Search results for "Essential consideration" in Home Design Ideas

Client Objectives
The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration.
Our Solution
We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Special Features
A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives
The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration.
Our Solution
We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Special Features
A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives
The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration.
Our Solution
We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Special Features
A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.
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Client Objectives
The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration.
Our Solution
We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Special Features
A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives
The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration.
Our Solution
We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Special Features
A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives
The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration.
Our Solution
We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Special Features
A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives
The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration.
Our Solution
We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Special Features
A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Client Objectives
The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration.
Our Solution
We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Special Features
A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives
The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration.
Our Solution
We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Special Features
A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives
The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration.
Our Solution
We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Special Features
A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives
The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration.
Our Solution
We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Special Features
A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives
The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration.
Our Solution
We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Special Features
A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives
The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration.
Our Solution
We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Special Features
A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

Client Objectives
The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration.
Our Solution
We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Special Features
A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

Client Objectives
The homeowners wanted to transform their outdated kitchen into a bright, welcoming space that better supported their love of cooking, baking, and entertaining. Storage was a major priority, with a need for dedicated organization for small appliances, baking supplies, serving pieces, and party essentials. They envisioned a larger, more functional layout with ample seating, improved flow to adjacent living spaces, and a timeless design featuring warm wood tones, and traditional details with a fresh, elevated feel. Expanding the footprint of the home to create a more spacious gathering area was also a key consideration.
Our Solution
We reimagined the kitchen as a highly functional hub for everyday living and entertaining. The design focused on maximizing storage, improving workflow, and creating a more open connection to surrounding spaces. Thoughtful cabinetry solutions, expansive island seating, dedicated pantry storage, and updated finishes help support the family’s cooking and hosting needs while maintaining a warm, inviting aesthetic. Strategic window placement enhances natural light and highlights views of the property, creating a bright and welcoming environment for family and guests alike.
Special Features
A kitchen expansion to significantly increase square footage, large island with seating, dedicated walk-in pantry, appliance garage, custom storage and organization solutions, warm wood, new windows maximizing backyard views, all-new appliances, solid surface countertops, updated lighting throughout, LVP flooring, soffit removal, wall removal to improve flow to adjacent living spaces, enhanced storage around laundry area, and a timeless design blending traditional character with modern functionality.

It’s no surprise these Hanover clients reached out to Cathy and Ed of Renovisions for design and build services as they wanted a local professional bath specialist to turn their plain builder-grade bath into a luxurious handicapped accessible master bath.
Renovisions had safety and universal design in mind while creating this customized two-person super shower and well-appointed master bath so their clients could escape to a special place to relax and energize their senses while also helping to conserve time and water as it is used simultaneously by them.
This completely water proofed spacious 4’x8’ walk-in curb-less shower with lineal drain system and larger format porcelain tiles was a must have for our senior client –with larger tiles there are less grout lines, easier to clean and easier to maneuver using a walker to enter and exit the master bath.
Renovisions collaborated with their clients to design a spa-like bath with several amenities and added conveniences with safety considerations. The bench seat that spans the width of the wall was a great addition to the shower. It’s a comfortable place to sit down and stretch out and also to keep warm as electric mesh warming materials were used along with a programmable thermostat to keep these homeowners toasty and cozy!
Careful attention to all of the details in this master suite created a peaceful and elegant environment that, simply put, feels divine. Adding details such as the warming towel rack, mosaic tiled shower niche, shiny polished chrome decorative safety grab bars that also serve as towel racks and a towel rack inside the shower area added a measure of style. A stately framed mirror over the pedestal sink matches the warm white painted finish of the linen storage cabinetry that provides functionality and good looks to this space. Pull-down safety grab bars on either side of the comfort height high-efficiency toilet was essential to keep safety as a top priority.
Water, water everywhere for this well deserving couple – multiple shower heads enhances the bathing experience for our client with mobility issues as 54 soft sprays from each wall jet provide a soothing and cleansing effect – a great choice because they do not require gripping and manipulating handles yet provide a sleek look with easy cleaning. The thermostatic valve maintains desired water temperature and volume controls allows the bather to utilize the adjustable hand-held shower on a slide-bar- an ideal fixture to shower and spray down shower area when done.
A beautiful, frameless clear glass enclosure maintains a clean, open look without taking away from the stunning and richly grained marble-look tiles and decorative elements inside the shower. In addition to its therapeutic value, this shower is truly a design focal point of the master bath with striking tile work, beautiful chrome fixtures including several safety grab bars adding aesthetic value as well as safety benefits.

