Chelsea Flower Show 2025: Take a peek behind-the-scenes of the Country Life stand

The article explores imaginative ways to integrate nature and eco-friendly design into various living spaces, drawing inspiration from the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. It highlights how incorporating greenery can benefit physical health, mood, and even property value, particularly in urban environments. The Dutch approach to compact, nature-filled spaces is presented as a model for both small patios and more expansive gardens. Several prize-winning installations from the Flower Show are detailed, offering concrete design ideas. "Composition" by J. Downend Landscaping is described as an urban-friendly garden inspired by Piet Mondrian's abstract expressionism, utilizing blocks of color divided by black lines. For those with larger areas, Burke Brothers Landscape Design/Build's "Spring’s Bounty" showcases four distinct outdoor environments, including a recycled treehouse and an outdoor formal dining room. Irwin Landscaping Inc.'s "A Touch of Whimsy" is presented as a design scaled for urban rear patios, featuring a Dutch door. For rooftop spaces, Bart Hoes Green Architecture's "Sustainable Roof Garden" offers a solution that not only beautifies but also combats global warming through the use of crushed olivine stones that bind carbon dioxide. Refugia Design/Build Ltd.'s "A Sieve and a Sponge" provides a wetland design solution for properties in floodplains, drawing on Dutch strategies for water management. Delaware Valley University students' project, "Sigh," demonstrates how cities and nature can coexist stylishly with features like self-weathering Cor-Ten steel, wood, and climate-appropriate plants, suitable for backyards or rooftops to grow food. The article also addresses designs for smaller outdoor spaces, such as balconies. The Moorestown Garden Club's first-place winning balcony design is described as an interpretation of how a Dutch emigrant might recreate a piece of their homeland in an urban apartment. Indoor spaces are also covered, with examples from the "Tablespace" class. The Rose Tree Gardeners of Rose Valley imagined a royal Dutch breakfast table setting, while the Norristown Garden Club created a dining room setting inspired by the beginnings of the House of Orange. For very small spaces, The Garden Workers' stylish clear plastic pedestal with tulips received high praise from judges. The article concludes by noting that these installations and more were on display at the 2017 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, encouraging readers to visit for inspiration. It also mentions the ticket price for adults. #PhiladelphiaFlowerShow #GardenDesign #UrbanGardening #LandscapeArchitecture #SustainableDesign #OutdoorSpaces #IndoorDecor #HomeImprovement #DutchDesign

The article details the redesign of an 18th-century farmhouse in Lumberton, transforming it to accommodate modern living while honoring its historical roots. The project was undertaken by Michelle Gage of Philadelphia-based Michelle Gage Interiors, who notes the home's significant age, dating back to the Revolutionary era. This particular residence presented a unique challenge due to its extensive history and the accumulated alterations made by previous inhabitants over centuries. The homeowner's openness to Gage's suggestions was a crucial factor in the redesign's success, allowing for a creative yet respectful approach. Gage identified an inherent 'English vibe' in the home and aimed to align the interior design with both this aesthetic and the client's 'quirky and eccentric' personality. The English influence is evident throughout the house, starting from the entry where antique boot racks hold wellies. The primary bedroom showcases a vibrant display of color and pattern, featuring layered florals on the walls, headboard, and bedding. The chosen wallpaper designs evoke a British country house style, characterized by rich patterns that contribute depth and character to the space. The redesign also incorporated unique elements like a moody, jungle-themed wall covering in the breakfast nook. This wallpaper, featuring hidden animal motifs, thoughtfully frames the home's original built-in cabinetry, adding an element of surprise and whimsy. In contrast, the laundry room adopts a more serene ambiance with a subdued sage-green and white botanical wall covering, designed to create a fresh and crisp atmosphere reminiscent of newly laundered linens. The project successfully merged historical integrity with contemporary comfort and personal style, creating a home that respects its past while providing a vibrant and unique living environment for its current owner. The collaboration between the designer and homeowner resulted in a space that is both historically conscious and reflective of modern eclectic tastes, demonstrating how an antique structure can be adapted for current lifestyles without sacrificing its inherent charm. #LumbertonFarmhouse #HistoricalHome #HomeRedesign #EclecticDecor #InteriorDesign #MichelleGageInteriors #EnglishVibe #RevolutionaryEraHome

