#brickhaus

Cookout season is here and it’s here to stay! I have collected some of my favorite outdoor pieces for a summer party guaranteed to catch your guest’s eyes and cradle them in comfort. Will you be planning something to entertain outdoors this summer? I know I am!

1 Eclipse Umbrella CB2

2 Idle Outdoor Chaise Lounge CB2

3 Dunley Metal Lanterns Crate & Barrel

4 Braided Hemp Pouf CB2

5 Outdoor Pillows Crate & Barrel

6 Kaleidoscope Plates Crate & Barrel

7 Case Study Planters Room & Board

8 Plank Area Rug Home Decorators

9 Mangrove Area Rug Home Decorators

10 Dexter Dining Chair West Elm

11 Topanga Fire Table Restoration Hardware

12 Navarro Outdoor Dining Table Williams-Sonoma

13 Maya Swivel Chair Room & Board

14 Varaschin Lounge Chair AllModern

15 Dimitri Drum Stool World Market

16 Dottie Drink Glass Crate & Barrel

 Simply,

Before passing judgement, keep scrolling and you will be roped into one of my favorite trends for outdoors this summer. Commonly associated with your grandma’s furniture, wicker should not be overlooked or underestimated in its modern shapes and fresh colors. To clarify, ‘wicker’ can be described as the product of weaving any number of natural materials including rattan, cane, and raffia among other plant-based twine. Modernizing this term involves technological advancement, making these materials more durable than ever, such as silicone-sponge cord and polypropylene rope.

The craft dates back to ancient Egypt, initially developed as basket weaving. It has been unwrapping ever since in forms such as the ‘20s modernist MR20 chair by Lilly Reich for Mies can der Rohe, the ‘50s iconic vinyl-rope Acapulco chair, and the ‘60s throne-esque peacock chair, to give a few examples. Ikea has recently introduced the Viktigt collection, a collaboration with Swedish glass designer Ingegerd Råman, consisting of natural materials in forms from hanging planters to furniture.

Like most artisanal goods, whether organic or man-made, craftsmanship and simplicity come together and are reflected through these intertwined fibers. The versatility is just one more reason to love wicker. If your tastes run modern, introduce casual texture and informal breeziness to an otherwise stark interior. If you lean towards a more traditional look, you can use this element to add clean lines with airy, casual character. Let your style walk on the wild side and stray from exact matching styles while still creating a cohesive flow.

Black thumb? No problem. These smooth, soft and sometimes prickly plants are easy to care for – requiring water once a month and moderate sunlight. Besides, it is always a good idea to have a little bit of life in the midst of your home. We have seen them hanging, in windowsills, on tables and everywhere in between.

You don’t have to doing anything drastic or spend a fortune to create a change in your living room or bedroom. Before you buy, consider your existing décor and what you would like to achieve. Do you want to add color, energize a rather dull sofa, or give the illusion of comfort and softness?

For those with a neutral space, consider an accent color (maybe, a previous Tuesday Trend, the 2016 Pantone Color(s) of the Year). Layer over a solid with a pattern such as bold stripes!

When you already have plenty of color from walls, area rugs or accessories, you can create visual interest and a luxurious place to relax using texture. Some of my favorite elements for adding dimension include pleated velvet, faux fur, chunky cable knit and natural cowhides.

Lastly, be careful not to over-do! While some pillows are perfect for layering, others can be enjoyed as a singular statement.

Xo,

An oldie but a goodie is resurfacing. You know, those classic and inexpensive penny round tiles that have covered the floors of our bathrooms since the beginning of time. Covering all surfaces from the floor to the ceiling, they are re-merging in a whole new way. The more the better.

The possibilities are endless with this tile inspired by the humblest of coins. Don’t feel restrained to use this icon only in the bath. Adding a penny round backsplash to your kitchen can make for a surprisingly fresh look. Contrast the grout to make quite a statement or match it for subtle texture. Make sure this element takes center stage by keeping other elements neutral and understated. Aside from being timeless, it has a low-maintenance appeal. Just wash down with a hose in an instant. Well, are you convinced yet? Share your thoughts!

Xo,