Botanical Inspiration: Concrete Planter, Before And After

Over the weekend I gave a concrete planter left behind by the previous owner a new look.  By repurposing some existing plants from the garden and adding few new ones, the planter now embodies our California palette.   Take a look at the before and after:

Even the big glammy thing that used to adorn our roof deck in MA found a new home.  Its new patina finish works perfectly with the burgundies and pinks of the planter.

'Til Monday: 5 Friday Favorites

5 Friday Favorites:

1. A fancy pillow

2.  A modern nightstand

3.  A cozy poncho

4.  A new favorite pair of  boots

and

5. A whimsical sea urchin bromeliad

Happy Weekend!

Moving Mode: Finding My Way

Since our recent move to California, Cocoon Home blog has served not only as a diary of design inspirations and current obsessions, but also as a medium to express the many emotions a move can inflict on a family.  It's exciting to decorate and blog about our new home, but reality is that adjusting to everything new is not an easy feat.   It impacts one both emotionally and physically.  Leaving behind familiar  people and places can be a test of one's confidence and faith.  Now that our children are in school and adjusting quite well to it (making new friends and embracing routines),  it's time for me to process the changes.  Establishing a regimen, exploring a city I once knew so well, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones will mark my beginnings.  I often think [nostalgically] of all we've left behind, but do believe that finding my way here will bring me opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.

Thank you for joining me on this, at times scary--other times exhilarating, journey.

Decisions, Decisions: A Fabric Change

 Our yellow Saarinen Womb Chair that once sat perfectly in our Cambridge house now looks awkward among our California color palette of blues, greens and pinks.  In order for one of our favorite chairs to "fit in", a fabric change is in order.  Starting off with a handful of fabric samples to consider, we narrowed our choice to three favorites.  Take a look at the contenders:

Which one do you think made the cut?  (No pun intended).

1.  Vibrant blue that brings out the cool tones in the rug.

2.  Bold pink to provide a little funk and a pop of color.

OR

3. Dusty rose to complement the brickwork.

Off The Counter: 4 Labor Day Salads

Since this weekend traditionally signals the end of summer, I wanted to share a few salads that represent the season's bounty, i.e. zucchinis, snap peas, cucumbers and a multitude of herbs.   So, if you're looking for a healthy side dish for your Labor Day celebration,  why not try one of the following:

1. Thai Mango Salad

2. Cilantro & Lime Chickpea Salad

3. Zucchini Ribbon Salad

4. Snap Peas With Cucumber And Ginger 

I prepared #3 during the week and served it with pasta.  It was delicious.  Let me know if you give #1, #2 or #4 a go.  Send pictures!

Best wishes for a safe and happy Labor Day from me and the gang!