Garden Design No. 26 - Redefining the Garden Shed

It is easy to fall into stereotypical design if we let ourselves forget inspiration. The definition of the word "shed" nods its head to this. Shed: a simple roof structure used as storage space or work shop or in the verb of the word: discard, slough.  Sounds utilitarian, so many garden shed plans provide nothing more than that. 

Cheers to those who redefine the garden shed! Changing a plan for a necessary building is as simple as changing its description from garden shed to garden structure.

Why design beautiful landscape plans and punctuate them with utility? The consideration of every planting and color scape deserves more. Well thought out, architecturally-pleasing garden structures are not a fresh idea, just one that needs to be revived.

The garden shed needs to be part of the garden plan not the afterthought. Its placement is just as important as the pathways. Keep in mind the end results. Your vision of the garden plan is one that grows in stages. I'd dare say the garden shed design should take priority over the total plan completion. Let your garden plan evolve over time, but build the garden shed early on. A small garden with a beautiful garden structure is where inspiration grows from.

I am drawn to garden sheds with shape. Round, octagon, narrow and tall. All the designs that break the rules. As a matter of fact, don't forget the chandelier. Whether the garden shed is tucked away or the center of your plan, don't let limitations of design be present.

Design a garden shed of beauty that fits into your landscape budget. After all a garden shed with all the tools, without a garden to tend to is an oxymoron. 

The perfect garden list includes thoughtful plantings, a place to watch it grow, and a perfect garden shed.

Sources: Old House Journal, Pinterest

RSVP Collection No. 56 - The Lost Art of Conversation

I believe there is a lost art of conversation that is not so difficult to rediscover. We have allowed time to rob us of the handwritten note. The simplicity of other avenues of communication have given our stationary a drawer with cobwebs. We create spaces in our homes that lean into our lifestyle. Though often we forget to create areas that encourage conversation, both face to face and written.

Love letters have become almost extinct. The rom-com movies that feature a box with ribboned letters of sincere feeling that are read over and over again, seem like an out of touch scene in today's society. I am convinced that a big reason for the lost art of conversation is because we forget to carve out that niche in our homes that allow a writing surface and seat that invite us to correspond. 

The welcome space for a handwritten note on beautiful stationary is due it's renewed discovery. This space is not one of clutter. This space can be tucked almost anywhere it fits our lifestyle. Like to cook or bake? Put this space in your kitchen. Like to enjoy your view? Your desk facing a window is the perfect spot. 

I have a warning for you when you RSVP to the lost art of conversation. You will become paper obsessed. And you will delight in the discovery of the perfect pen that glides across your beautiful stationary. It will become more than just the obligatory thank you card. 

So find your space, select your writing surface and perfect perch and you will rediscover the lost art of conversation. Add a book or two on letter writing to inspire! 

Sources: Elle Decor, Bunny Williams, One Kings Lane, Pinterest, Southern Living

Be Inspired No. 88 - Solving the Long & Narrow Living Room Layout

It can be a challenge and is sometimes referred to as a "bowling alley" room. It's the long and narrow living room. So how can one achieve a comfortable, cozy furniture layout? Divide and conquer!

The layout for a long and narrow living room requires one to erase the typical living room layout from the drawing board. Focal points in this type of space add to the difficulty of space planning. There can be a limit to actual wall space for larger pieces of furniture because of windows and perhaps even a fireplace or built-ins.

It is vital that the focal points are identified along with traffic patterns. Be inspired, though to keep in mind that not all areas that may be deemed a focal point for one homeowner is a focal point for another. Your lifestyle dictates these focal points. For instance, access to built-in cabinetry may be an important part of one's lifestyle, but not others. 

Often for long and narrow living room layouts the most beautiful rooms consist of multiple seating areas that can easily allow for multiple uses in this space. A cozy reading area, a relaxed conversation area, a comfortable space to take in a favorite movie. All while allowing for a gathering of family or good friends to have an entertaining time together.

