, who cannot be tied down to just one area to relax alfresco. I believe this is my option.
I look great in a turban and my pedicure is orange. Peel me a grape, Jeeves.
