Twice a year, Chilewich comes out with great new colors and textures that speak to the season. This Spring, it’s bright, happy rugs in coral, citron and grass green. Perfect in the kitchen, in an entry hall or as a low-maintenance area rug. Shop the entire the Chilewich collection.

Pretty nifty…Audrina Patridge from The Hills blogged about Grounded’s Eva Solo bird feeders and Menu lighthouse torches in her December “12 Days of Christmas” gift guide. Okay, we know we’re a little late to the party posting this in January but better late than never.

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This winning project was such fun. First, the clients are amazingly lovely people with a great sense of style. They wanted a modern landscape that balanced great design with functional family spaces. As the only modern home in a Mediterranian-style community, we also needed to balance their modern style with the much more traditional community design guidelines.

The resulting design flows naturally with the rolling terrain of the site, yet is organized into specific areas for the family’s indoor/outdoor lifestyle. The careful balance between organic, free-form design and well-organized modern elements created a naturally simple, Japanese-influenced landscape.

Design cues from artists such as Isamu Noguchi and Richard Serra helped provide inspiration for the design. The intermixing of Japanese design elements and the bold use of raw materials such as Cor-ten steel helped create a harmonious blend for a new modernist landscape.

You enter the property from the public street on the east side of the property. A grove of coastal redwoods and large mature oak trees creates a natural privacy buffer from the neighboring homes. This area is cool, shady and moist, which is completely opposite of the west side of the property. To create a modern juxtaposition to the natural woodland feel, swaths of grasses and ferns are under planted in an organized grid pattern.

Visitors walk through this wooded hillside to emerge onto an expansive entry patio with views through the glass-walled home to the landscape beyond. Cor-ten planters help define the space and become a consistent design element to be found in the home’s interior and again in the back yard.

The west side of the property is sunny and warm so the house opens entirely into the yard. The new design maximizes the opportunities for indoor/outdoor living. Areas were specifically designated for the family’s recreation, relaxation and entertainment. Privacy was created while maintaining their panoramic view. Finally, a fire safety zone was developed to buffer the property from an adjacent dry, native open-space area – no small issue in an area that has been devastated by multiple large wildfires in recent years.

To promote water conservation, select mature plants with higher water requirements were relocated from elsewhere on the site to the moist, shady woodland on the entry-side of the property. In addition, the new design removed large areas of turf and water-loving plants and replaced them with native plants, large redwood bark, pea gravel, stone paving or succulents.

At the rear edge of the property, a custom 36-foot long cor-ten steel planter was installed to block the roof-top view of the house directly below. This large element draws your eye to the panoramic view beyond. In the foreground, a sculptural banzai pine tree and polished granite slab play off of each other and use the steel planter as a backdrop.

 The client requested interest-gardens where children could play and explore; a Japanese koi pond for meditation and self reflection; as well as an area for yoga. The large carpet of spongy zoysia grass was created specifically for yoga use. The simple rectangular pool/spa and fountain area were situated near the master bedroom and main living areas so adult supervision is always present. The yard design creates natural play areas for children without the use of play equipment. A lone boulder in a sea of grass becomes and island for children to conquer. Adjacent to the children’s rooms is a grid of blue oat grass and a curvaceous, Noguchi-inspired succulent garden which encourages children’s exploration and imagination to run wild.

This project was a very delicate balancing act between the client’s needs, the client’s budget, the strict regulations the HOA design guidelines, the architecture, the site itself and its natural surroundings. Since the completion of the project the clients are enjoying their southern California indoor/outdoor lifestyle on a daily basis and that truly was the main objective.

For more information on Grounded’s landscape design services, contact Rich at 760-518-7106 or email him via rich[at]grounded101.com.

Terrariums are definitely hot this year! Check out these amazing succulent orb terrariums Rich created just in time for holiday gift giving.

 If you live near the store, you can pick one up that’s fully planted. Or order the empty terrarium and plant it yourself…here’s how:

• Place a layer of small pebbles in the bottom of your terrarium.
• Add a 1/4″ layer of activated charcoal to filter the water and keep your terrarium fresh.
• Add a layer of potting soil (use cactus mix for succuents).
• Carefully dig holes for your plants.
• Gently remove your plants from their plastic pots and plant them in the soil layer.
• Tamp down the soil firmly around each plant to secure your plants in their new home. 
• Top the soil with decorative gravel, sand or moss.

