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