I’ve been feeling run down this week, disorganized, overwhelmed, out of sorts, and irritable as a result. One of the things I’ve learned about myself is in those moments, I need to step away from the things that cause strife and take a moment to seek serenity. Often I find it by sprucing or cleaning around the house – clearing out clutter and cleaning the countertops. Adding something fresh from nature always helps.

I read a great quote from Barbara Barry last week (one of my favorite designers) and she said, "To me it’s easy to be a designer. You just look outside and half your job is done for you."  How true is that?  I too am so inspired by nature, and I never tire of the organic shapes and color palettes that nature reveals with every season.

Spring comes a little earlier where I live (please don’t send me hate mail) so I popped into my local florist to spend a few dollars on some branches in bloom. The different varieties of quince and cherry and magnolia come into the shops from the San Francisco flower market and now bring a welcome dose of spring to our home. 

Here are a few more of my favorite images of branches in bloom – proof that when  inserted into simple vases or vessels, any interior is instantly brightened. 

Wood Wool Stool

Martha Stewart

Gardenista

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