Another important consideration for a long and narrow living room layout is the overall visual harmony of these collective seating areas. Height and scale of pieces are especially important to prevent a visual division of the space. Divide and conquer isn't about literally dividing the room with furnishings. It is about giving the person walking into the space a warm welcome no matter where they choose to sit or how they choose to use the room in that moment.

Be inspired to play with texture, subtle pattern, eye candy accessories, ceiling treatments, dressing the windows to compliment the feel and lifestyle of the space. It is a challenge, but one you can achieve with determination. 

Image Sources: Pinterest, Coastal Living, Elle Decor, Southern Living 

When it Could be a Don't No. 12 - Mirror Hung on Window

I'm inspired by rebels as frequent reader of this blog already know. Normal has one viewing the windows in a living space to address privacy and add the finishing touch with fabric treatments. A rebel looks at the window as another wall space. I have to admit I have been overlooking the potential of the window.

I have shared artwork being hung on the window in this blog and with delight dared you to do it! 

(Click link here to read: http://willowbeeinspired.blogspot.com/2014/04/rethinking-look-of-things-no-45-hang-it.html) 

But this idea of hanging mirrors on or in front of windows is taking the dare to the next level. It's a head turner!

Whether the mirrors are installed on sliding bar hardware or individually hung from the ceiling or side walls with specialty hardware, the layout of cabinetry placement options become more versatile. 

The beauty of suspension, pivoting, movement, reflection and layering are all design elements that happen when the mirror is hung in front of a window. Privacy is still something that can be addressed just like a window without the mirror. The natural light along with the reflection of the mirrors surroundings brings an heighten degree of interest to any room.

The mix of shape and scale of the mirror hung at a window compliments or interrupts the shape of the room. Possibilities are not endless. Wait, what? Rule? Where did the rebel go? Consider that the selection of the mirror and how it is hung is important because choosing to put a mirror in front of a window is not to hide the window. 

Street appeal is another factor when considering hanging a mirror at a window. What will the back of the mirror present to the exterior of the home. Even a rebel needs to pull off an off-the-wall idea with finesse. The lure of the achievement of a rebel is the appreciation of how the rebel pulled it off. The wonderment. The study of technique. The awe of the solution.

Design rebels unite.  Which window in your home looks bare? How would the layout of that room be different if the window was looked at differently?

Sources: House and Home, Elements of Style, Pinterest, Decorpad, Mile Redd, Home Bunch, Luxe Apothecary, Country Living, Pop Sugar, Instagram

Garden Design No. 25 - Temple Bells

When pursuing harmony and serenity we often believe it must be accompanied with silence. Scientifically a bell's ring clears our mind and helps us stay sharp and keep our concentration on devotional purpose while we are entering our inner sanctum. Hum?

The temple bell is rung once by those entering their temple to keep evil forces away and it is said the sound is pleasant to God. It's a favorable sound. That single dong. How wonderful would this be as an addition to our gardens? At its entrance it could be rung to give intention to our time we will spend in the gardens. Or perhaps it is hung further into the garden near our favorite mediation spot or where we "hide" from the day. 

And should a collection of temple bells be your display - how calming would it be to hear their song!

I feel your "temple" can be anywhere you create an environment that brings a space where one can reach that level of harmony - concentration to enlighten our soul. I love that a single sound that doesn't apologize for it's bold distinction clears our mind. I, for one need that. It is not the subtle whisper that aids in my disconnection from distraction - it is the strong announcement of a word or sound that proclaims it is time to take moments for myself. 

I look at the picture above and hear the song this collection of bells plays with a breeze being its conductor. I smile at the reflection from the sun of these bells on the rooftop. I dream about the saying I would etch in the pendulums hanging from the bells. And I find by breathing has calmed. Oh to be in the presence of this bell collection.

My love for secret hideaways sees a display of one's collection of temple bells creating a room divider in the garden. And I challenge the "wall" to be built even before the collection is complete to fill it. Why delay? Those empty areas will be filled in no time. Your soul will seek out the temple bells to fill it and they will find you.

"Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today." (For Whom the Bell Tolls, 1940)

Sources: Viva Terra, Tumblr, Pinterest, Dutour Dumonde Photography, Science Behind Indian Culture, Ernest Hemingway