Luxe Decor: Backyard Updates

Christin has been busy completing her own tropical oasis, and we've recently embarked on sprucing up our backyard too! It must be the perfect 75 degrees not-a-cloud-in-the-sky weather we've been having that is serving as some major motivation!

 

We first started our backyard makover 2 years ago when we decided a pool was a must! It really opened up our backyard and gave us a new appreciation for outdoor living and dining.

Here's where we're at:
 

 

 

We really transformed a very small space and are fortunate to have a good amount of covered space for the living and dining areas.

 We have lots of tropical foliage (all which we planted) but I want more, more, more! A private oasis is what we're after! And as you can probably tell, there isn't much space between us and the neighbors. So last week new Birds of Paradise went in and I'm still trying to decide where to plant this beautiful purple Bougainvillea.

The next big step will be adding wood to the ceilings of the covered areas. It makes for such a beautiful, finished look!

 

The look will be similar to the  above photo with recessed lights added except we are painting the wood white to look more like this:

images via my pinterest

Ceiling fans will be changed to all white and a much simpler style:

 

Fan 

When Christin and I went to France a couple summers ago we were OBSESSED with all of the umbrellas that line the beaches of the French Riviera.  We so badly wanted to bring one home with us! I've been wanting/needing an umbrella for some time,  but an umbrella in the shape and color I desired that doesn't cost a small fortune is hard to come by!

Cannes, France

 

I was thrilled to find this simple, but large umbrella for such a fantastic price! And of course I went for the color...wait for it...white!

Umbrella

The last item for our outdoor oasis that we've been talking about for some time is adding an outdoor shower.  Wouldn't it be so nice to shower off right after the pool in your own backyard?! I'm really liking the look, price and ease of this shower (no plumber needed!).

Shower

The wheels are in motion...stay tuned for our updated look!



Luxe Lifestyle: What's In Your Beach Bag? Sadie + Stella

Today' we are featuring fellow blogger, Lindsay of Sadie + Stella and her fabulous beach picks!

Lindsay of Sadie + Stella

"I am Lindsay from Sadie + Stella. I am a lover of eclectic interiors, dogs, stiletto heels, mini skirts, anything gold, fine cheese, unique soirees, white wine, black coffee, fresh flowers, half birthdays and crossword puzzles. But mostly, lovely aesthetics."

Sadie + Stella's Beach Bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vix embroidery dress
matchesfashion.com

Mara Hoffman cut out bikini
net-a-porter.com

Christopher kon genuine leather handbag
shopbop.com

Chloé acetate sunglasses
saksfifthavenue.com

Evian beauty product
sephora.com

Thin Bath Towel Turkish Towel Peshtemal by CottonBathTowels
etsy.com

DV by Dolce Vita Tremor | Piperlime
piperlime.gap.com

Luxe Fashion: Statement Necklaces

 Looking to make a statement? One fashion rule I've always lived by is when in doubt, wear something basic and pair with really dramatic jewelry. You can't go wrong.   I recently ordered this amazing deco statement necklace and cannot wait to pair it with my new Rachel Pally maxi.  The high crewneck of the maxi is perfect for showing off my new baubles.

 

 

I'm not sure you can have too many statement necklaces...there are so many great options available at a variety of price points! We are drooling over the picks below!

 

LUXE PICKS

 

  

 

 

 

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

Luxe Lifestyle: Favorite New Purchase: Chaise Lounges

My latest fave purchase is our new outdoor chaise lounges.  These are something I've been looking for since the day we put an offer on our house.  I've always wanted a pool, and what good is pool without chaise to lay out by it?  I've scoured many local shops, antique and consignment stores for interesting, yet simple outdoor furniture, but no luck.  I've combed every website imaginable nearly weekly, looking for an attractive, simple and affordable option... I just about came to the conclusion that outdoor furniture is either hideous or ridiculously expensive...and usually BOTH!  But just last week as I was browsing Home Depot's website AGAIN (with very low expectations), I miraculously stumbled on a Simple and Affordable chaise!  PTL!  

Of course, the cushions aren't white and will probably cost as much as the chaise itself, to have them recovered, but I'll take what I can get!  With them, I've enjoyed out backyard more in the last week, then I have in the last three months!  Of course the perfect 75 degree weather helps too.

Hampton Bay Barnsley Chaise Lounge

 Swany photo bombing the shot

Stay tuned for their mini makover!

Luxe Lifestyle: My Week Via Instagram

We're going to take a little hiatus from "Designing The New Digs".  When the series returns, the plan is to have many more house projects completed...and hopefully some professional photography!

This Friday, enjoy some snapshots of my week via instagram!

 

Pink Martini KRAVIS Gala

Soup & Sandwich Kind of Night

Tomato Bisque and Turkey & Avocado Panini

 

Poolside Lunch
Fresh Fruit, Watermelon Salad & Cucumber Salssa

Insanely Gorgeous January Weekend

 

Even Tuni Enjoyed Sunbathing

 

Pink Champagne Before Girls Night Out

And another shot of Tuni...Just because.

Follow us on instagram! You can follow me @christinlt and Lauren @lkukkamaa.