We applaud the Instagram Reels of our brand rep, Chrissy Melin of @homewithchrissym. In just 15-30 seconds, she provides the basic steps for some awesome DIY projects. We get asked for patio decorating ideas, and Chrissy is kind enough to share her ideas with items from our spring collection.
“People do appreciate [the Reels], and I try to explain, ‘You can do this.’ I literally knew nothing about woodwork. I watched some YouTube videos, and then built two 10’ wood picture ledges from scratch,” Chrissy said. “I encourage people that they can do it, too.”
Chrissy’s front porch in Arizona is cozy and friendly, as lots of neighbors tend to stroll by and offer well wishes. The porch holds a woven loveseat, additional woven chair and a coffee table for some intimate gatherings.
“I view the patio as an extension of the home, an extension of your square footage,” she said.
That’s a wise way of looking at your outdoor space. Chrissy’s drawn to simple, neutral pieces, which is great because much of our spring collection falls into that category. I think the pale, glossy gray Bijou Stoneware Serving Bowl blends in perfectly with the dark wood of her rattan furniture. The creamy whites on the faux greenery stems and her pillows and dishware allow the serving bowl to pop even though its tone isn’t bold or bright.
“I do like splashes of color here and there, such as yellow or pink, but more subtle,” Chrissy said, hence the addition of sliced lemons inside the Highland Cream Stoneware Pitcher. The gloss of the pitcher pairs nicely with the glaze on the bowl, too.
One of our favorite finds are the Bamboo Wrapped Salad Servers that Chrissy uses for a delicious looking fruit salad. The salad servers work in a modern farmhouse or boho style kitchen or patio entertaining area.
I love that Chrissy’s not afraid to incorporate some larger pieces of greenery, real and faux. There’s a nice pop of yellow in the bush (real). Gotta say the greenery looks wonderful next to the whitewashed Time Worn Terracotta Pot.
“I admire bright florals, but there's just something about greenery that’s more timeless. You can have it out for longer durations of time throughout the year,” Chrissy said. “When you walk into a home that doesn’t have any greenery at all, it can have a very cold, bland look. If you just dress it up with a few plants here and there, it creates a much warmer environment. It’s so much more inviting and it’s almost like it releases endorphins.”
Agreed. Just look at the fine stems of greenery in the Matte Black Planter Pot and you get the gist of Chrissy’s spring outdoor décor aesthetic.
We’ve written about the Block Print Cotton Napkin Set before, but they are so versatile, they keep popping into both influencers’ and Rose Buds’ tablescapes because of their timeless quality.
Back to Chrissy’s impressive Reels on Instagram, which helped grow her following. I thought her Reels on creating a dirt pot were inspired (not her original idea, and she credited the creator in the Reel).
“I don't have a blog, yet, where I share very elaborate detailing. I do try and make the Reels as detailed as possible in a short amount of time,” she said. “Helping and encouraging others is so important since some people don’t know what they are capable of until they just go for it.”
Chrissy describes her design aesthetic as modern organic.
“That’s the look I'm going for in the long run when it comes to light fixtures and furniture pieces. I want those to look a little bit more modern, simple lines, nothing too ornate,” she said. When it comes to smaller décor pieces, that’s where I really like the rustic, organic look. That’s where Purple Rose Home comes in.”
