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• 2009 - 2010 home design - Dining Rooms - Gracious Elegance in the City

  
  19 June 2009
  
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    • Concrete beauty and artistry.
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    • A place to relax with pre-dinner cocktails.
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    • Greys and reds for elegant entertaining.

  2009 - 2010 home design - Dining Rooms - Gracious Elegance in the City

  A soft, muted palette of ivories and greys give an elegant refinement to this welcoming condominium home. The living room centers around a floor-to-ceiling concrete fireplace in a combination matte and gloss finish. Above the mantle a textured circle floats inside a square relief that becomes a visual focal point. To one side, this unusual, eye-catching treatment is duplicated in miniature with framed squares of textured faux-concrete above a slim profile media center.

  Creating the illusion of a separate den, a small table tucked up against the back of the sofa doubles as a non-intrusive room divider. Two chairs cozy up against a narrow liquor cabinet and round, glass-topped end table - perfect for relaxing with your significant other for a pre-dinner Martini or cocktails.

  When friends drop by, you'll have no trouble with a sit down dinner for six. Comfy leather chairs echo the greys found in the fireplace and kitchen's granite counter. Just fill up a vase with crimson roses, light the cranberry candles, uncork the Burgundy, and you're ready with a dash of color and a gourmet outlook. Now, would someone pass the paté and brie please?

   

  (Getdecorating home design news)

• 2009 - 2010 home design - Dining Rooms - Contemporary Playful Meets Retro-Chic

  
  19 June 2009
  
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    • Check out the dining room table.
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    • White, natural wood, and frosted glass are the perfect kitchen combo.
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    • A master bedroom that's all about texture.

  2009 - 2010 home desing - Dining Rooms - Contemporary Playful Meets Retro-Chic

  Distinctly contemporary with a funky, retro-chic outlook, this compact condo packs some big-time decorating drama.

  Curves and ovals create a light-hearted ambiance in the open concept living/dining room - even the metallic fireplace surround has a sassy curve as it bends toward the ceiling. Oval accents on the draperies echo the shape of standing and hanging lamps and give a visual counterpoint to the white-on-grey horizontal stripes along the living room walls. Be sure to check out the dining area where the table picks up the same wood as the flooring, then wraps itself in a single surface up the wall where a punched out pothole creates the illusion of being a piece of hanging artwork.

  The kitchen, sleek and crisp, features a mix of white, natural wood, and frosted glass for the cabinetry plus the gleam of entertainment-sized stainless steel appliances. An eating bar is great for "get me going quick" breakfasts or platters of appies when entertaining.

  This master bedroom is all about texture. The fuzzy faux-fur bedspread sends a hard to resist invitation: I'm soft, I'm warm, touch me. To one side, a fluffy scatter rug continues the theme while providing a soft, warm on the toes surface for cool mornings. Delicate brushed chrome standing lamps offset thick, rich leather cushions and bedside chair decked out in black. At the head of the bed, the simplicity of four single blossoms becomes a visual focal point drawing the eye up toward the ceiling and tying separate elements together.

   

  (Getdecorating home design news)

   

   

• 2009 - 2010 home design - Closets, Workshops, Storage - Storage Spaces that Sizzle

  
  18 June 2009
  
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    • Contrasting woods, candles, and polished stone coexist in harmony.
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    • Keeping it at your fingertips.
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    • Zones are visually defined while retaining a sense of openness.

  Drawer, drawers, and more drawers. With storage everywhere, keeping this work area neat and uncluttered is a snap. Framing a multi-tiered drying closet, matched ferns bask in the natural light of two mullioned windows – creating a visual connection to the outdoors. Contrasting woods – one a casual wide-grain with dark stain, the other displaying a more contemporary, urban finish – appear to coexist quite comfortably, each balancing the other. And for ambiance, what better than a Zen-inspired arrangement of candles and polished stone.

  Everything’s at your fingertips and easy to see in this open concept closet. Multiple-height hanging rods mean whether it’s full-length formal gowns, pants, shirts, or shawls there’s no space wasted. Baskets and boxes add an artistic flair and help keep smaller items tucked tidily out of sight. And when you’re really not sure whether it’s the pearls or the turquoise that works best, just lay out you outfit on the hexagonal center compare your options till you find the perfect match.

  No question about it, this storage space celebrates luxury. Candles and flowers are elegant, their soft coral color reflected in a selection of hand towels that seems to grow like plants from a pottery bowl. A floating island with matched bench seats provides a convenient place to tuck away bathing accessories and creates a visual sense of different zones while retaining the room’s open, flowing plan

   

  (Getdecorating home design news)

• 2009 - 2010 home design - Children's Rooms - A Fairy Tale Princess Bedroom

  
  18 June 2009
  
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    • Looped sheers float across the windows like clouds in the sky.
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    • A personal princess phone… but of course.
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    • A private loft retreat for sharing secrets.

