Inside and out, birdhouses add character

Dear Sandi: I have always loved birdhouses, and I have just recently discovered that there are so many more style options than what I remember growing up. How would you suggest I display my now increasing collection? —Wendy, Keizer

Dear Wendy: You have hit on a trend that really never seems to go out.

Sure, styles change, but the charm and interest of a simple or not so simple birdhouse remains. And now they are not just for spring anymore. Birdhouses are enjoyed year-round.

When outdoors, I think it is fun to have a different style birdhouse attached to the top of each fence post in your back yard. This is so welcoming for the birds and provides a nice accent to your yard.

Whether you're looking for handmade paper, furniture, fabric or accessories, you will find it at loose ends. If it is unusual, organic and fabulous, then loose ends is the place. Showroom hours are 8 am to 5 pm weekdays and the first Saturday of each month 10 am - 3pm at 2065 Madrona Ave. SE, Salem, or visit us online at www.looseends.com Questions? Give us a call at (503) 390-2348.

As for the front yard, a perfectly placed rod, sunk into the ground, will allow you to secure a decorative plate to the top of the rod, and yes, you guessed it, place the birdhouse of your choice prominently on the plate. This is a wonderful way to show off a great plate and a stylish birdhouse.

Inside your home, I suggest you take advantage of a few plant shelves around your kitchen or living room and nest a couple next to some foliage. This always provides a nice look.

Don’t be afraid to place an extra special one on your fireplace mantel. This is a classy way to do a great one justice.

Sometimes the best place for the birdhouse inside is to hang it as if it were outside.

Sandi Reinke is an author, frequent television guest and lead designer for loose ends (www.loosends.com), a Salem-based interior décor, garden, and casual lifestyle company. To ask Reinke a decorating question, e-mail info@looseends.com or mail her at the showroom address, 2065 Madrona Ave. SE, Salem, OR 97302. Phone: 503-390-2348.

A piece of string (use colored string if you like) will allow you to tie one end to the birdhouse and the other end looped just enough to put a thumbtack in it so it can stick into the ceiling. This looks wonderful coming down the stairs or in the corner of a bathroom vanity.

Birdhouse picks are a ton of fun, too! These great little bitty birdhouses can be stuck in a flower bed, an arrangement or even a potted plant in the living room. There are so many different styles that the options are endless.

Of course, be sure to experiment with putting different things in the birdhouses as well. Don’t just limit yourself to thinking they are only for the birds. I have a large birdhouse in my home that I stuck a fake fish into, and you can see it perched inside. It looks very unique and always is a wonderful conversation starter.

September 24, 2004