Architecture
The Letterbox That Turned Heads in Oma's Street
The story of how a letterbox can be a statement piece, integrated with the landscape or simply reflect the design of a house
Our family is very lucky to have an Oma (which is Dutch for nana or grandma, in case you were wondering). She is incredibly creative and has made beautiful handcrafted quilts for our two gorgeous children, matching pillowcases and even turned her hand to creating bean bags for us, too. Oma can glance at a pattern, get the essence of the design and create an original piece of quilting. She loves and appreciates others’ works of art and craft, too.
But what sort of present do you get the nana who is so creative in her gift giving? A couple of years ago, Christmas time was fast approaching and we were pondering the perfect gift. Thankfully, this was the year we nailed it in the present department. We bought Oma a colourful hand-crafted letterbox in the shape of a cow – and, she loves it! (Though I do have to give full credit to my husband, Leon, who found the signature piece.)
But what sort of present do you get the nana who is so creative in her gift giving? A couple of years ago, Christmas time was fast approaching and we were pondering the perfect gift. Thankfully, this was the year we nailed it in the present department. We bought Oma a colourful hand-crafted letterbox in the shape of a cow – and, she loves it! (Though I do have to give full credit to my husband, Leon, who found the signature piece.)
Colour-coded. A letterbox can be a statement piece, integrated with the landscape or created to enrich the design of a house. This letterbox display of a number of boxes picks its cues from the house design, which is a multi-unit development containing nine homes. The colour of the letterboxes neatly links with the colour of the front doors, providing a visual sign to the visitors as they venture down the driveway to the colour-coded entrances.
It’s a natural. This timber letterbox is a great example of integrating the design within the landscape. The hardwood has been left to grey naturally and the rough texture of the timber blends beautifully with the almost random yet perfect composition of stone piled up against the box. The over-sized lettered ten clearly announces the location of this dwelling. A winning letterbox for those who like a naturalist look.
Square edge. This letterbox is integrated with the landscape in a formal rectilinear composition. The Corten metal screen in the background features dark, rustic browns and clearly contrasts with the large white, horizontal brick planter in the foreground. The lush green grass and foliage add to the layered effect. The combined elements of angled shapes, materials, colours and textures draws your eye to the features, and especially to the number eight letterbox, which takes centre stage in the composition.
More on street appeal
More on street appeal
Plywood post. A letterbox does not have to be part of a complicated composition to make a statement. The Javi Design letterboxes featured here are a simple, sleek design. The plywood-front panel to the letterbox has the house number delicately routed into the timber. This creates an integrated letterbox and house number into a single stylish element.
Pride of place. The consideration of where you place your letterbox can inform or assist in the architecture of your home, too. In this instance, the letterbox is set within a timber screen, which creates a vestibule between the house and the street. As this house is set on a small lot with a direct entry, the letterbox screen provides a sense of privacy from the street to inside the home.
Rock on. Why dry stack a wall when you can cage it! The metal frame box creates the super structure to contain the rocks and support the signage panel and letterbox insert shown here. Gabion walls, as they are generally known, are, simply put, rocks contained within a box, put together here to create a unique letterbox feature for this home.
Ways to incorporate rock into the entrance design of a home
Ways to incorporate rock into the entrance design of a home
Sleek slats. A simple way to integrate your letterbox into the design of your house is to use the same materials. In this instance, the timber battens that have been used to clad the letterbox are the same materials used to screen the first floor deck, which can be seen in the upper right-hand corner of this image.
TELL US
Tell us about your letterbox and upload an image of it. Did you plan to integrate it with your architecture, landscape or is it a signature letterbox that reflects your personality?
MORE
Special Delivery: Letterboxes to Suit Every Persuasion
It’s Time to Address Your House Number
Home Front: Simple Ways to Personalise Your Front Exterior
TELL US
Tell us about your letterbox and upload an image of it. Did you plan to integrate it with your architecture, landscape or is it a signature letterbox that reflects your personality?
MORE
Special Delivery: Letterboxes to Suit Every Persuasion
It’s Time to Address Your House Number
Home Front: Simple Ways to Personalise Your Front Exterior
This got me thinking about how the humble letterbox can act as a small marker of artistic expression for any home. It can be used as a sign to visitors that there is more visual fun in the rest of the house. Or it can just be a great way to greet neighbours and passersby. In any case, I’ve gathered together some great ideas and hope that by checking out Oma’s cow and other statement examples below, you’ll be inspired to find your own artistic letterbox.