I always said I didn’t like Roses. Not because I don’t like the flowers but because the bushes look pretty bad in the Winter. My new garden has lots of mature Rose bushes in it and they are all flowering right now.

I have white, cream, scarlet, pink, yellow – fragrant, spray, climbers, ramblers – you name it. I must admit I’m coming around to the idea of Roses. They really are blowing my mind. And such a great cut flower too. My house is literally full.

There are several ways to add shade to your patio.  Trees are a lovely choice, and awnings are perfect when you don’t have trees near the home.  However, the best covers for your patio may actually be the most flexible.

An arbor makes a beautiful cover for any patio.  Fabric draped elegantly over the arbor is luxurious and sophisticated.  It looks stunning, and it creates a welcome look that is soft and inviting.  Choose from your favorite colors to add a splash of style, and enjoy the gentle movement as it sways in the breeze.

If you want a mixture of sun and shade, then retractable covers may be the best option.  Mounted between the house and another structure, you can have a canopy mounted on cables protecting the entire patio.  Open it to keep the bright sunshine away, or close it in the evening to enjoy the shining stars above.

Covers for the patio provide shade and create incredible ambiance.  Invest in some to make your home feel like a welcoming spa and ensure that your property looks fantastic.  Incredibly versatile, you will love having the option of keeping the patio in shade or sun.

When shopping for patio furniture, consider what activities you will pursue in this part of your home.  You don’t want to head out and buy a dining table and chairs if you hate eating outside.  You also don’t want to invest in a sofa set if you are installing an outdoor kitchen and plan to use it as much as possible.  Here are some tips to help you choose the right furniture for your needs.

The planned uses for your furniture will drastically affect what you ultimately buy.  Dining tables are ideal if you plan to eat outside when possible, and sofa sets are perfect for relaxing.  Consider investing in a bar with stools if you will eat outside sometimes but plan on entertaining often.  Taking the time to consider what your deck will be used for will help you choose the right furniture.

Draw a diagram of your patio.  Consider how much space you are willing to lose to patio furniture.  When you go shopping, take the diagram with you.  It can help you picture how much space a loveseat will require and if there is enough room for that extra rocking chair.  Knowing what will fit comfortably will help you prioritize your purchases.

There are many options available when it comes to patio furniture. Look for a set that will

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Once in a while I like to see what is for sale in my neck of the woods, Portland is only a few hours away and they always have some modern architecture happening. I really like the verticality of this modern home. The sliding slatted window coverings are a pretty functional design element. The wood facade and all of the wood on the interiors may be a little much for my taste but well done. The feature that most appeals to me is how open the interiors are, you really get a sense of volume.

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High Point Market that is!

This past Spring market, the Material Girls (along with other fab bloggers!) were invited to participate in Suite Spot Tours at the International Market Centers in High Point, NC. As part of the tour, we were each allowed to select vendors through-out the market suites to feature as part of our intimate guided tour:

To highlight a few of the vendors I included on my tour (& some of my favorite finds!) heres a re-cap:

Marc Phillips Rugs always love their collection of area rugs, and especially the new unique artist designed rugs that I also featured here.

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The Yas is one of those hotels that is, without question, pure James Bond. For a start, it hovers partly over a Formula 1 racing track not something Im particularly interested in, but it does make for an interesting talking point. If youre absolutely loaded, you can also turn up here in your yacht before the race starts and have some time on land before heading off.

In terms of interiors, Yas hotel features a lot of curved walls, clean gleaming surfaces and effortless minimalism. At the same time, it retains the feeling of being comfortable and functional. A rare thing indeed.