Fiddle Dee Dee

After seeing Grant K. Gibson's beautiful Fiddle Leaf Fig tree, I have always wanted one.  Somewhere along the way, I heard that they don't do well in New York.  While shopping for a tree in the Flower District, I learned that this information was just a myth.  You can own a Fiddle Leaf Fig tree in the city if you take care of it. According to the owner of Noble Planta, you should let the top soil dry out before watering.  Then water slowly around the stem first and then around the outside.  When you see water in the tray, that is your cue to stop.  If there is no tray or saucer, he recommended about 3-4 cups of water. Watering the same day every week is not best because it might need more water one week and less the next.  You have to check.  He also suggested opening the windows early in the morning so it receives fresh air in the summer.  You should also try to give it fresh air in the winter but away from a cold draft.  I am excited to own one but I need to buy a planter before it's ready for its close up.  For now, you can see by these photos that they are not only very popular but look great in a variety of different interiors.

"For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver."  - Martin Luther

Grant K. Gibson

David Mitchell Interior Design

via Marion House Book

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via Elle Decor

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via Style Chronicle

Ken Fulk in House Beautiful

Ken Fulk on the cover of House Beautiful

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via Elle Decor

Faux Fifddle Leaf Fig trees by Diane James Home in Celerie Kemble's room at Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2011.

via House Beautiful

Tim Clark Bathroom

via Elle Decor

Via Domino

Jonathan Adler

Chloe Warner via Domino

Chloe Warner

and George

via Elle Decor

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Delphine and Reed Krakoff

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via Elle Decor

Lee Kleinhelter of Pieces in Atlanta

Spring Ahead

I've been out shopping for clients lately and I've been noticing that everyone is ready for spring! One of my favorite window displays is at Bunny Williams and John Rosselli's shop Treillage on Lexington Avenue at 73rd Street with it's table set with blue and white porcelain and vases of flowers and potted hyacinths. It's an absolutely beautiful arrangement that would be very easy to replicate at home.

I have a very old set of dishes that are a knock-off version of the Royal Copenhagen Blue Fluted pattern but I am looking forward to checking out the flea markets and thrift stores for vintage pieces to add to my collection. There is something very cheerful about blue and white porcelain, especially for spring.

The reason I was out shopping was to look for faux foliage for two of my clients. We want to add some greenery to their homes but they work long hours and are afraid they might not be able to take care of a live tree. Treillage has a fabulous Sweet Bay Ball Tree that is perfect for those who don't possess a green thumb. It looks absolutely real and I can guarantee that no one would ever suspect that it was faux. It comes in two sizes including the 3.5' version shown above.

I was thinking that the taller 5' size Sweet Bay Ball Tree might be a good option to hide the window air conditioner at the bachelorette pad project. The trees obviously cost more than one you could find in the flower district but they last for years and you don't need to water them, although you probably should dust them regularly!

Another idea that I had for the bachelorette pad was to display two topiaries on the front entry table. The wall behind the table doesn't have an outlet so I can't use a lamp and it might be nice to add a little more greenery to the apartment. Right next to Treillage is Lexington Gardens who create beautiful faux topiaries out of preserved boxwood in square and traditional round shapes and various sizes. I think I would prefer a different planter so I am going to try to look for a pair of vintage urns. I killed my real boxwood topiaries quickly so these might also be a good option for me!

I mentioned previously that we picked out some blue and white porcelain at Pearl River and here is some of it displayed above the kitchen cabinets. We need to buy a few more pieces but what's there already brightens up the kitchen. I also found a new painter who for double the original estimate will not only paint the kitchen but also the bathroom and will build a radiator cover for the bathroom. He comes highly recommended so I am excited for him to get to work!

Even Williams-Sonoma Home has spring fever! They has a lovely display of their Blue Willow porcelain and flowering branches. I am longing to see the trees in park in bloom but that is going to have to wait since it's snowing again today! Just another reason to bring the outdoors in!