How to Make Attractive Outdoor Spaces

 

Medallions

Eight inch carved and decorative dogwood medallions detail.

Eight inch carved and decorative dogwood medallions detail.

This week I received a few texts from folks showing me their installed pieces. These small but unique projects bring lots of joy. That gets me thinking about other petite but impactful jobs I've done, of which most are outside. That leads me to outdoor decor. Now's the time to think about your outdoor spaces and plan for another spring in possible quarantine.

The most recent project is four dogwood medallions I did for a home in Raleigh. As our state flower, it's a popular Raleigh motif.

 
 
These dogwood medallions installed on a Raleigh mansion create a unique appeal that only custom work can bring to your home.

These dogwood medallions installed on a Raleigh mansion create a unique appeal that only custom work can bring to your home.

House Numbers

The house numbers I did to mark my friend Cheryl's driveway are doing their job. They're large enough for people to see from a distance and identify where to turn in, even at night. When I visit, I appreciate them too. The number of times I've driven past and had to turn around is numerous.

See how beautiful and visible Cheryl’s custom house number look install on her lovely property. They create a presence that’s friendly and welcoming.

See how beautiful and visible Cheryl’s custom house number look install on her lovely property. They create a presence that’s friendly and welcoming.

'“When Marina told me she could fix my problem; of customers missing my driveway, I didn’t know what to expect other than something beautiful. When she delivered them, I was blown away. They were so beautiful. The background color matched the fence, the numbers had a metallic finish, so they stood out when lights shined on them, and the detail of the flowers intertwining the numbers gave a happy welcoming sweetness. Since putting the new house numbers up, not one customer has mentioned that they could not find me, but they have complimented me on them. So have the neighbors. I couldn’t be happier. I love how they look, and they add a uniqueness that only Marina can create.” –Cheryl Gottschall, photographer

Woodworker Matt Neel, framed them up for us.

Woodworker Matt Neel, framed them up for us.

House numbers are a great way to add a pop of color and function to your door or the adjacent exterior walls. Art can set the tone of what to expect once inside, while color is always welcoming and fun.

After the client purchased the cat tile, she asked if I would make a number tile to match. They look great together.

Murals

Whether you're crafting a lovely secluded space or creating a cozy seating area, murals are the perfect art form for outdoor sitting areas. If you start with art, you can set the mood, giving yourself a color pallet and a theme to launch the purchasing of furniture and accessories. Art tiles are’nt just pretty; they’re freeze and thaw proof, non-fading, and easy to install.

This side porch is super private, away from the street noise, and just a perfect spot for reflecting or meditating.

This side porch is super private, away from the street noise, and just a perfect spot for reflecting or meditating.

 
 
 

I did this piece so long ago, my hair had color. This house belongs to one of my neighbors, if they’re on the porch the opportunity for company is always available.

6” x 12” tryptic

6” x 12” tryptic

FYI: Studio prep for teaching is coming along. Saturdays in February and March are mostly taken. Classes during the week are available. I look forward to posting the projects and the fired results.

This porch has fun stuff and good times.

This porch has fun stuff and good times.