Browse Month: October 2018

Great Design Plant: Sally Holmes Rose

In the plant world, small can rival the beauty and legacy of a rose. It is a classic choice for any backyard, and I find myself transfixed by their devotion yet intimidated by all that encompasses the rose world. Which type should I choose, and can I grow ? I enlisted the experience of Lenkin Design to demonstrate that modern landscapes can be rose-colored.

“Roses are typically reserved for use with more formal architectural styles, however, Sally Holmes’s simple charm gives her much greater flexibility,” says designer Heather Lenkin. “A stunning and vigorous climbing rose, Sally Holmes blossoms constantly throughout the year in southern climates, produces floral displays fuller than many other climbing roses and can readily be trained to develop along fences, trellises, arborswalls.”

Plant Sally Holmes as a bare-root climbed in winternurseries will start to carry containers in spring. By early summer, abundant flower clusters will insure fresh canes and persist through collapse.

Read landscape designs | More amazing design plants

Lenkin Design Inc: Landscape and Garden Design

Botanical name: Rosa‘Sally Holmes’
Common name: Sally Holmes Rose
Breed: Hybrid Musk Ballerina and Ivory Fashion Rose
USDA zones: 5-9
Water necessity: Regular
Sun necessity: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: Growing to 15 foot; can be trained as a shrub
Tolerances: Disease, color and warmth

Lenkin Design Inc: Landscape and Garden Design

Distinguishing attributes. The blossoms are what make a rose, and the blossoms of Sally Holmes definitely leave an impression. As fresh buds, the petals are a vibrant coral pink and apricot. By the time that the flowers mature, they fade to a soft creamy white with just a touch of pink at the tips. The subtle scent of Sally Holmes has a spicy hint. Blooming from June through October, clusters of large single blossoms last through the summer.

Lenkin Design Inc: Landscape and Garden Design

The best way to utilize it. Use as a climber or train as a shrub. Grow Sally Holmes onto a trellis or arbor, or just allow the plant to spread naturally through the backyard.

“In Lenkin Design we frequently combine Sally Holmes with a mixture of vines to organize seasonal scents and floral displays,” Lenkin states. “These may include Pink Jasmine, scaling Clematis, or other climbing roses like the glorious Eden. The coral shading from the creamy white Sally Holmes rose make it a perfect companion for its beautiful apricot, peach and light yellow Heather Lenkin rose”

Lenkin Design Inc: Landscape and Garden Design

Lenkin Design Inc: Landscape and Garden Design

Keep it rising. Water regularly in well-drained soil, making sure that the soil does not dry out. While roses prefer full sun, Sally Holmes is much more tolerant of shade. A persistent grower, Sally Holmes is also resistant to many rose diseases. Plant bare-root roses in winter or wait until spring to plant containers. Make sure you receive your roses from the floor and established prior to the summer heat, and fresh buds will abound by June.

More amazing layout plants:
Pacific Coast Iris | Redtwig Dogwood | Hens-and-Chicks | Snake Flower | Toyon
Black Mondo Grass | Feather Reed Grass | New Zealand Wind Grass | Red Kangaroo Paw
Blue Chalk Sticks | Catmint | Slipper Plant | Golden Creeping Jenny

Great layout trees:
Chinese Witch Hazel | Manzanita | Japanese Maple | Persian Ironwood
Smoke Tree | Bald Cypress | Tree Aloe

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Austin Haven with Amazing Views

Sharon Radovich of all Panache Interiors was occupied renovating four bathrooms in Herb and Nan Schwetman’s home when she got a call from Nan. Nan advised Sharon to quit working on the bathrooms because a whole lot the few had wanted for years finally came in the marketplace. The Schwetmans purchased the whole lot immediately and collect a team of award-winning designers such as Barley & Pfeiffer Architects, Panache Interiors and Botanical Concerns Landscaping.

The Schwetmans told that the design team they wanted something modern, but with natural components to tie their residence to the gorgeous panoramic views. With a strong focus on the topography, the architect created a linear house with tall north-facing windows to bring in cool light, shield the home’s south-facing walls, and protect it from exposure to sunlight.

