Lotus Garden - 5 Flatlay Techniques

I am constantly inspired by vibrant prints and textiles. This lovely Shumacher wallcovering from a 1920s archive document shows imagery of the Japanese culture. This application will bring life and energy to any room.  Flat lays are my go to when creating content for the blog. Below are my 5 helpful tips to get started. 

5 Flatlay Techniques

1. I begin with a main piece of inspiration and pull colors from the scene. Choose an item you can build from & that speaks to you.

2. I always try to incorporate a living quality, usually this comes from a bouquet I have around the house or a stem from garden. 

3. The third item is a textile this will add texture and interest. I like to use a piece of fabric, small throw, scarf or a cloth napkin.

4. I like to mix in an item that is currently in season, in this case the lemon. I was lucky enough to get a bunch from my grandmothers garden.

5. The last item is always a fun creative addition and usually a hobby or interest of mine in this case the ball of yarn, as I like to crochet from time to time.

Please share below some creative tips you have when creating your very own flat lays or how these tips helped you.

Yoga Practice

Image from the book, Yoga: The Art of Transformation

The practice of yoga with the idea of relaxing the mind, has always intrigued me. I've wanted to find a place that I could go to and workout ever since my move. Before you know it I found myself in search of a yoga studio. By using yelp and filtering through locations, comparing photos and reading reviews I found myself a match. I was scheduled and very nervous for my first Alignment Hatha at Ocean Yoga in Pacifica, Ca. The closest I had been to yoga prior was in my living room with youtube or a girlfriend showing me.

I was transformed after my first yoga session, the class was not easy and you have to be one with your mind. I always thought it was silly the whole inhale exhale, but that is so real. I am inspired and cannot wait for my next session and to learn new poses and techniques. 

Tranquility & Creativity

I've discovered my deepest passions when my mind is most clear. By minimizing all distractions and removing unnecessary items, allows me to have a clear vision. These are the recurring thoughts as I style for specific themes and moments in my life.

One evening, it dawned on me that it had been a while since my last bubble bath. As I lit my Jo Malone candle, I realized how lovely the trio was arranged within the marble tray. The soft pinks & creamy white flowers softened the vanity top, layered with a wood detail for added texture. Between the wood and glow of the fire with the detail of the necklace provides a delicate warmth throughout.

My passion for interiors and love for styling allows me to create and capture these brief moments in time.

“The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling.”

— Fabienne Fredrickson

Sun-kissed Hydrangea

Hydrangea flowers are gorgeous with their ever changing colored blooms. They require moist soil and plant food preferably for hydrangeas with an added amount of ph for the soil. They flourish with the added ph and are known to change the blooms blue.

I am still learning how to care for mine day by day. I like to determine how much water is needed based off of how they look. The leaves will droop and feel soft to the touch when they need water. I love these plants that talk back and let you know when its time for water and a little love when you've nearly forgotten. This beauty to the left in the afternoon sun, is a velvety pink hydrangea in my grandfathers garden. He has taught me so much when it comes to plants and how to keep them alive and happy. 

Tropical Party

This past weekend I put together a bright and colorful tropical themed birthday party for my grandmother. As far back as I can remember she loved to tell stories of vacationing in Tahiti. What better way to celebrate her birthday by bringing paradise to her.

Cake time - decorations purchased at Party City & Napkins from Target

My mother made the cake with homemade chocolate frosting. She loves to bake cakes for all of our birthdays. For this recipe she added a half cup of coffee to the box cake to mix it up a bit and to add a homemade flavor.

Pineapples, Party City

Leis, Party City

What would be your favorite theme to throw for a party?

Flower Power

Paul's Flowers

Shopping for flowers is my favorite activity. I enjoy putting together my own arrangements. This allows me to have fun and get creative by mixing different colored blooms. The flowers are constantly changing with every season as late spring - mid summer is known for peonies, therefore they're very hard to find during the winter months. Tulips are quintessential spring and easter flowers. Everyone always wants to know how to keep there flowers longer. I suggest switching the water about every 2 days. It should only take a couple minutes out of your schedule. When you find flowers dying in your arrangement it is best to clip them and toss, so they do not affect the other flowers. I like to keep it simple and switch out arrangements when the time comes. 

What is your favorite time of year to have flowers in your home?

The Garden within the Island

Can you believe it's almost Friday? I feel like the weekend just ended and we were in Washington. We recently just flew up to Seattle, WA to visit family.  It was my first time visiting outside of the airport terminals. I had stopped through before but never left the airport, it's very funny how that tends to happen. 

The trip was primarily focused on destination, Anderson Island which is the southern most island in the Puget Sound. It is accessible by ferry which makes for an eventful stay. Call me an outsider but this was wild to me, a ferry never slows us down here in the Bay Area traffic is the only thought in our minds. I found that making the ferry times was a bit stressful. The ferry ride slowed down all problems in the world. 

The island was full of tall pine trees native to the area and two lane roads veering off into all directions. Our stay was in a beautiful vacation home surrounded by lush gardens. I was in awe of the gardens and jealous of all their land. I only have a small balcony and am limited to potted plants. The garden was like paradise and surprises around every corner. They had tomatoes, onions, garlic, sunflowers, peas of different varieties. 

Yellow Onion, growing tall with beautiful flowers.

Garlic Bulb, tall curvy Spathe perfect for pesto sauce

This trip was one for the books, the quick ones always are. 

What was one of your most memorable vacations to date?

Red White & Blue

The 4th of July is all about showing off your red white & blue. I wanted to find a creative way to showcase the colors in our home without the traditional decor. The floral colors are lighter in hues not your usual primary colors, but who says we can’t go a shade lighter or darker.  We are having a small 4th of July since it is our first independence day in our new place. I didn’t feel the need to decorate to the nine since we are keeping a low key holiday. We have a wonderful view hope that our neighbors purchased a lot of fireworks for a great show.

What are some of the creative ways you’ve transformed the holiday decor in your home?

Warm Summer Sun

Red Trumpet Vine, Campsis Radicans

This weekend and the next few days will be record highs for the local bay area. How are you staying cool during these warm times? The mornings begin very warm and are tell tale signs of a hot day ahead. I usually retreat inside or sit by the pool and catch some sun. The beauty about living near the coast has to be the ocean breeze that rolls in around 5, allows some time to open up the windows and cool down the house.How are you staying cool during these warm times?

“Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.”

— Mark Twain

Scents of fresh blooms

Decorator Showcase, K Interiors

Burlingame, Ca - Dining Room

Everyone should have a fresh set of flowers in the house to start the week of right. The smells of the blooms linger in the air and throughout the house. Two bouquets from the store can split into at least 3 - 4 vases. One could be the larger vase for the dining table. The second and third can be split into smaller vases for your nightstand and or dresser top. If you happen to have a larger bathroom and enough counter space the vanity top is the perfect place for a few green stems and one or two flowers. The key to creating beautiful arrangements isn't trying to squeeze one vase full but separating the flowers. I so often will only put 2 - 3 stems in the vase on the dining table. Some flowers can stand alone and steal the show themselves.