Pool

Home should be a place of relaxation, somewhere to leave the cares of the world behind and retreat into a comfortable haven where peace and tranquility dominate. A pool does mean having a few more responsibilities (cleaning, managing chlorine/salt levels) but what a way to relax! Ensure you plant items around the area which don't shed leaves and therefore contaminate the water plus a non-slip surface around the edge of the pool is a sensible necessity. Sculptures, large comfy chairs and decent-sized tables dotted around help to create the atmosphere required.

Lounge

The bright fresh colours contrast beautifully with the backdrop of white. This proves the point that you don't need a huge budget to make a home an attractive place to be.
Paint everywhere white and and then visit charity shops, auctions, yard sales, car boot sales, etc. Pick up bargains, but choose carefully. Ethnic fabric shops usually have an array of colourful fabrics - rifle through the remnant bins and make cushions, throws for the backs of sofas and chairs, etc. - especially easy if you are able to sew your own. Cheap and definitely cheerful.

Lounge

Imagine spending the afternoons relaxing in just such an area as this - away from the heat of the sun - with loved ones. Eating a light lunch, drinking exotic smoothies then curling up in the swing-chair or lying prone on bamboo, fabric-covered matresses. Just imagine...

Stool

Isn't this just one of the kitsch-iest little stools ever? If you are not taken with the cover imagine it covered in your favourite fabric design: tartan, paisley, denim - anything. Retro with a smirk.

Kitchen

There is so much about this kitchen that is -well, right! Practical, aesthetically pleasing and, no doubt, a pleasure to be in. The nude tiles, double stainless steel sink, faucet...need I go on?

Bedroom

I spent some time living in a beach house on a beautiful Caribbean island some years ago. My bedroom was clean, compact and the soothing sounds of the sea sent me off into deep slumber each night.
The whole ambience here is one which soothes the eyes and the heart of the hurried city-dweller. There is a distinct lack of clutter and nothing is jarring or unnecessary. A lack of frou-frou as window dressing helps too - blinds, which are the most sensible option here, add to the smooth lines.

Balcony

I have replaced my intended post with this one - as a 'gift' to Laura who commented on a previous post 'Patio' .
It would appear the owners have made the perfect use for such a small space. One bonus - no major cleaning! Just blow the leaves off the seats, relax and watch the world go by way on into the night.
Bliss bound right in the heart of a major city.

Flowers

Peony: One of my father's favourite plants and not hard to see why. Growing up planting them, caring for them and making simple flora arrangements was my job as a child - I loved it!
They are so elegant and the clustered, profusion of leaves in the majority of the varieties just adds elegance to any decor or garden. If showcasing them in a vase ensure the actual vessel compliments and does not overshadow the beauty of these flowers. Plain and simple are the order of the day here.

Bedroom

If you aren't a fan of green on bedroom walls then this example may just help you change your mind. The key is to not be too precious about the elements that fit together. Instead you could add a thin-stemmed lamp or add muted shades of orange or pink to make it feel fresher and more modern. Throw some of your own likes and discard what you dislike; use images and ideas as a starting point. Have fun!

Chair

Okay, I'll admit it. I have a thing about chairs and sofas. This chair is too beautiful for me not to add it here. Philippe Starck, the master craftsman, designer, entrepreneur, artist...the list could go on. His eye for beauty has not missed the mark for me - yet.
The question is: Where wouldn't this look good?

Planter

In one of my earlier posts I suggested avoiding plastic plant pots - well here is an alternative which would go well in any garden or on a patio. It is made from terrazzolite which is not as expensive nor as heavy as Terrazzo. Easy to move around although, not so when planted! If the colour doesn't fit in with your scheme you could use stone/concrete paints and give them a light wash.
They range in size from large to small and prices from: $169 - $69 from Motif Furniture.com.

Lounge

Calm, restful tones with a spark of freshness mix an element of the traditional with modernity. This grouping, you will notice, pays no attention to a television - this is a place for talking and relaxing. The large plant helps to balance the outer area and the large blue and cream rug ties it all together.