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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.

Filed Under: Decorating, Designer, Eco, Featured, Flowers & Garden, Flowers & Garden, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , ,

Drum up some decorating excitement with drum shaped home accents

December 29, 2011 By Kelly Leave a Comment

Drum Shape Home Accents and Decorating | Home Fashion MagazineHome decorating trends come and go but one design trend that remains popular season after season is the drum shape.

By definition, a drum shape is round and may taper to a smaller diameter at the bottom of the item. This space friendly shape can be found in many different home décor items including:

• Side tables: a drum shaped accent or side table can be squeezed into small areas where a rectangular or square shaped table might not fit. The rounded lines of this shape visually softens any hard edges the room may have while providing a spot to place a cup of tea, a pair of glasses or the latest novel that has captured your attention. These interesting tables, also referred to as a garden stool, can be used indoors or outdoors. They are commonly made of durable materials such as ceramic or concrete and may feature unusual patterns, carvings etc.
• Lamps: A drum shaped lamp or lamp shade is the perfect accent for any interior space. A contemporary room would benefit from a glossy black shade to accent a lamp with a crystal sphere while a chubby ginger jar lamp topped with a cream linen drum shade would work well in a traditional setting. It is important to select the correct size lamp shade. Like Goldilocks, if it is too small the lamp will look silly and if it is too large it will overpower and hide the lamp base. A good rule of thumb is to choose a shade with a height that is roughly ¾ the size of the base. For example, if your base is 12” high you would choose a shade that is 9” in height. The width, or diameter, of the shade should equal the distance from the bottom of the lamp base to the bottom of the light socket; a 15” lamp base would require a 15” diameter shade. The bottom of the shade should be wider than the base of the lamp and should completely cover the light switch.
• Decorative accessories: Decorative accessories would include items like vases, candle holders, canisters, baskets etc. The drum shape of these items fit nicely on a bookshelf or placed atop a coffee table or entry way console. The rounded shape introduces a touch of softness to square rooms and hard edges found in most homes. These items can be used on their own as artwork or as functional items to hold flowers, kitchen utensils, pencils and other household items.

Next time you are searching for just the right accessory or accent piece for your home don’t overlook the unique drum shaped tables, lamps and lamp shades that are available.

Filed Under: Decorating, Designer, Featured, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , ,

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.

Filed Under: Decorating, Featured, Flowers & Garden, Flowers & Garden, Food & Recipes, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , ,

Maximize your View with new Deck Railing Designs

May 3, 2011 By Kelly Leave a Comment

glass deck railingsRegardless of whether your outdoor living space is an expansive deck overlooking a cool mountain lake or a small terrace above the garden, you want to enjoy as much of the view as possible. You can accomplish this by replacing old wooden deck railings with new designs that will maximize your view and enhance the look of your home.

While the standard redwood railing and baluster system may work for you there are other options.

• Glass is a relatively new material being used in hardscape design and there are several ways to utilize it.

o Solid tempered glass panels will open up your outdoor space and allow you to see as much of the view as possible. These panels can be supported by modern materials such as stainless steel for a crisp, streamlined look or combined with wood for an eclectic look. A clear glass panel provides the best view but bronze and smoked glass is also available. Regular cleaning of these panels is necessary in order to enjoy your beautiful view.

o Glass balusters are small panes of glass set into a railing system like regular wood or iron balusters. They provide a clean and modern look without having to use solid glass panels. They, too, are tempered for safety and allow you to enjoy an unobstructed view.

• Iron railing systems have been popular for many years. They are a nice complement to a Spanish or Mediterranean style home and work well with all types of wood. The balusters can be straight up and down or have fanciful scroll work. The most popular color is black but the iron can be painted or powder coated any color you desire. For example, you may want to use a forest green so the railing system blends in with the outdoors. Or perhaps a soft sand color complements your limestone decking and the sandy beach below. The wrought iron can also be fully customized to create a unique, one of a kind look. Adding a centerpiece to your railing system that has been customized with a monogram or favorite symbol such as an animal or flower will really personalize your outdoor living space.

Whether you are entering into an entire landscape project or just want to update your existing deck, new railings will improve the look of your home while making it possible for you to enjoy the fabulous view of the mountains or the city lights below.

Filed Under: Architecture, Decorating, Designer, Featured, Home Improvement, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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.

Filed Under: Decorating, Eco, Flowers & Garden, Holidays & Crafts, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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.

