BOGLE STREET

28MarIT’S ALIVE

Like anyone, I want my front door and my side entry to be welcoming, beautiful and to have presence. The logical thing to do is install planters with seasonal material. But it’s a lot of upkeep. Sometimes I keep the plants on my side entry and back patio and leave the front door adorned with objects. Sound crazy?

But what if you can’t maintain anything alive? Even if you do have planters, garden statuary is such a whimsical element to an entry, in lieu of or in addition to live plant material flanking the door. Stone, iron, wood or zinc– whatever you prefer. My mom gifted me a pair of iron pineapple finials for a house warming present when we bought our first home, and they still grace my front door. The more rusty and crusty they become, the more I enjoy them.

I am not referring to religious figures, buddhas or nude people. In fact, no thank you. The exception to the above statement is a pair of aged cast stone poodles (for me) or seated lions (if you have a grand entry or pool). But old and chippy and not gaudy, please. More objects like spheres, acorns, finials and the like.

I am recently obsessed with idea of an enormous sphere somewhere in my front vicinity. Either rolling in the yard or on my side porch. Just one great big one. I think what inspired me was the picture in my good friend, Julia’s portfolio. I find this so unexpected and phenomenally humorous.

I love the idea of obelisks, spheres, finials, trellis. For me the key is not “cute”. No frogs, bunnies or gnomes, although now that I mention it, I might be up for a good gnome… Statuary is not the easiest to find. Vintage shops sometimes have, 1st Dibs (for a pretty penny) and really good garden stores like Gerards in Lincoln, MA, if you prefer them aged and mossy (like I do!)

And the good news is, you can always bring them inside for a change of scenery. Here’s what I am talking about:

1. Campania 2.Charles Spada 3.French Country Living 4. Laserow 5. Mecox Gardens 6. Mecox Gardens

Posted by Katie in Bogle Street, Featured Post, Followed with 7 Comments

27MarDEAR JERE

This post may not resonate with some traditionalists. The return of “Mad Men” has me in a mid century kinda mood. As such, I have been considering how and where I could incorporate a metal wall sculpture a’la C. Jere in my home. Back when I lived in a mid century home in LA, I considered investing in one, and we moved before I got to that level of detail. Thanks, a lot, Doug…

Even though my house now is classic New England architecturally speaking, I see no reason why something like this can’t be displayed on a large wall, and I am thinking in my stairway. I love how these pieces combine metal, art and nature; and I love the 3D appeal. I especially like the way they look like wall jewelry. All the rage in the 60′s, bronze and metal sculptures are looking fresh again. And I love the notion of hanging one in a non-mid century setting.

The ultimate is to invest in a signed piece, but if the price prohibits, find a vintage “copy” “in the style of C.Jere’” and be thrilled. Would you dare?

Posted by Katie in Bogle Street, Featured Post, Followed with 10 Comments

26MarWHEN GOOD THINGS HAPPEN

If someone told me when I moved to Boston 4 years ago that I would quickly develop a local design clientele and have my home featured in a National Magazine within 2 years of relocating, I would have sent them to the shrink for evaluation. And, so it happened. It all started with social media. Yes, it did. With this very blog.

I met many people through this blog and other social media channels, many supportive design industry colleagues, friends and co-workers, all who have contributed to my “small success”. I adore them all. Truly. My daily life is rich and fun and filed with joy and laughter when these people are in it. I mean that. The gorgeous and UBER talented, octopus-armed Stacy Kunstel made this shoot happen, and she has remained a friend and colleague since.

Without Stacy, I would not be where I am in my career this moment. I was lucky to have Stacy Style this shoot of my own home. It was 2 days of torrential rains, muddy shoes, a crew of adorable photogs from NYC, and the amazing Kris Kennedy, all camped out here at the house, working long hours and eating fun lunches at my kitchen table with a lot of laughs.

It was a terrific experience, and I would do it over 100 times (well, maybe not the muddy shoes and rain part…) if I could. Thanks to everyone who had a hand in this story.

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Here are a few photos that didn’t make it into the spread! Photos by William Geddes.

Posted by Katie in Bogle Street, Featured Post, Followed with 12 Comments

21MarLAAZY DAYS

The porch… Anyone who has one is such a lucky guy or gal. Such an under-rated bonus space to lounge, entertain and live. Growing up, my mom always had an outdoor living room, even when it was not a common thing to do, she constructed a custom awning and literally furnished it as nicely as our living room, but added amazing potted arrangements and moody lighting. If I am not mistaken, she even rotated sisal and kilim rugs out there (crazy, yes), but she is crazy, so it made perfect sense.

We LIVED out there, and when people came to visit, that is where we went. We didn’t have a porch so she created one. Granted, that was Florida. In the 70′s and 80′s, it was COOL. My aunt had a full length screened porch with a living area and a dining area and wet bar complete with gorgeous herringbone laid brick floors. She entertained a ton, and it was the perfect party set up.

In any case, the porch and/outdoor room has become a more desirable and common space, and nowadays there is a bevy of options for amazing outdoor furnishings, damp rated lighting, even outdoor rugs. I will save some time and content on the details, but take a peek at some of the porches that inspired me today. If you have a porch and have not considered making the most of it, now’s the time!

1. All About Vignettes 2.Southern Living 3.Nancy Pearson via Traditional Home 4. Paige & Walton via Cottage Living 5.Johnny Valiant 6. Amanda Nisbet 7.Phoebe Howard 8. Elizabeth Elsey via Atlanta Homes 9.Canadian House and Home

Posted by Katie in Bogle Street, Featured Post, Followed with 11 Comments

20MarPLANTING THE SEED FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

For people like me who don’t have a green thumb or much interest in maintaining a yard, the potted garden can be a great fix. Truth be told, I don’t know that much about gardening, but the warmer weather has me looking at my scrappy scraggly pots with leftover boxwoods and holiday greens with contempt. It is TIME to freshen up, and how?

In New England, most will tell you it’s a bout early to plant your pots, but the time is near. So, what kind of look do you want?

I would describe my look as a simplified version of and English garden with a modern twist. Think singular species, potted low profile and en masse. Simple garden furnishings, perhaps a whimsical painted bench or porch floor, and done. Or, in crazy land, one enormous but statement piece of statuary. This look will not appeal to everyone, but I love it. Here is what I am aiming for this Spring: