A Japanese garden in Central Oregon

You might think this is not possible in our Central Oregon climate, but it is! I spent the most wonderful day touring a friends ranch in Tumalo, Oregon. I was with a client who is planning a Japanese inspired garden for her own hillside home, and she asked were do we start! It seems to me, a garden design is not unlike an interior. the same principles of scale and balance can be applied, using texture and playing with light and shadows. Add in a few sculptural elements, and always consider the most important principle of "less is more"

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Now I am off to the Japanese garden in Portland, a true gem! Happy gardening

Cottage on a Tumalo farm

For the last couple years I have been helping a dear friend pull together this charming cottage on a farm in Tumalo. (That's Central Oregon for you in the city)

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A simple vignette at the front porch to the main cottage,

Detail of the front door, we found this in Portland at Rejuvenation hardware,

The master bedroom has the most charming view of grazing livestock and the Cascade range beyond,

Let me just say, how wonderful it is to work with someone like my friend who has lived all over the world and collected such treasures it is truly magical, both our friendship and the cottage.

In the sitting area of the master bedroom a rustic painted table is at home with 18 century frame chair vintage Wicker works lounge and a fabulous painted Japanese screen,

A carved wood Buddha stands looking over the distant fields,

I love this tooled silver chest of drawers as a bedside table in contrast with the painted balustrade lamp.

The vintage iron railing we found at a favorite shop in Portland - Bernadette Breu

A separate cottage for guests is nicely appointed with 18 century walnut dresser, Fortuny textiles, fabulous blue & white porcelains and jute cloth curtains. Who wouldn't want to be a guest in this room!

Not only do I love my passion for decorating and collecting but the opportunity to grow and learn every day from friends . . . THANK YOU

FLOWER POWER

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One of my favorite passions is flowers, and the opportunity to create new arrangements in clients homes. The photo above is a study in all white, inspired by Blanc de Chine.

This is one of my favorite powder room designs, with hand painted silk wall covering and antique accents. The pure simplicity of clear glass cylinders with floating orchids is the perfect compliment to this room.

My client was hosting a luncheon featuring an artist from Breedlove guitars, for this arrangement we used elements from guitars as sculpture to set off the flowers.

Flowers add beauty and life to any room, whether you use simple cut stems or create unique arrangements. Have fun and experiment with unusual containers and add elements with graceful forms, if you are searching for that perfect accessory it could be as simple as flowers.

Spring Awakening

With Spring upon us I was remembering this party I staged with beautiful flowers and hand made pottery from Portland. The lodge style house in Bend Oregon was huge! with a 12' foot long table and soring ceilings. I was not particularly in love with the iron chandelier so we created 6' tall floral centerpieces. Quite dramatic, and it worked! Looking forward to the peonies blooming at Adelmans garden in Brooks Oregon. 20 acres of peonies in bloom in every color!

ARTIST OF THE MONTH + LAWRENCE STOLLER

BREATHTAKING is the one word that came to me when I first saw the works of Lawrence Stoller. I was fortunate to organize a tour of the Crystal Works studio this last year. and look forward to returning soon!

The book Frozen Light shows many of the crystal sculptures Lawrence has created, his works are featured in museums and galleries around the world all produced in his studio in Central Oregon.

You can find more information HERE

If you would be interested in an upcoming tour of the Crystal Works studio please drop me a line,