Where to get the supplies? The gravel and charcoal are easily found at most nurseries or pet supply stores. Colorful decorative sand can be found at some nurseries or try a craft store.

Now that the days are getting a little shorter, it’s time to tackle a few tasks to get ready for cooler weather ahead.

1.  If you store or cover your outdoor furniture for the winter, wash it down and let it try in the sun before covering it or putting it away.

2.  Check your rain gutters for leaves and other debris. Make sure downspouts are facing the right direction and securely attached.

3.  Have your chimney swept and inspected.

4.  Clean your furnace filters.

5.  Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.

6.  Check and repair any of the weather stripping around your windows and doors.

7.  If you’re planning any redecorating projects, think about getting the painting done now, while it’s still warm enough to open the windows.

8.  Wash the leaves of your houseplants and trim any brown tips with a pair of scissors. Fertilize them one last time before winter.

9.  Sort through your seasonal clothing. Check for mending that needs to be done. Donate items that no longer fit or that you haven’t worn in more than a year. Check your boots and cool-weather shoes and send them out for shoe repair. Make a list of any key pieces you’ll need to purchase so you know what to budget for. Plus, it’s easier to stay on budget if you know what you really need.

10.  Organize the kitchen pantry and clean out the fridge. If you’re like me, the cooler months mean more cooking at home and entertaining indoors. It’s a lot more fun if your kitchen is organized. Toss any suspiciously old food items. Make a list of items to restock.

Iittala believes lasting everyday design. It’s easy to buy short-lived, meaningless things that go out of style or stop functioning…and eventually end up in a landfill. Iittala doesn’t believe in “throwawayism.” Every item in their collection is meant to last in terms of both design and quality. Their dinnerware collections, for example, are designed to both stand on their own or mix and match with other patterns, colors or styles. The plates, bowls and platters are multi-purpose tools to give you the flexibility needed for everyday use or large-scale entertaining. The colors and patterns also combine to give you freedom to replace broken pieces or freshen up your collection over time.

Their team of artisans and designers keep continue to keep the old-world craftsmanship and quality alive. Every product is made in Scandinavia with a human touch, as they’ve done since 1881.

We love Iittala’s philosphy and their products.

Good quality teak furniture can last a lifetime. Teak is naturally resistant to the elements and can withstand years of neglect. However, a little maintenence can keep your furniture looking great. And…the better your furniture looks, the more you’ll enjoy using it.

New teak has a light golden brown color that’s beautiful. Over time, exposure to sunlight and moisture will weather the wood to a soft grey. You can choose to leave it grey and simply wash it once or twice a year. Or, if you prefer, you can easily restore the golden brown tone by applying a teak sealer or teak oil. Either way, the sealer is purely cosmetic and applying it won’t extend the life of your teak.

If you maintain your teak on an annual basis, it won’t take long to go through the basic steps. If your teak has been neglected for a long time, it might take a bit more work the first time through.

Step 1 – clean your teak

If your teak furniture is in good shape overall (it’s light brown to grey with some stains), simply wash it with a little dish soap and water. Use a sponge with scotch-brite pad to scrub your furniture. The green scotch-brite pad is mildly abrasive and will lightly “sand” the finish as you wash. Rinse thoroughly and let dry.

If your teak has been neglected for quite a while (it’s dark grey with black mildew streaks or is quite stained), you can use a teak cleaner to restore the light brown color. Some teak cleaners (such as Semco teak cleaner) are “two part” cleaners. These come with two bottles of solution: one is a mild acid cleaner and the other is a neutralizer. Simply follow the directions on the bottle. Generally, you’ll wet the wood with water, apply cleaner to a small area with a scotch-brite pad, rinse, apply the neutralizer to the same area and scub lightly with a scotch-brite pad. After completing the entire piece of furniture, rinse with clean water. It’s not necessary, nor recommended, to use a teak cleaner on an annual basis since it’s slightly drying to the wood and will contribute to the wood becoming rougher over time.

