Pepper Design Blog

Living Room Update: Dried Flower Power

I love fresh flowers in the house. It’s one of my favorite splurges because flowers instantly brighten up a room, add that ‘pop’ of unexpected color (like fuchsia tulips in a navy bedroom) and bring life to a space of wood & textiles. I’m always on the look out for ways to bring in that floral feel in a more permanent way.

Branches have been a great way to do this, and the occasional faux can be pulled off if it’s just right (try using a realistic silk orchid in a single stem orchid pot when the flower is dormant). Another way? Dried flowers. I know, I know… not your Grandma’s bowl of potpourri or an upside down bouquet from last Valentine’s Day… but instead a few sprigs of lavender in the kitchen tied together with twine, or even a dozen yellow craspedia (billy balls) poking out of a tall vase with their modern, spherical shape lighting up a room. It’s a careful line between playfully artistic and horribly dated… no plastic ivy, if you know what I mean.

We have a unique plant in our front yard that I pass by everyday and adore, and when Kevin brought me a clipping of Sea Lavender (Statice) while he was pruning, I was pleasantly caught off guard at what a great cut flower it turned out to be.

Naturally dried looking by nature, the large clumps of paper-like blooms are beautiful on their own or when paired with a contrasting color. I opted for a sage green ceramic vase and a few bleached manzanita branches – and zero water.

I wanted to see how long the dried-looking flowers would last when, well, dried. Happy to say that five weeks later they’re still beautiful! Providing just enough contrasting color to a dark mantel with a few framed pictures (isn’t that shot of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk stunning? A gift from my dad who took it from the pier and had it printed on metal for that shimmery affect. Santa Cruz is my home town so it’s nice to have a few reminders around).

The shape almost reminds me of a Monterey Oak leaning over the edge of the cliffs up near the coast of Big Sur, another favorite spot. And I’m digging how purple way unexpected in a room full of tan, burnt orange and various greens.

That new rug is Liv and my favorite place to hang out during play time – we spread foam building blocks all over and then I build towers while Olivia takes great joy in knocking them down! I think the flowers will be sticking around for a little while, too!

More living room posts here.

Soft Pastels: the Life of the Party

A bit of August party inspiration coming your way… pinks, corals & oranges make the perfect backdrop for a shower or tea party and I LOVE love the upside down poms (turned flowers) hanging over the top of this table. How creative! Can you imagine sitting beneath with the flower blooms swinging gently above?

Oh sweet summer nights.

Bouganvilla, sweet peas, garden roses and boxes of ripe peaches make the perfect centerpiece. Handmade soap {scented similarly?} wrapped in scrapbooking paper works well for a great favor. I love the simple menus and the floral napkins (so easy to diy) – pictured very top.

And here’s another option with plenty of peonies in birch vases – how delicious does that grapefruit mimosa look? Details such as the drink tags help to personalize a bigger party.

Hope you have a few reasons to throw some fun summer celebrations before fall finds us! Images from A Diary of Lovely.

Thanksgiving Centerpieces For Every Style

A few Thanksgiving centerpieces to mull over as you plan for the special day… whether your style is muted & soft or blazing with color there are so many brilliant ideas out there to give you inspiration. I’ve collected a few of my favorites from design experts around the web: BHG, Party Perfect Blog, HGTV and Cathie Filian.

Before you begin… choose your theme wisely. Will this holiday be traditional & cozy or modern & eye-catching? Choosing your color palate can be most challenging but incorporating just one ‘wow!’ color can make a huge difference. Bright pastels like orange, pink and green give your table a pop and are all over the place this season.

By the way, isn’t this idea of incorporating photos into a centerpiece runner a neat tribute to family?

Be out of the ordinary. Surprise your guests with unique elements that will make them remember this holiday for years to come. It can be as simple as a painted red branch, as crafty as ribbon wrapped paper lanterns or as unique as veggie candle holders (for those last two ideas, jump on over to the next page).

Where ever your inspiration comes from your guests will surely appreciate the extra effort! Read more »