Home & Garden Blog » maureen

Everybody’s going gaga over vintage. With the rise of Etsy, it seems the vintage fever is here to stay & definitely the new black for chic and stylish people out there. If you’re a flea market, antique & vintage shopping gal, then you must know already what the difference between what is antique, vintage or retro. What? You don’t? Here’s a tip: Antique finds are those circa 1920’s and before, vintage between 1920 to 1975, and 1975 through 20 years ago are considered retro. Bet you did not know that!

Antique decorated room.

Vintage-inspired room.

Retro decor abound in this collage!

Antique, vintage & retro reproductions are so “in.” Everybody’s copying the rich character & form these pieces offer! Pottery Barn & Restoration Hardware are so in on the trend. From old cameras to shoeforms, vintage candelabras to glass jars with zinc tops.

So, will you be in or out?

Sources:  CountryLiving.com,  VintageIndie.typepad.com

Blooming flowers? Check. Lush foliage? Check. A charming walkway with lanterns? Check.

Your garden seems to have it all but just like decorating the inside of your home, your garden is never complete without accessories. Here are my top three pics for accessorizing that garden:

1. Cast iron:

Nothing evokes rustic & charming than these kind of accessories. Find an assortment, from planters to thermometers.

Acanthus Urn: $69

2. Moss-laden ceramics:

These accessories will instantly bring you to an antique garden with it’s magnificent sculptures & enthralling fountains. The weathered look is simply beautiful.

Ceramic Pineapple Finial: $34.50

3. Aluminum:

Amazingly cheap & yet so modern-looking.

Aluminum Planters from Grass Roots Modern

Other options of course includes wood & wrought iron. You can mix & match different types of garden accessories, but make sure you stay with one look & you can have a complete garden vignette.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more planters.

Has the sweltering heat gotten to you yet?  Here in Southeast Texas, it certainly has!  And although our region is known for barbecues & outdoor grilling, all I can think about is an ice cold lemonade, a cool breeze & shade.  The heat is definitely on, but these fun and functional outdoor umbrellas will definitely help.

Ballard Designs Tilt Umbrella: $359

We live near the gulf so once in a while, a breeze comes.  A tilt umbrella will certainly help that umbrella stay in place.

Frontgate European Sun Umbrella: $699 on sale (Was: $999)

Have to be different?  Umbrellas don’t have to be in the middle all the time.

Half Umbrella Grandin Road: $299

Ok, so not everybody has a huge yard, some of us have very small balconies or patios.  No problem!  The half umbrella is designed for your outdoor space!

Solar Powered Umbrella Plow & Hearth: $149.95 (Umbrella); $79.95 (Base)

It looks like a regular umbrella but Plow & Hearth’s version is the eco-friendly kind.  No need to put outdoor lanterns, this one already has lights installed in it!

So, enjoy summer & stay in the shade!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more patio umbrellas.

I hope your garden or patio is ready for summer because it’s definitely here!  If outdoor furniture is the first order to get your summer abode ready, then accessories are the ones that complete it.  From finials to planters, centerpieces to statues, but to create instant warmth, you have to have outdoor lanterns.

I’m in love with polished nickel ones.  Here are three of my favorite shops & their different takes on this accessory.

Amalfi Square Lanterns Restoration Hardware $15-$129

Arched Metal Lanterns West Elm $39

Seaport Lanterns Pottery Barn $39

I’m still trying to choose which ones to get, but whichever I choose I’m sure it’s going to be incredibly chic!  More summer outdoor decorating tips to come….

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more lanterns.

Ready for a mini vacation in your own home?  Not every one of us can jet set for the summer & lounge in a hammock overlooking a white, sandy beach in Aruba or sip cafe au lait at a lovely courtyard with a view of the Eiffel tower, or better yet, dine out in a cabana with flowy, white curtains in Santorini.  Try these outdoor oasis ideas & take a mini vacation just a few steps away from your living room.

1. The Bistro: Just two chairs and a table, a great book & maybe a nice glass of aged Spanish wine.   Accessorize it with a few candles & of course the lush garden you’ve been working hard on since spring.

2. Hang patio drapes: Your porch will feel like a summer getaway with outdoor panel curtains.  Summer’s hot but it shouldn’t be that hot!

