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Rain chains: a style alternative to downspouts

February 6, 2012 By Kelly Leave a Comment

beautiful rain chains | Home Fashion MagazineIf you are tired of looking at the ugly aluminum rain gutters that are attached to the sides of your home or simply enjoy the relaxing and soothing sounds of water, you might want to consider replacing those downspouts with a beautiful yet functional rain chain.

What is a rain chain?

A rain chain has one primary purpose and that is to funnel water from rain gutters into a ceramic pot or other catch basin at the foot of the chain. But it can provide so much more by creating a beautiful water feature that produces the soothing sounds of water and can also water your garden at the same time.

Feng shui and rain chains

Simply stated, feng shui is the ancient Chinese art of balancing energy through five different elements and this balance is believed to insure good health and fortune for all who practice it. Translated, the words feng shui mean wind and water; both elements that are associated with good health. When placed properly, the sight and sound of water running through the rain chain just might improve your personal health and wealth cycle and who doesn’t need a little help in that area!

Rain chain styles

Rain chains are available in many different styles.
• Link chain is the most common style and consists of connected links of varying sizes that allow the water from the gutter to pass through the links and deposit it into a ceramic pot, water feature or directly into the ground below. This simple style provides a clean look to your garden but can create quite a bit of splash as the water passes through.
• To avoid a lot of splash, a cup style rain chain might be a better choice. These cups are available in a variety of sizes and designs. For example, bell shapes, scalloped edges and varying cup sizes can be found.
• Themed designs such as sunflowers, butterflies, hummingbird and grape clusters are just a few of the many custom designs that are available. These add that extra special personal touch to any garden.
• Several finishes are available including copper, brass and aluminum. These metals will develop a lovely patina over time that enhances the overall look of your rain chain.

They are easy to install, simply attach them to the hole where a downspout would be installed and let them work their magic. But rain chains can also be hung from a tree or outside column where they can funnel water from sprinklers or a natural source such as rain.

Install a rain chain today and you will immediately begin to enjoy the added ambience that running water, natural metal and unique designs will provide. They make a thoughtful housewarming gift for the new homeowner, gardener or anyone who appreciates and enjoys the relaxing sight and sound of water.

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The Many Faces of the Poppy Flower

December 8, 2011 By Kelly Leave a Comment

The poppy is a flower with many different personalities. In 1903 it was named the state flower of California where hillsides and fields come alive each spring with bursts of red, orange and gold blooms. The book, “The Wizard of Oz”, certainly made poppies famous as the flower that put Dorothy and her friends to sleep. In Tuscany the surrounding landscape literally bursts with red poppies in May and June and, on the dark side, in several third world countries poppies are grown and used to create opium for illicit drug trade. However, poppies are also the subject of many decorative items for your home.

Tuscan décor

Tuscany is a region in Italy that is known for the colors of the earth, sun and sea where fields of colorful flowers that are fed by the warm sunlight grow to meet the edges of the Mediterranean Sea. If you have visited Tuscany or you simply dream of living in the Italian countryside one day, you can recapture the feel of the area by incorporating the surrounding colors and designs in your own home. This would include touches of wrought iron, earthy shades of terra cotta, red, gold and brown, simple floral designs that include poppies and sunflowers and finishes that are made to look time worn and aged.

Artwork

Poppies are a popular subject matter for artists. Their simple shape and delicate design can be drawn against a stark white background to allow their beautiful color to pop or an entire field of poppies can appear in a landscape painting.

Hang these colorful pieces of art above a fireplace in the living room, on the walls of a nursery or playroom to inspire creativity or in the laundry room to cheer up a dreary space.

Home décor

The bold and saturated colors found in most species of poppies will provide a bright “pop” to many different interiors. For example:

• In an all neutral or contemporary space, use throw pillows that feature colorful poppies as accents on chairs and sofas. The design will be highlighted against the white, black and gray colors often found in modern interiors and are guaranteed not to put you to sleep!
• A beautifully framed landscape painting of poppy fields will enhance the color and design of an Italian villa or a home that is decorated in a traditional manner.
• The simple design and bright colors of poppies make them a popular pattern for bedding that will delight many teenagers.
• Like all cut flowers, poppies will last only so long in a vase of water. To prolong your enjoyment of these colorful flowers, create an arrangement of silk flowers and place them in an urn or vase for a touch of Tuscan springtime all winter long.

Regardless of whether you are looking to simply brighten up the interior of your home or introduce a bit of the Tuscan landscape to your interior decorating, the simple design and cheerful color of poppy flowers make them versatile enough to be incorporated into many different design schemes.

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Beautiful and Edible Kale Planters

November 29, 2011 By Kelly 1 Comment

kale plants | Home Fashion MagazineKale: a leafy green or purple plant from the cabbage family that is chock full of vitamins that include beta carotene, iron, vitamin C and calcium. Not just for eating, kale produces a colorful and beautifully shaped plant that will enhance many areas of your home and garden.

