WEEKEND PLANS

I'm so glad the weekend is only a day away, although I'll be spending it running around like crazy trying to finish a staging project I need to complete before I go on vacation next week. Instead, how I wish I was enjoying a couple of days in this soothing Swedish Summer lake house photographed by the talented London-based photographer Rachael Smith. It's the ideal retreat for a delicious weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The decor is done just right with enough furniture and beautiful details to create a comfy refuge to lounge in. I can just see myself killing time in that groovy white lounge chair by the fire indulging on a divine Summer cocktail (I guess it doesn't hurt to daydream). Cheers!... and enjoy whatever fabulous plans you have this weekend.

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FLAMING STYLE

This weekend marks the unofficial start of the much anticipated Summer season (at least for us living in the U.S since we're celebrating Memorial Day). With it, comes breezy days at the beach, fabulous family get-togethers and delicious afternoon barbecues in the backyard. So why not get your grilling started right with the chic Eva Solo Grill Globe. Following the simplicity of Danish design, the integrated lid incorporates a thermometer, which saves having it hanging on the grill or lying on the ground. The black bottom half of the grill is made of aluminium, while the lid and the four-legged stand are made of stainless steel. Also, the stand is designed so a table and a holder for various grill utensils can quickly be attached. Happy grilling!

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PIN IT!

As we get ready to start enjoying the outdoors, why not begin thinking of new furniture and accessories to make the experience that much enjoyable. With this ingenious table designed by Norwegian designer Andreas Engesvik for Menu, you don't have to leave your style at home. The Pin Table is a tribute to outdoor activities since you can take it to the park, the beach or wherever you can pin it into the ground and use as a little side table for those refreshing summer cocktails.

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Summer Trends

• Written by UK based guest blogger Daniel Nelson, design writer for mydeco.com.

Trends forecasting is a terribly difficult game to play, especially when new products can arrive and steal the show mid-season — all it takes is a well placed Missoni print and the direction can change. Over the past three months we have seen mydeco.com users in the US steer from their usual hiding place creating 'feminine' and 'classic' interiors and moving over to creating modern, contemporary living spaces. So, what does this say about the changes to interior design for 2011?  Who can say? But we do know that as we're well emerged into Summer, our minds head towards clearing space and creating lighter, airier spaces that make us feel calm and peaceful.

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Paradise Found

Did you miss me? I certainly missed you. But after eight days of relaxation and living the island life, I'm back in town all rested and recharged. I don't mean to brag, but it was a splendid week filled with sunny days, delicious Mexican food and amazingly friendly people. Isla Mujeres lived up to my expectations and then some. It is quite a charming place I highly recommend to anybody who's looking to get away and enjoy nature at its best. There were plenty of adventures to keep us busy and our minds stimulated with all the breathtaking experiences the island has to offer. Between traveling mainland to see phenomenal Mayan ruins, going underground into the spectacular cenotes and snorkeling around the island's coral reef, the week went by really fast and left me wanting more.

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A Midsummer Day's Dream

Summer houses should be colorful and happy. They need to set the mood for a relaxing and enjoyable time away from home. This darling find in Fire Island, New York, is that and much more thanks to the creative vein of interior designer Alexandra Angle. The exquisitely-curated rooms put a smile on my face, and that amazing Tropicalia Cocoon hanging chair, by no other than Patricia Urquiola, makes me want to crawl in with a tropical cocktail on hand and simply daydream. Big sigh!

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