Decorating with plants and house plant inspiration

With the sun shining in through the window and the spring bringing beautiful flowers, I've decided to share some great ideas to enjoy some of that outdoor lifestyle inside with your home decor.  I don't have great luck with plants - easy care ones I even tend to kill - snake plant, etc...while more delicate ones I somehow manage to keep alive.  Still, I love the way they look (when they are healthy)  and I love the air filtering benefits of plants.

via designsponge

Mix it in with the decor you already have by choosing the pot or container with the same care you would any other piece of decor.

Trees are a great way to soften a corner...

via Pinterest via Centsational Girl

Or just for adding impact.
via Pinterest via CasaSugar

via Inspired by Charm

via Pinterest via LoLo Moda
I love terrariums, and they are a great way to start small if you aren't sure or you don't feel like you have the green thumb. A little can go a long way and some of these are seriously adorable!

via Belle Maison
I also love the look of plants - potted or hanging, in the bathroom.

Do you have good luck with house plants?  If so, please share your secrets in the comments section!

Inspiration for your outdoor space (if Spring ever gets here!)

We are officially four days into spring, and even though we've barely felt the warm temperatures around here, I can't help but daydream of what I would love to be doing to our outdoor space! We moved into our home last year mid summer and didn't really get a chance to enjoy spring. Here's some inspiration I've found that I'd love to incorporate in my outdoor area:

via designsponge

I like the idea of having some of outdoor space covered for really hot days so I can still enjoy the outdoors in the shade!

via potterybarn

Although we aren't near the beach, I love the driftwood used as decor, and the big throw pillows for a homey feel.  And check out that giant clamshell planter!

via interiormagasinet

The huge potted plants are stunning in this space. It makes a great sense of privacy for the table and chairs while also being beautiful.

This space doesn't need a lot of words, that outdoor kitchen...dreamy

via Pinterest via Chic Coastal Living

Love the container gardens...I just wish I had the luck to keep them alive.
via Pinterest

I really like outdoor spaces that feel like the indoors.  This space is like an outdoor living room.
via Pinterest

via tumblr

There's something about large outdoor curtains that scream luxury to me! The bring a little of the indoor out, great for privacy, and creating shade when you need it.

What plans do you have for your outdoor space this season?

Bring in green (and clean air) with houseplants!

As we struggle to make it through this long winter and prepare for spring to come, bringing some plants into your home may be just what you need!

DesignSponge

There are some great indoor plants that not only bring a little life into your space but also give you a little extra something to brighten up your day. Plants improve the air quality in your home by filtering things like dust, allergens, and toxins and release oxygen.

I don't know if this little lotus is easy to grow - but how gorgeous is that?

If you are the kind of person that struggle to keep plants alive , there are some great choices that need little attention! Some examples are the kentia palms, spider plant, myrsine, and bamboo. These plants make it carefree and easy to have plants indoors. The only plants I've managed to keep alive are spider plants and palmes.

via pinterest

Smaller plants can add a little something to the room without being too distracting. If you are starting out with plants in your home, this may be the way to go so it's not too overwhelming! 

via houzz

Working from home just got a little more pleasant. Plants are said to reduce stress and create a calming work environment which can produce productivity! Having a dedicated space to work is amazing but having a place that is going to enhance your work day is a great plus!

 via Apartment Therapy

The biggest issue in my home is not having the windowsill space for plants that need sun, so be sure to do a bit of research so you know what will work best in your environment.

If you have an empty space in your home your not sure how to fill, pulling in a plant could be a great way to complete the room! There are plenty of choices to choose from to fit your needs and very beneficial to a home.
via Apartment Therapy

Are you a fan of indoor plants? Any green thumbs out there?

Summer Essentials with Anne at The City Sage

Sorry I was silent yesterday - finding an internet connection in Alaska is not always an easy thing!

I promise that Anne aka "The City Sage," has made it worth your wait with this beautiful guest post..

Hi All! I'm so happy to be visiting Decorology while Ashley is in Alaska! With summer officially upon us, I've been celebrating the sunshine with a fabulous fashion giveaway and summer themed posts over at The City Sage--so I thought I'd share some of my warm weather Decorating Musts!

Crisp White Linens: It's a tried and true pieces of decorating advice to change your bed linens when the mercury rises, and nothing suits better than fresh, airy whites. I especially adore them with a bit of texture, like a matelasse, or with a scalloped trim.

A Touch of Greenery: Who doesn't thrill at the site of a big, bountiful bouquet? But a single blossom or even a succulent leaf can have the same effect; by bringing the outdoors in, you get to enjoy the season every time you enter the room!

Dining by Lantern Light: The romantic in me can't get enough of dinners under the stars. Plus everyone looks their best in this light--and even the most charred burger looks delicious when viewed through a candle's glow!

Natural Materials: Used sparingly, materials like wicker, rattan and sisal convey a relaxed front porch sensibility that feels just right on a hot summer afternoon. Keep the color neutral, or if you're feeling bold try a bright, cheerful coat of paint!

Breezy Window Treatments: Just as you would switch up your bed textiles for summer, you should also change out window coverings. Store heavy velvets and wools in favour of barely-there cottons or even a single panel of pink silk.

Travel Souvenirs: We bring out boxes of Christmas decorations around the holidays, so why not store a few special summer mementos to display come Memorial Day? A collection of postcards and knickknacks brings back summer memories with a smile.

A Piece of the Sea: Everything about the ocean says summer to me, from the colors and sounds to the smells and the feel of the breeze on your face. And you don't have to get all literal with a jar of seashells to honor the sea; glassware in lagoon hues will do the trick quite nicely!


Red and White: I love this color combo in the summer. To me it says clam bakes, Fourth of July, and sweet, juicy cherries in a bright ceramic bowl. Go subtle with gingham napkins for a picnic, or go big and design your whole patio around this palette!

Thanks to Ashley for having me and I hope to see you at The City Sage soon! xo Anne

Image Credits: 1, 2. Anne Naumann 3,4. Gemma Comas 5. Atlanta Bartlett 6. Domino 7, 8. House to Home 9. Domino 10. Marie Claire Maison 11. Rachel Whiting 11. Sam McAdam 12. Atlanta Bartlett 13. Rachel Whiting 14, 15. Elle Decoration France, June 2009.