Friday, October 31, 2008

Sanatorium to Become Hotel

A 1920's era sanatorium near Louisville, Ky is slated to be turned into a hotel. The Waverly Hills Sanatorium has long been a site for ghost hunters and has been featured on a number of TV shows.

The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and the plans seem to be coming together to make the project happen. Plans include a hotel, spa and meeting space.
Courier Journal article.
Waverly Hills Sanatorium website

Photo by Alex Davis, The Courier-Journal

Kitchen Design Inspiration from Sanidero

kitchen Inspiration

For those that are serious about the way the kitchen looks like, Snaidero has a few ideas to choose from. With a modern design and features a combination of stainless steel and LED lighting, the Venus kitchen uses a Solid Surface top to make the countertop. It has plenty of storage and though simple, it’s really eye-catching. The Skyline kitchen is a bit different, with an ergonomically adapt design, great color combination and great functionality, it looks pretty neat and uses every space at its best. Last one is the Time kitchen. It looks classic and is not really my style, but I’m sure there are people who’d choose one, if asked. It has lots of details, either teak, cherry, light oak, dark oak or matte lacquer, a 9cm thick worktop and side panels that symmetrically follow the lines of the cabinet. - Via

skyline kitchen Inspirationtime kitchen Inspiration

Bathroom Decoration - Bathroom Fixture - Shower Curtains

If it is that time of the year when you want to indulge in a ‘home improvement project’, your bathroom is a good place to start. Well-designed, stylish fixtures help to add life to your bathroom’s dull and dated look. Fashion conscious customers have a wide array of fittings to choose from. Suitably and appropriately selected bathroom fixtures can contribute towards changing the entire look and feel of your bathroom. The intention of the article is to enlighten you on the significance of bathroom décor with easy and fun tips to decorate your bathroom. It also includes a brief study of different types of showers, which would help you decide on the one that would suit your plumbing setup. Read and find out the latest in bathroom fixtures and bathroom designingand some common bathroom codes.

Good Bathroom Decoration
Bathroom Decoration




Good Bathroom Decoration

A good bathroom is an important aspect of your home since it is a place where you break away from the rest of the world. Your bathroom can be a retreat of sorts where you can have a relaxing bubble bath, light some scented candles, hum a tune and soothe your worries away. Bathrooms have moved from being a place to just ‘shower’ to being ‘home spas’. The bathroom is where you start your day to get ready for a hard day’s work. When you start your day feeling great, the rest of your day will certainly feel much more pleasant.

Decorate your bathroom

The market is flooded with good product choices to fit everyone’s budget. Accessories like towel bars; soap dishes, toilet paper holders and shower curtains together can tie the room’s design elements. It is a wise suggestion to check the bathrooms for faults before your project begins. Unless the bathroom is in good shape and safe from leakages, adding bathroom decoration to your existent bathrooms might not really make sense.

Decorate your bathroom

Whether you have a large bathroom or a small one, decorating it can be fun and easy. Here are a few tips!

  • Instead of curtains on your bathroom window, paste pretty scenery that is printed on plastic with adhesive on the back. No one can see through the plastic and it allows a lot of light to filter into the room.
  • Put your clean, rolled towels in a pretty basket. Have a non-skid bath rug in a pretty color. Buy a matching shower curtain and wastebasket.
  • Green plants are always nice in a bathroom. Place a nice green plant on your sink counter top. Old, unique colored bottles add a nice accent to your bathroom. Place some potpourri in a bowl. It will keep your bathroom smelling fresh and nice.
  • Scented candles add so much to a bathroom. Have different colors placed in the corners of your bathtub. Place a few on your sink counter.

Showers

In order to select the most suitable type of shower, it is important to recognize certain factors that can determine which shower is best for you. A mixer for example, would be the best choice in a household where both hot and cold water are supplied at equal pressure from the main storage system. Most modern showers are designed to be flexible to different water pressures (such as stored hot water and cold mains). It is important to note whether or not the chosen shower is capable of coping with certain systems and can regulate a safe level of water through the boiler. There is a multitude of choice in showers: pumped showers, electric showers, gravity showers, thermostatic, manual, power showers. Before choosing a shower, it is important that you understand the way the hot water is already heated in your house.

