Earth Designs Garden Design and Build were asked to created a landscape and propose garden design in Mill Lane, London*. Here are the details of the project
Brief: The brief from this client was to create a low maintenance, accessible and above all stylish garden, suitable for dining and entertaining. The client was looking for a real 'wow' factor and wanted the exterior of their property to mirror the high finish and individuality of their interior space. The existing space suffered from many drawbacks - it had an uninspiring, drab layout and was excessively overlooked from flats above and to the right and left. Its North facing aspect means that it does not benefit from a great deal of sunlight.
Solution: This design created create a stylish and contemporary space with a plethora of visual stimuli that offers extensive opportunity for enjoyment throughout the year.
The existing fencing along the rear and right hand boundaries was clad with opaque purple Perspex sheeting to create a uniform, modern backdrop to the space. Two distinct seating areas, each designed with a different use in mind, were created to allow the client maximum scope for entertaining and relaxation.
The first, in the top right corner of the space, forms the main focal point to the garden and comprises a slightly sunken conversation pit enclosed within a four-poster bed style structure. Constructed from sturdy railway sleepers, this area offers ample space for lounging and serves as a visually imposing talking-point. One side of the structure includes numerous open shelves, allowing the client to display a variety of sculpture and ephemera, while a second side houses a bespoke stainless steel water feature. The water feature itself is comprised of a large stainless steel tank fed from above by two stainless steel water blades. For comfort, large custom-made weatherproof cushions cover the conversation pit floor. These cushions can be removed and stored during inclement weather.
The second seating area, centre left of the space, comprises an L-shaped railway-sleeper fixed bench backed by a railway-sleeper raised bed. Serving as an informal alfresco dining area, this section of the space benefits from a low coffee-style table with a second table at kitchen-counter height, beside which the client has placed a BBQ for alfresco food preparation.
Flooring throughout is in attractive cream travertine, laid in a formal grid pattern and inlaid in the centre with a single rectangular strip of plum slate tiles, providing an elegant contrast to the dark stained railway sleeper structure and seating.
The left hand boundary was clad with stainless steel sheeting to create a stunning backdrop to the dining area. This panelling continues along the boundary beyond the seating area to mask a bespoke storage area in an alcove to the left of the space. The stainless steel theme is echoed with the addition of six stainless steel planters placed at intervals around the edge of the paving.
Planting in the space follows a strong architectural theme, consisting of sculpted box balls and tall, elegant allium in the raised bed, framed by the primeval fronds of dicksonia antartica (tree fern) clustered in the flush bed beyond. The box ball theme is echoed in the stainless steel planters spaced around the paving and a variety of climbers have been placed so that they will gradually adorn the Perspex fencing over time.
A comprehensive lighting scheme was installed with mood and accent in mind. Down-lighters installed within the alcoves of the railway sleeper shelving unit create a centre piece of the sleeper structure, while stainless steel bollard lights frame either end of the bench in the dining area. The paving is edged with in-ground up-lighters placed in front of each stainless steel planter to give balance to the space, while a submersible light installed within the water feature tank casts a gently undulating light across the back of the space. Low voltage spots cast a gentle glow across the back of the space and weatherproof wall-mounted infra-red heaters, one in the conversation pit and one on the boundary wall beside the bench seating, allow continued enjoyment of the garden on chilly nights.
Testimonial: "Many thanks, we are so thrilled with the entire garden. It is imaginative and bold but also practical and truly reflects our personalities! You have transformed an ordinary space into something quite magical."
If you dig this and would like to find out more about this or any of other of our designs, please stop by our web-site and have a look at our work.
Earth Designs is a bespoke London Garden Design and build company specialising in classic, funky and urban contemporary garden design.
Our Landscape and Garden build teams cover London, Essex and parts of South East England, while garden designs are available nationwide.
Please visit www.earthdesigns.co.uk to see our full portfolio. If you would like a garden designer in London or have an idea of what you want and are looking for a landscaper London to come and visit your garden, please get in touch.
Follow our Bespoke Garden Design and Build and Blog to see what we get up to week by week, our free design clinic as well as tips and products we recommend for your garden projects www.earthdesigns.co.uk/blog/.
Earth Designs is located in East London, but has built gardens in Essex , gardens in Hertfordshire Hertfordshire and all over the South East. Earth Designs was formed by Katrina Wells in Spring 2003 and has since gone from strength to strength to develop a considerable portfolio of garden projects. Katrina, who is our Senior Garden Designer, has travelled all over the UK designing gardens. However we can design worldwide either through our postal garden design service or by consultation with our senior garden designer. Recent worldwide projects have included garden designs in Romania. Katrina’s husband. Matt, heads up the build side of the company, creating a unique service for all our clients.
