What do you get when you take a neglected, boring courtyard in an otherwise fabulous MCM home, add some killer cement tile, and outdoor kitchen and hire one of the city's best muralists to let her creativity flow like margaritas in the summer heat?
Well, if you are Shauna Glenn, you get this vibrant, colorful cantina that would rival the best five star resort in Mexico for #1 Happy Hour spot. 
Welcome to the Cantina.

It's shocking really, to see this space before. Right off the dining room, behind the stairs to the bottom level, the courtyard is nestled between the house and garage, and accessed via a sliding glass door. Courtyards and interior patios are nothing new in MCM homes. At a project we did a few years ago, the interior courtyard was situated smack dab in the middle of the home. And as always with Shauna, she could see the potential right away. An outdoor kitchen setup was already started, just needed a few additions. Container herb gardens make for easy harvesting and the addition of the outdoor friendly cement tile make a significant improvement over the original asphalt.

Evidence of Mariell Guzman's talent is on display all over Fort Worth. Her murals quickly caught Shauna's eye and she knew right away that Mariell would be her artist of choice to take this courtyard from sad to fantastico. Read more about Mariell and her artistic journey here on our Artist Spotlight.
Initially, the courtyard was scheduled to be included in the HGTV Magazine feature on Shauna's house, but unfortunately, it was cut last minute. Since then, however, Mariell has been back to the Cantina to finish what she started with the completion of the last wall mural. 

I mean, who could be in a bad mood out here? Even the foam Easter Bunny is not upset that he's been abandoned on a garden stool until next spring.
And luckily, HGTV Magazine made good on their promise to feature the courtyard. You can find it in the July/August 2022 issue, as well as in the May/June issue of 76107 Magazine. 
Resources:
​Cement Tile: Zia Tile
Blue Dining Set: Table from CB2 (discontinued, similar here), Chairs from CB2
Yellow Dining Set: Table from Wayfair, chairs from West Elm (sold out, similar here)
Yellow Acapulco Chairs: West Elm (sold out, similar here)
Garden Stools: Wayfair
White Accent Table: Article
​Pillows: West Elm and here

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I don't know about you, but my feeling is that Spring 2020 deserves a serious do-over. Yes, for kids it was the Spring Break that never ended, but we grown ups have some different feelings about that. So, in standard do-over fashion, there's no settling for "good enough". You deserve a proper do-over. A grown up do-over. A serious investment of a do-over. And that should start with your home. I know, you've spent a LOT of time there. But that's precisely why it deserves a little TLC. 
This patio, for instance was the last space in our client's house that we had to tackle; but boy was it worth the wait. This is a space the family of 5 (triplets!) is going to be spending countless hours in, and with both fans and heaters installed, it's now a space that can be used almost year round. Except for, you know, those once-in-a-decade winter storms. 

Check out our Outdoor shopping page for more great patio finds! 

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We have been known from time to time to bite off more than we can chew. Or more accurately, to think that "it'll just take an hour" to pull of a major project. Case in point was this patio at the home of our recent Playroom project. We had run to World Market for some last minute accessories and discovered all of their outdoor furniture at amazing deals. Wouldn't it be great to surprise our clients with a new patio too? So, load up the van with all the goodies and while it turned out amazing and our clients were thrilled, it DID take a bit more than an hour to set it all up. In the end though, totally worth it. Shop the entire look here. 

And while you're at it, check out all the other fun products for your next outdoor party now up to 50% off at World Market. 

1. Santiago Outdoor Collection
2. Acrylic Party Tub
3. Patchwork Placemat Set
4. Napa Acrylic Tumblers
5.LED String Lights
6. Avocado Pool Float
7. Unicorn Corn Cob Holders
8. Aqua Pacific Tumbler
9.Cactus Lidded Cups
10. Maraca Cocktail Shaker
11. Fruit Pong Game
12. Giant Tiki Checkers

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If you're looking for us this weekend, we'll be right here. With these fluffy towels from Serena & Lily and our latest favorite book. Their Memorial Day Sale starts today and y'all, 20% off everything! Use code SUMMERPREP to get your discount on our favorite things outdoor.

