Craving: Greenery

One of the things I'll never accustom to living with in South America is the reversed seasons. As everyone in The States is welcoming Indian Summer, here, we're winding up Winter, also known as the dry season. It hasn't rained since May, and everything from plant life to cars has taken on the distinctive hue of the red earth - desperately dry and parched.
Although Fall is certainly my favorite North American season, I'm so ready to see life in the form of greenery that will hopefully grace us soon, with the freshness of that first rain. Until then, I'm all about bringing green into the house - the bigger and more tropical, the better!

We recently purchased a tallish tropical - something between a bird of paradise and a banana tree - and it instantly elevated the room.

Despite being the design "It" plant, I still love and certainly crave a fiddle leaf ficus - they just have such presence!

mfamb

Not that a smaller plant can't have the same effect - so long as there's proper placement. Note the table serving as plant stand in Ellen Pompeo's casa.

cocozy

Even a large sprig can work wonders to bring a natural freshness indoors. If you have good light in your banheiro, try using a tropical - typically, the humidity will serve it very well.

jessica helgerson

Aaaah....already breathing a little better!

The Accidental Eco-ist

When we first arrived in Brazil, I experienced a lot of culture shock. I suppose that's to be expected. When you're from Texas, any place OUTSIDE of The Lone Star State seems like foreign country - this was the Real Deal.
We did not live lavishly prior to moving here, but we, like many other Americans, took for granted the amenities many homes in The States have to offer. Things like dishwashers, garbage disposals and central air and heat are just a few.
At first, living without those conveniences regularly set me into "WHY can't this Country just . Be. Normal?" mode, but as time has gone by, I realize we just might have turned into Accidental Eco-ists.

Previously, I wasn't the most fastidious about remembering my reusable grocery bags - but when I saw these very "designerly" totes in the Brazilian supermarket, I was converted!

So, yes, I still miss a garbage disposal terribly, but what is my loss is our garden's gain. Whatever fruit/vegetable scraps, leftovers, coffee grounds (they are fabulous soil-enrichers, ya know!) we have get blended up into a scrumptious soil concoction...

Looks downright yummy, huh? ;) Yeah, I wouldn't go near it with a ten-foot straw, but our plants LOVE IT! Not exactly traditional composting, but who cares? Check out my "kitchen garden!"

Rarely have I had lavender that survived, much less bloomed!

And the rosemary....oh, the rosemary!

We've even had some surprise newbies pop up - the result of onion, ginger, and cilantro remnants taking root!

Don't get me wrong, this is not a pat on the back for me. Given the choice, I'll still take an SUV (OK, maybe a Crossover) any day over a Smartcar. All I'm saying is, without any noble intent, we've become "greener", and the thing is I DIG it! Not because I feel holier-than-thou or some idiotic sense of empowerment (because I don't), it's just nice to know we can adapt - we ARE facing unique challenges - and we (and our garden!) are thriving just the same...

P.S. - Guess who had a project-filled weekend? Yessir, now that (I'm declaring) the Rainy Season over - the paint cans and tools were bustin' a move!
Remember this ol' guy?

...And this little chula?

Should have some fun "after" pics for ya by Wednesday!

Dreamin' in Green

So, you didn't win HGTV's Dream Home out in Napa. Let not your heart be troubled, for as of Friday, you'll be able to enter their sweepstakes for the 2009 Green Home in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Couple of things before we get started...when you see the "Geez...um, well, I suppose I could live here - if forced" interiors, keep in mind that it is a GREEN house - uh-ma-zing! Interior Designer, Linda Woodrum, who, by the way has been the creative genius behind all the HGTV Dream Houses, has worked her magic again! In case you haven't had a chance to take the grand tour, here's a little sneaky-peek!

Hmmm...rarely met a metal roof and double doors I didn't like - lookin' good so far...

Oh! You have me at hola!
The Family Room - Looks cozy enough for my fam! Inspired by 1950s cabana decor - crisp, yet inviting - furnishings are organic, too!
Be sure to note the recurring use of tropical plants, especially phalaenopsis orchids.

"Lounge Area" (wait 'til you see what they've designated some of the other spaces - insane!) I'm loving the punctuation of coral-y orange throughout the house - very "Sunshine State," but always tempered with well-edited fabrics and accessories. Scene Stealer: the large artichoke lamp.

Have you ever thought about architectural details you'd figure in to the design of your dream home (unlimited budget, of course?) A clerestory might be high on my list - hmmm...wonder why???

