May 25, 2011

Have you decorated your garage lately?

Have a street facing garage? That is an asset in the "fairy tale" town of Carmel-by-the-Sea,  in California. Let's examine together.....you might have another decorating project!
LOVE the above patina, it never occurred to me to put such effort into these often neglected doors.  
notice how the drive pulls everything together?

A perpendicular wooden trellis is perfect for supporting Rapunzel like vines. 
Noticing the hardware on these doors? It gets even better.......
This is my favorite! Oh the weathered patina, the hand hewn beams turned supports.......that hardware, the whole look is very French Normandy

Notice the subtle upturn of the roofline? How about those integrated columns, the exterior sill under the tiny window?



Reminiscent of over scaled French shutters. the size and scale of the light fixtures are perfect

Let's examine this closely;  notice the stone columns? As in most of these examples the garage is an additional focal point......how many of us can proclaim that? Take a close look at another aspect I love; all of the garage doors are made to 'look' like they open from the center, see the horizontal lines? Nearly all US garage doors are roll up's. When Steve built our barn we wanted the same look for our overhead door. He accomplished that by building it himself, purchasing the overhead fixtures, assembling horizontal boards, and adding  handles like the photo above. The hunt will resume for killer hardware. 


 Carrying forth the architectural elements




These architectural  elements have made all the doors special, yes the inherent architecture helps....a lot, but here are some ideas you can do now

- add "center opening" hardware
-add side hardware 'straps' taking it a step further
-they all are exceptional extensions of the homes architecture (repeating elements)
-be certain your lighting is up to date and to scale 

How about no garage, just a portico....perhaps if life was in a California climate, i can only dream

Utter perfection in a one car garage.


Utter perfection in a vintage car; my dream; a British (of course British);   
  Morris Minor




Fifi O'Neill

The charming Fifi at our shop.
 I was not aware that she is French; "Fifi"-yes, of course! And I fell in love with her instantly, charming, funny, self-depricating, lovely................
I would recommend this book highly. My personal style is not feminine, prairie, shabby chic, etc. but there are many elements in this book I enjoyed and will attempt to replicate. Did you also know it is not really a decorating book? It weaves the tales of the women who not only created their style but indeed live the lifestyle. Shhhh.......she is working on a second book, hint; it will be 'yummy'

Happy week
debra



May 18, 2011

Late for my own party....can you come?

 I am late again.......landscape season does that, my head is barely attached. And, this is a very important post, which should have gone out last week. So if in the 'hood, come by, you can't miss this one.......a book signing with Fifi O'Neill

The Editor

THE book

This is not Fifi's first book and with another in the making, this popular author is in demand. Wait until you lay eyes on her BOHO outfit found for the occasion


And shockingly the first run is out-of-stock, and it was just released. An unheard of phenomena  in publishing today. Don't worry, we have stock.

Fifi lives the life she writes about in her Florida cottage

                                                                           next two images via 52 flea blog


What additionally makes this exciting locally is that a deer (private silly joke) friend Joy Wiltmire and her lovely daughter Angela Reed are prominently featured.

Joy is the author of the popular blog  Savvy City Farmer, ahead of the curve Joy began her blog over five years ago.


That smile is always there

her and husband Don refinished the kitchen to this beauty

The original intent was to complete this post on Mother's Day. I am so intrigued with Mother daughter relationships, particularly a creative and sometimes collaborate one. I asked both Joy and Angela to respond to my multiple questions last minute, they kindly complied, I promptly failed to assemble, but this interesting story will be repeated at a later date.

When I was headed to Joy's for the first time the addresses were hard to see, then this home appeared. I said to Steve "knowing her, this is Joy's home" and it was. I did not "close my dropped jaw until we left. See for yourself in the book


With a talent for display, these ladies have their 'Shop the Shed' events in Joy's gardens.



 As in the books title 'Romantic Prairie Style' does your home possess a magical, comfortable, romantic soul? Inspiration is in abundance here.

 The lovely Angela. 
In her blog, her home and lifestyle brings forth COVET in me, oh to live a sweet, old fashioned, "Frenchified' and fashionable lifestyle, all lovingly crafted for her and her family. 


Take a visit to the Parisienne Farmgirl blog. If you like to cook, the recipes are mouthwatering, and her children......oh those children, are cute beyond measure, truly. 

Where Mom loves neutrals, Angela is attracted to COLOR and in interesting mixes.


French macaroons are a speciality and available for custom orders.


Tomorrow, thursday from 2pm to 5pm we will celebrate the accomplishments of three very talented women, you will love meeting them. Refreshments and a parting gift to all that come.

It would not be the same without you

Debra-

Side notes; Our England tour has one more room available, perfect for girlfriends, maybe sisters!

 Our long time manager recently left unexpectedly.....
 Here's a phrase not often heard
HELP WANTED!  NOW HIRING!
really.......

May 11, 2011

A custom garden for Mona

Life's journey is about the roads we take, the roots we set and the connections we make along the way

One connection I treasure, is the friendship with fellow blogger Mona, of Providence Design. This talented designer wrote a post about her garden dilemma's.......a dialogue began back and forth


Mona's home.......love those shutters; scale and color


Having honed my skills in England, a long ago dream was to incorporate those principles and practices in America. Now my dream is to expand my passion beyond my region. 

For some time I have contemplated offering an on-line design service, this collaboration propelled me to move forward. As the test case, i 'tested' her with my massive learning curve with my new mac and unknown programs. Think we have it, and hope you enjoy 



Now onto Mona's........





Courtyard After........


The crescent shaped border is viewed from the Family Room and generally from a distance. Nothing 'pops' since all the materials are the same green




 


This would be a great entrance focal point, off the side door where a small terra-cotta pot is; empty or lavishly planted
Hope you enjoyed our project. Email me if you have any questions . I would love to assist you!

Stay tuned for my two other services .....by post

'click here' is not yet active. write here; debra@scentimentalgardens.com

Thank you Mona
xo
Debra
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