The Houston Design Center recently hosted the third annual Design in Bloom event, presented by Flower Magazine, in conjunction with Texas Design Week Houston. This event gathered prominent figures from the design industry, including interior designer Ray Booth, architect Bobby McAlpine, former White House chief floral designer Laura Dowling, and landscape designer Keith Williams. The day-long program was attended by 150 design professionals and enthusiasts, offering a platform for sharing expertise and showcasing creative talents. Margot Shaw, the founder and editor-in-chief of Flower Magazine, moderated a panel discussion where the four headliners shared insights from their respective fields. Ray Booth, author of 'Evocative Interiors,' and Bobby McAlpine, known for 'Poetry of Place,' engaged with attendees at James Craig Furnishings. Keith Williams, whose work is featured in 'The Graphic Garden,' conducted a book signing session at Thorntree Slate & Marble. Laura Dowling demonstrated her floral design prowess with fresh blossoms at Leisure Collections, captivating the audience with her artistic arrangements. A significant part of the event included a VIP luncheon held at the James Craig Furnishings showroom, where the featured designers had the opportunity to mingle with special guests. The day concluded with an evening reception, offering cocktails and a book signing session with Ray Booth at the new Hickory Chair showroom and Meredith O’Donnell Fine Furniture. This closing event was open to all Design in Bloom and Texas Design Week Houston ticket holders, allowing for further interaction and networking within the design community. The event drew a notable gathering of Houston's design and social figures. Attendees included Meredith O’Donnell and her husband Gene, Caroline Dannenbaum, Jane Broyles Smith, Sara Dodd, Lisa Fred, Mary Craddock, Caroline Craddock, Ellen Ohmstede, and Beth Watt. Representatives from the Houston Design Center, Sheri Roane and Denzil Hollingsworth, were also present. Other guests included Hayden Jefferies, Nadia Palacios, Holly Bell, James Keathley, Gigi Huang, Krista Stelling and Liv Stribling from OKA, Athena Sazesh, Casey Brand, and Julie Durkee, Jessica Cohen, and Jennel O’Brien from Flower Magazine. Laura Baxter, Linda Stewart, Patricia and Stuart Rae, Pamela Encinas, Pamela O’Brien, Sandy Lucas, and Sarah Eilers were also among the attendees, highlighting the event's broad appeal within the design community. #DesignInBloom #HoustonDesignCenter #TexasDesignWeek #InteriorDesign #Architecture #FloralDesign #LandscapeDesign #DesignEvent #HoustonCulture

The blog post highlights several floral workshops across different locations, offering a blend of creative floral design and engaging social experiences. These workshops provide opportunities for individuals to learn flower arranging techniques while enjoying gourmet food and drinks. Rolling Greens, with multiple locations in Los Angeles, hosts monthly 'Learn + Grow' workshops. These sessions include instruction on arranging Valentine's Day flowers and crafting organic lavender body scrubs, accompanied by cheese and charcuterie. Rolling Greens also accommodates private groups for events like baby showers and birthdays, offering activities such as mounting staghorn ferns, creating succulent arrangements, or basic floral styling. Oakland-based Rust & Flourish offers an elegant and introspective approach to floral design. Their workshops emphasize flowers as a means of self-care and personal exploration, drawing inspiration from themes of rebirth and growth. Participants learn fundamental floral design principles, including mechanics, color theory, and placement, while sipping champagne and enjoying cake and snacks. A unique aspect of their workshops is the guided creation of a full tablescape design, incorporating various props, with professional photographs provided for students' portfolios. Ladybird Poppy in Denver caters