FROM THE EDITOR

THE ROMANCE OF SUMMER

Like all good romances, summer is full of promises. More sunlight, longer days, picnics and parties, grills aglow and fireflies.

While the outdoors call us to swimming pools and sunset celebrations, the inside of our home becomes a refuge. For this summer season, we found bright colors and bright light to be our inspiration. Color-saturated living spaces with natural light spilling in from the outdoors are found in both home features.

For a fun weekend activity (or your next summer soiree), read about where you can hand-pick gorgeous flowers at a local flower farm or explore farmers markets throughout the metro. Putting those two things together in “Gatherings,” we’ve set the table with seasonal blooms and melons that create a sunny scene, like something out of a dream.

There’s wisdom to glean from local experts on growing succulents and staging the perfect picnic. Learn about both summer pastimes from our “Enthusiasts.” In this issue, you’ll also find some accessories for the home in different hues of blue and a beautiful poolside scene to inspire you to stay cool, even in the summer heat.

Whether you are lounging by the pool or in the shade of a tree, or maybe in the cool comfort of your home, we hope you find inspiration here for your living spaces — and that as summer stretches over the 405, you can fully appreciate this luminous season.

SARA GAE WATERS Editor-in-Chief

INSPIRATIONS

FASCINATING IDEAS AND FANCIFUL OBJECTS FOR THE HOME

Just Add Sun

FOR THE NOVICE GARDENER, SUCCULENTS ARE AN ALMOST CARE-FREE CHOICE. PAGE 16