Terrariums

A Living Snow Globe (you shouldn't shake it, probably)

Terrariums are in. We are unofficially dubbing this summer the Summer of Terrariums.

       

Spruce up your living space with a mini-garden.  Whether you are a homeowner or a renter, your living space can be brought to life (literally) with some terrariums.

                                                           
       


Walk the line between gardening and art, make a terrarium for yourself (or give on to a friend or significant other). Terrariums bring life to a room, like a fish tank, but you don't have to monitor the oxygen levels or flush your little buddies down the toilet.

This man sealed up a bottle with a garden inside in 1960. He had to open it once in 1972 to add some water, but has not opened it since.

Your terrarium can have a story, like his (especially if you keep it for 62 years!) or can just be put together for aesthetic appeal. Find a couple of funky bottles and plant something different in each one. All you have to do is monitor the water levels in your terrarium: if your plant is drooping, add water, or when you notice there is little to no condensation, add water! Don't over water; since terrariums are sealed, there is a lot less water loss.










Send us pictures of your terrariums! 

Wallpaper is Back

Wallpaper is back! Wallpaper fell out of popularity, but in the last few years, it is once again becoming a popular alternative to paint. It's appeal is that, as opposed to painting murals (which depend on the skill of the artist), you can buy funky color patterns, or bold designs, and know that you'll get a reliable, and hopefully fun, look (as long as you apply the wallpaper well...might want to hire a professional).

There have been advances in how wallpaper is made, and what is used to apply it to the walls. In the past, moisture was a huge concern (especially in humid climates like Louisiana). Moisture could cause the wall paper to peel, mildew could form underneath the paper (which smells), or worse, mold could find a breeding ground on your walls. But a lot of theses issues have been addressed, and wallpaper is back as an attractive option. 

Looking around, it seems like people are designing with wallpaper more reasonably, too. You can have a bold and busy pattern, but soften it up with a matching single color and balancing it with a neutral color like white. This room does it well:

Though a geometric pattern may not be my personal favorite, this room achieves a unique balance, even with the busy wallpaper; the wallpaper isn't the only accent in the room.

Here are some of Stevi's favorite patterns:

Love this neutral but spunky wallpaper.  So versatile in that it pulls both cool tones from the gray and warm tones from the gold/tan.  Click here to see wallpaper.

WOAH--what a wallpaper.  Definitely not for everyone, but I love the bold marble effect. And in the right installation, this could really be a show stopper.  Click here to view wallpaper.

This pattern mimics the trendy dalmatian or les touches that we are seeing in black and white.  I like the blue and white and the variation of blue tones within it.  Click here to view wallpaper.

I can see this wallpaper used in a small space such as a powder room or a focal wall.  When the wallpaper gets busy, remember to use it sparingly. Click here to view wallpaper.

This geometric print comes in many different colors and would work well in a lot of spaces. Click here to view wallpaper.

Before & After: New Orleans French Quarter Home

We see beautiful houses and inspiration everywhere; ever wonder what those spaces looked like before they were updated?  Click the video below to see what the home looked like before a total overhaul.