Description: Tips and tricks on how to design a small garden to maximize space by incorporating containers of various heights and sizes.

If you live in an apartment or condominium, or if your home in the city provides you with only a very tiny lot, you can still have a fabulous variety of plants if you design a small garden that includes containers and pots.

Not only can a patio garden planter extend the actual amount of space available to you, by thinking of your soil plot in terms of levels and incorporating taller plants and planters towards the back, and smaller plants and pots towards the front; using containers can make even the tiniest patch of ground look lush and multidimensional.

One fun trick is to choose one or two design elements of differing heights, such as a tall wooden chair to place against a fence and maybe a large tin washbasin to set near the center of your garden. Plant a container full of trailing plants like petunias or ivy, and set the container on the chair. Weave the plant material around the chair rails as it grows.

Plant the lower tin basin with plants that will spill over the side, and then plant shorter, upright flowers (such as marigolds or zinnias) in front of it. Tuck some sweet alyssum between the upright bloomers, and you have an instant designer garden that is much more interesting and fun than a few annuals planted in rows in your small flat space.

Another good trick is to make the most of any fencing you already have. Attach hanging planters to a wooden fence or wall, or hang plantable plastic bags (available in any garden center) flat against your fence and stick strawberries or flowers in the pockets. Place a tall clay strawberry jar in towards the middle or back of your garden and, if you don’t want to grow strawberries, fill the pockets with a selection of colorful creeping sedum or with some ‘Hens ‘n Chicks.’

Make use of found objects to use as containers, and don’t be afraid to experiment with witty cast off materials. Old shoes make fun herb planters and can be placed toward the front of a small garden. Chipped colorful coffee cups and bowls can be enlisted for the same purpose.

An old watering can filled with soil and planted with Gerbera daisies and ivy makes a charming and inexpensive statement. Old toy wagons found at yard sales make terrific annual planters and are just the right height for the center of your bed.

Once you get the hang of thinking in terms of vertical instead of just horizontal space, the sky is the limit when it comes to fleshing out your little plot.

If you are lucky enough to have a patch of ground that sits beside a chain link or wire fence, plant some flowering sweet peas, some perennial clematis, some morning glories,

or even some scarlet runner beans (brilliant red flowers followed by perfectly edible green beans), for a dramatic back drop to your container and garden plants.

You can design a small garden that is every bit as luxurious and interesting as a huge established perennial bed; all you need is some containers, some imagination, and several 40 pound bags of good potting soil, compost, and manure.

With so many people looking to start gardening again at home, you may even find yourself with a job offer or two. Have fun, and think outside the box!

About the Author:
Scott Gray is a garden enthusiast who loves to relax taking care of his garden. For more information about container gardening ideas, ceramic garden planters, tips for growing roses in containers and general gardening information, be sure to visit his site allgardenplanters.com.

*Publishing/Copyright Permission Granted to:

                                             Copyright 2009 Home Link Design Inc.

SUMMER SUN DECOR!

There are great ways to decorate the outdoors for summer time!  Many casual and intimate styles are seen in today’s outdoor patio and furniture sets with accent cushions in terracotta oranges, lemon yellows, apple reds and ocean blues!  These accent colours are an exciting way to bring decorative appeal to any outdoor area of a home.

 The move towards creating a comfortable outdoor space is becoming popular in both hot and temperate climates because people want to entertain more outside.  There is a trend in creating an outside room that looks like an extension of one’s home which can be achieved with a few simple decor elements!

Home Link Design has selected a few of its favourite outdoor products that can help in creating different decorative styles in any outdoor living space:

