If you’ve ever come across @crystalzengardens on Instagram, you likely paused. Mary Wells’ creations have that effect, small, living landscapes grounded in nature, layered with texture, and filled with delightful intention.
Mary’s ability to make all things beautiful doesn’t stop there. She is a compassionate humanitarian volunteering several days a week with young women who need guidance. She is filled with gratitude and joy as she supports their growth, helping them find freedom in being themselves with confidence and courage.
It’s fitting to feature Mary’s new ensuite in this magazine. Designed by Mary herself as a sanctuary to unwind and enjoy, this space draws inspiration directly from the forest behind her home.
Forest-Inspired Design
Custom rough-edge walnut shelves bring warmth. Smoke-coloured tiles surround the shower with a gentle contrast. Brushed antique brass fixtures hold a time-less elegance.
Mary selected the fixtures, vanity, and shower surround from Glenbriar Home Hardware on Weber Street, intrigued by their beautifully curated kitchen and bath gallery. The brass rain showerhead and a custom Canadian-made fluted walnut vanity, topped with warm-neutral quartz, were the formative pieces. Then Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, classic wall sconces, and her own arrangements were added to tie it all together.
The Zen Garden Journey
Mary began creating her Zen gardens during COVID. With the world on hold, she was longing for the healing energy of nature. Once on Instagram, people connected immediately. The materials are gathered with care:
- Shale from the Rocky Mountains forms the base
- Slate from the Niagara Escarpment shapes the structure alongside driftwood and ferns
- Thick green moss from the Beaver Valley area adds softness and anchors each piece
- Crystals, minerals, and young seedlings are placed with balance so nothing feels forced
A Life of Creative Layering
While raising her young family, Mary was able to feed her creative flair at Fudges in Waterloo Town Square. Her natural ability to layer fabrics, textures, colours, and cuts led to eye-catching window displays. She enjoyed making customers feel confident and polished. Her eye for composition, placement, scale, and quality carried her into furniture sales. That same understanding of cohesion is why our team at Helen’s Design Inc. has valued her help. She styles the client’s homes without erasing the story of the space.
Mary’s ability to make all things beautiful doesn’t stop there. She is a compassionate humanitarian volunteering several days a week with young women who need guidance. She is filled with gratitude and joy as she supports their growth, helping them find freedom in being themselves with confidence and courage.
It’s fitting to feature Mary’s new ensuite in this magazine. Designed by Mary herself as a sanctuary to unwind and enjoy, this space draws inspiration directly from the forest behind her home. Custom rough-edge walnut shelves bring warmth. Smoke-coloured tiles surround the shower with a gentle contrast. Brushed antique brass fixtures hold a time-less elegance.
I have known Mary for decades. There is a pattern I have noticed in her life. She takes what is ordinary and elevates it quietly. She has helped me realize that true, meaningful beauty starts within and reveals itself to those who are willing to see something extraordinary.