Design 101 - Bamboo Shade

Simon Upton

We've all seen them, those rolls of bamboo screen at the hardware and box stores.  I don't know about you, but I am immediately attracted to them but then think what on earth do I do with these?  What I know I don't want is to replicate that look of weathered and sagging bamboo screens on fence rows that I see often in backyards.  These images are great inspiration for using these rolls of bamboo screens in a very elegant way.

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Design 101 - Black Umbrellas

Material Girls

What comes to my mind first when I think of patio umbrellas is stripes and bright colors.  When I came across these pictures of outdoor spaces with black patio umbrellas I realized I had been close-minded.  Any other color but black in these elegant spaces would work.

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