You can brighten up your kitchen by simply planting some herbs in a glass container that sits on the countertop. (Comstock)

You know I choose little project to complete through the week or on the weekend. For me, these projects always help to fill a little creative void and bring something special into my home.

This weekend I am going to accomplish two summer decorating musts. The first is all about glass - glass containers and glass as a building material is big on the designer radar for '09. The second is to have fresh herbs available for cooking and to enjoy their fabulous room filling aromas on a daily basis.

Glass is one of this year's hottest decorating materials. We’ll soon begin to see glass being used by kitchen designers as back splashes, cabinet fronts and countertops.  Look for outstanding textured glass to begin appearing where you least expect it - even on the floor. We’ll also start to see more glass wall art hung on the walls. 

You can brighten up your kitchen by simply planting some herbs in a glass container that sits on the countertop.

It is amazing how the addition of a few pinches of fresh herbs can bring to a dish. For example, a store bought thin crust pizza becomes a masterpiece when you add a few sun dried tomatoes and some fresh basil.

Start with a series of individual glass pots, vases, dishes or bowls or plan to plant an ‘herb garden’ in one oversized glass container. Fill the bottom inch to inch and half with glass marbles or chips, gravel or polished stones.

Make your choice based on the style of the room - if your kitchen has an Asian feel to it work with the black polished stones, if the room has a traditional or transitional feel use polished beige and brown stones, a rustic feel use natural gravel, bark chips or river stones and if modern is your look, opt for the crushed glass.

Next add about four inches of organic fertilized soil to the pot and then begin planting your herbs. If you like fresh mint for adding to cocktails, iced tea and lemonade, be sure that it is in a container of its own or it will simply take over. I personally have several basil types, chives, lavender ( I add lavender to my cocktails and iced teas) and mint growing. Check with your garden center as to which herbs grow best together and how much or how little light they prefer.

Position the glass planter/s in a sunny window, give plenty of water and enjoy.