Happy Summer! & Front Porch Inspiration

Hope your summer is going well. Our typical summer getaway is to the beach, but this year we are mixing it up with family reunions and time on a lake. How about you?

Recently, we did a custom pillow order for a client's new screened-in sun porch, which totally got me thinking and dreaming about beautiful front porches and semi-outdoor spaces. Here are a few in particular that inspire me:

For starters, check out this one ... love how they incorporated fun pillows and real artwork on the wall  to add a pop of summer color to the space:

Picture found here

This front porch in Watercolor, Florida (one of my favorite places on Earth) is pretty amazing, too ... what's not to love? Sometimes all you need to finish off a space is color on one accent wall, a cool indoor/outdoor rug (my favorites are by Dash & Albert) and a decorative mirror like the one pictured here. (Wisteria is a great source for accents like these). 

Picture found here

Closer to home on my own front porch, we recently installed two drapery panels couresty of IKEA. All I have to say is, "What took you so long?" We've had our front porch now for years, but never added drapery panels. The instant we did, they created a wonderful sense of space - and we now enjoy more shade and privacy. It's probably the single, least expensive / highest impact accent we've made to the porch since it was built. 

Picture found here

Last but not least, I couldn't resist sharing the front porch of one of my favorite bloggers, Edie Wadsworth @Life in Grace. I've been following Edie for some time and greatly admire her deep sense of spirituality as well as how she balances - and so openly shares the challenges of juggling - motherhood, home, her business, being a wife and more. Thank you, Edie! (and p.s. she is right: All you need is love). 

Picture found here 

Hope you are finding time this summer to enjoy the beautiful beaches, lakes and/or rivers near you ... and a cozy front porch like these! xo, -Kate

Color Me Seaside

Last week, I had a true treat: a bi-annual getaway with girlfriends to two of my favorite places on Earth: Seaside and Watercolor, Florida, on the Gulf Coast.

If you haven't ever been, I highly recommend it. In a word: Heaven! Seaside and Watercolor are two communities on the Gulf Coast, side by side. One blends into the other. Truly heaven on Earth! My happy place.  Here are a few pics:

A pic on the way to the beach in Seaside:

The view on the other side: 

My favorite of the two communities, truth be told, is Watercolor with its perfectly designed walking paths, architectural lines, meandering natural lakes and perfectly curated gardens. Here are a few pics:

from the beautiful Watercolor Gardens

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A sample of the amazing architecture throughout the planned community (this is the community boathouse)

A pic of the pathways and pedestrian bridges along the way

The view alongside the Watercolor pedestrian bridge. 

(This pic makes me want to paint lily pads and channel Monet for future textile designs)

Even walking around the more "urban" Seaside proper inspires: check out this random mural on a side wall behind a commercial building that I came across ... makes me want to paint in watercolor circles!


And I haven't even told you about the houses. Oh. my. goodness. (Pssst ... if you are looking for a rental, I highly recommend Sanders. I've rented from them twice now, and they could not be more friendly and accommodating. Not to mention, the houses they rent are amazing!! Ours had me at chandelier):



The houses of Watercolor are like eye candy for those that love interiors and design. Painted in muted taupe and pastel tones and beautifully designed, it's hard not to marvel at each and every one.

picture from here

Picture from here

While I was in town, I couldn't resist visiting a few boutiques that I knew had a penchant for great taste (The Art of Simple) and creating stunning interiors (@Summer House Lifestyle). For example,  how about this amazing vignette created by Summer House Lifestyle, with its colorful wallpaper from Schumacher?

What a wonderful way to add color and pattern to a room -- and on just one wall. Talk about a bold statement - without going overboard.

One of my favorite finds @SummerHouseLifestyle was the ceramicist Susan Steele Meyer. Her work is absolutely stunning ... definitely something to bookmark for my house when the kids are older and we don't have a 6 month old puppy running cartwheels in the living room!


Speaking of the puppy, she is getting bigger every day. I took her to the vet last week and they confirmed she is now over 50 lbs(!). She celebrated her 6 month birthday last week. My daughter Mira created this half bday card for her on Snapchat (@MiraJeanDesigns):


Finally, at The Art of Simple, I couldn't resist taking a pic of this book. It poses a great question:

As I keep growing @MiraJeanDesigns and our textile lines, I often wonder and love to envision where it will be in 5 years. I might have to print this one out and put it on my desk as a daily inspiration and reminder.

xo, Kate