Kitchen of the Week: Preservation Instincts Produce Vintage Modern Style

Kitchen of the Week: Preservation Instincts Produce Vintage Modern Style

Anne and Richard DeWolf’s formulation for modern classic design comes out of years of experience: preserve what you are able to salvage whenever possible and keep true to your own style.

The owners of design-build firm Arciform, the DeWolfs place their renovation abilities to the test remodeling the kitchen of the 1908 Portland, Oregon, house. Remodels in the 1920s and 1970s had buried much of the original architecture below a mishmash of styles, but the few still kept whatever original components they found. Salvaged appliances and custom-designed accents helped produce a fun, casual and authentic-feeling space.

Kitchen in a Glance
Who lives here: Richard and Anne DeWolf
Location: Portland, Oregon
Size: 222 square feet
Cost: About $60,000

Arciform

The DeWolfs saved the original windows, upper cabinetry and tin ceiling, painting them all a bright white. “I think that is a bit of the European section of me,” says Anne, a German native. “I love painted woodwork and feel.”

The present cabinets and windows decided the kitchen’s design, since the DeWolfs desired the sink below the window and the cooker on an exterior wall for ventilation. Contemporary walnut accents, stainless steel appliances and glass tiles counterbalance the more conventional tin ceiling, original fir floor and marble counters.

Hood: Vent-a-Hood; ceiling paint: Dover White, Miller Paint; cooker: 1940s Tappan, eBay

Arciform

“We wanted cool colours that have a warm feeling,” says Anne. Gray-blue soft and tile yellow Venetian-plastered walls match the natural wood floors and walnut lower cabinets.

Backsplash: Roku, Walker Zanger; faucet: 1940s classic; trash cans: Cost Plus

Arciform

The long and narrow footprint didn’t allow for a single, average-size island, so Anne and Richard constructed and constructed two hefty end-grain butcher block islands. Having two separate islands also produces a pathway therefore a kitchen work triangle can be preserved.

Pendants: Clemson, Restoration Hardware

Arciform

The DeWolfs still desired a powder room, so that they constructed a small enclosed space between the dining area and kitchen. Another door on the opposite side of the enclosure contributes to the dining area.

A conventional built-in cupboard houses small appliances and a pantry. The house didn’t have many upper cabinets initially, so the few used other kinds of storage in the new design. “It’s only us,” says Anne. “So we don’t have a whole lot of stuff”

The few found the classic phone shown here (in working order!) On eBay and hooked it up to their telephone.

Arciform

Anne frequently sets up a part of a meal on an island and wheels it round the white cupboard and into the dining area.

A small bathroom with a shower before sat in this corner by the back door. The DeWolfs took it out completely to open the kitchen up.

Table, chairs, rug: Ikea; window: Rejuvenation Salvage; chandelier: Anthropologie

Have you blended classic materials with your modern design? We would really like to see your photo in the Comments.

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5 Ranch Homes With Modern-Day Appeal

5 Ranch Homes With Modern-Day Appeal

In the early ’70s, before my family moved to Los Angeles out of Northern California, we lived at a 1960s ranch-style residence. Our house was in a huge tract along with other houses of this style, with dramatic horizontal and low rooflines with gable and hip profiles. The designs were L shaped or U shaped, and rambled on with main living spaces on one side and bedrooms around the other. The major living spaces were available, with oversize windows which gave an outdoors-in feeling. I remember meals on TV trays (walnut veneer, naturally) in front of the big stone fireplace in the living area, that was adjacent to the kitchen.

Because of standard building, these ranch houses still stand today. And the classic ranch still has charm for older and younger generations. The baby boomers, now in their 60s, such as the single-story construction typical of this architecture. Younger buyers looking for their first home love the retro style. Interior designs are really up for translation, mostly reflecting the owners’ needs and enjoys. Take a look at the current versions of this iconic American fashion.

Think. Design Office

Think. Design Office

Midcentury influence is front and center in this great upgraded ranch home. The glass front allows in complete views of the beautiful mature trees on this property.

A close-up view of the front facade shows high ceilings and a clean, contemporary aesthetic.

Think. Design Office

The back side of this property has partition-style doors which open up for a authentic outdoor-room feeling. More contemporary lines specify this home with a fire pit and a pass-through the kitchen off.

Design Platform

This traditional ranch-style exterior includes an extended gable roof with initial 1969 hanging outside pendants. The slant of this ranch style is a little more midcentury. The color scheme has been updated to highlight the lush picture.

Design Platform

Sunlight abounds within this open-concept, upgraded ranch. The interior is minimalist and contemporary. Skylights have been added that illuminate the neutral and natural kind of the main living area.

