This months blog is about me the painter. Watercolor Painting is my passion, my joy, my FUN.  Its a great medium to decorate any space.  Its fresh, its flowing and its fabricated to bring you a whimsical feeling of joy.  I bring it to you with exuberance.  

Please come see my show at Gallery 12,  291 Kalamath, in Denver, CO.  I think you’ll like what you see.

Friday May 4th was the Opening Night.  

“Down by the River”   12″ x 14″ $350.00

“Prarie Madness”  16″ x 20″ framed  $450.00  SOLD

“La Vida Loca”  24′ x  16″   $450.00

 ”Fresh Fish”  12″ x 6″  $150.00

“Fish Float”  36″ x 45″ framed $1700.00

“Adobe Gardens”  24″ x 20″  $625.00 (large size 36″ x 45″ frames  $1700.00)

“Trail Riders”  16″ x 20″  framed $450.00 

I’ve also tried some collage work. They would look great in a contemporary home. They are wild.

COLLAGE  “Turtle Soup”  12″ x 16″  $250.00

GETTING READY TO SELL 

The first task might be to preview properties of comparable value and see what you’re up against.  The goal is to outshine the other houses by making your property look  bigger, brighter and more inviting.  While your finished look may not look exactly like Sting and Trudy Sylers house  its a great look to impersonate.  The floor plan flows and allows easy passage around the furniture.  The clutter is gone and the art and accesories are warm and inviting.  The walls are clean and a fresh lively white of some sort – trust me there are a zealion whites out there so I can’t name this one - but its good.   Its all about the lasting impression.

Sting & Trudy Styler Home

 WHAT DO BUYERS SEE

90% of buyers cant see beyond what they see.  They cant see the potential in a room, they can’t envision a more open space if you tell them they can move a wall, they can’t see what a color change can do to perk up that ordinary room. Your one chance to hook them is by artfully staging the space.  Staged homes have an average of 33 days on the market while non-staged homes have an average 196 days on the market.  Staging can make the most of your houses assets and be the ticket for a quicker return on your investment.   When the buyer can visualize a decorated space as their OWN the personal connection leads to a premium sale.

STAGING COMPANIES

Professional staging companies stage occupied as well as vacant houses. They can perform house makeovers and redesigns, and even implement new construction staging. In the Denver area here are a few of your choices.

Showhomes Home Staging 303-534-1772.  Pictured here is one of their before/after rooms.  Great furniture placement and color coordination make the room look very livable.  The green plants add a human factor and the art and fireplace say “You’re home”. 

Other companies available in Denver for staging include:

Sensational Home Styling  303-717- 7918         Colorado Premium Staging  303-263-5334          

FENG SHUI STAGING

There are also stagers who specialize in Feng Shui.  Energy flow for harmony, balance and beauty in your home, life and business is their specialty.  Feng Shui for the OM  720-301-4756  emphasizes ease and flow for the buyers and a quick, effortless sale for the realtor.  Space cleanings and blessings are their specialty at a price of $140 to $175 per hour.       

SIX TIPS FOR STAGING   YOU CAN DO-IT-YOURSELF

I -  Declutter, clean and depersonalize - less is more.  If you wouldn’t find those tired items in a posh hotel or resort get rid of them.

II – Build a memorable first impression. Draw buyers in with a welcoming entry.  Get rid of old blinds or shabby curtains.  Get rid of dingy rugs. Create blended spaces by extending the wall color into an adjacent room. Fresh paint is a must even if its white.  Home Depot and Lowe’s sell paint for about $5.00 a gallon.  You can’t afford NOT to paint – so pick up a brush and get started.

III – Invest in contemporary appliances – cooktop, stove or refrigerator.  Builders Appliance and the Great Indoors both sell quality affordable appliances.  The cost can be recouped in the sell. Fix nicks and dents that could multiply in the buyers mind.  If you have to, paint or replace the kitchen cabinet doors – it will make a difference.

IV – Update outdated bathrooms, especially any with tacky tile.  Add spa like accesories and use some bleach on those grout lines to restore a sense of freshness.  For new towels and accesories visit Bed Bath and Beyond, Sears or Target.  Remember, you can take the new towels with you when you sell.  What a treat.