Once the architects finished the design, Radovich came to the plate with an array of organic materials to promote the ambiance of the home’s setting. The Schwetmans could not be happier. As it pertains to working with design professionals, Nan says,”We believe we understand what we enjoy, but sometimes you just need a little nudging in the right direction.”

in a Glance
Who lives here: Herb and Nan Schwetman
Location: Austin, Texas
Size: 4,000-square-foot, two-story home with 4 bedrooms

The architects in Barley & Pfeiffer made an open floor plan for the primary living area, employing the lot’s natural incline to conceal all secondary living spaces. Detaching the garage and placing the deck and screened-in porch on the south side protects the house from harsh winds. The design team further highlighted the property’s energy efficiency by employing premium non-degrading exterior materials.

Two bridges connect the futon into the home, allowing entrance to the home through the primary entrance or through the kitchen and utility area.

Barley & Pfeiffer utilized stone, wood and steel in the property’s exterior to make a contemporary aesthetic while allowing the home to blend with the surrounding landscape.

Panache Interiors used Mesquite wood floors in the major area of the home. Horizontal wood panels counter the casing fossil limestone fireplace surround. Radovich chose grey for the walls. Sliding doors lead from the living area on to the deck, showcasing the home’s spectacular perspective of the Austin Hill Country.

All furniture and rugs rugs came from Room & Board. Nan says,”We simply love this store. Their pieces are contemporary but still seem comfy and they’re really reasonably priced. It was perfect for us”

Radovich selected Verde Marinace as the material for the kitchen island countertop. The Marinace is constituted of large colored river rocks fused together. “Everyone is always asking me what this stone is. It is quite unique,” Nan says.

Ayers green granite has been placed on all of the remaining kitchen counters along with the kitchen backsplash has been covered in a combination of horizontal limestone and glass mosaic tiles. Green-gray cabinetry in Sherwin Williams Rare Gray 6199 further emphasizes the home’s contemporary look.

While the floor plan encourages energy efficiency, it also serves as a great way for Herb and Nan to entertain friends and family.

A custom booth built into the kitchen give the pair a place to enjoy their morning coffee. A Varaluz recycled steel and glass chandelier adds contemporary sparkle.

SLIC Interiors

The decks are made of sustainable Ipe walnut hardwood. “Among my favorite things about this home is its normal setting,” Nan says. “We attempted to bring as much of the setting indoors with our choice of colors and with some of the artwork we used.”

SLIC Interiors

A screened-in porch outside the dining area enables Herb and Nan to enjoy the outdoors without being completely exposed to the outdoor conditions.

A nook on the screened-in porch gives the couple a spot to enjoy the view and meals by the fireplace.

Outdoor furniture: Room & Board

In the master bath, Radovich combined honed seagrass stone with mosaic bamboo flooring for the floor. “The bamboo is warmer to the foot when Nan and Herb step out of the shower, they are not stepping on cold tiles,” Radovich says.

From the master bedroom, a glass mosaic backsplash provides visual interest to the room. It also adds a dash of natural color that works well with another stone in the restroom.

Faucet: Pfister

More Inspiring Tours:

Artful and Efficient at Austin

Minimal and Soothing in Austin

Warm and Modern at Austin

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Divine Lighting: The White Chandelier

White chandeliers come in a wide selection of breathtaking styles, from daring new designs, beautiful antiques dripping with crystals, or simple shapes with colors. No matter its design, hang it centre stage and it’s likely to be your area’s showstopper.

I recall my first white chandelier. I was finishing a foyer renovation, and rather than buy a new ceiling light, I sprayed on the light using white paint. It looked like a totally new light, but was exactly what this narrow corridor needed to glow. Read on for more ways to attract the glow and glam of a white chandelier into your home.

Browse white chandeliers

Horchow

White Baroque Chandelier – $1,185

Want the look of a white chandelier without any dripping crystals? Move big and daring, allowing the foundation itself glow. Receive a luxe traditional appearance or more modern feel by adding drum colors or by choosing a chandelier with a rustic foundation in a high-gloss white.

Holly Marder

In the market for a tasteful chandelier with a new texture? A white finish gives any traditional arm light a new clean appearance. Perfect perched over a table that you would like to liven up.

Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc..

Want to add a luxurious feel to a kitchen? Instead of hanging a set of pendants over a kitchen islandchoose a chandelier in white to keep it bright and airy.

Occasionally other metallic finishes are just too much for a space. A white chandelier inside this space allows the gorgeous wood ceiling to glow.

Elizabeth Gordon

A sculptural light finished in white adds an eclectic vibe into some space.

