greige on the outside..

 

 

The exterior of this home in Los Angeles is so gorgeous!  I love the grey in the siding and the shutters just a subtle color change and it contrasts so nicely with the landscape.  Really the green in the landscape makes the colors work so well.  Looking forward to another busy and successful week here!  

images via

 

Mind trip...

 

You know you are working too much when you get to view all of your really old photos on screen saver video slide shows.  I was reminded of my trip to Portugal almost 6 years ago - is that even possible that it has been that long?!  Wow!  

I hope you have a wonderful weekend planned!  Working on getting caught up here and taking a little family time.  

Images by christina for greige 

 

Craft: 15 Interesting ideas to display Bird Cages!

Its so fascinating to see everyday objects turned into pretty accent pieces with the simple magic of creativity! There are so many beautiful things we collect with the hope of using them as decoration, all we need is a little inspiration to power our creative cells. This post has a whole collection of ideas to repurpose bird cages into fabulous accent pieces and beautiful table decorations!

Because of its unique shape bird cages can be used to hold just about anything!! Candles, flowers, little potted plants, art, jewelry and so much more! They add an old world charm, a chic style quotient to any space. You will surely be inspired to look for your own bird cage soon ;)

Holiday decoration at thrift store price! Beautiful cottage style hand crafted centerpieces for Christmas! Don't the birds made from vintage book pages add a quirky cuteness to the whole setup?!

Perfect for spring-summer! This mini garden on a platter is just the right centerpiece for an outdoor party or theme wedding. It would look absolutely cheerful on a window sill too.

These candles on suspended bird cages have almost a Gothic vibe to it. The unique shape, details of the cage are so delicate! Do not miss the juxtaposed pretty pink tulips and sombre grey carpet in this hallway.

From spring-summer to Gothic and now teen fun! Bird cages are absolutely versatile and can be used in so many decor styles. Love the cute memo card holder! Perfect for displaying jewelry and art too :c)

Since bird cages already come with hooks to hang, it makes them perfect outdoor decoration accent! Fill them with a candles and flowers in fun colors to instantly brighten up a corner. Boho pretty and functional!

What a perfectly charming flower display!! Place a small glass vase and stick flowers through the gaps to create this gorgeous centerpiece. What a lovely cage to begin with! Get hunting everyone!!

Ingenious use as a stationary holder! Whimsical and cute, it holds all the supplies so perfectly! No going back to ordinary stuff again. Love how colorful it looks, almost like a decoration in itself.

Beautiful decoration for sun rooms and patios. These lovely bird cages have been covered in vines and moss to create lovely accent pieces. French chic and understated elegance. The little bird is an adorable addition!

Find some different sized bird cages in a pet or craft store, add artificial vines and moss, cute mushroom birds and hang them with a swatch of burlap! I so heart this!!

I am so taken by the bird cage motifs. This is an amazing wall decal idea! Perfect for a floral themed bedroom. The lush purple and black, fresh feminine floral and cute bird cages make this a favorite design!

A votive filled with coffee beans and a candle, placed in a rustic ivory bird cage. A  simple setup that immediately calls for compliments! Create this on a budget, and enjoy all the admiration. Try different combinations as variations.

Easter is around the corner, this lovely Easter lunch table setting is has some beautiful details. Rustic cottage chic decor and some simple yet lovely details. Unusual bird cages as chandeliers are a cute focal point!

Another gorgeous idea to display candles in a bird cage. Imagine the many variations!!

Mirrored cage is a dramatic addition to any room. This could also be perfect for hanging/displaying jewelry in a teen room. There can be so many uses for this lovely mirror.

Gorgeous new way to hold place cards for a wedding or party! You could also get guests to write message/ wishes for the couple and present it to them as a memento. The visual impact is just so sweet!

Garden Entry

 

Oh my, thank goodness it is almost the end of the week.. we can celebrate Thursday right?

I love the amazing windows in this house, it seems they almost touch the floor and the arched gateway is amazing!  

image via

 

Summer evenings.

 

Summer nights are made for entertaining don't think?  I love all of the candlelight and those sweet garden chairs, casual linens and the relaxed garden.

This is so perfect!

 

 

Summer evenings.

 

Summer nights are made for entertaining don't think?  I love all of the candlelight and those sweet garden chairs, casual linens and the relaxed garden.

This is so perfect!

 

 

In the Garden by Stacy Bass

A little while ago I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Stacy Bass's beautiful book In the Garden and when I was given the opportunity to ask Stacy a few questions about the book and her work I was so excited!

I love that the first few gardens are photographed with a heavy layer of mist in the book. What time of day do you find has the best misty light?

I prefer to shoot at dawn—and usually begin about 30 minutes before “official” sunrise and I shoot for as long as the light allows.  Summer months, and especially hot and humid days, are wonderful for that misty/foggy effect.

What is your favorite time of day to photograph outside?  What about inside?

Again, either dawn or dusk are best for outdoors—you avoid the harsh shadows of the middle of the day and are more likely to get a clean and even exposure.  For shooting indoors, really any time of day works! And I do try to use natural light for my interiors as often as possible.

You have many close detail photos of various flowers, I love them. Which do you prefer to photograph- overall spaces or the details?  

Thank you!  I really love to shoot the close detail shots, it feels very intimate and in many ways, creates a challenge to frame the details in just the right way for maximum impact.  That said, shooting the overall scope or space of a garden feels painterly and is very calming. I love trying to capture the feeling of a garden and really set the stage to explore what’s inside.

I love all of the different types of hydrangea that are included, it is my favorite flower.  Do you have a favorite? 