Let us look at three most common types of showers.

Power Showers

Power showers are mixer showers with integral pumps, which increase the rate of flow from the showerhead. They can only be installed on low pressure, tank fed systems. A dedicated hot and cold water supply is necessary. The water supply must always be above the unit to ensure that the pump is always primed and does not have to suck any air.

Electric Showers

Electric showers can be used within any domestic water system. Instantaneous electric showers can provide good performance, especially if they come with a good heater element rating. Instantaneous electric showers require cold water at a reasonable pressure. These showers pump water from a cold-water storage tank.

Bath / Shower Mixer Taps

Mixer showers will mix the existing hot and cold water, in a special valve, before it is available at the showerhead. Probably the simplest form of shower, the bath shower mixer tap is capable of reasonable shower performance provided that both the hot and cold supplies are of equal pressure. They can be used with tank fed gravity supplies, combination boilers and un-vented hot water cylinders.

Bathroom Power Showers
Bathroom Electric Showers


Choosing the ideal Shower Head

Showers come with multiple showerheads, handheld sprays and body sprays combined in a single unit. Many models can be retrofitted into existing shower stalls, while others are part of shower enclosure collections that can fit in the footprint of a standard 5-foot tub. Before you make a purchase, consult your plumber. If your water pressure is straining to rinse out shampoo already, major modifications may be necessary to take advantage of multiple sprays. Consider your hot water heater’s capacity, too. If two people cannot simultaneously shower with the tank's current capacity, consider upgrading to a larger unit before adding extra sprays.

Bathroom Shower Mixer Taps

Shower Curtains

Shower Curtains add a new, fresh breeze in decorating your bathroom. Shower Curtains are available for prices ranging from $10.00 to hundreds of dollars. Whatever the price you pay for it, unless they are cared for and kept dry and clean, they will not last long.

Tips for care of Shower Curtains

The best way to care for them is to keep them dry and clean!

  • Clean your curtain using a spray cleaner once a week
  • Let your curtain dry thoroughly each day to prevent mildew that can be dangerous for health.
  • If you are using a fabric curtain, dust it about every 3 months.
  • It is best to buy two (similar) curtains when purchasing. If you have one in reserve you are not stuck with having to replace the entire bath decor if it is damaged.


Bathroom Shower HeadsBathroom Shower

Bathroom Codes

Here are some common bathroom code requirements that you are required to follow during bathroom decoration:

  • Bathroom Shower Curtains
  • The bathroom fixtures should be GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) protected.
  • There should be at least one lighting fixture permanently installed, which is controlled by a switch at the room’s entrance.
  • The bathroom must contain an operating window or an approved exhaust fan.
  • There should be a minimum of 15” clearance to either side of the closet flange.
  • Shower fittings may require pressure-balancing mixing values.


Thursday, October 30, 2008

Kitchen Remodeling Ideas - Pictures

This country kitchen design picture illustrates the reflective qualities of glass and stainless steel. The use of wood for the island countertop and hardwood on the floor introduces an element of warmth to the space. A country feeling is achieved with beadboard cabinetry and 'cup' drawer pulls. View more French country kitchen pictures.

design idea Kitchen Picture


Kitchen Photo - Wood and Steel idea decoration

The vivid splashes of blue and orange on the walls and furniture have been artfully balanced with a warm medium wood tonein this kitchen design. A high-gloss countertop adds texture, yet remains grounded because of its black color. Additional texture has been created with multiple wood tones in the floor. Because of the way the floor lays, it feels as if you are being drawn into the eating area. This is a warm, vibrant and welcoming kitchen!


kitchen idea Stainless and Wood Kitchen Picture Photo

The soft sheen of stainless steel appliances and the light wood tone of the cabinetry give this kitchen design an airy, spacious feel. It is uncomplicated and uncluttered. Judging by the number of refrigerators, cooktops, ovens and microwaves, this kitchen needs to accommodate multiple users and facilitate the creation of many meals. The design chosen for the space certainly suits those requirements.