Step 2 – seal your teak (optional)

If you like the golden brown finish of new teak, you may choose to seal your teak.

Always wash your teak furniture and let dry thoroughly before sealing it. Once dry, you’re ready to apply sealer. But which type to choose?

We like Semco teak sealer because it’s easy to apply and clean up and has a light, natural finish. Essentially fool-proof. It has a mildewcide and a UV protectant. Brush on with a sponge brush, rag or spray on with a household spray bottle (my favorite super-fast method). Dry to the touch within an hour.

Barlow Tyrie teak color guard is another good option. It has a bit more color than Semco but is equally easy to apply and clean up. Brush on or wipe with a rag. I haven’t tried to apply Barlow Tyrie color guard with a spray bottle but I think it would be worth a try. Generally dry to the touch within an hour.

Teak oil is a third option (and my least favorite). It’s a bit more work, since you have to clean up with mineral spirits and you need to properly dispose of any rags so they don’t combust. It also takes some time to dry (up to 12 hours). If you’ve oiled your furniture in the past and want to switch to a non-oil sealer (such as Semco or Barlow Tyrie), you’ll need to use a teak cleaner to strip off all of the oil.

Teak oil can be made up of several different types of oils and you probably won’t know for certain which ones are in the product you buy. Linseed oil will turn your teak a darker brown. Rosewood oil or tung oil will remain a more golden brown. If you’re concerned about the color, test in an inconspicuous location before applying all over. Brands I like include Penofin and Watco.

Which ever sealer you decide to use, use a drop cloth under your furniture to avoid staining your patio.

Summary: my favorite quick-and-easy method to keep teak looking new

1) Wash your teak with dish soap and water and a scotch-brite pad.
2) Let dry in the sun.
3) Using a spray bottle, mist with Semco teak sealer.
4) Allow to dry for at least an hour.
5) Enjoy!!

Finally, if you aren’t using your furniture for an extended period of time, outdoor furniture covers will help keep it clean and protect the finish from the weathering process.

New Chilewich placemats are in! The color trend for fall and holiday is GOLD. 

The beautiful tuxedo stripe placemats (left) have a rich sheen and three bands of “tuxedo” stripes that are asymetrically placed on each mat. They come in gold, silver, black, white and sable brown. But the freshest look of the season is all about gold.

Another gold trend-setter is the Chilewich coral placemat. It’s made from an innovative pressed vinyl. Delicate and lacy looking, the coral placemats are also durable and easy-to-clean vinyl. Also available in silver.

If you love to cook (or just look like you do!), you’ll adore our new Vervacious collection of cheese complements, sauces and rubs.

Artisan-made by hand in small batches in Maine. The tastes are sophisticated, truly delicous and oh-so-easy to use. Even the packaging is amazing. The glass bottles and jars are designed to stack on top of each other to create a wavy, glass tower.

Don’t miss the espresso balsamic drizzle. We tried it over grilled peaches and thought we’d gone to heaven. It’s also great with cheese. The black mission fig paste is another cheese winner. Available as singles or in gift sets, Vervacious products make fantastic gifts.

We’re thrilled that Grounded is now carrying Nelson Bubble Lamps! The first Bubble Lamp was designed by George Nelson in 1947 and they remained in production until 1979. Modernica has reissued the Nelson Bubble Lamps to the original specifications using the original tooling.

Nelson created a unique solution to lighting design his Bubble Lamps. The lamps were produced spraying a layer of translucent plastic over a skeleton of steel wire. The  allowed light to shine softly through while blocking glare. The Nelson Bubble Lamp is featured in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Trained as an architect, George Nelson is best known as director of design for Herman Miller. While there, he worked with such legendary designers as Richard Schultz, Harry Bertoia, Isamu Noguchi and Charles Eames. His personal designs include an extensive series of clocks produced for the Howard Miller Clock Company (the same firm produced the original Nelson Bubble Lamps), his Swag-Leg series of tables, desk and chair and the Nelson Platform Bench.