Instant Charm!!

Don’t you wish you could make some changes to the outside of your house? You know the kind of change that does not cost an arm and a leg, but one that can add instant charm and  some fun color?

YOU CAN!!!!! How about a window box and/or shutters?  I was adding shutters to my home when everyone else seemed to be removing them from their homes. I think a home with shutters and a window box is so charming and looks so inviting.

Whether it is an English cottage…..
A Beach cottage…………
An Italian villa………….
A Cape Cod…………….
Or a California ranch……….

Shutters and window boxes can add instant character to almost any home.

You all know I am not an orange lover, but for those of you that truly love this color, why not add some orange shutters to your home for some instant charm. This window box is full,lush, and over flowing. I love the purple and lime green with the orange.

This window box is using a combination of greens and purples. Notice all the different shapes of leaves, and the different textures. That is what will make an interesting mix in a window box.

Think of your favorite color and add it too shutters! These shutters on the below window box against a neutral taupe paint home would look fresh and fun! Think of shutters and window boxes like you would accent pillows on a neutral sofa.

Raspberry shutters with lush raspberry and pink flowers!!! YES!!!

How about a neutral gray home with a softer gray trim and then add a pop of  a heathered raspberry?…..

 

The shutters on this beautiful brick home add just the right charm. I think glossy black shutters would also look wonderful with the green door and yellow of the entry.

Shutters are not used here, but they chose a bright yellow paint on the window frame to contrast with the shades of purple used in the window box. If you want a strong contrast go to a color wheel and look at what is opposite the color you want for your shutters to choose your flowers.

 

You can see how yellow and purple are right across from each other making for a stronger contrast.

This window box is a good example of varying the textures and leaf size to make an interesting mix.

What a beautiful mix for fall.

This window box has one of my favorite vines to use in a window box, the lime potato vine.

This is a great example of how to use  just one color in the window boxes. If they had enough room between the windows teal shutters would have looked amazing.

The best article that I have read in a long time on the subject of how to choose plants for your containers is written by the very talented Debra Phillips at 5th and State blog. Her post on container gardening in three easy steps is a sure-fire way of being successful in planting containers of all sizes and shapes!! She is also offering her garden design services on-line now. If you would like to see one of her consults you can see it on my friend Mona’s blog, Providence Ltd. Designs HERE. She is going to have a lovely garden once all the plantings are in by following the plan that Debra has given her.

If you decide you would like to add some instant charm to your home by adding shutters and/or window boxes:

• Think of  a fun   color that would make a good accent for your existing home color.
• Decide whether you want your flowers to have a high contrast look  or a quieter look.
• Choose plants according to color, texture, leaf size and shape.
• Make sure you have some trailing vines and flowers.
• Paint your window box the same as your shutters or something more neutral that goes with the base color of your home maybe in a shade darker.

Do you have shutters or window boxes on your home?  Could this be just the right solution to add a little charm and curb appeal to your home?

Just think this could all be done in a weekend!!! I love that kind of, “Instant Charm!”

“Enjoy the Process!” Of:

Adding charm to your home by adding your favorite color with shutters and/or window boxes!!

Kathysue

BTW: Come back and I will show you my window box, I think you might be surprised at what color I have it painted!!!

Wisteria at Ikea Prices !!

It is no secret in blog land that I love stripes.

You can see from my dining room and kitchen that I truly love stripes.

I use to have a blue and white ticking striped sofa, but when it became worn I purchased a floral sofa in a beautiful natural linen. It is a wonderful fabric but to be honest it has never quite suited me.

I am still in the market for my ticking sofa, but right now it is just not in the cards for me. So I have been looking for ways to freshen up my family room a bit and make it feel more like me!!

I had a wonderful conversation with my friend Delores from Vignette designs and she said, “Kathysue, I know you don’t want to hear this, but I think you just need to embrace your floral sofa!” She was right on both counts.

We talked further and she mentioned changing out the rug. I told her I had plans to do so if and when I got the ticking sofa. She suggested, "why don’t you get a rug now that would work with both this sofa and the ticking." She reminded me of how much I love stripes. So, the search began. I did not find one that was quite right so I quit looking.

Until today!!! You know how you get the little pop-up advertisements on your screen? Well, one came up from Wisteria so I started browsing.

I saw that they were having a sale with huge markdowns so I looked in the rug section and there it was!!!!

I could not believe the price it was originally $899 marked down 70% to $269.70 for a 9X12 cotton dhurrie rug. I was stunned!!  I emailed Delores and finally could not stand it any more and just called her to share the news!!!

The rug has been ordered and I am so excited!! Now my fingers are crossed in hopes that the description is true:

Bring a bit of spring indoors with this cheery, apple green striped cotton dhurrie. It’s the perfect way to brighten any room.

If you are in need of some new items for your home check  out…. Wisteria

 

Enjoy the Process of:

Finding a special deal on an item for your home!!

Kathysue

My First Rose Bouquet This Spring

We might have odd weather this year, but apparently the roses really liked it!!! I have two rose bushes in my backyard and they just started blooming a few days ago…………………

 

The fragrance from these ruffled beauties is intoxicating.

 

The Le Creuset pitcher was a gift from my middle son and his wife, and the rose bush was a gift from my oldest son and his wife. I would say looking at this bouquet makes me pretty happy!!!

 

 

I am not exactly sure what the name of this beauty is, but I think it is French Lace. If someone knows please feel free to tell me in a comment.

I just had to share these beauties with you all!! I hope you enjoyed my first rose bouquet from my yard!!! I wish you could smell the fragrance!!

Kathysue