Kitchen Remodeling Picture idea

In addition to the ample storage and work space this cabinetry layout provides, the center island is large enough to provide even more space for work, storage and eating in this kitchen design. It is great to have room for family and friends in the kitchen. You can continue visiting while meals are being prepared. The lighting in this kitchen has been well thought out. Ambient lighting is provided by the recessed fixtures in the ceiling and there are three height-adjustable lights over the island which can operate as task lights.


Modern Kitchen Design picture decoration

Small does not have to mean boring! This kitchen design photo reveals the dramatic use of a bold color on a simple cabinet style. See how the red pops against the white background. The placement of the appliances and the corner sink are a practical use of space. The design allows for work areas between the cooktop and the sink and between the refrigerator and the sink. See more small kitchen design ideas.


Modern Kitchen Design picture

The abundance of horizontal lines in this contemporary kitchen design create a sense of movement and activity. To keep this kitchen from appearing too busy, the designer applied stainless steel to the cabinets surrounding the appliances. Notice how the ceiling height in the cooking and food prep area is different from the rest of the kitchen. It helps to create a zone separate from the counter eating area. The lighting in that zone is intensified with the use of many recessed fixtures, as well as under cabinet lighting.

Kitchen Picture Photo idea

This is a very effective use of cupboard space and kitchen lighting. With so much natural light coming in through the windows this homeowner can feel confident that using a dark stain on the cabinets will not make the space feel dark and gloomy. The walls, countertop and floor have all been done in neutral shades which is ideal if you are renovating for the purpose of selling.


Kitchen Remodeling Ideas Pictures

In this kitchen photo, ultramodern design is stated with bold shapes and smooth textures, and is enhanced by the dramatic use of color. All are elements that can be incorporated into a small or large kitchen. Because the color in this kitchen has been limited to only a few surfaces, it can easily be changed if and when you are ready for a new color theme.


Kitchen Picture of Wood and Stainless Kitchen Design picture decoration

The ambient lighting in this kitchen design enhances the natural beauty of the woodgrain. The finishes have been kept tastefully simple for a coordinated and clean-lined effect. The combination of materials and the compact layout suggest a feeling of calm efficiency.

Source: http://www.remodelingmyspace.com/

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Kitchen and conservatory, Practical Magic.

Sometimes the best part of a movie is the sets or the costuming. Over the years as we have searched for our perfect house I have had at least two requests, a large kitchen and a conservatory.

The house sets in the movie Practical Magic are wonderful examples of just that. Sadly, there was no real house used in the movie. It was all well conceived sets and a temporary facade.









The huge kitchen set from the movie. They never make kitchens big enough in real life.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Your home is your sanctuary

Your home is your haven - your sanctuary - where you can be you. Whether you want old world charm on the outside with seclusion, peace, and tranquility on the inside, or a flashy contemporary facade with wide open entertaining spaces, turning your dreams into a design that fits you and your distinctive lifestyle is my goal. Please explore this site, and see what Rob Sanders Designer can do for you.

From 2004 Parade of Homes, Austin, Texas (Greenshores) Barefoot Cove

Your home is your sanctuary

Your home is your haven - your sanctuary - where you can be you. Whether you want old world charm on the outside with seclusion, peace, and tranquility on the inside, or a flashy contemporary facade with wide open entertaining spaces, turning your dreams into a design that fits you and your distinctive lifestyle is my goal. Please explore this site, and see what Rob Sanders Designer can do for you.

From 2004 Parade of Homes, Austin, Texas (Greenshores) Barefoot Cove

Monday, October 27, 2008

Tuscan Kitchen Design

Tuscan style is inspired by nature, so Tuscan kitchen decor makes for a soothing and peaceful room. Because Tuscan design is so simple, it only takes a few changes to remodel your kitchen in this delightful rustic style.

Great wooden kitchen cabinets designTuscan Kitchen Design

Kitchen Cabinets

By focusing on paint and accessories, you can easily accomplish a kitchen remodel on a budget well under $1000. The following Tuscan kitchen ideas can help you get started.

