The naturalist…continued

20 Monday Jun 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Designer, Gardens

Tags

I was wandering around the web this morning in search of inspiration…no surprise, I get some of my best ideas from blog/web sites that share an image or a theory on design. That often triggers an idea and gets my creative juices flowing.

Sea glass colored jars and starfish, a natural for summer. I love the old wood shelf.

A few weeks ago I blogged {HERE} about designers that bring a “naturalist” flavor to their room designs. Rose Tarlow and Tricia Foley are favorites of mine.

The net covered glass buoys are collectibles and so pretty on display with coral and pencil starfish.

So it was with some delight and surprise when I visited the Better Homes and Gardens Decorating site that arrives in my email box a few times a month and discovered their feature on the very topic of decorating with natural elements. Coincidence? No doubt. Still, I found images, courtesy of BHG, that might inspire you to use some of the abundant natural elements in and around your yard to create a wonderful summer mood for your home.

Natural items can be simple plant cuttings. Think outside the box, sometimes seed pods and branches with little foliage make for an interesting and attractive display.

You don’t have to have a house on the beach to appreciate the beauty of natural sea grass (which has been framed here) and when coupled with a book open to a page on starfish, the vignette is complete and wonderful.

This is truly natural…a piece of a tree trunk for the vanity top and what would appear to be the remains of a vine growing on the wall of the bathroom. Perfect for the lodge or cabin. The vine remnants remind me of Rose Tarlow’s room in my previous blog.

I really like the simplicity of a single stem of greenery in an assortment of bottles…various shapes, colors and sizes make this a study in still life. I’ve seen this used on tables set for dinner and it always looks so lovely and has a very calming effect. I believe that is what appeals to me.

Placement of a couple of smooth river stones and a small vase of fern, how simple and still so artistic. The little tray on the larger try appears to have a shell and maybe a baby pine cone. It makes me wonder what the story behind these little finds might be. A nature walk with someone, a discovery while on vacation. It’s personal touches that make our homes interesting and enjoyable.

A grouping of pressed plant material can be impressive and in this neutral palate, the lime green colored plant stands out.

The stone fireplace, natural wood vase and branches and a sisal rug are a trinity of natural beauty.

I love the pendant lights, the Windsor chairs and the antique pitch fork on the wall…very country, very pretty.

This display made me think of a summer project with a child…collecting and placing items in interesting jars could be fun.

Put a birds nest on any table or hutch and instantly I think of spring/summer.

I’m thrilled to see the re-emergence of the antique cloche and various table top green house displays I’m seeing in so many of the design books and blogs.

Do you dress your home for spring and summer? What items do you pull out for the season and then put away for fall/winter?

xxx

Rose Tarlow, Tricia Foley…stirs the naturalist in me

13 Friday May 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Designer

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

naturalist trends, Rose Tarlow, Tricia Foley

When I first saw this room designed by Rose Tarlow (Architectural Digest, 1991) I fell in love with its uncomplicated beauty and with the live vines growing in the room. I hadn’t seen vines (attached to the wall) growing indoors before and thought it was such a wonderful concept. During my high school years I visited a friend of a friend whose parents had built their house around a tree. I thought that was pretty cool as well. Joni at Cote de Texas did an extensive post on Rose Tarlow HERE.

The Rose Tarlow room reminded me of the “naturalist” trend in design that took place in the late seventies, something I was always attracted to…being the nature girl that I am. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want to rough it…ask my husband! I just mean I’ve always taken to nature in a more broad sense of the word. I love gardens and forests and butterflies and most harmless insects and animals.

Besides the vines growing near the window, I love the ceiling.

Notice the earthiness of the logs stacked sky-high? I love this room, it looks like something John Muir might have lived in.

Tricia Foley is another designer whose rooms always evoke a sense of nature and as a result, feel very comforting and comfortable. Maybe the truth is, the simpler we keep our furnishings the more freedom we experience.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my “stuff” and can’t imagine not having it displayed in various rooms throughout our home, but I have to admit there is an allure to simple, uncluttered rooms.

This might have a natural flavor but it’s a bit too jumbled for me.

