Botanical Inspiration: House Plants

 I recently placed a cluster of indoor plants in an area of our living room that was lacking something.  Since adding a furniture piece would surely obstruct the view into the garden, we decided to bring the outdoors in by choosing house plants.  Now the interior of the house is contiguous with the exterior of it AND we're benefiting from the purifying effects plants have on us daily.  Take a look:

3 Tips For Creating Your Very Own Plant Cluster:

1.  Choose plants with different characterics but the same cultivating requirements.  For example, the above  is a combination of a shiny broad leaf,  a delicate palmate and colorful oblong leafed plants.

2.  Cluster the plants in odd numbers and varied sizes.

3.  Remember that the pots/planters you choose are as important as the plants.  If you're as obsessive as I am, use the same style and color for all of them.   If not, use can different colors and styles, and even materials.  Let your creativity guide you, remember that baskets and wood vessels make great containers for plants.

If you're contemplating adding botanicals to your space for a bit of ecological drama, Cocoon Home can help you select the perfect plants for it.

Black And White Stripes/Chapter II

Now that my mother-in-law moved into her new home (which I'll reveal soon), she finally realized her plans to reupholster her sofas in a black and white striped fabric.   The outcome was even better than I imagined.  By incorporating bright colors and combining patterns and textures, her living room took on both a cozy and interesting flavor.  Ever since I saw her reupholstered sofas (pictured above), I've been collecting images that reflect what a versatile role black and white stripes can play in a space.  At times, their structured pattern bring together different furniture styles in a room; at others, they may add a touch of sophistication or even whimsy.  Take a look at some examples:

In the living room above, the striped rug brings together an eclectic furniture mix.  Below, I like the juxtaposition of the bedding stripes with the free form art on the wall.

Black and white stripes on a classic chair bring a touch of funk to the space above.

Black and white stripes can enhance even the boldest of colors.

Basically, aesthetic preferences aside, I believe that white and black stripes can complement any decorating style.

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'Til Monday: 5 Friday Favorites

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Botanical Inspiration: Max's Terrarium

During a recent family visit to Flora Grubb Gardens, not only did Alex and I get inspired (stay tuned for that), but so did our son Max.  While soaking in the array of plants and vessels so beautifully displayed, Max decided he wanted to put together a terrarium.  Knowing a thing or two about creating terrariums, I was thrilled about his excitement in making his very own.  Once we got back home, Max was anxious to get started.  Using nature scavenged branches, lichen, and some adornments I provided him with, Max created the most beautiful  terrarium all by himself.   After setting him up with the all materials we had at hand, I walked away.  This was a bit difficult since I can be somewhat of a control freak, but I did want Max's creative juices to be unencumbered by my presence.  To my utter delight, this is what he created:

Max is eager to create more hanging terrariums.  Thanks to his Babik, he now has a few more vessels to work on.  I asked him if he wanted to sell them, but he replied that they were too pretty to part with.  Below are few tips on helping your child build a kid-friendly terrarium:

1.  Collect branches, moss, pebbles, lichen, etc., while on walk/hike with your children.

2.  Provide your children with feathers, buttons, chandelier crystals or any other elements/miniatures they may want to decorate their terrariums with.

3.  Provide them with easy-care plants, i.e. Bromeliads (air plants), lichen or moss.

4.  Support the glass vessels your children use for their creations in a box with plenty of tissue paper or bubble wrap while they are working on them.

It's so heartwarming to watch one's child begin to channel his/her creativity through a medium one is so familiar with.  Cocoon Home Design lives on!

Apartment Therapy is holding its annual contest for the best design blogs and Cocoon Home has been nominated!  YAY!!  Being considered among so many other wonderful design and lifestyle blogs is an honor, but winning the contest would be SUPER cool.    If you have enjoyed my blog as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it, please cast your vote here TODAY!!!

Remember that you need to register with Apartment Therapy in order to vote.  If you’re not registered yet, click here to do so.  Thank you so very much!!!

Apartment Therapy's The Homies 2013

Apartment Therapy is holding its annual contest for the best design blogs and Cocoon Home has been nominated!  YAY!!  Being considered among so many other wonderful design and lifestyle blogs is an honor, but winning the contest would be SUPER cool.    If you have enjoyed my blog as much as I’ve enjoyed creating it, please cast your vote here TODAY!!!

Remember that you need to register with Apartment Therapy in order to vote.  If you’re not registered yet, click here to do so.  Thank you so very much!!!