Oooh, those French really do have style! My wife spotted this one and I just had to post.

The Nekko Vase by PA Design is a very unique, cute and stylish piece. Made of plastic and available in several soft pastel colors; it’s simply fantastic.

This very unconventional vase can be used for real or fake flowers/plants and probably even for other interesting stuff (an improvised coat rack comes to mind). I love the “root structure” that is implied…

Only 26 EURO! I wonder if anyone sells them in the USA?

Just like Spring, Summer brings it’s own weather, colors, smells and mood. So it’s only natural that you’d feel the urge to do something to compliment the new season… decor wise.

Now I know what you’re thinking, “Who’s got the time and cash to redecorate every season”? Well it doesn’t have to be as difficult or expensive as most of you might think. There’s no need to make big changes to your decor in order to get a new vibe or mood from a room.

A favorite summer accessory of mine is a nice bright bouquet of fresh flowers (my wife likes them even more). Now I’ll admit, I wasn’t always a fan of flowers, probably because most people I know always go overboard, but if you keep it simple and clean they can really brighten and open up a room.

Since it’s summer time, I prefer light and brightly colored flowers… a small bouquet of wildflowers perhaps. They’re not too expensive and can last for quite a while if you take care to change their water regularly.

Some great ideas on placement:

If you have a fireplace, try cleaning it out and placing a nice bouquet of wildflowers in the firebox. This will brighten and lighten that area and give it a summery feel.

Do you have a shoe cabinet, dresser or small table in your foyer? If you do, it’s the perfect place for displaying fresh flowers. Their fragrance will fill the entryway and lift your spirits every time you walk through the front door.

Of course the bathroom is a perfect spot for a single perfect rose in a slim, modern vase… maybe on the vanity or washing machine? It takes up a minimum of countertop space and provides a great focal piece in a room that is usually very utilitarian.

Be careful not to buy any types that you may be allergic too though, it defeats the purpose.

Also, if you plan on decorating your bedroom with a nice bouquet of flowers, be aware that some species may give off more scent (and pollen) at different times of the day… although I’m not sure how much this applies to cut flowers, better check with your local florist.

I’ll be posting more on low cost summer decorating tips later.

Another Ficus, but slightly different.

The Ficus Microcarpa has round, green, fleshy and shiny leaves. It can be found in varying forms from shrub like to highly controlled and pruned to an exact shape. This plant is native to the isand of Okinawa and like most of the plants so far enjoys sunlight.

The root structure grows vigorously so you should plan on replanting at least once every second year.

A beautiful, interesting plant, the Ficus Microcarpa fits well into modern interiors where colour and texture are needed.

This plant fits into just about any interior space but those with modern or minimalistic interiors should take notice of this plant. It’s shape is like an open fan. The simple geometric shape of the Sanseveria is perfect for modern interiors and allows the plant to be displayed on it’s own, as a sculpture if you will.

Caring for this plant shouldn’t prove difficult. Water once a month, twice during the growth season. It’s quite hardy and you’ll get away with re-planting it every 3-4 years… a very low maintenance plant.

I’m still looking for a good picture…

The Kentia is a plant that has a strong association and widely used in late 19th and early 20th century architecture. Times were changing, people were gaining freedoms, artistic expression, modern times and no interior was complete without this plant.

A plant that was used in many luxurious interiors of the time, hotels, villas and studios; the Kentia fills a room with airiness and energy. It’s a plant that grows both in height and in width, filling the space very effectively. It enjoys sunlight but will also do well in partial shadow. The chutes grow to about 1-2m, dark green in colour and long thin leaves.

The Kentia is a great plant and with regular watering (about twice a week) and fertilizing it should do great in your interior space and certainly provide you with a wonderful ambiance.

This type of cactus is best known as “golden ball” or “golden barrel”. It originates from Mexico. It’s shape is for the most part round, spherical actually, like a ball or a dome. The entire surface is covered in strong, large, yellow needles. This gives the cactus it’s golden glow.

It’s possible for yellow flowers to sprout on the top of the cactus. As most cacti the Echinocactus Grusonii requires lots of sunlight and water only when the soil is dry. You’re usually better off under-watering a cactus than over-watering. Over-watering can lead to root rot. You can feed your cactus with specially formulated cactus food, ask someone at your local garden center for help if you aren’t familiar with the products available to you.

This cactus can be grown from a seed in a greenhouse, but I suggest just paying for one that is already well on it’s way. You’ll get more enjoyment out of it and you won’t have to care for a seedling.