It’s finally patio season and I for one could not be any happier about that! I’m a big outdoor person, so to finally be able to comfortably spend time outside (and not need to layer myself in clothing) feels fantastic.

In light of this sunny weather we’ve been having, I thought I’d share a few photos from the Andrew Richard Designs 2013 Spring/Summer preview.

If you haven’t already been, I strongly recommend you check out the Andrew Richard Designs showroom on Adelaide Street East in Toronto. ARD always has stylish outdoor furniture and accessories, and this year they’ve added a few new pieces to the collection that I absolutely love. Here are a couple of my favourites…

The “Cityscape” Sectional. I’m in love with the combination of teak and metal. The armrest is big enough to rest a cup of coffee, perfect for those sunny weekend mornings!

Grace Lounge Chair and Ottoman. Love the high back profile. I’m also slightly obsessed with the colour grey so, needless to say, I’d get this set in a heartbeat.

So which piece is YOUR favourite?

Me with Andrew Bockner of Andrew Richard Designs

Let’s celebrate the weather heating up with a touch of hot pink, shall we? This week you have a budget of $40. Which hot pink style item item would you treat yourself to; a fashionable hot pink tote or a modern hot pink pillow?

1  Nylon berry tote
Perfect for a gal who is always on the go, this bright berry tote will hold everything you need — and more! Tuck books, sunglasses, a few light groceries, healthy snacks, summer fashion essentials and more into this compact, fully lined bag and take off for a luxurious weekend getaway or day at the beach. Indigo, $39.50.

2  Neon heart pillow
Show your summer home decor some love this year with this heartfelt throw pillow. This darling home decor accessory offers a burst of modern (yet slightly retro) aesthetic and is great for cuddling up with on a warm summer night. Wonder, $30.

You can only choose one item; which do you buy?

Did you know Style at Home has its own home decor collection? Our limited edition product line is running out, but not to worry because we’ve giving away one fabulous prize pack that showcases the collection! Keep reading to find out what’s up for grabs and how you can enter.

Here’s what you could win:

1 Tallulah king sheet set, $60.

2 Bath towel set (Putty colour), $50.

3 Pitcher, $40.

How to enter:

Check out our Style at Home Limited Edition Collection and leave a comment below telling us which home decor product is your favourite. One response will be chosen at random to win the grand prize pack.

Contest closes June 7, 2013 at 12pm EST. Open to all residents of Canada, except those in Quebec. Not open to any Transcontinental Media employees, their families, or any other persons with whom they reside.

Good luck!

Note: The collection is available for purchase at styleathome.com/shop.

Fab find
Mercury candleholders, $5.26; West Elm.

Create a soft, romantic glow on your outdoor patio this season with these darling, twinkling candleholders. Made in India these beautiful home decor accessories will add charm and a sprinkling of luxury to any space.

Imagine lighting a few of these reflective gems while going for a soak in the tub or sipping champagne under the stars on your stylish outdoor terrace. Yes please, we’ll order a dozen!

Where would YOU use these candleholders in your home?

Are you as excited as we are for The Great Gatsby premiere? Since this visual masterpiece opens today we thought we would celebrate its arrival by increasing our usually modest (imaginary) budget so that we can ‘splurge’ on something truly decadent and lavish.

So, this week, let’s all imagine we live in Gatsby’s world and that we have $1,400 to spare. Which item would you rather buy: a pair of stunning Tiffany’s earrings or a 1920s chandelier?

1  Tiffany Villa Paloma palm earrings
These stunning black onyx earrings are inspired by some of the most breathtaking gardens from around the world and have great Gatsby style. Tiffany & Co., $1,300.

2  1920s Odeon Glass Fringe 3-Ring Chandelier
Imagine popping some bubbly and dancing til dawn beneath the soft, tea-light 20s glow of this stunning chandelier. Not only will its spectacular presence shine the light on your great taste, but it will become an instant conversation piece, as well. Restoration Hardware, $1,400.

Which one would YOU choose?

Fab find
Ceramic floral bucket vases, $32.72 to $49.50; West Elm.

Sprucing up your summer home decor can be a simple task if you introduce a few stunning floral arrangements into the mix. These ceramic bucket-style vases are a chic and stylish way to incorporate large blooms or very tall species into your home.

Alternatively, the vases could also double up as an adorable umbrella stand to make a welcoming entryway even cozier. The possibilities are endless!

