Front Porch the
summer 2016
wichita
The Art of Cultivating Simple Pleasures and Living Well
Finishing Touches T
hey come from boutiques on the other side of the world, or estate sales in your neighborhood. It’s the framed watercolor that hangs in the sitting room. The bronze statue you bought at the Porte de Vanves flea market in Paris. The exotic plant you purchased at the garden show. It may be an Oriental rug, or even the kitchen backsplash. These are the finishing touches—the accessories and accents that complete a look. What they do for a room is often inexplicable and boggles the mind. However they accomplish the task, finishing touches can single-handedly change the appearance of your home. Designers will tell you that achieving the perfect look doesn’t require an overhaul. There are tricks of the trade you can use instead. Fortunately, designers have been more than happy to share them with the rest of us. If your Continued on page 10.
Clockwise from upper left: 1] If you want to add some real Southwest flare to your Midwest landscape, this is how you do it. Don’t worry—these succulents are not on fire. They are actually torches manufactured from galvanized steel. Especially when lighted, they offer a striking scene that people aren’t likely to forget. The patina finish gives lifelike color to the replica cacti, which are handcrafted locally by Desert Steel, 312 N. Mosley St., 282.2244, DesertSteel.net. 2] Contrasting dishware is a fun way to spice up a table setting. When purchased in the right combinations, mix-and-match plates and bowls can look like they were made for each other. These porcelain bowls feature intricate stamped patterns with hand-painted rims serving as the finishing touch. See more exquisite dishware at Frou Frou, located in The Shops At Tallgrass, 8340 E. 21st St N., Ste. 600, 651.0771. 3] You may not have guessed it, but this table’s ornate centerpiece is a hand-carved wooden corbel that has been repurposed as a planter. It is one of the finishing touches in this seating area, which features green metal bar stools and an industrial table with a lift so you can lower or raise it. The lattice screen in the background originated in India. You can find architectural salvage elements, antiques, repurposed goods, and more treasures from around the world at Uniquities, 141 N. Rock Island, 831.1818. This new addition to Old Town shopping is open just once a month. To make an appointment, call 214.2301. A delicious supper is quick and easy to prepare, and bursting with summer’s fresh flavors.. For recipes, see page 14.
number 28 2 Peaceable Kingdom: local nature center teaches value of the plains 2 Shades of Green: lawn alternatives offer beauty and savings 5 Noteworthy: Kansas nonprofit designs American flag for the blind 6 Quiet Spaces: a photo essay on the Zen-like ambience of a serene garden