our front yard

This past weekend my parents visited from Michigan and we were able to give them a taste of living in "the south". That is to say it was 60 degrees and sunny both Saturday and Sunday. And while we largely worked inside with the windows open, Jeff and my Dad did get outside for a little yard clean up.

Our house sits in the middle of our 1/3 acre lot giving us both a sizable front and back yard. The back is a huge mess with a jungle of bamboo so I am initially turning my focusing to the front which doesn't seem like as daunting of a task. Currently, the front yard is mostly grass with several large trees. I don't know what type of trees we have but I do know they are in need of some trimming - dead limbs and branches hanging too close to electrical wires. The front's main problem area is up near the house where there is a large bed of mixed vegetation (ivy, bushes, small trees etc.) that needs to be pulled away from the house.  Besides looking like crap, vegetation close to the foundation wall puts us at risk for termites so we definitely need to get on this task ASAP. At this point, its hard to know what we really have worth saving or what it will look like once we do a major clean up. So yet again I am turning my attention to an easier space to conceptualize - our property edge. Right now, there is nothing that defines our yard from our neighbors. Its very blah and in need some definition. So I would like to come up with a plan to create a hedgerow (not even sure if this is the right term). I know very little about gardening so I am not sure what will work the best for us but ideally it would be something fast growing and not too expensive to implement/maintain. Maybe something like these examples...???

limelight hydrangeas via Proven Winners

I love the softness of a row of hydrangeas although I think I want something with more variation. Although a row of lilacs is pretty spectacular....

lilac hedge source unknown

This example has nice variation in plant species and height. Might be a bit formal and hard edged for us though...

Red Cow Farm via Garden Drum

Incorporating an edible plant maybe something like these raspberry bushes could be a cool idea. 

raspberry bushes via Martha Stewart

Clearly, I am rather unsure of what I might want/will work. I think probably a good next step is to go to my local nursery and get some much needed advice. Any readers have suggestions?

tv above the fireplace

We have a couple of friends who are working on hanging their TVs over their fireplaces. I say working because its not a simple hang job. You have to mount a TV bracket which is a pain in itself let alone when going into masonry. You then have to figure out what to do with the cords which involves some crafty thinking and finish carpentry. Not easy but worth it.

In most cases, the fireplace is the natural focal point of a room. That is until you introduce a TV. Then, of course, it steals "the show" - get the pun? So if a TV and fireplace are each in their own respective locations, you not only have two focal points you also end up ignoring the second runner up - the fireplace. The furniture layout also becomes awkward because you either are trying to orient to both the fireplace and TV or its like the fireplace (or maybe the TV in the rare case) becomes out of place in the room. This is all to say, that I am a proponent of a TV over the fireplace - one focal point with a clear room orientation. I won't pretend that a TV doesn't take away from the architectural beauty of a fireplace because it does. But for me (a person who watches TV), the practicality of incorporating the two together wins over this particular aesthetic point. I also think that people who have their TVs over their fireplace end up making more fires (which I am also a big proponent of). There is a caveat to this design solution which is your room has to be deep enough so that you aren't straining your neck to look up at the TV. And your TV also obviously has to fit above it. Finally, I will say there are no strict design rules as each room, its function and its users are unique so first and foremost do what works for you. 

With a TV over a fireplace, you really have three design approaches. One, you can hide it. 

Two, you can completely own it. Yes, I watch TV and there it is!

Three, you can minimize its effect. 

I think all three can work and it really just depends on the overall room design for what makes the most sense. I will say that cords always should be hidden!

Have a great weekend everyone and stay warm!

hiding TV: via Elle Decor - via Carla Aston Designs - via House Beautiful - via A Thoughtful Eye
owning TV: via Lonny - via Lonny - by Urrutia Designs - via I'm Busy Procrastinating 
minimizing TV: via The Little Green Notebook - source unknown - by Emily Henderson - via Carla Aston Designs

open metal shelving

One kitchen trend I can really get behind is open metal shelving. Whether it is brass, iron, copper or chrome - I love the added interest and texture it brings to a space. Also unlike solid cabinetry, it makes a kitchen feel more open and brighter while still providing a cost effective storage solution. Below are more than a few favorite examples. 

from top left - Hawaiian vacation home designed by Michelle R. Smith via DOMAINE - retail brass shelving via source unknown - commercial brass shelving via DISC JOURNAL - 1930s French Bistro Shelving via Restoration Hardware - LA home of Gwyneth Paltrow via Popsugar - full height iron shelving via COCO COZY - home of Susan Greenleaf via Lonny - industrial kitchen design by Ingrid Oomen via Style At Home - home of Lauren Liess - 2012 Kitchen of the Year via House Beautiful - DIY copper shelving via Apartment Therapy