Watermelon: A Slice Of Summer

Watermelon: A Slice Of Summer

“When one has tasted watermelon he knows what the angels eat.” ~ Mark Twain

Bonnie Plants

The watermelon is the symbol of summer, especially in July. When taking a bite into a fresh juicy slice instantly you know it’s that time of year for barbecues and beach time. The perfect way to stay hydrated as the temperatures rise… this delicious favorite summer fruit is a healthy snack. It’s loaded with vitamins plus citrulline and lycopene, two amino acids linked to lower blood pressure, improved metabolic health, and decreased muscle soreness after exercise. If you’ve ever wondered about learning how to grow watermelons in your backyard… with all the home gardening being done at home now a days. We’ve linked an online source for you here at Bonnie Plants.

Kelly Golightly

One thing that is quite easy to see with watermelon is its bright crimson pinkish red color. A great way to create a unique color pop in any room, this kitchen is the perfect example.

In our search for all things watermelon we’ve sourced some fun and inspired furniture, wall art, pillows and accessories. Like this graphic bar stool and watermelon seed credenza from Deny Designs. These pieces are both fun and splashy with a touch of out of the box thinking.

WALL ART

Evoke a summer seasonal vibe by adding watercolor or abstract art to a bathroom or children’s room. A lighthearted way to say “We like bold color without taking ourselves too seriously”.

Chango & Co.

Decorative throw pillows can easily be swapped out with summer themed accents in a subtle or more obvious way. We’ve sourced three examples below for you.

THROW PILLOWS

Create the unexpected with watermelon removable wall paper or cute wall sticker decals.

Etsy [ShopMejMej]

WATERMELON DECOR & ACCESSORIES

watermelon dishes // raffia earrings // zipper pouch // laundry hamper // tumblers // colorful doormat // kitschy sandals // tea towel set // throw picnic blanket

SUMMER COCKTAIL RECIPE

spiked watermelon punch

~ Soak watermelon slices in Citrus Vodka, chill
~ Mix equal parts 4 oz. of Watermelon Juice and Citrus Vodka with a shaker and chill
~ In the bottom of a glass pour together 1 shot each of Melon Liqueur and Kiwi Syrup
~ Fill the glass with ice and 4 oz. of Lemonade
~ Pour the watermelon infused juice over the top and place a slice of the vodka soaked watermelon on the edge of the rim of the glass

SIP & ENJOY!

See how this drink was made in this video.

While entertaining for your summer soirées consider one of these watermelon inspired recipes. Click the sorbet and snack bite images to view the flavor-filled recipes. Your guests will be delighted to taste these sugary sweet combinations.

Now that the kids are out of school for the summer it’s time to frolic and play a while. We hope your porches and family picnics are filled with laughter and fruit-filled touches of the season.

Happy Summer!
Melissa Mathe

Contact us for all your Interior Design and Decorating needs @mathedesign.com

Behind the logo: Pineapple

Behind The Logo: Pineapple

“Be a pineapple: stand tall, wear a crown, and be sweet on the inside”

In the interior design world pineapples have well been known for representing the universal symbol of welcoming, friendship and hospitality. Incorporating this symbol in the Mathe Design branding story came naturally as it’s a traditional motif element resembling a part of the design style adopted in many projects - classic contemporary.

pineapples in mathe design decor

After a client project is in completion and in Mathe Design fashion… a pineapple decor element is added to leave behind a little part of an imprint of working together to create their new space. Whether a pair of bookends or a golden pineapple decor showpiece is added it’s fun to find that something special to gift them as a remembrance.

There’s a lot more to this welcoming symbol shown throughout history, often times we get questions about what the meaning of pineapples is in design. We’re sharing a bit of a history lesson to shed light on the subject.
[RSOL Designer House 2018; photograph by Ansel Olson]

pineapples in history

Originated in parts of South America the pineapple, by way of migration and commerce, made it’s way to the Caribbean Islands. As history has it, Christopher Columbus encountered this sweet fruit for the first time on a voyage to the island of Guadalupe in 1493. After bringing the fruit back to Europe, it quickly became a delicacy - rare to obtain and challenging to harvest in cooler climates. Thus turning into a symbol of opulence and luxury.

