Okay. So it's August already and we're technically half way through summer already, but can't we just think about how much fun summer is going to be?? In fairness, it kind of just started a couple of weeks ago in BC due to global warming and whatnot. Or was it Trump? Or Pokemon invasion? Something, somewhere delayed summer, so...

Succulents add an edgy sophistication to any backyard. Image via Pinterest.

"Here Are a Few Ways to Elevate Your Summer Outdoor Entertaining feat. Western Living Magazine" (insert toothy grin and wink)

Cheesy cliche title aside, summer can be saturated with trips, tips and tricks and new adventures to partake in, but sometimes spending summer in your own backyard with your bestest of company is a no fail - and low cost - way to enjoy the warmer weather months. A couple of months back, I was honored to be asked by Western Living Magazine to share my must-have accessories for summer patio entertaining. You can check out the article here. In it I share some design items you can incorporate into your outdoor living spaces to help elevate your patio in time for summer entertaining. Rather than regurgitate what was written in said article, I wanted to focus on a key design trait that you can look for when you're out shopping for your next outdoor dinner party. I touched upon this with one of the items I shared with WL (Viktigt Collection from Ikea). That key design trait is not so much a trait, but a color - or lack thereof? The debate is still out on that one, but that spectacular "color" which will help elevate your outdoor summer experience is...black. *gasp* Groundbreaking right? Now, of course everyone is already wise to the knowledge that black can add sophistication, glamour, mystery, etc. to any outfit, interior decor, or motor vehicle exterior, but you'll be surprised to hear that it can do that and so much more for you, your life and your wallet. See the thing about warmer weather and the joys of a brightly lit sky is that it entices folks to get kooky with color. And rightfully so, cus what our beautiful sun does is help nature bring out the boldest of colors in it's bestest of ways. So we, as inhabitants of this planet, employ the colors of the world into our self decoration and home decoration in hopes of spreading that summer joy everywhere we place ourselves. Then Autumn and Winter come along in no time flat, and those colors, although still vibrant and beautiful, start to feel out of place and overly needy, what with their bold "look at me" personalities. So we store them away for use next year. Colors become deep, moody and regal and off we go to the stores to purchase and gather around us the colors of the season. Now don't get me wrong. I love shopping, no matter the season, but truthfully, we can all benefit from some versatile all season purchases. Black and white never go out of vogue or season. So why not incorporate these "colors" into our hot weather decor to help elevate and elongate our summer design and decor experience. Black adds that hit of drama and sophistication to a vibrantly colored dinner party and can transition well into the colder months as an anchor for your more subdued color palettes. Black allows you to incorporate key trends from any season, or any year for that matter, without the commitment to seasonal color themes.

Here are a bundle of high style decor items in season friendly noir that you can shop now to step up your summer design game:

Dexter DoloresAugust 2, 2016 Comment

When a Flat Painted Wall Isn't Enough

Here in North America we live in a postmodern world where new, slick and minimal is what many people want. Or at the very least, it's what everyone is left with to desire. Sometimes, though, all those clean hard lines and polished surfaces are just too, well, clean and polished. Where Europe has embraced their heritage and adapted their modern lifestyles to live within the classic designs of their homes, buildings and cities; North America has kept only facades of what were once amazing structures, displaying rich history through it's architecture and design. Our cities have taken down the ornate poetry of history and replaced them with steel and glass cubes. A bit dramatic, I know. But not far from the truth. Though there are many respectable exceptions to that observation, as well as many respectable reasons behind it all, we are indeed living with an abundance of flat painted walls. However, there has been a change in the tides lately, wherein appreciation for delicate classical moldings, herringbone floors and ornate decoration, is moving to the forefront of interior design and architecture. There is, of course, no shortage of the new, slick and minimal, but we are all starting to understand that there is no reason we can't live with both.

Well versed practitioners of this sophisticated mix of design history are everywhere in architecture and design. Joseph Dirand, Jean Louis Deniot and Double G Architecture, all Paris-based design talents, are a few of the best designers of this aesthetic. Local Canadian designers like Nam Dang Mitchell and Ste. Marie Art + Design are design icons in the making for their work in modern and classic interplay. Design history was my favorite class in design school and so it goes without saying that I am a true lover of the entire spectrum and history of design. The Bauhaus Movement in Germany, Italian Brutalism, Europe and America's Midcentury Modern Era, Gothic Cathedrals of the world; you name it, I can't get enough of it. I will say that the Art Deco visual design style of the 20s, 30s and 40s is without a doubt, my favorite - but that nerd-out is for a later post. So for now, clickity click below and feast on some ridiculously awesome examples of this design approach.

1. Interior by Jean Louis Deniot | 2 & 8. Interiors by Joseph Dirand | 3. B&B Italia - Maxalto Credenza | 4. Boboli boutique - Interior by Ste. Marie Art + Design | 5. Club Le Roy Helsinki - Interior by Joanna Laajisto | 6. Interior by Nam Dang Mitchell | 7. Interior by Gilles & Boissier | 9. Interior by Double G Architecture

Starting today I will be in and out of Once A Tree Furniture's showroom putting together my designer room showcase and preparing for the unveiling of the space this coming February 25th. If you haven't already, RSVP at marketing@onceatreefurniture.com to ensure you're on the guest list for that iconic event. Cus you know you don't want to miss it. Be sure to keep following me on Instagram @dexdolores for the behind the scenes action leading up to the big day. And lastly, if you're in dire need of some interior design guidance, go ahead and send me an email. You won't regret it. What are you waiting for?!

Happy Friday everyone!

Dexter DoloresFebruary 19, 2016 Comment