Beat Stress with a Hot Tub

A hot tub is an amazing addition and investment to your backyard and can provide lots of fun as well as numerous health benefits. Did you know a hot tub can actually benefit your physical health, relax sore muscles, ease chronic pain, and improve your mood? You can make it seamlessly blend it with your backyard, existing pool and purchase tons of hot tub accessories like this romantic waterfall feature!

Outdoor Patio Bar

No summer party or entertaining is complete without your own outdoor bar! Serve drinks and snacks in style while pulling up bar stools and cooling off to your favorite martini or a tall glass of cold lemonade. There are tons of DIY options available online that you can even make yourself, so do some research before spending big bucks on a store-bought bar.

Lots of Seating Options

Depending on your mood and the time of day, having various types of seating options for your patio is a must! You’ll get the most use out of your patio if you have ready seating for eating, lounging back, suntanning, or just taking a break. Make sure to have at least dining chairs, a chaise lounge or a regular lounge chair.

Sit Next to a Outdoor Fireplace

There is nothing better than anchoring an outdoor living room with a outdoor fireplace. What’s even better about a crackling fire is making s’mores, keeping warm, and not to mention fending off mosquitos!

Dine Alfresco in Style

It all comes down to the presentation of your meals so do it in style with the right table setting. A rustic style is great for outdoors so consider burlap placemats, terracotta bowls and stainless steel glassware.

Keep Warm with a Fire Bowl

A fire bowl is a great alternative to a full blown fireplace if your budget is a little tight. This big concrete bowl is all you need to get your campfire fix this summer and turn up the fun! Just plunk it down on a cemented or gravel surface, insert some logs and light the fire. You can also use gas or propane fueled bowls if you don’t feel like starting up a fire from scratch.

Make a Romantic Atmosphere

You wouldn’t believe how much mood lighting can make a difference to your patio party and overall ambience. Load up on candles, string lights, fire torches and just about anything that creates a flickering light and sets the mood!

Photos By: CM Glover, Lindsey Adams, RJ Aldriedge, Mullin Landscape Associates, LGB Interiors, Barbara Grushow

Fearless, colorful, and vivid hues are taking over traditional spaces this season and transforming them from the dreary winter blues to bold and beautiful! Create an at-home retread this summer with bright colors, patterns and tropical-inspired design for your own private at home oasis. Here’s how you can use our favorite top shades of the summer and use each hue for maximum impact in your home:

Lime Green and Deep Malachite:

From lime green to deep malachite, no matter what shade you choose green is always a favorite for the spring and summer season. Update your outdoor patio cushions in a juicy green hue, and for the indoors drape some deep green curtains and gold accessories for a luxurious feel.

Harold Leidner Architects

Sally Wheat

Floral/Tropical Hues and Patterns:

There is no better way to incorporate a tropical theme in your home than with tropical patterned fabrics and wallpaper! Give your sofa an update with a tropical themed slip cover, or tossing on a few throw pillows in this beautiful floral pattern. You can also try a wallpaper to get the same effect like the retro bamboo-style wallpaper below.

Gary Mcbournie

Elizabeth Dinkel

Fuschia and Watermelon Pink:

A punch of pink is all you need to get your space an instant injection of color! From bright fuschia to watermelon pink, these colors are definitely a hit this season. Give your bedroom a color lift with a new blanket or headboard in this funky hue. Also try hanging up new curtains or re-upholstering small pieces of furniture like stools and ottomans. Remember, if you are working with a striking color like fuschia a small dose goes a long way and creates more impact than over-using the color.

Gary Mcbournie

Anthoy Michaels

Bright Cherry Red:

It’s definitely a good way to decorate with the colors of in-season fruits like cherry red! This bright color demands attention so ensure to use it in all the right spots. If you are trying to highlight a focal point like a lovely painting or a sofa in the center of your room, place two pillows on each end of the sofa and a bright cherry red floral arrangement in the middle. This way, you create a balance and stick to symmetry which shows off your focal point to all its glory.

Anthony BarrattaTobi Fairely

Exotic Turquoise:

An exotic hue like turquoise is a show-stopping color and one of my favorites! Use it in places that need a little boost of life and color. A newly upholstered headboard in this bright hue makes an easy DIY and quickly gives a bland bedroom a whole new look. You can also sprinkle this color throughout your home with accessories like bathroom towels, trinket boxes, and even turquoise rock jewellery on a dish makes a lovely accessory.

Betsey BurnhamTobi Fairley

Ocean Blue:

Feel the breeze of the ocean with a nice, cool blue shade. I love the look of a blue ceiling since it instantly cools down a room and makes you feel like there is a gorgeous, clear sky above! If you are opting for this choice, keep the rest of your walls a muted shade like cream, or a soft yellow to keep things balanced and make room for eye-catching accessories.

Gary McbournieGary Mcbournie

Sorbet or Intense Yellow:

Whatever shade of yellow you decide to use, keep in mind of the energy you are trying to create in your space. A muted sorbet yellow shade like the egg shell line from Trade Paint Direct makes a relaxing, dreaming ambience, while a shocking neon yellow hue calls for attention and energy. What I like about painting my walls a yellow shade is that there is an instant lighting boost in the room. Not not only does it make a room seem visually brighter, but it also promotes a warm, naturally sunny light throughout.

 MW Hunter Design Tineke Triggs