Category Archives: Design

Cliff Island Ocean Textures Are Art

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The image above was taken at the Robert E. Perry home on Eagle Island off the coast of Maine in Casco Bay. I will be posting on this historic site shortly. What you are seeing is the stairs leading up to the home, with side walls covered in a golden/orange lichen.  It seemed very unique to this area and island, but I did notice a small amount of it on two other islands that I visited.

These are rocks in the clear waters of Casco Bay.

This is looking almost at water level as waves rippled across the bay. Seaweed floats atop the water.

This remarkable rock formation was photographed on Eagle Island. It is rock washed by the ocean and weathered over the years.

This the one of the beaches with the water flowing in and out with the tides.

Another photo of pretty rock coated in lichen.

Seaweed washed up on black rock on Eagle Island.

A sea anemone that I found at Carolyn’s beach.

This was a cliff face on Cliff Island.

Mussels taken by gulls and covered in ocean water at low tide.

Red seaweed washed ashore on the beach covered in rock.

Black seaweed laying across washed beach stone.

Another shot looking down through the clear waters. The sun is making the unique pattern in the water.

More cliff rock.

A birch log washed ashore.

Millions of colorful snail shells at water’s edge.

Barnacles coating the rock.

A pretty still-life of mussels and snails on the beach.

Odd place for an oak leaf. And below, hand-made glass. Amazing art that I will show later as well.

Chanticleer Gardens wrap up on Garden Walk Garden Talk, stop and see.

Garden on the Escarpment

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This is a property I designed in Lewiston.  Springtime is especially lovely. Enjoy the tour, the flowers bloom mostly in pink. See more of this property on Garden Walk Garden Talk on Tuesday.

Rhododendron is king in Spring. The first image is at the driveway entrance and above, the rear of the residence.

The clematis was newly planted the year before. It is filling in nicely.

Japanese maple are in many locations on this property and do quite well.

The side garden above was designed for wedding photos to be taken.  The wedding was the following year, so the plantings had time to fill in.

Island beds are throughout the huge front yard. The new spruce are planted as a screen. They will get beds as they develop.

Hope you enjoyed the tour.

Just Barely Out the Door

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When you are creating and designing your home and the experience of accessing the home, it is important to pay special attention to the transition between inside and outside; that space just outside the doors. What is the feel you want to achieve for visitors and what is the experience you wish to have looking out into the garden?

The home above uses large windows soaring to 30 feet to make you feel like you are sitting in the garden from the comfort of your sofa. The architect made it a priority to merge the indoor and outdoor spaces.  The bluestone runs from the terrace into the interior space above, viewed under the piano. It is a literal connecting element. This is no accidental view or connection to the garden and mountains beyond.

There is no doubt what this designer had in mind for this terrace space above. Sitting and relaxing in the countryside. The repeating seating and french doors in black is masterful.

An antiques dealer combines eclectic  pieces on her veranda with varying patinas and finishes. The blue chair is a wonderful addition to this vignette below. Notice the old cart, such unexpected interest.


Veranda, March 2010, five images above

A tiny well decorated space right outside the apartment. Barely a balcony at the width of the boxwood’s pot, but imagine if it was not there. Sometimes if you think about what a space would be like if an element was missing, it can either make you say ‘wow that’s great’ or ‘oh, it is better with less’. Above… wow, that’s great.

This is a great example of connecting inside to outside. You see right through the house from front to back. And what an entry! As gorgeous as the rear garden appears, I would not hesitate to explore this home.

Veranda, October 2009

A beautiful and graciously charming entry courtyard with a mirrored niche and octagonal windows in the Mediterranean Revival home. The symmetrical boxwood parterres and containers work perfectly with the herringbone brick walk. Such elegance.

Veranda, September 2009 above and below

This terrace, above and below, is landscaped with containers filled with Arborvitae, boxwood and lantana. White birch give the space presence and height. The basil, spearmint and parsely give the dining experience fragrance, and the cook a little fresh herbs.

A narrow terrace, but beautifully appointed.