Inside Designer Leanne Ford's Perfectly Imperfect Home Garden

Lindsey Crowley, founder of Lindsey Crowley Interiors and a parent of four children under seven, specializes in designing flexible nurseries that can adapt as a child grows. Her approach prioritizes investing in versatile pieces that can transition to other rooms or future uses within the home, such as a guest room. More temporary or easily replaceable items, like cribs and rugs, can be chosen for affordability. Crowley's design philosophy for a Dover nursery, intended to eventually become a guest room, incorporates several key elements to achieve an "enchanted forest" aesthetic while maintaining flexibility. The room features a forest-themed wallpaper by Bunny Williams for Lee Jofa, which provides a soft, abstract, and natural backdrop that evokes the surrounding trees without being overly literal. This choice ensures the wallpaper remains suitable even as the room's function evolves. Drapery plays a significant role in enhancing the earthy, tone-on-tone color scheme. Crowley selected a tiny, textural polka dot fabric by Zak+Fox, with trim and pinch-pleats that offer a finished look. These drapes are designed to be refined enough for a guest bedroom yet neutral enough to complement various decor styles in the future. The inclusion of rattan lighting adds natural texture, introducing different shapes and subtle brass accents, which Crowley believes creates an interesting juxtaposition of forms, periods, and styles, preventing the room from feeling monotonous. Artwork is carefully chosen to elevate the room's aesthetic. Boldly saturated pieces by Vinça Monadé from Hubert Cuillé inject a modern, "cool" element, moving the space beyond a purely "sweet" nursery. The use of burl wood frames, as opposed to more formal lacquer or gilded options, introduces another natural material and maintains a less serious, more adaptable feel. An abstract piece by Holly Addi from Libby Silvia Artstyle, placed above the crib, further adds an unexpected artistic touch. It's noted that blankets and pillows in the crib are for decorative purposes only, emphasizing safety considerations. For the floor, a wool rug from Lulu and Georgia with an irregular grid pattern was selected. This rug serves to anchor the room and provides a visual contrast to the more fluid movement of the wallpaper. Its practical benefits include softness, non-shedding properties, and an ability to conceal spills, making it ideal for a child's room and durable for future uses. Finally, a natural shearling chair and ottoman from Crate & Barrel are highlighted as essential and comfortable pieces, acknowledging the significant amount of time parents spend cuddling their babies in a nursery chair. A plaster side table complements the seating, offering a practical and sturdy surface. Overall, the design balances whimsical elements with practical, long-term considerations, creating a space that is both magical for a baby and functional for future adaptations. #NurseryDesign #EnchantedForestTheme #FlexibleInteriors #NeutralDecor #HomeDesign #WallpaperTrends #ChildrensRoom #InteriorStyling

Garden rooms are increasingly popular outdoor structures designed for relaxation and connecting with nature, effectively bringing the natural environment inside a home. Unlike greenhouses, their primary purpose is leisure, offering a retreat without the commitment of a full home renovation. These versatile spaces can accommodate lounging, entertaining, and dining, and their rising appeal stems from their ability to provide a natural sanctuary. Expert Laura Janney, founder of The Inspired Garden, emphasizes their role as a nature-filled haven for unwinding. Landscape architect Cory Morris adds that garden rooms are a less complex and more affordable alternative to traditional home extensions, potentially increasing property value. Before embarking on a garden room project, careful planning is essential. It is crucial to consult local building regulations and strategically choose a location that maximizes natural light and privacy. The design should also integrate harmoniously with the existing home. Considerations for amenities such as electricity, automation, heating, plumbing, and appropriate materials for both indoor and outdoor living should be addressed during the planning phase. Once the structure is in place, the focus shifts to planting. Low-maintenance options like ZZ plants, snake plants, and pothos are recommended for those new to gardening, as they are resilient and thrive in various conditions. For individuals with more time and rooms with ample natural light, statement plants like fiddle leaf figs, monsteras, and rubber plants can add significant aesthetic value. Plant trends expert Katie Tamony highlights "green drenching" as a current trend, which involves using a diverse range of plants and foliage with soothing green tones and varied textures to create serene spaces. Integrating exterior landscaping with the garden room’s interior, perhaps through climbing plants such as roses, hydrangeas, and clematis, further blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor environments. Decorating a garden room involves selecting elements that promote joy, peace, and happiness. Natural materials, soft color palettes, and an abundance of plants and fresh flowers in elegant vases are ideal. Since these are external structures, it’s important to consider off-season and nighttime use. This includes implementing an ambient lighting plan, with string lights being a popular choice, and creating cozy areas for reading and relaxation. Additional elements like wind chimes, wireless speakers, and candlelight can enhance the tranquil atmosphere, making the garden room a truly functional and beautiful extension of the home. #GardenRoom #OutdoorLiving #HomeDesign #LandscapeArchitecture #PlantCare #InteriorDecorating #NatureConnection #HomeImprovement

The Designer Show House, a biennial event sponsored by the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, showcases diverse interior and exterior design inspirations across its 6,000 square feet of space and nearly an acre of outdoor areas. This event serves as a platform for regional designers to present their expertise and offers visitors a wealth of ideas for their own homes. One featured space is a sunken living room, designed by Kate FitzGerald-Wilks of Timeless Design in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. This room embodies a West Indies aesthetic, characterized by bold lines, soft sandy hues, and rich textures. Key elements include vintage stick bamboo chairs painted black, adorned with Kuba cloth and Ralph Lauren zebra-stripe pillows on a slipcovered camel-backed sofa. A mid-century hutch is repurposed as a cocktail bar, complemented by sculptural metal and glass console tables flanking the fireplace. Wood mirrors with faux tortoise shell lean against textured wallpaper, while modern sculptures and art blend with antique books and global treasures. FitzGerald-Wilks also designed the dining room, aiming for a dramatic effect with a backdrop of 200 wine bottles and a striking Dolcetti chandelier crafted from shells and crystals, evoking sea glass. An 8-foot-long reclaimed wine rack sits atop a buffet. The room's color palette consists of soft creams and tans, punctuated by emerald green accents in the chandelier and wine bottles. Windows are framed with woven ikat print panels. An airy sunroom, conceived by Alfred Wolf Home (a new venture from Design Center of Rehoboth or DCOR), was designed to create a light-filled, contemporary transition between the house and garden. This involved removing existing French doors and window grills, painting the room in various shades of white and French gray-green, and incorporating textural elements of white canvas, iron, and marble. The family room, also by DCOR, maintained the warmth of its original paneling and fireplace stone, setting the foundation for a soft khaki and cream palette. The room is furnished with herringbone, tweed, and leather fabrics, offset by tortoise shell wood finishes and local tidal scene artwork. Mary Stewart of M. Stewart Interiors in Bear designed the upstairs hobby room, named "Just Us," intended as a shared family space for various pastimes like painting, photography, reading, chess, and Lego building. The room features updated cherished family heirlooms and is painted simply white to highlight paintings by Nadia Zychal. Nile Johnson of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, designed the second-floor paneled library, drawing inspiration from Rehoboth's laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. This space offers an updated interpretation of a classic library, decorated in layers of sandy tans. Cyndi and Ron Oronzio and Cathie Sheetz of Dreamweaver Interiors of Rehoboth Beach decorated a bedroom and bath, inspired by vibrantly patterned fabrics. They utilized Robert Allen fabrics as wallpaper for an accent wall, building the room's design around this print. The team selected fabrics for their depth, crisp patterns, contrasting textures, and detailed embroidery, incorporating a bright coral pink accent color and rhinestone embellishments for a feminine touch. Brenda Carder of blcINTERIORS of Rehoboth Beach designed a small