SPACE SAVERS

LIFESTYLE EXPERT COLLEEN MULLANEY’S HIGH DESIGN ON A LOW BUDGET

CREATING AN OUTDOOR OASIS

SpaceSavers_OutdoorOasis Don’t fret; summer isn’t over just yet! There’s still time to
create that outdoor oasis you’ve always dreamed of. You
know, the one that you’ve seen in magazines that you
thought was styled just for the shoot. A sexy, inspiring and
chill outdoor space is actually easier to put together than you think.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Ask it

What kind of sanctuary do you seek? Does it include a water feature? Multiple seating areas? What will you do there? Entertain? Think?

Rest? Nap or dream?

2. Work it

Work with what you have, clean up and clean out. Then make a list, make a sketch and make a plan.

3. Decorate it

What kind of seating do you envision? All-weather wicker? Cast-iron garden? Whatever your choice, pick up some cushions and coordinating throw pillows to soften and cozy up the space. Pick colors that pop. Go for tropical hues like pineapple yellow, deep corals and/or vivid lime greens—these brights are a must for any oasis. If you have space for a small fountain, it’s a great way to up the calm factor. They are easy to install and can be found at most local and chain home improvement warehouses. If you plan to use the space for entertaining, set out a table and chairs and hang a blooming chandelier above. Simply fill the pockets of an iron or brass chandelier with soils and trailing plants and hang it from a tree branch or awning above for an enchanted forest look. Add some evergreen shrubs to define the space and flowers to add color and fragrance.

4. Light it

For night-lights, set out a bunch of solar landscape lights (they really do work!) and a few pillar candles in heavy glass or cast-iron frames. Hang a few strands of pretty paper lanterns or string lights for extra twinkle; just remember to take them in when summer rain is in the forecast. Put some finishing touches on the oasis with decorative elements—a glimmering butterfly or sparkly frog will keep you company and add whimsy.

5. Drink it

Make yourself a refreshing cocktail like the Miami Bay Breeze. The delicate combination of vodka, orange, pineapple and mango juices makes it an ideal libation for those sultry summer days. (The complete recipe can be found in my book, It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere.)

6. Oasis it

Now that all the work is done, all that’s missing is you. Be sure to carve out time to enjoy your new space and those hot summer nights—before you know it, that oasis will be covered in snow.

Colleen Mullaney has enjoyed a long and dynamic career devoted to style and entertaining. Whether it be through her many published works or with her friends and family, Colleen has made it her passion to bring style to the world through floral design, home decorating and crafting. Colleen is a former editor in chief of Family Circle Homecrafts, FTD In Bloom and Jo-Ann magazines. Most recently, she partnered with Chris Madden on the launch of her magazine At Home with Chris Madden.

Her books include Shells, Faux Fabulous Florals (Sixth&Spring) and her popular Punch (in its third printing with Chronicle Books; more than 30,000 copies have been sold in such outlets as Williams-Sonoma and Anthropologie). Colleen will celebrate her take on bridal with One-of-a-Kind Weddings (Creative Publishing) as well as the global entertaining landscape with It’s 5 o’clock Somewhere (Sixth&Spring). Colleen has created interiors for residential and commercial spaces, and she’s designed cottage gardens and floral arrangements for clients up and down the East Coast. You can also see her work in full color on HGTV’s Insider’s Garden and soon on the web with a yet-to-be-announced project. Colleen lives in Westchester, N.Y., with her husband and three children, where she is constantly hosting playdates and dinner parties, toiling in the garden, and working on future projects.

For more from Colleen, go to www.colleenmullaney.com.