The Secret Garden

October 13, 2015

This long weekend was a lovely recharge and a much needed extra 24 hours to get things accomplished. It is always the things that are “on the to-do list” that get pushed back day after day. As I was running errands on Saturday afternoon, I drove down a busy street that has some beautiful Dallas homes, but are very exposed to traffic any time of day. I happened to see a sign that read “open garden” on the side of the road. I peered out my window and noticed it was a home that I had always been curious about. The house is not visible by the road, so it has always been a bit of a mystery to me. As I drove past it, the voice in my head said “turn around.” I managed to find myself back in front of the house and paid $7 for a non-member garden club ticket. As I walked past the gate, I knew I made the right choice.

The house that sits upon a small hill has a bit of California and a bit of Italian romance aesthetic. I had 6% battery left on my phone, so I knew I needed to catch my breath (from the beauty of it all) and get to work. The landscape, by Robert Bellamy, had so many unexpected turns and elements throughout it made me feel as if I was in a wandering dream. There was potted boxwood, tall cypress, lush greenery that looked as if it has been there for a thousand years, a giant bird cage filled with white doves, a fountain of shells, and a chicken coup garden with potted mums and boxwood. It was a lot to take in. To be honest, I am not quite sure I have digested the splendor of it all. Also, it had a seasonally superb display of pumpkins. I think you can agree, this garden is beyond heavenly and serenely chic.

Enjoy your day! XO TPB

Photos by Christina Dandar for The Potted Boxwood

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 30

Upon walking in I was greeted by beautiful terracotta pots of all shapes and sizes. After leaving this garden, I became a huge fan of white potted mums!

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 31

More pots.

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood

Can you see how this was just the most fabulous surprise!! So much gorgeous green everywhere!!

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 29

I love the large ferns by the door. Honestly, I loved everything about this house. I definitely felt like I left Dallas for 15 minutes.

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 16

A great display of white, yellow, and light green pumpkins mixed with mums.

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 33

Climbing ivy is so enchanting.

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 15

Look at those shutters. An interesting color palette of pale pink and green paint.

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 2

Can you see the texture and layers in the garden. There is nothing overly formal about this landscape at all, which is what makes it so fun!

Heavenly.

Notice the landscape of hanging pots and plants on the upper railing.

Potted mums on a Juliet balcony.

A display of beautiful tiles and shells on this wall fountain.

The back of the property.

Potted boxwood everywhere. I love the mushroom shape of the clipped boxwood.

White potted mums.

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 32

The most chic chicken coop ever.

Steps and paths of green.

Well clipped and maintained. You know how much I love pea gravel!

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 21

Is this real life? I told you it was literally like I was in a dream. There is a busy city surrounding this home. It is incredible what good landscaping can do to transform a space.

I love the flume of the fire.

This is my new favorite display of boxwood. I saw this similarly in San Miguel this summer.

Garden by Robert Bellamy via The Potted Boxwood 19

It was the best $7 I have ever spent, hope you can see why!

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Living The Logo

October 12, 2015

I am so excited to show all of you my new logo designed by my friend Hillary Owen. I love boxwood in every way, but I am always drawn to boxwood in a blue and white pot over the rest. I contacted Hillary to spruce up my logo to bring a little more blue and white beautiful to you daily. I sincerely hope you see it, and my blog, as a symbol of timeless chic.

I have other exciting news that will be “popping up” soon (hint, hint).

Have a wonderful day!

Christina of TPB

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Haslam Habitat

October 8, 2015

I have only met a couple of famous people in my lifetime. I saw Reese Witherspoon once in a L.A. salon where my mom got her hair done. She looked up from her US Weekly and smiled at me. I had to turn around because my high school self couldn’t control the goofy starstruck smile that was on my face. A few years before that I saw Alanis Morisette at a spa in Kauii. I still feel guilty for saying that because I lied about my age to the spa (I definitely wasn’t 18 but my mom wanted a pedicure buddy, so really it’s all her fault). I often feel this same excitement, yet on an even higher level, when I see designers I admire.

