It's Alive

I have a wall in my backyard that I have been wanting to address for years. And I've finally found the answer.

Heather and I went to a luncheon last week and listened to a presentation regarding living walls. Later on that evening, I opened up my new Sunset magazine and there it was - instructions on how to make your own living wall! "It's a sign!!!" I exclaimed, to Gigi and really, noone in particular. The picture above is my inspiration and I can't wait to show you the end result. Read the article - you may be inspired as well.

A living wall is pretty much just a vertical garden. It's amazing how powerful something can be when you change its viewing plane, isn't it? A large garden of succulents would definitely be interesting, but hang it on a wall and POW-POW, it's completely unique and striking.

I really love the outdoor succulent garden living walls - the indoor fern ones - not so much.

See what I mean? The indoor ones just seem a little 1970's - I'm expecting some macrame to pop out somewhere. But the outdoor ones - oh, be still my beating heart.

via the cutest little house in town blog

via gardeners.com

via picocool.com

via the gowanus lounge

I have just added this to my ginormous to do list. Stay tuned for the final results.

Save the Best for Last...

In my haste to promote ourselves and our website, I really left out one of the most important people in the Inhabit Design world. Dave Soto, of HTMLFX.com, is our master web designer extraordinaire. In addition to being Heather's fabulous husband, he helps with all of our graphic arts needs and created and recreated our amazing website. What that really means is we have unrealistic demands with a moment's notice and he always makes it happen for us.

Dave - we love you and appreciate all you do for us - ALWAYS - and we would not be where we are today if it weren't for you. We bow to you and your immense talent.

Much love - H & M

Dave, our superhero Strongbad web designer

It's a nice day for a ......

This is a custom dress made by JoanShum on Etsy.com

New things are on the horizon for Inhabit Design. We would like to introduce you to our latest and greatest offering: an interior design bridal registry. How does it work, you say? I'm glad you asked.

First step: Get engaged.

Second step: Call Inhabit Design.

Third Step: Tell all of your guests to put down that punch bowl/picnic basket/chip and dip tray, etc. and LISTEN UP! How about giving the unique gift of design instead?

We have three basic packages, or we can customize a package depending on your needs. We are experts at combining two households and can even help you with your registry! Your guests can find you on our website and can help you put together the home of your dreams. For both of you.

New and Improved

This post is entirely devoted to self promotion, so continue reading at your own risk. We have recently updated our website with some photos of projects that we completed in the last six months. All of the gorgeous photography is courtesy of my uber-talented sister, Kelley Simpson of Kelley Simpson Photography. Please look at her gorgeous portfolio - I may be biased, but I know good art when I see it!

So, please peruse the new additions to our portfolio and then hire us! Or, just tell us how much you love us. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Love, Exciting and New...

When it comes to design, that is. At least on HGTV and I, for one, am relieved. Because HGTV really pisses me off. The things that happen on the shows on HGTV are not realistic and they give people the impression that designers can do it all for under $500 and in 24 hours. I mean, Inhabit Design is GOOD, but we are not miracle workers for Pete's sake. But I digress. This is not about me, this is about Antonio.

Antonio Ballatore is the designer that won last season on HGTV's Design Star. I was impressed that someone with originality and a fresh point of view actually won on a show like this. That never happens. Here are some pictures of his spaces on the show:

images courtesy of hgtv.com

Here is an image from the makeover he did on his own home:

There aren't many photos of his work to show, but he has a new show called the Antonio Project. The videos on the link show some of his work and the best part - his personality. It's such a refreshing change from the normal drudgery on that channel. As always, check it out!