Design Platform

Oversize windows and sliders increase the contemporary aesthetic. The double-sided fireplace nods into the 70’s style that was trending as soon as the house was built.

Tim Cuppett Architects

This simple, rustic ranch home goes back to the 1850s; its own spacious covered porch offers lots of farmhouse appeal. The inside reveals a wise and sophisticated remodel.

Tim Cuppett Architects

A matching palette of black trim and glistening white painted siding includes great transitional appeal. Discreet lighting fittings and hot wood floors snug up the dining area.

Tim Cuppett Architects

The open cabinets within this kitchen make use of every square inch under a slanted roof typical of ranch design.

Tara Bussema – Neat Organization and Design

Following is a classic midcentury ranch house complete with board and batten siding and a non gable roof. Notice the minimalist landscape of concrete and succulents. The outside color is Amherst Gray HC-167 by Benjamin Moore.

Tara Bussema – Neat Organization and Design

A white wood ceiling is just one of my favourite interior features. This light-filled space does not disappoint, with good vibes out of the windows into the cozy cork flooring.

Tara Bussema – Neat Organization and Design

Take advantage of those oversize corner windows by placing a cozy chair and a lamp nearby. With beautiful windows this big, I would suggest looking into a transparent window film to lower the level of the sun.

Feldman Architecture, Inc..

Another light-filled ranch that features clean, modern landscaping. The painted brick fireplace you’ll see within the next photograph suits the outside color palette.

Feldman Architecture, Inc..

More white ceilings and contemporary styling on the inside make retro allure. The diverse mix of furnishings includes a Platner side table and slingback cowhide chair.

Feldman Architecture, Inc..

A great deal of windows, typical in ranch houses, can make kitchen storage more hard. This great-looking solution fits the contemporary aesthetic without cluttering the kitchen with upper cabinets.

Live at an odd ranch house? Please place a photo below!

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Texas Gardener's June Checklist

Texas Gardener's June Checklist

It doesn’t matter what the calendar says; 90-degree days mean summertime is here. Texas gardeners need to be tough to garden in our particular brand of summertime heat and intermittent rain. And while many sections of the nation watched some spring rains, the truth is that we’re still in a drought cycle. It requires a little additional effort to have a beautiful, healthy and thriving garden in these conditions, so follow this checklist for some helpful suggestions and be sure to always follow the suggestions of the regional professionals and governments.

Troy Rhone Garden Design

Sow seeds. From the fruit and vegetable garden, sow black-eyed peas, okra, New Zealand spinach, Malabar spinach, winter squash, cantaloupe, watermelon and honeydew melon.

For herbaceous plants, plant thyme, tarragon, tansy, basil, anise, bay, catnip, comfrey, southernwood, sorrel, winter savory, cumin, fennel, germander, lamb’s ear, lavender, oregano, summer savory, rosemary and sage.

Add yearly color with zinnias, sunflowers, periwinkle, morning glory vines, moonflower vines, marigolds, impatiens, gourds, hyacinth bean vines, four o’clocks, gomphrena, cypress vines and coleus.

guides to vegetable gardening

Landscape Designer, Jason Lackey

Plant fruit, vegetable and herb transplants. You can also plant black-eyed peas, pumpkin, okra, Malabar spinach, New Zealand spinach, peppers, sweet potatoes, winter squash, cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon from nursery containers.

Also search for basil, bay laurel, bee balm, yarrow, thyme, tansy, catnip, catmint, comfrey, sage, lavender, oregano, lamb’s ear, echinacea, lavender, lemon balm, lemon verbena, Mexican mint marigold, mint, pennyroyal and artemesia.

The Design Build Company

Plant annuals. Favorite warm-weather annuals contain zinnia, torenia, purslane, begonia, blue daze, celosia, ageratum, copper plant, impatiens, marigold, geranium, petunia, penta, dusty miller, Mexican heather, portulaca, periwinkle and gazania.

jenny_hardgrave

Plant perennials and ornamental grasses. Now is also the time to plant perennials: black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), Copper canyon daisy (Tagetes lemmonii), cuphea (Cuphea spp), four nerve wracking (Tetraneuris scaposa), coneflower (Echinacea spp), lantana (Lantana spp), ruellia (Ruellia spp), salvia (Salvia spp), plumbago (Plumbago ariculata), sedum (Sedum spp), coreopsis (Coreopsis spp), esperanza (Tecoma stans), gayfeather and blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum).