 V – Upgrade to eco friendly products.  Buyers are very interested in going green.  Change light bulbs to LED bulbs and use light sensors and timers to conserve energy.  Install energy efficient appliance like tankless water heaters that reduce costs by 50%.  Buy induction cooktops and save 40% over electric and gas appliances.  Simple things like dryer vent and attic covers also reduce energy use.  Last but not least – conserve water by using touchless faucet infrared sensor adaptors and maximum flow showerheads to lower water bills.

 VI – Most important – if you need help admit it and ask a professional for help finding storage or renting furniture, decluttering and arrange furniture harmoniously.  The results will be well worth the costs. 

And once you sell - CALL ME  to design the “Home of Your Dreams”  -  G Marie Interiros 303-355-3604

THE IMPORTANCE OF DETAILS

The details used in home decor include, but are not limited to, objects, the artwork, the pillows, the rugs, the lamps, the books, the mirrors, the sculptures, the andirons next to the fireplace, the floral arrangements, the photographs, the tea service, the candelsticks and the antique carvings that all complete an interior.  Sometimes the dog even qualifies.

Was it Mies van der Rohe who said, “God is in the details”?  Well  I think ”God inspires me to pay attention to the details”.  We designers are the artists who take risks and help decide on what stays and what goes and what can make a place exciting.  We turn the blank canvas of your home decor  into a masterpiece by coordinating the details.

ARRANGING

Arranging accessories takes trial and error and may take several tries even for the seasoned designer.  The details of  shape, texture, color, finish and scale are reference points we use to look for similarities and contrasts between the objects we place around a room to make it interesting.

Here is a room with great textures and shapes.  The color of the horse sculpture and the french jars compliment each other.  Slanted books on the mantel make them interesting.  The carved lamp is perfect.  Wherever possible find intersting  shapes in lamps and other objects to enhance your rooms – things that are functional can become a statement.  ( A useful trick when operating on a budget is to mix flea market finds with one or two precious items.) Always make a statement with the details in your rooms.

 COLORS AND PATTERNS

The use of colors can be emotional.  Bright lemon yellow pillows will energize and excite a room while cream accessories will quiet it.  Large pattens create energy and small patterns provide peace.  Combining solids and patterns will add depth and charachter.  
Pillows, draperies, porcelain and area rugs can all be sources of pattern and will impact a room by adding dimension and sharpness. I love the large and small patterns connected by color in the room below.  The collection of shells makes an intersting display and the green glass collection adds a touch of serenity. They create a story – the seaside explored and the shells of remembrance.

GROUPS OF OBJECTS

Sometimes one item can stand on its own but for the most part groups of objects have a greater impact.  The items must be balanced and symmetry or assymetrical groupings both work.  Variety will animate the arrangements but a group of collected items adds a punch.  Throwing a vase of flowers in the mix is very satisfying.  Place a mirror behind a table scape to make it twice as interesting.  A grouping backed by a painting gives you an opportunity to coordinate the color of the objects in front of it with the colors in the artwork – to blend them in a harmonious arrangement.

 The colors in the artwork are enhanced by the objects on the console below it.

 EXPRESSIVE ELEMENTS

Everything visible in a room is a decorative element. Their cumulative effect makes the room inviting.  Byarranging pieces of your life around the room and adding whimsey you can create a personal space that showcases your tastes and interests.   The room below tells me the inhabitants are collectors, love art and secretly harbor a desire for spring – the birds give it away.

Give your rooms details – add objects and arrange them artfully so your room comes alive.  A room looks unfinished without accents and accesories.  Like a blank canvas - the details make it a masterpiece.

If you need help creating the home of your dreams please contact us. gwenmarie2@cs.com

CLUES FROM THE CLOSET

When its time to decorate take a clue from your closet - the dresses, blouses, skirts and pants fabrics, the shoe colors and the textures may help you negotiate your choices for a lively environment.  Ask yourself, what colors do I consistently reach for when getting dressed? Do I like dark tones or bright colors? Do I like textures or flat weaves? Do I like clothes with sheen or do I like matt finishes? Your closet can be  inspiration to create the perfect room.

ETHNIC AND ANIMAL PRINTS

Fashion and interiors are each influenced by the other.  So for interiors in 2012 I am taking clues from fashion and at the top of my trend list are ethnic and animal prints.  Translated, they will work well in a city sophisticate home or a ranch in Wyoming.  They’ll work as sofas and chairs or even drapery.  If you’re not afraid to wear them you won’t be afraid to live with them.

