Riotous color array!

A glance from our dining room into the kitchen reveals an open concept living space. Back in the 80's we removed the kitchen wall. We built a European style soffit that measures 18.5 inches down from the ceiling with the wood trim. We researched size recommendations to help keep cooking odors from taking over our first floor. We exposed a section of brick with the wall removal and built it out architecturally with a antique corbel.  There is a matching one on the other side.

Our decorating style reflects a simple uncluttered aesthetic. We prefer to surround ourselves with pieces from the past, present with a nod to the future. A neutral backdrop, I've hopefully have enhanced with my hand painted faux techniques on walls and furniture.

A photo looking into the dining room from the kitchen. One wall is papered with a handmade Japanese real leaf paper. I know with my love of moody and dramatic lighting it may be difficult to clearly see. It's been up for around 30 years. After we put it up one of my designer friends purchased the same paper but in a different color. Long story short, her leaves starting falling off one by one. Apparently the leaves were not adhered properly when the paper was made. John with his dry humor and quick response to her problem said and I quote, "of course the leaves fell off, you put up the wallpaper in October right, during the fall?" Yup, really said that and he lived!

Close up photo of the Japanese wall paper. Yes, it is a dark asian red. Although perhaps a bold color choice throughout the years we have never regretted it.  Our home doesn't remain static at all, but there have been certain design decisions we continue to appreciate and live with. The leaf wallpaper and the grass cloth in the living room are two of several.

Back in June 2013 while shopping in Whole-Foods I found myself in the flower section, OK, I always wind up there. I was instantly captivated and emotionally happy looking at the riotous color array of Gerber daisies. I suddenly found myself mentally composing a poem. In my minds eye I was transported to a location at 5th and Main. Since it is a couple days away from Valentine's day I decided to recreate a bouquet of colorful Gerber daisies that was the inspirational spark for the poem. Funny my usual choice would of been white roses from John, but this year a happy colorful energetic burst won.

Most of our country is locked in a horrid winter with below zero chill factor temps and more snow accumulating then I ever remember. Today I thought I'd leave you with poetry about love of a house, love of a newlywed couple and take you in verse to a garden party. 

I purchased the grey sea washed heart mini canvas painted by Kerrie Sanderson of Sea Cottage. To me it represents just how precious the heart is and how it can be quickly swept away in love. 

source: SHEKNOWS

In my humble opinion I truly believe, the extended kindness and devotion of lives built together, when you both truly 

surrender to love it can last forever. 

5th and Main

In our neighborhood the old stone cottage at the corner of 5th and Main

sold and has been renovated, thankfully now it doesn't remotely look the same.

Sadly in a down market it met foreclosure and sat soullessly vacant for a few years.

Falling home appraisals, break-ins and vandalism had become our biggest fears.

We have always been a historically charming enclave of home ownership pride.

Recently gossip spread from house to house as the preacher married his new bride.

A handsome bachelor delivering sermons and homilies most of his adult life,

rumors swirling around that Preacher Will purchased the cottage for his new wife.

An invite arrived for a garden party at 5th and Main and the card's design was simply divine.

I doubt with the neighborhoods excitement and curiosity anyone would dare decline!

We arrived at the antique iron garden gate as instrumental music softly welcomed each guest,

Will with his bride Shirley stood with big smiles with a "make yourself at home" request.

Shirley is a delightful beauty with Auburn natural spiral curls that fall freely and long,

looking at the two of them standing together, forever is absolutely where they belong.

They met at a pottery class, each making white clay garden pots with scalloped edges.

That are scattered about the curving tumbled brick walkway along the Boxwood hedges.

Planted in the pots are Gerber daisies, an absolute burst of psychedelic color profusion.

Grown in a riotous color array, with garden gnomes adding to the backyards magical illusion. 

Will told us that Shirley is a horticulturist at the Botanical gardens in the city

and their wedding was held within the indoor landscapes that are exquisitely pretty.

A Black and White striped tent was pitched to shelter libations and appetizer selections.

Delighting us there was even a table with homemade appealing delicious confections.

Shirley baked Chamomile and Lavender cupcakes with soft purple icing peaks.

As she generously shared recipes for flowers in cakes and her baking techniques.

At the start of dusk twinkling white fairy lights lite the trees and vitality filled the air,

it became abundantly clear that 5th and Main was once again graced with loving care.

© Vera

Happy Valentine's Day