Color Schemes

The first step in your Tuscan kitchen design is to select a color scheme. One easy way to select colors is to find a Tuscan-inspired accessory like a ceramic tile, piece of pottery, or a painting and select the key colors from that inspiration piece. If you don’t have a piece to start from, you’ll need to select colors yourself. Focus on colors that can be seen in nature.


Some of the most common colors seen in Tuscan kitchen decor are:

  • Browns - Try earthy tones like deep browns or tans.
  • Reds - Picture the colors found in fall leaves, like rich golds, burnt oranges, and rich reds.
  • Greens - Olive, deep greens, and sages are the best choices.
  • Blues - Think deep blue; it works particularly well as an accent color.

Paint

For the walls, try a paint finish that adds texture, such as stucco or sponging, to add to the rustic, aged Tuscan vibe. These techniques have the added benefit of disguising any imperfections on your walls. One word of warning: choose darker colors with care, since colors tend to appear darker when applied to walls.

Tuscan Kitchen Design furnitureYou can try out your desired colors on a board and put them into the room to see what they look like at various times of the day before you commit to a color selection. Another suggestion is to combine lighter and darker tones. Try starting with a darker base and sponging a lighter color over it to create depth.

You can also consider painting or staining your cabinets. Cabinets are a good place to use some of the deeper colors in the Tuscan palate. Deep Tuscan red stains are very popular. Or consider painting the cabinets a strong, contrasting color to the walls.

The other option is to paint the walls in a light color and then give the cabinets a coating in a deeper shade of the same color.



You might also consider painting doors, shutters, or window frames. Be careful, however, not to overwhelm the room with color.

Kitchen Furniturehttp://budgetkitchensuk.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/kitchen020_001.jpg

Kitchen Furniture and Accessories

Set off your new cabinetry look with some new hardware. Ceramic or burnished metal knobs are good choices for Tuscan kitchen decor, and provide a lot of design bang for the buck. There are many “Tuscan” or “Tuscany” hardware collections available to assist you in your selection, although of course you’re not limited to those options.

Consider curtains in lighter colors, particularly if you’ve chosen deeper tones for your cabinets or walls. Sheers, Tuscan stripe designs, and simple checked curtains are all good Tuscan kitchen ideas. You can even stencil a Tuscan-inspired design onto your sheers to add visual interest.

For kitchen decoration, consider wall tiles. A few accent tiles applied to the walls adds Tuscan flair. Or decorate the walls with metal urns, platters, and bowls.

Tuscan Kitchen Design.

Kitchen Island



Fill glass or copper containers with dried goods and cooking utensils and use them as display items. Or select ceramic containers in an accent color like deep red. Freestanding metal or wood stands can store pots or fruits and vegetables. Add some plants to complete the look.


Tuscan furniture is generally simple. A large wood table with simple chairs is the best option for an eat-in kitchen. If your current table and chairs doesn’t fit with the Tuscan vibe, hunt down a used set at a garage sale, or buy a plain unfinished version and stain it yourself.


You might also consider adding a stencil to the tabletop or chair seats. Think plain wooden stools and simple lines for a breakfast bar. Add some Tuscan touches with bright seat cushions. Decorate tabletops with wooden bowls filled with fruit, pottery, or large stone vessels.

Materials From: http://www.raftertales.com/ Thank You :)

Kitchen Colors - Kitchen Decoration

Color is very important design element for kitchens and bathrooms since it plays an important role in affecting our modes.Kitchen Colors - Kitchen Decoration

A good combination of kitchen colors in the scheme of your decoration can make your kitchen look livelier and more appealing. However mismatched color schemes can ruin your décor.

Color can influence the mood of a room. For example, studies have shown that red can quicken the pulse and breathing rate, as well as increase appetite. Yellow, especially soft yellows can make people feel happier. When used as an accent bright yellow can attract attention and brighten up a kitchen. You can also use color to influence how large or small a kitchen can feel.

With kitchen color taking on more importance, many manufacturers of cabinets, appliances, flooring and countertops are offering the consumer more choices in colors. The best kitchen colors should include shades of brown, peach, yellow, pink or blue.

Kitchen color schemes have come and gone over the years. Some kitchen color schemes have remained popular over time.

