Browsing Tag

summer decorating

0 In Research

Boxwoods

Oh, how we love a boxwood. Is there any more classic element to traditional landscape design? For gardening enthusiasts and fans of elegant landscapes, boxwoods are must-have. Evergreen, with dense foliage and a neat, compact appearance, boxwoods have been an integral part of formal gardens and landscapes for centuries, thought to have originated in north Africa in 4000 BC.

via Park & Oak

Like many plants originally designed for the outdoors, boxwoods can do double-duty as houseplants also. Of course, as with any live plant, boxwoods require maintenance: watering, pruning, sunlight. So, for many, boxwoods stay outdoors or may deck the halls only as the occasional holiday wreath. But, a nifty alternative has emerged for those wanting an option with less maintenance – preserved boxwoods.

Preserved boxwoods are boxwood plants that have undergone a careful preservation process, allowing them to retain their natural beauty and vibrant green color indefinitely. Through a specialized treatment, the living foliage is dipped in an eco-friendly solution and then dried to maintain the shape and texture of the leaves. This process results in real boxwood plants that require no maintenance, making them perfect for indoor use.

At Collected, we have partnered with topiary artisans to offer a large selection of these preserved boxwoods. They are the perfect touch in any space that would benefit from a little greenery, and are especially handy in the nooks and crannies that don’t get enough light for live plants.

via Park & Oak

Eyeing the topiaries in the cover photo? Those are faux, but we carry them as well!

0 In Inspiration

Waiting for Summer

Our friends in California and the southern East Coast are already deep into summer weather and the decorating that goes along with it, but here in the Midwest we are still wildly spinning — sometimes daily — between 40° and raining and 85° and sweltering.

While we patiently wait for the weather to catch up with our summer mindset, we’ve stocked Collected with all the rattan, linen and white we can find. Here are a few of our favorites.


Pretty new pillows are in! We cannot get enough of these block-printed pillows


Let’s face it, we’re going to need this for awhile still. Plus, summer comes with storms, too.


Summer always makes us dream of the coasts. Whale-watching anyone?


Trays are the ultimate all-purpose decorating tool.


These charming little bowls are food safe, but can also be used throughout the house wherever you need to catch little what-nots.


Much more of summer to enjoy on Collected or in-store. Come see us!