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From fountains to bird baths to wall water features and DIY projects, find some water feature ideas and inspiration for your garden
From fountains to bird baths to wall water features and DIY projects, find some water feature ideas and inspiration for your garden
From fountains to bird baths to wall water features and DIY projects, find some water feature ideas and inspiration for your garden
From fountains to bird baths to wall water features and DIY projects, find some water feature ideas and inspiration for your garden
From fountains to bird baths to wall water features and DIY projects, find some water feature ideas and inspiration for your garden
Rain chains are a beautiful and functional addition to any home's exterior. Find out everything you need to know about them.
PLEASE FORGIVE THIS!!! I WAS UPDATING SOME OLD STORIES AND THIS ONE ACCIDENTLY PUBLISHED AGAIN. IT WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN 2009. IT'S STILL A BEAUTIFUL HOUSE. THE DESIGNER NOW LIVES FULL TIME IN HOUSTON. AND I NEED TO STOP TRYING TO FIX OLD BLOG STORIES! I received an email a few months ago from an interior designer that lives in Ann Arbor Michigan. Uh…where? She started her career in Houston, and besides one year in 2006 spent here, she has been living out of state for the past ten years. Yet, she informed me, she still designs in a “Texan” way – and judging from the photos she sent me, I knew immediately what she meant: seagrass and slipcovers, linen and wicker. She had been working long distance on a house in Houston and planned to be here in June - would I be interested in seeing it? Well of course I would – especially when she told me that she had spent time working for Jerry Jeanmard and his partner, Houston icon Mr. Herbert Wells. I know that Jeanmard and Wells don’t hire just anybody, so accepting the invitation was a no brainer. But still. I’ve been burned too many times to count with promises of decor that is “so you!” and “you will love this!” that I approached the tour with some trepidation. Once the front door opened – all my hesitation vanished straight out with the wind, the house was “so me” and yes, I did “love this” with a capital L. Jane Wood, the Michigan based designer with her heart still in Texas, explained the house to me as this: the owner, a single woman was downsizing from a nearby larger River Oaks abode that was filled with wonderful antiques and furniture all designed by my favorite Houston interior decorator, Carol Glasser. The homeowner bought the two story house four years ago and hired Wood to help guide her through the gut job, taking it from 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths to 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths. The furniture needed to edited, the fabrics all changed, new pieces needed to be bought, and the upstairs decor was to be all new. The homeowner herself is quite a talent – she designed all the landscaping and the pond in the back courtyard and in fact does garden designing for others. The two of them, both quite beautiful, very well mannered and very genteelly Southern – were delightful as they eagerly finished each other sentences - describing to me what the house looked like before the gut job. I had a wonderful time touring it and stayed way too long, oohing and aahing over it’s quiet elegance and cozy atmosphere. Of course, I left there and came straight home wanting to purge, edit, paint, and redo my entire house. But, the kind of design that Jane Wood and Carol Glasser does – has that effect on me. So, let’s tour the house - I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!!!! The front part of the two story house is one long room – divided by the front door. To the left is the seating area, to the right is a dining area/library where the fireplace is. By opening a wall, the staircase was exposed, and an iron railing was added. In the middle of the house a hall runs straight through to where a new vista was created, allowing light from the back yard to filter through to the front room. The family dog, Sophie, joined in all the fun – notice how wonderfully her blonde fur matches the walls and seagrass! To the left is the main living area – simply furnished with two arm chairs and a small sofa – the perfect scale for the space. The entire house is covered in custom cut seagrass downstairs and wall to wall seagrass upstairs. The walls are a perfect shade of cream - “Linen” by Martin Senour, a favorite upscale paint of Houston interior designers. To get a true idea of the color – notice the white ceiling against the wall paint. All the upholstery was designed by Jane Wood and made by Hien Lam, another Houston favorite. Notice the row of buttons on the back of the chairs. And notice the length of the hems – just barely draping on the floor – not too short, not too long – just perfect! To the right is the dining room. The art work in the house is spare – but adds the right touch to enhance the mood. The best part of the house are the curtains – all Bennison – and yes, another Houston designer favorite. Looking towards the front door – with the library/dining area to the left and the seating area to the right, you can see the wonderful curtain treatments. Carol Glasser designed the curtains and they were moved to the new house. The curtains here are the Bennison Stripe – a faded green on beige linen. Bennison is not a linen to ever be thrown away, and Wood refashioned the curtains so they look like they were made for this house. Nothing, nothing, nothing, except perhaps Kime fabrics, replicates Bennison. The fabric is so special – hand screened in England – that the luxury of curtains made out of the dense linen can set the entire tone of a room, as these curtains did. Very simple iron rods were chosen to not draw attention to themselves. And traditional tortoiseshell blinds were paired with the curtains – another favorite way that the best in Houston dress their windows. The attraction of a room like this – with all the seagrass and linen and Bennison – is there is no sheen, no shine, everything is matte and calming. There is no fancy wall treatment, no venetian plaster, no faux – just matte Martin Senour Linen. Together all these elements create the mood that Jane Wood, Carol Glasser, Ginger Barber, Pam Pierce and others from Houston have all become famous for. It might look easy to do – but it takes a deft hand, an ability to edit, and the willingness and ability to use the best fabrics available. The tables are English – a cricket table on the left and an oval gate leg table on the right. The throw pillows are made from antique Dutch tapestry, velvet and gold trim. The lamps are antique tea canisters with custom made fabric shades. The accessories are sparse – but that is a very deliberate choice. Editing is never easy, especially when downsizing from a larger home. But this look requires strict editing to achieve it’s quiet, calming mood. A close up of the smalls. Every piece is antique and carefully chosen for its place. Notice the throw pillows – constructed of velvet and tapestry pieces. A vintage Kenneth Turner candle – another much loved Houston product – sits in its wicker and clay pot. Unfortunately Turner no longer makes this classic. Why? Why? The vignette with the mirror and chest includes a lamp with a shade made out of rawhide. Need I say that rawhide lampshades is another favorite of Houston interior designers? The furniture is constructed with down cushions – the finest material in upholstery. It’s all about comfort and coziness in this type of decor. And nothing is cozier or more comfy than down. Though there is a dedicated dining room, the owner and Wood chose to make that side of the room into an extra dining room and library. In the winter, the fireplace is an added attraction for meals taken in the front room. A large English gate leg table was placed in front of the mantel, flanked by simple slipcovered chairs. The iron railing becomes a major design element in the room – something that is matched by the curtain rods and two floor lamps. Above the mantel is another Italian landscape, dark and moody. Two simple floor lamps flank the table. Notice that in this large room – only two fabrics were used – the beige linen and the Bennison stripe. This lack of pattern further contributes to the quiet mood of the room. The shelves are filled with sets of antique books – some black, some red, some brown. The tablescape is again highly edited with a chinoiserie tea caddy and a French confit pot. The slips on the chairs are double ruffled for extra detailing. Through the living room is the dedicated dining room, a large space, which is without a doubt, the fanciest and prettiest room in the house! Here the curtains are Bennison again – Roses, in a shade of faded teal on beige that can only be custom ordered. To see it in use was the highlight of the tour for me. The Roses fabric in this colorway is so soft, so luscious, so special – it may be the only time I will ever see it person! The Mona Lisa wouldn’t mean as much to me! Again, the room is painted in Linen, which blends into the custom cut seagrass – creating the sedate backdrop to the furnishings. The table is a large English gate leg paired with a set of ivory and gilt painted chairs that are absolutely beautiful. I can only imagine that the search for this set of chairs took quite some time. They are exquisite to say the least. A set of botanicals is placed in all the corners, and a crystal chandelier – the shiniest object in the house – bathes the room in a soft light. Across from the window is a gray painted chest paired with an antique mirror. Two doors lead to the hall through which is the kitchen and stairway. A simple French yellow ware bowl sits on the table. The antique chandelier is quite a beauty, another piece that I am sure was hard to find and well worth the hunt. And