This intricately beautiful white chandelier keeps a great equilibrium in this dining area’s mixture of dark wood and white painted finishes.

Horchow

Janice Minor White Coral Chandelier – $1,650

Here’s a closer photo of this chandelier in the previous image. So beautiful!

A white chandelier is so airy and soft when utilized in a mild blue bedroom. If you don’t have a white light, it’s quite easy to find this particular French shabby-chic feel with any mild you find on sale. Using spray paint (for metal), you can change it to white in no time. When thoroughly dry, you can rub it using adhesive to give it a worn, antiqued appearance.

Kasey Buick

White sets the ideal tone for a chandelier with sweet details. The milky finish allows these birds perched with this mild foundation to be seen and admired.

Horchow

White Abbi Chandelier – $675

Insert glam to your room using a white chandelier dripping with beads. This is a really feminine appearance, ideal for a tasteful bedroom or dining room.

Burnham Design

Would you love eclectic design? Insert a shiny finish to bamboo-inspired lighting.

Shoshana Gosselin

A bamboo lantern may be beautiful over a kitchen island.

Elad Gonen

This light looks like leafy branches; just how beautiful it must be to see it overhead because you sit at this table. The white finish keeps the intricate design feel soft. If you are seeking something different but not overwhelming, try out a white finish.

Lightology

Leaves Sus from Lumen Center

Here is another whimsical spin on a leaf-inspired light.

Martha O’Hara Interiors

Small spaces seem unique when a chandelier is inserted. Try one with a white finish to maintain the petite space open and airy. So keep a white chandelier, like this traditional one with crystals, in mind for a home office or walk-in closet.

Can you have a white chandelier? Post a photo below!

More: How to Receive Your Own Pendant Light Right
Browse white chandeliers

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See-Through Storage: Clear Choice for Maximum Space

The average American home is around 2,000 square feet — and if you add a household, it can feel pretty cramped. But take away cabinetry and closet walls to open the space and you eliminate storage. How to proceed? Add! Glass-front closets, spacious shelving, mirrors as well as reclaimed windows can be your tool for providing relaxation without solitude. Continue reading for some see-through options.

Does your home have? Do you feel cooped up in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun? Do not rip those cabinets down and shed the storageopen them up and enclose them for see-through storage which retains the view open, the more light flowing along with the storage intact.

mark gerwing

For an even more seamless appearance, take the cupboard frame and install shelving to replace the cabinetry.

To receive a similiar look in front of a window, attempt DIY glass shelving.

Chr DAUER Architects

Stealing distance is a recipe for claustrophobia. A glass cabinet is ideal for displaying accessories while keeping sight lines available. The look is classy and fresh.

Cary Bernstein Architect

1 little glass shelving unit dramatically opens up this distance. This design allows for an excess cupboard, a drawer, a counter and three shelves, while visually dividing the spaces with no cloistering them.

Mirrors are another great solution; they can open up a space by representing light and creating the illusion of a larger space. Try using a back pack mirror to split the room.

Smith & Vansant Architects PC

You may have to look twice in this picture to view all of the see-through elements. This distance matches a dining room, a living room, a stairwell, a kitchen and a balcony. Doesn’t it looked like a crowded dorm room? See-through storage.

Open shelving divides the dining room from the entryway yet leaves the sight lines available all the way to the stairs. The spacious banisters upstairs add to the feeling of spaces that are open yet distinct and the light.

Built-in closets are a classic split between the living and dining rooms in Arts and Crafts houses. Try upgrading this traditional look for your home with spacious, geometrical cubbies.

SGH Designs inc..

Adding open shelving near the foot of the bathtub provides a separation while allowing light to flood the rest of the room.

Living2Design

Aged windows occasionally show up on Craigslist and may make a terrific see-through divider to your little space.

Getting a good deal on more windows than you need? Craft your own saltwater.

Mosby Building Arts

Try creating see-through storage which mimics another piece of furniture in the room. This shelving unit echoes the lines and color tones of this hutch in the background but stays open to mild. Wouldn’t this seem be ideal at that long, narrow open area in your ranch home?

Whether you are working with a very small bathroom, a spacious living area or even a cramped kitchen, see-through storage can be your solution.

