I am all about enjoying each season in the moment- even though for work, I am always a little seasonally confused as I work ahead. But today, it is all about a late summer cottage patio styling with just a couple simple things for adding the perfect amount of vintage charm.
Rustic Chairs
You might remember these rustic ‘branch’ chairs I picked up in Truckee several years ago. They are favorites for the patio sitting area and aside from having so much character by themselves, they are also easy to style for so many different looks. A favorite for me, is with floral anything on them of course. And while I have previously done a quick change on the seats with pillowcases, I do love the green and simple rustic charm as they are. And so, a pair of vintage floral pillows is all they need.
Tip: Mingle rustic elements with soft, feminine elements for a lovely vintage storybook type of charm.
Vintage Ralph Lauren
I am admittedly obsessed with vintage Ralph Lauren floral fabrics. In bedding. In furniture. On the table. In pillows, Clothes- you name it. I found a pattern I loved a few years ago- and started collecting various pieces of it. These throw pillows were eBay finds and I love how they add a bit of feminine sweetness to the rustic chairs.
Of course, they don’t live outdoors all year long, they are not weather resistant fabric. But I do enjoy them in this protected shaded spot during summer. The roses vining above on the arbor keep the sun filtered so it doesn’t get too hot or sunny here.
Tip: If you can’t find a vintage floral pillow you love, you can find many reproduction prints at places like TJMaxx, Target, Amazon, etc. and enjoy those with less worry about any damage happening outdoors.
Flowers in a vintage bucket
Of course, the centerpiece of bold and beautiful flowers is always a lovely touch for this area too. I love this old wooden bucket and it is a perfect vessel for pretty blooms echoing the rustic with the feminine mingle again.
Tip: Place a vase or plastic bucket inside vessels like this wood bucket. This makes it easy to keep the flowers in water without damaging the outside bucket, and without worrying if it holds water.
A couple smaller vessels with dahlias & roses and a wee candle in glass creates a lovely patio styling for gathering with friends and family or simply sitting and enjoying all the summer evening magic.
Behind the styling fact: This was actually photographed for my new book FRENCH COUNTRY COTTAGE SEASONS (now available for preorder) but the full styling didn’t land in the pages. As usual, there are never enough pages for all the stylings I would love to include in each book.
Happy Monday friends.
Love the flowers, i so love Ralph Lauren also, always Has great ideas
I love all you did for this photo. I love the antique flower pillows. and your flower arrangements. I have all four of your books. looking forward to the 5th. one of them has shown loving wear because I have referred to it often since our cabin has been remodeled! (we did the majority of it ourselves.) thanks for all the beautiful ideas.