• 1. Fireplaces: Outdoor fireplaces are becoming focal elements within outdoor living areas. There are many custom designs and styles that can be constructed to suit any patio size. Fireplace structures create the feeling of a living room in any outdoor patio area.
• 2. Candles: Lanterns and candle votives are an excellent way to create mood at night time. Try placing different heights of candles on a large tray or glass bowl on top of a table. Also, try placing floor lanterns with candles in a corner to create a decorative look to a floor section of a balcony or deck area.  
• 3. Lighting: Add lights to an umbrella or tree! This can be a creative and artistic way to create a dramatic look at night. There are many different styles of outdoor lighting that can be purchased at your local hardware or patio store. 
• 4. Outdoor Pillows: Bring life to any outdoor patio set with throw pillows! This is a great way to accent or update an old set with bright coloured accent pillows. There are many colours available today but choose an accent color that reflects the style and look you want!
• 5. Pots & Floor Vases: Adding large pots or tall vases in a patio area will create interest and design. There are different styles of pots and vases available. Try to choose varying sizes that can be grouped together in a corner. Also, selecting large outdoor pots can make a dramatic look and feel within any outdoor space! Pots come in different colors like; black, stainless steel, cream, brown and other tones.
• 6. Outdoor Area Rugs: There are many outdoor carpets that can be used with patio sets and outdoor sectional furniture pieces. Placing an outdoor area rug can be an excellent way to create an intimate conversational setting. Try to select an area carpet that coordinates with the color choice of throw pillows and umbrellas in your outdoor decor.
• 7. Outdoor Decor: The patio area has not only become a place for entertaining, but also a place to relax. Sometimes the easiest way to create a comfortable area is to add cozy elements with decor elements. A few simple items like adding a basket with magazines next to a chair; placing a set of matching placemats with plastic place settings; incorporating trellises with flowers; adding bamboo sticks in a tall floor vase; or simply adding a privacy floor screen to a sitting area can be unique decorative touches to any outdoor space.
• 8. Water Features: The calming sound of water is always comforting in any setting. Therefore, adding a water feature with either a water fountain or wall feature is a great way to create an oasis outside. There are many water features available in hardware stores today. Some examples can be as simple as creating a small pond with rocks or placing a pot with a water pump inside. Today there are wonderful waterfall features that can be mounted on a wall to create a cascading effect.
• 9. Mirrors: Placing a mirror on a fence or gazebo area can instantly transform a space. This is an easy trick for creating a larger space in any outdoor patio. A mirror will both reflect light and create an open feel!
• 10. Fire Pits: Creating a fire pit is an easy way to add interest to a backyard. There are fire pit kits available in many hardware and gardening stores. Also, there are movable fire pits that can be placed on top of decks and balconies instead. Whichever one you choose, a fire pit will definitely create an interesting and intimate outdoor experience for you and your guests!

Interior Design is constantly changing and evolving like most fashion, textile, and product industries.  As today’s economical uncertainty becomes more apparent, there is a move towards incorporating a more favourable mood within residential design.  In other words, “happy” colors like bold yellows, lime greens, oranges, and auburn reds are appearing as accent paint colours within homes.  Some historical trends in color palettes of the 1970’s are reappearing in today’s decorating style.   Not only are consumers combining eco-friendly products with earthy color textures and tones; but homeowners are also looking for alternative recyclable products like glass, pulp and organic linens.

Some of the emerging decor trends for 2009 are divided into the following categories:

1. Eco-awareness- Products that are environmentally friendly and energy efficient. Most people today are looking for specific energy effective items that help conserve energy, water and waste like;

§  Appliances, water heaters, window sealants, lighting, fans, ventilators, etc.

2. Environmental Simplicity- Products and home accents which are minimalist and simplistic in style, shape and design for pure functionality and purpose.  These products tend to bring the “outside” indoors like; 

• Cork, bamboo, pulp, stone, and/or renewable resources like recycled content nylon and fibres found in new carpets.

3.  Artistic Style- Products and home accents which are artistic and vibrant.  These products incorporate a design blend that is unstructured and interpretive.  This design decor is similar to the eclectic style.

4.  Multiculturalism-   Home accents that are blending global recognition with products from different parts of the world.  This style is influenced by the Asian and Indonesian home accents which appear rustic, organic and natural.

  5.  Chic with panache- This style is the “hotel luxury” and “fashion glamour” look in which products are comprised of shimmery textiles, soft layers, and sequences.  Many of these elements are incorporated into accents pieces like; area rugs, pillows, throw, and bedding coordinates.