Filed Under: Eco, Featured, Flowers & Garden, Holidays & Crafts, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Rail and Nautical Ship Industrial Salvage

October 8, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

The railroad has always held a romantic allure for many. The sound of the train’s whistle in the distance and seeing the tell tale red light of the lantern on the caboose as it sped by made many young men dream of hopping a train that would transport them to a faraway place someday. Those lanterns that disappeared in the distance so long ago have become a popular item for history buffs as well as collectors.

Add a touch of Railway history to your home décor

• Hang these lanterns outdoors and enjoy the red glow from the colored glass
• Place a pair of lanterns on your fireplace mantel in a casual family room
• This is the perfect accessory for a lake or mountain cabin
• Place one in the bedroom of that future Henry Flagler you have in your family and let him dream of traveling the railways
• If you are lucky you may run across a salvaged signal light that features red and blue glass lenses. This would be the perfect gift for the railroad buff or frequent traveler

Sail the High Seas with nautical industrial salvage

Just as many young men dreamt of escaping on the railroad others dreamt of sailing the seas to exotic ports of call. Nautical salvage comes in the form of many items found on large passenger ships and includes:

• Passageway lights to rewire and use as porch and deck lighting.
• Large deck lights
• Old signal lights that make interesting shelf décor
• Lanterns that were used on the decks can be used as backyard décor and are the perfect accessory for a beach house or on your own yacht

Many of these fixtures have interesting metal bars protecting the glass. They are most often found in copper and brass that offer a beautiful shine and patina. You can also look for other nautical salvage that includes compasses, portholes, ship’s wheels, bells and the popular glass floats and jugs entwined with rope.

The use of both rail and nautical industrial salvage as home décor is a popular way of recycling items while protecting and preserving the memory of a magical time long ago.

Filed Under: Antiques, Decorating, Eco, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , ,

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.

Filed Under: Featured, Flowers & Garden, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , ,

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.

Filed Under: Antiques, Architecture, Eco, Flowers & Garden, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , ,

Indie Green Crafting

June 23, 2010 By Kelly Leave a Comment

indie green craftingThe art of crafting is experiencing a resurgence in popularity and craft fairs are popping up all over the country. But these are not the craft fairs of the 1970’s. Today’s green craft fair focuses on unique art, clothing, jewelry and home décor pieces made from recycled or repurposed items.

Indie green crafts

In today’s lingo, the word “indie” can be used to describe anything hip or non-mainstream. For example, indie music is published by independent recording companies and indie craft fairs feature arts and crafts that may be a bit out of the ordinary. In fact, Indie crafts are in a category all by themselves. You are not likely to find patchwork aprons or a macramé plant holder at an indie craft fair. What you will see are lovely jewelry and beautiful artwork crafted from bottle caps and newspapers; wearable clothing made out of plastic bags or vintage fabrics and old CD cases become picture frames or hanging ornaments. Kitchen canisters painted with country geese have been replaced by skulls and other punk icons. Hand blown glass art is always popular but at an Indie craft festival the blown glass is often a more functional item like “smoking” paraphernalia. These crafters are expert at turning garbage and cast off objects into beautiful and functional art.

Regional green craft fairs

If mainstream is more your style, travel around our beautiful country and you will find crafts as diverse as the countryside.

• Areas that are near the water have the opportunity to repurpose or recycle items associated with boating and fishing, for example. Old sails may be turned into tote bags, sturdy outdoor cushions or window treatments like those found at www.ellavickers.com. Lobster traps become unique and functional picture frames or coffee tables. (www.lobstertrapart.com) Old rope can turn an ordinary lamp into a one-of-a-kind piece of art and large rope knots make perfect doorstops.

• Mountain areas offer different opportunities for crafters. Woven baskets and hanging wall art made from dropped pine needles and adorned with naturally shed animal horns is the perfect accessory in a casual home. Discarded sweaters are repurposed into blankets and quilts; fallen trees can be turned into beautiful and functional furniture.

• Even city dwellers can create green crafts. Bottles, cans, wine corks, newspapers, old furniture; all of these items can be repurposed, recycled, refinished or reupholstered into something beautiful and/or functional.

Green craft fairs often donate a portion of the funds collected to a local charity, offer a clothing swap or collect food for a shelter. Even the food booths are green—no hot dogs and French fries here—look for organic, locally grown food items along with a selection for vegetarians and vegans. My how times have changed!

Filed Under: Antiques, Eco, Holidays & Crafts, Kitchen & Bath, Outdoor Living Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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