Outdoor Inspirations for Alfresco Dining

A friend of mine recently returned home from a three week vacation in Northern California and Hawaii. Tough life, right?

Since we both live in the frozen tundra of New England, many of us spend the winter months cooped up in doors. Vacations to far far away lands with sunny, warm days are much appreciated. What my traveling friend enjoyed most about her getaway was the constant feeling of connection with the Earth - the ability to spend all hours outdoors. Especially in Hawaii.

I was reminded of my love for outdoor villas - seamlessly connected interiors that run into the outdoors. And oh! The joy of alfresco dining!

Now imagine these scenes at your fingertips...

Traditional home design by interior designer Arjen Reas

The serene scenes of rolling hills by InteriorMagz.com

Beautiful mosaic creation by CommuneDesign.com

By Various / From Left to Right: countryliving.com, housebeautiful.com,
Elle Decor,  Elle Decor

Enter to Win Tiffany & Co. Thumbprint Bowl

I am so excited to announce my first Designing Luxury Giveaway! Why? 

Just because.

Actually, I live in the North East and the winters here are just too long. I decided that we all need something unexpected and bright to cheer us up. That's why I picked out something really nice for my first giveaway. It's a stunning Tiffany & Co.'s Elsa Peretti® Thumbprint bowl. It's made of sterling silver with vermeil and retails for $375. 

Tiffany & Co.'s Elsa Peretti® Thumbprint Bowl http://designingluxury.promoboxx.com/

It is a beautiful piece that's sure to brighten up your table this winter! Don't forget to tell your friends. Click and enter to win! Good luck!

My 4 Favorite Interior Design Blogs

While I enjoy writing about elegant environments and talented interior designers, I also absolutely love reading my fellow blogger's musings on interior design.

In fact, I subscribe to over 40 design blogs and regularly share my favorite posts here: www.google.com/reader/shared/keliason and in my Interior Design Bloggers Weekly paper here: paper.li/keliason/design-bloggers.

Below I've listed my 4 favorite interior design blogs. I hope you will enjoy these blogs as much as I do!

NUMBER 1: FINUCA

Oh how I love this blog! Finuca, founded by Sharon L. Rodriguez, features home accessories and art with a "refined aesthetic." Sharon describes finding the beautiful, elegant, and rare home piece as the devotion that led her to create Finuca.

Among home musings, Sharon also writes about literature and food. Visit Sharon Rodriguez at www.Finuca.com.

NUMBER 2: DESIGN REFUGE

Dagny Thurmann-Hoelseth runs Design Refuge and she's pretty much the sweetest, most genuine person you'll ever meet, blog, or tweet. Dagny is all about blogger power and created Design Refuge to unite the interior design blogosphere.

So, if you're looking for a design community powered by positivity and filled to the brim with inspiration, visit Dagny Thurmann-Hoelseth at www.design-refuge.com.

NUMBER 3: BOSSY COLOR BLOG

Annie Elliott is an interior decorator and founded the Bossy Color Blog. She may be "bossy," but she's also an expert on color so you should probably take her advice. I love Annie because she gives excellent, honest feedback and writes with a touch of good-natured humor.

If a coat of paint can change our world, then interior design world-changers should be sure to check out Annie's blog at blog.bossycolor.com.

NUMBER 4: CREAMY LIFE

I really can't say enough about Ludmila Crigan, founder of Creamy Life. I know I wrote earlier in this post that Dagny Thurmann-Hoelseth, who runs Design Refuge, is the sweetest, most genuine person you'll ever meet, blog, or tweet, but I have to admit - Ludmila is right up there with Dagny.

Ludmila focuses on "interior design, decor, colors or ideas which lead to a creative living." She's an aspiring interior decorator with lots of talent and a wonderful heart. Visit Ludmila Crigan and read her musings at www.creamylife.com.

So, what blogs would you add to this list? Next I'll have to publish a top 10 favorites list!