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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Off The Counter: Hearts Of Palm Salad

 My mother-in-law introduced me to hearts of palm [in a salad] almost 24 years ago when we first met.  She would combine them with coarsely cut tomatoes, peppers, and red onions, and often serve this summer staple with a baguette (for those of us who wanted to soak up every bit of its delicious dressing).  Needless to say, plenty of chilled wine accompanied the salad and the rest of the meal.

For some reason the salad disappeared from our culinary repertoire for many years, but recently it resurfaced.  In a big way.  Just last week, I stopped by Natalia's place and she made me my very own hearts of palm salad.  We reminisced about the salads of the past and their unique, refreshing flavors.

I was so delighted to have been reunited with the "palms", that I've began making this salad myself.  Take a look and read all about the ingredients below:

Ingredients:

Hearts of palm, tomatoes, peppers, red onion, olive oil, lemon, cilantro or basil, salt and pepper.

Instructions:

Thinly slice the red onion and let it soak in olive oil (this helps take the bite out of it).  Then coarsely cut the remaining ingredients and add them to the onions.   Drizzle with a little more olive oil (if needed) and freshly squeezed lemon juice.  Add the herb of choice.  Natalia adds cilantro, basil or parsley, whatever she has at hand.  I've been using Thai basil.  Any of these herbs add a unique twist to the salad.  Salt and pepper it to your liking and enjoy.  Don't forget the baguette! 

Treading Softly

This image sets the tone for how I feel at the moment.  With the children's school schedule already in place, I am enjoying more alone time and exercising a softer approach to my own new beginnings.  Letting go of some erratic, self imposed stresses and tackling projects in a calmer, more organized manner.  I'm scaling down on smaller interior design commissions, taking on instead fewer but much larger ones.  I'm also preparing for a design event in a local Lafayette art gallery where I will be a guest speaker/stylist.  On top of this, I am almost ready to launch the Cass Clutch, a vintage-inspired handbag I've designed.  All very exciting and rewarding endeavors.

As a result, I've lessened the amount of blogging a bit, but do look forward returning to it with a renewed energy in a more consistent manner and without any self inflicted pressures. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to work as I do.  

Thanks so much for following along thus far.  I hope you all stick with me for the rest of the way!

Here's to treading softy...