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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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How to introduce fall into your shabby chic decor

October 31, 2011 By Kelly Leave a Comment

white pumpkins pink flowers arrangementsWhile whimsical jack-0-lanterns and unique gourds are associated with the harvest season, pumpkins are not just for Halloween as evidenced by this very feminine and romantic floral arrangement. The unexpected color palette will add a touch of shabby chic décor to your fall decorating when used as a centerpiece for a dinner party or a pretty addition to a guest room.

This all pink floral arrangement features a unique bouquet of pink hydrangeas and lisianthus surrounding petite calla lilies in an eye popping fuchsia, all accented with beautiful greenery. In this example an artificial white pumpkin was used as a vase but you can substitute real pumpkins for a more authentic look. Other fall flowers can be used to create this look including pink ranunculus, roses, mums, gerbera daisies and dahlias.

Is it chic to be shabby?

Autumn colors most often include warm shades of rust, gold and brown that is not always conducive to shabby chic decorating. However, with a little imagination you can turn your home into an autumn wonderland with beautiful fall flowers and unique containers that coordinate with your home’s décor and celebrates the season.

• For a traditional fall look, choose pumpkins and gourds in muted colors such as pale yellow, white and soft green. These can be displayed alongside your floral arrangements or hollowed out and used as containers for flowers.

• Weathered and worn items are a hallmark of shabby chic design and work well when incorporated into fall decorating. For example, a rusted tin pail can hold a large bunch of sunflowers. An antique child’s wagon filled with pots of colorful mums and placed in the front yard creates a warm welcome for your guests. Group a collection of old bottles in your windowsill and pop in a single rose or gerbera daisy for a simple floral display.

Is white appropriate after Labor Day?

White is a staple in shabby chic design and certainly feels warm and inviting even after Labor Day. You can warm your home with the addition of white fall decorations that celebrate, rather than detract from, the romantic look and feel of shabby chic décor.

• White pumpkins in assorted sizes can be arranged on a fireplace mantel, placed in a large willow basket or grouped together on the table.

• The days are getting shorter and candlelight is always inviting. Hollow out the center of several small white pumpkins and place a tea light in them to add a romantic glow to your home.

• Use small white pumpkins as place cards at your next dinner party. A ribbon of raffia tied to the stem can hold a note with each guest’s name printed on it.

• For a monochromatic bouquet, arrange all white flowers such as mums, daisies and roses in a large white pumpkin and place it on a round mirror to reflect the beauty.

All of these arrangements can be created with natural or high quality, artificial flowers and pumpkins.

Unique fall decorations in these unusual color combinations are also an economical choice as they can be used throughout the fall and will compliment your holiday and winter décor as well.

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