JUST BREATHE…

BOHEMIAN BUNGALOW DESIGN’S WENDY FENNELL CREATES ROOM TO CO-EXIST WITH NATURE

By Allison Parker

Imagine an extension of your living space unmuddied by stoic walls or barriers to the fresh air and green grass. Imagine a space to experience a oneness with the world around us. A silence that that

can only be a product of hummingbirds, whispering wind and rustling leaves…a flower blooming.

Step into an outdoor living space created by Wendy Fennell of Bohemian Bungalow Design. Wendy is an artist with a flair for bringing the outside inside to create livable outdoor areas.

Showcased as a guest designer at the Interior Design Company (IDS) ‘s 2020 Showhouse, Wendy Fennell was the imagination behind the Veranda in the “Southern Living House”. The builder, Southern Cottage, provided a blank canvas for Wendy’s creative outdoor fusion to flow. As an extension of the living areas inside the house, the veranda is a key focal point for gathering.

The IDS showcase featured three homes by three different builders as well as designs by 45 various designers. Selection for this prestigious honor was not random in any way. Designers wishing to be a part of the IDS Showcase needed to be active IDS members and participate in selection process to gain a spot by the builder’s house captain. Once chosen, the designers would be given a specific color palate and parameters in which to submit design plans for the spaces available.

Fennell notes, “It was key to be able to represent my eclectic design esthetic in the showhouse and to have a cohesive flow.”

Socializing, especially in the unprecedented year of 2020 complete with COVID-19 restrictions, was transformed in itself. Families, neighbors, friends were caught up in a mixed bag of a stay at home culture that transcends into more needs for a functional and

Zen friendly outdoor living area.

Working from home, schooling from home, cooking from homeexisting positively at home is a key focal point to utilize what was once through of as just the patio. The fusion between fresh air space and drywall all the more important.

Fennell loves to incorporate the outdoors and natural materials into her designs. With the builder provided structure which included coffered ceilings and outdoor lantern, Fennell created a section of artisan succulent wall hangings to complement nature while giving an individualistic art feel. The iron material chosen for the furniture was durable and modern. The hanging chairs bring a whimsical touch to the area.

“I love to use natural material such as Rattan and different wo

ven fabrics for the depth of their texture. For furniture, iron as well as resin wicker is palatable as well. Some of my favorite patterns in fabric are Shagreen, geometrics as well as animal prints. “

cal in outdoor living. Wendy is the trade ambassador for Mitchell Black Textile, a Chicago -based wallpaper and fabric company. Mitchell Black provides nature inspired designs for wallpaper that also can be printed onto fabric for whatever use the designer would like to incorporate such as “Performance Outdoor”. ( www.MitchellBlack.com)

As well, Wendy has a licensing deal with Mitchell Black that produces her nature inspired wallpaper designs. Fennell reveals, “I love Asian designs such as Pagodas, Chinoiserie and Toile wallpaper. I love the shape of Pagodas as well as the ambiance of bamboo.”

Fennel adds, “I also love to use live plants whenever possible such as succulents and live moss in an outdoor setting.”

With the ability to print any number of designs onto the fabric, the options for an individual and long -lasting look are endless. Even rugs can be this versatile as they have a digital vinyl that can be cleaned easily with a hose.

When asked about her design flair for spaces, Fennell shares. “I love to create an eclectic space with a modern and transitional vibe.”

When meeting with clients or contemplating a design aesthetic, Wendy starts with a design consultation. Determining what the client likes is key to a smooth process. Taking pictures, obtaining measurements, and determining use of a budget are items covered in the initial meeting.

“I advise clients to browse sites such as Pinterest to click on

2-3 pictures of rooms or styles they like and save 2-3 pictures as well pick a piece of art work they like to be a focal point or starting point. “

In terms of outdoor living design, Wendy finds it particularly important to get the vibe from the customer.

“What you can do inside, you can now do outside, so it’s important to experience the vision of the space as an area to have time to one’s self to mediate, have a cup of coffee, read as well as keep it open to be able to have others join in to eat, talk, play card games, watch TV or whatever brings them pleasure in the living space.”

With the ever changing times, it’s more important than ever to have a place to relax and breathe. With Bohemian Bungalow Designs, the process to create is simply fusion with one’s self and the outdoors.