This above image is a shot of The Graphics Fairy living room vignette

When rooms are decorated using natural elements there is a sense that the home is in the country somewhere and that maybe you would harvest your own vegetables from your garden and gather wild flowers for the vases instead of hothouse flowers. Much like Willoughby (Greg Wise) in Ang Lee’s, Sense and Sensibility in the scene where he gives simple wildflowers to Miss Marianne (Kate Winslet).

Another home that gives me the sense of simple, natural elegance is the home featured in the blog site A Country Farmhouse.

This blog is appealing in the way that you imagine a simpler life might be. I believe the farm house is in Oregon and the seasons play a huge role in the activities around “home”. Visit if you haven’t before!

Are you a country mouse or a city mouse? (Remember that book?)

Entry…first impressions

29 Friday Apr 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Designer

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Entry hall, foyer

Image via The Inside Story

Those of you who share my passion for hearth and home undoubtedly think about your dream home…or at least what you would do to improve or change some feature in your own home. Even if it’s just to renovate a tired space. Most of us passionate about our home have some kind of list (even if its only in your mind) of what we’d do to improve our nest.

Image via Amy Meier Designs

{BTW, this just happens to be our address, would have loved to have a plaque like this one}

Some of you may think this suggests that I am less than content with our home; I promise that is not the case. I absolutely love where we live and take great solace with its coziness.

Still, I love houses and design, grand or quaint. So I thought I would start with the entry to our home and post some of my favorite images of other entry areas I’ve admired from homes large and small. I will work my way through our home over the next several weeks with saved images of rooms I love ♥ . A kind of “my dream home” tour. Come along…

This is an all time favorite entry of mine…Carol Glasser, Houston, Texas

Image via Cote de Texas (originally Veranda, I think)

Image via Cote de Texas

I love the wood floors, lantern and clock—all visible from the entry.

Image by Simon Upton

When we visit London I’ve noticed that the door knobs are so often centered in the door, I love that look.

Image via Habitually Chic

This is a favorite front door. It looks as though it opens into a courtyard which would give you privacy and a nice view of the courtyard garden.

Image by Victoria Pearson ~ A Windsor Smith design

I have a Dutch door and we love the cross breeze it allows us.

Image via House Beautiful ~ Jill Brinson’s foyer, Atlanta

The floors in Brinson’s foyer are reclaimed French limestone. I also love the steel entry doors.

Image by Steven Randazzo ~ via Country Living

The striped rug and the wainscoting give this entry appeal and a simple elegance without being stuffy.

Image via Traditional Home

The arched doors are beautiful.

Image via Traditional Home

I would love a home large enough to support a mural. I love the clock.

Image via Griege

Here’s my entry…

Image by GH&P

Welcome to Garden Home & Party! Come by for a visit anytime, we’ll have a cup of tea…or a glass of wine. 🙂

P.S. I know I’m not alone in wishing the Royal couple a wonderful life together as Prince and Princess and maybe oneday, Queen and King!

Atlanta Designer, Dan Carithers

25 Friday Mar 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Designer

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

Dan Carithers

It all started with this kitchen…I spotted it in a magazine so many years ago. I clipped the page (maybe even some of the other rooms associated with the kitchen) and saved it. The Atlanta based designer responsible for this beauty is Dan Carithers.

Image via Southern Accents

His interviews and design philosophy was so appealing to me—I always felt he was creating rooms I could live in. They never appeared stuffy or overly formal. In fact they were usually just slightly unpredictable and a little unorthodox.

The above 3 images are from Southern Accents, May-June 2005. A young Atlanta couple had Dan Carithers design their home with French influences.

I’ve seen homes that he’s designed that are quite contemporary, and they are lovely, but it’s his classic and traditional looks that hold the most appeal for me.

Here is Dan and his lovely wife, Nancy. The images below are from Southern Accents (I believe) and they are of the Carither’s home.

I could feel very comfortable in this house!

In 2008 he worked on the Southern Accents Showhouse at Regents Park, Atlanta. For a video tour of the house visit HERE.

Below are some additional kitchens I’ve saved that Dan Carithers designed:

I love the beams and the open feel to this kitchen.

This kitchen has a cottage feel to it but with that touch of elegance in the upholstered chairs and beautiful dining table.

More beams and I love the glass front cabinets above the kitchen sink.

I love the simplicity of this bedroom, the neutral palate is calming to me.

More beams and I like the interesting decorative items that create a history of where and what the homeowners interests are.

