Well Dressed Home No. 66 - Porte-Cochere

Call it a silver lining. The porte cochere, in design doesn't have to be grand to create the feeling of driving towards a special place; a hidden secret. As a fan of secret passageways inside a home I am always giddy with joy when driving through a porte cochere at a residence. The connection this architectural delight provides between a home and its garages and courtyards is full of intrigue.

Whether a stone clad estate or a quaint bungalow, the porte cochere can fit like a glove. The combination of  building elements considered for this passageway adds a handsome extension to the home's architecture. An extension where an interestly-shaped window has its place, a chandelier has center stage, and landscape seems to have found its perfect picture frame.

The peek into a "by invitation only" outdoor area of our home is certainly accomplished by the porte cochere. The occupants in the vehicle, driving through a porte cochere for the first time, become silent in reverence to what is to come. 

With or without a gate at its entrance, the porte cochere's lure remains the same. Sort of like watching a blockbuster in the theater or in the comfort of our own home. Our experience of passage is what we make it. 

And for those in the know about accessorizing a space - the porte cochere is not complete without the outdoor fixtures that finish its space, the flair of its home owner. These pieces become even more personalized when they pay homage to the family's heritage. 

Let's not forget what we tuck above the porte cochere. The romance of the room above this architectural passageway cannot be a forgotten space. It deserves more than a place for storage. Whether an artist's studio, a writer's perch, a reader's nook, or the childrens' play area - the porte cochere's "crown" needs to be that special place that only a few are granted entrance.

Be wise about the placement of a porte-cochere. The home's structure, design, land plot and function all are important factors in allowing your home to garner a porte cochere. It's almost one of those things that the rest of the home is built around not vice versa.

The well-dressed home even on the outside. A passageway by invite is certainly one of those things that dress a home well. 

Sources: Bill Ingram Architects, Mockler Taylor Architects, Howard Design Studio, House of the Silver Lining, Olde Mill Inn, Houzz, Flickr, Pinterest

When it Could be a Don't No. 14 - When a Wooden Bench is Not a Bench At All

If we open the creative side of our minds we see function, not thought of before, come to life. Take that bench that sits in our home waiting for the need of an extra seat. It's tucked to the side or under another piece of furniture until its need arises. Why?

A bench can become so much more in our homes. How about using our bench as an art easel? I've been rethinking the "correct" way to hang art at eye level. Eye level when? Only when we are standing in a space? Why? Couldn't eye level be when we are sitting down? (More to come on that subject in a this blog soon.) So this brings to mind how the bench can become more than a bench.

Our bench can be in lieu of a console table behind our sofa. And what a great way to display our current stack of acquired books we will be reading next, or our favorite reads from times past. How about those great travel books - they aren't limited to cocktail tables - who decided to call them coffee table books?

There is something to be discovered about spreading things out across a long bench. They become a bit more special. That piece you have on your mantel may become more of an eye catcher put down lower on a bench, its detail appreciated even more.

I love the shape of the bench showing itself off behind a sofa adorned with simplicity by well-chosen books and objects. Remember we still may need to pull the bench in as extra seating so don't load it up too much. Or do! A bench is a great library space! Perhaps your bench is a permanent non-bench - so load it up with stacks of beautiful books. And heck, top those books off with some favorite objects. Or not.

Let's take away the temporary feeling a bench can create in a space - a piece waiting to be used on occasion. Perhaps this is where your stunning photography finally meets its perfect spot. Think tabletop when you are considering what you will display on our bench. Opens up endless possibilities!

I love how a bench keeps the visual of a space open - not blocking the view. The displays you decide to utilize your bench for sit lower, blending with the space rather than creating a division of the space. When a bench is not a bench it brings life to a space, to your objects, to your book collection, to your Summer vacation perfect seashell on top of those books. There's no limit. Just be sure to keep it within the less is more. 

Be inspired to redefine what an easel is that holds your art or photography. Be inspired to redefine what a bookshelf is. Be inspired to rethink about when a bench is not a bench.

Sources: Dusty-Reykjavik Blogspot, Pinterest, Tumblr, Instagram, Dering Hall, 79Ideas, House Beautiful UK

Be Inspired No. 92 - Fire Balls

Meaning should be one of the most important factors in designing our homes. The design of a space should evolve from how the space will be used and who will be sharing the space; thus giving each piece in the space a meaning.

This meaning manifests itself in many forms: comfort, calmess, texture, objects, sound or silence. The silence in a space sets the stage for restoration of our soul. Be certain to pay close attention to including an element that encourages silence into a space where you want to retreat for relaxation. It can  be a space that is multipurpose - entertaining both robust conversation and relaxation at different times. 

I believe fire is one of those elements of meaning, whether designing indoor or outdoor spaces. I think we can all reminisce over times spent around a controlled burning fire. Whether it's the bonfire at our high school celebration before a big game against the rival team, or the fireplace in our home with friends and family, or the outdoor fire pit with or without s'mores.