Photo: Bazaar Magazine Jan 2012 - Dress and necklace by Donna Karan

 This beautiful room from Martyn Lawrence Bullard could have been inspired by the dress and beaded necklace above.  Bullard’s unique emphasis on handcrafted textiles and accesories bring a delightful and timeless twist to his interiors.

Photo from Web Site Martyn Lawrence Bullard

PASTELS

Another important trend for 2012 will be pastels.  From NY to LA pastels will make you confident to work the room.  The soft colors will take your home from frumpy to feminine – from lackluster to perfect.

Photo from Bazaar Magazine Jan 2012 – Dolce Gabbana, Ralph Lauren and Chanel 

Pastel’s from Nancy Corzine are the epitamy of chic. 

Photo from Nanacy Corzine Glamour at Home

CAMEL & TAUPES

Camel, taupe and grey combinations will also be popular for 2012.  Pants and shawls, purses, boots, and coats will all figure prominently in the lineup. Rooms with camel sofas, gray chairs and champagne drapes have the potential to be breathtaking, fresh and exciting. 

Photo: Bazaar Magazine Jan 2012

This room keeps beige and tone on tone colors exciting with the addition of patterns.

Photo from Veranda Magazine

Taupy brown is great when paired with beige and patterns

Photo from Veranda Magazine

 COLOR                            

Photo from In Style Magazine Jan 2012

In 2012 color is still important – blue, red and especially yellow.   Use it in your dress, in your paintings and as pillows to POP a room.  I love this entry with the yellow bench pad.  Its so HAPPY.  Happy 2012!!!

 Photo from Veranda Magazine 2012

If you’d like help creating the “Home of Your Dreams” contact us at 303-355-3604  G Marie Interiors  gwenmarie2@cs.com

Though everyone is all about red right now, I think I’m going to stick with gray.  Even though I’m a Denver Interior Designer gray is my “Go To” neutral color all year long.  Its not as cold as you’d think.

 For the Holiday’s gray with a touch of red brings out the hospitality in a room. In this dining room that evokes the interiors of Elsie de Wolfe, silver leaf paper, gray silk window treatments, and painted Chippendale-style chairs combine in a setting that is layered in elegance.  Anchored with gray its the perfect room for a holiday meal that will inspire your guests and family.

 Photo from Southern Accents on Color

Gray is that chameleon color that many other colors look great next to and any style can be designed around.  Whether its used in a modern decor with a hint of gray on a sofa or in transitional textural appointments like gray painted fireplaces, I think of this color as an elixir.  Add a big burst of color to gray accents and a room becomes a shrine to good taste and relaxed harmony.  Denver Interiors look great in theses colors.

 Photo from Veranda Magazine

  The famous Decorator Barbara Barry uses gray in her home in Los Angeles and it is ultimately sophisticated. Gray, like a tailored suit, takes away all sharp edges, all harsh glares, and appears infinitely livable.  Here the gray knocks your socks off.

Photo from Elle Decor

Gray is steady, resigned, stable, dignified, cool and safe. In this room its deliberate.

Photo from Veranda

Gray can be quiet and calming with infinite dimension and versatility.  

Gray can be feminine of masculine and either gender could live in a gray inspired room.  Gray plays many roles.

 Image from kidllc.com

 Grey is useful in covering up a room’s sins.  Paint those speckle textured white walls or old cabinets gray and they take on a whole new life. With the current emphasis on natural materials – on walls and floors, coiunter and tabletops – it seems only natural that gray would find its way into today’s interiors – especially kitchens.  I love these dark gray painted cabinets – so cool and classy. 

Photo from Elle Decor

 Gray is a statement – in this wallpaper its OVER THE TOP perfect.

 If you would like inspiration for the home of your dreams please contact me at 303-355-3604. 

With Denver’s G Marie Interiors  your dreams can come true.  Gwen Smith Ehrlich

“INSPIRATION FOR THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS”

Everyday can be a special occasion when you create table settings dressed up with place mats, napkins, foliage, found objects and collections.  Here are some of my favorites.

This place setting has international flavor.  Most of the tableware was designed exclusively for the Modernature collection http://www.modenature.com/ from Henri Becq in Paris. The clean lines of the silver pitcher and dishes are gorgeous.

Photo:  from the book Bachelor Style

With morning dining often being a quick eat and run, a breakfast setting will make everyone  notice somethings up and maybe slow down.  Set the table for breakfast and start the day off  right.  This table scape features a hand-screened printed runner from Williams-Sonoma.  http://www.williams-sonoma.com/   To me it speaks of lazy morning dining with family all around soaking up the happiness.

