{idea notebook} A Vertical Garden

When I was visiting a friend in Colorado she took me to the home of a lovely artist that had completely refurbished her house in a brilliant, d-i-y fashion. I remember walking up to the entry and seeing a wall of blooming plants literally hanging from the side of the house. It was a fun, beautiful burst of life; A completely fresh presentation that instantly made a statement.

"A vertical garden, sometimes called a living wall, is an organized system of plants that grow vertically up a wall, fence, or other vertical surface. Vertical gardens are a beautiful way to show off plants, cover an unsightly wall, or create privacy in a courtyard. Because they are hung vertically, vertical gardens hardly take up any space." Perfect for an organic herb garden, an outdoor edible farm or... a wonderful, green, living wall. Love it!

*Photography & quoted text via Woolly Pocket (Image 1 & 3),Photography via Wall Design and Wall Decoration (Image 2)
** If you have a spare moment check out the amazing Living walls by Patrick Blanc

{inspiration} A Beautiful Barn Raising

I love when a diamond in the rough starts to shine brilliantly again. In this case a bland 1980's shingled home has reemerged into a stunning tribute to old barns and green design. What a fantastic mix of vintage Swedish furniture (great Kelly-green sofa) , fresh new design and reclaimed barn materials...
I am loving the steel and leather hammock & reclaimed horseshoes (dating back to the original reclaimed barn) found throughout the living room , the vintage Toledo bar stools gracing the kitchen, the repetition of exposed bulb pendants in the bedroom, the use of concrete for counter tops, the totally cool mix of modern and vintage chairs in the dining area (eBay finds) and that 90% of the wood used for the interior walls and flooring came from demolished farm buildings. Sustainable, hip and FABULOUS!


*House designed by architect Alex Scott Porter, Photography via Cottages-Gardens