{Design Details} Quadrille Aga Fabric

Design is in the details.

 

 

 

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{Tutorial} Outdoor Bamboo Candles

The Outdoor Extravaganza continues!  Today I'm sharing a tutorial on Outdoor Bamboo Candles.

Here they are in my corner of the patio.  Sitting with my simple container gardens. 

These were very simple and inexpensive to make.

Here's what you'll need...

Bamboo Placemats (found mine at the dollar store)

Various Jars

Hot Glue

Tealight Candles

Cutting Tool

Wrap bamboo placemat around jar and adhere with hot glue.

 Trim excess.  Add touch of hot glue to make sure edge is secure.  Doing this step second will ensure that the bamboo placemat does not unravel.

Trim down to desired height.  I originally thought an exacto blade was necessary, but mine cut easily with a scissor.  Add tealight candle.

Look at how pretty they are when they're lit up.

Loving the little bit of color they add here.

Today I'm linking my outdoor decorating projects over at Amanda Carol at Home!  If you have a great outdoor decorating project you'd like to share join us today!

Linking to...

Amanda Carol at Home
Serenity Now
C.R.A.F.T.
DIY by Design
Home Stories A to Z

{Tutorial} Three Simple Steps to an Outdoor Container Garden

In three simple steps each year I choose plants to create a container garden that will bloom beautifully throughout the New York summer.

Step1...Thriller

 Step 2...Spiller

Step 3...Filler

Before choosing plants I prepare my pots.  I reuse these pots each year.  They're plastic, but have the look of ceramic.   They eliminate the worry of cracking and chipping pots.  When choosing your own pots the most important thing is to make sure that there is adequate drainage.  Once filled with good quality soil they're ready to go.

And now on to the planting.  I like low maintenance plants that will bloom and add color thoughout the summer.  Through the years I have found plants that work for me each year.  Depending on your climate and the amount of sun in your yard, you may find that certain plants will work better for you than others.

Step 1.  The Thriller.  This plant is the centerpiece of the container garden.  I choose a plant that grows tall to be the focalpoint of the planter.

Step 2.  The Spiller.  Around the edges of the planter I place spiller plants.  These plants will grow and cascade over the sides of the planter over time.

Step 3.  The Filler.  This is where I add color and fill in the empty spaces of the planter.  I love gerbera daisies.  They do well in my full sun backyard.

I group several pots together for greater impact.  They are placed in the corner of my patio and act to soften the edges and add color.

Don't forget that you can still link your outdoor plant and flower projects at Satori Design for Living and tomorrow there is a link party for outdoor decorating at Amanda Carol at Home.

See you all tomorrow with my outdoor decorating project!

Linking to...

Satori Design for Living

Serenity Now

{Life} Where are you?

Remember my whole birthmonth celebration?  Well, my fabulous husband decided that we were going to celebrate with a much needed getaway.  So, I packed my belongings and happily off we went.

Of course, I planned as much as possible.  I like to plan.  I like to be organized.  I like to be in control.  I called ahead and made sure that there would be internet access in the hotel, because clearly I could not miss a week of blogging.  I had everything all under control.

Is everyone following me so far?  We all see where this is going, don't we?  No internet.  No one knew why.  Other than the fact that there was always internet access and that the tech people were working on it.  I could be patient.  Right?  I'm sure that it would be fixed very soon.

Oh yeah and while patiently waiting for internet access, my husband ended up with food poisoning.  And was sick for days.  Days.

I never knew how much I loved blogging.  And a healthy husband.  :)

So, thank you to all of you who sent me messages expressing their concern.  And my apologies to all of you who peeked in and wondered where I was. 

While I was away I missed the great Outdoor Extravaganza Link Party at Satori Design for Living so I'll be posting my "planned" project later today.  Better late than never, I guess.  Head over to Shauna to see all of the great plant and flower projects linked up.

And tomorrow is the next link party at Amanda Carol at Home.  Don't forget to link your outdoor decorating projects.  I promise I won't miss this one.  :)

{I heart} White Horse Statues

I'm totally lusting over white horse statues.  There's something about these animals that are so amazing and I'm hoping to find a piece to incorporate into my own home decor.

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{Reader's Survey} Room Design Consideration Results

On Tuesday I presented a poll on the question Which room design factor do you consider to be most important?  The choices were architectural detail, designer fabrics, furniture, comfort and durability, materials, technology, lighting, or art.

And how did you all answer?

The most popular choice was...furniture.  35% of you voted this way!  Above all when designing a space furniture was your top consideration.

My biggest surprise?

So few of you chose designer fabric. So many design boards are designed around it!  I thought for sure that fabric was going to be a major consideration.






And how did I vote?

I always have a love for architectural details in a space.  When remodeling my own home it was a major factor, even before I considered other design elements.  Give me traditional moldings and add some modern touches and I'm in my dream home.  Maybe it was growing up around the business of custom woodwork that makes me a little nostalgic.  :)



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Thanks for participating!  Hope you all have a great weekend!

{Designer Spotlight} Ashley Goforth Design

Introducing you today to Ashley Goforth Design.  I was immediately drawn to the style of these spaces.  Traditional pieces mixed with modern touches.  Formal yet informal.  The perfect mix. 










 

You can see more of the work of this Houston based design firm at Ashley Goforth Design.

{Inspiration} Agate in Interior Design

Inspired by my beautiful new necklace. 

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What do you thingk about agate in interior design?

Don't forget to take my reader's survey on Room Design Considerations.