BALTIMORE SUN July 17.2010
Inside or out?
Regal Roost birdhouses fit sweetly in that niche of home furnishings and design elements that look good in the garden or in the house and blend the boundaries between those two living spaces.
It’s a trend that includes large planters, cement fruit baskets, stone pillars and more, says Richard Pawlik, co-owner of GoreDean, a home specialty shop in Mt. Washington. “These are things clients like because they can move them indoors in the winter and completely change the look,” Pawlik says.
Here are some items and tips on how to use them to bring the outside in:
Pedestals or pillars. These can stand alone in the garden or in the home. Think about using a pillar to hold a large potted fern.
Wicker, wire, and wrought iron. Furniture made of these elements is designed for outdoor spaces. But a table, chair or art work can add a distinctive touch indoors.
Ornate or oversized planters. These hold everything vessels can carry off more than summer flowers. Consider planting several with a single small boxwood or other evergreen. They can add life to the deck or patio during fall and winter. Or bring them indoors for an unexpected green touch.
Garden stools. Chinese garden stools, made of ceramic or metal, can serve as side tables or seats.
- Pots by the Pair ( Baltimore Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr. / July 6, 2010 ) A pair of painted metal garden planters, perhaps planted with small boxwoods or other evergreens, could come indoors during the winter.
- Pillar of Design (Baltimore Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr. / July 7, 2010) This fluted pedestal would be an ideal perch for a potted fern, indoors or out.
- Faux Real (Baltimore Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr. / July 6, 2010) This Bois garden table/stool can bring the outdoors – in.
- Have a Seat (Baltimore Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr. / July 6, 2010) Chinese garden stools can serve as seats, side tables or plant stands, indoors or out.
- Design on the Half Shell (Baltimore Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr. / July 6, 2010) Planting this large clam shell would make an impressive garden statement. Indoors, a potted fern or colorful glass balls would make it an interesting fireplace element.
- Swinging Design (Baltimore Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr. / July 6, 2010) A rattan swing chair is a cozy perch, indoors or out.
- Half and Half (Baltimore Sun photo by Gene Sweeney Jr. / July 6, 2010) These vintage wire Demi-Lune tables are ideal – together or separately, indoors or out.
Thank you, Baltimore Sun for such beautiful photographs – Deb
Deborah Dean's DESIGN BLOG 