Guest Picks: Soothing, Refreshing Mint
Minty fresh flavor isn't just great for gum, ice cream and toothpaste. Let this cool color infuse your decor too
I went to architecture school but am now a design and craft blogger over at Lauren Elise Crafted where I highlight crafts, DIYs and tutorials, photography, vintage finds, and all things lovely.
I went to architecture school but am now a design and craft blogger over... More »
There is something so soothing about mint. I noticed this the other day as I enjoyed a summertime cone of mint chip ice cream. As a flavor, mint is known for that refreshing taste, and as a color, it embodies much of the same sentiment. Make that cool and exhilarating appeal a summer essential in your home this year. Whether you are decorating with it or eating it, mint and its calming effects are sure to please. After seeing these cool green finds, you may find it hard to avoid the minty craze. — Lauren from Lauren Elise Crafted
The birch wood of this cheese board set with spreaders is so smooth and beautiful that mint seems to be the perfect color complement. Pair it with the pinch pot and mint mug, and lay them out as a set at your next gathering.
As the days get warmer, coffee and hot tea sound less appealing. Use this mug for iced teas and lemonade instead, or fill it with breakfast yogurt, granola and freshly picked berries.
Keep this handy pinch pot in the kitchen and use it while cooking. The petite size is perfect for holding herbs, spices and sugars. The colorful bottom is actually a rubber material, so it is non-slip and quite practical.
Bring these striped straws around to your next ice cream social. Don't forget the mint chip ice cream! The straws are reminiscent of old-time soda fountains, and they have the same fun and youthful spirit. Slip them into the decor at parties, weddings and picnics.
This decorative paper bubble would make a lovely lantern. It is a handmade alternative to the sculptural lanterns sold by big box stores. All the details are hand-scored and folded by the artist. Keep the bubble sculptural or make it functional by attaching it to an LED lamp.
Here is another mint hanging pendant, but this handmade version is made from sewing thread and water-based glue. The shape is clean and modern, but the texture and color keep it from being too simple.
Do you need summertime transportation? A beach cruiser will keep you on the go in style, especially in this festive mint color. A basket attachment on the front or back of the bike is a perfect accessory as well. Free up your hands but keep your farmer's market groceries, library books or beach blankets secure and within easy reach.
Apartment dwellers and renters who long for color should offset their white walls with some vibrant furniture like this green side table. A small piece like this feels unobtrusive, so it is a logical choice when trying out a new color in a space.
Your summer blooms have to go somewhere. Display them in this delicate minty vase.
These tapers are not only a soothing mint color, but also pure beeswax, so they are good for the environment and hypo-allergenic. They don't drip like their paraffin counterparts, and they also have a smokeless flame.
Shine some light on your desktop with this minty lampshade. The bold pattern is screen-printed by hand onto linen fabric.
As a kid, I enjoyed collecting little specimens like bugs, rocks and plant life from my backyard. I liked to observe my collections and draw sketches of my ideas. This framed butterfly specimen reminds me of those days but at a much more sophisticated level. This beautiful piece of decor is worthy of a museum, framed by an entomologist with curating experience.
Use this vintage jar for unique storage in the kitchen or bathroom. Fill it up with sweet treats like cookies and candies in the kitchen, or store cotton balls or Q-tips in the bathroom.
Mint meets shabby chic in this decorative shelf. The paint is distressed to give it that vintage quality, and damask paper lines the back. To play up the antique look, use the shelf to display your personal collection of family heirlooms and treasures.
Disregard tradition by trying these mint green pencils. They are made from rolled layers of recycled paper and work just as well as the standard yellow ones. Your creativity knows no bounds, and neither should your writing utensils.
Wrap up your special packages with some decorative mint baker's twine. The color looks great paired with simple kraft paper.
If you have a true love affair with this color, you should opt for the mint refrigerator. The retro design and style would look great in an older home with vintage touches. There is a matching dishwasher and oven too, so your whole kitchen can feel minty fresh. This set would feel really modern in an all-white space.
This pouf is actually quite versatile. The back fabric is cream, so if you get sick of the mint trend, you can flip the pillow over and enjoy the neutral palette instead.
Rotary phones may predate me, but I just love their nostalgic appeal. As a kid I had one to play "house" with, and it was so fun to rotate those dials. Entertain guests, kids and adults alike, with this phone on display.
Next: Mint Green is Fresh Again
Next: Mint Green is Fresh Again
Ideabook published on July 10, 2012.
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Attached: Fall Leaves 4 by Richard Silver
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