Circular Driveways

When I was growing up in Los Angeles, having a circular driveway meant that 'you had arrived'. We did not have a circular driveway, nor did we live 'south of the Boulevard'. ...Valley talk for those of you who are in the know. 

Land in California is very expensive, thus if you had a large enough lot to stretch your driveway from end to end on your property....times were good. I think the perception has changed for many people, and circular driveways can be quite beautiful and functional. 

Fast forward, when we were designing our landscaping plan with our landscape architect, he asked us if we wanted a circular driveway? You can see in this picture that we did not put one in. By the way, I use the term 'we' and 'us' to be kind to my husband. For the record, he never met the landscape architect nor did he have input on the design.....and you all know that he doesn't read my blog. 

I turned down the idea of a circular driveway for this home because I wanted more green landscaping. I was afraid WE would get lazy and always park the cars right in front of the home, thus never seeing the front porch or door. 

These pictures make me want one!

Harrison Design Associates - Atlanta

David Ludwig - Architect

Heartwood Custom Homes Inc.

Stonewood LLC

Witt Construction

Circular driveways seem to be popular in Florida. I guess there is probably one in my future. 

How do you feel about circular driveways?

 

Landscaping a Pool

My good friend and Lawyer asked me if I would help her landscape her pool area. Since I have been toying with the idea of consulting in garden design......I agreed.
Her pool is a geometric shape with a free form patio around it. I will post some pictures once it stops raining. There was one request....nothing with flowers...NO BEES! The budget is $1,000. and I  have total control over the plantings. If you have ever bought shrubs, trees, groundcover and specimen plants for a large area, then you know that this is a tight budget.
Here are some of the natural designs I'm using for inspiration

Woodburn & Company

 

Creative Design Construction

DeCavitte Properties

Keith Willig Landscape

Betz Pools

This project should go fast. Do you have a favorite outdoor plant....that doesn't flower?

Pool

Today, I am dreaming of the perfect pool. I have thought about this, often.....I have a pinboard dedicated to it. We came close to putting one in this summer....but I pulled the plug (pun intended). The timing wasn't right.....and if I have learned anything in life....don't force it!  Here are the features I like in a pool.... long stirs that run the entire length of the shallow end

House & Home

Veranda

It's needs to be rectangle

Via Pinterest

Source

Source

An interesting approach to the pool deck

Via Pinterest

I still think the Martha Stewart pool is perfect

What are you dreaming of?

Curb Appeal...How Do You Get It?

Curb appeal is an intangible. It is a phrase used by real estate agents and homeowners, alike. There are television shows, books, and articles telling you how to get it. When you see a beautiful home with great visual appeal, it is often hard to pick a specific element that completes the look...it just works!

Source

I was recently sent this article that gives a break-down of some key features that will help you increase the curb appeal of your home. Here are a few of my favorite features

Add or paint shutters

Houzz

Houzz

Houzz

Unknown

 Plant shrubs and flowers

Source

BHG

Unknown

Improve the look  of your front door

Decor Pad

BHG

BHG

Houzz

For even more curb appeal ideas, you can read this. Do you have any favorite tips for enhancing the visual appeal to your home?

A Pea Gravel Path

What is it about a pea gravel path? I find myself drawn to them....loving them...wanting one. It is March, so I though I would check in on my Home Goals for 2012.....I've accomplished one. On the list is a Potager Garden, the French word for a kitchen garden. The reason I keep calling mine "Potager", is because I am trying to remind myself that it needs some loveliness in it. Like a beautiful pea gravel path

Velvet & Linen

One that says...come walk on me

Source

Come sit down

Country Living

Or....just look at me!

Coastal Living

Have you ever installed a pea gravel path? I tried...sort of...big failure. Do you have any tips?

Marblehead, MA

I love Marblehead, MA. In another life, I would live there. On a recent trip, I took some photos that make me smile. Hope you like them

 

Yes, I could live there!