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries the pineapple was in such high demand that it was even on the rental market to those of less fortune for use at gatherings. This prized fruit was often given as a noble present offering, they were used in ornate table centerpieces as a symbol of having great wealth.

The motif widely spread into design being integrated into architectural details at Churches and Inns as a symbol to welcome visitors. As the pineapple was brought to the American Colonies it became a part of the culture as well. Sailors and seamen would display a pineapple on their fence or gate to let others know when they had returned home safely, ready to celebrate.

Historical Pineapple Fountain found in Charleston, South Carolina Waterfront Park

Over the centuries into modern day pineapples have been used as a design element in interiors, fashion accessories even in food and beverage serving ware. Fun and fruity this motif can be used in a sophisticated or casual way to sweeten up your spaces. We’ve sourced a variety of pineapple decor for you as we dream of warmer days coming soon.

pineapple abstract painting / white and gold lamp / throw pillow / bookends / pink pineapple sheets /
gold mirror sconce / woven basket / stone bistro table / hammered glass lanterns

This Schumacher Cap Ferrat fabric is an example of a subtle way to infuse fruit and botanical prints into decor.

If you like to make a statement this Rifle Paper Company wallpaper evokes a modern yet vintage print style reminiscent of chinoiserie wallpaper… making quite a splash [photo: @moepark] .

We hope you have enjoyed learning more about this Mathe Design logo element and are encouraged to use it in your design style.

Cheers!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for all your Interior Design needs.

How To Warm Up Your Space With Layering Texture

How To Warm Up Your Space with Layering Texture

“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” ~ Albert Camus

Gabby Home

While winter has settled in quite nicely and the frigid temperatures are chilling to the bone. The comforts of home call for a much needed cozy retreat. As the days are getting darker faster and after the holidays have ended…interior spaces can seem a bit barren and cold to the senses. The perfect time to warm up your spaces using layering and textures to fill in those empty spots and gather around the warm fire. In adding elements of woven texture, wood, leather, velvet and furry finds you can transform your interiors to settle in to with ambiance and comfort.

Annie Selkie

Creating those zones to curl-up in is essential to our desire in hibernating when the chilling temperatures are too hard to bear. The perfect time of year for hot cocoa and a great book covered up in a chunky textured throw blanket…ahhh! We’ve sourced some pillows and throw blankets with different patterns and feel. It’s hard to say no to a super soft faux fur blanket in the middle of winter.

Mathe Design

Pine Cone Hill

Layering rugs is a sophisticated way of adding texture and softness on floors to ground defined spaces. This look is achieved with combining hand woven, hand knotted, sheep skin and cowhide rugs on top of each other. Which is just what the toes need to stay warm when walking on floors that seem icy cold.

CR Laine

On those days and nights when everyone is gathered around for a movie or game night… having soft surroundings to sit on makes the company want to stay a while.

Filling in corners with lanterns and ginger jars adds those special design touches to make a room not feel too empty. The fireplace takes center stage during cold months… having stylish functional accessories to hold firewood and blankets is key. The glow of candles especially helps to create an ambient glow at night to warm the soul. This can simply be done by hanging candle sconces, adding candleholders and hurricanes around the house to fill with luminous candlelight.

Chelsea Robinson Interiors

In the dining room covering chairs with slipcovers and adding in elements of nature can give the room warmth… like adding an extra sweater or coat to your room. Play with different patterns to find your style “simple and elegant” or more “cozy cabin”. Using woven and wool fabrics can make a clean and smart looking winter style statement.

Pine Cone Hill

We haven’t forgotten the much needed layers in the bedroom either. Velvet quilts and furry throw pillows speak for themselves saying “get under the covers”… and can be great seasonal decor items to swap in during the winter for staying warm in bed. This hand knotted rug adds comfort under the feet while another tip is to add simple clean white ceramics… in the form of stools and vases to give a room a boost of freshness.

We hope you enjoy using these tips on layering different textures in your own home to stay warm this winter season. Soon enough it will be spring… but for now we’ll light a candle, read a good book and enjoy the cozy evenings while they last.

Cheers!

Melissa Mathe

*Contact mathedesign.com for all your Interior Design needs.