Sunshine and Mother's Day

Happy Monday after Mother's Day!

Mother's Day comes around once a year and a new tradition started several years ago that mom and I will spend one day playing in the garden and the next day celebrating all of her wonderful-ness with family.  This year was no exception, so the fact that we had such nice weather in our area was a bonus to our regularly scheduled plant shopping trip!

Last week on Facebook, I posted a pin of the week of my new obsession for outdoor spaces...the succulent variety of plants.



Pin of the week from Real Simple

This pin caught my eye because I have a bird bath that no longer holds water AND it's in a pretty dry spot so flowers that need constant moisture will not work - believe me I've tried!

Before

So during our plant gathering outing, I picked up several varieties and this is what I created....

after

I'm looking forward to seeing how these grow and fill in the blank spots.  These are all great for in this very warm, full sun spot.  I also found one that is perfect for use on our covered porch that works in shady to partial sunny spots giving a little life to our outdoor room!

I know... this is suppose to be a blog about Interior Design, but let's face it, we want our exterior spaces to be special for us this time of year too!  What are your plans for creating a beautiful exterior living space for this summer?

Neighborhood Highlight...

I love running through my small town... seeing the same old couple on their morning walk, the smell of bacon on Saturday mornings and watching many of the small houses being renovated or restored to be even better than what they once were.

This week's neighborhood highlight is the view of one of my very favorites not too far from me.  They started their first project a couple of years ago - the garden.  I love this well organized small garden and adjoining chicken coop - it's very eclectic and full of whimsy and color.  The building to the side is the addition to the house that is a garage below and living space above that was completed last year.  So full of character.

This year they updated the fence in the back to include corrugated and galvanized tin in the frame and it brings a bit of an urban feel to our little town.  The original part of the house is starting to get it's update and I can't wait to see how the finished project will turn out!

Finding Summer....

In a year where summer doesn't seem to want to show up, it becomes more important to make summer happen, wherever and however you can....  Creating an inviting out door space that can be used, even on the coolest of summer days, can help create the moments and memories to last all season long!  Here are a few of my favorites...

Bringing a little Southern living to the pacific northwest with a screened in porch!

This small outdoor area is cozy even before the western theme was added!

How do you find summer when it doesn't want to show up?

Could it really be Spring?

While those of us here in the Pacific Northwest are still only dreaming of the warmer days to come, and being able enjoy the outdoors for entertaining.  One of my favorite things to do is create an outdoor space – something that extends our living area and offers places to make memories and deepen relationships – or even just read a book!

These pictures give you a sneak peak at a front porch project that we completed last year and will make its way to my website portfolio early next week.  Enjoy!!

Hope you have a wonderful Easter weekend!