August 24, 2010

First Impressions

We all know the saying about the importance of first impressions. Our homes, like ourselves speaks volumes about who we are.
If you were to pull into my driveway at the moment, you might think I am lazy.......weeds, drooping plants and yes I am a Landscape Designer .................. maybe you might think an overly busy Landscape Designer. Your initial image is lasting.

The presence of a gate, to me, is an enticement, a lovely bit of ornamentation.

And of course the other intent is additionally loud and clear.
But today's post is about the beautiful first impression you can create.
Last February I was in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California for a biz conference. Stolen time was a drive-through this fairy tail community.
Consider the placement............a no-nonsense stride to the front door
Think about the effect. No this is not derelict but a local style of the community adding to it's charm and casual lifestyle
Think of the style and it complementing and enhancing the architectural style of your home. Hints of adobe make this gate and fence appropriate.
 My personal favorite for many reasons;
The overhead arbor makes the gate very important
Love a double gate
The weathered wood blends with the homes colors
 

AND LOOK AT THAT MAILBOX!! 


Live on a busy road? Or in the case of this town.........gawking tourists?
Have something to say? Look closely, inside the gate and arbor
The mystery of what beauty this gate contains
A rustic mix of materials and styles; the gate remains special with stone sentinels supporting it. The wood carries on but in a different pattern.
Not necessarily a means of securing the property but as an element of charm for artistic expression

Love it, but when it speaks to me it says.............."no surface unadorned" and that would be carried forth indoors, no doubt with good taste and a specific theme
This could go two ways, as is in the rustic style of the town, not particularly calling attention to itself. Or a classic white picket gate and fence mirroring the trim and style
SPANISH!   Loud and clear.........vintage sun bleached door with stone and stucco. The home has underlying tones of Tudor but who am I to judge :-)
Pure cottage..............the rounded undulating form of the stone wall, the wood fence capping and arbor perfectly mirror elements of this home
Enticing! Stone and iron............notice the curving path beyond. Curves say to me "slow down and enjoy". Also take note of the stone backdrop which highlights the gate.
SHEER PERFECTION! Don't you agree?
What I see that is so spot on;
-the stone adds weight, all iron would disappear otherwise. It's colorways compliment the roof
-the iron is a taupe/gray that blends. Take particular notice of the subtle arch in the fence, repeating the Tudor timbering on the house
-the separation of the "street garden" and the "interior garden"
-the personalization..........see below
And..........the sense of humor. I want to know these people!
Formal and curvy and subtly French
A nod to it's Spanish Architecture
The same stone as the house is carried forward creating the illusion of a more expansive home. The gate color is repeated on the house trim
"Look" but do not enter................
An artistic whimsical mindset...........a conformist does not reside here.
What about a set of gates for the drive?
This would be my absolute favorite............
-The gates repeat the style and materials

-Maybe they are always left open..........the effect is so good
-The planted drive
-The enticement of the "long view" and what lies beyond

The gates and the fencing need not match
Repetition of the garage door lines...............and........if one material is good (wood), two or three are better (stone and stucco).
  Lastly a moment of shameless self-promotion.
Back in Illinois..............this is one of my landscape clients' home with their free standing gate. Here is what we were attempting to achieve;
-Bring the garden "out" towards the street with repeated architectural elements
-The concrete posts are from my friend and artist Richard Taylor
-The gate is custom made by a local iron worker
-The gates do not function.............purely ornamental
-When the Hydrangea's mature and bloom the gate will stand out with the flora behind it
-WINTER INTEREST..........mandatory in Illinois.

Do you have a gate, want a gate? If you need help in deciding style and color send a photo of the front of your home, we can all learn about the process together.
"He who wants to do good knocks at the gate; he who loves, finds the gate open"
by
Rabindranath Taqure


xo
Debra

August 21, 2010

T W O GREAT SALES

One is my favorite home featured on this blog once before. I never thought Sam and Suzy could move from their home but they are. Will be fun to see "what's next?"

                     YES THIS ONE!
 Go to the old post for a tour here  
  Or see the realtor listing here

A beautiful garden can be yours................for less. All of our outdoor accessories are now on SALE; 

benches.............urns.................statues..................fountains.........accessories

                               40% off

Scentimental Gardens
428 W. State Street
Geneva, Il.
630-232-1303
www.scentimentalgardens.com

SG Too
116 Cedar Avenue
St. Charles, Il.
630-584-7474
www.sgtoo.com
  Did you know this is our consignment shop?

XO
Debra

 
    
 
   




August 8, 2010

With Gratitude

 
The tragedy of losing of my friend Marija has engulfed me.
So many have reached out and I have been overwhelmed by the kindness extended. My family and friends have surrounded us, as have clients, readers and bloggers. Some from as far as Australia have connected and sent words of comfort. Marija's family has been included in all those prayers.   


Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief      Swedish Proverb



The world and my place in it looks different...............

My current path in life feels foreign and unsteady. What was once important, less so. What should be important, more so.   
     
 As I begin to peek out again I hope you will bear with me. The comfort of home and silence is where I am currently drawn. I hope you will forgive me if I have not responded
  
I began this blog out of love, a love and a passion for design in all facets. As a tool for giving and sharing of ideas, never would I have imagined this would be a place where I openly grieve.
But you see.....blogging is where I met my friend.............and many others important to me.
I will get back..............I have so much to share.

Blogger friend Gwen of Ragland Hill Social, shared her personal story which reminded me how no one goes through life unscathed..............and then we grow .............

With love,
Debra 





                              



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