It's Not Leather - It's Concrete!

Yes, that ottoman may look like leather but it's actually concrete! Mention this to anyone looking at it and they find themselves compelled to touch it before believing you. In some cases, they'll even knock on it before believing. Known for resurrecting the dying art form of high quality concrete faux bois, Richard Taylor of Flat Earth Designs has taken concrete to a whole other level with these pieces.
The zipper and button detail is incredible. I should also mention these pieces are suprisingly comfortable to sit on.
In addition to the ottoman, Richard creates a Barcelona chair in concrete. This one is in a light finish. Couldn't you see these in a chic hotel or backyard garden setting?
Another double-take; this is concrete not alligator.

Just one of the many faux bois planters available.
Eddie Ross chose these mushrooms for the Chicago WOW event - I'm also loving the beautiful console table they're featured on.

Another favorite of mine - the poppy bowl.
I forgot where I saw this but a designer had a placed a huge clamshell like this in a fireplace. Looked stunning.
Pennsylvania finial.
Hypertufa spheres in various sizes. I particularly like this large one on a pedestal.

The Richmond Planter. The finish on this piece, and the one below, is akin to marble.
Rams Swag Pot
Oak leaf urn
This is just one of a number of lions available.
Richard's work is sold wholesale to stores and garden centers throughout the U.S., including select pieces for Anthropologie. (*Although he does sell to the public at the Round Top Antique Shows)

The acorn mirror and frog on a pedestal, along with a number of other pieces, are available from Scentimental Gardens and SG Grand in the Chicago area. (Debra has a great eye and has been carrying Richard's work for a long time.)
Here in DC, I believe Notting Hill Gardens on 815 King Street, Alexandria, VA will be carrying some of Richard's collection in the near future. (no connection to me)

To see more of Richard's work - go here. If you're like me, you'll spend alot of time looking around!

It's Not Leather - It's Concrete!

Yes, that ottoman may look like leather but it's actually concrete! Mention this to anyone looking at it and they find themselves compelled to touch it before believing you. In some cases, they'll even knock on it before believing. Known for resurrecting the dying art form of high quality concrete faux bois, Richard Taylor of Flat Earth Designs has taken concrete to a whole other level with these pieces.
The zipper and button detail is incredible. I should also mention these pieces are suprisingly comfortable to sit on.
In addition to the ottoman, Richard creates a Barcelona chair in concrete. This one is in a light finish. Couldn't you see these in a chic hotel or backyard garden setting?
Another double-take; this is concrete not alligator.

Just one of the many faux bois planters available.
Eddie Ross chose these mushrooms for the Chicago WOW event - I'm also loving the beautiful console table they're featured on.

Another favorite of mine - the poppy bowl.
I forgot where I saw this but a designer had a placed a huge clamshell like this in a fireplace. Looked stunning.
Pennsylvania finial.
Hypertufa spheres in various sizes. I particularly like this large one on a pedestal.

The Richmond Planter. The finish on this piece, and the one below, is akin to marble.
Rams Swag Pot
Oak leaf urn
This is just one of a number of lions available.
Richard's work is sold wholesale to stores and garden centers throughout the U.S., including select pieces for Anthropologie. (*Although he does sell to the public at the Round Top Antique Shows)

The acorn mirror and frog on a pedestal, along with a number of other pieces, are available from Scentimental Gardens and SG Grand in the Chicago area. (Debra has a great eye and has been carrying Richard's work for a long time.)
Here in DC, I believe Notting Hill Gardens on 815 King Street, Alexandria, VA will be carrying some of Richard's collection in the near future. (no connection to me)

To see more of Richard's work - go here. If you're like me, you'll spend alot of time looking around!

My Friend Anne's Gorgeous Porch & Gardens

In our hot and muggy D.C. climate, you really need to have a place to escape the heat and my friend Anne's beautiful screened porch is just such an oasis. Directly off her family room, she's designed the space to accomodate lounging and dining, all with a view out to her gorgeous English inspired garden.
Joni of Cote de Texas recently posted about her love of gray wicker and the gray pieces Anne selected a couple of years ago are stylish and nap worthy!

The whole porch has a light and breezy feel. Beadboard ceilings are painted light blue while the floors are a pretty gray.

A vintage wicker piece full of lovely things to admire ties in with the dark wood occasional table.
A blue painted tag sale find serves as bar table. Love the turned wood handles.

An unexpected surprise - a little hedgehog tucked-in on the stairs leading down to the yard.

Anne designed and created her gardens as a labor of love. A stunning copper armillary is encircled by boxwoods and a low stacked, stone wall. After finding the armillary, a long search culminated in a perfectly scaled column to show it off.

An arbor wrapped in clematis and roses soften the landscape and add a romantic feel. I love the profussion of blooms at varying heights. More is more!

In this view, you can see the porch's three skylights which allow light into the family room and the double ceiling fans. The uncovered side porch accomodates the bbq grill. The porch addition was designed by architect Gretchen Ginnerty, AIA (if you recognize the last name it's because Gretchen is married to my cousin.) Anne is a partner and interior designer with Dwellings by Design, LLC. Two summers ago, I posted about her office here. ***On another note, my comments section has been changed to Open ID. So if you don't have a google account you can still leave a comment.

Hope you have a great weekend. Tomorrow, Dan and I will be celebrating our 22nd wedding anniversary. How time flies!