I met Charlotte Moss this past Spring at a book signing and was a bundle of nerves seeing the face behind the iconic design. In a way it was quite surreal, because she knew me as well (when Charlotte Moss says you have a “great eye” it makes your year/life). Today, I am antsy with anticipation for another celebrity designer coming to Dallas for a book signing: The renown designer Nicky Haslam. A staple in London and a legend in the world of interiors, Haslam is the quintessential model of classic taste and everlasting chic. I think nothing quite exhibits that as much as his country house in Sussex. It is everything one could dream about in terms of superb taste and high end ambience. His work speaks volumes, and his taste is timeless.

Photos by Simon Upton.

Nicky Haslam

A picturesque English estate. White picket fence included.

Casual English Ambience. Casually comfortable with textured walls, a picturesque fireplace, and timeless trinkets.

English chintz, fabulous furniture, and divine display of china in the bookshelves.

A sweet fire and wonderful woodwork on the walls.

More of the garden with clipped boxwood.

An almost daring red and white striped bedroom that looks wonderfully comfortable and classic.

More photos of the garden, complete with potted boxwood.

Nicky Haslam 2

Tasteful traditional.

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A Window Seat

October 7, 2015

I prefer a window seat on a plane. I like to be in my little corner looking out over the sky. I think some of the best thinking and contemplation can be done in a window seat. However, I am also that annoying girl constantly asking to use the restroom (that is what you get when you sit in an aisle!). I don’t just like a window seat on a plane, I like them in homes as well, and not in the 90’s sitcom type of style.

Window seats (sometimes referred to as banquets) can be a wonderful seating solution when you are tight on space, have an oversized window, or need to split up a long wall area. Upholstery is key when it comes to a window seat, as is the view. How the window is framed with drapery or shades is also an important component in the window seat world. Come to think of it, I have never lived in a house with a window seat. Maybe that is why I find them so fascinating. I’ll add that to my long list of #lifegoals.

An unconventional window seat on the outside courtyard of the house. Doesn’t get more chic than this.

A window seat used in a den setting. I love how the texture is applied and the TV is placed.

Grays and whites make for a clean, classic, and light filled window seat by Bradley Thiergartner Interiors Inc. Via Elle Decor

A fabulous blue paint, a chicly upholstered window seat, and chairs that have the perfect aesthetic. Via AD

A lovely hallway with soft texture and timeless design. The shades are the ideal element to frame the window seat.

Classically cool with the right amount of pattern and material. Via Elle Decor

An open array of windows in this Martha’s Vineyard dining room. A great mix of color and relaxed ambience. Via Elle Decor

A corner window dining area. I adore the white palette and the contrast of the dark chairs. I ADORE this style of windows! Via Domino

A roaming pasture is the focal point in this timeless dining area. Via AD

An indoor/outdoor modern dining area.

Lot’s of pattern mixes together in this fantastic corner window seat. Via Elle Decor

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All In The Logo

October 6, 2015

I am in the process of revamping my logo. I want my potted boxwood to reflect everything that my taste and posts represent. Recently, I just saw a preview of my new logo and I can’t wait to reveal it to all of you! I have many reasons why I named my blog The Potted Boxwood. I had this obsession with potted boxwood for some time, I just had trouble growing real boxwood and then making preserved boxwood work outside (it doesn’t!). Boxwood was a word that always rolled off my tongue, but it didn’t seem worthy of anything more than that.

It wasn’t until I decided to make the plunge into the blog world that the name resurfaced. I had a completely different name picked out, but as soon as I said the first name I realized it lacked oomph and enthusiasm. I was out to lunch with friends and I turned to my friend Ashley and told her my new blog name. I could read from her expression that she wasn’t thrilled. I took another sip of my skinny margarita and “the potted boxwood” slipped off of my tongue. It clicked with her and it clicked with me. It was truly an “aha” moment. If you are reading this blog, you get it. It is a symbol of chic. I feel every so often I need to remind myself of why a potted boxwood is so fabulous. I think these images can say it for me.

All photos via Pinterest.

