Tag Archives: CREATIVITY

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All You Ever Wanted To Know About Bungalows Part V

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In this episode of my ongoing series, All You Ever Wanted To Know About Bungalows, I thought it was time to take a look at bungalow landscaping. Just like any yard, it can be anything you want it to be. I love preservation and so nothing makes me happier than to see a yard that stays true to the period of the house and supports the authenticity of the project at hand. So what does that mean in bungalow terms? Well, to answer that question, I had to go back in time and review what people did with their yards one hundred and fifty years ago when the craftsman architecture began to emerge. What were people doing with their yards back then and did many people even have them? The answer to the latter part of the question is a resounding yes. Your garden was important during this era. This was a time when there was no accessible technology. Only scientists were accessing that world and preparing it for commercialization. Owning, designing and presenting your garden were entertainment.

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As the Craftsman movement emerged in California, adherence to the core concepts espoused by it’s English founders John Ruskin, William Morris and Augustis Pugin created a very different style of living from the accepted mores of the time. The style represented an economic and social reform that was anti-industrial. Thus, you had homes that emphasized natural materials and a layout that promoted the health of it’s inhabitants. Artistic influence was key. Acknowledging the natural creativity of the human being and utilizing this to construct the home. Beauty with intelligence was the key concept of the Craftsman architecture. Utility and reliable construction were more important than ornamentation, because what came naturally was considered ornamentation in itself.

A traditional Craftsman landscape would include a lawn in the front and ended there.  Traditionally, lawnm did not surround the home. The majority of bungalows were small and would have a smaller lawn. Trees were important and the Roosevelt Pine with it’s drooping limbs and fan like foliage added grace and a touch of wilderness to the scene. Magnolia trees were also great for shade and beauty. There would most likely be roses in a welcoming position near the pathway to the front door or at the front porch itself. Other popular plantings were wildflowers and native plants. Lilac was a favorite tree. Cactus and bougainvillea were utilized as well. The spiritual myrtle was well loved and creeping fig too.

The backyard was more rustic and usually there was a vegetable garden filled with tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, beans, spinach, chard and kale. Benches and birdbaths were popular. Paths lined with large natural stones were also part of the more rustic landscaping. It was all about incorporating nature and maintaining a earthy and inviting setting.

Fast forward the present. Here we are in 2018, weather patterns are changing and changing the life cycle of plants. Climate change has been recognized by brilliant scientists across the globe. The topic is controversial; it’s causes and how the human race will move into the future and live in harmony with the changes occurring. Current recommendations in Southern California are to go with drought resistant plants. These also make a welcoming and gorgeous landscape. These were already used in the past to a lesser degree, but now we are encouraged to let our lawns go to save precious water.  Utilize plants that are hardy and need small amounts of watering. Several homes in my historic neighborhood have embraced this movement and their yards look amazing. This gardening concept is slowly taking hold, but has a significant presence.

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The last addition to be made to a Craftsman garden is rustic lawn furniture.  Furniture made of tree canes blends well into the naturescape.  A bird fountain to attract feathered friends.  In the larger, grander properties, Koi ponds were popular.

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Craftsman culture encompasses the love of the outdoor space and it’s importance cannot be diminished. Whether it be carefully designed and executed; or left to nature, the Craftsman architecture inspires a creative and beautiful outdoor space.  Head out soon to any historic district in Southern California, especially the Inland Empire and you will find no end to the beautiful examples of classic Craftsman landscaping.

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Meaningful Green:

Magnolia trees (Magnoliaceae): Symbol of feminine strength, faith, beauty, gentleness, purity and nobility.

Myrtle (Mertus) Symbol of beauty, love, paradise, sweetness, justice, divine generosity, peace, and recovery.

Cactus (Cactaceae): warmth, protection, endurance and maternal love.

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The Fabric Of Our Lives

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

I love clothes and how people choose to express themselves through adornment. One of my favorite past times is to look through the glossy pages of a fashion magazine and dive into Pinterest blogs on fashion. One day, feeling completely inspired and like I wanted to immerse myself in that world, I headed out to the fabric district in Los Angeles. The fabric district is really part of the Fashion District, but it’s a whole world on to itself, so I really think of it as it’s own district-no matter what the city of Los Angeles says.

I drove into Los Angeles and splurged on great parking. The parking was on a rooftop and just across the street from one of the oldest and most prestigious fabric shops, Michael Levine. It was great being in the middle of the whole scene and convenient too. Pedestrians, cars, vans, motorbikes and city buses moved quickly to avoid colliding. There were several blocks where every corner and the spaces in between contained a multitude of fabric stores. There were fabrics of every color and type imaginable. The prices were amazing and the shopowners were out to bargain. It was not a place to be shy. The fabrics were works of art. Every weave imaginable was represented. There were beautiful and glorious pieces with beading and flowers that shimmered in the light.

It was a world filled with color. A Kaliedescope of various hues. The possibilities were infinite. It made me think of how our world is lit by the sun. Each morning, light greets the world and illuminates our space and creates a stage. The colors of the rainbow that are reflected in beams of light influence human mood and energy.

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Through science we’ve learned to understand the meaning of light and color and apply what we’ve learned in traditional scientific medicine as well as holistic and ancient medicines. Therapy utilizing light and color can be implemented on a very basic level and artists have known this for ages. Famous artists have expounded on the life giving benefits of light and color for centuries. Physicians as far back as the Renaisance implemented light therapy. The oldest spiritual guides and texts direct the human flock to follow the light, that God is light. The path to Nirvana is filled with light and color which serve as milestones for various levels of enlightenment.

I headed into Michael Levine’s, which had been there since the 1940’s. Groups of people milled about discussing projects and making plans. The employees were skilled and answered my questions quickly and with in-depth knowledge of the product. They seemed to have a good eye for serious buyers and creatives that frequented the district to make their livelihoods. There was an air of seriousness and intent hovering over the scene. Creativity danced about the space, seeming to be shooting everywhere, from so many people that had come to this industrial, but beautiful space to realize their dreams.

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There were designers comparing fabrics and discussing building a line of fashion for the next season, people picking out small accoutrements to add to their creations such a flowers buttons and beads and moms with their daughters picking out fabric for possibly a prom dress. It was completely open and comfortable with a sense of purpose. I soaked it in and stored it away for future inspiration.

Next, I headed across the street and up a flight of stairs into a worn warehouse smudged with grease, dirt, graffiti and possibly anything that had been flung at it by humans and machinery. About three flights up was the remnant store for Michael Levine. It was a great spot filled with fabric ends. You could fill a bag for just one dollar. It was quieter here with fewer customers. I toured the space, sizing up what was offered and realized what a great opportunity it was to be creative on a smaller budget. I filled up a bag and then was on my way.

Before I headed back to my car, I stopped in a few of the smaller shops that were jam packed with gorgeous fabrics from around the world. I spoke with one of the sales guys, who was super friendly and ready to make a deal. After scoping out the district and experiencing the excitement of the area, I felt that I had got what I came for and even more. I headed back to my car feeling that it had been an amazing day well worth the drive that took about an hour on a Saturday morning from the Inland Empire.