HomeWardMedia.com

Archive for February, 2011

The history of garden design starts from the basic use of agriculture then. This primarily means that gardens were not used for aesthetic purposes then but for practical reasons. As such, Bristol garden design or to garden design Bristol homes were non-existent. What existed was planting herbs and vegetables for food.

Although many believe Egyptian tomb painting were the first evidence of ornamental gardening, most of the credit in the origin of garden design goes to Persia or Iran as we now know it. In ancient times, medieval European gardens were a combination of planting herbs for medicinal purposes, planting vegetables for food and planting flowers for decorative purposes. Garden design in a purely aesthetic manner started with the renaissance gardens, most notably the Italian renaissance gardens and gardens of the French renaissance, evident in popularity in paintings of that era.

Italian renaissance gardens started from the late fifteenth century and were most known for much of the art of its era, a rediscovery of earlier roman descriptions of what a garden should be. There were however, early renaissance gardens, with the first ever being the Villa Medici in Fiesole in Florence. This was in the 14th century and owned by the Medici dynasty. In this period, many followed the philosophy that a garden should overlook what it could such as the city, a valley or the sea. Italian renaissance gardens were popular for symmetry, the use of fountains, installation of pathways and ramps for tiered gardens and the installation of patios or labyrinths. Gardens of the French renaissance in the meanwhile were largely influenced by the Italian renaissance gardens and mirrored the usual rules of proportion and harmony while being grander in scale. They were a way to symbolize power and wealth. The garden à la française or the French formal garden was also largely influenced by the Italian renaissance gardens following the rules of proportion while garden designers, during this time, started considering the garden designing as a branch of architecture.By the mid-eighteenth century, the French formal garden experienced a decline with the increasing popularity of the English garden. The English garden is largely influenced by choosing nature over architecture. Symmetry was brought to an end. Instead, gardens were inspired by landscape paintings that included a lake, spanning lawns, clumps of trees and building of beautiful architecture such as bridges and temples. In a sense, it aims to be more romantic by being the subject of paintings, art and poems. The French landscape garden, again, is similarly influenced by the English garden.

The last genre to gardening is the contemporary garden, the garden that we know today. A contemporary garden can be a revival of past garden styles, a present garden style and a modern garden style. The cottage garden is also an informal garden that encourages the growth of wild or natural grown plants in backyards. Though this was already existent even before garden styles were even known, it is currently being revived. Currently, private or residential gardens are not limited to certain genres but largely follow the interior design and architecture of homes such as Zen style gardens have become popular at the advent of Japanese platform beds and other furniture. Trends in garden design are first dependent on individual style while many try to harmonize the style house and the garden as naturally as possible.

Trends in interior design and architecture today promote eco-friendliness and environmental awareness. So expect garden design trends to follow suit. People who garden will focus more on the cause of saving the world rather than simply aesthetics while having a sustainable irrigation system to water plants from within the garden. In the same manner choosing a low maintenance Bristol garden design that need very minimal tending to will also become widespread this year compared to high maintenance gardens while choosing eco-friendly plants that do not need chemicals to keep them alive. The best garden design bristol homes could possibly have this year is a perfect blend of aesthetics, functionality and its contribution in helping save the environment. Basically, that is what a contemporary garden is a practical approach and adherence to the form follows function principle. Create it for what it is intended for.

As you browse through your local home decor stores or browse through online shopping sites offering home decor and home accents, you will sometimes run across terms used to describe a particular decorating style. Terms such as rustic home decor, Tuscan style home decor, and country home decor. If you’re the type of person who just knows what they like when they see it, it may not mean much to you. If you’re interested in how a particular style suits your preferences and brings your decorating personality to life, then read on for a brief overview of some of the most popular home decorating trends.

Rustic style home decor is primarily dependant on things found in nature. Thinks woods, water, stones and natural metals. If you can visualize a cabin in the woods or a lodge in the mountains you’ve got a good idea as to what the rustic design style represents. Not everyone lives in a cabin or lodge however but there are ways to incorporate this look in your home or office. Choose simple home accents made of these natural elements and you’re off to a good start. Look for items that appear authentic or weathered such as decorative copper pieces, a washed wood bench for your porch, polished stones displayed on decorative metal or wood bowls and trays. Consider and animal hide or faux hide rug or wall hanging. The most important thing to remember is that the more natural looking the accent the more authentic looking rustic style home decorating will be.

Tuscan style home decor is a widely popular style of decorating. This luscious region of Italy is the primary inspiration here. Tuscan style is often referred to as “old world” because of the classic architecture in the region. Visualize both the natural beauty of the region itself coupled with its charming architecture to select the right home accents and color scheme for your home. The colors of this design style are often subtle and pleasing shades representing a variety of grapes and olives. Artisan pottery and stone, wrought iron accents and distressed woods are also good choices when selecting home accent pieces. The internet can provide a wealth of information to you regarding the Tuscan home decorating styles but be sure to research this region to get a real feeling for the style.

Country home decor is about as charming as it comes. Whether its French country decor, English country decor or classic American country they all have the same basic foundation when it comes to decorating styles. Country home decor is charming and quaint, aged but not old, relaxed. The best accents for this type of decor include aged, distressed woods and hand crafted fabrics. Look for distressed reds, blues, greens, yellows and whites.

There are many popular home decorating styles to consider and the most important is that consider what works best for your personal tastes. If you favor a particular decor learn everything you can about the time period and the basic elements needed to achieve the look. Selecting the right accents for home or office will tie any decor together perfectly.