Thursday, June 28, 2012

A Garden City


When we took you on a tour of Lambertville, New Jersey’s historic homes last winter the bare trees were ideal for showcasing the unique architectural treasures, now with summer in full swing it’s the perfect time to see how creative gardeners use plants and flowers to transform this enclave of historic houses into a garden city.


One of the most unique examples of creative landscaping in town has to be the little graveled forecourt in front of this classic American Foursquare currently on the market for $1.65 million. Centered on a small flowerbed and surrounded by flowering bushes this simple yet stately treatment effectively turns a small yard into a grand entrance.


The deep front porch of this gracious ivy covered red brick mansion is nearly obscured with masses of flowers while ivy creeping up the side of the house further ties it to the site.


This grand red brick Colonial Revival house built in 1909 enjoys one of the largest gardens in town set behind an antique wrought iron fence.


A closer look shows the scrollwork detail under a shower of roses. Many houses here are fortunate enough to still be surrounded by original nineteenth century wrought or cast iron fences.


Here one of those beautiful antique cast iron fences protects a shady columned veranda from the street.


No discussion of fences would be complete without the classic white picket, and what could be more charming than a wild tangle of daisies poking through a weathered white picket fence.


This large mound of cheerful pink flowers compliments the red brick Victorian façade behind them.


Most properties in town have limited outdoor space so it’s always interesting to see the creative ways people utilize what space they do have, such as the lush planting alongside this porch.


Window boxes are a popular solution for those looking to add some green to their homes. This pretty one also incorporates the colors of the houses color scheme.


Here window boxes and large terra cotta pots holding geraniums and topiaries decorate the front of a townhouse.


This early brick townhouse sports some very elaborate window boxes dramatically finished of with pussy willow branches.


A sliver between this townhouse and the sidewalk was just enough space for a cluster of bamboo and some other interesting plants in various shades of green that look great against the gray painted brick


Not sure how the fantastic Victorian turret on this corner house thick with vegetation managed to escape the tower theme in our previous post.


Speaking of thick vegetation look at the brimming pots, overflowing planters, and trailing vines on this charming Victorian glassed porch.


Just around the corner is a private jungle in this shady sculpture filled garden.


The front of the woman’s club mentioned in the previous post is thickly planted around a wide tree trunk, giving a great example of how to garden in a small space.


A detail of old paneled shutters on the Victorian era clubhouse with flowers blooming against the buildings peachy color scheme. 


Right next door is Mary E. Sheridan Park, a beautifully maintained public space, almost more garden than park.


The park’s gazebo all swaged in festive bunting and ready for a mid-summer night concert.

Photos by KS&D.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Summer Slipcovers


In the previous post on our mid-century vintage Hollywood Regency sofa we told you it had another trick up its sleeve.


While we love the original orange silk damask upholstery we also love the fact that this bold statement sofa came ready with a custom tailored slipcover in crisp white Irish linen, perfect for a cooler more casual summer look. The large tapestry pillow was swapped for a small one in pale gray blue stripped silk that better shows the cushions along the back, now looking prim and proper in their individual slipcovers complete with welting detail. 


The antique bead board cabinet was reworked to include a set of eighteenth century books held by a striking pair of vintage brass bookends designed as armillary sundials. The collection of minerals and nature specimens continues to grow, including a pair of antique roe deer antlers signed and dated 1898.


In the end we just couldn’t resist the urge to include a hint of orange and a pair of vintage Hermes boxes do the job quite nicely, while a hand carved folk art elephant stool adds a fun ethnic vibe, and a rustic wood treasure chest lends some texture to the mix. As you can see the pup is especially pleased with the new linen slipcovers as the easy to wash fabric means it’s not the worst thing if she makes herself at home for a little nap when no one’s looking.

Click here to shop the latest arrivals at Knickerbocker Antiques and Vintage!

Photos and styling by KS&D.


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