Are any of you Dan Carithers fans? (Note: Just one more Atlanta designer to love!)

Dan Marty…praise from a fan

14 Monday Mar 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Designer

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

Dan Marty

Inspired by a post on the adventures of tartanscot earlier this month (during his visit to Los Angeles for the 2011 Design Bloggers Conference), Scot gave us a peek at Dan Marty’s Los Angeles home as featured in House Beautiful May 2010.

I don’t know if his dogie is still with him, he must be pretty old if he is, but he was such a cute dog and was always with Dan when he was in his shop.

I immediately wanted to revisit the “beach cottage” I had the privilege of touring when Dan allowed the Corona Del Mar High School Home Tour to include his home. (I can’t remember what year it was, but I was still working in my garden business so it had to be at least 7 or 8 years ago, maybe longer). At the time he had a store in Costa Mesa; Les Interiors which was a wonderful venue for inspiration and a great place to pick up the occasional home accessory, always new and original. The store also offered design services, which I’m sure did some beautiful work for local folk’s homes. He parted ways with Les Interiors and opened Dan Marty Designs in Corona Del Mar but alas, we ultimately lost him to the Los Angeles Design Mart (affectionately known as The Blue Whale, due to the color of the main building).

The above images are of his beach cottage. I loved the use of space and somehow the small spaces felt ample and oh so comfortable!

Griege did a pretty extensive piece on his designs last year. Clearly Dan Marty has a following…and for good reason.

The above images are mostly from the House Beautiful story last year. I love seeing some of his obvious ‘favorite accessories’ used in his newer house.

I’m partial to the charm his beach cottage offered but I admire the French flair of his home in Los Angeles.

Above images are from his commercial sites.

Do you have a favorite designer…or 2 or 10?

I must see the homes of Atlanta…Jill Sharp Brinson

28 Monday Feb 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Designer, Gardens

≈ 8 Comments

Tags

Atlanta home, House Beautiful magazine, Jill Sharp Brinson

I’ve commented here before about the incredible, seemingly endless, stream of beautiful homes that appear to exist on every block in Atlanta. I would be naïve to think the city doesn’t have its share of unattractive regions within its limits, much like every other metropolitan city in the nation, but seriously, I think Atlanta got more than its fair share of strikingly beautiful homes {she whined}. Which is code for having the good fortune to have a wealth of talented architects and designers in the region who can create the optimal home for those interested in owning one.

I was taken with the beauty of a home in the December/January 2010 issue of House Beautiful and yes, it’s an Atlanta home!

The home of Jill Sharp Brinson and her photographer husband, Rob Brinson, is the perfect “marriage” of farmhouse and sophisticated loft. In the House Beautiful interview with Lisa Cregan, Jill says that she and her husband “have a love affair with rural settings” so it is no surprise that they have created a home and garden that gives the ambiance of a country farm, complete with English garden.

Jill is the Creative Director of Ballard Designs. In the HB interview it becomes clear that Jill’s design point-of-view is a home with lots of texture, not a lot of color and a rustic and traditional-styling with a little industrial influence (which clearly over-simplifies the incredible beauty she has achieved).

The rooms are filled with natural light, and because the rooms aren’t stuffy you immediately feel like you would be so comfortable in a home like this! The Brinson’s have 3 dogs and have stated they are ‘hands on’ in their garden.

All of the above images by Simon Upton via House Beautiful

She and her husband lived in a loft (images below) for 6 years before moving into this home. Jill’s photographer husband retains the loft for work and their visiting guests.

Rob Brinson said he uses the wall to display the images he's working on. I love the brick wall!

The sink was a "find" of Jill's.

Natural light floods the space.

Even the bathroom exudes a timeless sense of style.

I've always liked the rustic charm of brick walls.

To visit the website for Jill Sharp Brinson go HERE

California dreamin’…beach house love

25 Friday Feb 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Decorating, Designer

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

Carolyn Espley-Miller, House Beautiful, Slim Paley

I find inspiration for posts from a wide array of sources. Sometimes a feature in a magazine will prompt me to post about a designer or some component of the room or home at large.

