Decorating Guides
Accessories
Multipurpose Wonders: Branches
From over the crib to over the kitchen island, these natural rods and racks add an enchanting and functional rustic touch
The perfect branch can serve many purposes around the house, adding a woodsy, natural vibe to any room. While I love branch bouquets, branch sculptures and an umbrella stand full of twisted walking sticks, today I am seeking out the most functional ways to place branches around the home. Take a look at what these clever designers and homeowners have done. Then look at the branches you encounter along your next woodsy hike and picture where and how you could use them around your home.
Use: Towel bar
Result: Adds a rustic touch to a bathroom, laundry room or kitchen. Dishtowels and flour sacks are the best type of textiles to use with a branch, as heavy terry-cloth towels will weigh it down.
Result: Adds a rustic touch to a bathroom, laundry room or kitchen. Dishtowels and flour sacks are the best type of textiles to use with a branch, as heavy terry-cloth towels will weigh it down.
Use: Pot rack
Result: If your recessed-lighting scheme has eliminated the need for over-the-island pendants, hang a branch over the kitchen island. If you want to hang pots and pans from it, makes sure it's strong, sturdy and secure; if you just want to use it as an eye-catching piece, you can be more casual with how you hang it.
Result: If your recessed-lighting scheme has eliminated the need for over-the-island pendants, hang a branch over the kitchen island. If you want to hang pots and pans from it, makes sure it's strong, sturdy and secure; if you just want to use it as an eye-catching piece, you can be more casual with how you hang it.
Use: Necklace rack
Result: No more tangles and knots for your strands of beads, plus an interesting line on your wall.
Result: No more tangles and knots for your strands of beads, plus an interesting line on your wall.
Use: Curtain rod
Result: A unique and cost-free way to hang window treatments.
Result: A unique and cost-free way to hang window treatments.
Use: Clothing rod
Result: While perhaps not the most practical rod in the world, a branch is a visually interesting one and is perfect for displaying just a few favorite items in an artful way.
Result: While perhaps not the most practical rod in the world, a branch is a visually interesting one and is perfect for displaying just a few favorite items in an artful way.
Use: Stair railing
Result: Brings an Adirondack cabin feel to any style of home.
Result: Brings an Adirondack cabin feel to any style of home.
Use: Door handle
Result: A branch cabinet or drawer pull adds natural character to your storage systems.
Result: A branch cabinet or drawer pull adds natural character to your storage systems.
Use: Coatrack
Result: A sculpture that will hold your coats, hats, scarves and sweaters.
Result: A sculpture that will hold your coats, hats, scarves and sweaters.
Use: Four-poster bed
Result: A bedroom that will make you feel like Teddy Roosevelt slept here.
Result: A bedroom that will make you feel like Teddy Roosevelt slept here.
Use: Fairy house
Result: Along with bark, shells and stones, very small branches form a woodland habitat for magical creatures. This is especially fun to do with kids.
More:
Guest Picks: Gettin' Twiggy With It
7 Ways to Upcycle a Fallen Tree
Result: Along with bark, shells and stones, very small branches form a woodland habitat for magical creatures. This is especially fun to do with kids.
More:
Guest Picks: Gettin' Twiggy With It
7 Ways to Upcycle a Fallen Tree
Result: A DIY accessory for your little one you can easily complete and be proud of. Affix felt birds with very thin-gauge wire or raffia.