Freshome.com - Interior Design & Architecture Inspiration Newsletter

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How to Use Planters to Beautify your Outdoor Areas Posted: 12 Dec 2010 05:33 AM PST If you're trying to find an inexpensive way to decorate your front porch, and have the added benefit of color and versatility, planters are your answer.  Planters offer the ability to be moved around or stay stationary. If your home is an urban area and you long for greenery outside your window, or elevated terrace, planters can bring the greenery without the permanent garden or landscaping that a rural home would provide. Your home can enjoy the benefits of outdoor planters, and here are tips to bring them to your porch or outdoor area. Image courtesy of Restoration Hardware Versatility any time of year: For suburban or rural homes the luxury of a yard and planting areas in the ground are plentiful. While many apartments, condos and urban environment homes may have a shared outdoor space or window planter boxes. Depending on your space, use planters to add greenery and color with seasonal plants and foliage. If you live in colder climates, opt for artificial plants or evergreen plants that thrive year around. Adding curb appeal: Planters are an excellent way to add curb appeal to walkways, curbs, and driveways leading up to your porch. Planters can be permanent, made out of concrete, metal, or wood. Planters that are movable can be made from plastic, wood, terra cotta or clay. Depending on your geographic area, or aesthetics desired will help you decide which material you prefer. Curb appeal doesn't only need to include planting in the ground! Non-traditional planters: If you have a porch that has vertical space, utilize planters that can be affixed to walls to double as wall art. Succulent plants are very hearty, don't require a lot of water, and are perfect for planters. Non-traditional planters can also be containers that you have around your home like pails, bottles, metal tubs, and repurposed household containers. Be imaginative and don't be afraid to use your do it yourself creativity to think of new planter materials. Planters that make a statement: Consider using large urns, and stately containers for porches that need ambiance, structure, and presence. Especially around large decks, lanais, and pools, large planters can become the focal point! Plant topiaries and medium sized trees to bring visual interest to grand entryways and front porch areas. Stately planters tend to have foliage and plantings that bring vertical visual interest to a home. Also use planters in foyers, and around outdoor entertaining spaces to bring greenery and visual 'walls' around conversation areas. Planters are a great opportunity to give your porch or outdoor living space a lively and welcoming ambiance. Planters come in a variety of sizes, materials and heights. Consider the size and scale of your porch before purchasing planters. Often times we under or over estimate the size of our outdoor space and are disappointed with the final visual outcome. The same is true when picking the greenery for your planters. Too large or too small plantings can make your porch feel overwhelmingly small, or too large and impersonal. Planters are versatile and eye catching, add a few to your porch today. Freshome reader's do you use planters in your outdoor spaces? What cool and different ways do you use to add visual interest and color to your porch? We'd love to hear your comments! Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! Park Planters Really Cool Flower Pot Metaphys Indoor Grass Planters Indoor Living Wall Planter B&B Italia's Crinoline Collection: Outdoor ecstasy 10 Ways to Decorate your Home by Repurposing Happy Chaise Longue, A Unique Method to Relax Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

Exuberant Residence with a Feminine Touch: Acquavilla Posted: 12 Dec 2010 01:31 AM PST Acquavilla looks like a home sprung out of a modern fairytale. Designed by Winn Wittman Architecture together with Jeremy Broussard and builder Gary Robinson, this amazing renovation of a mid 80's wreck is a tribute to architecture ingenuity as well as to opulence and flamboyance. The project is located in Austin, Texas and was recently completed, even though there were many challenges along the way. According to the architects, the residence was developed in a way that reflects the whimsical personality of the owner. The pool- which seems to blend with the nearby lake- is probably this building’s most alluring feature. We also like the two garages which have a show-room appearance. The original facade is enriched by a custom-designed metal panel system with interesting leaf motives. This pattern can also be found inside the residence, applied to glass doors or windows. The interiors are highly modern and each room is invaded by light. There is a pleasant mix of color, light and shades which gives this home its unique atmosphere and contributes to its overall feminine look. Ready for more amazing design ideas? Check below ! A Girls Touch: Crafting a Chic Living Space in Just 43 sqm Roaman Residence in New York How to Bring Feminine Decor Qualities into your Home Stunning Sotheby's Home in Santa Ynez North Bay Road Residence by Touzet Studio iPod Touch Themed Bedding Click here to connect with Freshome on or on

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