Zalipie, Poland is an old communist village where folk art served the purpose of all folk art – to provide a local community with a common aesthetic and decoration.  But this little town took it a bit further than most in a way that I find interesting and inspiring.

Adding paint and specifically the folk art decorative touches to the garden gives such an interesting opportunity to highlight plants.  Imagine the red chrysanthemums, the little ivy and the wispy plant in the corner against a plain white house.  They would seem rather weak, but they come alive when paired with red painted floral themes and the mix makes me think about other design flourishes that could be added to the exteriors of buildings.

The folk art in Zalipie started in the 1800’s when fires were open.  Whitewash for the exterior was used to make patterns on the smoke blackened ceiling.  Enclosed fires and chimneys  eventually caused the patterns to develop into a folkart form that eventually moved from black and white into amazing colors.   This form of peasant art was adopted by all the houses in the village and everything was decorated….even the tree trunks.

Certainly, something like this wouldn’t be appropriate in a suburban setting – or really most other places besides in a rural polish town, but I am inspired by the use of pattern and color that I think it can be transplant into a modern home and garden in a way that can make a home and a setting more unique and personal.

found via Steve Handley.