Add ornamental grasses to your backyard, such as maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis), purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum), gulf muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris), bamboo muhly (Muhlenbergia dumosa), Mexican feather grass (Nasella tenuissima)and inland sea turtles (Chasmanthium latifolium).

Shown:an Assortment of annuals and perennials with purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum)

Tend your yard. In Texas it’s recommended to fertilize your yard three times every year — in March or April, again in June and a third period in September or October. Search for a lawn fertilizer which is higher in nitrogen (the first number in the three-number ratio on the package), which encourages vigorous growth and deep green color.

Avoid overfertilizing, which can burn your yard and run off to the water system. Fertilizer after the lawn is mown and the grass is dry. Lawns at the time of year will need approximately 1 inch to 11/2 inches of water per week — but make sure to always follow your area’s water limits or guidelines. Remember, watering less frequently but more profoundly is actually better for your yard.

Missouri Botanical Garden

Repel mosquitoes. Mosquitoes aren’t simply a nuisance; they also carry diseases like West Nile virus for both humans and heartworm for dogs. There are numerous things that a gardener can do to minimize the mosquito population, beginning with eliminating any standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

Add products such as Mosquito Bits and Mosquito Dunks to ponds, birdbaths and around air conditioning trickle tubes; these products and many others like them contain nontoxic ingredients which keep mosquito larvae from developing into adults. You can also include mosquito-repelling plants such as catmint, citronella and lemongrass to your backyard, or install a mosquito misting system close to your outdoor gathering areas.

Urban Hedgerow

Entire a summer garden project. Summer is the best time to plan some creative garden jobs. Add a compost bin, then construct a simple deck, install a water feature or make an insect habitat. Beneficial insects such as ladybugs, beetles, centipedes and bees have fewer and fewer places to nest and create a habitat. These beneficial bugs really are great at keeping the “bad” bugs under control.

Insect habitats are a creative way of displaying dead wood, leaves, tubes, sticks, straw, hay and bark to promote the good men to stay around and do their part to maintain our houses healthy. They are also great jobs to do with children, who can learn lessons about recycling, life spans and garden health in the procedure.

Shown:An Urban Hedgerow bug habitat

siamesepuppy

Control grasshoppers. Several years the grasshopper population simply gets out of hands, and the harm to our gardens can be astounding. Grasshoppers will strip trees, flowers, vegetables and shrubs bare with their voracious appetites, apparently overnight, so it pays to stay on top of this issue. There are quite a few organic sprays and spreads which are offered to stop grasshoppers in their course; request your garden center for a recommendation.

Or mix up a DIY remedy in the home comprising:
1 cup diatomaceous earth1 mill water2 tablespoons blackstrap molassesSpray the mixture on vulnerable plants.

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Salvage Spotlight: By Boat Hull into Social Hub of This House

Salvage Spotlight: By Boat Hull into Social Hub of This House

One day when the lady met this fellow … they renovated their residence and comprised a showstopping bar island crafted by a sailboat. “These homeowners are a timeless Brady Bunch story: a woman with three brothers, a guy with three sons — they found each other, married and created a family of eight. The children were teenagers at about that moment,” says architect Jean Verbridge of Siemasko and Verbridge. “One of the homeowners grew up with a bar-type space as the social center of the house and wished to recreate that welcoming environment, albeit with a exceptional twist”

Siemasko + Verbridge

This exceptional twist was inspired by another ship bar the homeowners had seen, in addition to their property’s breathtaking waterfront setting, north of Boston, Massachusetts. After viewing a similar bar, they found Davita Nowland of Nauticals of Marblehead, a nautical reclamation expert that specializes in altering nautical salvage material into useful household objects. She helped them secure and salvage the ship from a 1952 Hinckley sailboat.

After they had a conversation-starting nautical form, they had function. The vessel hull bar was carefully planned, quantified, sanded and made operational with a counter counter tops, sink and cabinets added to the hull by expert craftspeople. All this work entailed a group that comprised Verbridge since the programmer of the general renovation, both the homeowners, Nowland and her craftspeople, and required several months.

The beauty of ships inspired the remainder of the bar area; the bar is mahogany, with a gloss finish worthy of a yacht, and the closets have nautical hardware like you would find on a ship, including sailing cleats.

On the bar a TV transforms into a framed mirror when not being used. Behind it beadboard panels were inspired by ship design.

Siemasko + Verbridge

The swimming fish details have special meaning; made of mahogany that matches the bar, each one has another rock eye, representing each one of the kids’ birthstones. They also offer a function. “It’s traditional in using reclaimed wood to get chips, dings and holes, and frequently these regions are treated to disguise the flaws,” Verbridge states. “Here the flaws were renowned as an chance to add interest”

Siemasko + Verbridge

A brass footrest provides a practical touch for relaxation and another nautical touch.

