Top Ten Projects of 2010

                            

In keeping with tradition, I have created a line-up of my favourite projects (decorating or personal) that I tackled in 2010. I didn't do as many hands-on projects this year, which I think is a reflection of the fact that we have been in this house longer than any other home we've had AND my having spent so much of the year in front of my computer...working.

Here is my list:

1.  My $65 bathroom make-over, inspired by the funky wallpaper, above.

 

2. My new "office", Les Nessman style: 

 (above photo, courtesty Matthew Mead)

3. Well, not so much a project, but still something new. My new Ikea chair, which my three cats haven't managed to ruin yet:

 

4. A little Halloween craft: 

 5. My dining area make-over. (Trying to get in touch with my more youthful side ;-)

With my new light from Ikea:

 

6. Decorating Sophie's playhouse for Christmas...why didn't I do this before now?

7. The free $10 light I made for my sister:

8. Christmas snow globes:

9. My Murphy Bed, built by the handyman!!

10. And last but definitely not least, I am so proud of my part in this:

I wrote a large number of the articles, tended the blog, tackled the many letters/emails and questions we received, and had so much fun on the photo shoots I was involved with here and here, and the many other duties that came with my position. Stay tuned to our blog for an exciting announcement (coming soon) about what is coming up next.

Happy New Year, everyone! 

Thank you for following along with my decorating and family adventures in 2010 and I am so grateful for your kind comments, emails and friendship. That is what truly makes blogging a gift.

My Murphy Bed...

I just realized I forgot to share the photos of my new Murphy bed the handyman made for me. With both our families living away, we really needed to eke out some sort of guest room and with no extra space hiding out anywhere, well, a Murphy Bed was our solution. Using the hardware kit from Lee Valley, the handyman loaded up his big a*s truck with wood and started working his handyman magic. I had shown him some photos of beds I liked, but he said he had it "all under control" and with the fancy pieces of moulding I saw poking out of his stash, I figured he just might.

Well, he worked away and before I knew it he was standing in front of me with a paint can and brush, passing off the proverbial handyman baton (he doesn't do paint), and with a sigh and a shuffle, off I went. I painted the outside, but the inside will have to wait. Also, I plan to wallpaper the area behind the bed, just to be all fancy-like. But I was too lazy to do it when I should have. Besides, Christmas shopping was calling to me, and would you rather paint/wallpaper or shop?

So here is the inside of the bed, in the "down-right" position:

 And this is how the bedding stays in place:

 And 2/2 guests report it is comfortable!

Home Interior Designs Inspiration Ideas for Modern House

Home Interior Designs Inspiration Ideas for Modern House

Pool House Options and Finishes

Check out this little place. This is a pool house/guest house for a summer home in Stowe, Vermont. A very cool design and layout from the building itself to the surrounding landscape. The views look amazing and the finishes compliment the natural setting so well. They incorporated cedar and Douglas fir on the trellis, along with bluestone that runs from the pool deck right into the main enclosed structure.

This all black, matte kitchen cabinet is strong. That's a wood backsplash as well. Go for it. It's unique. Not the most practical but the sink will probably not get a ton of use.

That's copper cladding on the main structure with a sweet little outdoor shower on the right and a board-formed concrete chimney chase on the left.

This is just a great view and I really like how they broke down the space. It's perfect for entertaining or just relaxing.

photos via New England Home

Better Homes Gardens Interior Design Software

While you as a homeowner have the option to order your house interior plans from the designers and architects at Better Homes and Gardens online, you can get over the expense of that by doing your own interior makeover plans with an interior designer software crafted by the people

Visualizing Your Dream Interior on the PC

The Interior Designer 8.0 is a 2D and 3D drawing tool and modeler optimized for home interior design with over 1000 sample interior plans to get you inspired by. Designing your interiors gets aided with an integral library containing over 5000 common house items like furnishings, lighting fixtures, appliances, shelves and cabinets, windows, material textures and wall paper designs to mention just a few.

And when you register online at the Home Designer website, you can add to this library with free downloads of name-brand home interior items. You can also get free expert design advice from the magazine editors of Better Homes and Gardens in its online Design Planning Center.

Corporate Interior Design Strategies

Consider that such things as floor plans, space planning, computer links, government and building codes all have to meet with approval. The design concept may be adjusted and refined several times over. The designer may be working 12-hour days in the crunch to meet the project deadlines. It should not matter whether it involves a small corporate job, or a major corporation, the need for integrity remains the same. A highly qualified interior designer will make every effort provide the best services to complete the job.

Quiet Time

Via Interior Decline

Hello all, hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Sorry for being away for a while; I came down w/ the flu the day before Christmas Eve :-( It was very sad, and I spent most of the day alone; so I wouldn't spread my germs around! I did combat my illness with many hours of Christmas movies, though. 

Back again soon!