Here is a place setting by Juliska  http://www.juliska.com/  Use it to set up a summer dinner on the patio or a fireside dinner in the winter.  I am all over bamboo for year round dining. 

For some glamorous dining here is an exciting use of pinks, greens and golds on a mirrored table.  The vintage backdrop is pretty.  The glasses are from Horchow.  http://www.horchow.com/products/wine-glasses.jsp

Some of my favorite table settings are designed by Carolyn Roehme.  She has a panache about table setings that is incredible.  This place setting uses autumnal colors against a classic blue and white theme. The green dishes and deer horn candlesticks transform the setting.

Summer is almost over but there is still time to indulge in this table setting of natural beachy elements.  Ocean blue and green with light woods and pristine white juxtaposed with driftwood, ceramics and linen create an ideal setting.

Another great summer look is this coral inspired setting.  The dinnerware is like jewelry, designer inspired with elements of charm.  So chic – a - boo.

 Dream Big or Go Home. If you want to go full force formal this table setting will knock your guests socks of f.    I love the crystal shimmering in candle light and the wonderful red boquet.  It reaks of romance.  And who is that guy in the portrait?  Someone infamous or dyabollical?  Only the host  knows.  And you’ll only find out if you’re invited to dine.

Here is a setting all of us can recreate with little trouble.  Its down to earth easy.  White plates on top of black chargers, interesting glasses and a centerpiece of limes for color.  YOU CAN DO THIS.   Invite the family over and see what happens.  People love to be surounded by simple creative energy.

“INSPIRATION FOR THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS”

Here is a wallpaper that is OVER THE TOP – available at Town in the Denver Design Center.  Its watercolor inspired theme is intoxicating.  It would be great in a restaurant or on one wall of  my party room.  Can’t you just imagine it?

Wallpaper by Fromental is my new favorite discovery.   The wallpaper is custom designed in England to fit your wall space, sent to China to be  hand painted, returned to England for inspection and then sent to you.  Around the world design that is so worth it at about $216 a square yard if its painted.  It can also be enhanced with embroidery for about $440 a square yard.

The Fromental dining room panels below are so expressive and exciting.

Here is a bathroom papered in the Pop-pop flowers pattern by Fromental.  Zingy isn’t it?  You  can  choose from several color schemes. This paper can also be painted or embroidered.

Wallpaper that pops is novel.  I can imagine this paper on the kitchen walls of a bungalow.  What FUN!! What POP!!!!

Photo from Veranda April 2011

Look at this paper  installed in the St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London. It would be gorgeous in a powder room.   Are you brave enough?  Are you bold enough?  Come on be gutsy and put it in your powder room.  Show off.

Photo from Elle Decor

This wallpaper is awesome.  Its fresh and over the top FUN!!

Is this wallpaper simply beautiful or what?  Its by de Gournay.   Whether you prefer a newly decorated look or the aged look, the company will oblige. They will age any of its hand-painted silk wall coverings.

Here is a project where I used grass cloth in a powder room.  It really WORKS for a clean finished look.

Another garden inspired paper I could easily live with.

This papered dining room wall was shown in House Beautiful in 2005.  Its so today.

I love this Pied-a-Terre’s wallpaper.  It just envelopes the room in sophistication.

NOW – GO BIG OR GO HOME

The Russian dancer Nureyev was a moving force who  owned houses in Monaco, New York, Virginia, London, St Barts, an island called Li Galli off the Amalfi Coast and in Paris.  The wallpaper in Nureyev’s  Paris home is so spirited its like tigers roaring.  Actually you can hear his designer roaring.  The wall coverings are leather.  Imagine that.

Photos from Elle Decor feature Nureyev at home.

Flashy digs for a flashy dancer.

“INSPIRATION FOR THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS”

STICKS

and  STONES

BECOME FLOORS

Many of today’s homes are carpeted, but I think wood and  stone floors have proven their infamy in many decors.  A wide plank wood or a natural stone floor that encompasses a homes entire living area offers an exciting approach to flooring.  Each board of a wood floor tells a story of beautiful summers and long cold winters.  Each slab of stone tells the story of unmovable resilience.   Their sustainable use has become a great pride for environmentalists and designers.   Today we know the importance of using felled trees and quarried stone in prudent and ecological manners and each provides the perfect source material for future human endeavors.