In the garden

The many varieties of kale can be planted in the garden either to harvest or used as an ornamental plant.

Ornamental greenery will add color, texture and varying heights to your garden. Ornamental kale, often referred to as a flowering cabbage, produces colorful leaves in brilliant shades of red, lavender, pink, blue and white. When planted in the ground, they provide a lovely low lying plant that can be placed in between other plants or used as a ground cover. These beautiful plants are also edible; just be sure to wash off any pesticides or harmful chemicals before you prepare them for a meal.

Kale is a hardy plant that can be grown throughout the year and many varieties do especially well during the winter months. It can be planted directly into the ground or in convenient pots. Group a collection of potted plants around the entryway to your home or to add color to the deck during the winter months. These potted plants make delicious and healthy kale readily available for meals, to use as a garnish or for table decorations. Just step outside your back door and pluck a few leaves!

In the kitchen

As we mentioned, kale is a wonderful source of important vitamins such as iron and vitamins A&K and in some cultures is a very popular dietary supplement. There are many different ways to use kale in your kitchen.

• Add kale to salad mixtures for additional nutrition and to add texture and color.
• Kale can be cooked and used in stews and soups.
• In southern states Kale is often braised or fried along with other greens such as collards and turnips to create a healthy side dish.
• Add kale to other Asian ingredients and vegetables for a delicious stir fry.
• Sneak a little bit of healthy food into macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes by adding diced kale to these dishes. The kids will never know they are eating something that is good for them.

There are several varieties of “winter kale” that will survive a winter frost and actually tastes sweeter after a thaw.

Combine the nutritional value of kale with the beautifully shaped leaves and variety of available colors and it is possible to have healthy food and colorful plants in your home and at your fingertips throughout the year.

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Peace Sign Home Décor

January 18, 2011 By Kelly Leave a Comment

The peace sign has become one of the most recognizable symbols of our time. It was originally created in the late 1950’s in England for the nuclear disarmament movement of the time. However, it is most commonly associated with the peace movement of the 1960’s when rebellious college students adopted it as their symbol against the conservative Establishment and the war in Vietnam. No longer seen as just a sign of youthful rebellion, jewelry, clothing, artwork and, now, home décor accessories are all adorned with this little sign of hope and there are many ways to introduce the peace sign into your home decorating.

• Hang a wreath on your front door that will greet your guests in a loving and friendly manner all year long. These can be made from wood, grapevines, recycled metal or fabric.
• Bedding and other bedroom accessories are available in lots of “groovy” colors. Your teen or college student will delight in this retro look.
• Fabric adorned with the peace sign can be used as accent pillows and throws. These items will add a fun and youthful touch to your family room or play area.
• Doormats and rugs are a simple and functional way to introduce the peace sign into your home decorating.
• Wall decals are easy to apply. Use them for a party theme or to spice up the walls in your child’s bedroom. When the party is over or your child moves on to the next trend they can be easily removed.
• There are many artists who turn recycled metal into interesting peace signs to be used as yard art or outdoor decoration.
• The holidays are a great time to display this universal sign of love and peace. Hang one in your window or off the deck; string it with lights so it can be seen once it gets dark.

Stained glass, custom wrought iron, quilts and wood carving offer additional ways to introduce and display the peace sign in your home décor.

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Bountiful Harvest Tablescape

November 1, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

corn_vase110The fall season finds many of us spending more time indoors entertaining and dining with family and friends. Holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving create opportunities to decorate our homes with symbols of the season and setting a beautiful table is the perfect gift for your guests. Create a harvest tablescape using the interesting colors and shapes found in your fall garden.

Cornucopias

A cornucopia centerpiece has become a symbol of the Thanksgiving holiday. The cornucopia is a cone shaped container most often made from woven materials such as rattan and wicker. However, they are available in several other materials including ceramic, metal and clear glass. The cone is filled with the bounty of the season including fruits, vegetables, gourds, pumpkins and nuts. It is placed in the center of the table or buffet and some of the contents are allowed to spill out, representing an abundant harvest. While the cornucopia is a lovely addition to any holiday setting it is also an appropriate decoration for the entire fall season.

Corn

Corn has a long and interesting history. When the Mexicans first began growing corn over 7000 years ago they had no idea this funny looking vegetable would become a symbol of abundance or plenty hundreds of years later. As a valuable commodity corn was used as a means to pay taxes in ancient Rome. And, of course, every young child in America knows that the Indians taught the Pilgrims to grow corn which is what saved them during the harsh winter of that first Thanksgiving. For all of these reasons corn is the perfect symbol of the harvest to use in your holiday decorating.