3. Outdoor dining:  When the weather is beautiful, you can dine out anytime.  Weather-resistant furniture such as teak if you would like to go modern or cast iron if you would like to go romantic is so refreshing.  Have a pergola or trellis?  Hang chandeliers, lanterns, empty picture frames with ribbons above the dining area.  Lovely!

5. Copa Cabana:  Nothing evokes a vacation more than a cabana.  This wooden one instantly takes me to a tropical place.  Scatter colorful pillows, the more the better!

6. The Beach Chaise:  Get a comfortable outdoor cushioned chaise & matching umbrella in a wonderful pattern & vivid colors, sip an ice cold lemonade & you’re in your Caribbean getaway.

Any other mini vacation ideas? I’d love to hear about them…

Image Source: fromhousebeautiful.com and flickr

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for affordable patio furniture.

These green ideas are truly bright!  I didn’t realize being green can be so chic and even quirky.  Check out these ingenious lamps I found at Inhabitat.com :

These beach ball lamps are so much fun to look at!

Perfect for an eco-friendly, urban space, the eggcrate lamp.

I’ve always wondered what I can do with old, non-functioning light bulbs.

I’ve thrown one too many Tupperware pieces, but the makers of these lamps found a fascinating way to reuse them.

I hope this lamp is for outdoor use.

This looks vintage & I love it!

These lamps definitely fascinates me. It takes being green to the next level!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for energy saving light bulbs.

If you’re up with what’s trendy,then you must be an eco-friendly,”go green” loving and hooray to sustainable products gal.  Good for you as driftwood makes a scene in the home fashion world.  From wall art to sculpture, from coffee tables to consoles.

If you are a do-it yourselfer, you can get any floating wood that washes ashore & make it your own sculpture or furniture.  The most beautiful ones are those that has many network of tunnels (where animals bore holes or even algae & bacteria that has eaten most of the wood).  Of course, there is a treating & handling process & unless you are an excellent driftwood artist, your sculpture can be just another wood junk.  If you are not a do-it yourselfer, you can buy driftwood furniture almost everywhere now.

Blue Nature Driftwood Lamps

From DriftwoodFineArt.com

I think they’re absolutely beautiful! Reclaim & restyle!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more driftwood furniture.
Discounts on driftwood decor.

I’m longing to have a picnic overlooking the lake.  Although the traditional wicker baskets are so charming, these colorful new ideas feel retro but with a modern edge.

Crate&Barrel Picnic Basket: $19.95

Clean lines & so chic in lime green.

Pandora Designs Deluxe Plastic Flatware: $30.00

Plasticware never looked so good!

Translucent tumblers in any spring color you can imagine!

Hot Set Insulated Tumbler Set of 4: $12.99

And of course, you have to set the ambiance. These petal wax holders are so perfect for that spring picnic.

Petal Waxholder: $12.50

Enjoy and don’t forget to wear that perfect spring outfit for your retro-chic & colorful picnic!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more picnic baskets and plastic flatware.
Discounts on  plastic tumblers and candle holders.

Do you have spring fever? I know I do!  This spring, spruce up your home with the following spring decorating ideas:

1. Instead of the popular pastel egg wreath, go for this hydrangea soft pink wreath: $34.99 at WreathsGalore.com.

2. See flowers blooming everywhere with inspired throw pillows like this one pretty one from PillowDecor.com.

3. Tulip hooks are so spring!

4. Sweet tapered candles in colorful bunny candle holders:$18 at Williams-Sonoma.com

5. White is a major color of the season especially this four tier french vase.

Have a blissful spring & enjoy decorating!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more candle holders & throw pillows.
Discounts on spring decor.

Very few people are not in love with the charm of French country. Even minimalists and enthusiasts of urban & modern decor enjoy quiet strolls in lovely streets filled with small boutiques and the aroma of cafe au lait in a quaint cafe.

French Country decorating does not have to be 100% romantic and full of shabby chic stuff. Just doing a few things would do the trick.

* Paint with golden yellows and deep reds reminiscent of the brilliant sunshine in Provence.

* Use dark accents and rusted materials, wrought iron & cast iron accessories are definitely popular.

* Natural materials such as a stone fireplace & distressed furniture will add authenticity.

* Use candles, fresh flowers & fabrics.

Beautiful and cozy, what a perfect combination!