The Secret Garden

October 13, 2015

This long weekend was a lovely recharge and a much needed extra 24 hours to get things accomplished. It is always the things that are “on the to-do list” that get pushed back day after day. As I was running errands on Saturday afternoon, I drove down a busy street that has some beautiful Dallas homes, but are very exposed to traffic any time of day. I happened to see a sign that read “open garden” on the side of the road. I peered out my window and noticed it was a home that I had always been curious about. The house is not visible by the road, so it has always been a bit of a mystery to me. As I drove past it, the voice in my head said “turn around.” I managed to find myself back in front of the house and paid $7 for a non-member garden club ticket. As I walked past the gate, I knew I made the right choice.

The house that sits upon a small hill has a bit of California and a bit of Italian romance aesthetic. I had 6% battery left on my phone, so I knew I needed to catch my breath (from the beauty of it all) and get to work. The landscape, by Robert Bellamy, had so many unexpected turns and elements throughout it made me feel as if I was in a wandering dream. There was potted boxwood, tall cypress, lush greenery that looked as if it has been there for a thousand years, a giant bird cage filled with white doves, a fountain of shells, and a chicken coup garden with potted mums and boxwood. It was a lot to take in. To be honest, I am not quite sure I have digested the splendor of it all. Also, it had a seasonally superb display of pumpkins. I think you can agree, this garden is beyond heavenly and serenely chic.

Enjoy your day! XO TPB

Photos by Christina Dandar for The Potted Boxwood

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 30

Upon walking in I was greeted by beautiful terracotta pots of all shapes and sizes. After leaving this garden, I became a huge fan of white potted mums!

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 31

More pots.

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood

Can you see how this was just the most fabulous surprise!! So much gorgeous green everywhere!!

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 29

I love the large ferns by the door. Honestly, I loved everything about this house. I definitely felt like I left Dallas for 15 minutes.

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 16

A great display of white, yellow, and light green pumpkins mixed with mums.

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 33

Climbing ivy is so enchanting.

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 15

Look at those shutters. An interesting color palette of pale pink and green paint.

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 2

Can you see the texture and layers in the garden. There is nothing overly formal about this landscape at all, which is what makes it so fun!

Heavenly.

Notice the landscape of hanging pots and plants on the upper railing.

Potted mums on a Juliet balcony.

A display of beautiful tiles and shells on this wall fountain.

The back of the property.

Potted boxwood everywhere. I love the mushroom shape of the clipped boxwood.

White potted mums.

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 32

The most chic chicken coop ever.

Steps and paths of green.

Well clipped and maintained. You know how much I love pea gravel!

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 21

Is this real life? I told you it was literally like I was in a dream. There is a busy city surrounding this home. It is incredible what good landscaping can do to transform a space.

I love the flume of the fire.

This is my new favorite display of boxwood. I saw this similarly in San Miguel this summer.

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 19

It was the best $7 I have ever spent, hope you can see why!

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Living The Logo

October 12, 2015

I am so excited to show all of you my new logo designed by my friend Hillary Owen. I love boxwood in every way, but I am always drawn to boxwood in a blue and white pot over the rest. I contacted Hillary to spruce up my logo to bring a little more blue and white beautiful to you daily. I sincerely hope you see it, and my blog, as a symbol of timeless chic.

I have other exciting news that will be “popping up” soon (hint, hint).

Have a wonderful day!

Christina of TPB

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Haslam Habitat

October 8, 2015

I have only met a couple of famous people in my lifetime. I saw Reese Witherspoon once in a L.A. salon where my mom got her hair done. She looked up from her US Weekly and smiled at me. I had to turn around because my high school self couldn’t control the goofy starstruck smile that was on my face. A few years before that I saw Alanis Morisette at a spa in Kauii. I still feel guilty for saying that because I lied about my age to the spa (I definitely wasn’t 18 but my mom wanted a pedicure buddy, so really it’s all her fault). I often feel this same excitement, yet on an even higher level, when I see designers I admire.

I met Charlotte Moss this past Spring at a book signing and was a bundle of nerves seeing the face behind the iconic design. In a way it was quite surreal, because she knew me as well (when Charlotte Moss says you have a “great eye” it makes your year/life). Today, I am antsy with anticipation for another celebrity designer coming to Dallas for a book signing: The renown designer Nicky Haslam. A staple in London and a legend in the world of interiors, Haslam is the quintessential model of classic taste and everlasting chic. I think nothing quite exhibits that as much as his country house in Sussex. It is everything one could dream about in terms of superb taste and high end ambience. His work speaks volumes, and his taste is timeless.