• How about an interesting and unusual vase in the shape of an ear of corn? Fill this vase with sunflowers or wheat stalks for a beautiful fall centerpiece. The soft maize color and unusual shape are pretty enough to display year round.
• Tie several stalks of corn together to create a welcoming sign of the harvest on your front door.
• Gather different varieties of colorful Indian corn and use as place cards on your table. Simply attach a tag to the stalk of the corn and write your guests name in sharpie. The red, orange, black, gold and yellow colors are perfect compliments to your holiday linens.

However you choose to celebrate the sights, smells and holidays of the autumn season, a beautiful harvest tablescape will add to your enjoyment.

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Bringing Outside Gardens Inside With Terrariums

October 28, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

It is possible for you to enjoy the lush greenery of plants all year long through the use of indoor gardens, sometimes called terrariums.

A terrarium is defined as a small enclosure in which certain plants (and small animals) can be raised. Over time they actually create their own little weather system that makes it possible for the plants to receive the correct amount of moisture and humidity. Most indoor gardens are kept in a glass enclosure to allow the plants to receive proper light for growth and also make it possible for you to view and enjoy the garden. You might consider using fish bowls, glass bell jars, a dish with a cloche (clear glass cover) placed on top, an aquarium or other discarded glass pieces. Vintage iron furnishings with glass sides can house many plants and create a beautiful focal point in your home. An old metal birdhouse can be turned into an indoor garden with the addition of some glass sides and a removable top. Just be sure that your garden has a lid that can be removed to adjust humidity levels inside the enclosure.

Choosing the correct plants for an indoor garden is important and should be based on the amount of light and humidity that is available. Some species to consider are:

• Moss
• Ferns such as the delicate looking maidenhair and asparagus fern
• Ivy
• Succulents like the jade plant
• Household plants like philodendron and begonias
• African violets for sweet color

If unique and exotic is what you are seeking there are many species that can thrive in a terrarium setting.

• Consider the carnivorous Venus fly trap for a truly unique plant.
• The cobra lily will add an interesting shape to your indoor garden.
• In spite of the name, the rattlesnake Orchid is a beautiful plant.

For proper growth your terrarium should have a bottom layer of rock and gravel for drainage, a layer of moss to prevent soil from accumulating in the drainage area and a top layer of soil. It is important that your plants get along. If they are not compatible i.e. needing the same amount of light and humidity as well as type of soil, then your indoor garden will not survive.

If you have done your homework and chosen the correct plants, soil and enclosure your indoor garden will require minimum care and provide you with years of year round beauty.

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Bewitching twig furnishings for the home

October 25, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

twig_branch_decor110Natural and rustic furnishings and accessories are all the rage this year and items made from twigs are appearing everywhere. Vases, accent furniture, tabletop items and holiday decorations are all found sporting this very earthy accent.

Add texture to your fall or holiday table.

It is easy to add some interesting texture and dimension to your holiday table using twigs.
• Place a small glass hurricane inside a twig basket to hold flowers or candles. This turns the ordinary votive or candleholder into something interesting and unique.
• Twigs can be intermingled with leaves and seasonal items for a beautiful centerpiece. Simply lay them lengthwise across the table and scatter the other items around.
• Doll house size twig furniture can be used to hold candles, salt & pepper shakers or as place cards for your guests. These can often be found in the garden section of your favorite home store.

Natural Holiday Decorations

In response to the consumer’s desire for rustic items, many manufacturers are offering holiday decorations made from natural materials. This season you will find Christmas trees and other seasonal items made from dried twigs. If you are celebrating in a mountain cabin or just want a beautiful centerpiece for your entryway, these twig trees are the answer. You can leave them in their natural state and use them year round or spray paint them for some sparkle. Add some vintage bulbs and you have a real conversation piece.

Tall curly willow branches can be placed in a tall container to fill an empty corner in your room. Add twinkling lights to create some holiday ambience.

Outdoor Furniture

Twig furniture pieces can become real collector’s items. The cutting, drying and assembly process is often done by hand. You will find beautiful garden benches as well as chairs and tables. The airy, open weave will add interest and texture to any patio or deck area. Simply add a comfortable cushion and you have a lovely spot to sit and read or share a drink with friends.

Twigs can be found in florist supply shops, craft and home décor stores but the best place to find them is in your own backyard. Make it a family project to gather twigs and turn them into something special for your home and create a special memory at the same time.

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Spiller, Thriller and Filler | Eye Catching Container Gardens

October 6, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

containergardens_homefashion_spillerthriller110Container gardens make it possible for you to surround your home with flowers and plants and express your creativity at the same time. And you don’t even need a green thumb. You can grow flowers, herbs, even vegetables in containers with just a little bit of effort. To create a pleasing look it is a good idea to layer your plants to vary the texture, color and size.

