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Garden Therapy: Little Farm in the Big City
Imagine the possibility of creating a low-maintenance, beautiful, and productive farm in the middle of a city. Such is the reality for homeowner Jennifer Carlson, a Seattle resident who turned her backyard into something extraordinary. For photos of her smart landscaping and gardening ideas, as well as some adorable animals, check out the slideshow.
Casa Verde: Collect Your Rainwater
Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, we've been deluged with rain all Winter long. Most of this rain simply spills across the pavement and gutters and gets funneled back into the sewers. However, smart homeowners in this area put all of this water to work for them by saving it in rain barrels.
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Link Time!
- If you're in Austin, head to Lauren Levy's button art exhibit.— Craft
- Check out four rain barrel options.— This Old House
- Are you a fan of these retro-ktisch napkins? — Shelterrific
- Check out this simple and smart workspace.— Daily Danny
- Learn some ways to use wallpaper scraps.— AT:SF
- Discover Sussie Bell's pretty interior photos.— Desire to Inspire
- Explore this idea for small-space living.— Home by Sunset
Link Time!
- Is your love for these chairs supernatural?— Shelterrific
- Would you DIY fabric wallpaper?— Simply Stated
- Round up fashion for your home.— PoppyTalk
- Check out this amazing rain-barrel project.— Re-Nest
- Find inspiration in window displays.— Danny Seo
- If you live in Chicago, you'll need this DIY guide.— Charles and Hudson
- Make a faux capiz shell lampshade.— Craft
- I love these stenciled stairs.— AT:SF
Roundup: Sunny Day
After months of a drought, San Francisco is finally getting a pounding of rain. I've had enough of it and all I want is a sunny day! So I thought I'd round up a collection of cheerful, sun-inspired furnishings to brighten my days indoors until the clouds go away.
Casa Verde: Removable Kitchen Sink
Considering the current water shortages around the world, it's scary how much water is wasted by simply running the kitchen faucet when washing dishes or produce, etc. So, I was delighted to come across the Australian-made Hughie Sink ($25), a removable kitchen sink that captures 80 percent of the water that would normally be wasted, so you can reuse it to water plants, wash your pets or car, etc.
The sink is made of biodegradable plastic, is lightweight, comes with a sturdy handle, and fits most kitchen sinks.
Open House: What's Your Green Resolution?
Resolutions are often made with the best intentions — and then promptly forgotten. This year, I'm going to try very hard to stick to my eco-oriented New Year's resolutions. Starting off, I'm going to try to keep a better attitude about living green.
Casa Quickie: A Softening Rain Chain
Danny Seo recently shared a wonderful tip on his blog to keep water from rushing out of your gutters too quickly, and I had to share. "Just connect a chain to the downspout of your gutters and let the rain slowly and gently trickle all the way down the chain," he says. The softening rain chain creates a beautiful sound when the rain dances down the chain, adding a sweet musical element to your home.
Casa Verde: Recycled Texas Houses
Yesterday I told you about some cool tiny Texas homes, and today I'm back with an amazing story about one Texas couple's vision to help anyone who wants to own a house to do so, with lots of hands-on work and about $20,000-$50,000. Phoenix Commotion was started in 1996 by Dan and Marsha Phillips, who mortgaged their house to start a business building affordable houses from free, salvaged, and recycled materials. The company caters their homes to the working poor, including single mothers, who need energy-efficient, affordable, comfortable homes.
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