The location of the bar is just off the kitchen close to the casual entryway to the house. The bar anchors one end of a casual living room, complete with comfy lounge furniture, a fireplace, a television and an Elvis pinball machine.

“One of the homeowners was a bartender during his school days; he had a great working knowledge of how a bar ought to function,” Verbridge states. The group carefully planned for pullout trash bins, drawers, a sink, and a marble counter tops and backsplash on this side of the bar. A refrigerator, a dishwasher and a ice maker are integrated to the cabinets on the wall.

“Another detail beyond the use of the vessel hull is that the use of a board floor made out of mahogany and holly strips, found in yachts,” Verbridge states. The rock used on the countertop recalls the large stones along New England’s shore.

Siemasko + Verbridge

The property’s setting, in the gateway to Marblehead Neck, is just the spot for a bar made from a salvaged ship.

Long until they found the ship, the homeowners envisioned the bar as a great spot for family, neighbors and friends to congregate at, and now it is.

Watch more of this beachfront house

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10 Beautifully Blossoming Spring Centerpieces

10 Beautifully Blossoming Spring Centerpieces

Spring is wonderful in a million distinct ways, not the least of which is the abundance of flowers that rise at no time of year — crocuses, tulips, blossoming trees, wisteria and blankets of wildflowers.

You can freshen up any room and bring a little of this exuberance of spring inside with a seasonal fragrance. Think marijuana green, soft pinks, lavenders and whites. Believe an explosion of field flowers in oranges, yellows and purples.

And the best thing isthat you don’t have to be a professional gentleman to make something amazing. Many of the choices below are at their most stunning in their natural state.

Dreamy Whites

Blossoming Trees

1.
Cut several branches. 2. Place the branches in a transparent jar or vase. 3. Love your own arrangement.

Pickell Architecture

A branch in blossom requires no adornment. Blossoming branches are both sculptural and fresh and colorful all on their own, and they are at home with home designs from French state to Western modern.

Dreamy Whites

Flowers of Spring

A bucket of spring flowers is all you should say regarding spring. And it looks beautiful from an all-white background.

thirdstone inc. [^]

For a more modern, less state, look, arrange single stems in a geometric shape or line.

Dreamy Whites

I love little individual structures. Even though “arrangement” only means one stem of lilac blossoms in an old apothecary bottle.

Debora carl landscape layout

New-Leaf Greenery

This bowl of Sedum ‘Angelina’ has durable power and that vibrant, almost glowing green of new development.

Tracy Murdock Allied ASID

A single palm frond or tropical leaf is modern and sculptural and also all things spring: fresh, green, dewy.

Lucy Interior Design

Fresh new fern shoots: modern, delicate and the lightest, tenderest colour of green.

Leverone Design, Inc..

Wildflowers

Full disclosure: I had mason jars full of wildflowers as my wedding centerpieces. I am just a sucker for their messy, natural beauty. Sweet pea blossoms like these are so fleeting and so sweet smelling.

ZeroEnergy Design

You don’t have to go messy and crazy with wildflowers. Separate them by color or species and generate a perfect wabi-sabi modern structure.

See more about wabi-sabi style

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5 Garden Path Looks to Get an Enchanting Journey

5 Garden Path Looks to Get an Enchanting Journey

A pathway is much more than just a means of getting from point A to point B; it’s a journey. Whether just a couple steps to the front door or a twisting trail through a backyard, a journey can be made memorable with one simple design suggestion: repetition.

Repeating a crucial plant or colour, or both down the length of a pathway produces a feeling of movement, enticing the eye — and the feet — to research further. It produces a unifying theme while incorporating highlights which cause you to want to enjoy the experience.

Alyson Ross Markley

1. An Alluring Stroll

Plantings and walkway blend easily within this picture-perfect scene. One is naturally drawn to the partially obscured stacked stone sculpture however also wishes to linger on this delightful meandering path.

The colour palette concentrates on colors of purple provided by ‘Beni Otake’ Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Beni Otake’) and ‘Velvet Cloak’ smokebush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Velvet Cloak’).

The chartreuse leaves of ‘Mellow Yellow’ spirea (Spiraea thunbergii ‘Ogon’), ‘Golden Spirit’ smokebush (Cotinus coggygria ‘Golden Spirit’) and Bowles’ golden sedge (Carex elata ‘Aurea’) adds high contrast, taking center stage.