With an eye toward accessibility, this bathroom is designed to ease the everyday routines of a homeowner who often uses a wheelchair. Universal design strategies guided the project structurally with ADA-compatible elements incorporated throughout. One side of the vanity is set lower and left intentionally open underneath to accommodate the wheelchair when needed.
Visually, the project shines just as bright with white shaker-style cabinetry balanced by warm tones found elsewhere. Oversized warm gray porcelain wall tile partners beautifully with a diminutive square tile on the shower floor, while brushed nickel hardware and quartz countertops complete a timeless, classic appeal.
Photos by Spacecrafting Photography

Photo: Michele Scotto Trani | Sequined Asphault Studio
Beach style kitchen photo in New York
Beach style kitchen photo in New York

The concept of the garden was based on, “Brazilian Hummingbirds II”, a painting the MFAH has in its collection by the artist, Martin Johnson Heade. Heade travelled to the rainforest in Brazil between 1863 and 1864 and painted a
series of small paintings depicting hummingbirds in the lush foliage of the Brazilian rainforests. His painting, Brazilian
Hummingbirds, II, evokes the sultry atmosphere of the Brazilian rainforest with its misty quality and subtle lighting. His interest in ornithology can be seen in his detailed depictions of the hummingbirds. The garden location is adjacent to one of Buffalo Bayou’s steep, wooded ravines. The ravine, with its native plant communities and topography, is a perfect back-
drop for a garden with a rainforest theme. Because the date for the garden opening coincides with the spring migration of hummingbirds into our region, the hummingbird theme seemed appropriate for this garden competition. The garden will include a variety of tropical plants native to the rainforests such as bromeliads, orchids, heliconia, and passion fruit flowers. In addition, native plants to our region such as the Sabal Minor and Southern Wood Fern will be included to integrate
plants that are found nearby in the ravine. The Heliconia flowers produce considerable amounts of nectar, a high energy food essential for hummingbirds who are known to consume three times their bodyweight in a single day. In addition to nectar producing plants, there will be hummingbird nest materials dispersed throughout the garden. A misty quality to the garden will be provided by a misting system, and tropical colored lights will be lit at night for special events. Visitors to the garden will have a unique sensory experience reminiscent to that of Heade’s travels to Brazil’s rainforests.

The concept of the garden was based on, “Brazilian Hummingbirds II”, a painting the MFAH has in its collection by the artist, Martin Johnson Heade. Heade travelled to the rainforest in Brazil between 1863 and 1864 and painted a
series of small paintings depicting hummingbirds in the lush foliage of the Brazilian rainforests. His painting, Brazilian
Hummingbirds, II, evokes the sultry atmosphere of the Brazilian rainforest with its misty quality and subtle lighting. His interest in ornithology can be seen in his detailed depictions of the hummingbirds. The garden location is adjacent to one of Buffalo Bayou’s steep, wooded ravines. The ravine, with its native plant communities and topography, is a perfect back-
drop for a garden with a rainforest theme. Because the date for the garden opening coincides with the spring migration of hummingbirds into our region, the hummingbird theme seemed appropriate for this garden competition. The garden will include a variety of tropical plants native to the rainforests such as bromeliads, orchids, heliconia, and passion fruit flowers. In addition, native plants to our region such as the Sabal Minor and Southern Wood Fern will be included to integrate
plants that are found nearby in the ravine. The Heliconia flowers produce considerable amounts of nectar, a high energy food essential for hummingbirds who are known to consume three times their bodyweight in a single day. In addition to nectar producing plants, there will be hummingbird nest materials dispersed throughout the garden. A misty quality to the garden will be provided by a misting system, and tropical colored lights will be lit at night for special events. Visitors to the garden will have a unique sensory experience reminiscent to that of Heade’s travels to Brazil’s rainforests.
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