1. Summerland Outdoor Bell Pendant
2. Summerland Outdoor Bell Pendant, Gray
3. Surf Stripe Pillow Cover
4. Pacifica Bar Cart
​5. Pacifica Sofa
​6. Bamileke Outdoor Side Table
​7. Whitewashed Rattan Hurricane
8. Santa Cruz Pillow Cover
9. Montecito Pillow Cover
10. Teak Sling Chair
11. Mallorca Beach Towel
​12. Capistrano Outdoor Dining Chair
13. Terrace Round Dining Table
​14. Outdoor Riviera Side Chair
15. Galliano Rug

Sale runs through May 28. Happy Memorial Day! 
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Here in Texas, we are currently in the sweet spot when it comes to being outside. The spring rains are over (hopefully), temperatures are not oppressive, and evening breezes are still somewhat cool. Last weekend it didn't even get out of the 60s so we're feeling pretty lucky so far this May. Perfect timing for Wayfair's outdoor sale. If you need completely new furniture, they've got the best quality at great prices. Yes, shopping Wayfair can be a bit overwhelming but they key is to focus on the reviews. We've never been disappointed on anything we've bought that has at least 4 stars. One of our favorite pieces is the Ariana Planter Bench. Like bringing your favorite park bench right to you own yard.

​So, furniture, check. Now for the fun part. There's no reason why your outdoor space shouldn't be as fun and colorful as your indoor spaces. Rugs, wall decor, pillows, everything you have inside should be outside as well. These days, you'd be surprised at the quality of outdoor rugs and fabrics. Style AND durability. Because we know, the chances of you remembering to bring in the cushions before the next rain storm are slim. Check out our top outdoor decor picks to spruce up your space.

1. Natoli Plastic Planter--Yes! Plastic. And self watering. Because remembering to water plants is the hardest part. 
2. Hawaiian Cone Garden Torch--A sleek update from the old school bamboo torches.
3. Tabb Floral Outdoor Rug--Our favorite color combo of navy, coral and aqua brightens up any patio space. 
4. Patina Sun Wall Decor--Who says wall decor is only for indoors?
5. Bezu Melamine Platter Set--Inspired by Italian ceramics, and entirely outdoor safe.
6. Coral Melamine Plate Set--You'd never guess these were melamine with their look of handcrafted ceramics.
7. Gravesend Acrylic Glass Set--A set of 8 with the look of recycled glass.
8. Canyon Adara Wood Lantern--Add a touch of the modern with this woven wood and glass hurricane.
9. Fish Tales Coastal Napkins--Choose from three color stories or, buy one of each and mix and match. 
​10. Cherrelle Wood Spring Riviera Birdhouse--If Shauna was a bird, you can bet she would live in this house.
​11. Sakura Garden Stool--We love garden stools anywhere in the home, but they are perfect for an outdoor end table.
12. Brierley Wind Chime--Drown out the sounds of fighting kids with these multi-colored capiz shells.
13. Mount Vernon Outdoor Chandelier--Create the perfect ambience for your next outdoor dinner party. 

Want a quick and easy update to your home that doesn't cost a fortune? Consider painting your front door a vibrant, eye-popping color. We love the rich color palettes of fall and have taken inspiration from our favorite paint resource, Sherwin Williams to create four fall front door looks that will make your house the best looking one on the street. Whether your style is modern, boho, or somewhere in between, we've paired our favorite colors with doormats, planters, house numbers and outdoor seating to create a front porch that will make your neighbors green with envy.
Pro tip: Switch out the doormat for a 2x3 outdoor rug.
Now shut that fancy front door and get outside!

Paint: Oceanside by Sherwin Williams
Outdoor Rug: Pier 1
​Metal Chair: World Market
Planter: World Market
House Numbers: Houzz

Paint: Wild Currant from Sherwin Williams
Outdoor Rug: Pier 1
Rocker: World Market
Planter: World Market
House Numbers: Houzz

Paint: Carnival by Sherwin Williams
Doormat: Pier 1
Outdoor Lounger: World Market
Planter: Pier 1
House Numbers: Houzz

Paint: Passionate Purple by Sherwin Williams
Outdoor Rug: Pier 1
Adirondack Chair: West Elm
Planter: World Market
House Numbers: Houzz

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It's summer time, June is flying by and July is quickly approaching. We have put together some ideas for your Fourth of July party. Whether it's at your lake house, beach house, or your backyard pool, these are some fun and creative ideas to celebrate the good 'ol USA.

Fun, festive and fizzy beverages will liven up any party!

C'mon, everyone comes to the party for the food!

Setting the table is my favorite part. How cute are those painted pineapples?

Party games will keep the kids entertained. And might just engage the grown-ups too.

Speaking of the kids, they will LOVE this dessert table!

Keep beverages cool all day long with these great ideas!