Photos by Simon Upton.

Nicky Haslam

A picturesque English estate. White picket fence included.

Casual English Ambience. Casually comfortable with textured walls, a picturesque fireplace, and timeless trinkets.

English chintz, fabulous furniture, and divine display of china in the bookshelves.

A sweet fire and wonderful woodwork on the walls.

More of the garden with clipped boxwood.

An almost daring red and white striped bedroom that looks wonderfully comfortable and classic.

More photos of the garden, complete with potted boxwood.

Nicky Haslam 2

Tasteful traditional.

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A Window Seat

October 7, 2015

I prefer a window seat on a plane. I like to be in my little corner looking out over the sky. I think some of the best thinking and contemplation can be done in a window seat. However, I am also that annoying girl constantly asking to use the restroom (that is what you get when you sit in an aisle!). I don’t just like a window seat on a plane, I like them in homes as well, and not in the 90’s sitcom type of style.

Window seats (sometimes referred to as banquets) can be a wonderful seating solution when you are tight on space, have an oversized window, or need to split up a long wall area. Upholstery is key when it comes to a window seat, as is the view. How the window is framed with drapery or shades is also an important component in the window seat world. Come to think of it, I have never lived in a house with a window seat. Maybe that is why I find them so fascinating. I’ll add that to my long list of #lifegoals.

An unconventional window seat on the outside courtyard of the house. Doesn’t get more chic than this.

A window seat used in a den setting. I love how the texture is applied and the TV is placed.

Grays and whites make for a clean, classic, and light filled window seat by Bradley Thiergartner Interiors Inc. Via Elle Decor

A fabulous blue paint, a chicly upholstered window seat, and chairs that have the perfect aesthetic. Via AD

A lovely hallway with soft texture and timeless design. The shades are the ideal element to frame the window seat.

Classically cool with the right amount of pattern and material. Via Elle Decor

An open array of windows in this Martha’s Vineyard dining room. A great mix of color and relaxed ambience. Via Elle Decor

A corner window dining area. I adore the white palette and the contrast of the dark chairs. I ADORE this style of windows! Via Domino

A roaming pasture is the focal point in this timeless dining area. Via AD

An indoor/outdoor modern dining area.

Lot’s of pattern mixes together in this fantastic corner window seat. Via Elle Decor

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All In The Logo

October 6, 2015

I am in the process of revamping my logo. I want my potted boxwood to reflect everything that my taste and posts represent. Recently, I just saw a preview of my new logo and I can’t wait to reveal it to all of you! I have many reasons why I named my blog The Potted Boxwood. I had this obsession with potted boxwood for some time, I just had trouble growing real boxwood and then making preserved boxwood work outside (it doesn’t!). Boxwood was a word that always rolled off my tongue, but it didn’t seem worthy of anything more than that.

It wasn’t until I decided to make the plunge into the blog world that the name resurfaced. I had a completely different name picked out, but as soon as I said the first name I realized it lacked oomph and enthusiasm. I was out to lunch with friends and I turned to my friend Ashley and told her my new blog name. I could read from her expression that she wasn’t thrilled. I took another sip of my skinny margarita and “the potted boxwood” slipped off of my tongue. It clicked with her and it clicked with me. It was truly an “aha” moment. If you are reading this blog, you get it. It is a symbol of chic. I feel every so often I need to remind myself of why a potted boxwood is so fabulous. I think these images can say it for me.

All photos via Pinterest.

Potted Boxwood 6

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Private Benjamin

October 5, 2015

There is such a thing as over decorating. It looks something like the type of thing you see in a model unit for a spec house. They call it staging for a reason, it is all pretend and not livable. It is often too fluffy, too hip, too pillowed, too trendy, and just too much to deal with. It lacks character, fluidity, and all things charming. I have been looking at places to move to all weekend, so forgive me for this rant. This house hunting process makes it all the more refreshing when I come across designers who have the ideal balance of texture, charm, and chic. One designer who embodies all these things and who has caught my eye is the talented Benjamin Dhong.

Dhong creates a timeless and classic ambience with all of his spaces. He masters the ability to layer, add color and have a little fun. His work has a splash of enthusiasm and a hint of classic restraint. Mondays shouldn’t have to be boring and predictable, and neither does design.

Photos by Lisa Romerein via House Beautiful.

This photo literally makes my heart skip a beat. The open shelving, the striped rug, the marble island. LOVE it all.

I love the eclectic atmosphere off of the kitchen. A lovely little nook upholstered in yellow and so much natural light.