notice – a small tassel hangs down from the chandelier instead of a crystal! A close up of the painted chest – accented by antique girandoles. Looking at the dining room from the adjacent sitting room at the back of the house. Sophie!!!!!!! A close up of one of the gorgeous painted chairs with a closer look of the gorgeous fabric, Roses. And looking towards the side window and front living room. Absolutely beautiful! Next to the dining room is a small sitting room also furnished in the English style found throughout the house. The small sitting room was once a porch which was completely gutted during the renovations. A small sofa was slipcovered in the linen and paired with a blue checked Claremont fabric. Bamboo tables flank the sofa and a tole tray becomes a coffee table. Dark brown wicker chairs upholstered in the blue check are paired with a pine cupboard that hides the TV. Oriental red pieces on top provide extra pops of color. And through the wonderful paned window in the sitting room is the first glimpse of the oasis like back yard. The kitchen is another room that was completely gutted and redesigned by Jane Wood. Stainless appliances and soapstone form the basis of the room. Long open shelves take the place of upper cabinetry. Windows were removed to make an alcove for the range and its hood – set against a white tile backsplash. A bank of French doors were added to the kitchen to access the back yard. The table is an antique, marble topped French piece – and here you can see the one thing that is still unfinished in the house – chairs! These chairs are temporary until the “real” ones are chosen! The back space is a large courtyard, designed by the homeowner. The main focal point is the square fountain which looked mighty tempting on this hot afternoon. The landscaping is all green - yew hedges and box mainly. On one side is the garage which instantly becomes a charming pool house with the addition of windows and shutters, thanks to Jane Wood. A metal table and chairs sit on the slate patio which leads back up the steps into the kitchen. Surrounded by walls of ivy, the courtyard is truly a greenscape in the middle of the city. Off the hall, under the staircase, the original sink with faucet was skirted in a Rogers and Goffigon print. Ready to go upstairs? The window in the stairhall is treated as all windows upstairs are – with simple white linen shades. On the landing, a painted chest in aqua and gilt outline holds a pair of urn lamps and an antique Louis Philippe mirror. The guest room/office is a vision in peach linen from Rose Tarlow. The color is to die for! Jane designed the bedding and had Hien Lam make it. Notice the mini ruffles everywhere – so darling. Jane also designed the iron scrolled bed frames and had them custom made. Six dark etchings hang between the beds. And a skirted table – in an oval shape – with the a small gathered ruffle – is too cute! The guest room doubles as a working office for the homeowner. The desk is antique pine as is the chair. And above it is another moody dark painting. Definitely not styled for the photograph!!! The original bath upstairs serves the guest room. The entire upstairs was reconfigured from 3 bedrooms and 1 bath to 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Here a large vanity was created with open shelving below. The master bedroom’s bed is the focal point of the room. Two Spanish styled consoles sit besides the high, slipcovered bed – all in white linens. The antique tapestry pillow is the only color in the room. A gold mirror tops the bed and an iron and crystal chandelier lights the room. The windows are treated like all windows are upstairs – simple linen blinds. And across from the bed is another Italian styled piece of art work – I loved all the art work in the house. There was a similar feel to the canvases throughout which helped further create the peaceful atmosphere found here. Hello!!! The large adjoining bath and closet were created out of the extra bedroom. The vanity is topped with another gorgeous gold mirror and flanked with sconces which resemble the chandelier from the bedroom. The wood floor warms up the bathroom, accented by the area rug, and bamboo shelves hold towels and toiletries. And the large window above the tub is shaded by white linen, of course! I hope you enjoyed The Bennison House and have gotten more familiar with the look that the best and the most popular Houston interior designers so love – Bennison, seagrass, linen, Martin Senour, Kenneth Turner, boxwoods, white jean and flip-flops!! Jane Wood, on the left, has a web site that will launch in a few weeks – I’ll let you know when and where! And on the right is the homeowner who designed all the landscaping. If you would like to get in touch with Jane to talk to her – her email is [email protected]. To contact the homeowner, please email me for the information! Oh, yes, I almost forgot – the shutters are coming down! And Sophie, wake up!!!!!!!