Kitchen Colors - Kitchen Decoration

White as a kitchen color remains a popular choice because of it has a clean look. One disadvantage of an all-white kitchen is that it can have a sterile and cold look and feel. That is why white is usually accented with one other color such as blue. Also design elements such as a light colored oak floor, or soft accents provided by curtains can make a kitchen seem warmer. It is considered a good idea to select one color as the overall or base color and select one or two accent colors.

You can feel safe selecting just about any color for your kitchen by following some important guidelines for using different kitchen color schemes:

It is considered a good idea in using color in a room to have a 60-30-10 split between three colors, 60% representing the main or dominant color, probably on the walls or cabinets. 30% of a secondary color used in the flooring or rugs, as well as window treatments. 10% for accents such as, dishes, artwork, pillows and other soft items.

Monochromatic color scheme is noted for only the use of one color. To create more variety you would used various tints, tones and shades of that color.

Complementary color scheme uses two colors placed opposite to each other on the color wheel. This scheme is quite intense and brings a more dramatic touch and energy to home décor.

Analogous color scheme includes three hues placed adjacent to each other on the color wheel with either warm colors or cool colors in combination, such as yellow and green, blue and violet, or red and orange. Kitchens generally wouldn't be the type of room where the type of color scheme would be used. This color scheme would be better for more informal areas of the home, such as family rooms, dens and bedrooms or where one would be looking for rest and recovery from the activities of the day.

Neutral colors include taupe, tan, black, white, cream, and shades of gray. Neutral colors can be paired with almost any color as an accent. Because your cabinets make up most of the expense of kitchen decorating it would be best to choose a style in a more neutral finish. This also applies for countertops and flooring.Kitchen Colors - Kitchen Decoration

A good decorating scheme is to emulate the color schemes found in nature, such as sky blue or the various shades of green or earth brown or light or pale yellow. Light can also be an important element in emphasizing the colors and can bring about different shades and views of the color based on varying intensity.

Materials From: http://www.barefootfloor.com/ Thank You ... :)

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Kitchen cabinet design ideas

The design of your kitchen cabinets dictates both how much and what kind of storage space you will have as well as how your kitchen will look. There are a huge variety of kitchen cabinet designs to choose from and the things you need to keep in mind when making your selection are:
Kitchen cabinet design ideas
* Efficient utilization of space, both in the layout of the cabinets as well as in regard to their storage capacity.
* Durability.
* The type of wood, the color and the appearance of the cabinets.
* Does the hardware – the handles and pulls etc. match the rest of your kitchen?

You will be spending a lot of time in the kitchen and the right kind of cabinets can make it a warm attractive place that invites you in.

Before you start remodeling, have a budget in mind.
Kitchen Cabinet Types
Kitchen cabinet design ideas
There are three basic types of cabinets to choose from.
Stock Cabinets

* These are built in standardized sizes and shapes. Since no changes or modifications are possible, take measurements carefully to ensure that what you buy fits in your kitchen.
* Only a limited number of style and color option are available.
* Since the choices are limited, inspecting and comparing what is available is easy.
* You can save money by buying unfinished cabinets and finishing them yourself.

Kitchen cabinet design ideas


Semi Custom Cabinets

* This type provides a greater range of designs and finishes.
* Cabinets using the standard designs can made to order in the sizes you want.
* Build quality is normally better than with stock cabinets.
* These are the most popular type of kitchen cabinets, although they are more expensive than the stock ones.

Custom Cabinets

* These are designed and built specifically for your kitchen.
* You have an unlimited choice of designs, colors and finishes.
* The interior can be made specifically for your requirements to store exactly what you want.
* The type and quality of the wood and materials used depends on the buyer’s preferences.
* This is the best option when matching new cabinets to preexisting ones or when unusual spaces make stock or semi custom cabinets unviable.
* These are the most expensive types of kitchen cabinets.
Kitchen cabinet design ideas
Kitchen Cabinet Construction and Materials

Kitchen cabinets are made in 2 ways:

* What is called face frame construction involved using a front facing frame. This allows for flexibility in the design but the frame reduces interior space.
* Frameless construction requires no frame and so greater interior space is available. This type of kitchen cabinet is more suitable for contemporary looking kitchens.