guest bedroom, combining natural cotton and linen fabrics with metal and reclaimed wood. Crown moldings add formality. To compensate for limited sunlight, the room was kept light and bright, with a deep navy blue accent wall and touches of bright yellow for warmth. The second floor features art by Libby Zando of Zando Designs and Art Affects in Milton, alongside works by award-winning regional artists. Boardwalk Builders of Rehoboth transformed a hallway into a gallery space by adding wainscot paneling, creating an updated cottage aesthetic that visually broadened the hallway. Mark A. Polo of The Urban Dweller in Boonton, New Jersey, designed the master suite, aiming for comfort with soft textural colors ranging from taupe to blue. The furniture is upholstered to enhance the room's softness, featuring taupe draperies of embroidered sheer linen and silk edged in leather and freshwater pearls. Blonde floors are softened by a long-fiber rug. Outdoors, Erin Walls and Justin Bartels of Bella Terra Landscaping in Lincoln repurposed existing flagstone patios and walkways, adding new stones to create a Celtic-inspired design. The layout divides the space into a grand area for social gatherings and secluded nooks for quiet retreats. Creative Concepts Furniture of Lewes and Ocean View furnished the patios as outdoor rooms with bright coastal colors, including a sectional, loveseat, dining area for six, and lounge chairs, inviting visitors to envision themselves in the setting. #DesignerShowHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RehobothBeach #DelawareDesign #LuxuryInteriors #OutdoorLiving #DesignInspiration

This article highlights an award-winning outdoor living space in Houston, recognized as the "Best Outdoor Living Space Winner" in Houston's Design 9 competition. The homeowner collaborated with McDugald Steele Landscape Architects & Contractors to realize a vision of maximizing green space and minimizing paving within a 13,000-square-foot area. The design focused on creating a lush, verdant paradise that harmoniously integrates with the natural surroundings. A key aspect of the front garden's design was the preservation and showcasing of significant existing elements, including a 75-year-old Live Oak and several Crepe Myrtles. Low plantings were strategically incorporated around the Crepe Myrtles to maintain open views and prevent the space from feeling enclosed, thereby enhancing the sense of expansiveness. The objective was to create a garden that felt natural and inviting, rather than overly manicured or confined. The project involved a team of specialized professionals. Dillion Kyle Architects contributed to the overall architecture, while McDugald Steele Landscape Architects & Contractors were responsible for the landscape architecture and execution, focusing on the intricate details of the green spaces. Windham Builders served as the builder, ensuring the structural integrity and aesthetic quality of the hardscape elements. Interior design was handled by Peggy McGaughy of Reflections Interior Design, suggesting a cohesive design language between the indoor and outdoor environments. Stirling Electric & Irrigation managed the lighting design, aiming to illuminate the garden effectively and create ambiance, alongside implementing an efficient irrigation system. Several key resources were utilized in the creation of this outdoor sanctuary. Alamo Stone provided the materials for the pathways, contributing to the natural and integrated feel of the design. San Jacinto Stone was responsible for the courtyard planters, adding structured green elements to specific areas. Brilliance LED and Lumien Lighting supplied the garden and courtyard planter lighting, respectively, highlighting features and ensuring usability after dark. An advanced Hunter Hydrawise irrigation system was installed to efficiently manage the watering of the extensive plantings. Plantings were sourced from Tree Source Wholesale Nursery and Wholesale Gardens, ensuring a diverse and healthy selection of flora for the expansive garden. The final outcome is an outdoor living space that not only won an award but also provides a serene and beautiful environment for the homeowner. The design successfully integrates natural elements with sophisticated landscaping, creating a refreshing and harmonious extension of the home. The collaborative effort of various design and building professionals resulted in a visually stunning and functionally sound outdoor area that emphasizes greenery and natural beauty. #OutdoorLivingSpace #LandscapeArchitecture #HoustonHomes #GardenDesign #HomeDesign #LuxuryInteriors #GreenSpace #DesignAwards