Notice the paneling in this bathroom. So rare to see such wide planks, yet it works so well to keep the bathroom current. A great sink area.

That mirrored screen wall is the foundation for this bedroom. A true highlight.

Now that chair is a conversation starter. I really love the key lining on the curtains.

Full of character and comfortable class.

A refreshing take on toile. There really isn’t anything I don’t like in this dining room. While the two tone texture of the chairs is a little out of my comfort zone, it all compliments each other so well.

Shades of green and an abundance of texture and layers. How fabulous!

A muted bedroom that speaks so loudly when it comes to serenity and tranquility.

Benjamin adds architecturally significant elements at every corner.

A masculine room of twin beds with superb blue and white incorporated.

More blue and white used in this more feminine twin bedroom. Don’t forget to look up at the ceiling. Like a chic jewel box.

I spy potted boxwood. I wish more people would use it indoors. It is so versatile and makes such a statement. P.S. don’t forget to notice the use of that same mirrored screen

An open and exquisite kitchen that almost feels like it belongs on a garden terrace.

Green velvet and hues of yellow. A lovely beamed ceiling.

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Falling Into October

October 1, 2015

Well, the time has come to get on board with the holiday train. October is the month where all of the festivities officially begin. Get your pumpkins carved today because tomorrow you will need your grocery list for Thanksgiving, and the next day it will be time for your Christmas list shopping. While in the midst of this madness, I need to move as well. I am taking a tiny step out of condo living and inching more towards townhouse lifestyle. A backyard, a fireplace, another room to decorate…..I think Emmie and I can use a little more room and a little more quiet. This also gives me the opportunity for a front door step, which is a whole other space to decorate that leaves me more excited than one should be (it is the little things right?).

When the holidays come around, the front door becomes a true symbol of your holiday style. From wreaths to potted arrangements, this area is the first symbol of your taste in decor. Of course, the most classic and simple route is to put two potted boxwood out front and call it a day. It is also fun to add a little seasonal flair. I think October 1st is the best time to do that, and I think these images can inspire you to get your outdoor entry prepared for the perfect curb appeal.

Ortanmental Cabbage with Boxwood and Spider Web

A picture I took last fall in Manhattan of a festive sidewalk display. I love the ornamental cabbage with the boxwood and the spider web across the sphere. Photo by yours truly.

A fantastic mix of boxwood, mums and pumpkins. Via The Yellow Cape Cod

A little bit of hay and a whole lot of color. This is definitely a treat for the season. Via Veranda

A photo I took last fall on the upper east side. It is also a secondary residence of a very design oriented Dallas couple. Photo via The Potted Boxwood

I love it when I see compacted displays of pumpkins, gords, and flowers. The more you can pack in, the better! Via Pinterest

Quite the spooky display on this NYC townhouse. If you don’t have a backyard, you may as well have some fun by the front. Photo via The Potted Boxwood

I adore this chic pumpkin display by Alicia of The Lush List. Check out her post on fabulous fall decor.

These are incredible! Oversized planters and trellis full of pumpkins and gourds. A great image of fall. Va Flickr

Superbly spooky in the most tasteful way possible (in my opinion!). Photo by The Potted Boxwood

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Thirty Days Has September

September 30, 2015

I recently purchased a beautiful golden mum and placed it in a garden green pot on my balcony patio. I absolutely love abundant and oversized mums in the fall. I did a post last year on superbly seasonal autumn porches. As I am compiling images of other fall arrangements for tomorrow’s post, I thought I would reflect back on these classic compilations . After all, tomorrow is October 1st. Now that is scary!

My Grandmother (whom I call Gegan) once told me the greatest insult I could give her would be to put mums on her grave. I was in elementary school when she professed this wish and have always kept it in the back of my mind. What is so bad about mums? It is funny how people’s opinions can instantly change your view of things you once liked or knew nothing about. For me, this same trend goes for paisley. I used to love it as a child, but since a friend’s mom professed her dislike of it in college, I can’t stand the sight of anything paisley.

While my opinion of paisley remains the same, my view of mums has drastically changed. Mums are an ideal fall plant that are abundant, colorful, and the perfect companion to pumpkin and fall decor. They posses a fantastic curb appeal, especially when potted near a front door entry or lining a sidewalk area. Mums give a nice reassurance that not all planting in the fall has to be brown. While Mums may not be a flower for the grave, their presence in the fall is certainly not dead.

