I love this time of year: Springtime. Even the name exudes a cheerful bounciness. After the terribly long, hard winter we experienced in the Northeast this year, I’m so unbelievably happy to see my trees and plants leafing out and all the flowers beginning to bloom and grow. I’m sure you’re thinking, “Kristine, this is an Interior Design blog, not one about Gardening!”
Well, you’re right, but gardening relates to interiors in so many and important ways.
One of my favorite bloggers and garden gurus is Tara Dillard. She is a nationally recognized speaker and garden designer. On her blog and website she says “Gardens begin inside your home on axis with key views. Interior style and colors + exterior architecture are seamlessly combined, with historic templates, to create a vanishing threshold.” Part of what that means to me, is the view out your window actually BECOMES a part of your décor. And that outdoor rooms/spaces are an extension of the life you live inside your home.
I’m amazed at how few people consider the views of their property from windows inside their home when designing the landscape. Every window in your home should feature something wonderful. It can be flowers and shrubbery, or even better, a statue, fountain, or other fabulous focal point.
A photo of my little cottage taken last spring with one of my garden beds in the foreground. This bed is positioned to be seen through the front windows of my house and enhances the view from the street as well.
The view from my kitchen window is always a pleasure. It is from here that I watch the birds at my feeders and wildlife enjoying nature each day.
From one of my guest bedroom windows, you can see the lovely zen garden in the shade.
These views of the garden beg visitors to come outside and smell the roses, taking in the details. I often place a chair by the window, to allow the occupant a view of the garden and I always have my desk facing a window, so I can look out while I’m working.
The duchesse brisee in my Bucks County Designer House Sunroom is positioned at the window, to optimize views of the amazing garden.
And don’t forget the view of your interior from the outside is equally important (especially at night). People on the street should be craning their necks to catch a glimpse of what’s behind your front door!
You can find Tara Dillard’s wonderful blog here: http://taradillard.blogspot.com/
We’ll talk more about how nature influences interior design in future posts. In the meantime, make sure you take the time to post a comment and let me know what you think about nature and its influence on interiors. I LOVE to hear from you!
And please, tell everyone about Kristine Robinson’s blog. I need all the friends I can get!
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WOW Kristine!!! You have a very green thumb! Talent exudes you! Your garden is beautiful, eye candy for sure! What a lovely retreat after a long day of work.
Smiles!
Terry
Thanks, Terry! I enjoy working in my garden…it really inspires my work. I’m headed out now to plant some Dahlias!! Yay!
Kristine
Ohhhhhh Lucky You!!!! It started snowing here this morning ….I thought we were done with winter!!! Typical Alberta weather :0(
Happy planting!