So Pinteresting: Branches In Interior Spaces

Using branches to decorate your home is suitable at any time of year, but springtime is by far the best season for it.  Dogwood, cherry, quince and forsythia branches can be found at your local florist,  in flower markets or in your own backyard.  Their dramatic silhouettes and delicate sprouting buds make them a visual delight indoors.  Be sure to cut and pound the bottoms of the stems before placing them in your containers, so that the woody stems absorb water better.   If you opt for dry branches, such as manzanita or driftwood, simply put them in a favorite vase or hang them on a wall or from the ceiling.   Take a look at some of my favorite 'branching' images:

My favorite image is the last one.  I love how dramatic the red maple tree looks in the entryway.

Which is your favorite?

images:

1./2./3./4./5./6./7.

So Pinteresting: 7 Fantastic Outdoor Rooms And Tips For Creating Your Own

Even the mildest winter is followed by spring.  It's time to begin thinking about and planning our outdoor spaces.  Whether they're big, small, roof topped or open, outdoor 'rooms' allow you to fully appreciate nature's wonderful perks.  Take a look at 7 very special outdoor spaces and tips for creating your very own.

To see more of our outdoor 'room' click here.

Tips for creating an outdoor room:

1. Define your outdoor space and decorate it as you would your indoor space.  Make the two cohesive.

2.  Create privacy with large plants, curtains or natural screens.

2.  Add lighting.  It can be provided by candles, solar or electric lights.

3.  Have plenty of seating for guests and make it comfortable with pretty cushions and pillows.  Keep a throw handy for chilly nights.

4.  Place small pots on tables and side tables with interesting plants (i.e. succulents or bromeliads).

5.  Don't over accessorize with garden art and sculptures.  Less is more in nature.

6.  Look for affordable garden furniture on Craigslist and at garage/yard  sales.  Remember that you can use indoor furniture as well.

7.  Have designated outdoor plates and glasses.  I keep a basket stocked with napkins, flatware, dishes and candles so that when that spontaneous BBQ happens, I'm quasi ready.

Maybe I should add a flask or two of Gin & Tonics to it...

images: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7

Botanical Inspiration: Paula Hayes' Exhibit at the Lever House.

Last weekend I had the opportunity to view an installation by botanical artist Paula Hayes at the Lever House in NYC.  Her work, *Land Mind*, depicts environments that live at the intersection of landscape and imagination.   Along with a 15 foot cocoon terrarium,  an awesome aquarium designed by Paula was also on display.  Taking the shape and texture of her blown glass creations, the aquarium was built from a solid block of acrylic, hollowed out to house an array of saltwater fish and plants.  Take a look at how art, life and design coexist in Ms. Hayes' micro worlds:

Botanical Inspiration: 2012's Popular Planter

tree branch planted with bromeliads

While visiting the Botanical Garden in DC  last week, I was impressed with how tree limbs, roots and trunks were used as planters.  Throughout the glass houses, these natural vessels planted with bromeliads, mosses, ferns and succulents were just as much a part of the exhibit as the towering palms and the ancient medicinal plants.   As much as I love terrariums, I'm seriously considering woodland planters and can't wait to implement them in our place.  Take a look at some of them and  see how they inspired a center piece for a New Year's Eve dinner table.

Viewing the woodland planters inspired  a center piece for a dinner party we attended on New Year's Eve.  Walking in the woods behind our friends' house I found 2 fallen tree limbs and lots of moss. I  gently pushed chunks of moss inside their crevices and added extra votives to carry the woodland theme to my friends' holiday table.

Next time you're taking a walk in the woods, keep an eye out for fallen branches and tree trunks that may serve as potential planters and centerpieces!