Table of Contents: Utilitarian Glamour

Just because something is useful doesn’t mean it can’t look luxurious. This week we explore the intersection between function and good looks in outdoor design–and offer a few suggestions about how to marry the two:

Above: Photograph by Tom Kubik from Trend Alert: San Francisco’s Favorite Flower Truck.

Monday

• A 17th-century farmhouse in Devon retains its historical character with a modern garden, thanks to garden designer Arne Maynard’s expert siting of gates and walkways in this week’s Designer Visit.
• Would it surprise you to learn that Justine has figured out how to elevate the lowly supermarket poinsettia, to make it the star of a holiday Floral Arrangement?

Tuesday

• Defeat the drought. Some of the best news ideas for low-water, sustainable gardens are coming out of Los Angeles, a city that uses less water today than it did 45 years ago (even though the population has soared). Cheryl takes notes on the native plants movement–with help from Grow Outdoor Design in this week’s Garden Visit.

Wednesday

• Forget overalls. Clothing designer (and expert seamstress) Sarah Waldo Jagger shows us how to make an apron sleeve, with perfectly sized pockets for carrying tools, in this week’s DIY.
• Nothing is more luxurious than a beautifully outfitted workspace. Meredith takes us on a tour of her favorite Garden Sheds.

Thursday

• In 10 Easy Pieces, Janet selects her favorite wrought iron fences, and offers pros (they double as trellises) and options for every budget.

Friday

• Proving she can stick to a budget, Cheryl sleuths lovely and thoughtful presents under $50 in this week’s Holiday Gift Guide.
• For fruitcake haters, Lindsey calls a truce. In this week’s Garden-to-Table Recipe, she brings a cranberry and apple holiday bundt cake. Bonus: there’s a gluten-free version.

Craving more Utilitarian Glamour? Head over to Remodelista, where Julie and the team will be celebrating the practical and the pretty all week.