Summer is the season for outdoor living and entertaining. Cecilia "Keki" Cannon, a successful home staging professional and interior/exterior design blogger, joined us to share her best tips for outdoor living and summer style. She had ideas for easy ways to update your outdoor space, how to re-purpose items for outdoor living and her best styling secrets for hosting guests outdoors. Read on for her summer stying secrets...
Q: What are some easy ways to update your outdoor space?
- Color, color, color. Even if you prefer all white, add a pop of one color, like blue or salmon.
- Pillows. You can get outdoor pillows for as low as $10, so stock up. I buy a lot on sale and save some for the next summer.
- Patterns. Have fun outdoors, mix patterns. Geometrics with florals, stripes, oh my. Why not?
A3: patterns. Have fun outdoors, mix patterns. Geometrics with florals, stripes, oh my. Why not? #30secondmom pic.twitter.com/TaJAOEjAND
— CECILIA keki CANNON (@homewithkeki) July 14, 2016
Q. Without breaking the bank, how can you repurpose items to use in outdoor living spaces?
- If I invest in a piece I make sure it is something I can also use indoors, like a garden stool.
- Lanterns. Tall, short, white, blue lanterns. Stock up. Come Thanksgiving or an indoor party I use them for tablescapes or décor.
A2: those white lanterns & blue & black live outdoors all summer & come in 4 winter tablescape, #whynot #30secondmom pic.twitter.com/e91CW95Kab
— CECILIA keki CANNON (@homewithkeki) July 14, 2016
Q: When hosting outdoors what are some of your styling secrets?
- Tablescapes. Whether you are having a sit down or not, always do an elaborate tablescape. It sets the stage.
- It’s summer! Use your garden flowers. Even if it is just greenery and sticks to style the space!
- More is more. NEVER LESS. Add lanterns, votive candles, fresh arrangements, shells, sand. MORE is ALWAYS BETTER.
A3: I always bring my indoors OUT. rerpurose. here is same vase in my bedrm & outdoors #30SecondMom pic.twitter.com/nUFoqaKYmQ
— CECILIA keki CANNON (@homewithkeki) July 14, 2016
Q: What are some of your go-to items for styling small spaces? For instance, porches or balconies?
- Potting benches. Use them for actually potting flowers but then repurpose them as a buffet or bar cart when hosting.
- Outdoor rugs. When you add color and design to your floor, it will make a space feel inviting and larger at the same time.
- Chaise or outdoor daybed instead of loveseats and chairs. Allows people to sit and converse or for one to lay down and relax!
A4: repurposed potting/garden bench for an outdoor party! #30secondmom pic.twitter.com/pErc4mvZmq
— CECILIA keki CANNON (@homewithkeki) July 14, 2016
Q: If you had no budget, what would be your dream outdoor space?
- A large wood-framed pergola with hanging lights.
- We have fire pit, but I would prefer an outdoor fireplace attached to a structure like a garage.
- A pool. I know, dreams.
@30secondmom @homewithkeki. Make your own space!! #30secondmom pic.twitter.com/dVBipAu0ZI
— Amber Chandler (@Chandlermom221) July 14, 2016
Be sure to follow @homewithkeki, like her on Facebook, visit her 30Second Mom page and read her amazing tips below!
join discussion