Flora Inspired Art

The simplicity of the design, the softness of the colors.. and the calmness the art reflects makes me feel like I am walking through a field of delicate flowers on a cool spring morning.

S, 1,2,3

Design: Mountain Retreat

This design took me to the great city of Knoxville, TN (Go Vols)... although I have a slight attachment to the city (TN Alumni) it is a truly a great urban area with a small town feel. When meeting with my clients they brought to the table many special requests for their future mountain retreat. They had a 'wishlist' that included a playing area, basketball court, hot tub, outdoor eating area and a pool. Normally these requests alone would be a challenge,but to add to the challenges, this property was also under construction with only the bare bones of the house established. My main focus for the space was to layout the plan so that is efficiently uses all the square footage and elevations of the property. I will breakdown each highlighted areas of the design so you can also picture how this space turned out.

A. Turf playing area
This is a very unique space. It is at the base of the property line where the elevation is at it's lowest. What was once an area of overgrown weeds, and seedlings, it now takes on a new purpose for the space. The retaining wall was critical to safe guard the area from the upper elevation of the pool area.
The kids have a play area of their own that feels 'away' from home, but the parents still have the comfort of knowing they are on the property.

B. Pool & Hot Tub
This element was a must for the homeowners. Since the majority of their time spent here will be in the summer, they wanted a pool to give the house a resort feel. I wanted to incorporate the natural stone into the landscape to soften the pool deck and make it more part of the mountain landscape. By adding in a hot tub I was able to incorporate a small water fall that recirculates the pool water, then re-heats the water into the tub.

examples S: 1, 2

C. Fire Pit
Although this is one of the most simplistic design element to the design, it was one of my favorite to incorporate. Nothing screams summer resort than a big bulky fire pit on site, with a large campfire, smores, and story telling around the fire. The family will get a lot of use out of the fire pit, I incorporated it right off of the kitchen so they can prep the food on the workspace or keep the drinks cold before gathering around the fire.

examples S:1,2

C. Outdoor Living Area & Kitchen

With any summer resort it is key to incorporate an outdoor living and kitchen space. I envisioned this place for the family where they can play board games, cards, or just relax and read a book. I wanted everything to be right at there finger tips to there would be no reason to leave the perfect weather outside. They would have an outdoor storage area for the games, books, linens and dinnerware. The space would have a sitting area, and an outdoor daybed. This is the element of the landscape that flashes the family resort style living they want.

 

examples: S 1,2

What is your dream spot for a summer retreat? Would you run off to the mountains or go beach side?

Tell me what one place you went this summer that inspired you in any way. Maybe you finally read that favorite book that you have been putting off, or you took the time to visit a museum in your own city...

Flora Inspiration: Chicago Botanical Garden

I spent the day wandering around the Botanical Garden, it is amazing the inspirational you can pull from the spaces. As the season comes to the end the flowers were looking tired and ready to finish out this life cycle, and hang out until next year.

 I keep coming back to the veggie garden that has been designed to inspire small, urban space vegetable growing. One DIY project I'm already looking forward to next season, is this storm window/ wood frame mini greenhouse. It is a recycled application that can be used in any garden. All that is needed is reclaimed wood, recycled storm windows and very affordable henge. Just build square frames, add in soil, then attach the storm windows with hinges to protect seedlings from the cold, frost and wind. It is best to build close to a building to help insulate and protect the cold frames. There you have it! Your own greenhouse for any space.

I could live in this space. Add an open concept bedroom to the upstairs, a small kitchen and bathroom to the bottom floor and you have a dreamy loft.  This is how I would style the space.

1. Denham 12" High Indoor-Outdoor Hanging Light Lampsplus $241

2. Verge Bed ABC Carpet & Bed $1799

3.Finnia Curtain Antropologie $128

4. Gold Mohair One Kings Land $59

5. Thin Spun Wire Ottoman 1stDibs

6.Ceramic Vase Taget $9.99

Where do you go for inspiration? What is on your DIY list for next season? Tell me, what vegetable are you growing now....

Design: Fall Beach Cottage

s 1,2

Growing up in Tennessee, passing through Florida for 3 years and now living in Chicago I have been exposed to many different styles and regional influences in design. In Tennessee almost every home I passed through, as well as my parents house, had that strong country feel to it. The dark wood, with the big heavy antique furniture, heavy uses of dark burgundy, greens and navy accents were the backbone of country design. In Chicago there is a strong modern influence for clean lines and a minimalist approach throughout the city. Having lived in the coastal area of South Florida the regional influence is a light, airy and coastal design style. For my personal design palette I have always gravitated to teals, turquoise, white furniture, the openness of white wainscoating, and the 'beachy' vibe of mexican tiles.

When I watched Sarah's Cottage on HGTV, I feel in love with her place. If I could dream up the perfect place... her cottage fits the bill. This house offers perfect textures, beautiful comfy furniture with the light woods, stunning kitchen, and the eco friendliness every house deserves. The way she perfectly combined function with high style gets me every time.

To have some design fun, I put together a mood board for how I would transition the living room into a fall cottage getaway. It may be a summer retreat, but who says it has to stop there. Let's get on our sweaters, grab a book and start up a fire. It's time to get comfy beach side.

fig1. similar Z Gallery $399

fig 2. Home Goods $359

fig 3. Pottery Barn $79

Wear this Cottage:

What is your favorite home design? Do you love a good country feeling, or are you more of an airy beach kinda vibe? Tell me what you are adding to your fall wardrobe... maybe a new gold watch?