If you a not a UK resident, but would like an Earth Designs garden, Earth Designs has a worldwide design service through our Garden Design Postal Design Vouchers. If you are looking for an unique birthday present or original anniversary present and would like to buy one of our Garden Design Gift Vouchers for yourself or as a present please our sister site www.gardenpresents.co.uk. We do also design outside of the UK, please contact us for details.
Aug 6, 2010
The 'Wow' Garden
Jul 28, 2010
Jul 3, 2010
Tori Mellott's living room via Domino on Brides.com
With just 450 square feet of space, Tori Mellott creates a neutral haven, without sacrificing her over-the-top style.
BY: SOPHIE SCHULTE-HILLEN | PHOTOS: ANNIE SCHLECHTER
"My place feels calmer and more mature," says Tori. "I used a more restrained palette for the living room, but it's still me! I just couldn't resist a little pattern with the wallpaper, and I love how the wall of artwork lends contrast."
Feb 16, 2010
Sep 10, 2009
ZEN GARDEN
Modern Asian inspired landscaping Hauser Gärten AG
Modern Asian inspired landscaping as seen on plastolux
May 3, 2009
How to Decorate home with wallpaper
unique wallpaper
Wallpaper was one of the accessories that functioned to make wall of the house became beautiful and interesting. Many kind sorts wallpaper depended whatever that will be chosen by us for in adapted with the kind our building. Type of the house was in a modern minimalist style very appropriate when in each one of his walls in used wallpaper. In article this would in gave the example of the application unique wallpaper to the stylish house modern minimalist especially to bedroom and dinning room.
The fitting wallpaper in modern minimalist Bedroom:
As being seen in the picture that the theme bedroom was the atmosphere of green nature. The stylish bed modern minimalist in combined with wallpaper with the picture of the green leaves really looked fresh and comfortable. So during our sleep felt like sleep in garden. tags: Wallpaper, unique wallpaper, interior, decorating, modern, minimalist, home, style, home minimalist photo, home minimalist wallpaperdetail visit javabali.info
Mar 2, 2009
Walk-In Closets Basics For Every Home
Walk-In Closets Basics For Every Home
Author: Bruce Lipski
Most new homes now come with walk in closets and the bigger the closet the bigger the "Wow" factor. Women seem to love a big walk in closet while men don't seem to care that much. If your home doesn't have a walk in closet, it might be time to start thinking of getting one.
All the expensive houses now come with master bedroom walk-in closet designs that are creative and big. Some of these closets are as big as a room used to be. If you choose to put a walk in closet in your old home, it may be a bit expensive because you will probably have to tear down a wall or too. There will be a monitary benefit when you sell your house, however, as your new walk-in closet should increase the value of your home.
When you have a master walk-in closet that two people use, it is important to try to have the best his and her closet organization as possible. As long as you can come up with his and her closet ideas that will satisfy both parties, there will be no hard feelings or animosity.
If you have a big walk-in closet then you definitely need good lighting. And if you have one of those really big walk in closets with maybe an island or a chest of drawers or something similar, you need to find some neat closet lighting ideas.
Track lighting is always cool looking and you might be able to put it in your large wak in closet. You can find some good deals on track lighting at Ikea and other places and if you set it up properly, your closet will be stunning.
Florescent lights are most often used in closets because they are cool (not hot). Electrical codes have distance requirements for all light sources (except LEDs that also run very cool). Closets usually have a lot of things in them with low ventilation that could easily catch on fire from an incandescent or halogen bulb. Luckily, we are talking about a large walk in closet so you will be able to use something other than florescent lights or the usual ugly light that all closets seem to come with. Just make sure you don't have any of your clothes near the lighting.
Walk-in closets are also great because they give you so many more closet storage options. If you have a problem with your junk piling up in your room, you can have it pile up in your closet instead which is better for appearances sake.
Depending on the size of your walk in closet, you can have many things in there in addition to all your clothes and shoes. Some walk in closet ideas have full length mirrors in them and even a small bench or island to make them feel like dressing rooms.
