Always with the client in mind, I first get to know what they are trying to achieve in their spaces, whether inside or out. The concepts are related and the yard and home should flow as a whole.
For indoors… are they using their space so that it supports them in their daily pursuits? Your home should reflect what YOU need. Case in point…I grew up in a 1200 square foot house…the largest room was the living room and we were not allowed to go in there unless we had company…..we rarely had company! So other than for a couple of occasions each year, we were relegated to a tiny corner of the house when there was so much space that could have been enjoyed on a daily basis.
Your square feet should serve you every day. Every bit of it, whether you live in a large or small home. Too many people have entire rooms dedicated as junk rooms or rooms for eating turkey one day a year…if everything has a home (as in organized) within your house, then there should be no rooms that are throwaway spaces. Living in an organized environment is healthier, makes you happier, and reduces stress.
Is the furniture being used in the most efficient and elegant way? Is it arranged in a way that considers the views…across the room and looking outside? Every seat should have a pretty view. Rooms need to flow to create a feeling of expansiveness.
Is there too much clutter? Are family heirlooms or items purchased during travel displayed in a way that elevates them so they become conversation pieces? How about a chair to sit and read…does it have a table on which to put your beverage?
For outdoors……important considerations are:
How do they use their space on a day to day basis?
Do they entertain?
Do they want to grow their own veggies and fruits?
Do they wish they had a place to sit and read in the shade? Do they like the sound of water?
Are their existing plants and trees not thriving…perhaps overgrown and messy?
If they have windows that look onto their outdoor spaces, are the views pretty and enticing? It is always important to have spaces that invite the visitor to come and explore more. Being in nature soothes the soul.
Every client has different wants and needs. My job is to drill down and figure out how to make them feel nurtured and supported in their own surroundings. How we want a space to “feel” is a good starting point, and that is different for each individual. My job is to help my clients figure that out…elevating one’s environment really does wonders for lifting our spirits. When you have a home and garden that nurture you, it becomes your oasis in this complex world.
You can view a few of my recent projects below.
PROJECT #1: Parisien pied-a-terre
This project was near and dear to my heart. My good friend had recently lost her husband and was looking for a fresh start in the home they had shared for decades. I helped her both inside and out. She was well traveled and loved Paris. We set out to create a garden reminescent of what you might find in a Parisian pied-à-terre. That was the feeling that she desired…
PROJECT #2: Bohemian Chic
My clients in this project wanted their backyard to evoke a feeling of what they coined “Bohemian Chic.” It was challenging in a couple of ways.
PROJECT #3: Cozy Condo Courtyard
No matter the size, any space can be tweaked to make it more welcoming and desirable. This was a tiny courtyard in a condominium complex. With lots of tile and very little growing space, it needed to be a place where the owner and his children could enjoy a backyard barbecue.