MANUFACTURED WOOD  FLOORING

Kährs has been manufacturing quality wood in Sweden since 1857.  They invented engineered hardwood floors and are Europe’s most popular hardwood brand,  guaranteed for life.  Whichever Kährs floor you choose you’ll own a floor created by nature and crafted using the very best technology, with total respect for the environment.  A Kährs floors will live up to all of your expectations.

Cherry Genua floor

Kährs demands suppliers to guarantee the origin of wood and sustainable and responsible forestry is the basis of their operation. In view of this, they have stopped marketing threatened wood species until there are processes and documentation that offer guarantees that the rainforest timber is derived from controlled sources.

Kährs  sustainable timber comes in natural colors that won’t walk or scratch off.  The wood can be used in about any room in the house except a full bath.  Their engineered hardwood  can be installed over sub-floors and existing floors.  They can even be installed over radiant heat systems.  For the health conscious family,  Kährs floors contain few chemical compounds and virtually no chemical emissions.

TRIVENETA PARCHETTI -  ITALIAN FLOORING PRODUCTS

The New York Design Festival offers exhibitions, educational programming and special events to celebrate New York City and its role as the leader in the fields of art, architecture and design.  A few years ago I discovered the  Design Festival’s  Pier 94 and an Italian floor company called Triveneta Parchetti.   Since 1980, Triveneta Parchetti’s wood floors have been manufactured entirely in Italy with modern electronic equipment that ensures perfection in detail.

With Triveneta Parchetti floors you can enjoy the pleasure of living with environmentally friendly and hand crafted wood flooring finished with natural materials such as oils, resins and waxes of vegetable or animal origin.  There are no petroleum, formaldehyde or pentachlorophenol products in the flooring.  Triveneta Parchetti floors are designed to improve the quality of life in your home.

Ri Struuat Turan Do Collection in brushed and aged larch

The Triveneta Parchetti Collection  features a parquet floor called Pavimento that is stupendous.  The parquet looks great in a wine cellar or on kitchen floors.

The Parquet floor

Triveneta Parchetti’s  Shabby Colors Collection includes wonderful colors – Verde (Green), Beige, Celeste (Blue),Rosa (Pink), an Blanco (white).

Verde, Beige, Blue, Rosa

Blanco

Beautiful Blanco Floors by Triveneta Parchetti

STONE FOR ALL

My favorite flooring product is natural stone and especially travertine.

Travertine has been used for thousands of years in homes and buildings. The Romans built the Colosseum with travertine.  Since it was less rare than marble, it made a perfect alternative in areas where marble was less appropriate.  Look what they created.

The Colosseum

TUMBLED OR POLISHED

Polished travertine is slippery when wet so using a textured brushed or tumbled travertine is best in high traffic areas.  The polished or honed travertine can be used on walls or counters.  For high-traffic areas, some experts suggest using travertine mosaic flooring because the smaller size of the stones can help prevent cracking as occasionally seen in larger tiles. In general, the travertine flooring tiles sold to customers have a Measurement of Hardness (MOH) rating of about three or four, which is comparable to marble.

Tumbled Travertine

Travertine stone flooring that has been polished and sealed can help contribute to the air quality of your home as it does not absorb odors, chemicals, or gases.  Dirt stays on the surface of the sealed stone, rather than being ground in, and can easily be removed.

Tumbled travertine on a kitchen floor

Below is a photo of my Denver basement where  I installed travertine in a Versailles pattern.  Its been amazing.  Its actually cool in the summer and room temperature in the winter.  The upkeep is minimal, taking only a damp mopping on occasion.

Tumbled Travertine on a basement floor

So next time you need a floor product, think about wood and or stone.  They can absolutely be combined for a great  interior floor.

“Inspiration for the Home of Your Dreams”

Gardens surround farmhouses, estates and chateaus around the world.  They create landscapes for our most renown artists to paint and are a source of nourishment. There is no better time than spring to prepare the garden, the outdoor interiors of our lives.   The blooms that will fill our beds to overflowing and the shrubs and trees that create  boundaries of endless beauty are as much to be swooned over as our interior rooms and with the troublesome economic conditions and increased interest in organic and sustainable living, many people are turning to vegetable gardening.