to a 'Galentine’s Day' theme with a variety of classes, including cocktail workshops, centerpiece design, and flower crown DIY sessions that conclude with tarot readings. Founder Sarah Tedford sources local blossoms for her creations and offers a business class for aspiring florists, covering industry insights and basic bouquet lessons. Flower School Portland provides both hobbyist workshops and advanced mastery classes for serious florophiles. The mastery classes offer in-depth instruction on subjects such as 'The Mechanics of Floral Design,' 'Composition, Scale and Color,' 'The Workings of a Flower Shop,' and specialized wedding floral design, including altar arrangements. Students in the wedding party class collaborate on a styled model photoshoot with a photographer and enjoy a lunch prepared by an in-house chef, with a strong emphasis on using locally-grown flowers. Overall, these floral workshops combine educational elements with a convivial atmosphere, allowing participants to develop their creative skills, socialize, and produce beautiful floral arrangements. #FloralWorkshops #FlowerArranging #DIYProjects #HomeGarden #CreativeClasses #Lifestyle #FloralDesign #Crafting #SelfCare

Lovina Eicher, an Old Order Amish writer, cook, wife, and mother of eight, shares insights into her family's busy week, covering garden activities, family gatherings, community events, and a recipe. Lovina describes the winding down of her gardening season, focusing on canning V-8 juice, preparing to pickle red beets, and preserving tomato chunks. She plans to make a large pot of vegetable soup for canning, utilizing mixed vegetables from her daughter Verena's wedding. The article highlights various family activities, including Lovina babysitting her three-year-old grandson, Denzel, while his parents attend appointments. Denzel's joy at spending time with his grandmother and greeting his Grandpa Joe is detailed. The Eicher family's social calendar includes attending a church council meeting, where four-week-old Brooklyn makes her first appearance. Lovina's daughter Elizabeth is hosting a Pampered Chef shower for Verena at Verena's new home, which involves Lovina's daughters helping with cleaning. Lovina's sister Verena travels to Hamilton, Indiana, to visit their sister Liz and Levi, who recently moved into a new house. Family interactions continue after church services, with Dustin, Loretta, and their children, along with Daniel, Lovina, baby Brooklyn, Daniel Ray, and Verena, visiting for popcorn and staying for supper. A humorous anecdote is shared about two-year-old Kylie's crawling and the need to childproof the house, reminding Lovina of her own children's early years. The article also touches upon Joe's efforts in training their two-year-old horse, Jett. Joe drives Jett on various roads to familiarize him with different surroundings, recounting an incident where Jett was startled by a dog and veered into a ditch, but was safely guided back onto the road. Joe takes Jett for a longer ride to Elizabeth and Tim’s house, indicating continued training and exposure. In addition to personal anecdotes, Lovina shares a recipe for Cabbage and Beef Soup, noting the abundance of cabbage during the season. The recipe calls for ground beef, garlic salt, garlic powder, chopped celery, chopped cabbage, canned kidney beans, stewed tomatoes, tomato juice, beef base, and fresh parsley. Instructions involve browning and draining the beef, then combining all ingredients (except parsley) in an 8-quart kettle, bringing it to a boil, and simmering for one hour before garnishing with parsley. Lovina also mentions her Facebook page, "Lovina’s Amish Kitchen," for more pictures. The article concludes with a brief introduction to Lovina Eicher as an Old Order Amish writer and her published cookbooks, "The Cherished Table," "The Essential Amish Cookbook," and "Amish Family Recipes." It also provides contact information for readers to send letters or email questions, noting that Lovina does not personally respond to emails. #AmishLife #FamilyActivities #Gardening #Homemaking #Cooking #Recipe #CommunityEvents #HorseTraining #LocalNews