Rain chains are a beautiful and functional addition to any home's exterior. Find out everything you need to know about them.
From fountains to bird baths to wall water features and DIY projects, find some water feature ideas and inspiration for your garden
From fountains to bird baths to wall water features and DIY projects, find some water feature ideas and inspiration for your garden
From fountains to bird baths to wall water features and DIY projects, find some water feature ideas and inspiration for your garden
From fountains to bird baths to wall water features and DIY projects, find some water feature ideas and inspiration for your garden
From fountains to bird baths to wall water features and DIY projects, find some water feature ideas and inspiration for your garden
From fountains to bird baths to wall water features and DIY projects, find some water feature ideas and inspiration for your garden
Today, I am going to show you two properties where each of the designers had the challenge of creating a beautiful garden on two steeply sloping ravines. In the first garden, the ravine literally cuts the property in two on the diagonal. As you can see from this first image, the property falls off dramatically just off the back deck. The task was then to link the back garden with the other side of the ravine. This is a very quick, not-to-scale plan of the garden just to give you a clearer idea of the problem the designer faced. A pathway leads you to the edge of the ravine. From this angle, the native Ostrich ferns in the middle foreground somewhat conceal the significant slope of the land. In the far distance, you can see the other half of the property. The plantings here include a Japanese Maple, euonymus, heuchera, Siberian iris, and rhododendrons. As we round the corner, a bridge presents itself. Looking back the way we came. This view best shows the bridge crossing the ravine. A set of curved steps leads you up to level ground again and over to an inground pool. Garden #2 In this second property, I will show you both the front and back garden, which again was designed around a steeply sloping ravine. Neil Turnbull did the design work for this lovely garden. The artful front garden is sunken and almost invisible from the street. A set of steps lead you past a water feature and down into a beautiful courtyard garden. Vines including hydrangea and kiwi envelope the walls of this sunken garden. The sound of water nicely masks any street noise. On the right is one of the three still pools. The front garden is lush and yet restrained. How do you imagine the back garden must look? For me, it was a wonderful surprise. I am showing you this shot, not because it is a great picture, but because it best illustrates the dramatic slope of the back garden. The set of stone steps leads you down the steepest part of the ravine. From there, a series of paths wind the rest of the way down the slope. Red pine needles add a note of colour to the plantings which include native trees and plants, ferns, azaleas, rhododendrons, hosta and hellebore. At the bottom of the garden, there is a seating area and two ponds connected by a stream. Unlike the front garden, this area feels wild and unrestrained, but make no mistake, it is thoughtfully considered and executed. A hosta with blue-grey leaves breaks up all the green. The white flower in the left image is Goat's Beard, Aruncus dioicus. There were also a number of lovely Japanese ferns (right). The little stone bridge crosses the stream connecting the two ponds. Adding color were these big, purple alliums. What do I suggest you take away from these two gardens? If your property presents unique challenges, don't fight them, embrace them. A problem feature is just an opportunity to get creative.
From fountains to bird baths to wall water features and DIY projects, find some water feature ideas and inspiration for your garden
Designing natural swimming pools (or natural swimming ponds) is the latest trend in green living. We built one in our own backyard and you can, too.
Designing natural swimming pools (or natural swimming ponds) is the latest trend in green living. We built one in our own backyard and you can, too.
These Outdoor Mini Water Garden Ideas will boost the positive energy around you and enhance the natural aesthetics of your yard!
There are a thousand rock garden ideas out there, we’ll be presenting a few of them here, so you’re definitely going to find a design that suits your taste.
A container water garden adds beauty to your yard and helps wildlife. Get DIY plans for building your own, plus set-up and care tips.
