Getting Away From It All

This past Father's day weekend, we were fortunate enough to stay at The Ojai Valley Inn and Spa in Ojai, California along with our son, who was participating in an event on the premises.  The sprawling 220 acre complex has taken great pains to blend each structure into the beautiful grounds surrounding the buildings.

The view from our balcony was breathtaking and I couldn't wait to get out and explore. At every turn, there were little vignettes of gorgeous landscaping and art that complemented the architecture of each building.

What made everything so impressive was the simplicity of it all. There were no outrageously decorated rooms or courtyards, just well tended plantings with pots of healthy blooms and minimal tablescapes with unique pieces atop. Most could be replicated at home enabling you to achieve the same serene effect on a smaller, more manageable scale. Very Inspiring.

Have an empty wall outside? Hang a weathered mirror to reflect more of the greenery. How about some old terra cotta pots? Fill them with colorful geraniums and line them up in a grouping for impact. Do you have a few old watering cans that you left outside and they've become rusty? Give them a place of purpose and treat them like you planned it that way! As long as you keep it simple and don't go overboard, you can have a vignette worthy of the best hotel. What can you come up with? The possibilities are endless.