Jardinieres

A few weeks ago, I was reading an article in the local paper regarding jardinieres - french for garden stools. In it the author, Mary Carol Garrity, spoke of its origins in 17th century China, and of how it is making a comeback. Actually, this little stool is a classic that has never gone out of style, but is, as Garrity says, "the rage again" and can be seen as you "flip through the pages of any home decorating magazine".

They are truly a versatile accessory, and come in all sorts of colors and styles. I have recently used a couple of these in homes that I have been decorating. The first, I ordered for a client. There was an empty spot in her living room, so I put a beautiful rather large jardiniere next to a french bergere chair. It filled the area nicely, and added a touch of the outdoors to the interior.

This second one, I happened to run across in a discount store. Actually, it was quite inexpensive and achieved exactly what the rather small half bath needed - a place for guest towels! I just tucked it slightly under the tiny sink, and "Voila" problem solved!

Garrity suggests using them any number of wonderful ways:

■ Top it with a cushion and
use it as a footstool or an extra
seat on your porch or in your study.
■ Put it in a bathroom, under a
stack of fluffy white towels or a
pretty container filled with luxury
spa products.
■ Rest it by your bed for your
book and water glass.
■ Enlist it as a focal point in a
garden bed.
■ Station it in your entry,
holding a huge fern or tall vase
filled with seasonal foliage.

Inside or out, jardinieres bring a touch of beauty and service to the area!