Wood is the material of choice for kitchen cabinets and various types of wood including pine, hickory, cherry, birch, oak and maple, to name a few, are often used. The type of wood is important not just for appearance but also for durability. Woods like hickory and oak are hard and heavy, while pine is lighter and softer and so more prone to scratches and dents. Most cabinets are made from a combination of woods and also often use plywood and particle board.
Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Hardware is a small component of the cabinets but the type and finish of the handles and pulls used will affect the final appearance of the cabinets. The hardware you choose should not only enhance the appeal of the cabinets, but also fit in with the rest of the kitchen décor.
Kitchen Cabinet Design Ideas

Define the style you want. For example:

* Do you want raised panel doors for a traditional look?
* Or would using knotty pine and less detail for a rustic look be better?
* Would slab panel doors for a contemporary look be the best?

Other things to keep in mind while choosing kitchen cabinets are:

* Look through design magazines and visit furniture stores to get ideas. You could even try using kitchen cabinet design software.
* Measure the cabinet areas carefully. A sketch of the whole kitchen showing where all the plumbing, appliances, doors and windows are will give you a good perspective what the final appearance will be.
* Generally, cabinets should match the floor or wall color.
* Lighter colors create a more open impression.
* Glass doors will create a feeling of depth.
* Open shelves can be used to store attractive crockery or cookbooks.
* For difficult to reach cabinets, think of Lazy Susans, roll out drawers, pull down shelves, removable wire baskets etc.

Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Ideas

Remodeling your kitchen can be an expensive process and a major component of the cost is replacing your kitchen cabinets. One way to cut costs and still get a new kitchen is by refacing kitchen cabinets instead of replacing them. Refaced cabinets not only look as good as new ones, these also have a renewed life span.

Kitchen cabinet refacing remodeling



You kitchen is an important component in the overall value of your home. If you are thinking of selling your house, a great looking kitchen will add to its value and kitchen cabinet refacing is a great way to achieve this at economical rates.

Kitchen cabinet refacing is not a complex procedure. It consists of replacing the doors, front panels of the drawers and the hardware – the hinges and handles. The external surfaces can be re-finished with veneer, laminate, thermo-foil or just painted to match the style of the doors. The interiors of the cabinets can be either re-laminated or painted. Refacing cabinets in a normal sized kitchen can be done in one week.
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Ideas
But refacing kitchen cabinets is not a universal solution for every remodeled kitchen. It can only be done in cases where the cabinets are in a good condition. If the structure of the cabinets is not sound and there are problems of warped wood, damaged fiberboard or rusted metal, refacing will not work – the result will look shabby and the new appearance will not last. Also, if you are changing the layout of your kitchen, refacing kitchen cabinets will not work. You will need a new design to suit your kitchen and refacing what you already have will leave you with cabinets that may look good but appear to be out of place.

There are a huge variety of refacing options to choose from. To achieve the best results you need to first plan the complete remodeling of the kitchen and finalize your new color schemes and the finishes that will be used in other parts of the room. The look of the countertops, floors, windows, doors and appliances will influence the look of the cabinets. Consider refacing with maple or oak finishes to give a traditional look while using white pine will add a country feel to the kitchen.

Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Ideas

Besides just renewing the existing look, refacing kitchen cabinets can also include some minor modifications that can change the total look of the cabinets. Adding molding and attractive drawer pulls can add a lot to the appearance. Removing some doors and leaving a few cabinets open, will create a more open effect. This effect can also be achieved by using glass doors to allow the display of glassware, silver and pottery and so on. Using glass doors also gives an expensive look to the cabinets.

