A light anyone?

2:49 PM |




I will admit to having a very strange pet peeve or maybe a better term is obsession, and it involves exterior lighting and it's size. See, I told you it was a bit odd, but since I am unable to help myself with this obsession, let's chat about it here. Perhaps someone else has the same affliction,  or worse.......... this is contagious.



Far too many homes outdoor lighting is much too small;
 People, take a good look at your lights, particularly at the front door. Are they just function or are they form and function? The first two images are appropriately sized and become an accessory (form and function).
This stunning entrance is purely function only. Aside from all the gorgeousness, look at the light, it's too small and appears to have been forgotten when the renovation took place. And wouldn't it look best in black?
Yes, this could be me...........

How about lanterns, on posts?


And yes, do examine your exterior in the evening,  making certain your lighting functions brilliantly. No LED for this gal, I have to have the warm glow, almost golden cast from incandescent bulbs.



My two favorite go to companies is Visual Comfort, the above two. And Bevolo the lower two. They get it, most of their lighting is already oversized.

Here is mine from Bevolo.

After a girls trip to Savannah, I came home HAVING TO HAVE gas lights. Mr. 5th obliged, they did need replacing. Even though our home was built in the 1850's he was still able to add a gas line to fuel the fixtures.
The resultant glow is much more diffused and I would not have it any other way
Looking good! They are at one with the home, the color and style are appropriate, the size, perfect!
And being gas, a double bonus winner!!!

Not so lucky here, it is far too small and screams traditional colonial. I feel a french undertone with this house. How about this lamp below?

Here are some more lights that are too small, seeing the picture?

Now let's examine those that are just right



Source: bhg.com via Debra on Pinterest

Those that "work" are utilizing both form and function. They are a part of the whole.


Lastly, my friend Suzy Stout. To see more about her house, and to drool, go to my former post here. Over the weekend Suzy had a mind-boggling estate sale, she is leaving this stunning home to start another chapter in her life. Don't you think her choice in lighting was perfect? Cannot wait to see what Suzy does next.
 to all, a good night...........
Fondly,
Debra








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Posted by Mr Black

A Room that's a View

8:05 PM |









What does your "garden room" look like? Is it where you want it to be? I have one space remaining that is shameful.......will make a great "before" and "after" if I ever finish it! But that's another story........, let's explore the anatomy of creating a great space you want to linger in and look out at




First, determine where. I know that sounds too simplistic, it can be adjacent to your home

 Within the garden........or both!

Next determine the style, be it classic
Clean lined
Be it rustic.
Let's get out of the way my standard mantra......."blend everything, down to accessories, to complement the architectural style of your home"


How about your color choices?
Bold and dramatic? Take note how this color way is enhanced with coordinating flowers, a nice touch.

Use the same principles you would employ for the interiors; think of the floor, in this case pea gravel, the ceiling (pergola?) furniture, lighting, to accessories.......
Decking still remains a great choice and as in this example it can be more than just a deck attached to your home
How about combining materials, in this instance bluestone and brick?
How's this for a great ceiling?
Source: re-nest.com via Debra on Pinterest
The caption under this image said "get creative with painter's tarps!" Sure looks like linen to me though painter tarps could be great
Source: tumblr.com via Debra on Pinterest
Sailcloth perhaps?
The endless furniture possibilities could include built-ins
Or if your tastes goes toward a more formal tone. Isn't it amazing the types of outdoor furniture available to us these days?!
Source: veranda.com via Debra on Pinterest
Ever classic wicker
And versatile iron
Source: hillhout.eu via Debra on Pinterest
We are forever being asked "what to do with the grill?" Reminds me of the days of armoires while trying to hide the tv's.  I really liked this idea above; attractive, affordable and functional
But I really like this idea........
Source: houzz.com via Debra on Pinterest
Fireplace's remain very popular

As do fire pits. More and more clients are requesting fire pits not only for intimate conversations, and entertaining but to keep teenagers and their friends at "their" home. Brilliant don't you think?

Is a water feature a possibility? Fountains in particular muffle extraneous noise while offering soothing sounds
Source: houzz.com via Debra on Pinterest

Even as simple as a birdbath

To a pool
As the main components come together the real fun begins with the accessorizing. A great start are your container choices, be it window boxes
Source: bing.com via Debra on Pinterest
Or window boxes and planter boxes
Concentrate on their style and complimentary color choices. Another bit I employ is to stop inside an interior room that looks onto your garden spaces, do your color choices mirror those in the interior? Is it complimentary to sit indoors and look outside without glaringly opposing color choices?

Lighting? As an integral component of your landscape

The romance of candlelight..........

An artistic approach

Consoles, plaques, mirrors, statuary,  all play a part in pulling together the complete package. This is where you can interject your personality


Tina? Does this not have your name all over it?





Enjoy..............
Need assistance with stylizing your outdoor rooms? Finding sources? Either in person or via a web design, I would love to work with you!
Just a few spaces left! email me for info
debra@scentimentalgardens.com


Wishing you a wonderful week!
Debra





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Posted by Mr Black

When You Kill Your Garden Plants (a Cautionary Tale)

12:00 PM |



Have you ever heard the old joke about putting in a garden?  The first year you install a garden, and the second year you install it again minus all your disastrous mistakes. Well, gardening is definitely one of those pursuits you learn by doing. 

If you spent the first part of May outdoors with adorable seedlings and a big bag of potting soil only to realize last weekend that some of those

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Posted by Mr Black

Hibiscus at Captain J's, Cocoa Beach, Florida

11:25 AM |





 Hibiscus at Captain J's

(Cocoa Beach, Florida)

May 10, 2012

We left beautiful Ontario, Canada for our spring vacation on May 8.  Another couple came with us who would also join us in Aruba then head back home on May 20 while we would not arrive home until the early hours of May 30.   We didn't fly out to Aruba until May 12 so that gave us a bit of time for sight seeing around our vacation

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Posted by Mr Black
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