Urban Barn's Summer 2017 Collection

Ontario’s spring weather is leaving much to be desired. We’ve had a pretty consistent drizzle of rain throughout the past week, and the only break in sight is Sunday’s morning forecast of flurries. Needless to say, the days are pretty grey and summer weather feels far away.

I recently popped into my local Urban Barn to peruse the summer collection, and despite the weather, I left feeling pretty amped about summer BBQ’s, boat trips, afternoon swims and lounging around. And even if our weekend weather isn’t consistently hitting those high temperatures, there are a few things we can do to make the indoors feel cheerful and relaxing, (with the help of a few essentials from UB’s summer collection!):

1. PILLOW REFRESH: Urban Barn’s selection of pillows has something to suit pretty much everyone’s tastes. From tropical florals, to beautiful blues, colourful geometric prints and everything in between. You can easily liven up a gloomy sofa with a few new pillows sporting a summery palette.

2. NEW ART: A new piece of artwork will easily breathe new life into a room. Urban Barn has lots to choose from, but for summer my eye is on those over-sized ocean landscapes, but also partial to those Just Docked row boats.

3. NAUTICAL NECESSITIES: It’s no secret that anything nautical will instantly make a space feel beachy. Urban Barn has TONS of options that are quirky and fun, without feeling cheesy (as nautical can easily become). Choose one or two to add to your summer space for a touch of whimsy.

4. POPS OF COLOUR: Summer is the best time of year to add colour to your space. Blues, corals and yellows are all over the summery vignettes at UB, and although we usually look to pillows to add these pops, it’s just as easy to add a new pair of brightly coloured drapes, a new table or floor lamp or a foot stool as colourful accents.

And for the record, I've managed to narrow down my shopping list to these guys featured below :)

Breaker Wall Art  |  Sammy Shark Wall Decor  |  Sammy Shark Wall Decor Large  |  Santella Toss 20x20 Turquoise Throw Pillow  |  Shane Toss 20x20 Sea Throw Pillow  |  Go Jump in the Lake  |  Ariel Mermaid Bottle Opener  |  Party Napkins Set of 8  |  Varsity Canadian Flag Toss 12x22 Throw Pillow  |  Compass Outdoor Wall Decor  |  Miami Outdoor Rug - Tile Steel
** A special thank you to Urban Barn for sponsoring this post

Sponsored Post: Great Gift Ideas from UncommonGoods

Ya’ll know that thing that happens when the holidays have just ended and you’re calmly settling into the new year and then BAM, someone’s birthday, engagement, housewarming etc. hits you, and you find yourself in need of a gift. You’re not ready to step back into a mall (the nightmares of lineups, crowds and dry mall air are still too real), so you decide to hit the interweb in search of something special.

With your web browser open and recipient in mind, if you're anything like me, you typically go blank at this stage of the online shopping process. Enter UncommonGoods, a handy online shop that not only offers unique and meaningful gifts, but is also a shop that has made sustainability a focus for their business. Offering an eclectic mix of products, with many made from recycled materials and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Alongside many of the items you’ll find  a head shot of the maker along with a bio and inspiration behind the product. When it comes to gifting your item, you can always pass along what you’ve learned about their gift, which adds to the thoughtfulness and will likely turn your gift into a true conversation piece. Plus these little tidbits from the maker are just kinda cool and interesting to read about. 

As with any site, there is always lots to see and search, but UncommonGoods makes it easy on you with curated gift-giving lists based on occasion or person. Not sure what you get your sister for her birthday? You’ll want to start here, and those Birthstone Mineral Soaps make a great add-on to whatever you choose. In need of something for your team of groomsmen? You’ll want to check this page out, and take note of those Scotch Infused Toothpicks and Beer Soap Sets.  Stumped on an anniversary gift? The RememoryGame is a sweet and simple choice, while that personalized Hearts Four-Across Game is perfect for family game night but will also look cute just sitting on your bookshelf. 

Naturally, I combed the Home Decor and Kitchen pages, and have found many many many many things that I'd love receive (and of course gift...) and rounded up a small sampling below. 

Soapstone & Copper Saute Pan, Pizza Pan and Stew Pot  /  Hot and Cold Soapstone Handheld Bowls  /  Cacti Canisters  /  Nesting Lotus Bowls  /  Birdhouse Bookshelf  /  Floral Garden Felt Table Runner  /  Wood and Ceramic Tumblers

** Special thanks to UncommonGoods for sponsoring this post. Despite the partnership, all thoughts, ideas and products selected are my own**