¡  1. Decorative ceiling & walls:  Adding layers of elements to feature walls and ceilings are becoming more popular.  For example, adding stone, wood planks, mouldings, textured speckling, and paint are all new concepts being added to both walls and ceilings.  Also, dining rooms and living rooms ceilings are being painted with colors to emphasize the height of rooms.  Some ceilings are being painted blue against earthy brown or caramel toned walls.  Additionally, feature walls are being adorned with stone, tile or wood finishes.

¡  2.  Floorings:  Today there are many different elements to add to floors like; bamboo, cork, concrete, tile, hardwood, and even, leather!  There are exciting new products that are entering residential design to promote warmth and comfort.  Also, many commercial style looks are being added into homes for an industrial feel.  For example, large plank wood and concrete flooring are providing a seamless look that is modern and clean.  There are also tiles that resemble wood with grain striations and patterns.

¡  3.  Doors:  The open concept has been seen within most home plans today that incorporate a “Great Room“model. However, newer homes are using oversized doors or roller style doors that are mounted on wheels or gliding hinges.  Some modern interiors doors are made of edged glass.

¡  4. Bathrooms:  The spa bathroom has been very popular today with mosaic tiles covering floors and walls.  There are glass and metal tiles that are being used as accent elements within bathroom designs.  Also, faucets and vessel sinks are still popular, but now there are limestone and concrete countertops incorporating built-in vanities that give a smooth camouflaged appearance. Additionally, floating cabinetry mounts are being added so that counter space and storage units are set above ground.  (Some modern bathrooms are using this affect to create a focal point in the bathroom.)

¡  5.  Kitchens:  This area still remains as one of the most important spaces of the home.  However, the island is becoming a focal feature as the central “hub” of the kitchen.  It is here where sinks, storage units, warming drawers, and stove tops are being centralized.  More importantly, the island is replacing the nook areas in homes because people are able to incorporate the island as a table gathering area.  (More islands are seating people as a gathering feature for eating.)

¡  Other elements like; oversized fridges with build in mini freezers are being used for compartmentalizing food.  Also, warming drawers, wine fridges, double sinks and PC monitoring areas are being incorporated into the kitchen for the busy household.

¡  (Many homes are turning to touch screen appliances and pre-programmed electronic key pad appliances.)

6.  Family Room/ Great Room:  This is a room that continues and/or combines with the kitchen area .  However, more importantly, the windows of these areas are becoming important architectural features of the space.  For example, “gone are the days of drapes and swag valances.”  Today the window is clean and almost “untreated” with coverings.  The looks are simple and minimalist with simple roller blinds, woods or silhouettes that are mounted within window casings.  The whole purpose is to let the environment in. 

Copyright 2009 Home Link Design Inc.

Using distant delivery methods to convey professional advice.

Today there are forever changing service and product trends happening online.   Technological advances within service industries have created inventive ways for delivering information to the general consumer.  So, what is it with the online world that makes most people want even more?  Simply put, as the Internet has evolved, so have companies and the expectations of every day consumers.  For this reason, thinking outside the box has allowed Home Link Design to create unique online services for people looking for home staging and decorating advice.

Initially, the thought of an online décor service company sounds odd and complex to the common person.  Yet simply put, online consultations of any sort make sense today.  With the help of software programs, professionals and mainframe advances, the internet has allowed companies to reach a multitude of people from all over the world.  The wave of the internet has entered most every home and workplace today with an estimated 248,241,969 North American’s having internet usage (Source: Internet World Stats-www.internetworldstats.com/stats.htm).  With this in mind, the internet growth rate continues to enhance and influence companies and consumers alike.

The online community is very receptive and adaptive to many innovative online services and products. As the high speed internet use evolves, so does the need for effective internet commodities in the online consumer life.  As a result, the development of online services, like home staging and interior design, has been a result of the incessant advancement of the internet.  Today’s online world has evolved along with the prospects of many internet companies and consumers reaching higher expectations and objectives.

So, how does online home staging differ than the standard services out there?  For the most part, Home Link Design’s online design services help people obtain affordable custom advice without paying for expensively hourly rates.  The effectiveness of receiving custom audio and visual advice via distant delivery is a modern concept that is evolving into the future.  Customers are finding value within Home Link Design’s online services because the affordability and efficiency of receiving information via the net is simply a more convenient factor.

Copyright 2008 Home Link Design Inc.