At Home: Books, Textiles And Botanicals

Yesterday I decided to take some photos of the house after being away for the long weekend. Settling back in felt so good, that it prompted me to capture the "home sweet home" feeling through my lens.  This made me realize how this house gradually evolved into a home since we moved into it over three years ago.  As our essential furniture pieces remained the same, the smaller items, those that give our spaces their personality, have continually changed.  Pillows and art have been added and also moved around the house.  There's never a shortage of new plants, fresh botanicals, repurposed accessories and an array of current books and magazines.  It's uniquely our space and we are very grateful for it.  

Take a look: 

The Kilim pillows are from Yayla Rugs in Cambridge, Ma., while the textile that drapes over our sectional is from the Alameda Antique Market in the East Bay.

Our once yellow womb chair from Reside (Cambridge, Ma) was reupholstered in a vintage Knoll fabric in a tone very similar to our mid-century brick color.

Stacks of magazines, some old, some new, next to favorite design books offer inspiration as well as pleasurable reading. 

The bell garland is from Anthropologie (from years back) and the brass candlesticks are from Rare Heir, an antique shop in Oakland, Ca.

Foraged Acacia branches are displayed in a vessel found in a thrift store alongside a Heath Ceramics bud vase, a gnarled root and a wooden candlestick also found in a vintage store. 

This area of the kitchen was designed to display interesting/meaningful items and botanicals.  Since it's where we spend most of our time, I really wanted a designated spot for pretty and inspiring things.  The black and gold box is from West Elm, the Kwan Yin statuettes from Sugi in Lafayette, Ca., the wooden salt bowl is from Terrain and the vintage glass is from a recent visit to the Alameda Antique Market.

The large stripped pillow is from Garza Marfa while the smaller is one from One Kings Lane.  The metal table bases were found during a trip to Maine.  We added glass tops and spray painted them cobalt blue to be used as night tables in our previous home. In our current "project room" they happen to work perfectly with the rug from Yayla Tribal Rugs and the Peruvian blanket from the Marisa Mason studio in Oakland, Ca.  

What things do you love about your space and where did you find them?  Do share!

Botanical Inspiration: Hoya Kerri

For this week's Botanical Inspiration, I'm sharing one of my favorite plants:  the Hoya Kerri, also known as the Sweetheart Plant (because of the heart shaped leaves).  Its  succulent-like qualities enable Hoyas to need very little water (perfect for us Californians) and bright indirect light.  They exhibit vine like growing tendencies since they are able to both climb and trail, so having a upward growing support and a large container pot will allow them to grow to their full botanical potential.  I love when plants both fall over their pot and sprout up from it.  Mine recently bloomed!   For information on this unique plant click here.  

Do you have a favorite house plant? 

Match Maker: Random Rooms And Their Botanical Matches

Botanical placement can be as important as the layout of a space.  The shape, size and color of a vessel, as well as the plant type selected for it, become reflections of one's style. On Pinterest, I often pin room inspirations and botanicals intentionally next to each other.  For me, it's second nature that a space needs plants to add life and interest to it. 

It's been some time since my first Match Maker post but after noticing my recent pinning pattern, I realized another one was in order.  I continually pin room inspirations that coordinate with botanical images.  It all makes sense to me, since the plants in a space are an extension of a room's decor.  Take a look at some of my recent matches and click here to view the previous one.   

If your spaces crave a much needed botanical lift, Cocoon Home Design can definitely help.  We specialize in custom planters and botanical pairings for both interior and exterior spaces designed to enhance everyday living.  Contact debra@cocoonhome.com

Images:

1./2./3./4./5./6./7./8./9./10

Botanical Inspiration: A Foliage Arrangement

When asked to donate a few botanical arrangements for a fundraiser benefitting our children’s elementary school, I knew foliage would play a predominant role in their composition.   I wanted them to feel very lush, textural and cascading.  With 6 different types of leaves and a vine, these came together:  somewhat feral, but, nevertheless, beautiful arrangements.  I do love a pretty flower, but there's something about combining different shades, shapes and textures of leaves that I find very appealing. A blooming passion vine was included for its interesting tendrils and to add another color to the mix.  Take a look:

Favorite "of the moment" foliage:   Gleichenia dicarpa, Sea Star Fern,

Botanical Inspiration: Plants Around The House

The other day, while tending to the plethora of plants we have around the house, I thought it would be nice to share where they actually live.   Some of the places you find them may be considered a bit unexpected, such as in a bathroom,  in our children's spaces and even atop bookcases.  I began placing plants in the twins' room while decorating their nursery, and ever since then there's been a plant or two in their bedroom.  Today one sits by Max's turntable on his and Ben's nightstand.  Our home office would not be complete without a botanical touch, and the kitchen counter changes seasonally with cut branches or foliage.  Zoe's room often houses a delicate fern that softens the already sweet space. Take a look:

To see my favorite indoor plant groupings and some ideas on how to create your own, click here.

What's your favorite plant spot?