About the Author:
Are you looking for more walk in closet lighting ideas? Maybe you are just looking for some great closet design ideas. If so please visit my site Closet Ideas for some great closet design tips.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/walkin-closets-basics-for-every-home-584356.html
Feb 23, 2009
Downsizing Without Losing Space
Image by flowers & machinery via Flickr
Initially when moving home down sizing can feel like a step backwards. Space- or the impending lack of it- is obviously a common concern. However with careful planning during the design or decoration period, a more compact space can actually improve the quality of our lives through giving us back the most valuable commodity- time. Less space means less cupboards, drawers, shelves, floor space, pots, pans etc. This in turn means less clutter which in turn means less time cleaning. The key word here is efficiency. You must be streamlined if not cut-throat in your decision making! Only take with you what you really need- now is not a time for knick-knacks. A more minimal and open plan design will create the illusion of more space. That is not to say you cannot add colour or interest to a room. A brightly coloured settee or kitchen work surface not only provides visual stimulation, but also helps define areas as separate spaces- thereby further increasing the feeling of space. A change in flooring will also help indicate spatial perimeters (i.e. tiles in the kitchen and carpet in the sitting room).
Physical barriers between areas are allowed but try to squeeze as much use out of them as possible. A particularly effective way to separate the kitchen and living room is with a breakfast bar in place of a wall, you could also incorporate much needed storage underneath. Now you have a room divider, storage and a sociable dining area where you can keep an eye on the chef and your favourite T.V. show at the same time. You have also cut out the need for a wall and for a bulky dining table thereby increasing the active space of your home and decreasing wasted space. The settee can also be used to create a physical barrier between two spaces and prevent the living room from becoming a corridor-like access route to the kitchen. Rather than a conventional three piece suite which can waste an awful lot of space, investing in a modular corner couch system can be a much shrewder move. Instead of fitting the couch into a corner of a room, turn it the opposite way to define the perimeter of your living space. The modular system means that the couch is able to separate into smaller sections thereby allowing you to fit it to the shape of any room which again meaning less space wasted. A room can effectively be cut in half using this method, meaning a study or games area can be created in one half whilst still allowing people to relax in the other.
Try to keep harmony between soft furnishings and fabric covered items for a more cohesive feel to your scheme- a patchwork of patterns or materials will only obstruct the flow of a layout resulting in a disjointed effect, whereas similarly patterned cushions, curtains and rugs will combine to create a soothing ambience. With a little imagination down sizing can be seen as a positive way to organise your home and its contents effectively.
About the Author:
Terrys Fabrics retail in curtains and fabrics.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/downsizing-without-losing-space-784660.html
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Feb 21, 2009
How can foreigner purchase land and property in Thailand?
Image via Wikipedia
Have you ever wondered about living in a place that's always warm and the people friendly?
Welcome to Thailand, the land of peace and smiles. Land and Houses is proud to invite you to live in this wonderful country. Because we know there are many foreigners who are finding for a house in Thailand, so we are glad to provide this useful information for you to help you move and successfully live in Thailand.
How can foreigner purchase land and property in Thailand?
Following to Thai legal statements, only Thai person and Thai legal entity are allowed to own a freehold title of land. Therefore, foreigners are not able to have a freehold ownership of land in Thailand. However, there are two options for foreigners to purchase land in Thailand. First, foreigners are able to purchase properties with the name of Thais whom they trust. Every Thais who married to foreigners are legally still Thais and can own properties in Thailand with their names although their last names are changed. Second, this is usually recommended,foreigners can form a Thai registered company limited to own parcels of land and properties. There are many professional law offices in Thailand, which help foreigners meet their requirements easily with reasonable cost.(around 70,000 - 100,000 Baht per case)
Foreigners are able to apply for any loan packages from banks in Thailand if they have any businesses in Thailand or they have a Thai partner who will sign any loan contracts with them. They can purchase their properties in the name of Thai registered companies or the name of Thais.
Foreigners can lease out their homes to other people.
In Thailand, There are no restrictions for the owners to use their properties as an entirely commercial venture, for example, to rent out their homes.
What are other relevant costs to purchase land and houses?
There are five more items, which have to be paid in addition to the prices of properties.
1.Government charge for the guarantee of water - meter. (428 Baht at present)
2.Government charge for the guarantee of electrical - meter.(2,000 Baht at present)
3.Government charge for Registration fee. (2% of government appraised value of this properties)
4.Extra charges for upgrading the standard matters of the buildings, for example, structures, materials, etc. On the other hand, standard matters will be refunded to clients if the upgrades of these matters are required. (Our clients will be informed usually about standard matters of their purchased houses before they signed the contract.)
