I really need to go to Ikea

Lots of interesting things in their new summer collection.

Salvia Hanging Planter

I've installed a plant hook outside, so I'd like to make use of it with a large planter filled with flowers or a cherry tomato plant.

Skina Lighting Chain
Yellow

Pretty. Nice that it uses a battery - could weave them around the deck banister or on the table.

Grenö Bolster Cushion
Yellow
(Also a regular cushion in this pattern)

These would be a nice accent on my wooden bench if I can't find a yellow bench cushion.

Sommar Hanging Tealight Holder
Yellow

These are adorable, though I don't know if I could really use them on my deck.

Asian theme Plaques

A while back I mentioned I had a couple wall plaques with an Asian/Art Deco theme, and here are the pictures I promised. Still not sure what I want to do with them.

On deck

I took some photos of my deck as it is currently, and includes the lights I recently purchased.

I put the fun lights up! Can't wait to see them in the dark.

My two deck chairs and bench. I want to get a yellow cushion for the bench, but I'm having trouble finding one.

Targeted

Today's Target Haul
Lovely yellow platter to coordinate with my deck; lovely Dwell for Target placemats for my turquoise kitchen (not shown, matching dishtowels); in the back, the box for the Smith & Hawken Cafe Lights, below.
Also in the photo are some paper napkins I picked up some other time, and a container of straws from Ikea.

Mulling over the bathroom

I'm not sure why more companies don't make towels that are bold, fun prints. Solid color towels are so blah. I'm looking for towels to make that big pop of color in my tiny tiny bathroom. Think back to vintage towels - those things were amazing! Great patterns, great colors. I have a YSL set (from my parents), that are the most gorgeous deep navy and deep green geometric print. My goal is to have a 90% neutral bathroom, with the towels being the colorful/patterned pop.

Some ideas:

Nora Print
Pottery Barn
I have to admit, I do love this print - the coloring and everything.

Castle Grounds Print
Anthropologie
Nice towels... but I'm not sure if they really wow me.

Contemporary Home Towel Set in Red Jacquard
Target
Not bad.

Deck inspiration, cont.

Smith & Hawken Lantern Lights

Smith & Hawken Cafe Lights - Multicolored

Outdoorsy

So, with the weather getting gradually warmer, thoughts naturally turn to outdoor entertaining.

Last summer I bought a pair of chairs from Target that have a white metal frame and a sunny yellow fabric seat/back. Lovely!

I have a wood bench on the deck, as well, but I need more table space... and then I got distracted by Ikea and its outdoor/garden stuff.

PS Vallo Watering Can
Malaro Outdoor Table
Evert Stool

New sofa? Maybe.

So I suppose I can be as elitist as I want, in terms of wanting to buy quality furniture, but I can't step away from a good deal that is exactly what I want.

Enter the Ikea Karlstad sofa. It's pretty much exactly the style, size, and color I've been looking for in a sofa, and it's $500. Can't beat that. The only question is if I can transport it from the store on my own (if I can get my sister & her van in on it, maybe).

We'll see! I could very well purchase this very soon. At which point I'll have an extra sofa I won't know what to do with.

Wall Decor

So my walls in my living room are rather blank. I took a panoramic photo, and WOW are the walls BORING.

I'll try to post the panorama, later - it's not exactly the most neat version, but it's not too bad.

First off, I have two matching pieces of wall-art, made out of some plaster- or ceramic-like material, asian and deco inspired, from the 80s. From what I can tell, there was a bit of an Art Deco revival in the 80s, although it was done with all the 80s panache that you would expect. I got these from my Mom, and only recently rediscovered them, rather on accident. The only downside is that these things are SUPER heavy.

Need to post measurements and pictures of these items, later.

Next, I've been looking for prints that coordinate more with the green/deco theme...

"Flock Print" by Heather Amuny-Dey
Velocity Art and Design

"Soleil Toute L'Année" by Roger Broders
AllPosters.com

"Villefranche" by Roger Broders
AllPosters.com

"Cote d'Azur" by Jean-Gabriel Domergue
AllPosters.com

Also, I must say, that I may actual purchase an "As Seen On TV" product - Hercules Hooks. These seem like a great solution for a rental that more-or-less doesn't want one to use molly brackets.