More:
18 Ways to Make a Small Space Appear Larger
7 Big Ideas for Smaller Kitchens and Bathrooms
6 Methods to Magically Enhance Your Small Space

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How to Produce Beautifully Untamed Floral Arrangements

It Is getting down to the wire for Thanksgiving. Side dishes are chosen, the turkey was purchased, and the wine rack has been well stocked. Luckily for all of us florally contested, Jill Rizzo and Alethea Harampolis of San Francisco’s Studio Choo are decked out this holiday by adding the life of the celebration — literally — with flowers, foraged branches, and maybe a persimmon or two in tow.

After sitting on one of the in studio courses, an epiphany struck me. No longer will I need to rely on vibrant corn and miniature pumpkins to decorate my Thanksgiving table. With a few tips from these pros, not only can I too have the ability to arrange flowers (almost) like an expert, but I also have discovered how to allow the flowers be my guides and allow my arrangements to mature wild.

More: Ingredients of a Perfectly Wild Bouquet

A sturdy base is essential. Five seconds into this course the free grasp I thought I’d on the basics of flower arranging is swiftly swatted away. The foundation layer is the framework for the rest of the structure — it’s not just inexpensive filler.

Consider how the leafy leaves will add another decorative layer to the structure to complement the flowers. Grab 6-10 strong stems to be used for the foundation of your own arrangement, with 2 especially bushy pieces. If you are a newcomer like me, a solid foundation will make the rest of your organizing job much easier.

Measure twice cut once. Before you begin randomly stabbing stems into your vessel, gauge and test out how you would like individual stems in your foundation layer to lie in the vase. Utilize their natural kinds as guides for placing in the vase.

If using a thinner cylindrical vase, the stalks can be approximately 2-3 times the height of this vase, otherwise opt to get an arrangement about 1 1/2 times the eyebrow height. Put the bushiest pieces in first, using a clean and leafless stem beneath the waterline.

Construct your foundation. Require the first two foundation layer plants, make an X with their stalks and set them in the vase, as Rizzo demonstrates using a scented geranium and chokecherry stem. Carefully work round the border, putting stalks in a similar way by crossing the stalks — almost like you are constructing a nest.

Watch more amazing bouquet ingredients

Remember where you anticipate using this particular arrangement. A fragrance for a mantel will be more spreading and linear while a table centerpiece will have to be more rounded and interesting on either side.

When you have completed, the foundation should be sturdy and able to defy the prodding and poking of this flower stems you are going to put in later.

Add primary flowers. The largest and sturdiest flowers which you’ve chosen for your main focal flowers will proceed next. Rizzo starts with a stunning’Coral Charm’ peony stem. Continue to allow the plants do the work for you by changing the overall form and contour of this arrangement.

You’re able to keep it low and compact or really angle the stems out to get a large arching arrangement. Choose around 3 focal flowers and scatter cluster them in the arrangement. Keep the arrangement intriguing by choosing plants that blossom at different angles and different heights — ideal uniformity isn’t something you should feel like you need to strive for.

Add some astonishing accents. Incorporate beautiful succulents and even seasonal fruits in your arrangement to really highlight the overall autumnal mood.

Using wooden skewers carefully dipped in floral glue, softly stab the fruit or succulent, careful not to puncture all the way through, and add the skewer into a growing centerpiece — following the crisscross pattern of the stalks.

For continuity and stream, Rizzo suggests group similarly colored flowers within the arrangement. Add to your heart’s content, pausing every so often to admire your work, always keeping in mind the crisscross pattern of your stalks and orientation of your own arrangement.

Here, chokecherries and’Coral Charm’ peonies make a luscious cluster of pinks and reds…

… that segues into golden hues of Heuchera‘Peach Melba’ and skewered persimmons.

Finish off with bits and pieces. There are not any real prescribed rules for your superbly manicured seasonal centerpiece. Finish by adding the supporting flowers and more fragile grasses and blossoms you may have picked from the market or perhaps from your own yard.

Do a final check. Once you believe you have a successful arrangement or run out of plant material, do a final check for stalks that may not be securely placed or require another trim. Then set the arrangement and enjoy.

