Gorgeous outdoor spaces

For all of those who are itching to go outside like me, here's a little eye candy to tide us over! Our backyard and patio need some serious love, but until we recover from our wedding expenses, I'll just have to live with gathering inspiration until we can start making improvements.

I would be out here all day...though everything would be covered in dirty puppy prints...The throw pillows are amazing.
via Laura McQueen

So private and lush!  I could imagine setting up a temporary outdoor office to enjoy it.
via Decor4All

Love this pond side cabana...
via ghoofie

via lizmarieblog

This country style brings in some of the barn like style I adore. Clever use of a tub as a coffee table base too!

via lolalina

For small spaces, these built in benches might be the best choice! Throw in a cute table and you've got a perfect setting for some outdoor fun. I also love the idea that these benches could double as storage!

Chic and beautiful lighting

I am a sucker for a beautiful lighting fixture but am always very nervous when faced with having to commit to one.  There are so many and most cost a pretty penny, so I'm always worried I will regret a very expensive decision.  So ever since we moved into our new home in June I have been gathering inspiration for when we are ready to change our lighting (which is high on my priority list)  I've decided that to build my confidence, I am going to start with changing out the hallway light fixtures since they will be smaller and less expensive than a chandelier for above our dining room table or a pendant for the master bedroom. Although it might not seem that big of a deal, hallways are one of the most used light fixtures in a home and are often left on, so they shouldn't be neglected.

It's important when changing out something that's going to be around for a while, especially if you have a small budget like us, to think about the style and decor of the rest of your home so that they tie into the design you've already started or will work if you decide to change your flooring, wall color, etc.

via belgianpearls

Something a little more elegant and classy is a much better fit for this space. The mix of modern and historical is great match for the rest of the home decor. If the light fixtures were any more traditional and flashy than these I probably wouldn't like the space as much.

via ruemag

Something more artsy and eccentric stands out in this space but still fits in with the theme of the home. This is a great example of having something that catches your eye but doesn't take away from the space.

via georgiandesign

Mixing and matching may be the best idea for hallways that are connecting multiple rooms. This works well with eclectic styles but if done correctly you can mix and match any type of home decor style. Keeping the light fixtures in the same family or "collection" but in different styles is the best way to achieve this.

via Margot Austin
I'm really loving the look of drum style pendant lights in the hall.  The slim console with a lamp is a nice touch and adds a cozy feel.

via Arcadian Home
Again, really liking the drum style pendants.  If you can manage, space ceiling fixtures about 8 to 10 feet apart in a hallway.

Ideas for using pattern in your decor (especially if you're afraid of it)

While I'm transitioning my house from winter to spring, I keep seeing all these fun prints I want to incorporate in my home decor. Here's a few that have caught my eye:

via pinterest

I love to mix and match accent pillows and since these are the easiest and most budget friendly way to change up the colors in your home, they are on the top of my list.

unknown

A pattern in neutral colors like the checkers on the floor means you don't have to be married to one color palette. You can swap out different accent colors through out the year.

via theglitterguide

Don't be afraid to go bold! This rug is eye catching and I like that it stands out a little since rugs tend to hide behind the rest of the home decor. 

via houzz

I love the look of these chairs. Between the studs and pattern only being on the back side. It give sit a glamorous yet fun look to it.

via Heidi Claire via MadeByGirl

The entryway is a great place to try a little pattern because there isn't a lot of space to be overwhelmed.  It also creates impact right from the start since it's usually the first area of your home someone sees.