Potted Boxwood 6

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Private Benjamin

October 5, 2015

There is such a thing as over decorating. It looks something like the type of thing you see in a model unit for a spec house. They call it staging for a reason, it is all pretend and not livable. It is often too fluffy, too hip, too pillowed, too trendy, and just too much to deal with. It lacks character, fluidity, and all things charming. I have been looking at places to move to all weekend, so forgive me for this rant. This house hunting process makes it all the more refreshing when I come across designers who have the ideal balance of texture, charm, and chic. One designer who embodies all these things and who has caught my eye is the talented Benjamin Dhong.

Dhong creates a timeless and classic ambience with all of his spaces. He masters the ability to layer, add color and have a little fun. His work has a splash of enthusiasm and a hint of classic restraint. Mondays shouldn’t have to be boring and predictable, and neither does design.

Photos by Lisa Romerein via House Beautiful.

This photo literally makes my heart skip a beat. The open shelving, the striped rug, the marble island. LOVE it all.

I love the eclectic atmosphere off of the kitchen. A lovely little nook upholstered in yellow and so much natural light.

Notice the paneling in this bathroom. So rare to see such wide planks, yet it works so well to keep the bathroom current. A great sink area.

That mirrored screen wall is the foundation for this bedroom. A true highlight.

Now that chair is a conversation starter. I really love the key lining on the curtains.

Full of character and comfortable class.

A refreshing take on toile. There really isn’t anything I don’t like in this dining room. While the two tone texture of the chairs is a little out of my comfort zone, it all compliments each other so well.

Shades of green and an abundance of texture and layers. How fabulous!

A muted bedroom that speaks so loudly when it comes to serenity and tranquility.

Benjamin adds architecturally significant elements at every corner.

A masculine room of twin beds with superb blue and white incorporated.

More blue and white used in this more feminine twin bedroom. Don’t forget to look up at the ceiling. Like a chic jewel box.

I spy potted boxwood. I wish more people would use it indoors. It is so versatile and makes such a statement. P.S. don’t forget to notice the use of that same mirrored screen

An open and exquisite kitchen that almost feels like it belongs on a garden terrace.

Green velvet and hues of yellow. A lovely beamed ceiling.

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Falling Into October

October 1, 2015

Well, the time has come to get on board with the holiday train. October is the month where all of the festivities officially begin. Get your pumpkins carved today because tomorrow you will need your grocery list for Thanksgiving, and the next day it will be time for your Christmas list shopping. While in the midst of this madness, I need to move as well. I am taking a tiny step out of condo living and inching more towards townhouse lifestyle. A backyard, a fireplace, another room to decorate…..I think Emmie and I can use a little more room and a little more quiet. This also gives me the opportunity for a front door step, which is a whole other space to decorate that leaves me more excited than one should be (it is the little things right?).

When the holidays come around, the front door becomes a true symbol of your holiday style. From wreaths to potted arrangements, this area is the first symbol of your taste in decor. Of course, the most classic and simple route is to put two potted boxwood out front and call it a day. It is also fun to add a little seasonal flair. I think October 1st is the best time to do that, and I think these images can inspire you to get your outdoor entry prepared for the perfect curb appeal.

Ortanmental Cabbage with Boxwood and Spider Web

A picture I took last fall in Manhattan of a festive sidewalk display. I love the ornamental cabbage with the boxwood and the spider web across the sphere. Photo by yours truly.

A fantastic mix of boxwood, mums and pumpkins. Via The Yellow Cape Cod

A little bit of hay and a whole lot of color. This is definitely a treat for the season. Via Veranda

A photo I took last fall on the upper east side. It is also a secondary residence of a very design oriented Dallas couple. Photo via The Potted Boxwood

I love it when I see compacted displays of pumpkins, gords, and flowers. The more you can pack in, the better! Via Pinterest

Quite the spooky display on this NYC townhouse. If you don’t have a backyard, you may as well have some fun by the front. Photo via The Potted Boxwood

I adore this chic pumpkin display by Alicia of The Lush List. Check out her post on fabulous fall decor.

These are incredible! Oversized planters and trellis full of pumpkins and gourds. A great image of fall. Va Flickr

Superbly spooky in the most tasteful way possible (in my opinion!). Photo by The Potted Boxwood

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