Sun-Drenched Style

A welcome change in weather can be just the right motivation to spruce up our homes. Even just one day of warm sun can be enough for me to feel inspired to start a project. With winter far behind us, and warmer days forecasted, it’s a great time to add a little festive style to the front entry of the house.

Enhanced Entry

Bold front doors are synonymous with mid-century modern homes, but finding a way to add seasonal flair to door in a noncompeting way can sometimes be a challenge. A festive, modern wreath is an excellent way to add a handmade touch to your entryway.

There are a few points I recommend when designing a wreath:

Keep it modern. Leave one-third to one-half of the wreath frame uncovered for a simplified, structural look.
Scale and position. Too small a frame makes a wreath look puny. Too large, and the wreath appears obtrusive. For a front door, try to stay within 18”-20” diameter for balanced proportions. A wreath should typically be hung with the peep hole at the very center.
Test fit. Before wiring any items into place, loosely compose your items to see which configurations work best. Then, take a photo for reference.
Choose a feature. Select items for the focal point of your wreath. Make them your center point and build out from there. Don’t be afraid to break the rules of symmetry for a modern design approach.
Incorporate color. Pairing layers of lush greenery with vivid tropical elements can be an exciting way to represent warmer weather. Use accent items that match the color of your door for a coordinated effect.
Prepare the surface. Before hanging your wreath, give your door a good wipe-down with warm water and a soft cloth. Use a damage-free, clear, adhesive hook to safely secure your wreath.

Find this feature and more in
“*The Vibe*”

Atomic Ranch - Summer 2022

Gather the items you will use for your wreath.

**STEP 1:** Tie a strand of twine or wire to mark the top of your wreath. This will help guide you in creating a symmetrical or asymmetrical design.

STEP 2: Begin by attaching the largest greenery. Wrap wire securely around each stem, leaving a few inches of excess to wind onto the wreath frame.

**STEP 3:** Position greenery where you’d like to attach it, and securely fasten to wreath frame.

**STEP 4:** Keeping the marked twine at the top, begin positioning greenery around the wreath. Attach each stem with wire as before. Start with larger greenery, then layer with smaller pieces.

**STEP 5:** Determine where your focal point will be, then reverse the direction of your greenery. This mirrored effect creates a balance and flow to your design.

**STEP 6:** Begin incorporating color into the wreath with various florals. Wire these pieces to the frame in the same fashion.

**STEP 7:** Begin incorporating finer elements and details to fill gaps.

**STEP 8:** Use a few bold, colorful accents that coordinate with the color of your door. In this case, I am using miniature artificial oranges for a punchy, vibrant style.

**STEP 9:** Stand back from your design to get a feel for the composition. Are you ready to add the finishing touches?

**STEP 10:** Remove the string from the top, and embellish with any additional details. Here, I’ve chosen a bright colored parrot as a friendly, tropical accent.

**STEP 11:** Important! Turn wreath over, and gently clip any excess wires. Be sure that any wire ends are turned inward to avoid any scratches to your door.

**STEP 12:** Attach clear, damage-free hooks to the door to hang wreath. In this asymmetrical design, 2 hooks are needed to keep the wreath hanging straight.

Accentuate your wreath design with a nearby plant. This bird of paradise brings the same lush, tropical feel to the front porch as seen in the wreath design.

Guests are sure to appreciate a little something extra when they come to visit, so get creative, and incorporate your own signature style into your wreath design. Here’s to warmer weather and colorful inspiration for the months ahead.