One lovely garden I want to share with you is on Fisher Island where my brother in law enlisted the help of a former model and niece of ex-Attorney General Janet Reno,  to create a sizable vegetable plot.  The Miami garden was begun back in December 2010 and took a lot of preparation as you can see by all the work going on in these photos.  Denver would never be so lush.

The results are spectacular and once a week, the island chef  Stephane  Caporal selects items from the garden to prepare special menus for gourmet night.  The residents love the idea of organic and the tomatoes, lettuce and herbs are well served.

The garden is behind a berm of tall grass to protect it from the brisk ocean breezes that can occur on the island.  Here is a photo of John and Hunter Reno in the garden.  Look at the lush abundance.

John Ehrlich and Hunter Reno (the gardener) – the Miami Herald

In  Miami the growing season is slowing down when our growing season in the Rocky Mountains is just beginning (April).  Some herbs will remain in the Florida beds until June and then the soil will be allowed to rest until fall.  The process is a real testament to mans ability to tame the earth and grow rich abundance and nourishment in a variety of conditions.

Look at these lovely veggies that have come out of the garden.  Just think what we could grow for our own families with just a bit of determination and effort.

Basil I think

THE POTAGER

Now, a twist on the typical garden.  Plant a potager (pronounced poe tah zhai in French), a traditional kitchen garden in which vegetables, herbs and flowers are grown together to enhance the beauty of your landscape .  The goal is to make the function of providing food aesthetically pleasing and its more popular than the traditional rows or blocks.   The French are masters at getting the most out of their potagers and virtually every French yard has a spotless vegetable garden.  Often, it occupies most of a small yard and is planted tightly.  Here is the beautiful Le Potager du Chateau de Bosmelet.  Look how the rows of lettuce compliment the swirling yellow flowers.

Photo  – Le Potager du Chateau de Bosmelet from LArelier Vert Everything French Gardening

The unique garden below is the rainbow vegetable garden, (le potager “Arc en Ciel”).  It has quadrants arranged classically by color: sapphire blue, amber (yellows through orange), garnet red, and ivory white.

A wealth of flowers and vegetables mingle superbly in this potager.  Cornflowers, nicotiana, red orach gone to resplendent fuschia as it turns to seed, cleomes, amaranths, cockscombs, and nasturtiums number among the annuals.  The mixed borders are filled with  shrubs, perennials and colorful foliage.  One entire wide row is devoted to a staked riot of dahlias that grow lustily to 5 or 6 feet tall.

GARDEN LOCATION

When choosing the location for your garden, keep in mind that most vegetables and herbs need as much sun as possible to do their best.  Good drainage is also a must, so avoid low-lying areas where water collects.  Another consideration is the distance from your garden to the kitchen.  If you are a spontaneous cook, you may want to have your herbs and veggies right outside the kitchen door within easy picking distance. If proximity isn’t a major concern, decide where you will spend the most time and site it for maximum viewing.  Do you spend a lot of time relaxing on your deck or patio or would you rather see your garden framed by the picture window in your favorite room?
When you’ve chosen the best site, prepare the area just as you would for a new perennial bed.  You will need some stakes and string to lay out your chosen design. To form a rectangle, position the stakes at the four corners, with the string running between them. Triangles may be marked off on the diagonal, and diamonds created by positioning a center stake midway between each corner stake. To create a circle, measure a length of string equivalent to the radius of the finished bed and attach the string to a stake anchored at the circle’s center. With the end of the string in your hand, walk the circle’s circumference, etching its outside edge as you go.

Once you have the “bones” of the garden–it is time to plant your family’s favorite herbs, fruits and vegetables.  For season-long color, add bright edible flowers in groups in the front and around the border as edging plants.

Edible flowers that grow in Colorado include:

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) perennial, Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) annual,  Daylily(Hemerocallis spp.) perennial,
English Daisy (Bellis perennis) annual/biennial, Geranium, scented (Pelargonium spp.) annual, Gladiola (Gladious spp.) annual, Hollyhock (Alcea rosea) biennial, Johnny-Jump-Up (Viola tricolor) annual, Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) perennial reliably hardy only to Zone 5, Lemon Marigold (Tagetes tenufolia ‘Lemon Gem’) annual, Nasturtium (Tropaeolum spp.) annual, Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana) hardy annual, Petunia (Petunia x hybrida) annual, Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) hardy annual, Rose (Rosa spp.) perennial, Sunflower (Helianthus annua) annual, Violet (Viola cornuta) perennial

GARDEN INSPIRATION

Here is a beautiful garden of the Chateau du Grand Jardn, Joinville, Haute-Marne that displays not only  practical implementation but a love for nature and the land.  Its a large space but we lowly beginners can copy the elements and do smaller versions of it.  Maybe an evergreen surounded by lavendar and some essential herbs.