Care for your flowers. Stick into the following suggestions to make sure your arrangement survives long enough that you thoroughly enjoy and to allow your family and friends to compliment your mad floral organizing skills.
Cut flowers are thirsty. Keep the vessel as full of water as you can and make sure you change the water and wash out the vessel frequently. Bacteria buildup in old water is a sure way to kill the structure faster.Keep the structure out of direct sunlight and away from ripening fruit, which gives off ethylene gas. Both can cause the flowers to start more quickly and result in a shorter lifespan. “The best advice we can give when creating arrangements is to just try it,” adds Jill. “The most frequent thing we hear in course is’I am not sure it’ll seem right…’ So put it in there and try it! It can always be removed. We are constantly playing with different materials and colour combinations — that is what keeps things interesting!”

More: Ingredients of a Perfectly Wild Bouquet

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Geometric Detail Inspires Artful Home

Dana and Joe Sheppard lived in their tiny home in Ocean City, N.J. for at least 20 years until they decided it was time for a large shift. As they outgrew their 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage, they gradually incorporated bigger improvements, but the time came when adding on to their home yet another time simply didn’t make sense. Regardless of the memories their previous home held for them, they decided to tear it down and start from scratch.

The Sheppards collaborated with architect James Chadwick and contractors Fuschillo & Hamilton, and the end result is the envy of the area. It is filled with fresh, geometric details using a color palette inspired by the sea glass Dana gathered on local shores. As a painter and stained-glass artisan, she believed each design decision a manifestation of her creativity. The contemporary home, peppered with her art, serves as Dana’s personal gallery and her proudest bit of work.

Colleen Brett

at a Glance
Who lives here: Dana and Joe Sheppard
Architect: James Chadwick; Builder: Fuschillo & Hamilton
Location:
Ocean City, New Jersey
Size: 4,000 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bath

Colleen Brett

Joe and Dana Sheppard tore the home they lived in for more than 20 years to make room for their dream home.

Colleen Brett

Geometry is king in this home, as it is possible to see the minute you walk in the doorway. Looking up from the entryway, you are going to see the hexagonal ceiling which frames the very simple light fixture, and a large stained glass window Dana designed.

Colleen Brett

Plush curtains hang from the ceiling of this lofted staircase to make a slight branch of space in the open floor plan of the floor. Showcased involving the curtains is an elegant wooden dining table, with a sleek, curved standalone. As it turns out, Dana is not the only performer in the family. Her son Justin built and designed this table in his high school wood shop class to mimic a 3,000 table from among his mum’s inspirational magazine clippings.

Colleen Brett

Spilling out of the entryway is the entire first floor: a large and inviting gathering room which flows easily into the kitchen. The walls are the colour of sand, and the furniture, in soft shades of teal and brown, right relates to the sea glass exhibited on countertops and tables.

Couch and chairs: Century Furniture

Colleen Brett

Sea glass is exhibited throughout the home, as it had been the inspiration for both the colour palette and the prosperity of glass details in the home.

Colleen Brett

Joining the two rooms is a curved eating nook. As opposed to go the conventional route using a high countertop and line of bar stools, Dana wished to make a place to eat that was part of both rooms. The fan-backed seat occupies the round glass table and supplies function as a kitchen table, as well as additional seating close to the fireplace.

Colleen Brett

Straddled between the kitchen and family room is a large air conditioning duct, among the significant design issues in this home. In order to hang out a light right above the kitchen table, then it would have been required to go directly through the duct. Dana collaborated with the architect to look this custom fixture fixture. It comes with a round base and thin sheets of textured glass to be built round the duct, preventing any damage to the beam and getting art from a essential light source.

Colleen Brett

Glass is also artfully showcased from the kitchen, among the most gorgeous rooms of the home. The mosaic tile backsplash is reminiscent of sea glass in colour and feel. The tiles have been tied into the delicately backlit geometric contours of this stained glass strip above the cabinets, which Dana created.

Colleen Brett

Even the cabinets are facing textured glass, which divides the contents of each one, but keeps the airy, open feel of this downstairs.

Kitchen design group: Holloway Home Improvement
Cabinetry: Heritage Custom Cabinetry

Colleen Brett

The kitchen is filled with geometric details, from the curved counter of this island to the stained glass above the cabinets. Even the throw rug and hardware on the cabinets honor geometry in this room.

Colleen Brett

Colleen Brett

The fireplace is the focus of this first floor. Dana chose southwestern stones in keeping with her earthy colour palette and enjoy of simple geometric shapes. A massive slate hearth provides warm additional seating on harsh winter days.