The September 2010 issue of House Beautiful did a wonderful story and provided amazing images about a California beach house, interiors by Carolyn Espley-Miller. It was love at first sight (wait, have I used that term before?…well, where homes are concerned there can be more than one true love!). The house has such a warm and inviting ambiance. Comfort has become of prime importance to me and this house conveys that in spades, possibly due in part to the fact that this beach home is the family retreat where a family (husband, wife and 2 sons) spend quality time.

As I Googled Carolyn Espley-Miller to see if there were other images online, to my amazement I found out that the designer is host to one of my favorite blog sites…Slim Paley. If you’ve never visited this site, I can honestly say, you’ll love it. Her writing is witty and entertaining as well as filled with style ideas for living. Her blog was recently nominated for a Homie award (a blog thing). In my humble opinion she got robbed, she should have won!

Below are a few of the images I admire from Slim Paley’s blog:

Enjoy! …and for details on paint colors and the interview with Carolyn Espley-Miller, visit HERE

Randal Weeks of Aidan Gray Home

26 Wednesday Jan 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Designer

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Aidan Gray Home, Randal Weeks

About 5 months ago I posted about Randy Boyd HERE, a designer who works out of Laguna Beach. His charming beach cottage was featured in Cottage Style magazine (no longer published) and later in Romantic Homes magazine. While I don’t feel RH magazine fits my style (usually), I purchased the back issue for the Randy Boyd feature and they nearly gave me a 1-year subscription to the magazine.

The November issue had an extensive feature on a designer by the name of Randal Weeks, founder of Aidan Gray Home HERE. The magazine captured his home and once again I found myself daydreaming about the beauty of each room.

It's hard to see a lot of detail but the room has a warm French country feel with a touch of the popular Swedish gray color scheme.

As you can see, the Weeks living room has a lot of natural light, this keeps the room from feeling too cool with its gray overtones.

The master bedroom has a cathedral ceiling with open, antique beams.

Aidan Gray Home HERE makes it possible to purchase many of the furnishings including lamps, tables, upholstered pieces and accessories. Randal Weeks found Aidan Gray in 2003 while working on his MBA.

I like the simplicity of this chandelier.

Yes, please.

This is so pretty and looks old, which I love.

Their website is filled with accessories, lighting and furnishings that are simply beautiful!

His bio states that he was inspired by Oprah to follow his dream of owning a company that produces beautiful furnishings. By good fortune, he happened to hear her on one of her shows claim, “You will never be happy if you are not passionate about what you do”. Wise words for us all!

Ten of my favorite posts for 2010

05 Wednesday Jan 2011

Posted by Karen B. in Designer, DIY (do it yourself), Gardens

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

End of the year top ten

Caution: This post may take longer to read than you have time for!

I am still relatively new to regular, weekly (code for consistent) blogging, so I often search sites that blog about similar topics (gardens/gardening; home décor/improvement; cooking/entertaining) to my own for ideas on how to improve my site. Sometimes I walk away feeling inadequate and overwhelmed, but more often than not I’m inspired to “Stay Calm and Continue Blogging”.

I created a file for favorite posts that either a) inspired me to create changes/improvements to my home, garden or even blog site, or b) were so lovely to view and ponder and dream (like a feature in a magazine) that I visited the post repeatedly.

That said, I’ve noticed many blog sites have featured their TOP ____(fill in the blank with your favorite number). Here are my top 10 for 2010 (these were posts that went into my file, in truth there are probably more posts that I simply couldn’t find or have forgotten about):

1. Things That Inspire, April 25, 2010, “Glass front cabinets – form over function?”

Holly lives in Atlanta, Georgia and is currently building her own home. She always has interesting and in-depth information about interior design, architecture and art. The images she shares with her readers are amazing.

2. The Lettered Cottage, April 26, 2010, “Easy, Affordable Ways to Add Character to a Newly-Built Home”

Layla and Kevin Palmer, a husband and wife team that will astound you with their creativity. They truly have a knack for turning the most ordinary into an extraordinary place to live. They are very talented with DIY, something I can only wish I could do, but you get some helpful tips on sprucing up discarded treasures. This is a fun site to visit.

3. Peggy & Fritz, August 19, 2010, “Finally a little sunshine”

Ann is a SoCal blogger and her site always makes me smile. She shares images of her travels and I get some great ideas for everything from table settings to furniture and fashion design.

4. Cote De Texas, May 5, 2010, “The Stone Turret House”

Due to computer issues I was not able to successfully download an image of the house, but you can click on the link I’ve provided and see it.

