Bringing the outside in ...

watercolor landscape by Anne Rogers of Lynnfield Art Guild

Each spring I look forward to participating in “Art in Bloom,” the annual collaboration between the Village Home and Garden Club of Lynnfield and local artists. This year, I was inspired by the watercolor above painted by Anne Rogers. To me, the simple landscape was beautiful. With its expansive green lawn, it reminds me of one of the golf courses in town that whenever I drive past it, I vow to take up the sport just to enjoy a close up view of the immaculately landscaped grounds. 

I chose to combine a trio of orchid plants adorned with yellow twigs to represent the small patch of trees in the center of the painting. A small arrangement of green chrysanthemums in a silver vase placed in the foreground stand in for the evergreen bushes that dot the open field.

It seems as if my arranging style has become quite minimalist over the years, favoring groupings of same flowers and repetition of color. This is probably a result of my work schedule taken up more of my free time, but it is still a good example of how a simple flower can add beauty and drama without the fuss. Anyone can do this!

Along with bringing an arrangement for inside the library, I also had the job of decorating the front display window at the entrance of the building. Since our garden club is now a Home and Garden Club (membership has doubled!) I focused on showing ways to “bring the outside in” when decorating interiors. I brought one of my favorite prints from home and paired it with fresh lillies in a black vintage teapot. Wallcoverings, paint chips, fabric swatches and garden inspired objects filled the case. 

It was kind of a hodge-podge of design ideas, but in person I believe it looked a little more inspiring. I especially enjoyed being able to include origami birds folded in spring colored papers by my son Owen. Had to pay him $5, but it was worth it! Below are some of my nature inspired decorating ideas ...

Arts + Crafts style wall covering

from Victoria + Albert Museum

Paradise Flower Bluebird pillow

from Bassett Furniture

Woodlawn Stone linen designed by Sarah Richardson for Kravet

A recent window treatment project I designed with this fabric for a client

– see more on my Houzz profile page –

flower inspired paint colors from Sherwin Williams

White Dogwood, Azalea Flower, Coming up Roses

Lily by Sherwin Williams

Daffodil by Sherwin Williams

Daisy by Sherwin Williams

a bouquet of purples from Sherwin Williams

Obi Lilac, Radiant Lilac, Valiant Violet

origami art by Owen

grasscloth

How do you bring the outside in?

Winter’s last breath ...

The snapshot above was taken last Sunday. I was so excited to see these crocuses making their way out of their frozen slumber! Today we are buried under a foot of the white stuff again. 

While a monochromatic canvas exists outside my window, my thoughts drift to colorful bouquets and flower shows ... 

Spring on my mind ...

On Monday night, the annual Art in Bloom exhibit at the Lynnfield Library will be opening. I am hoping to find some pretty spring-like blossoms this weekend to use in my floral interpretation of a local high school student’s artwork. Last year was the first time our garden club opened up the show to student artists. The collaboration was really inspiring and brought a youthful energy to the exhibit. This year we have even more students participating. I promise to share some favorite photos after the event.

“Pastorale” by Beth Aaronson // floral arrangement by Bootie Stevens
View Art in Bloom 2012 here

If you are in town, stop by the library between 7:30 – 9 pm to join us for the opening night reception with the artists and members of the Village Home and Garden Club. Refreshments will be served and there will be some raffle prizes. Last year someone took home a gorgeous tree from Northeast Nursery to plant in their yard. Art in Bloom is open to the public through Friday, March 15th.

Boston Flower and Garden Show 2011
Stone gate and garden by New England Land Artisan of Stratham, NH 

featured in New England Finery, April 2011 

The ultimate interior landscape ...

I just realized that the Boston Flower and Garden Show opens next week and runs Wednesday through Sunday at the Seaport World Trade Center. I hope I can make it over there before it ends. Like many of my New England neighbors, I am in serious need of brightly-hued flowers, warm sunshine, and the smell of fragrant blossoms to beckon me back outdoors.

Boston Flower and Garden Show 2011

New England Arts and Flowers of Walpole, MA

featured in New England Finery, April 2011

Suzani Design Rug, Hand-Knotted in Pakistan

available at Landry and Arcari

Fabulous florals in silk and wool ...

The final seminar in the Boston Home Magazine Passport to Design series was rescheduled to Thursday, March 14th (canceled from its original night on the 7th because of you guessed it, another snowstorm). I will be at the Landry and Arcari showroom in Salem, MA from 6 to 8pm with my peeps from Designer Bath and the rest of the Passport to Design team members. Registered guests will learn how to select fine carpets to decorate their homes. If you would like to attend, please email contact@landryandarcari.com to get your name on the list. This will be the final opportunity to enter to win the $20,000 Home Makeover Sweepstakes, which could easily outfit any home with a fresh new look for spring.

Decorating with Mother Nature ...

I love this photo, not only for the abundance of home decor items that are clearly inspired by the beauty of nature, but for the almost hidden reflection of my mom in the mirror. She is clearly enjoying our visit to a local flower shop (Gregory’s in Wakefield).

My garden room with its wall of shrub roses and wisteria.

With the official beginning of summer upon us, thoughts naturally turn to spending more time in the company of Mother Nature. Take a peek at my recent post for Lynnfield Patch for some inspired tips to get out there and get gardening!