Colleen Brett

I had to share a glimpse into Dana’s art studio, hidden from this open floor plan of the first floor. She loves painting the Ocean City sunsets that her husband, Joe, photos. She’s looking forward to an upcoming juried show at the Ocean City Arts Center.

Colleen Brett

Leading up to the second floor is a geometric stair railing, using a Mondrian-like grid at each post. There are also beautiful lighting fixtures set against the backdrop of marble-like faux painting.

Colleen Brett

The master bedroom awaits at the peak of the staircase. They sacrificed space here to let for a private balcony, which feeds in a lot of light, which makes the dark plum fabrics and mahogany furniture texture tasteful without overwhelming the smaller room.

Colleen Brett

Here you get a close look at the cloth installment that Dana created behind the headboard. She originally wanted a window to move above the bed, but when structural limits stopped that, she went directly to her sewing machine.

Colleen Brett

Having built on precisely the same place as their original home, they knew where the light and views were going to be the best. The balcony off the master bedroom provides a lot of sunlight, as well as a view of the house’s beautiful landscaping, and even a glimpse of the bay.

More:
Broad Cottage on the Jersey Shore
Geometry and Art in Chelsea
From Building Blocks to Buildings: Balanced Geometry in Architecture
Modern Icons: X Marks the Spot

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Warm Up Your Rooms With a Gorgeous Off-White Paint

One of my favourite clothing items is my off-white winter coat. Though it’s such a light color, it has a hot glow, looks comfy, and I will wear whatever with it. That is exactly how I feel about using off-white paint in a room. Unlike stark white, warmer tinted whites bring a subtle radiance to a room that produces a cozy neutral setting or a blank background for unlimited color choices. Off-whites are classic but they are also on-trend, and that gives you countless design options that are both fresh and timeless.

More: How to Select the Right White Paint

Michael Knowles, Architect

If you’re not certain which kind of off-white to use in your area, take clues from the existing furnishings or materials. In this foyer, the parchment wall color is close to the lightest hue in the floor. This type of coordination creates a nice flow from 1 surface to another.

Stonewood, LLC

The yellow-green tint in this warm paint color is also seen in the upholstered chairs and area rug.

MANDARINA STUDIO interior design

Off-whites aren’t restricted to ivory, ivory and pale yellow. Expand your range by using whites that are tinted with colours such as coral or apricot. These hot peachy-pinks are ideal to traditional spaces and they are always in vogue.

Maraya Interior Design

Ivory is a common neutral for Spanish and Mediterranean homes. This allows other architectural features, such as wood beamed ceilings and ironwork, to really stand out.

Matthew MacCaul Turner

Colors such as sand and tan are a little more earthy than some of the other off-whites. These hues will give your space a more natural, earthy texture. However, the overall feeling is still airy and light.

Jennifer Brouwer (Jennifer Brouwer Design Inc)

Creamy white cupboards are a great way to brighten up a kitchen while also adding warmth and fashion. Here, instead of using snow white cabinetry, see here Boston snow removal services, off-white was utilized which is much more in harmony with the gold tan countertops and backsplash.

Dijeau Poage Construction

Rose and blush are very flattering which is the reason why I love using them in baths. Even an understated rose-tinted white will capture your attention and make you look good.

JMA INTERIOR DESIGN

Who will withstand vanilla? This hot white is delicious and inviting, and it makes everything around it look luscious, too.

Off-White Paint Picks:
Futon 7101 by Sherwin-Williams
French Vanilla 7118 by Sherwin-Williams
Albescent OC-40 by Benjamin Moore
Cottage White 1813 by Behr

Next: How to Select the Ideal White Paint Color
How to Select the Ideal Gray Paint
10 Ways to Make Your Neutral Palette Shine

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Guest Picks: Handicrafts from Rwanda

I have always loved global layout. Once I stumbled upon a few plateau baskets created by women in Rwanda, I searched for more of their beautiful handicrafts. I love that every piece is so complicated in detail and they all tell a story in their own culture. These are the types of things that I love bringing into my home: one-of-a-kind statement bits which also tell a story about the entire world. And all these purchases benefit the neighborhood craft — what could be better than that? — Lillian out of Unstitched

Eclectic Baskets – $44

This plateau basket includes such calming colors, and the special swirl shape is indeed eye-catching — it resembles a wave or even a kaleidoscope. This could be perfect used as a bowl or hung on the wall as artwork.