Joni is the rock star of blogging and for good reason. Her site always educates and provides solid information on her topic (interior design and prominent designers). Her images are the stuff dreams are made of.

5. Limestone & Boxwoods, May 23, 2010, “Ride-by: A Peachtree Battle Beauty”

I had the same problem with images from Limestone & Boxwoods

This site doesn’t post frequently, but when he does post it is wonderful! I believe he lives in Atlanta—I really must visit Atlanta some day. They seem to have some amazing homes.

6. Velvet & Linen, May 30, 2010, “A garden dining room…

Brooke was recently mentioned by the New York Tiimes which featured her recently remodeled pink bathroom.

Brooke is a talented interior designer located in California. Her shop is always filled with treasures I’d love to incorporate in my own home. Her husband is an architect and between them there is always something beautiful being developed.

7. French Kissed, December 30, 2010, “Cashmere Epiphany”

Jermaine is an amazingly talented photo stylist and her vision is evident in every room of her lovely French inspired home. She finds second hand treasures and manages to create such an old world ambiance that you would swear her home was actually an historic country house outside of Paris.

8. The Inspired Room, June 3, 2010, “Charming Potting Shelves”

Melissa is located in Seattle and I always look forward to reading her post. She keeps me grounded and reminds me what is important when hearth and home are concerned.

9. Trouvais, December 31, 2010, “Happy New Year’s Eve”

Trish takes me on a journey into some of the most beautiful historic and present day castles, homes, estates—she always surprises and delights with her images.

10. Brabourne Farm, December 24, 2010, “Love…flowers @ Brabourne Farm

This site is strictly images driven. How she manages to find so many beautiful pictures of my favorite things in the world is impressive.

If you find yourself with spare time in 2011 (I know, I know, WHO HAS SPARE TIME?!) visit these sites. I believe you will have fun!

Tricia Foley

27 Monday Dec 2010

Posted by Karen B. in Designer, Entertaining

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

designer, Tricia Foley

While searching my files for inspiring photos for holiday décor, I came across a Christmas issue of Traditional Home, or maybe Victoria Magazine (not sure which) titled “White Christmas”, designed by Tricia Foley. I remember thinking (when I saved the feature) that the white in the room (walls above the wainscoting, flowers, candles and food) contrasting with the rich, dark wood (paneling below the wainscoting, wood pieces of furniture) managed to provide all of the cozy, warm notes I thrive on, as well as the classic, simple, understated look white can provide.

The white walls above the paneling set a dramatic contrast.

Don't you just love the simplicity of candlelight, white linens and paper whites?

This isn't the original room I have from the magazine but it serves the purpose.

I decided to do some further research on Tricia Foley and was happy to see she has 3 blog sites as well as some inspiring projects that you can view on her website HERE. I’ll be able to catch some additional inspiration from her with just the click of a mouse!

A fireplace in a dining room space is so cozy.

Tricia Foley’s bio on her site explains that…

“…Tricia Foley Design specializes in all aspects of home design. She’s known for her simple, classic style, her work includes retail consulting, branding, product development and packaging, creating advertising and catalog collateral, residential interior design, magazine editorial and book publishing”.

She has an amazing list of clients including Ralph Lauren Home, Waterworks, Pottery Barn, Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s Home Stores, to name just a few. She has several design/lifestyle books that have been published and I recently ordered one of her older titles, “White Christmas: Decorating and Entertaining for the Holiday Season” published in 1997.

Her website explains she is currently restoring an 18th century farmhouse on Long Island and shares her time between there and New York City.

images via Tricia Foley – website

I ordered her book “White Christmas” on Amazon and received a gently used copy for $8! {I love being able to find a bargain in design books, or any book title for that matter.} Trisha Foley rooms are always fresh yet warm and welcoming. I was impressed that the rooms featured in this particular book are so classic and that you would not know by looking at any of them the book was published in 1997!

I really must look into a canopy bed!

Nature is intricate to her designs and I believe that is what gives it such an inviting allure.

The pendant light, white cupboards and butcher block counter tops are simply beautiful.

Have you ever stumbled upon a house, room or ‘look’ that you admire only to discover that it’s a designer that you’ve read about before…you begin to recognize their style. Am I a designer groupie? Maybe!