Less Pain, More Gain with Ergonomic Garden Tools!
On Tuesday we discussed how to walk away from a long day of gardening sunburn- and ache-free. Lucky for us, we actually carry a line of ergonomic garden tools by Radius Garden in our online store!
What makes them ergonomic, you ask?
Well, when it comes to their hand tools such as trowels and cultivators, the rounded handle allows you to maintain a natural wrist position — providing more leverage with less wrist stress. In addition, the tools are made of cast aluminum/magnesium, which is much lighter but just as strong as steel.
- Photo via sportys.com
Radius also makes a tool called the Gator Grabber, the self-proclaimed “ultimate back saver.” The Gator Grabber allows you to scoop up leaves, brush and logs without bending ever. Like the other Radius tools, this one is also made of light-weight cast aluminum/magnesium, and durable poly-fiber jaws.
Not convinced? Watch this:
Starring Radius Garden founder Bruce Baker, this video tells of the story of how Radius was founded — a friend’s wrist injury which occurred from gardening — and how each tool will result in less garden pain.
Bonnie’s picks for a spring-y small garden!
In case you didn’t know, it’s officially been spring for the past nine days! Anticipating warmer weather and more outside gatherings, here are my favorite fun, spring-y accents for your small garden or patio:
The Fermob 1900 Hanging Armchair
- Photo via clicktoshop.com
I absolutely love this swing and you will too! There are so many fabulous colors to choose from (my personal favorites are Tangerine and Aubergine). Just imagine yourself swinging and relaxing in your backyard without a worry in the world— it could happen! (Maybe…) More info >
Ina Wall Trellis by TerraTrellis
Another favorite of mine is the this stunning wall trellis by TerraTrellis. They have great colors to choose from that will brighten up any dreary wall you may have around your home. It’s also perfect for side garden walls, and growing vertically if you have a lack of space. Plus, it’s easy to attach with a few simple turns of the screwdriver. More info >
Bauer Oil Jar Pot
Too bad St. Patrick’s Day already passed – this pot would have been perfect! This Bauer Pottery Oil Jar is one of my favorite simple containers for the yard or patio. It’s great for a color boost or accent to any area around your home inside or out — it comes in bright and more muted tones. This particular style can also easily be turned into a fountain. More info >
Stay tuned for my pastel picks next week!
Bonnie’s Formal Fountain Picks
On Tuesday Jessy wrote about formal garden water features, noting that they usually have a strong sense of balance and symmetry.
With symmetry being the underlying thread of my picks, here are three very different looking formal fountains:
The fountain above is great for a formal garden. It’s simple, and would really add to a garden without attracting too much attention. It’s 71″H by 53″W with a square 20″ base. The finish it has is called “Provence,” and if you don’t like it there are 20 other finishes to choose from! Visit our online store for more information.
This fountain is a bit smaller, and I just love the color – “Spanish Clay.” Being only 47″H by 28″W, it would work perfectly in a smaller garden such as a side garden, or outside your kitchen window! Because of its coloring, it would even work well in Mediterranean gardens. We’re going to have it available in our store soon!
Finally, this fountain is a bit more ornate than the others, but equally as pretty. Wouldn’t this one look just gorgeous surrounded by rose bushes and neatly trimmed topiaries? It’s 59″H by 39″W, making it perfect for small spaces and larger spaces. It’s really quite versatile! And you can find it in our online store soon.
As Seen in Vegas: 2012 Outdoor Furniture & Accessory Trends
Last week we went to the Las Vegas Market Home + Gift Show and saw way too many cool garden accessories and outdoor furniture pieces. After viewing tons of new products, some trends became very apparent. Here are some outdoor trends we noticed, sure to be popular this year:
Reclaimed wood
- Made with reclaimed wood from India. Table by Mountain House.
Reclaimed wood is HUGE this year. Lots of producers and wholesalers – whether their style is “shabby chic” or uber modern – are incorporating reclaimed wood into their pieces. Some businesses are even based solely on the usage of reclaimed wood.
- Modern table by Mobital.
What we love about reclaimed wood is that it has so much character and uniqueness. Plus, you can incorporate reclaimed wood into almost any style home.
Fun rattan furniture
- Chair by Outback Company. Photo via garden-design-pictures.com
Rattan is always in style, and this year rattan is getting fun! From hanging chairs to poolside lounges, rattan furniture was the epitome of stylish and modern poolside furniture at the Gift Show.
- Photo via fokal.com
Color
- Awesome outdoor furniture by Pol Art. (It’s hollow plastic!)
