Fabulously Chic- no AC required

I love everything about summer....the food, entertaining, the lazy days, the food....When the freezing cold Connecticut air thaws for me, usually not till mid-May (I really am a Southern girl at heart) I am outside on our patio as much as possible. Watching the kids play, entertaining or just cooking out. And why shouldn't the patio get as much attention as the rest of your decked decor?? You can really make your outside space a real living space and with outdoor fabric it is Family Style personified:)
Sclamandre has some of my favorite luxy patterns. (I did their Neptune's Treasure on my patio with a pleated black trim on all the pillows - truly one of my favorite spots!) Quadrille and LuLu DK are a bit more modern and sleek...I love them too! Curtains, pillows, tailored cushions...treat the sunniest spot in your home with all the attention that you have given to the air conditioned ones!

Mother Nature provides the WoW Factor here
(Ty Larkin, Housebeautiful.com)

California Chi
(Fern Santini Housebeautiful.com)

This is outdoor living!
(Mary McDonald via peakofchic.com)

My favorite Scalamandre for outside!
(scalamandre.com)

Luxe Leather

Hot pink, shocking turquoise or kelley green....leather is not just for the your fathers library chair anymore! "Leather", I put it in quotation marks because I really mean the fake stuff, is the embodiment of Family Style. I love it because it instantly infuses even a traditional space with a youthful vibe. I also love it because spills, smudge and drool wipe right off!. My obsession right now is this fabulous cream croc wallpaper from Stark that I am using on the walls in a very elegant, traditional and antique laden living room. (the trim is painted farrow and ball full glass lacquer in the same cream, a stunning combo!) I also love pleather on breakfast room banquettes and any dining chair. Or as the ultimate room topper, leather papered on the ceiling adds a subtle hint of texture that can be sublime!

Here of some of my favorites!

Love the leather upholstered doors...why not!
(Miles Redd, House Beautiful)

Sumptuous pink leather for this elegant eating perch.
(Johnathan Berger, House Beautiful)

This breakfast table can stand up to strawberry pop tarts!
(Johnathan Berger, House Beautiful)

Oh, by the way, check me out in the Paint section of House Beautiful this month!
xo Leslie