"Small Wonder" Feature in "Wild Interiors"
Despite the fact that Adam and I have been together for more than a quarter of my life (WHAT IS TIME?!), we really have so few photos together. Our extraordinary friend Hilton Carter (@hiltoncarter) took this portrait here at the cottage while he was snapping imagery for his new book, Wild Interiors.
Above: Outtake photo from the Cottage by Hilton Carter for his new book, Wild Interiors.
At one point during the photoshoot, Hilton paused to adjust the settings on his camera, and Adam and I kept standing there in the garden, arms locked around each other. Hilton eventually looked up at us and said: “you two know I’m not taking photos now, right?”
Above: Outtake photo from the Cottage by Hilton Carter for his new book, Wild Interiors.
We knew. But even after being in such close proximity to one other for day and night, year after year, we still want to wrap ourselves together and hold one another up. I’m so thankful to Hilton for capturing that love, and for including us in his second book.
Above: Author, filmmaker, and plant + interior stylist Hilton Carter at the Cottage in 2019.
Hilton’s newest book, Wild Interiors, is as stunningly beautiful to look as it is informative (and often hilarious) to read.
The pages are overflowing with his signature texture-rich photographs, layered with depths of lush greenery and brilliantly orchestrated interiors.
Above: The outdoor shower at the Cottage featured in Wild Interiors.
Wild Interiors opens with Hilton guiding readers through his own epic plant journey, and sharing his inspirations and favorite house plants. It then showcases the residences of 12 plant parents (Adam and myself gratefully included), that demonstrate the versatility of decorating with plants.
Above: Photo from the Cottage by Hilton Carter as seen in his new book, Wild Interiors.
From there, Hilton ushers audiences through a room-by-room profile of the plants that are most suited to each type of space within a home.
About the book:
Wild Interiors is my follow up to my first book, Wild at home. Instead of showcasing my home and studio, I traveled the world to show you the beautiful spaces of others. First I take you through my own plant journey, inspirations, and my top ten favorite house plants of the moment. I then grab your hand and take you along with me on a Journey in Greenery where I showcase the homes of 12 inspiring plant parents that demonstrate the versatility of decorating with plants. From a tiny house in Venice, California and a light-filled loft in New York City, to a Berlin apartment decorated with vintage finds, and the Barcelona home of a ceramic artist, there are ideas for all types of spaces and budgets. I then set you off on your very own plant journey, taking you room by room, profiling the plants that are most suited to each: those that thrive in the tropical humidity of bathrooms, the erratic heat changes of kitchens, and plants that can live happily in the indirect light of an entryway or bedroom. Packed full of interior design advice such as using “statement plants” like Fiddle-leaf figs to create a focal point, how to layer your greenery by using hanging baskets, and how to assemble the perfect plant shelf, I show you how bringing houseplants into your home creates instant impact. Be inspired to create your own Wild Interiors with my styling advice, plus my hints and tips on plant care that take the mystery out of looking after your green friends.
Above: Author, filmmaker, and plant + interior stylist Hilton Carter at the Cottage in 2019.
I am in such awe of Hilton Carter and his myriad of talents, and I’m honored that the Cottage and my family are part of his gorgeous new book. We are lucky and endlessly grateful that Hilton and his wife, Fiona, are part of our lives.
Small Space Skylight
In less than 400 square feet, we’re lucky to have, not one, but two beautiful skylights. The window over the main room (which is the space that serves as our living room, kitchen, office, dining room, playroom, guest room, entryway, and more,) is generously sized, and is the unsung hero of our lil’ home. It permits the SoCal sunlight to pour abundantly into nearly every area within the Cottage.
I can’t imagine our house without this skylight, but during the winter months it poses a bit of a challenge for my workspace. The sun moves in a path that lands smack on my monitor for about two crucial hours of the workday (10-12), meaning that I can’t shoot, adjust photos, or edit videos at my desk during that time.
Obviously this is a great problem to have, and clearly there are several easy work-arounds, such as moving the iMac or using the laptop. But more often than not, I end up jumping up on the roof and throwing an old tablecloth over the window so I can continue my work uninterrupted.
I took to Instagram Stories to make fun of myself for doing this when my friend Hilton Carter (the talented creator of Jungle By The Falls) sent me a DM suggesting that perhaps I block the bulk of the temporary, problematic light with… plants. (I’ve suspended plants from our beams before, but I’d never, ever thought to dangle them from the skylight as a decorative solution to harsh sunlight.)
I’m a big fan of Hilton’s. He possesses such a rare blend of talent, humor, kindness, creativity, and style. (And his feature in our book, Small Space Style, is one of my absolute favorite parts of the entire publication.)
All it took was a sturdy tension rod, ever-handy s-hooks from the toolbox, a couple of my favorite hanging baskets from around the Cottage, and some variegated English Ivy to bring his recommendation to life. Et voila:
Problem solved— and solved simply and beautifully, with minimal purchasing.
The tension rod and s-hooks are only clearly visible if you’re standing directly under the skylight when the plants aren’t in the baskets. Within moments, everything can be scooted over to block transitioning sunlight, or taken down for watering or alternative placement.
And hallelujah— I can finally see my desk for the duration of the workday!
Thank you, Hilton. (As always.) Our house is a happier place because of you!
