THE MONOCHROMATIC GARDEN SCHEME

When planning our garden, I had creative visions of every different white flower that would grow here in the Northwest sprouting up in pockets between lush green shade growing perennials. My husband just stared at me in disbelief. Well who ever does that? he asked incredulously. Hopes dashed, we went on to plant the orthodox mixed vivid colored garden the same as everyone else in our parts.

Our garden looks lovely and I have to admit that every time something new pops up, I am not only excited about its unique blossom but the special color of it as well.

I still dream one day of having that stunning garden with a monochromatic theme that stuns the neighborhood but given the cost of creating something fresh every year, I will have to wait for the future and enjoy my current multicolored buffet.

Some really amazing displays of the impact that one color alone can have in a garden.

Shopping in Seattle

What a day chaperoning two German exchange students. I actually spent the whole time in only two shops down by Pike Place Market. The Antique store and one across the street called Watson Kennedy that had so many funky little odds and ends that I could have spent the next two days going through everything. It's a second level shop so if you're down at Pike anytime soon....stop in. It smells fabulous.

Still looking for a working one of these....

ENTRY PATH DESIGN

I find that there are so many elements in Exterior Design that if you were to separate each individually you might become overwhelmed. After all, the overall look of your home has to have that cohesiveness that has the drive by eye roving smoothly throughout and enjoying the complete look. If they find only one element that has been focused on, well then they feel there is work to do and if they see too many competing focal points, they won't achieve that calm we all get when we've found THE perfect home.

If you stand back from the street at different times of the day and catch the visual snapshot of your house from it's Street Impact, try to imagine amazing ideas that you've seen in photos actually implemented on your home. Will it work? or is it too over the top? Maybe it's perfect but still not enough. It's really important to try and view your exterior objectively so you can see what drive by's see. Sometimes we're in awe of the most creative Robins egg blue door but to transfer that idea onto your own space could be disastrous. It takes time to create an exterior that appeals to a majority but if you can achieve that goal....well guaranteed you've improved your Street Appeal as well as your property value!

The path to the front door can be the part of the canvas that draws people in and gives them an almost scenic route to the home. It doesn't even have to be a long path because let's face it, Real Estate today has us sitting on postage sized lots and not so much room to work with. The smaller the space from sidewalk to door....the more creative you'll have to be.

Some wonderful ideas out there that can visually create the illusion that your path is longer than it really is or likewise, shorter. No matter what the length, try to create a unique and interesting journey that suggests something even better on the other side of the door.

So what if you look outside and see that old plain concrete path without a curve or bump of character anywhere? try creating your own visual interest. Maybe a row of lavender on either side would be spectacular in bloom every year or maybe a line of interesting lighting that leads to the door. Straight pathways are typically traditional and formal in style so will always look great when paired with those same elements. Symmetrical planters, lighting, architectural features and plant items along your walkway can make a huge impact. We all have hurdles to work with but if you can find the compromise in your particular situation you can still have an amazing path that has cars slowing down when they pass.



Gently curved pathways have that more casual feel and can be dressed in both a formal or cottage style format. Whatever look lends itself to the uniqueness of your home and it's general style. Don't be afraid to pour through magazines and steal that little gem of an idea that would increase your property's value. It can cost you the farm or it can be nothing but a personal labor of love and sweat.

Once you've found that perfect path to your home, don't forget to light it well at night so that it's never missed by passersby.

Getting the Most Out of Your Address

Most of us don't put much thought into the numbers on our home. As long as the Pizza delivery man can see them and we can remember them when necessary, their job is done.


I spend probably too much time thinking of interesting ways to display them. So much so, that I haven't actually executed my plan yet. I want large numbers on the garage door with a sign light above them. Something that says 'this is my lot number and don't you forget it !!'. I suppose it's the artist in me that see's these boring little numbers stuck to all the neighborhood homes in the usual place that makes them much too utilitarian and not near wow enough for my tastes.


I passed a house today in Tswassen that had the most beautiful little arbor out front on the property and it was covered in a stunning and mature Wisteria plant with cascading white flowers. There on the post is the homes address. Standing proud with it's very own structure to frame it. Now that is a Wow !!

Someone in that home has real pride in their property and can even see that the number of the lot deserves a very regal spot. Since there really  aren't any rules on how to show your address other than it be visible to the general public, take a little time to look at the photos I've added here and see if there isn't something a little more interesting you can do with your own address.

A List of Bloggers about Design....I'm becoming a blogaholic

Just finding someones design blog with interesting tips and ideas on design is like finding that perfect gem at some smelly garage sale. In fact, that is exactly what it's like for me....like garage sales when I have some extra time. I'll try to post the coolest ones I can find so let me know if any of them are so amazing that you can hardly stand it !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

• http://aubreyandlindsay.blogspot.ca/
• http://emmas.blogg.se/
• http://www.themarionhousebook.com/              *special mention on this blog. Great mention to special items  http://traceyaytonphotography.com/blog/
• http://www.younghouselove.com/