I am partial to hydrangea, too!  I love how they are lush and bold but also delicate and I LOVE the colors they come in.  I also love shooting lilies and irises—any flowers with bold color and a really strong shape and defined lines.  It helps make for a great image. And I am slightly obsessed by the smell of lilacs and honeysuckle, though not my favorite to photograph.

How does your photography influence your daily life with family?  Do you photograph at home too? 

I think being a photographer is the perfect job for me, really. And being able to freelance is the right fit for my family as I can be with my kids as often as possible and yet still schedule shooting time when they are in school or away at camp.  I think it’s a great thing to pursue a creative career and I love that my kids know that their Mom works. I think they feel really proud to see my work out in the world.

You also work as an interiors photographer, can we look forward to a book featuring interior photography as well? 

Good question!  I’d LOVE to do a book of interiors and have been thinking what the best way might be to approach that. Since interiors books are usually works by one designer with images by lots of photographers, I’d have to have a more thematic approach like…waterside homes or……feel free to make a suggestion…..!

How does your work with exterior and interior photography influence your own home and garden?  

DRAMATICALLY!  We re-designed the interiors of our home about 2 years ago and the direction and tone of the project was surely influenced by my favorite assignments and what I see when I shoot.  Similarly, we are just completing a garden project and I sent the landscape designer images from my garden shoots for inspiration and even in some cases, to select specific flowers to include. It was so helpful.

Have you always lived on the East Coast?  

Yes. I was raised in Connecticut and lived in New York City for 12 years during college, law school, and early work.

What is your camera/lens of choice? 

For exterior and garden shoots, I shoot with a NIKON D3 35mm DSLR with a zoom lens.  I have always been a Nikon girl—inherited that my Dad who had lots of Nikon (film) cameras.  I have to work quickly, so I try to use a lens that gives me maximum flexibility and won’t require me to change lenses too frequently. I also shoot with a 60mm macro lens for my close up work.  For interiors, I use a Phase One medium format digital camera with a series of fixed length lenses.  It produces gorgeous images with exceptional resolution.

 

 

Each garden featured in the book is unique and beautiful.  Stacy's ability to capture light and life in these spaces is really amazing. I hope you enjoyed the interview and take a moment to visit her site or pick up a copy of In the Garden.

all images via Stacy Bass

 

 

In the Garden by Stacy Bass

A little while ago I was lucky enough to receive a copy of Stacy Bass's beautiful book In the Garden and when I was given the opportunity to ask Stacy a few questions about the book and her work I was so excited!

I love that the first few gardens are photographed with a heavy layer of mist in the book. What time of day do you find has the best misty light?

I prefer to shoot at dawn—and usually begin about 30 minutes before “official” sunrise and I shoot for as long as the light allows.  Summer months, and especially hot and humid days, are wonderful for that misty/foggy effect.

What is your favorite time of day to photograph outside?  What about inside?

Again, either dawn or dusk are best for outdoors—you avoid the harsh shadows of the middle of the day and are more likely to get a clean and even exposure.  For shooting indoors, really any time of day works! And I do try to use natural light for my interiors as often as possible.

You have many close detail photos of various flowers, I love them. Which do you prefer to photograph- overall spaces or the details?  

Thank you!  I really love to shoot the close detail shots, it feels very intimate and in many ways, creates a challenge to frame the details in just the right way for maximum impact.  That said, shooting the overall scope or space of a garden feels painterly and is very calming. I love trying to capture the feeling of a garden and really set the stage to explore what’s inside.

I love all of the different types of hydrangea that are included, it is my favorite flower.  Do you have a favorite? 

I am partial to hydrangea, too!  I love how they are lush and bold but also delicate and I LOVE the colors they come in.  I also love shooting lilies and irises—any flowers with bold color and a really strong shape and defined lines.  It helps make for a great image. And I am slightly obsessed by the smell of lilacs and honeysuckle, though not my favorite to photograph.

How does your photography influence your daily life with family?  Do you photograph at home too? 

I think being a photographer is the perfect job for me, really. And being able to freelance is the right fit for my family as I can be with my kids as often as possible and yet still schedule shooting time when they are in school or away at camp.  I think it’s a great thing to pursue a creative career and I love that my kids know that their Mom works. I think they feel really proud to see my work out in the world.

You also work as an interiors photographer, can we look forward to a book featuring interior photography as well? 

Good question!  I’d LOVE to do a book of interiors and have been thinking what the best way might be to approach that. Since interiors books are usually works by one designer with images by lots of photographers, I’d have to have a more thematic approach like…waterside homes or……feel free to make a suggestion…..!

How does your work with exterior and interior photography influence your own home and garden?  

DRAMATICALLY!  We re-designed the interiors of our home about 2 years ago and the direction and tone of the project was surely influenced by my favorite assignments and what I see when I shoot.  Similarly, we are just completing a garden project and I sent the landscape designer images from my garden shoots for inspiration and even in some cases, to select specific flowers to include. It was so helpful.

Have you always lived on the East Coast?  

Yes. I was raised in Connecticut and lived in New York City for 12 years during college, law school, and early work.

What is your camera/lens of choice? 

For exterior and garden shoots, I shoot with a NIKON D3 35mm DSLR with a zoom lens.  I have always been a Nikon girl—inherited that my Dad who had lots of Nikon (film) cameras.  I have to work quickly, so I try to use a lens that gives me maximum flexibility and won’t require me to change lenses too frequently. I also shoot with a 60mm macro lens for my close up work.  For interiors, I use a Phase One medium format digital camera with a series of fixed length lenses.  It produces gorgeous images with exceptional resolution.

 

 

Each garden featured in the book is unique and beautiful.  Stacy's ability to capture light and life in these spaces is really amazing. I hope you enjoyed the interview and take a moment to visit her site or pick up a copy of In the Garden.

all images via Stacy Bass