Home/Design

Color and balance matter when planting a pot

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut with container plants. To be successful, an arrangement needs plants that are spilling, filling and thrilling, says Ann Vanasse of Rosehill Gardens in Kansas City.

Full Proof Plans for Beautiful Container Gardening

Kristopher Dabner of the Greensman chose a collection of glazed ceramic containers with complementary lines in shades of green and yellow. The plantings were selected for form, contrasting textures and tones that would complement the planters and the trim of the house. The weeping spruce has great sculptural form and can be planted in the yard this fall.

The Sunshiny Color Rises Again in Home Decor

Daffodil, lemon drop, smiley face, canary.
Colors just don’t get any cheerier than yellow, and trend forecasters say the happy hue will be heading into homes in a big way soon.

Botanical Motifs Are a Look That's Growing Stronger

This spring it’s time for a lark in home décor — or a swallow or a crane.

Flora and fauna, birds and bees are all the rage in upholstery, wall coverings, rugs and even dinnerware. Of course, botanical motifs have been around for thousands of years. But not in today’s oversized, ultra-abstracted, vivid-hued incarnations.

Choose a frame that lets the piece be the star of the show

An original work of art will outlive most of your furnishings, so it’s important the frame be timeless.

Choosing frames and mats that coordinate with a room’s décor is a mistake for two reasons, according to framers and designers: It lessens the impact of the artwork, relegating it to decorative status. And, if the décor changes, the frame and mat will look dated.

Joyce Firner, Mission

Why she's a stylemaker: Joyce Firner loves beautiful cocktail stemware, but she doesn’t feel the need to procure matching sets. Instead, she buys one of a color or pattern she loves. It’s an inspired idea for entertaining.

Beryl Johnson, Kansas City

Why she’s a stylemaker: She successfully broke all the rules for displaying photographs.

The display: In shelter magazines, interior designers say personal photographs should be reserved for private spaces such as bedrooms and home offices, or at least hallways. However, Johnson created a focal point of framed photographs of her family and friends by displaying them on a round glass table in her elegant Crossroads Art District condo.

Beautiful Patterns have you Covered

Some drop-dead gorgeous fabrics are fluttering into homes this season. Many are so lovely, designers and homeowners are displaying them like artworks.