Rhododendrons add rich magenta accents, while black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’) adds deeper black notes.

Essential plants and colours are repeated on alternate sides of the pathway, luring you deeper and deeper to the dappled glade.

AR Design Studio Ltd

2. The Boardwalk Experience

What a fun experience this stroll to the lakehouse must be. Neither directly nor curved, this jaunty boardwalk traverses the marsh in a zigzag, reaching its final destination by means of a ramp.

Cattails grow easily on both sides of the boardwalk in the shallow water, enhancing the experience. Maybe we’ll hear the trill of a red-winged blackbird or see a very small marsh wren flitting among the reeds if we take our time.

We might not have a natural wetland on our property, yet this design might recommend a new method to create a casual, naturalistic pathway using wooden boards simply teeming with trees that are taller, like maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’).

Le jardinet

3. An Intimate Walk

When the view is grand and the pathway sweeps from perspective, how do we design a pathway which feels romantic?

Waterfalls of gentle yellow Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’) placed strategically along both sides of the walkway become trail markers within this Asian-inspired garden, leading us from one to another.

Layers of foliage in shades of green, highlighted with a deep burgundy ‘Crimson Queen’ Japanese maple (Acer palmatum var. Dissectum ‘Crimson Queen’) will be the critical features in this design. The repetition of the textured mounding grasses ties into this foliage-focused subject while producing pools of light which naturally draw the eye.

Ann Kearsley Design

4. The Softened Straight Course

Straight avenues may easily resemble a runway, suggesting a fast entrance and leave with no reason to linger. To create the illusion of curves, then repeat a key plant. Purple catmint (Nepeta sp) and pink dianthus (Dianthus sp) are used within this photograph on alternating sides of the road.

As these mounds spill on the flagstone, the straight lines become partially obscured, while the eye is naturally drawn from a single purple haze to the next, all of the way to the renovated barn.

Who would not want to linger on such a superbly fragrant journey?

Peter Raarup Landscape Design

5. Woodland Highlights

Woodland paths naturally suggest a slower pace, yet they may be uneventful with no few highlights. Here groups of shade-loving caladiums have been repeated along the pathway, sweeping the eye easily from one side to the other and inviting people to observe where the disappearing route leads.

This contrast in foliage colour and feel makes the journey more interesting, although the repetition of those groups makes the wander memorable.

Do you end up rushing along your garden route, or do you enjoy those few moments? Simply by rearranging and replicating a few plants, you can transform the experience from predictable to exceptional.

Read thousands of beautiful path design photos | guides to plants and blossoms

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Southwest Gardener's April Checklist

Southwest Gardener's April Checklist

The American Southwest is a vast Place, covering Most of Arizona and New Mexico as well as Elements of California, Nevada, Texas and Utah. The areas of the Southwest are diverse and include low deserts, high deserts and mountainous areas, covering USDA zones 5 though 9.

The browns of winter have given way to bright green. Leaves are emerging on trees, shrubs and more. April is a superb time for desert anglers to add plants to the landscape and container plantings that are reimagine. With the warmer weather, irrigation controllers will need to get checked, weeds pulled and any residual frost-damaged plants pruned.

Gardeners in upper elevations can sow cool-season vegetable seeds outside, plant bare-root roses and lean fruit as it appears on trees.

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

All Desert Regions

Adjust the irrigation schedule.
As temperatures rise, so do the water requirements of crops. Watering schedules will need to change with the season. How deeply you water can be significant. Water to a depth of 3 ft and shrubs to 2 feet, allowing the soil dry between waterings.

A simple method to ascertain how deeply you’re watering would be to take a piece of rebar and stick it in the soil once you have watered. The rebar should go down smoothly until it hits dry soil. Pull it out and then measure just how deep the water has penetrated; fix how long you water until you get to the perfect depth.

Revealed: The Living Desert in Palm Desert, California

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Low, Mid- and High Deserts

Warm up landscape color for spring by planting yellow flowering plants such as angelita daisy (Tetraneuris acaulis), desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata), feathery cassia (Senna artemisoides) and damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana).

Revealed: Angelita daisy

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Grow vines as ground covers. Vines aren’t just for climbing up walls and fences. They make great ground covers. Consider growing Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens), purple lilac blossom (Hardenbergia violaceae), Lady Banks (Rose banksiae) or trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) on the ground.

Revealed: Purple lilac blossom

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Plant herbs in containers. Can you love fresh herbs? Plant a collection of your favorites, including basil, rosemary, sage and thyme.

Employ a slow-release fertilizer when planting your herbs, which is all the fertilizer they’ll need for your season. Additionally, herbs don’t like too much water. A simple method to ascertain if your herbs want water would be to stick your finger into the soil until it reaches to your next knuckle. Water when it’s dry.

Revealed: Basil, purple basil, rosemary, sage and chamomile

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Attempt a succulent as a container plant. Containers aren’t only for flowering annuals. Succulents make great container plants. They’re low maintenance and supply great feel by using their columnar, spiky contours.

Agave, barrel cacti and columnar cacti are good options for containers. Set them against a wall or flanking an entryway for greatest effect.

Well-drained soil is a must for succulents, so be sure to use a soil mix that’s specially formulated for succulents. Ensure that your pot has holes for drainage also. Water every one or two weeks in summer, depending on your succulent’s water needs and the weather.

Revealed: Smaller succulents flank a potted Mexican fence post cactus.

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Plant warm-season annuals. Increasing temperatures mean it’s time to switch out of your cool-season annuals for the ones that will flourish in our warm desert summers.

Celosia, blue salvia (Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria Blue’), red salvia (Salvia splendens), moss rose (Portulaca grandiflora) and vinca (Catharanthus roseus) are great options for a beautiful bed of flowering annuals that can take care of the desert heat.

Before planting, amend the soil with 2 to 3 inches of compost and then add a slow-release mulch, which will help keep annuals flowering throughout the summer. You can also add liquid fertilizer every other week, but you should be cautious to not get fertilizer on the leaves, because it can burn off them during warm weather.

Revealed: Blue salvia

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Upper Elevations (over 6,000 ft)

little fruit trees. After fruit begins to form in your trees, it’s time to thin them by eliminating excess fruit. Apple, apricot, peach and plum trees have a limited number of resources to devote to fruit production. Selectively removing fruit can help to channel the sources to the remaining fruit, which will grow bigger. Thin the fruit in your trees so there is approximately 6 inches between each fruit.

Revealed: Apricots before thinning

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Sow cool-season vegetable seeds. It is time to get into the vegetable garden and begin sowing your favorite cool-season vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, chard, lettuce, radishes and lettuce can be directly sown from seed in your garden.

Before planting, work 2 to 3 inches of compost into the soil. It’s also wise to incorporate blood meal and bonemeal (after the package instructions), which are natural sources of phosphorus and nitrogen.

Whenever it’s still too early to plant tomatoes outside, it’s the right time to start them from seed indoors.

Revealed: Radish seedlings

Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Plant bare-root roses. Can you envision a garden full of fragrant roses? Select tier 1 roses, which have three large canes (branches), whenever possible. Soak your roses for at least 24 hours prior to planting.

Amend the soil with compost; mix it with the existing soil so you have 50 percent compost and 50 percent native soil.

Don’t fertilize newly planted roses; they need time to grow roots until they can encourage a good deal of new growth. Wait before adding fertilizer until the first flowers have surfaced.

Prepare for May. The temperatures are heating up quickly. The cacti are starting to flower, meaning that it’s time to heatproof your garden for the summer.

Revealed: Medallion hybrid tea rose

More regional gardening manuals

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From Destruction to Renewal Following Hurricane Katrina

From Destruction to Renewal Following Hurricane Katrina

After having to demolish their Hurricane Katrina–shattered home, Janet and John Paul watched an chance to rebuild their house and lives. “Our furniture was destroyed in the storm,” says Janet. “We were able to salvage only artwork that hung above the 7 to 8-foot waterline and a few pottery.” As opposed to leave their beloved area, the artwork- and antiques-collecting couple envisioned a brand new, modern residence and hired architect Ken Gowland of MetroStudio and Brandon Construction to carry out their new build.

Their locality was half inhabited when they began construction in January 2012. “Lots of gutted houses were up available,” Janet says. They moved on Halloween that year.

Their property is a double lot, along with the house fronts two roads, since it spans across the block. Two elongated rectangles overlapping at the center form a light-filled good room. Janet and John’s new design became an elegant canvas for which Nelson Wilson Interiors hand chosen furniture mixed with antiques out of Karla Katz Antiques, where Janet works. Local artwork pieces help give the Pauls’ set a fresh start and their c timeless feel.

in a Glance
Who lives here: John and Janet Paul along with their cat, Boris
Location: Lakeview area of New Orleans
Size: 2,300 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, home office

Adam Breaux

The light and airy living room includes glass doors leading to the front porch. The doorways are sometimes left available, combining the 2 spaces the couple spends the most time.