Château du Grand Jardin, Joinville, Haute-Marne  Photo from Everything French Gardening

Using this inspiration I am starting a VERY small kitchen garden in the bricked planter area on my patio.  As you can see by the photo below there are a few succulents, an evergreen tree and some honeysuckle vines already in play.  Its a small area I’ve add some lavender,  English daisies,  basil, peppers, squash and some strawberries in the wall container.  Everything might overgrow but I’m willing to take my chances.  The Budha is my outdoor accessory.  I will train the  ivy plants to flow over the edges of the brick walls in splendor.   I’ll keep you posted as to how this turns out.   DON’T YOU JUST LOVE SPRING.

My Denver Potager

“Inspiration for the Home of Your Dreams”

Books support the interests of people to pursue learning and are a tell tell sign as to whats important to them.  Whenever I find myself in a home that has no books I wonder what the inhabitants are interested in, what makes them tick, what they find amusing in life, how they get outside their heads.   So when the idea came up of blogging about bookshelves I found it the perfect opportunity to tune into peoples ability to display books with other objects and express themselves.

Books make the woman or man – as the case may be – they add personality PLUS

BOOKSHELVES ANYWHERE

Bookshelves can be placed anywhere, in the living room or family room,kitchen or dining room.The bookshelves I designed for my Denver dining room incorporate objects and books of various subjects.  Everything from medical text books to Stieg Larsen’s, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.  The books are interspersed with artwork,  sculptures and even a crystal collection that makes the room glow.  I have also added mirrors and floral arrangements.  All of these elements eliminate monotony.

Proper lighting with halogen lights, usually to spot the top of the bookshelves, can make the bookshelves design more elegant.  Bookshelves can be made in various forms and materials including wood and MDF (which can be easily painted and in any color you can think of to match other elements in the room), glass, stainless steel, or wrought iron.  Bookshelves  can be designed around doorways and TVs and can have their rear walls painted or papered different colors.  There are so many options.

Book shelves in a room make a  grand impact.

Bookshelves used as room dividers are better than walls.  They keep the rooms open and airy.

Bookshelves arranged around the TV take the attention off the TV – making it blend into the space more.  Built around a fireplace bookshelves seem to set the atmosphere for spontaneous interaction.

Bookshelves over a doorway create charisma and bring a bit of whimsy to the room.

Color in the bookcase adds dimension.

THE MODERN BOOKCASE

Today there are some amazing bookshelves that fit perfectly in the contemporary house.  Italian manufacturers Doimo have launched their collection of contemporary bookcases that are suitable for any modern dwelling.  Doimo design offers a wide range of products that are rich in identity with  world renowned Italian style.  Doimo products are a perfect synthesis of functionality, technology and design.

BOOKSHELVES AS THE FOCUS OF THE ROOM

Bookshelves can effectively become the focus of a room.  Focus on designating areas, staying organized and choosing a theme that suits you for best results.  The room can be centered around the books and objects much like you would center them around a fireplace.   Arrange seating areas where people can talk and sit comfortably.  Put tables next to chairs so a drink can be placed while reading one of the books from the shelf.

Nature is the greatest inspiration for creating awesome furniture.  In spite of the unusual shape of this bookshelf  its still practical and useful and a focal point in the room.

Bookshelf as focus of the room.

OPTION – THE STAND ALONE UNIT

A stand alone bookshelf unit can be used as a room devide or as an anchor on either side of a window.  So many designs are available for today’s practical interiors.  Here are a few I found on the internet.  They will not only store your books but will give your interiors architectural details without having the potentially higher cost of built-ins.

This shelf from Baker is phenomenal.  Not only does it have shelves for books but it also has an enclosed storage compartment.  It would be gorgeous on either side of a fireplace.

This traditional shelving unit is form Willshire.  It would be beautiful in a bedroom or even in a family room.

The crate shelves mounted on a wall in a kids bedroom create the perfect space for storing books and other items like trophies and stuffed animals.

I’m convinced that books can be incorporated into any interior.  Bookshelves are a design element that will add value to your home or office.