In an old printing factory in the center of Paris, garden designer Jacques Leseur created a secret courtyard garden where feathery plants soften a dark industrial backdrop. Here's how to recreate the look:
Above: The patio sits directly off the kitchen. Potted plants on rolling stands are mobile and can move indoors and out. Photograph via Marie Claire Maison.
Above: Handmade clay planters from Belgium-based Atelier Vierkant have as much beauty as utility. Coming this spring, a new A Planter will be available in six sizes, from diminutive ($81) to massive ($2,665).
For more of Atelier Vierkant's line (and US retailers), see Artful Planters from Belgium.
Above: Put plants on rolling stands to make them easy to move (and to prevent damage to flooring). One of our favorites (at top R) is the galvanized Socker Rolling Plant Stand from Ikea; $5.99. See the rest of our picks in 5 Favorites: Rolling Plant Stands.
Above: Photography by Andreas Trauttmansdorff for Gardenista.
You can purchase Japanese maples online, but shipping dates will depend on your region. Two varieties we like are the Shaina Japanese Maple with dark maroon leaves, with prices starting at $89 for a 1.6-gallon size at Monrovia, and the Osakazuki Japanese Maple that varies from green to red to orange ($139 for a 3.6-gallon plant at Monrovia). For more inspiration, see 5 Favorites: Colorful Japanese Maples.
Above: Photograph via Atelier Domingue.
Check your local architectural salvage yard for vintage steel factory windows and doors to find something that approximates the look in the patio above. Or consider a custom set to fit your space exactly. Shown here are custom steel frame doors' from the Atelier Domingue Architectural Metalcrafts line.
For more sourcing ideas for steel windows and doors, see Walls, Windows & Floors: Steel Window and Door Fabricators on Remodelista.
Above: Visit your local lumber yard for cedar decking boards—they're naturally resistant to insects and rot. Eastern White Cedar Boards are $1.59 per linear foot at Northampton Lumber in Virginia.
Above: Citrus trees can thrive in pots, with lots of sunshine and patience. A potted semi-dwarf Nagami Kumquat Tree is $24.99 from Grow Organic.
Above: A galvanized steel Hoop Handle Watering Can with a corrosion-resistant zinc finish and a screw-on spout is $48 from Terrain.
Above: Wisteria is a beautiful and fragrant perennial vine—but invasive. Read before planting: Wisteria: A Dangerous Beauty (Are You Tempted?) and DIY: Train a Wisteria Vine Not to Eat the House.
Among our favorite varieties of wisteria are Wisteria Frutescens Amethyst Falls ($24.95) and Wisteria Lavender Falls ($28.95); both from White Flower Farm.
Above: Crate & Barrel's Delta 30 Inch Aluminum Bar Stool has an anodized finished on aluminum base; $149 each.
For more ways to make a small space feel luxe, see:
- Artful Planters from Belgium
- Cut Leaf Japanese Maples: At Home with Canada's Favorite Garden Writer
- DIY: Potted Citrus Trees
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