  A Fairy Tale Princess Bedroom

  Cinderella would be hard pressed to image a bedroom more suited to a princess. Soft, pastel pink sheers are looped across a window rod like rosy clouds floating through the sky. Before the full-height mirror, a dressmaker’s mannequin awaits only the appearance of a few magical mice armed with needles, threads, and a commitment to see their friend arrive at the evening’s grand ball in a suitably fashionable gown.

  Cascading from a crown above the bed, pink and taupe sheers frame a white headboard and whimsical collection of pillows, toss cushions, and bolsters. Plenty of ruffles and soft patterns here. And how could any princess survive without her own, personal telephone in pink?

  For sharing confidences with a best friend or perhaps filling the pages of a diary, what better place than a private loft accessed only by wrought iron ladder. Best be sure you have the password if you want to visit here.

   

  (Getdecorating home design news)

• 2009 - 2010 home design - Children's Rooms - Sweet Dreams Times Two

  
  18 June 2009
  
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    • A fantasy of transportation to the Land of Nod.
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    • Country white and classic blue for tranquility.
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    • Whimsical creatures live here too

  A playful attitude makes it fun sharing these bedrooms with your sibling.

  Trams, trains, and trolley cars with a biplane or two thrown in as well, this colorful bedroom is filled with entertaining ways to keep young minds and hands occupied. A train track sits atop a castle playhouse. Books nestle comfortably on a bookcase with completed models and other treasures. A pair of captains chairs further the red accents found in tabletop lamps and abstract wall hanging between the two beds. Whatever your favorite transportation, it's "All Aboard to the Land of Nod."

  Classic blue on country white, there's a soothing calmness found in this compact bedroom for two. A dramatic yet uncomplicated diamond pattern painted on the wall creates a backdrop for an ever-changing display of images - everything from a cartoon paintbrush to a best friend's photo. And all presided over from the pillows by four fluffy, white dogs.

  Innovative bunk beds are reminiscent of berths found aboard the great ocean liners. But this vessel of the sea is also home to mythical creatures - frogs dressed in dapper waistcoats, whimsical caterpillars of yellow and sherbet green who live inside a lower drawer, and a long-eared puppy dog who guards four purses carefully hung below on wall pegs. Faux fur cushions and plenty of pillows encourage many adventures among a world of characters who live on the pages of a good book.

   

  (Getdecorating home design news)

• 2009 - 2010 home design - Celebrate Your Good Taste

  
  18 June 2009
  
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    • A fireplace that floats against the horizon.
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    • Red bowl and yellow lemons add a zesty dash of color.
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    • Plump pillow for a decadent breakfast in bed.

  Sunshine and Airy Outlook

  High above the city, there's no shortage of natural light in this condominium's sunny living room. A white fireplace surround in matte finish takes its geometric pattern cue from an angular sectional and appears to float against wrap around banks of windows. Glass tabletops keep the look airy, contemporary, and elegant while red cushions and textured throw add a touch of casual drama.

  When it's time for dinner, you can be sure this kitchen is ready, willing, and able. Pendant lights give ample task lighting, a stylish gas range provides the ultimate temperature control and flexibility, and for a zesty dash of color, a red bowl filled with luscious, bright yellow lemons are close at hand for everything from vinaigrette salad dressings to slow cooked lamb shanks.

  Elegant in its simplicity, the master bedroom creates a tranquil, restful environment with muted earthtones and a soft, puffy duvet that could be one of the clouds floating past the mountains just outside. Feeling decadent? Just plump up the pillows, lean back, and relax with breakfast in bed for two - you can almost smell the coffee and fresh baked scones.

   

  (Getdecorating home design news)

• 2009 - 2010 home design - Luxury Bathing

  
  18 June 2009
  
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    • A circular tub with plenty of room for candles, flowers, and champagne glasses.
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    • Glass blocks allow plenty of natural light.
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    • Chat with your significant other as you get ready for an evening out.

  (Getdecorating home design news)

• 2009-2010 Home design style - Hall and stairs

  
  17 June 2009
  

  Unless your front door opens directly onto your living area or another room you can and should make something of the entrance to your home. A well-presented hallway gives a visitor their first impression, welcomes you home every time you've been out, and can even help to sell a property.
  Make an impact
  
  As the one area that people pass through rather than spend time in, the hallway is the perfect place to give visitors a glimpse into your personality. Use the hall as somewhere to set the tone for the rest of your house. Display photographs, paintings, a favourite rug and anything else that represents you and your family.
  
