Well Happy Summer!  It has been a minute since I was able to say hello and share with you all kinds of summer happenings.  As most of you know, we closed the doors to our Shop location on Grant Avenue in downtown Novato.  Both of our storefront locations are now closed.  BUT this is not the end of Buttercup Home.  We continue to offer full Design Services including Styling, Remodels, Furniture Plans, Vacation Property staging and our popular 1-Hour Consultations.  We continue to work from our home offices and warehouse space.  Sometimes simplifying is the best idea!

I have been busy working on my garden and outdoor spaces to prepare for outdoor living and entertaining.  Several years ago, we did quite a number on a backyard remodel, on a budget with several goals in mind.  Outdoor Enjoyment (most of the year), Entertaining, Growing a Garden and of course Flower Beds to attract birds and pollinators.  We added a Costco Pergola, which has extended our living space considerably.  This is now an outdoor room where we meet for coffee, enjoy movies and gathering with friends and family.  It has a full living room setup with sofa, club chairs, coffee table, tv, and games.  The goal is to build an outdoor fireplace (we ran a gas line), but for now we are using a tower heater.  I have loved selecting beautiful Perennials fabrics for pillows and cushions, as well as planting pots and adding fun garden statues and artwork.  Some of my favorite places for plants and garden accessories:  Cottage Gardens in Petaluma, Sonoma Country Antiques, Sonoma Nesting Co in Guerneville and Curious Floral Nursery in Richmond (the former Annie’s Annuals).  Many years ago, I added a galvanized potting bench, that I use for pots and herbs and it seconds as a bar when I am entertaining.  I love mixing plants and flowers with food and drinks to really say…this is summer! 

One of my favorite recipes is Avocado Watermelon Salad.  One of my oldest friends shared this with me decades ago and she received it from her mother.  At first it sounds strange, but it is sooooo good!  Simple, unique and flavorful!

One large or two small seedless watermelons, cut in bite size pieces

4-5 Avocados (sliced)

½ red onion marinated in olive oil and balsamic vinegar- I don’t measure this, just equal parts to just cover the onions for at least an hour to make soft

A bunch of cilantro

Lemon juice of two lemons

Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and enjoy!

 

Furniture Plans have been a cornerstone of my design process at Buttercup Home for over 20 years.

They are the true foundation of a well-designed room-and yet, they are so often overlooked.  When new clients reach out, I often hear, “I’m afraid to make a mistake or “I’ve made costly choices in the past”.  A thoughtful furniture plan eliminates the stress.  It’s not just about what fits, but how you live.  What are the focal points of the room?  What is the style/architecture of the house?  How many people use the space?  What activities happen there?  These questions shape the layout and help determine the right scale and style of each piece.  If these questions linger in your mind, in a 1-Hour Consultation, we can create a clear, confident plan for your space-one that’s both functional and beautiful.  Note to Selves:  If you are looking to have new furnishings prior to the holidays, July/August is the time to start!

 

 

 

Are you interested in refreshing your home or room? We are offering full-scale interior design or as small as a design consult to help give your home a litte zhuzh for the new year - contact us today to get started!