TIPS FOR MUMS

A variety of fall mums and colors via Pinterest

A beautiful brick revival with yellowed pumpkins and mums via Pinterest

Ornamental cabbage mixed with beautiful purple mums from the ultimate hostess via Caroyne Roehm

A colorfully lined sidewalk for fall via Decoist

Abundant golden mums in urns via Fox Hollow Cottage

A chic and eclectic mix of pumpkins and mums (before they bloom they almost look like boxwoods) via Southern Living

A grand entrance of mums on these NYC steps via Flickr

A lovely fall combination. Mums and Pumpkins truly do go hand in hand. I can’t wait to show you the Dallas Halloween decor next month. Photo via Pinterest

Another chic urn full of mums for fall via Pinterest

Pumpkins filled with mums make for the perfect fall steps and setting via Martha Stewart

mums as a centerpiece for fall dinner

Decorating with mums and pumpkins isn’t just for the front door. It also works wonderfully on tablescapes. Photo source: Pinterest

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Longwood Gardens

September 29, 2015

A friend of mine recently acquired a box of old books that didn’t really have any value to her, but upon further review, I found some wonderful hidden gems featuring china patterns and specific garden estates. One garden book I fell in love with is Longwood Gardens. This garden is located 30 miles west of Philadelphia as the country home of the DuPont family. As I turned each page of this book, my jaw dropped at the perfectly pruned landscape of the gardens. The Italian inspired gardens were one of a kind in America, especially the fountains, which were rumored in 1928 to be like “fireworks.”

While the fountains are fantastic, the gardens are beyond wonderful. The flowers are not just scattered, but are dripping in a plethora of color. The abundance is what makes a big impact in the design of the landscape. Longwoood does not “short” on flowering plants and well hedged spaces. I love the adaptation of the gardens for the seasons that allows for maximum color and contrast.

Longwood Gardens 2

The fountains certainly do look like fireworks. They shoot high into the sky, as does the formal hedging. Via perfectgardeningtips

Timeless flowers blooming in the orangery.

The topiaries are unlike anything I have ever seen. So well crafted and appointed. Via AD

All I can say is wow. I love how the wall plats are diverse, not uniform, and full of dimension.

A pond that is literally unreal. Via Pinterest

Black potted tulips and hanging wisteria. Via Flickr

More high rising fountains located throughout the gardens. Via Pinterest

Another glimpse of the orangery. Breathtaking. Via Good Housekeeping

I am making this estate my next garden visit. Via Pinterest

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Interning In Design

September 28, 2015

Yesterday, a friend and I saw Nancy Meyer’s new movie, The Intern. Any time Meyers creates a movie, design enthusiasts are antsy with anticipation for the movie set interiors. I had posted previously on Meyer’s Magic of picking and creating spaces with the upmost chic design aesthetic. She has fabulous taste and of course she enlisted excellent design talent to advise on set, especially blogger and designer Mark D. Sikes who even makes a quick cameo! This movie set is full of potted boxwood everywhere you look: two perfect pots by Anne Hathaway’s brick townhouse door; one pretty square pot by Robert de Niro’s place; and all throughout the streets you will see my favorite symbol of chic.

The Brooklyn townhouse and office space is designed to feel fresh, light, and chicly comfortable. The build is classic in the townhome, yet the decor is more streamlined and current. Both spaces are no frills, but adorned with the perfect pinch of textures and surrounded with the ambience of neutral palette. I must admit, my favorite was Robert De Niro’s townhouse. It is a perfect traditional with blue and white pieces throughout and oozing with charm. The spaces have all the necessary details to make a set feel like a home, and an enviable one at that. It is a movie you can’t see only once. Forget the popcorn, there is too much inspiration you may miss if you aren’t careful…

Photos by Francois Duhamel Via Architectural Digest.

THE INTERN

A beautifully appointed kitchen with a fireplace included. A playful mix of open shelving and a kids’ area to boot.

THE INTERN

White subway tile, gray-blue cabinetry, and a great display of black and white stripes. Notice the way they put multiple pieces of hardware on the cabinetry.

A fantastically fresh mix. I especially love the mantle display. The patterns and lighting make everything more hip and current.

You don’t really get to see much of this room in the movie, besides the sweet pillow cases (I believe they are D. Porhault).

This room has much more ambience in the movie. It has a great set of blue and white striped sheets. Very Mark D. Sikes approved. I love the sconces and lamps combined. My grandmother does the same thing by her bedside.

THE INTERN

The office space. Exactly the type of place you would want to run any start up. Blue and white throw pillows are a fun touch. I especially love how the black and white striped rug is cohesive with the black and white space.

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