The Gate Beautiful

Gates are both symbols and entryways.
They can make the first impression of your home feel grand, mysterious, welcoming, cottagey  or slick. Whatever atmosphere you are after, your gate is the best place to start.

This gate makes the courtyard beyond very private, but because of its decoration it is not austere or unwelcoming. In fact, it invites you in.

Here, the gate is short and a little skewed but affords a tantalising view of the stone cottage behind it.

To make a comfortable transition between street and garden, a gateway should blend visually with the garden, its setting, the wall or fence and the house beyond. Think about the style, shapes, material, colour and scale of the home or buildings. Linking the gate with the front door is another key to successful design.

 Here are some neighbourhood homes and entryways that work well together.

 The majority of local homes are made of wood and this is reflected in the number of wooden gates.

Below is a plan of a small front entry garden complete with suitable and welcoming front gate.

The correct choice of gate depends on its function. It might be a visual attraction piece or a necessary blockage to stop children running into the road or even to keep dogs or unwelcome salesmen out.
Why do many pleasing houses present an indifferent face to the world? It may be that the gate is derelict, mismatching or even absent altogether.
Here are some gorgeous gateway solutions from  other websites :

 Decorative wrought iron is a classic choice for a gate through an old wall or hedge.

Leaving the gate slightly ajar feels more welcoming.
Gate your outdoor rooms, even if they are not at the front of the property, this creates intrigue and a desire to explore the next scene.
Gates can be an expense but a well built gate is essential, so is a good builder to hang it correctly.

Gatepost Trivia:
The post on which a gate hangs is the hanging post, and the post on which it shuts is the banging post.
Sense prevails.

Open up, ancient gates!
Open up ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter.
Who is the King of glory? The Lord Almighty-He is the King of glory.
New Living Translation.

When passing through the gates of pearly splendour,Victors, we rest with thee, through endless days. c1895.Edith G. Cherry

Cottage in the City.

Cottage Life.

Having a cottage of your own and living contentedly in it, seems to be a universal dream.
Even in the suburbs the dream lives on.
Is it the romanticised lifestyle, or the need for quietness and less stress?
Maybe it is the lovely ambience that simplicity creates when it's paired with beauty?

An easy way to create a cottage feel is to use natural decorations and pare back too many extras.
Display things sparingly. Store your treasures and bring out only a few at a time.

Retro plates help create the cottage ambience.
Simple designs also enhance the peacefulness of an earlier era.

Cottages have spacious nooks where people can sit to read or sketch.

The sunlight  streaming in enhances the delight.

Stone or concrete walls are a lucky find.
Display a few choice articles.

White walls with florals always create the right feel.

Keep window frames as uncluttered as possible.

Old books are instant atmosphere.

Vintage or antique furniture can bring immediate cottage ambience.

It need not be expensive.

Bring your garden flowers inside. Dot them around.

If you have some paintings of older interiors they will stamp your home with authenticity.

Hang them in old frames too.

We don't all have the opportunity to live in an English village.

Our own home is in a suburb close to a big city but I've tried to replicate as much of the cosy contentment that I remember in the village houses of my childhood.

Inside the home, country or retro kitchen ware continue the theme.

Growing your own vegetables or even herbs is a therapy all of its own, the mad speed of life is forgotten in a garden.

Victorian flowers and their delicious scents will transport you too.

If you have time and space plant a garden of flowers to pick.

Even a small space can grow enough vegetables and herbs to amply supply yourself and friends with 

home-grown goodness.

If you are wildly ambitious try a mini parterre or a formal herb garden:

Lastly, don't forget to hang your washing out in the sun, it's a must for a cottager.

Make it your ambition and endeavour to live quietly and peacefully, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands,

1 Thessalonians 4 v 11. The Amplified Bible.