Next up, Arts and Crafts. One of my absolute favorites, this style developed in response to the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century. At a time where machines were quickly replacing talented artisans with inferior products, the Craftsman Movement was about celebrating traditional skills and creativity as well as emphasizing the natural qualities of materials. Important names to note during this period are William Morris, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Gustav Stickley.

Qualities to describe the Arts and Crafts style: earthy color palette, natural materials and finishes (wood, stone, slate, leather), built in’s (cabinetry, shelves, benches), stained glass, dark/rustic hardware, beefy/tapered columns, handcrafted textiles and ceramics, and an overall emphasis on nature.

Honest to goodness, I love this style. Arts and Crafts is classic, a great balance of not-too masculine or feminine, it’s architectural, and I love the emphasis on nature. See for yourself.

… I love to watch British television and movies. Don’t judge! There is something wonderful about their accents, the landscape, and the charming villages with cobblestone streets. I find myself engrossed in studying the architecture, trying to understand the way they think, dress and decorate their homes. Perhaps it is simply the cumulative experience of witnessing something unknown and exotic that is so fascinating to me.

At any rate, this weekend I watched the critically acclaimed “The King’s Speech.” Very good! But what may have stolen the show for me was the Therapy Room. The walls, the fireplace, the windows - amazing!!!

First and foremost, I wanted my business name to reflect nature. After all, it is my strong appreciation for the environment and sense of responsibility that prompted my focus on Green Design practices. Also, considering a few of my favorite things in this world are flowers, color, and art, this name worked well.

Lavender: an herb known to possess relaxation properties (where better to relax than in your own home!); a pale purple color (not only a favorite of mine, but considered the color of creativity).

Lotus: family of water lilies; an element of nature that has been represented in art and architecture in several cultures since ancient Egyptians; a cross-legged sitting position used in yoga.

Baha’i House of Worship, India is referred to as the “Lotus Temple”