Colorful Chicago

I just spent 5 relaxing days in Chicago. I had my camera in hand every day and loved all of the colorful flowers that filled downtown. I know, Chicago is known for their architecture (and I have pictures of that too!), but the flowers that lined the streets at my every turn amazed me.

{Me on Navy Pier, a tourist trap, but we had a fun ride with amazing views, from the Ferris wheel}

Instead of looking for design inspiration in a magazine, book or store, try looking out your window or taking in the sights around you on your next walk or adventure. Nature presents great color combos that you can use in your interior (or exterior) spaces.

Want to spruce up your entry, deck or patio? Grab a pretty pot or container and fill it with color! Here's some inspiration.

{A lovely container in front of a house in the Lakeview community of Chicago. We went here for a music festival, but walked the neighborhood streets and loved their charming gardens and decks.}


{A deck in Lakeview. Simple and charming. Coffee anyone?}


{A view from our architectural boat tour on the river}


{A sign in The Lurie Garden in Chicago's Millenium Park}


{Purple and green as far as the eye can see in The Lurie Garden in Chicago's Millenium Park. Yep, this downtown of a thriving CITY!}


{One of hundreds of planters that line the streets of downtown Chicago}


{Love these colors!}


{Another charming Lakeview home with an inviting entry and garden}


{The garden of the home above}

We came across a boy and his lemonade stand in Lakeview. I couldn't pass up the 25 cent chocolate chip cookies and a 50 cent lemonade! Cute, huh?

{Lemonade stand in Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago}

Check back for more great Chicago architecture pictures!

Happy decorating.