This super easy tofu pad thai recipe takes 30 minutes, is healthy, gluten-free and vegetarian. It tastes like takeout, but without any junk! Made with egg, peanut butter and coconut sugar!
Recipe video above. Vietnamese caramel sauce is a popular sweet/savoury used in Vietnamese dishes. Here, it's used for bite size chicken pieces that get coated in the glaze with a generous dose of ginger. It's quick, easy, something different and outrageously good!** NOTE: Sadly seeing reader feedback that the liquid isn't reducing and chicken isn't caramelising. Please ensure to use a LARGE PAN and be brave, simmer RAPIDLY! Else the liquid will take ages to reduce. See Note 4.**
Here are 60 creative DIY glass bottle ideas for outdoor living spaces. From bottle trees to bottle walls, recycled glass bottles become outdoor art.
Create a beautiful yard with these creative landscape ideas with big impact.
Fried halloumi bowls over bright and lemony quinoa with roasted beets and sautéed garlicky rainbow chard, then topped with pickled red onions, tzatziki, pomegranate arils, and mint. With pre-roasted beets and store-bought tzatziki, this is our go-to quick weeknight dinner that tastes like it took hours! Got picky eaters? serve components separately!
Most gardeners are familiar with daylilies, peonies, hostas, and iris, but other perennials can add color and interest.
Here are 8 ideas that will revamp your front yard on a budget!
Whether you're new to gardening or just looking to keep things stress free, these low-maintenance flowers will liven up your landscape and need little help.
These Flower Bed Ideas for the Front of House are a visual treat to your eyes. It helps to create a beautiful front yard.
These invasive plants are all beautiful so you will be tempted to plant them in your garden. Find out which invasive species are not worth the hassle.
These Crispy Shredded Za’atar Tofu Cabbage Wraps are high protein, easy to make and completely roasts in the oven. Tossed together with a pistachio za’atar herb mix to maximize on all the flavor.
This Vietnamese noodle salad features tender vermicelli noodles with crisp veggies and smoky grilled chicken tossed in a tangy rice vinegar dressing.
Fresh and delicious sesame chicken salad packed with bright, crunchy vegetables, juicy chicken, and a flavorful sesame ginger dressing. This flavorful sesame chicken salad is easy to customize with your fav veggies and proteins for the perfect healthy lunch or dinner during the week! #salad #chicken #healthylunch #healthydinner #sesamechicken #mealprep
Coucou les gourmands! Si vous aimez le citron et les brownies, alors cette recette est faite pour vous! On y retrouve: La texture fondante des brownies Le goût intense du citron Le croquant de la pistache grillée La gourmandise du chocolat blanc On les appelle en fait «Lemoni
This high-protein Salad with Asian Dressing is crunchy, healthy, and budget-friendly. Meal prep this quick and easy vegan salad for the week.
This recipe is a total winner in our book!
Fresh and delicious sesame chicken salad packed with bright, crunchy vegetables, juicy chicken, and a flavorful sesame ginger dressing. This flavorful sesame chicken salad is easy to customize with your fav veggies and proteins for the perfect healthy lunch or dinner during the week!
It's a beautiful flower bed—and a reservoir for yard and roof runoff
Recipe video above. Pad See Ew (which means Stir Fried Soy Sauce noodles) is one of the most popular Thai street foods. Traditionally made with Sen Yai which are wide, thin rice noodles which are not that easy to come by. So use dried rice noodles instead - I've eaten enough Pad See Ew at Thai restaurants to assure you that there is no compromise on flavour!KEY TIP FOR SUCCESS: Cook the chicken separately from the noodles. Home stoves are no match for the fierce heat of restaurant and street vendor burners. You have to cook separately to get caramelisation on the noodles which is key for authentic flavour. If you don't, the noodles will just stew and your dish will lack flavour!
This classic French carrot salad is a fresh, 2 ingredient salad tossed with lemon Dijon dressing. A versatile side you'll make all season!
my review on favorite cottage garden roses: Earth angel rose, eden climbing rose, moonlight in paris rose... must haves country garden roses!