The "Showhouse Resource Guide" provides a comprehensive list of designers, brands, and specific items used in the "Design Hollywood at the Century" showcase, highlighting the creative vision and detailed sourcing behind each curated space. The guide categorizes the contributions by residence and specific rooms, offering insights into the diverse styles and design philosophies employed by the participating designers. For Residence 20A, Joan Behnke’s master bedroom and closets featured pieces from Scott Daniel for Environment (table lamps), Stark Carpet (area rug), Micucci (cashmere throws, pillow covers), and Holly Hunt (Christian Astuguevieille cabinet, Sandra Jordan drapery fabric). Other notable contributions included custom casegoods by G&E Custom, plaster work by Arte Bella, and various accessories from Charles Jacobsen and Vis-a-Vis. The master closets were styled by Clos-ette, with clothing from Brooks Brothers and Shopbop. Tim Clarke’s dining room showcased furniture and a rug from Grace Home Furnishings, sconces from Circa Lighting, and wallpaper by Caba/Barkskin. His own designs for dining chairs and decorative accessories were also featured. Waldo Fernandez’s Great Room incorporated a bronze sled-based ottoman by Calvin Klein Home, a floor lamp from Circa Lighting, and several Jean Royere-inspired pieces by Waldo’s Designs, such as the Ours Polaire sofa, chairs, sconces, and a console. Other unique items included a vintage Moroccan rug from Mansour and French Georges Jouve vases from JF Chen. Jane Hallworth’s Bedroom 2 included bathroom sconces and table lamps from Circa Lighting, wall and drapery fabric from Beacon Hill, and a walnut music console from BDDW. Blackman Cruz provided a bronze record side table and a molar stool, while Lee Stanton contributed vitrines and artwork. The room also featured a rug from Jamal’s Antique Rug Collection and paintings by Jaime Orozco. Kathryn M. Ireland’s kitchen and family room highlighted a sectional sofa from Grace Home, a console from Environment, and her own designs for sheer curtain drapery, pillows, and a coffee table. Photographs from Peter Fetterman Gallery and a rug from Woven Accents completed the space. Robert A.M. Stern Architects designed the elevator vestibule with Farrow & Ball ceiling paint, an overhead light from Maison Gerard, and sconces by Pascal Boyer. Dragonette supplied a decorative screen, and a bench from Bernd Goeckler was upholstered with Edelman Leather. Adam Bram Straus’s powder room and hallway utilized Stark Carpet for wall upholstery fabric and Farrow & Ball paint. His own designs for the vanity and bookcases were fabricated by Showcase Cabinets, with art from Los Angeles Modern Auctions and John Wolf Fine Art. Between Residences 20A and 20B, Cliff Fong’s passage featured Farrow & Ball paint, furniture, lighting, and art from Galerie Half and JF Chen, and rugs from Woven Accents and J Illoulian. In Residence 20B, Natasha Baradaran’s powder room and hallway displayed a spider rug by Neisha Crosland from The Rug Company, an axel console by Jean De Merry, and a custom mirror from Downtown. Her own facett bench was upholstered with Dedar fabric from Kneedler-Fauchere. The powder room included a Ramo mirror by Jean De Merry and a Doria crystal chandelier from Downtown. Oliver M. Furth’s elevator vestibule featured Farrow & Ball paint, an antique malayer carpet from Stark Carpet, and unique items such as 19th-century North Korean Bandaji chests from Susanne Hollis and “Argente” stools by Paul Evans from Galerie XX. JF Chen provided Dutch Bubble-Glass sconces and a convex horn mirror. Trip Haenisch’s master bedroom and closets included a rug from The Rug Company, bathroom sconces from Circa Lighting, and Fromental Wallcoverings wallpaper. Custom Cal king beds and throw pillows were sourced from Thomas Lavin/Mark Alexander and Hollywood at Home/Peter Dunham, respectively. Marmol Radziner & Associates’ Bedroom 3 showcased Beacon Hill throw pillow fabric, Calvin Klein Home bedding, and a goat fur rug from The Rug Company. Custom walnut beds and leather-wrapped nightstands were created by Marmol Radziner Cabinet Shop. Nickey • Kehoe’s Bedroom 2 featured Stark Carpet wallpaper, a tapestry art piece from The Rug Company, and chairs from Nickey · Kehoe. Walnut supplied niche book wallpaper, and artwork was sourced from Sears Peyton Gallery. David Phoenix’s Great Room incorporated Beacon Hill fabric for drapes and furniture, Jean De Merry cocktail tables and sconces, and an area rug from Natural Carpet Company. Warner Bros. constructed the sectional sofa and club chairs, while fine art and sculpture were provided by Travis Hansson. This detailed guide serves as a valuable resource for understanding the design elements and collaborations that brought the showcase to life. #InteriorDesign #Showhouse #DesignHollywood #HomeDecor #LuxuryDesign #InteriorStyling #Furniture #Textiles #Lighting