Unique Unique Design

A friend called me yesterday to tell me about some “happy” news for her. In the course of the conversation, she mentioned it was supposed to snow again by Friday! We live in Texas and just don’t see as much snow as some of you. This year, though, we seem to be seeing a little more than usual. I know it’s been colder than usual for here. Lots of warm socks, hot beverages, and fires in the fireplace to help warm our bones. Of course, we do live in Texas…..land of the “never sure what the weather will be doing 5 minutes from now”…..and thus have had some pretty pleasant days just recently. But, wintery days are what has inspired this post, and apparently the “Brrr” days are coming back.

The following photos have a winter look to me. Now, to change that up you could just add a vase with a leafy fig branch or a single palm leaf or a vase of tulips and “BINGO” spring! That’s what I love about neutral palettes…so versatile.

So if you’re going out wear your warm boots!

photo getty images    flickr

If you’re not then grab a cup of hot coffee…

photo  sam mcadam     homelife

…find a comfy chair with a good book to read.  Love the textures in this picture. The colors, fabric, natural elements just give this a “curl up on a cold day look”.

photo  sam mcadam    homelife

Probably wouldn’t hurt to have this guy laying on your feet either! Looks like a snow dog to me.

photo  richard powers    sarah kaye

A winter sky in the high desert as seen through a large window. Time to cuddle.

photo  joanna henderson    sarah kaye

It’s always good to keep stocked up on firewood and blankets and what better way to do it than great looking baskets.

photo  adrian briscoe   sarah kaye

Great way to serve snacks on those nippy days…. a weathered wood table, leafless branch and snowy white plates.

photo  Adrian briscoe   sarah kaye

How about curling up on a stack of soft white mattresses with a warm down comforter and your own hot water bottle wearing a cable knit turtleneck sweater!

photo  christine bauer.com

But, first nothing beats a hot bath on a freezing day.

We hope you can keep your toes warm. Enjoy the homey, cuddly, warm things of this season, because before long we’ll be sweating and trying to remember having to back up to the fire to chase away the goosebumps.

“WARM” wishes!

I just love using branches in interior design. In the winter, bare branches add such form to a space. And for the most part, they are FREE! Yippee! Tall, short, sparse or bushy, the choices are many. Gnarly old twisted branches add such texture and shape, but we’ve, also, used branches that are 2 ” or more in diameter that are straight as an arrow for a more symmetrical arrangement in a large long container. One large branch with just two or three arms can add just the touch of drama needed. When placed against a blank wall, it works in place of a piece of  art. Earthen jars filled with lots of small branches look wonderful lined up on a buffet…no flowers needed. How about a long twisted branch down the center of a dining table. Dress it up as the occasion calls for it. Paint branches and they can add a whole new dimension. They work as well in a nature inspired room as in a polished more modern room that needs that touch of warmth. Just as the choices of branches are endless, the use of them is limited only by what you can dream up. Do you like to use branches? We’d love to hear how you use them.

atlanta bartlett

Top photo using branches on a buffet. Bottom photo is simply putting smaller wispy branches in glass jars.

kimberly rider interiors 

The top photo is branches sculpted into art, a simple natural look. I love the bottom photo for its form. In front of a blank wall the branches in the vase almost look like a painting.

photo: matthew millman    california home & design  “the new vintage”

The wooden vessel filled with tall branches and moss is great center piece for a large table.

photo: from 1st option  chesterton road

The earthy objects with the leaning branch…minimal but warm.

villa collection  denmark

In the top photo, the large white branch almost frames the artwork. The bottom photo is set up for marketing their product, but once again the layout is fabulous with the huge branch on the left giving height to the setup. Also, the smaller branches in the vase almost look windswept…much more interesting than just straight up.

found on willow decor blog originating from covetable designs blog

The single branch finishes out this lovely alcove with the beautiful patina on the chest and wonderful shell. The colors are so serene.

 photo: unique unique design

A wintery look with white branches in white jars.

photo: unique unique design

Curly willow in a very large white vase.

This is only the tip of the iceberg, but it’s fun using these gifts of nature. BTW, I haven’t been lost in the woods looking for branches. Just a myriad of things going on.

Hope you have a little fun “branching out!”