Carolina

Small House Interior Design Solution| Tips and Trick

Did you feel distress to designing your house interior because the space is too small..? don’t worry..! here I try to give you a Tips and Trick to solve your problems. The Smart multitasking furniture, built-in cabinets, mirrors and glass walls are just a few of the design tricks you’ll find in this Small House Interior Design Solution . Get style tips and ideas for making living easier in pint-sized kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms, Let’s Check it out.

Living Room Interior Glass Wall

Interior Glass Wall: In this 520-square-foot condo, glass walls delineate the living area and bedroom while allowing light to infiltrate the entire space. A streamlined sofa, sheer drapes, white washed brick walls and glossy flooring combine to create a sleek and modern loft space.Photography: Robert Pelletier- Room design: Nathalie Bouchard and Annie Horth.

Cosy Dormer Bedroom in a Tiny Downtown Toronto Coach House

Cosy Dormer Bedroom: A skylight and feature wall visually expands a bedroom nook in a tiny downtown Toronto coach house. Designer and stylist Arielle Glober skipped a bulky headboard in favour of bold citrus-green lacquered screens set against a muted paper wall. Although the dormer is just big enough for a queen-size bed, the wallpaper, glass lamp and country-style lace-edged bedding make a big impression.Photography: Stacey Brandford.

Relaxed and Vibrant Living Room

Relaxed And Vibrant Living Room: A backless daybed maintains this condo’s view to the terrace.The coffee table can be used as bench seating for extra guests, while a wall of lower built-in cabinets keep this 850-square-foot condo neat. A sisal rug, vibrant orange cushions, a wicker chair and abundant greenery give this bright living room a relaxing vacation-home vibe.Photography: Michael Graydon-Room design: Powell & Bonnell.

Multitasking Kitchen Island

Multitasking Kitchen Island: A multipurpose island helps makes the most of an open-concept, 878-square-foot loft. This island houses a 43-inch plasma TV, electronics, drawers and a wine fridge. The sleek mixture of cedar, tile, stainless steel and leather ties the kitchen into the equally urban and masculine living area. Photography: Stacey Brandford.

Open Plan Condo Kitchen

Open Plan Condo Kitchen: Glossy cabinetry, a huge mirror and a glass-topped dining table enhance the sense of space in this 625-square-foot condo. Designer Peter Wilds and his partner, Noam Gagnon, tore down the wall between the kitchen and living room. It meant giving up what little closed-off space they had, but being able to take in the Vancouver skyline while they cook makes it a valuable trade-off. They carried the glossy kitchen cabinetry into the dining room for a seamless look and much-need storage. Photography: Kim Christie.

Urban Retro Kitchen Design

Urban Retro Kitchen Design: Rustic baskets above the shelves and a mod ’60s light fixture emphasize the height of the kitchen in H&H associate style editor Michael Penney’s one-bedroom rental. Michael removed the upper kitchen cabinet doors and stapled grasscloth wallpaper to the back, creating chic and expansive-looking open shelves. A wallpaper feature wall also draws the eye up and out to the window view. Photography: Angus Fergusson.

Small Cabin Kitchen Design

Small Cabin Kitchen Design: An all-white paint palette, even on the sloping ceilings was maximizes the feeling of space in April Tidey’s 490-square-foot Savary Island cabin in British Columbia. Green Eames chairs, a junk shop score surround a Saarinen table, grounding the whitewashed kitchen. Simple louvered blinds are in keeping with the beachy feel. Photography: Heather Ross.

Reflective Dining Room

Reflective Dining Room: Mirror-covered closet doors give a bright, open feel to the living and dining room in this 525-square-foot studio. Clever mirrored cabinetry visually expands the space, reflects light and provides a spot to hide clothing and books. “I wanted to simplify my life, and though this space is small, I don’t feel restricted at all,” says Roy Caro, co-owner of Celadon Collection, an upscale Montreal home furnishing store. Photography: Robert Pelletier.

DIY Glamour Closet

DIY Glamour Closet: Designer and stylist Sabrina Linn installed prefab shelving to maximize the height of her compact condo closet. DIY shelves look like custom built-ins. Removing the door and running carpet throughout the bedroom and the en suite closet visually connects and enlarges both areas. A chinoiserie-print curtain hides the stacking washer and dryer.Photography: Michael Graydon

Source…

Small House Interior Design Solution| Tips and Trick

Did you feel distress to designing your house interior because the space is too small..? don’t worry..! here I try to give you a Tips and Trick to solve your problems. The Smart multitasking furniture, built-in cabinets, mirrors and glass walls are just a few of the design tricks you’ll find in this Small House Interior Design Solution . Get style tips and ideas for making living easier in pint-sized kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms, Let’s Check it out.

Living Room Interior Glass Wall

Interior Glass Wall: In this 520-square-foot condo, glass walls delineate the living area and bedroom while allowing light to infiltrate the entire space. A streamlined sofa, sheer drapes, white washed brick walls and glossy flooring combine to create a sleek and modern loft space.Photography: Robert Pelletier- Room design: Nathalie Bouchard and Annie Horth.