Spillers

Spillers will be the plants and greenery that cascade out of the potting soil and over the edges of your planter. Some good choices for “spillers” are sedum, amaranthus, ivy and creeping thyme. These plants not only soften the edges of your container, they add an interesting shape and color to your overall “garden”.

Thrillers

The thrilling part of your container garden is usually the centerpiece plant. This is the largest plant in the container and sets the “theme” of your garden. Choose spiky succulents and waxy cactus for a southwestern look or you just want an easy to care for garden. For an exotic touch, add lavender, orchids or peter pan agapanthus as your “thriller” plant. These will stand tall in the container and look regal when surrounded by other greenery.

Fillers

Your filler plants will sit in between the star of your garden (the thriller) and the spiller plants and they should be chosen to coordinate with the colors of the other plants. Some good filler choices are fuchsia, lantana and coleus. All of these plants are interesting with or without blooms and will fill up that bare space in your container.

Containers

You can’t have a container garden without a container. Some things to remember when choosing a container:

• Proper drainage is a must. If your container is sitting on the ground, raise it up with bricks to allow water to fully drain.
• Choose a container with a wide opening to accommodate all your plants.
• Be sure the container is deep enough for the roots to grow properly.
• All container materials have pros and cons. For example, wood rots over time but comes in many different sizes; terra cotta is inexpensive but absorbs the plant’s moisture and the clay may dry out; plastic is affordable but can break down quickly from the elements and ceramic is durable but often needs additional drainage holes.

Have fun with your container garden. Create some personality with the different seasons and remember, children love to create and grow gardens so make it a family affair.

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Create a garden sanctuary outdoor living space

July 5, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

What better way to enjoy the warm summer months than at home in your own garden sanctuary.

The definition of sanctuary is that of a sacred or holy place where sacred objects are kept or it can refer to a safe place to go to in times of stress. It is easy to create your own backyard sanctuary as a spot to renew and reenergize.

• Planting perennials will insure that you have living color year round. There is something reassuring in watching plants thrive year after year. You may find yourself becoming attached to certain plants and admire them for their tenacity, beauty or the feeling they give you each time they bloom.
• A comfortable place to sit and relax is important in any garden sanctuary. Place benches or comfortable chairs in several areas to allow you to enjoy the sun, shade, different plant species etc. Twig furniture is a good choice as it will blend into the background and is able to withstand the elements year round.
• The sound of water can be very soothing. Add a fountain or small pool to your garden. The sounds of the water can also block out distracting noises from traffic or noisy neighbors.
• For that true sanctuary feeling, add a steeple or cupola to an outdoor gazebo or other building. Scout your local salvage yards to find a vintage steeple. Every steeple has a story so this will add a bit of whimsy and historical interest to your garden.

It is not necessary to have a large area in order to create a beautiful garden. If your space is limited simply place your plants in pots and planters, add a small bench for seating and hang a waterfall on the wall. Even the steeple can be used in a small space as a tabletop ornament or a freestanding art object. The goal is to create a tranquil spot to escape the frenetic pace of today’s lifestyle.

Once your garden is complete be sure to find the time to enjoy the benefits an outdoor sanctuary can provide—renewed energy, reduced stress and an overall sense of well being.

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Tillandsia | Seasonal, Easy Care Air Plants

June 9, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

tillandsia easy care air plantsTillandsia is a funny looking little plant that is part of the bromeliad family (think pineapple) and is commonly referred to as an air plant. A more familiar member of this family would be Spanish moss which can be found hanging from trees throughout the southern United States. Like other bromeliads, they produce little baby plants called “pups” which can be removed to become plants on their own.

While easy to care for there are some “rules” to follow to insure a healthy and happy tillandsia.

• As an air plant, tillandsia gets its moisture from the air around it. It does not require soil of any kind, just a nice tree, branch or decorative item to cling to.
• Avoid surrounding the base of your plant with moss, bark or other fillers. Remember, they require open air to survive.
• They do require a lot of moisture so should be misted several times a week if kept indoors and should be misted until saturated. A humid or outdoor environment will usually require less watering.
• For most species, direct sunlight should be avoided but indirect light is necessary.
• A temperate climate is best. Keep your plant in an area where the temperature remains steady at around 70-80 degrees.

These plants will add a unique and decorative touch to many areas of your home. They can be wired or even glued to many different items for display.

• Natural items such as driftwood, rocks or sea shells are perfect homes for your tillandsia.
• When placed in a hanging basket the result is a beautiful addition to a covered area outdoors.
• Attached several plants to a grapevine wreath for a natural and welcoming wreath to hang above the fireplace or on the front door.
• Tuck one into a small container to add a touch of life to a bookshelf or powder room.
• They look exotic when placed in a clear glass bowl or terrarium.
• Group several plants together for a full and lush centerpiece.

With proper care you should enjoy blooms from late fall to early spring. Even without blooms, these exotic plants will add interest and beauty to your home year round.

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