Since you are saving money by refacing, you can look at using the money saved to improve the looks and functionality of the kitchen as a whole. More cabinets can be added, new or additional features like a Lazy Susan to access hard to reach areas, a new island or pantry, pull down shelves, roll out drawers and trays are just some of the things you can think of. Wire basket storage compartments are becoming increasingly popular.
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Ideas

Kitchen cabinet refacing may be simple but it does require skill and attention to the small details that affect functionality and the appearance. If you want to get the work done by professionals, make sure that the contractor you hire for the work has the skill to do a good job and the taste to ensure that the final effect is pleasing. The best way to do this is to go beyond interviewing contractors and checking reference and to look at work they have already done. Besides the overall appearance, look for the finer things. Are the seams and joins smooth, gap free and straight? Are the doors fitted straight and close properly? Is the finish smooth all over and is the grain aligned properly on the doors, drawer panels and the frame? If the work done satisfies you and the prices quoted are acceptable, go ahead with the contractor.
Kitchen Cabinet Refacing Ideas
You can also do the work yourself. Kitchen remodeling companies and home improvement stores will sell you the doors, laminates, paint, hinges, drawer pulls and all the other items you will need. These outlets will also be able to provide advice you may need on the best type of paints and laminates for your requirements.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Dining room wall decor

I found this dining room image at Architectural Digest. The wall behind the table has a high impact but look closer, it is a very simple design.

An iron curtain rod hung high on the wall with a tab top curtain(s) in a basic fabric is used as the back drop. The images are hung using a series of hooks or chain to suspend them from the rod.

The main piece of art is the painting in the middle. You could use a featured piece of art or even an art poster if it was well framed. The surrounding frames appear to have photos or ink drawings. All of this could be done on a theme such as one main work of art by an artist and then use smaller prints from the same artist in the other frames.

This would also be easy to do with a group of frames from a thrift store painted black and filled with small prints, art images scavenged from a calendar or cards with art fronts.
Image: Architectural Digest

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Desire To Inspire - Inspirational Kitchens

I'm excited to present to you this first kitchen, in a series of wonderful kitchens culled from the Desire To Inspire blog! Jo and Kim, the ladies who are the force behind this award winning blog, (recently named one of the ten most influential design blogs in the blogosphere) have an "eye," a vision for finding stunning interiors. It is the place I go to when I just want to look at interiors to get, well, inspired. In fact, it can be very addicting, looking at these beautiful spaces!

kitchen inspire kitchen design
It is not quick and easy to do what Kim and Jo do. The time spent on research behind the scenes is impressive. To create a collection of spaces, which all flow from one to the next, is itself, a creative work. Whether the context is color one day, style the next, a showcase of a particular design firm, or any other theme, we understand what it is we are viewing. It all makes sense.


kitchen inspire kitchen design
Let's look at this elegant kitchen. It just speaks to me. I think, because, it reflects my personal style. Maybe that's why I'm choosing this one first. Here's what I love:

kitchen inspire kitchen design

- combination of cool and warm colors/shades and the larger proportion of warm shades
- contrast of woods
- contrast of colors
- the simplicity
- the artwork
- the personal, lived in, look (it's not sterile!)
- the natural, branch-like, touches
kitchen inspire kitchen design

kitchen inspire kitchen design

Source: http://www.thekitchendesigner.org

Kitchen Design and Style

I received my copy of Better Homes & Gardens, which is sent to me automatically since I'm subscribed to Decorating Inspiration, a good resource by the way, and I saw a major featured kitchen in this issue that was also on display at KBIS. I had taken photos of this kitchen, which are the top three, below. This issue is out now with lots of other images and information on this kitchen. It is the August issue.Kitchen Design and Style
The real point I want to make about this kitchen is to encourage my readers to consider its style. My sense, which I hope I can communite effectively, is that this is one of a "type" of kitchen style, that, is just that, about (kitchen) style alone. It's not about history, architecture, or about one's unique personality being reflected in the kitchen design.

Kitchen Design and StyleKitchen Design and Style
It's simply all about how to style a kitchen, end of story. It's the kind of look that I know it when I see it! I've seen it many times before, and to me, it is a distinctive look, this all encompassing theme of "kitchen style," for style's sake. It's a really beautiful kitchen in many ways. It's not for me, personally, but then, I have the luxury to sit here and go into the nuances of all things kitchens and dissect it all! There are a good number of clever and interesting elements in this kitchen. It's beautiful in many ways, and certainly highly functional, but I cannot find the soul. It is subjective, don't forget that. AND, after all, it's a "set" kitchen, made to showcase products' versatilities, which it does quite well.

Kitchen Design and Style

Source: http://www.thekitchendesigner.org/