Be Our Guest: Iron Design for the Inside and Outside

June 30th, 2010 Katie

Master Gardener Judy Moskoff shares her thoughts on iron design. Visit Judy’s blog, A Gardener’s Home, at agardenershome.blogspot.com.
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With a new emphasis on dining and living spaces outside, I find myself looking at interior objects in a new way, and iron and metal objects make sense for outside use. (In truth, I’m also looking for things the grandchildren won’t break.)

Landscapers and interior designers have often used iron urns to enhance both our indoor and exterior plantings. I currently use iron urns purchased at Gringo Jones to decorate the top of our hutch in the dining room. They tie into the iron urns on the deck, which is accessed from the dining room.

My iron “mice,” originally purchased at Christopher’s to keep the napkins from blowing away outside, play among the desert plates on the hutch when not being used outside. My mom hates the thought of any kind of mice in the dining room – but the grandchildren love it. You just have to find a balance.

Jan Barboglio, fashion designer turned home accessories designer, has a wonderful selection of items, such as this incredible napkin ring, available through Maggies, www.maggies.com.

Her wine glass with an iron base makes a perfect indoor or outdoor selection for your tabletop. And, don’t forget her collectible iron bottle toppers for that bottle of wine you plan to share, which are available at Neiman Marcus, www.neimanmarcus.com.

In a recent magazine article, Jan Barboglio sets the table with white napkins, mice and her napkin ring – no wonder I love her designs!

Have fun and enjoy the summer – whether you are outside or inside!

Judy Moskoff
agardenershome@gmail.com
www.agardenershome.blogspot.com

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