This beautiful arrangement arrived at my doorstep a few days ago to mark a family event. It occurred to me how well it fit into the style of my own home. It was sent by a very dear friend who I have known for many years. Filled with hydrangeas, tulips, roses, and one unusual leafy stalk for an unexpected twist on an otherwise traditional arrangement, it was the perfect embodiment of the Sage Garden Style philosophy. Here are 3 reasons why I think it works in my home and how it can work for you!
1. Bring the things you grow inside-This arrangement contained all of the things you can grow in your own garden; hydrangeas, tulips, roses -I have all of them in my own flower garden (except the unusual leafy stalk) but there are many possibilities for many unusual similar things growing in any herb garden that would create the same look.
2. Glass is the great compliment to all decorating schemes-The arrangement was delivered in a simple glass vase. Glass is far and away one of the best ways to blend a mixture of vintage tableware, rustic centerpieces, and patterned linens. Glass goes with it all! I always have a few go to glass serving pieces for any buffet tabletop because I know no matter what colors and themes I have chosen, and I do like color, it just works.
3. Blend-don’t match your colors-The last thing that made this arrangement resonate with the garden style was the chartreuse ribbon against a not quite matching blend of complimentary colors. It is the way of nature. Not matching but natural.
Some final thoughts on extending this idea-Use your hobbies and talents and incorporate them into your decor. It is who you are. Mix items such as a vintage rustic buffet tables with seating covered in new, modern prints. Never be afraid to blend the traditional with elements of surprise in your home and garden decor. If you cook, keep your cookbooks out and on display. Some of the most beautiful photos I have ever seen are on the covers of cookbooks. Julia Child never goes out of style. If you garden, you have a constant supply of new fresh flowers at your disposal-use them! It’s like having your own personal florist delivery fresh flowers on a daily basis, and its yours for the cutting. If you can’t resist a tag sale or flea market and are always the one rescuing a broken chair from the junk pile, be aware of this and create a neutral palette to build on. If you keep your sofa, walls, and trim a neutral you will have more freedom to shake things up with the accents. Paint that chair a bright color, put a great wildly patterned pillow or cushion on it and place it front and center. Suddenly it has a new life. Color your world. Too many of us are afraid to commit to color in our homes-this is much easier to go bolder outdoors but even inside color brightens our world. Most importantly, make it your own. We are all different, with different likes, dislikes, memories, friends, hobbies, and work. Your home and garden style should reflect your personality. You should surround yourself with the things that speak to you. It is your story. Do you love your home? Of course you do. It’s your refuge at the end of a hard work day. Make sure it loves you back.