. the magpie project .

. oasis .

2017-04-10T18:48:06.197000Z

Spring has officially arrived and it feels like we're just weeks away from those lazy summer days on the patio. Morning coffee on the deck, dining al fresco late into the warm evenings, lounging by the pool on weekends - one of the best things about summer living is extending your living space to embrace your natural setting. Whether you're living in an urban center with a little slice of balcony, or you have the luxury of a lush garden or yard, making the most of your patio with beautiful and functional furnishings can make you feel like you have a whole new living space. Ahead, we've curated a few of our favorite pieces to help you create your own outdoor oasis perfect for lounging, reading, and summer refreshments.

A well-crafted lounge chair is a wonderful investment for any backyard or balcony oasis. These sinuous bent wood designs cradle the body while maintaining airflow and a comfortable temperature - avoid metal and plastics that can get hot in the sun. When oiled seasonally, natural teak wood has a beautiful warmth and wears well in outdoor environments. For those in urban areas needing some extra privacy, or as a way of filtering the sun's rays, the teak wood screen shown below can be used to divide your lounge space from an outdoor dining area, or as a buffer between neighboring patios.

A great way to add color, pattern, or seasonal accents to your outdoor space is with accessories. A well-placed accent cushion in stylish color-blocked tones, or a metallic tray or lantern can make your patio space feel refreshed with minimal effort. We love these textural patterned cushions to pile on a lounger or outdoor sectional - just be sure to bring them indoors during spring showers to extend their lifespan, or look for cushion inserts that are quick drying and antimicrobial for outdoor use.

For those lazy days spent reading and sunning in a lounger, refreshments are a must! Stay hydrated in style with a beautiful earthenware pitcher that naturally stays cool. We love this classic form in soft white glazed clay.

Another great accessory for outdoor dining is the butler table - essentially a small side table whose surface doubles as a portable tray, making a seamless transition from kitchen to patio. While classic versions often feature a folding base and rectangular tray top, there are some great modern options now like the one pictured at the top which features a delicate handle in the center. This IKEA version is a great alternative at a much lower price point.

Our outdoor oasis fantasies wouldn't be complete without some nighttime ambiance in the form of a sleek minimalist concrete firepit. Choose a low version like this that comes with an integrated concrete cover which does double duty as a coffee table while not in use. Or for smaller outdoor spaces, a higher version adds the same magical effect with a much smaller footprint, leaving more room for patio dance parties. Bring on summer!

Looking for design ideas for your outdoor dining space? Stay tuned - next up on the blog, a modern-eclectic outdoor entertaining haven.

. fine lines .

2017-03-28T13:30:47.869000Z

Linear motifs are a favorite of minimalists, embodying a clean, structured aesthetic and a 'less is more' approach that puts the focus on composition, balance and negative space.

The above works by RK Design make a bold statement, and would look great in an all-white Scandinavian modern space, or mixed with colorful furnishings that echo the linear motif, like these amazing wireframe chairs from Bend USA or the Herman Miller.

Form meets function with the elegant linear wireframe shelves in various configurations by designer Dmitry Kozinenko

Finish off the space with some greenery in this stunning (and affordable!) self-watering planter with stand from IKEA, with it's bold linear base and soft ceramic and terracotta palette. The terracotta insert sits inside the ceramic pot which can be filled with water, taking all the guesswork out of keeping your plants healthy and fresh - if you are a plant-killer like me, this is key! The ceramic is a smooth cream color that looks beautiful against the matte black linear metal frame. There are many great geometric plant stands out there, but most are well over the $100 price point - this one is a steal at $34.99, and IKEA can hardly keep them stocked!

Source even more linear designs:

Rectangular planter with linear stand (Ferm Living)

Wireframe plant stand (Menu)

Grid wireframe accent tables (Gus Modern)

Accent cushions with sketchy lines (Little Korboose)

Freestanding mirror with bold linear frame (Menu)

Grid print canvas storage basket (Ferm Living)

. shiny things .

2017-03-28T18:06:43.843000Z

Hello and welcome to the Magpie Project!

Magpies are the original curators. Free to travel at will and not tied to any one place, they create their homes (and perhaps their little magpie identities) by collecting things that catch their eye wherever they go.

Join the flock for updates on the latest design trends, art world happenings, and insider tips to curate your own collection of shiny things.

Connect via email at magpieprojectblog(at)gmail(dot)com and follow the Magpie Project on Instagram @magpieproject