Up-cycled wood patio surround

    Contemporary Patio by San Francisco Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers Growsgreen Landscape Design

This patio surround is made entirely from up-cycled wood and has an artistic bent with it's uneven lengths. Although I might have opted for a more uniform color on the upper part, I like the fact that there are peep holes. They let you see some greenery and makes the wall less confining. 

If this deck/patio were mine, I would add a variety of tall and short grasses to the bottom half of the surround. Grasses would add an element of sound and Zen to the space. There is nothing more relaxing that hearing grasses waving in the wind and the symmetry of the evenly spaced tall and short grasses would give it a very uniform and zen look.  Add some soft candlelight on the table and you have all the ingredients for a very romantic evening. 

These are the grasses I have in my front garden. They only get the plumes in the Fall when the temperature drops but I can see them waving from inside my home and it's so beautiful. Very peaceful. 

xo Tracey  

A Re-purposed Steel Home

I love the idea of re-purposing construction materials. Given my long career in design I know firsthand how many perfectly good items get tossed aside. This story however is the exact opposite. It is the story of how metal broker S. J. Sherbanuk created his dream home out of old scrap.  

The home is situated in the town of Blue Mountains in Grey County, Ontario, and is comprised of a series of sheds made mainly of re-purposed steel. Each shed corresponds to a section of the house with the tallest tower housing the kitchen, bedroom and workout room. 

You wouldn't think that a steel structure would work well in a forest but although a bit unorthodox, the house seemingly fits right into the landscape nestled among the trees. I know I wouldn't have any trouble living there, how about you? Would you like to live in a re-purposed metal home surrounded by trees? 

For more photos and the complete story by dwell please click here.     

At the lake...

At first glance the cement pier seems to be suspended above the water. Then upon closer inspection the rocky bottom beneath the water appears and you realize that it's not. 

I love the water and I can see myself on this pier, soaking up the sun, reading a book and listening to the ducks. This picture reminds me of when I was in Lugano, Switzerland. There are beautiful lakes there surrounded by majestic mountains. It is so stunning that it takes your breath away. 

Happy Friday everyone! The weekend is here - time to dream...

Pattern Play

I am loving this pattern especially when paired with these shoes - I wonder if the model comes with the tile :)

I can totally see this in my bathroom...

via 

Fashion Designer Jenni Kayne's Rustic Contemporary Home

Jenni Kayne designed her house the way she designs her clothes, simple & chic. This house is on my top 10 list of most coveted. I love the contemporary rustic mix and the entrance in the photo above just blew me away. For the complete story please read the commentary on popsugar.

This beautiful photograph is by Richard Misrach and I absolutely love it!

Sigh......what a house

Mason Jar Magic - Holiday Special

I love Mason jars and I love getting them filled with yummy things to eat and drink so I thought I'd post a few of my favorite Mason jar presents from around the web.

How about some Hot Chocolate along with some great toppings. Sure to warm you up on those cold winter nights. 

I couldn't resist this one given the play on words. It's a great idea to thank your guests for coming over and saying hello and it's a low cal snack to boot! 

Is there any better kid pleaser than a Mason jar filled with cookies and topped with a Dinosaur?

Have a Jurassic Party and give them as favors. 

and for those of you who would prefer to give something other than food, why not consider this sewing kit from anthropologie.

Click on picture to be brought to source. 

Happy giving!

xo Tracey

Felt Ball Coaster

Super easy and fun to make, these felt ball coasters will spruce up any decor during those cold winter months. All you need are some felt balls (90-100 1 cm balls per coaster), some cheap coasters - I used some plastic ones I found at IKEA - and some E600 glue.

Start by gluing the first felt ball in the center of the coaster and work your way around.

See full tutorial by inspiredbycharm blog