Its so true, once you have an image or a item in your mind you start to search for it, your eye quickly adapts to these mind searches....and then you see it! At this time of year I feel that we all gravitate to the water, for relaxing, clarity, and rejuvenation. It brings us coolness from the heat and rejuvenates our spirits, almost like an awaking - again we are alive. (as refreshing as the water is, its usually still pretty cold!)

Its with that feeling that we see the trend in home decor at this time of year - creating that sea and ocean oasis in our lounges and even more on our patios! Maybe we even install an outdoor fountain, listening to the soothing water. These trends in colour palettes from blues, yellows, and the fiery oranges - mixing tranquil with alive, stunning!

The sea inspires me, I get lost in the colours of blue, the sound of the water and the way the sun dances on its surface, beautiful score of natural music. These elements inspired me today in creating a palette that incorporates the sea into a dining space bringing that outdoor boldness of the sea feeling indoors. (One of my dining room fantasy design rooms would to be to use these elements in a glass greenhouse - imagine how stunning it would be!) I also have found since I searched out a few items of octopus in home decor, my eye now 'seas' more and it would seem that I have also fallen for this interesting form of 'octo-galore' love. So this journey begins........

Start with a table, one simple in form that can be extended for large gatherings and yet flexible for hosting casual to formal settings. Mix and match your chairs, maybe have end chairs that are stronger in the space and anchor your side chairs accordingly. Another take would be end chairs and two benches. Dressing the table with linen, use linen napkins and a runner - layer colour & textiles for interest. Add candles in a mix of colour (the seascape possibly blue tapers, one large orange pillar, and while tapers) and candle stick heights. Next is your glassware, have small tumbler water glasses and goblet style wine glasses, and if its a large gathering mix your goblets with coloured glass! Cutlery is next, I prefer one solid style or a mix of antique silverware. Then your plates, a classic white set is an essential, and then layer your side plates in patterns and bold colours. Finish your table with either a mass of personal posies that can be arranged in small votive holders - placed in front of the dinner plate - label with your guest name on a label. Or incorporate three center arrangements - go overboard with greenery and bold pops of colour. Here use your inner designer voice of Go Big or Go Home!

Here are a few snaps to help dressing your space in the Sea of inspiration........