A Louis XIV fauteuil seat from Karla Katz Antiques is your greatest fireside reading seat, and above the mantel is a sculpture by Cathy Rose, titled “Antler Man with Coral Antlers.”

Adam Breaux

Two framed alligator prints hanging above the sofa are by Yvonne Hanriout Giraud.

Adam Breaux

A see-through fireplace acts as a centerpiece and a divider for your fantastic room. The fireplace marks the specific center point of the house.

As part of Janet’s art collecting, she often acquires pottery, such as the Greek bits exhibited in the black granite countertop. The French baker’s table on the right has a high made from coral, and beyond that’s a personalized wood entertainment center designed by Nelson Wilson Interiors.

Adam Breaux

The fireplace is available on either side.

Adam Breaux

A glass totem made by Nelson Wilson Interiors stars at a corner of the dining room. All the cabinets are made locally by Northshore Millwork. The pendant and chandelier lights are by local artist Paul Gruer.

Dining table: Dakota Wood, Julian Chichester; painting: ‘Confrontation’ from ‘Pillars,’ Michelle Levine; kitchen appliances: Kenmore

Adam Breaux

The vertical aspect of the space and lighting is fully appreciated in a view from the kitchen. The west and east wing roofs meet in the center to form a gable, and a cathedral ceiling spans the fantastic room.

Adam Breaux

Adam Breaux

The west wing of the house (behind the kitchen) is home to the home’s only bedroom and bath. The tall and naturally lit area is a wonderful escape, complete with a separate shower and an Air Bubble Tub from Kohler. The tub rests against a background of Lucian green glass tile, and supporting it will be the shower and toilet, separated by a wall.

Adam Breaux

One of the most memorable areas of their previous home was a black and white tiled bath. To mention this richly missed room, this bath was created with one side in white and black, while another colorfully celebrates the new residence. The dress in the hallway was chosen for this room by an artist in the New Orleans Jazz Fest and can be constructed of sheet metal.

Adam Breaux

The master bedroom is supporting the restroom from the wing. Clerestory windows fill the space with daylight , and white walls display artwork by Cathy Rose. The painting is by Ashley Longshore. The desk is an Italian olive oil piece from Karla Katz.

Lamp: Luna Bella

Adam Breaux

John’s office is in the farthest end of the east wing, where he retreats to complete administrative work for his dentistry company or to simply listen to some tunes from his CD collection. (Janet is revealed in it here.) Both have been stoked to pick up this stunning painting, called “The Mardi Gras Indian,” from French-New Orleans artist Isabelle Jacopin.

Adam Breaux

The couple uses this front porch, that joins to the living space, just about any weekend for entertaining friends.

Troy Wilson made the lights that hang out of the green slats from Mardi Gras beads. The corner driftwood is from Adam Morales, who is called “The Driftwood Man.” Morales lives alongside a little bayou near Pierre Part, Louisiana, and sells sculptures made from his collected driftwood pieces.

Adam Breaux

Clerestory windows line the whole north wall, flood the rooms there with sun. A sliding barn door set against a corrugated galvanized iron wall contributes to a storage shed.

Adam Breaux

The green-yellow nighttime glow of the house invites others into the story of the enduring New Orleans couple and their land that was not forgotten, but instead upgraded and treasured using a new build.

Adam Breaux

Here, Janet relaxes in the antique Louis XIV fauteuil seat with Boris.

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10 Ways to Entertain Kids on Rainy Days

10 Ways to Entertain Kids on Rainy Days

Navigating rainy days could be hard for us grown-ups. Backed-up traffic, broken umbrellas, wet clothes — soggy days are a drag. But for kids and their boundless energy, they are particularly tough. After all, whoever coined the term “bouncing off the walls” didn’t do this while watching kids outdoors. When my kids were little, I broke up the afternoon by choosing them for regular walks or outside for backyard time. This helped curb indoor boredom. Well, that is obviously not an option during a downpour.

But do not panic. There are ways to keep kids busy and guarantee a steady drain on their power meter. It’s true: Fun, lively indoor activities are attainable. The key is having a well-planned, activity-based space — one which trumps the temptation of TV and video games. These spaces do not need to be grand in scale; even a corner will get the job done. Bear in mind, it’s all about imagination. Here are a few suggestions to get you started. Your kids will finish up.

Jute Interior Design

1. Let them burrow. Kids like to build tunnels, caves and forts. When sofa cushions are not sufficient, try out a kid-size tepee. You can go the store-bought route or get creative with items around the house: Broomsticks and sheets should do the trick. Kids love these romantic spaces for studying, playing make-believe or bleach.