Fire is one of the five elements of nature. The dance of the flames and the flicker of a warm palette of color capture us as we stare into them. It is almost a sacred moment around the fire. Conversation is limited and a warm, loving environment is revered. Time stands still and our souls are open to receive whatever nature has stopped us to receive. This environment is either predominate or underlying - depends on the guests and celebration. 

What I love about fire balls as a choice in our fireplaces or fire pits is how their shape adds to the  harmony of the fire ritual. The round form says arrange me however you want, you are limited only by your imagination. The spiritual symbol of the ball is unity. In Chinese practices, meditation balls focus on stress reduction and relaxation. The extension of these meanings to our indoor and outdoor spaces is a welcome element.

Greek philosopher, Plutarch said that "the mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled." What better place to achieve this than in front of our fire receptacle. 

One disadvantage of the fire ball versus wood logs burning is the crackle of the fire. We can always find a disadvantage, a con vs. a pro in all the choices we make in designing our homes. Remember there is still the dance of the brilliant flames - the silence that pulls us in deeper to a state of relaxation. I love a fascinating, roaring, crackling fire in a fireplace or fire pit - as a matter of fact I can be lulled into a deep restorative sleep by its sound or dance to some great music. So it is a trade off - a choice. I always seem to find a way to enjoy the best of both worlds with decisions like this. Perhaps not both at the same place - but each in a special place where I can either stay home or visit a dear friend who has the crackle that I might not. The sound versus the silence. 

Know that the color of the fire balls will change over time. There will be soot marks over time. If you aren't a fan of patina choose the color of the fire balls you use in your space to be darker to hide the soot marks and patina. Be inspired to mix and match colors, what a remarkable way to be the perfect dance partner to the every changing colors of the fire's flames.

The style of your fireplace or fire pit should not dictate whether you choose fire balls or logs. There is no design rule that lists restrictions for your selection. Just like there are no restrictions on whether your fireplace or fire pit is log burning because of the surrounding decor. 

Be inspired to remember that meaning is of the utmost importance in the design of all your spaces. Capture them all - the meanings you need to thrive in your spaces. And don't forget a well-stocked bar and s'mores fixings at the ready for your fire element.

Sources: Ciao Newport Beach Blogspot, The Savvy Heart, Pinterest, My Domaine, Mix & Chic, Mary Flanigan Interiors, Google, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle

RSVP Collection No. 58 - Artistry of the Dough Bowl

It's a tradition that was passed down from my childhood to my children. There's a local bread factory close to where we live that emitted the glorious smell of freshly baked bread that you couldn't help but, put your windows down in the car to drink in with your eyes closed (not the driver, of course). I have one other childhood memory that I did not pass down to my kids and that is the same aroma from my Mom's freshly baked bread she handmade often. Why? I've made many of her recipes in my adult life and prepared for my own family, but baking bread was not one of them. More power to Mom!

This sensory memory was brought back during a recent visit to a vintage shop where I saw the largest ever dough bowl! Seriously, it had to have been a four footer. The bread that must have been made in that bowl time and time again, wow.

Once a household staple from first settlers to the early 1900's, no American home was complete without a dough bowl. Ingredients were mixed and kneaded into dough in the bowl, then covered with cloth to let rise. Wooden bowls were preferred as the wood held the heat generated by the fermentation of the yeast.

The more I petted this dough bowl, the more I could see why it was considered a household staple. Hell, I am considering it may be a household staple in my home - but not for bread making. More a bowl that holds inspiration! 

A place in entertaining decor for one! With the proper protective insert - the dough bowl could hold many a bottle of tasty beverages - have you seen such a charming ice bucket? 

The dough bowl as a mood-setter. You betcha! Some dry grain to hold the candles steady throughout the evening is stellar - whether the party is inside or out. Make sure those candles are unscented - don't want to spoil the aroma of your menu. Foliage, whether a permanent centerpiece or ever-changing with the seasons, the dough bowl is that quiet holder of charm.

As rustic as the vintage dough bowl is because of its hand-honed shape - it can feel welcome in a sophisticated setting easily. At home with the delicate orchid. Charming filled with the treasure of our latest reads by our favorite chair. Or perhaps that book is about our favorite hobby and is paired with a magnifying glass to catch every detail.

Keep the dough bowl raw and dull or polish it up with butchers block polish to highlight the story of its age. Feeling this to be a household staple in your home yet? No lie, I've dreamt about that huge dough bowl I saw. Can't get it out of my mind. Just haven't claimed it as mine yet. Perhaps writing a blog post about it will satisfy my attraction. 

Oh and there isn't anything wrong with acquiring a dough bowl to actually make bread! I'm thinking a few warm loaves of rosemary and olive oil fresh bread is perfect! How about you?

Sources: Pottery Barn, Sand & Sisal, Ballard Designs, One Kin Design, Savvy Southern Style, Enchanted Home, Library.Org