We finally made it to the kitchen - and we're just getting warmed up! Another recurring theme: small-scale glass tile set in a running (i.e. subway) pattern. Here, used as backsplash in the modern-rich open kitchen.

I've always said if a home didn't have a gas stove, it would be a deal-breaker. Think I'd have to rethink that edict in this case...Also, there's some of those industry-chic metal stools again {sigh}

Dining Room: Love the view to the outdoor patio area - keeps it less formal. Note the use of the larger and more commanding host chairs (remember that idea from Erica's DD?)

Stop the Presses. I WANT that horse print! And I could have it...for a mere four grand...In case you need the deets: Lord Denver's Prize Horse "Aditoc" in segmented prints via Mecox Gardens.

Master: I feel like whomever will get to sleep in this room will never need high blood pressure meds. Doesn't it just make you feel cool and serene? Lacquered-turquoise (airy) nightstands - check. Custom, linen-upholstered headboard - check. Bleached driftwood lamps - check, check. Summation: Sublime.

The coordinating Master Bath.
Anyone else a kitchen and bath fixture junkie? Here's our daily fix.

Bedroom Two: I can't call this a Guest Bedroom, because if I lived here, I'd have a hard time not making this my Master Bedroom Part Deux. Would you look at that bed? Red-lacquer, asian lines with crisp white linens and celery green for punch - perfecto!

Here's another bath: floor-to-ceiling brown glass tile that takes on the nuances of woodgrain - pret-ty niiiice! Oh, the sleek vessel sink's not too shabby, either!
My heart melts into this sorbet-themed little girl's room. Avery would be good to GO!

Get this...this would be your "Relaxation Room," according to HGTV. Soothing green color scheme, yes. Hungry-looking alligators staring down the wall at me, well...not so much...

What's a great house without a perfect indoor/outdoor entertaining space?

View of the back yard, complete with a vertical garden planted with strawberries, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce greens. Oh, and that's a serious drum composter to help keep those fruits and veggies happy!

Rooftop Patio. This is the picture that sold my hubby - nice view, huh? Yeah, I'll go ahead and say I'd take it!

If it's something you think you could fancy - be sure to register, starting Friday!!

Sustain Me

Have you ever thought, "It's not easy being Green?" I'll admit, I sometimes share Kermit's sentiment, but in a different context....With Earth Day right around the corner (April 22nd), the benefits of living "green" are brought into greater focus.

Many of us have probably made it a habit to carry reusable bags to buy our groceries, or have switched many of our incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescents. WAIT! STOP! Before I go any further - I have a confession to make: I HATE cfb's! There. I said it. I know they consume eons less energy, but the light they emit is horrible - cold, harsh, completely unbecoming. Installing nothing but cfb's in my home would be the equivalent of sentencing me to life in a bathing suit fitting room!
Having said that, I try to use as many energy-efficient bulbs as I can tolerate.

Since Interior Design is directly correlated to the way we live, it only makes sense for designers to look for ways to bring Green Living into our homes in ways that are pleasing to the senses.

One of the best directions of sustainable interiors I've seen is by designer Jessica Helgerson. She backs up her earth-friendly creds by using products and materials we may not always recognize as being green simply because they are so beautiful and elegant. From what I've seen, she takes bamboo, hemp, and Low VOC paints to soaring heights!

Take a peek at this Turn-of-the-Century home she redid for a hip Portland couple. Oh, and try not to drool too much onto your keyboard...

This is the view into the living room. Believe it or not, the woodwork is not original - it was added as part of a post-gutting reconfiguration. The molding and framework was created to fit the age of the home, but given a rich ebony finish to add some serious swank.

Now, standing in the room, looking back into the dining room. Do you spy that bubble-glass chandelier? I bet in the evening, when all the other lights are low - having dinner at that table, under sparkly-lit bubbles makes you feel like you're "Under the Sea!"

What can I say - the bathroom is pristine. Love that circa-appropriate fixture, too!

The bedroom - Where designer Jessica took a Moroccan departure via a punched tin light, pouf ottoman, and inlaid mirror and bureau - all the while being true to the ebony & white color scheme.

OK. I'm giving you fair warning...this kitchen might make you feel faint. It's THAT gorgeous!

Craftsman-style built-ins, marble countertops and farmhouse sinks pay homage to the original character of the home, while industrial-chic seating and pendants keep it real - real FAB-U-LOUS, that is!

I'm feelin' better, can you tell? Happy Monday, ya'll! ;)