Tunisian Luxe

I’ve been hearing about these Fouta bath towels for some time now, and experienced one in action this past weekend at the beach.  My friend K brought one along.  Not only was it beautiful to look at and soft to the touch, it served as something to lie on, dry off with,  AND as a sarong when we finally left (about 2 hours too late—ouch.)  The semi-steep price tag is justifiable when you think about how many roles this beach towel plays.  It’s even pretty enough to be used as a throw when the cooler weather arrives.  Tomorrow, hopefully.  (-Laur)

Fouta Beach Towels, From $63, Scents and Feel

Sitting Pretty

Designed to be a bed for small dogs and cats, this is one example of pet furniture and actually adds style to home decor.  I’m jealous.  Why can’t humans have beds as rad as these? (-Laur)

Hepper Pod Pet Bed, $99, Design Public

Whoopie!!! Cushion

The sketchy, illustrated face on this pillow reminds me of all good things—bedtime stories, the fresh start of a school  year, Heidi (of the Swiss tale, not Montag), and a fantastic new haircut.  How can you not smile?  (-Laur)

Meg Pillow, Approximately $45, Donna Wilson

Roped In

Another weekend, another day at the beach.  Hence, another summery Daily Obsession!  Yes, of course this rope mirror looks great as shown, against navy-blue, sailboat printed wallpaper.  But, the shape, color and texture of the piece is neutral enough to look great against a plethora of backdrops.  Very cool indeed.

Nautical Rope Mirror (available end of July),$125, Home By The Seashore (-Laur)

Salty!

Repeated trips to the beach, hawwwt days and nights and a general can’t-ignore-the-weather-no-matter-what type summer was the inspiration for this SBOTW (as the past few have been)!  Instead of designing a room with obvious nautical style, this dining area contains little hints of it, in the cage pendants and the “Salty” print.  Bright colors scream summer though, and so should you—it might be the only way to beat the heat!  (-Laur)

Modern Farm Dining Table, $599, West Elm

Solvar Dining Chairs, $49,99 each, Ikea

Stockholm Figur Rug, $399, Ikea

Frame Lights, from $185, Iacoli & McCallister

Ribba Frame, $24.99, Ikea

“Salty” print by Michelle Vaughan, $200, 20×200

Note the easy shopping!  Ikea continues to be a fantastic source for affordable basic pieces.

Beach to Table

I’m doing my best to make summer REALLY feel like summer by going to the beach as often as possible.  These recycled juice glasses from Canvas remind me of all the lovely beach glass that gathers around the shoreline.  My first instinct would be to mix them in with all white, so the bright colors pop and take center stage.  But these babies can really hold their own, and would add an element of laid back elegance to any table. (-Laur)

Recycled Juice Glasses, $7.50 each, Canvas

Blanket Statement

After a beautiful, long, COOL weekend upstate, I’ve come back to hot, sweaty 101 degrees NYC.   Blech!  Rather than face the humid truth, I’d rather daydream about cool breezes and Mediterranean vacations.  This super-affordable duvet from Urban Outfitters helps develop the fantasy. (-Laur)

Bohemian Medallion Duvet Cover, $58-$68, Urban Outfitters

Sweet Seat

Although it might look like it, you are not, I repeat, NOT,  looking at a beautiful, whimsical illustration of furniture. The thin, graceful lines and candy-coated colors are that of actual chairs, made of iron, no less!  Kind of Alice in Wonderland, and definitely dreamy, I imagine myself and friends hanging out on them, eating matching popsicles while watching July 4th fireworks. (-Laur)

Flores Lawn Chairs, $298 each, Anthropologie

All Striped Up

These classic (but uber-trendy right now) sailor-striped outdoor cushions from Ikea will look great out on the deck for the upcoming July 4th holiday. With the affordable price tag and always-in-style design, these pillows are a sure bet. (-Laur)

HALLO Cushions, $9.99 each, Ikea

Lite Brite

My obsession with outdoor accessories knows no bounds.  Combined with the still-going-strong Edison bulb trend, these lights are unstoppable!  They’d look great out on the porch in the warm weather, and would be a unique way to add some interesting ambiance to a cool evening, indoor party as well. (-Laur)

Vintage Light String, $124.99, Restoration Hardware