Botanical Inspiration: Dahlias And Dates

When creating a botanical arrangement I'm often inclined to work with a lot of different foliage, not necessarily with an array of flowers.  However, while visiting the SF Flower Market last week, I was attracted to the amazing selection of late summer dahlias.  To be honest, what first got my attention were the clusters of date branches.  Their rich and earthy orange color inspired the tones of the dahlias I decided to work with.  Together they seemed to bridge the seasonal change that's happening now in California.  

I had fun photographing my latest composition against our newly painted guest room's black wall.  Take a look at how it all turned out:

Late Summer meets Autumn and they live happily for a brief moment in time...

Upcoming Event: Dedicated To Design

I'm please to announce that Cocoon Home Design will be a presenter at the Dedicated To Design event taking place at the Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery in Lafayette, CA. on October 21st through the 23rd.  During this two day event, experts will show you how to choose paint colors, build terrariums, place art and textiles in your home, and how to accessorize spaces to make them your own.  I will be doing a live [before and after] styling demonstration with art, botanicals and decorative items to demonstrate the importance of personalized touches in a home.

Tickets are on sale now.  For more information about the event click here.  Hope to see you there!! 

Round Rugs: We've Got You Covered

Lately, I've been loving the look of round rugs.  Whether big or small, patterned or solid color, their unconventional shape can offset the angles of a room and add focal interest to it.  Although they may not be right for all spaces, they can make smaller ones look larger and balance even the most refined ones.  Take a look at their softening effect on the rooms below: 

Images:

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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?