5.Charges for public - service fees. (300 Baht per 4 square meters of purchased land for land and houses buyers and 200 Baht per 4 square meters of purchased land for only - land buyers) For example, if a client purchases a house on a parcel of land of 400 square meters, this fee will cost him 30,000 Baht. However, it will cost him 20,000 Baht only if he purchases only a parcel of land of 400 square meters. This fee covers the services of garbage clearness, lights of common area, 24 - hour securities, clearness of common area, clearness of sewage pipes. Each payment will be submitted as a community fund to the management team of the community, which will be chosen formally by the clients. This fund can be used approximately for 2.5 - 3 years. It means that our clients have not to pay any fees until this fund is entirely used. This fee, however, will cost our clients around 1,000 - 1,500 Baht per month per unit thereafter.
All of above is the information in brief that you should know when you desire to buy a house in Thailand. Anyway buying and selling property in Thailand can be a complex matter, and you should ask a lawyer to complete advice.
The article is from LH
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Dec 10, 2008
Small Room Decorating
The Basic Rules of Small Room Decorating
Author: Jude WrightLiving in a small space is definitely challenging. And, small room decorating is a challenge in itself. People live in small homes for a variety of reasons. It may be that they can't afford a larger home or perhaps they just want to live a less complicated lifestyle. Whatever the reason, there are certain rules that should be followed in decorating small rooms. Here is a list of the most important ones:
1. Plan, plan, plan. Go through your home and note down how you actually use the space that you have. Then, look at it with an eye toward how you can better utilize that space. You'll need areas for cooking, entertaining, relaxing, sleeping and possibly a home office. Write it down and then decide on the best places to fit those uses. Don't need a formal dining room? Make it an office instead. A room doesn't always have to be used the way the architect intended.
2. Get rid of the clutter. When you have a lot of "stuff" and very little space, the clutter-filled space that you do have can look a lot smaller than it actually is. So the first task is to clean out what you don't really need. Have a garage sale, give to a charity and throw the worn out items into the dumpster.
3. Use color to visually enlarge the space. Choose lighter colors to give the room a more open look. Also, try to go monochromatic. Choosing tones that are in the same color family fools the eye to make spaces seem larger. Your furniture colors should blend in with your wall and carpet colors so that they don't break up the visual flow.
4. Paint the ceiling a lighter color than the walls. Avoid using a heavy patterned wallcovering in a tiny room.
5. Select furniture carefully. Choose styles that are multipurpose. Furniture like ottomans that have removable tops and tables that have drawers for storage are ideal for a small room. Trundle or bunk beds or even loft beds are just the ticket for kids rooms or a den. Taller end tables with curved, narrow legs draw the eye under the piece, thus making the space feel larger. Dining and coffee tables that are made of glass provide a place for accessories without blocking the room's view.
6. Use lighting to make a room look larger. Add lighting such as track or recessed lights. Also, eliminate heavy draperies. Use light sheers that will allow the sunlight to show through, or use no window coverings at all if privacy isn't an issue. With the right kind of lighting, you can use darker colors in paint and furnishings. In fact, the result can be quite dramatic with the correct lighting effects.
7. Use a mirror to visually enlarge the space of a room. Not only will its reflection make the room feel twice as large, but it will reflect light around the room further increasing the visual space. Visualizing the ways your rooms should work for you is a good first step to take when decorating a small space. Small rooms do not have to feel cramped and unusable. They can be beautiful and cozy with a little planning and creativity.
About the Author:
Jude Wright is the owner of DecoratingSimple.com where you can find great decorating ideas for those on a budget.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/the-basic-rules-of-small-room-decorating-130558.html
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Jan 1, 2008
How to Make your Dining Room Comfortable
You want to have a dining room that is as comfortable as it is beautiful. You want your guests to be able to enjoy their food while complimenting you on your lovely dining room furniture. You want your family to jump at the thought of the next meal time in the dining room. But achieving this will require considerable planning and some honesty. You must be able to decide whether you want a formal and stately dining room set or a simple and casual environment. ![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=f4cffcf1-00e7-4651-a064-560176d2980a)
Dec 30, 2007
10 Bedroom Decorating Tips You Need
9. A full mirror placed directly opposite a light source can reflect the lights back to give a very vibrant illumination. The best layout would be to have the window directly opposite to the door and a light source on one the adjacent walls and a mirror on the other. You could place the bed against the wall having the light source and you dresser along side the full mirror. Use the rest of the space available on the wall having the door and window to mount your embellishments!
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