Forget stark white — this year is all about color. We’re all for this trend, because we love how adding just one colorful items gives a punch of color to any outdoor space. The Gift Show also proved that just because something’s colorful doesn’t mean it’s any less chic and contemporary.
- Outdoor side tables / stools by Seasonal Living.
- Statue by dCOR design.
Spruce up Your Cottage Side Garden with French Accents
I’m always disappointed when a home’s gardens are beautiful in the front and back of the house, but the side yard remains un-loved.
- Photo via shootgardening.co.uk
Considering you only have a small space to work with, creating a beautiful cottage-style side garden isn’t too hard; adding a few simple elements can really make it shine.
- Photo by Fermob.
Fermob makes some gorgeous, French outdoor furniture. Adding this whimsical bench in organge (or any fun color – Fermob has tons to choose from) will create a nice focal point and seating area in your side garden. The best part is that Fermob furniture is made from lacquered steel and can withstand harsh weather. Get yours here >
Going on that whimsical cottage note, throw in a Bunny Leaf Bird Bath to watch your side garden really come to life. This friendly accent is perfect for an overgrown, cozy cottage garden – plus it’ll attract chirping birds. You could also include a birdhouse, bird feeder or a fountain for the same effect 
Get yours here >
The Perfect Accents for a Modern Rooftop Garden
On Tuesday we wrote about the different design elements of a modern rooftop garden, and certain tips to keep in mind when designing one. Today we’re going to break it down and showcase a few specific items that be make perfect accents for a modern rooftop patio.
First, a name you should remember for styling your modern garden: International Art Properties. They’re the producers of the modern objects above, and the two photos below. IAP is a green, carbon neutral and eco-friendly company. They’ve taken many steps to reduce their carbon footprint in manufacturing and delivering products.
The curve of the Swell Planter below creates an amazing modern planter. Add more than one in your space and you will have a dynamic design element. Love. Love. love.
- Photo via IAPsf.com
Besides being uber modern and cool, the reason IAP’s products are perfect for a rooftop garden is because lots of them (including the Vista pot below) are made of light-weight fiberglass. This solves the issue of weight when accessorizing a rooftop garden. Plus, this pot is resistant to UV rays and scratches — making it perfect for outdoor spaces.
- Photo via IAPsf.com
Another company that has some cool items is Planters Etc. I especially love the Cabimas Wooden Vessel below, designed by Jay Scotts. It’s made of gorgeous, natural Zebrawood and comes with a maple insert to add height to your plant display.
- Photo via PlantersEtc.com
Finally, if you need somewhere to sit while enjoying all your modern rooftop furnishings, why not lounge in these Luxembourg Armchairs by Fermob? They’ll add a punch of color and fun to your sophisticated, modern patio. Plus, they’re made of lacquered steel – meaning they can brave the elements in style. And they’re available in the Habitat online store! Check ‘em out here.
Bonnie’s Pick: Heritage Salvage Reclaimed Cyprus Slab Table
This week I had the pleasure of perusing reclaimed building materials that have been turned into fabulous new pieces! This all took place at Heritage Salvage, a wonderful place I happened upon while visiting Petaluma, CA.
Heritage Salvage has it all: Hand hewn beams, barn wood and wine barrel tables, wood siding, flooring — whatever you may be looking for for your next project. They’re experts in using reclaimed wood to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture with lots of charm.
My pick: The Reclaimed Cyprus Slab Table with tank strap legs. I love how the Cyprus slab is still in its original shape, giving it rustic charm. I also like how the heavy slab is lightened up with the thin tank strap legs, giving it a bistro-style look.
I’ll definitely be returning to Heritage Salvage on my next visit to the Wine Country. I just think it’s great that there’s a local company like this that re-uses resources which would have otherwise ended up in a landfill. Go green! Life is short, even for trees!
Cool Modern Patio Accents & Accessories
On Tuesday we highlighted some small, modern gardens with serious style. Now we’re going to share with you some specific items that would really enhance a modern patio, such as…
- Photo via Rotoluxe
The ‘Vazon Methuselah’ light-up pot by Rotoluxe
Rotoluxe’s mission is to bring “a clean and contemporary look and style to a world that is also environmentally friendly.” All of their products definitely exhibit a contemporary feel, and we love how the lights add an aspect of fun, too.
Modern furniture often gets a bad rap for sacrificing design for comfort. But can’t you just imagine sinking into this cozy Scoop Chaise lounge and wasting the day away?
Garden Orb by Bauer Pottery Company
These garden orbs come in a variety of colors and make the perfect accent piece to a modern garden — or even water feature.