David Howell Design

2. Hop on board. When my middle son was little, he was a train enthusiast. He would stand at a train table for hours. If you’ve got a child who shows an interest in building things, a train table is a great activity. Tracks could be constructed and deconstructed over and over again. Additionally, there are a lot of books and CDs that contain the sights and sounds of trains.

Liz Carroll Interiors

3. Set up a performance corner. This is a easy wall treatment which may be used for many types of performances. Teaching kids to be comfortable in front of an audience spurs socialization and confidence. Invite an afternoon drama, concert, dance celebration or puppet show.

Wind and Willow Home

4. Give in to chalkboard paint. Kids love to practice writing their names and doodling self-portraits. Designate a wall for chalkboard paint and let them loose. Tip: Be sure to clarify that this is the sole wall it is OK to draw.

The best way to create and use chalkboard paint

Kate Jackson Design

5. Get in the swing of things. Who said swing places are only for the playground? Look into ways to safely fix indoor swings to play area ceilings.

Cary Bernstein Architect

6. Become invisible. Hide-and-seek never gets older. My youngest son was particularly good at this game. One time that he stood behind a curtain perfectly still for thirty minutes. We couldn’t find him everywhere until I discovered him giggling.

Julie Ranee Photography

7. Set up a basketball hoop. Shooting hoops will liven up appetites before a hearty lunch. A hoop does not need to be regulation size; smaller versions that hang over doors work also. Basketball is also a excellent activity for enhancing hand-eye coordination and learning how to count.

Visbeen Architects

8. Create a cozy corner for board games and puzzles. A landing is an often-overlooked space in many houses. If you’ve got an oversize landing, consider turning it into a nook for reading or games.

Eisner Design LLC

9. Get clean. Sometimes kids actually enjoy picking up after themselves and organizing toys. In addition, it is a good way to expend more energy — a win-win for you!

Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture

10. Rest assured. Don’t forget to permit some downtime. Encourage independence with low-energy activities such as listening to music or, my preferred, rest time.

More: Have a look at these fantasy kids’ spaces

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Move Fashion Forward at Home With Dressmaker Details

Move Fashion Forward at Home With Dressmaker Details

I remember being charmed by the word”dressmaker details” the very first time that I discovered an interior designer mention that, way back in the Stone Age of my first career. Like toast points and diamond studs, these fashion-inspired finishing touches to upholstery, window treatments and other textiles have an inborn elegance and delicacy.

Although they may not enroll when you enter a room, you’ll instantly feel the atmosphere of polish and poise these details add. They’re also an efficient and affordable way to create over mass-market furniture, linens and accessories with a personalized look.

Have a peek at the lush appearance that detailing lends to those interiors. What dressmaker details look in your house? Tell us in the Comments!

Echelon Custom Homes

Button tufting adds a feeling of richness and relaxation to chairs, headboards, walls and other surfaces. Throw a little sparkle into the mix for a touch of glamour which arouses bejeweled buttons on a well-cut blouse.

Liz Williams Interiors

How sweet are the very small lilac bows on those curtain flanges? Details like these are the reason that well-crafted interiors feel rich with life and also grounded in warmth.

Lauren Mikus

Scallops on the twin ottomans and mattress cushions, paired with box pleats on the window valances, play up the female feel of this distance. On the flip side, straight edges could have made them more masculine.

Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc

Banded closures and kick pleats on the seat slipcovers, plus pinch pleats at the tops of the draperies, add exquisite top notes to this dining room.

IN Studio & Co.. Interiors

These slipcovers take a more casual approach, with floppy bow ties and a relaxed fit. I could see them fitting right in with a cabin or a shore house.

Liz Williams Interiors

Following is a genius trick borrowed from clothing design: Line the interior of a kick pleat with a contrasting fabric. The peekaboo color makes for a beautiful surprise. This valance is capped with a fanciful scrolled trim.

Amy Troute Launched Interior Design

Contrasting welting on this trio of cushions helps to clear up the borders and underscore the palette.

Mustard Seed Interiors

A ruffled skirt lends flirty flair to this ottoman.

Caitlin Wilson Design

Pin tucks down the center of this bedspread give it the tailored feel of a tuxedo shirt.

I adore this updated twist on classic nailhead trim. The strip of matching fabric and extra-wide nailhead spacing give it a somewhat contemporary feel.

Phoebe Howard

Grosgrain ribbon banding defines those upholstered walls and ties the room together.

Harper Design from HarperCollins Publishers

Ribbon makes for curtain ties that are impromptu. You could use any substance or color that appeals to you, from metal chain for an industrial space to ripped strips of fabric if you want a more rustic result.

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