Out And About: Elsie Green House And Home

About a year ago I joined a group of local creatives.  We count among us:  architects, textile designers, jewelry makers, interior designers, business owners and several artists.  We strive to meet once a month to discuss our individual creative paths or to participate in a workshop as a group.  This month we met at Elsie Green House and Home in Concord, Ca.  The founder and owner of the shop, Laurie Furber, spoke to us about opening and owning a retail store, her business philosophy and her passion for vintage French furniture and accessories.  Kelsey Cox, a floral designer and founder of Mais Oui accompanied her that evening and lead us in a class of arranging foraged botanicals.  The evening was quite delightful.  I'm looking forward to revisit Laurie's store and take in all her beautiful Parisian wares in detail.  Take a look at some images from that evening:  

Botanical Inspiration: Hoya Kerri

For this week's Botanical Inspiration, I'm sharing one of my favorite plants:  the Hoya Kerri, also known as the Sweetheart Plant (because of the heart shaped leaves).  Its  succulent-like qualities enable Hoyas to need very little water (perfect for us Californians) and bright indirect light.  They exhibit vine like growing tendencies since they are able to both climb and trail, so having a upward growing support and a large container pot will allow them to grow to their full botanical potential.  I love when plants both fall over their pot and sprout up from it.  Mine recently bloomed!   For information on this unique plant click here.  

Do you have a favorite house plant? 

Out And About: PodArt Studio

Visiting my mother-in-law's PodArt studio is an adventure for the senses.  She utilizes seed pods, foraged branches, lichen and precious stones to create one of kind wall sculptures.  Whenever I'm there, I want to touch and closely examine all the materials she uses.  From feathers to birch bark, it's all very intriguing to me.  I'm happy to announce that Natalia will soon have her PodArt website up and running.  In the mean time take a look at a few images of her studio from my last visit:

Stay tuned for the PodArt website launch...

Decorate And Accessorize: 7 Tips For Creating Your Own Vignettes

Accessorizing a space adds personality and depth to it.  While offering guests the opportunity to learn more about you, it may also remind you of places you've visited and things you love to do.  Some vignettes can be layered with multiple items [see above], while others can be minimalistic with a single standout piece that speaks to you.  Either way, don't be afraid to display what is meaningful and inspiring to your family in an artful way.  Take a look at a few examples of decorative accessorizing and scroll down for some tips on creating your very own:

7 Accessorizing Ideas:

1.  Books:  Stack your favorites on a table or a shelf.  Include children's books for family reading.

2.  Metals:  Add some metallic to the mix for a bit of shine and sparkle.

3.  Plants:  Add life to your vignette with a plant or two.

4.  Games:  Display a box of cards, a small board game or a puzzle on your coffee table to encourage some playtime.  

5.  Art:  Rest a favorite piece against a wall and change it out seasonally or as you see fit.

6.  Bowls:  Place a favorite glass or ceramic bowl on your coffee table to fill with nuts or candy as needed. 

7.  Lighting:  If the space allows, add an interesting table lamp to illuminate your favorite objects. 

Images:

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Match Maker: Random Rooms And Their Botanical Matches

Botanical placement can be as important as the layout of a space.  The shape, size and color of a vessel, as well as the plant type selected for it, become reflections of one's style. On Pinterest, I often pin room inspirations and botanicals intentionally next to each other.  For me, it's second nature that a space needs plants to add life and interest to it. 

It's been some time since my first Match Maker post but after noticing my recent pinning pattern, I realized another one was in order.  I continually pin room inspirations that coordinate with botanical images.  It all makes sense to me, since the plants in a space are an extension of a room's decor.  Take a look at some of my recent matches and click here to view the previous one.   

If your spaces crave a much needed botanical lift, Cocoon Home Design can definitely help.  We specialize in custom planters and botanical pairings for both interior and exterior spaces designed to enhance everyday living.  Contact debra@cocoonhome.com

Images:

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