Shop 4 Rwanda

Friendship Baubles – GBP 1.25

These friendship baubles are perfect little Christmas gifts. Produced from sisal and sweet grass, each is unique.

Indego Africa

Wine Coasters – $15

Each of those wine coasters, made from conventional Dutch fabric, is closely stitched with foot-powered sewing machines. These would make wonderful presents.

Rwandan Peace Basket

These conventional woven baskets represent that the artisan craft of Rwanda. Made of sisal, they’re sturdy and perfect for storage. I especially love the vivid red — we can all use a bit more reddish in our homes, could not we?

EarthLover

Handwoven Sisal Basket – $48

This basket includes such a bright and happy color blend; it reminds me of sunlight. Each of the colors is dyed obviously by plant or tea leaves. This is likely to make you smile each time you see it.

Indego Africa

Woven Coaster Set – $25

This is the perfect cultural piece to add to some cocktail party. These woven coasters are handmade with needles and conventional threads. My favourite part is you can observe the intricate job that went into creating them.

Indego Africa

Plateau Basket – $44

The soft muted colors of the basket are so calming. Even with all the complex details and patterns, it is still so easy to check at. It is just designed enough that is isn’t loud or overbearing — a great piece to add to some room to get a bit of a global feel.

Indego Africa

Banana Table Runner – $48

This bamboo table runner is the perfect organic touch to any table. I love finding unique ways of bringing the outside in, just like this. Each of them is handmade with strips and needles of banana leaves, therefore no 2 will be the same. The intricate technique employed in creating this makes it a really intriguing piece.

Indego Africa

Agaseke Basket – $40

These agaseke baskets are so distinctively shaped, they would make certain to be a statement piece. These are traditionally created for newlyweds, each distinctly designed to represent something about the bunch. They take five days to make, so that you know they’re quite a gift from the heart.

Indego Africa

Large Woven Platter – $75

Dynamic and cultural, these platters would be the perfect unique piece to spice up a coffee table or display. They would be perfect as a tray to group sculptures together or on their own as art.

Indego Africa

Agaseke Basket Ornament – $11

These tiny agaseke basket ornaments make amazing and socially responsible gifts for the holidays. I love the colors of the one — equally relaxing and bright.

In the color to the print, I love the fabrics used to make these wine bags. Simply made yet still representing the civilization, these would be such unique global housewarming gifts (with a bottle of wine inside, of course).

Shop 4 Rwanda

Violet and Natural Fruit Bowl – GBP 10

Produced from earthen materials (sisal, papyrus, bamboo leaf and sweet bud ), this basket is ideal for holding fruit. I especially love the patterns and colors: checkers and dark purple stripes.

Shop 4 Rwanda

Dark Blue Rwandan Table Cloth – GBP 6

This tablecloth is made from East African fabrics. The bright blue color is so dramatic; it would make any picnic or outdoor meal intriguing.

Shop 4 Rwanda

Set of 5 Placemats – GBP 10

These hardy placemats are not only functional, but also so intriguing to look at. You can observe the carefully woven pattern in every and every one. And they’re so durable, they will surely help shield a tabletop from scratches.

Sundance Catalog

Handwoven Wide Nyanza Baskets – $145

The colors of those beautifully woven baskets are simply stunning, and there is that little dash of detail with every line of color. Like all the other crafts, these baskets are made from organic, earthly materials. It is so inspiring to find that beautiful objects like these can be created from natural materials.

Eclectic Baskets – $40

This ageseke basket reflects a piece of historic significance in Rwanda: the reconciliation of the 1994 genocide. Both lines represent two women walking together hand in hand, stopping to meet a friend before moving ahead. This is a slice of home decor that reflects hope.

The large, bold patterns on the fabric of the wine tote are so intriguing. They make the cloth seem so cultural. Tied on the top with a drawstring, these wine bags are excellent little pouches for storing wine.

Indego Africa

Woven Banana Box – $110

These sturdy baskets are made from banana leaves. I love that the weave produces such a pretty routine alone. These are also quite sturdy — perfect for storage.

Shop 4 Rwanda

Keza (“Beautiful”) Sissal Grass Bowl – GBP 8.50

The brilliant mixture of pink and turquoise in this bowl also make it so beautiful. It is woven with a number of all-natural materials, sweet grass among them. You can still smell the sweet grass, including an aromatic component to the room as well as visual eye candy.

Next: More ideabooks from Lillian

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