How do YOU prepare your home for summer?

Let’s add a beautiful burst of colour to our homes and our walk-in closets this week!

With a budget of $50, which do you fancy the most: a beautiful floral patterned nylon trench or a vibrant vase?

1  Print mac
Keep smiling on dark rainy days with this perky patterned mac. It is bold, it is beautiful and it is sure to command attention when the heaven’s open in spring. Joe Fresh, $49.

2  Coloured cylinder vases
These glass beauties are ideal for showing off your best May flowers. Place in a welcoming entryway, a romantic master bedroom, a luxurious bathroom or wherever you feel like having flowers. Versatile, practical and pretty. What’s not to love? West Elm, $42.

Which item would YOU choose?

Mint green is perhaps one of the most soothing shades kicking around the design world these days. Decorating with green results in a look that is elegant, sophisticated, playful and perky — all characteristics that bring life to any home decor scheme.

Here are six of our favourite ways to use mint green in the home.

1  Mint green fabric. Create by the Yard on Etsy, $10.50 USD.
2  Floral apple iPhone case. FieldTrip on Etsy, $18 USD.
3  Striped paper straws. Back to Zero on Etsy, $4 USD.
4  Green tutu. Little Dreamers Inc. on Etsy, $75.
5  Textured dip bowls. West Elm, $4.79 each.
6  Mini rose trim. FrogFeathers on Etsy, $3.89.

Personally, I am in love with #2, the iPhone case!

Which item is YOUR favourite?

Working at Style at Home, I’m constantly daydreaming about stylish ways to update my home. Flipping through pages and pages of photographs of beautiful homes each month is enough to make anyone drool! About two and a half years ago, I worked with designer Lisa Canning to makeover my comfortable but outdated condo. If you didn’t see the before pictures then, here’s what my condo originally looked like:

I know, I know. It definitely needed an overhaul. Lisa was incredible, listening to my ideas and turning them into reality. I explained that I wanted my condo to have the feeling of ‘liveable luxury’ and she went to work on my vision. Here’s what my space looked like after Lisa’s touch:

What a transformation!

It’s been two and a half years and I felt that it was time to update things just a little bit more. I loved the light, airy feeling that Lisa had created. My living room had been dark and dreary before but her use of white and grey really lightened the space up. However, there were a few things I was ready to change. The white shag carpets that she used needed an update and I wanted something with more visual interest. For years, I had been eyeing the rug you see peeking out from the living room in Christine Hanlon’s open-concept kitchen/living area. Take a look here:

{Photography by Michael Graydon. Isn’t this space incredible? Read the full story here.}

After many months spent searching for a rug that had a similar bold, black and white pattern and was affordable, I stumbled upon a photo of the perfect rug on Pinterest. I clicked and clicked and clicked until I ended up on the retailer site, Shades of Light.  The website offers customers an extensive number of options for lighting, rugs, mirrors and other home accessories. I found the rug I’d been searching for: Connect the Dots Dhurrie Rug.

At $349 for a sizeable 5×8 rug, I couldn’t believe my good luck! The rug is perfect for my space and has added the pop of pattern and interest I was looking for. Here’s how my space looks now:

I absolutely love my new rug! The bold graphic pattern makes my living room look a lot more modern and interesting now and it feels good underfoot. I just love the contrast of the black and white.

As you can see, I’ve made a few other changes from Lisa’s original design. I’ve changed the cushions; they were a steal from Winners, $39.99 for the pair. I updated the coffee table as well – I needed a more practical, functional table with a larger useable surface and this travertine table from Crate & Barrel is perfect for entertaining.

My mom bought me a wool blanket from The Bay’s HBC Collection for Christmas and I love the injection of colour it adds to my space.

A few favourite books with pretty spines also help to add colour and interest.

What do you think of the changes I’ve made? Do you like my space before or after? Leave a comment below!

Fab find
Lemon vase filler, $20.60 (set of 6); Pottery Barn.

If you love decorating with yellow these perky faux lemons may be perfect! They look as real as can be, but are actually made of plastic and painted with an authentic textured aesthetic. This means you can leave them out in a beautiful vase all year round without any worry. Cheerful lemons like this would make pretty counter-worthy kitchen accessories or great home decor accessories in the living room.

How do YOU freshen up your decor for the season?