Monday, March 15, 2010

It's a beautiful day...


It's a beautiful Spring day here in Houston today and I'd much rather be lounging in a gorgeous poolside cabana than in the office. Unfortunately though, it's Monday and my backyard is still in the state in which we bought it (i.e., completely empty) so until we have the time and funds to turn our attention to landscaping, I'll have to make do with a little virtual daydreaming, courtesy of Kristen Hutchins Design.

I love how Kristen has infused classic hacienda style with other global influences like the Morroccan lanterns, the Chinese garden stools, the turquoise Ikat print and the British Colonial furnishings. Despite this cultural mix, the overall effect is seamless and tramquil, with the dark browns and creams providing a neutral base for the pops of turquoise.

And how awesome are these mini-canopies (with the giant tassels!) for the chaise lounges. Not only are they great aesthetically, but they're practical as well. I love getting a little bit of sunshine, but I'm always vigilent about making sure my face/neck are in the shade. The fabric on the pillows is called Tilbury by Laura Ashley and is available through Kravet. It's been making the rounds lately on the blogosphere and I absolutely love it.

One thing I would change though: I'd be trading in that Pellegrino for a glass of white wine or a margarita.

28 comments:

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

It has been raining here since Friday.....this scene looks like pure heaven!

Kristina at The Purple Pea said...

I love her style! I'd love to have someone as talented as her come do my back yard.

Alicia said...

I'll grab my mojito & meet you out there in 20....

Liz @ It's Great To Be Home said...

I'm with you on the margarita!! I've loved this poolside retreat for awhile, I love your feature of it!

Couture Carrie said...

What an amazing outdoor space and pool! Love this post, darling!

xoxox,
CC

Laura@JourneyChic said...

Sigh...it's been raining in Boston for three straight days. And my raining, I mean torrential downpours and flooding. I would so rather be sitting on that pool deck!

FYI, lsfabrics.com has something very similar to that Laura Ashley for Kravet fabric. It's called "Khanjali" and it's only $20/yard!

Connie @ SogniESorrisi said...

So gorgeous! Love the lanterns and the blue!

Pauline Wiles said...

Ooh yes, dreamy! Turquoise and pools just go together!

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Well, our backyards sound like they share some things in common, it will be some time before I know what to do with that project!

In the meantime, loving this inspiration! I wish it made sense to have a pool in Oregon...Janell

Dayka Robinson said...

being from california, there's nothing i love more than outdoor entertaining. this looks so chic and relaxing.

Tracy Watier said...

What a beautiful, cool spot for a hot summer day. And yes, I'm with you, a margarita for me too, please!

Christy said...

So pretty - I've never seen it before! I'd join you with a margarita in hand. Or maybe some prosecco! Yum!

Marija said...

I'm with Alicia - headed over with a mojito...

I wish I had my act together and I could begin to think about the outdoors but figuring out the interior is stressful enough! Hence the need for that mojito...

Gorgeous green-blue! Marija

Southern Aspirations said...

LOVE these outdoor spaces- so gorgeous. ANd our backyard is full of seemingly never-ending projects. :-)

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

Love that ikat pillow! I will take the Pelligrino :-)

xo,
cristin

Shorely Chic said...

how beautiful - I'm all over those ikat pillows, just bought the fabric!

I'm Liz, a new follower, and I'm loving your blog :)

ashlina {the decorista} said...

margaritas on the rocks....thats what it screams to me! :)
beautiful pics.

Acanthus and Acorn said...

Beautiful space...seems like a vacation getaway!

I'll take 2 mojitos...oh and can you get some hottie to bring them to me! :)

Beth Connolly said...

This looks like you. I featured that fabric too after seeing it in A Single Man.

Sarah said...

Gorgeous! I forgot you live in Houston...the hubs and I, my sister, my brother and his girlfriend are all flying out to Houston at the end of April for a mini-weekend vacation to visit our Dad who got relocated there. Any tips or must see/do places?

The family room looks amazing! It is coming along so well. Love the color palette and all the bold graphic prints:)

Poindexter said...

amen on the margarita sister! Gorgeous poolside inspiration! I need to give this some serious thought - the unforgiving Texas summer sun will do some damage to colorful fabrics and furniture alike. So I'm trying to plan carefully. Thanks for your ongoing inspiration!

Kathysue said...

Averill this looks like a perfect space to sit and lounge all day. I can only imagine how amazing your backyard will be. It all takes time and of course the money thing!! Thank you for stopping by my blog, I am so glad you enjoyed the Easter inspiration. I love Easter time, I am such a Spring time girl as far as all of the colors and the weather. Happy Tuesday!! Kathysue

Unknown said...

So inspiring! When we bought our home 10 years ago, I was FLOORED at the price of landscaping, trees, flowers, etc. (still am) but really love the idea of a gorgeous pool and garden.

Dumbwit Tellher said...

Now that is a spectacular pool-side spot. The colors, the tiled roof, the plantings, the Ikat pillows, all equal perfection. Now I'm depressed...

Anonymous said...

Oh my... Gorgeous!I'm quite certain I could be very happy there. :-)

beachhouse etc. said...

hi Averill..I would like to feature your blog on mine with the photos in this post... from Kristen Hutchins Design. My blog is about beach house living ...I live in south florida..(not On the beach) but I am creating a little beach oasis in my backyard and this would be great pics leading up to my before and after photos...coming soon..love this blog...
suzanne

Karena said...

Beautiful images, I love these colors, combinations and the images are perfect!

Karena
Art by Karena

Karena said...

Averill, forgot to mention i am now following you and would love to have you visit, I have a giveaway coming up!

Karena
Art by Karena

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