Cosy Dormer Bedroom in a Tiny Downtown Toronto Coach House

Cosy Dormer Bedroom: A skylight and feature wall visually expands a bedroom nook in a tiny downtown Toronto coach house. Designer and stylist Arielle Glober skipped a bulky headboard in favour of bold citrus-green lacquered screens set against a muted paper wall. Although the dormer is just big enough for a queen-size bed, the wallpaper, glass lamp and country-style lace-edged bedding make a big impression.Photography: Stacey Brandford.

Relaxed and Vibrant Living Room

Relaxed And Vibrant Living Room: A backless daybed maintains this condo’s view to the terrace.The coffee table can be used as bench seating for extra guests, while a wall of lower built-in cabinets keep this 850-square-foot condo neat. A sisal rug, vibrant orange cushions, a wicker chair and abundant greenery give this bright living room a relaxing vacation-home vibe.Photography: Michael Graydon-Room design: Powell & Bonnell.

Multitasking Kitchen Island

Multitasking Kitchen Island: A multipurpose island helps makes the most of an open-concept, 878-square-foot loft. This island houses a 43-inch plasma TV, electronics, drawers and a wine fridge. The sleek mixture of cedar, tile, stainless steel and leather ties the kitchen into the equally urban and masculine living area. Photography: Stacey Brandford.

Open Plan Condo Kitchen

Open Plan Condo Kitchen: Glossy cabinetry, a huge mirror and a glass-topped dining table enhance the sense of space in this 625-square-foot condo. Designer Peter Wilds and his partner, Noam Gagnon, tore down the wall between the kitchen and living room. It meant giving up what little closed-off space they had, but being able to take in the Vancouver skyline while they cook makes it a valuable trade-off. They carried the glossy kitchen cabinetry into the dining room for a seamless look and much-need storage. Photography: Kim Christie.

Urban Retro Kitchen Design

Urban Retro Kitchen Design: Rustic baskets above the shelves and a mod ’60s light fixture emphasize the height of the kitchen in H&H associate style editor Michael Penney’s one-bedroom rental. Michael removed the upper kitchen cabinet doors and stapled grasscloth wallpaper to the back, creating chic and expansive-looking open shelves. A wallpaper feature wall also draws the eye up and out to the window view. Photography: Angus Fergusson.

Small Cabin Kitchen Design

Small Cabin Kitchen Design: An all-white paint palette, even on the sloping ceilings was maximizes the feeling of space in April Tidey’s 490-square-foot Savary Island cabin in British Columbia. Green Eames chairs, a junk shop score surround a Saarinen table, grounding the whitewashed kitchen. Simple louvered blinds are in keeping with the beachy feel. Photography: Heather Ross.

Reflective Dining Room

Reflective Dining Room: Mirror-covered closet doors give a bright, open feel to the living and dining room in this 525-square-foot studio. Clever mirrored cabinetry visually expands the space, reflects light and provides a spot to hide clothing and books. “I wanted to simplify my life, and though this space is small, I don’t feel restricted at all,” says Roy Caro, co-owner of Celadon Collection, an upscale Montreal home furnishing store. Photography: Robert Pelletier.

DIY Glamour Closet

DIY Glamour Closet: Designer and stylist Sabrina Linn installed prefab shelving to maximize the height of her compact condo closet. DIY shelves look like custom built-ins. Removing the door and running carpet throughout the bedroom and the en suite closet visually connects and enlarges both areas. A chinoiserie-print curtain hides the stacking washer and dryer.Photography: Michael Graydon

Source…

Beautiful Panorama Modern Villa

Villa A is located on the slope of the Poestling Berg – a mountain overlooking Linz, Austria. The site is accessed from the road behind leading down hills to the building’s main entrance, covered by an extended cantilever roof structure. The city’s panorama that it features is truly breathtaking. It can be seen from almost all rooms and from the swimming pool on a terrace.

Corvin Cristian Headvertising Office Interior

Corvin Cristian Romania architect has designed the interior design for office Headvertising, an advertising agency in Bucharest, Romania. This office is located in Old Romanian Stock Exchange building. The theme of the interior design is the design of furniture for storage of goods or file, as a room divider

Autoban The Ojeni Apartment Interior Design

The Turkish design studio Autoban have sent us photos of a recently completed apartment interior they have refurbished and filled with their own furniture designs. Project description from Autoban: Lying between one of the chiquest streets in Beyolu and the lively heart of Tünel, the Ojeni flats boast stunning views over the whole of historic Istanbul and the Bosphorus.

Contemporary Interior Design in Victorian Apartment

A houses and apartments go through countless refurbishments and changing fashions, details such as picture and dado-rails come and go, radiators are boxed over or left exposed and, of course, kitchens and bathrooms are replaced at an astonishing rate. Working in the international fashion business means that the owners of this central London apartment travel

Colorful Vertical Space Apartment Interior Design

Instead of trying to make his vertical space look larger by using the common device of an all-white scheme, the interior design director of a top UK fabric and design company took another approach in this south-west London apartment. A developer had bought an old school, divided the spaces into units of various sizes and sold them on as empty shells.