1900 Hanging Armchair by Fermob
A modern take on the 70s classic, this hanging armchair is a great way to add an aspect of friendly to a modern patio or garden. They come in almost two dozen colors, so you’ll be sure to find one that matches your color scheme.
Staff Picks: Unique Gifts for You & Friends
Shopping for the person who has everything? We bet they don’t have this stuff! We’ve picked out some unique gifts from the around the web that are sure to please, whether you give them to a friend or… just keep them for yourself!
Jessy’s Pick: Cloche Bell Jars
- Photo via Sunset.
Jessy says: I’m a big fan of the Cloche jar – it can be used for all different styles, and makes a great display. It also works perfectly as a terrarium. Pair it with a book about terrariums for a really thoughtful and creative gift. (Check out our post, “How to design a terrarium that fits your style” for a few pointers.) Order the jar here, and the book here.
Rob’s Pick: Plumen Light Bulbs – set of 4
- Photo via HipHostess.blogspot.com
Rob says: You know me – I love anything modern! My favorite place to find modern gifts this season is Fab.com. They have a great list of gifts under $100, one of my favorites being these creative light bulbs by Plumen. They’re chic, simple and fun – all at the same time.
*PS: If you’re not already a member of Fab.com, let us invite you – you’ll get a $10 off coupon. Just shoot us an email at info@habitatdesign.com and we’ll send you an invite! Order the light bulbs here.
Bonnie’s Pick: Roost Branchy Necklace & Earrings
Bonnie says: This necklace and earring set is so unique that a friend who purchased it has literally been stopped on the street while wearing it! I love the versatility of this set – you can wear it during the day with a simple v-neck or pair it with a dress for an evening affair. Order yours here.
Sarah’s Pick: Tiered Hanging Tea Lights
Sarah says: You know, you see a lot of lanterns hanging horizontally, but never vertically! I love these tiered tea lights – they do a great job at warming up an un-loved corner or your living room or bedroom. Plus, the varying colors of the tea lights are fun. Order yours here.
The wreaths that keep on giving: Year-round wreaths for every style
Wreaths make beautiful decorations for the holidays, but why stop there? They can also make stylish year-round decorations on walls and doors, especially if you’re working with a small garden or home space. Two tricks for your year-round wreath style are:
- Avoiding the ‘Christmas look’ (below)
- Matching your wreath to your decorating style
- The typical holiday wreath. Photo via anamericaninoz.com
Avoiding the Christmas look
Okay, you know what I’m talking about – the green wreath with red accents, such as berries and ribbons. This wreath just screams Christmas. ‘Nuf said.
Match your wreath to your decorating style
Now that we’ve successfully established what to avoid, here’s what you want to try to achieve: It’s important that your wreath match your style – whether Formal, Cottage, Asian etc. Believe me – there are wreaths out there for every style, that don’t have a hint of ‘holiday.’ And a well-matched piece can really make your front door.
Here are some of the examples of different styles of wreaths to get your creative juices flowing.
For Modern style homes, go with a single-material wreath with clean, simple lines.
- Stellan Wreath. This one’s available in the Habitat online store!
The Stellan Wreath (above) works well for minimalist, Scandanavian-influenced homes. It can also work in an Asian influenced home as well.
For a Cottage style home, flowery, overflowing wreaths add year-round color and style.
- Photo via thesweetestoccasion.com
A dried flower wreath fits perfectly year round in a Cottage Style home.
A Mediterranean style wreath can take several shapes…
- The Driftwood Wreath. Also available in the Habitat store!
If you live in a Southwestern climate, the chili pepper wreath is fun and site specific. However, a driftwood wreath (as shown above) can act as a base for adding decoration during different seasons — such as bells in Winter or eggs in Spring.
For the Tropical style home, go with big-leafed flowers and leaves to fit right in. Lots of color is always good, too!
This wreath includes Bird of Paradise and Star Gazers – which are great smelling, too as you enter the door!
For Mediterranean or Tropical style homes, succulent wreaths are a great option.
Easy to care for and very stylish, these living wreaths work well for a variety of styles. Why not break out of the traditional circular shape while you’re at it?
One other thing: Don’t be afraid to break out of the traditional plant material, either. Use alternative materials for whimsical styles, such as…
A Shell Wreath – For the seaside home, this wreath makes a playful accent, and fits the style perfectly!
A Burlap Wreath – This simple material and design style can work well in a Formal or Cottage style home. It adds a little bit of whimsy and elegance to any home.
