Design 101 - Public Art for Inspiration

Minneapolis, MN - Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.

Homeowners too often overlook art when designing their outdoor space. Whether you have a large or a small space there is an opportunity to add a collectable piece or pieces.  Permanent outdoor art is on display from cities to small town across the world so if you are thinking about outdoor art for your residence, one of the best places to start for inspiration is public art.

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Design 101 - Think Outside the Box for Outdoor Entertaining

Style Me Pretty - Gia Canali Photography

Like other designers, event designers are great outside the box thinkers.  I get such a kick out of their creative use of furnishings, objects, landscapes and lighting to create events.  When planning your next outdoor event take a cue from event designers.  Look at your outdoor and indoor furnishings and landscaping through a new lens - the one where anything goes.  Don't just see planters - see gigantic candle holders!  Here is a selection of some of my favorite event designer creative solutions for outdoor entertaining.

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Design 101 - Vacation Blues - Kate Smith on Pool Colors

As if a million stars floated down, sparkling sunlight dances across crystal clear blue water.  The sunlight mesmerizes. The blue waters beckon and invite you to step in.  Ahh, the pleasure of a seaside getaway in any one of the sought after destinations around the world.

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Design 101 - Balcony Design Challenges

Apartment Therapy

Most balconies come in one of two footprints - postage stamp or narrow rectangle.  With the narrow rectangle footprint you can often get away with a few more pieces of furniture but even so designing a balcony space requires great restraint and more times than not a commitment to a single purpose.

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Design 101 - Famous Balcony Design Styles

Life In Italy

The balcony alone is an iconic outdoor space but some cities (and one country) are home to the most iconic balconies.  Paris, Venice, New Orleans and Malta are the locations that come to my mind first when I think of balconies.  Ornate, dainty and petite these famous balconies are undeniably feminine and dripping with romanticism.  These outdoor spaces scream to be furnished with equally romantic bistro tables for two.

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Design 101 - Dock Living Design Elements

Wim Goes

When it comes to designing anything (from parties to outdoor spaces) I'm a big fan of themes.  Starting a design can be overwhelming and themes can help focus the task.  On occasion it is fun and appropriate to overlay a theme on an existing vignette but as a general rule I take cues from the surrounding interior or environment to develop a theme. When it comes to dock living there are a handful of consistent environmental cues that scream dock or water living regardless of the region.   Starting with these classic design elements will give you a strong base from which you can embellish with accessories and accent colors to reflect your region.

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Design 101 - Dock Living Design Challenges

Steve Gadomski - "Lakeside Living"

If you want to utilize your dock as an outdoor space, you have to embrace three key design challenges: Small footprint, weight restrictions and impermanence.

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Design 101 - Adding Color and Pattern To Your Porch

Brian Andriola

Color and pattern set the stage for an inviting porch yet many people are unsure about how to select a pattern and are even more perplexed about how to mix several patterns within a space.  It may seem difficult but if you follow these tips it will be as easy as ONE - TWO -THREE.

Orange

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Design 101 - Space Design for an Outdoor Dining Room

Ramon Esteve de Estudio Arquitectura

When faced with a bare deck or patio it is sometimes difficult to visualize how to break the space up into different outdoor ‘rooms’.  I am a function over form kind of girl when it comes to design so I always start looking at a space with function in mind.

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Design 101 - Jason Champion on Styling Dining Tables

Dining Table Styled by Jason Champion

To achieve beautiful dramatic spaces always pull from nature. Nature has amazing color, textures and patterns that can compliment any outdoor or indoor settings.

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