  The hallway also offers an opportunity for colour, particularly as white can often be stark and uninviting. Colour can be introduced via wallpaper, fabric (such as curtains, a rug or table linen on a console), a painting or a plant.
  
  Patterned wallpaper works particularly well in a long, narrow hallway or stairwell as it draws the eye away from the length and creates the illusion of width. Not only will it add drama, but you also won't have to worry about it clashing with sofas.

  

  Pay attention to detail
  
  If possible, try to think of the hallway as a room in its own right. As such, treat it with the same care and attention to detail as you would any other room. If there's space, put a chair or a small table there.
  
  It is also an area prone to wear and tear - keep skirting boards painted and keep your walls clean of mucky hand prints on the walls.
  
  Halls also tend to be rich in wall space. Take advantage of this to display photographs, prints and paintings, or hang a large mirror to give the illusion of space.
  
  Also, think classic. Touches such as an umbrella stand or that 20th century hall accessory, the "gossip" bench (a seat and table in one, designed with comfortably using the telephone in mind) will help to give your hall a sense of purpose.
  Keep it light
  
  Wall-lights work very well in a hallway. Nina suggests using tall candle-stick stems with your own choice of lampshade (modern or traditional) for a stylish look. Mirrors will also help available light to go further.
  
  If your hallway has a window, and if space allows, make a feature of this by placing a chair or table underneath. Also, instead of net curtains, consider privet hedges or high window boxes to cover the lower half of the window. This will retain privacy without compromising on aesthetics.

  
  

  Nina's hints for a heavenly hallway
  
      * Never use your hallway as a dumping ground. This is the first thing you see when you open the door so keep the hall and stairs tidy and free of clutter at all times.
      * If this is where you keep coats and bags, invest in some appropriate storage. There are so many storage options for halls and lobbies now that you will definitely find something to suit your needs. Choose from free-standing coat-racks, fixed individual or a rail of hooks, a shoe rack or high level shelving for hats and bags.
      * If doors to other rooms lead off from the hallway, think carefully about the colour scheme to ensure that the eye is easily drawn from one space to the next. One way of seamlessly linking rooms is to keep the wall colours similar, while having different floor coverings to divide the rooms. For example, tiles or wooden flooring in the hall and carpet in the adjoining room.
      * Whatever the size or shape of your hallway, your prime concern should be to make it as welcoming as possible. Stand in the doorway and imagine you're walking in for the first time. What needs to change? The colour? Lighting? Flooring'? Or does it simply need to be de-cluttered?
      * Use the space under your stairs wisely. Under-stair cupboards are a useful storage option. Or if there's enough headroom, why not convert the space into a downstairs loo? Apart from the toilet, you only need a small handbasin, a mirror and a towel rail. Ask a plumber for advice and a quote.

   

  (BBC home design news)

• 2009-2010 Home design style - Living rooms

  
  17 June 2009
  

  Does your living room need updating but you don’t know where to start? Let Britain’s doyenne of interior design Nina Campbell make it easy for you with her guide to using fabrics to pull a room together.

  "You want to work hard at getting it right but the result has to look as though it’s been thrown together in five minutes."

  Step 1

  “Start with a fabric you love and then worry about what to do with it.”

  High street department stores, specialist haberdasheries or even markets are great places to find a good selection of materials. Or you may find an accessory, such as a rug, throw or cushion that catches your eye.

  Whatever you choose, this will form the basis of your colour palette for the room and gives you something to build on.

  

  Step 2

  Use pattern to pick up colours

  Patterned fabrics are great for dressing up a room and giving it a fresh look. They can be used in a number of ways:

  • Cover furniture or parts of furniture, from a chair cushion to an entire sofa
  • Create panels or borders for curtains
  • Cover a screen. A useful style tip for the ‘pattern-novice’ as the screen can always be re-covered or moved to a different room if you change your mind. Another benefit is that you can take it with you when you move house
  • Stripes can bring together a range of colours and can be useful for giving you a palette to work with.

   

  Consider the scale of the pattern when deciding what you want to use it for. A large-scale pattern may be too much for a small living room if used on all the walls but can make a feature of, say, an armchair or a curtain. Similarly, a small-scale pattern could add a delicate look to a large room or make a smaller room appear more spacious.

  If possible, take samples of fabric and place them over different areas in your room to get an idea of how it will look.

  Step 3

  Bring in new textures

  Texture is important when building a room because it adds homely ‘layers’ and movement. It’s also an interesting way to keep the colour palette flowing throughout, without making it too uniform.

  Textures to consider include velvet; sheer; fake fur; suede; leather; flocked cottons and silks; chenille or crewel (wool embroidery).

  
  

  Step 4

  Take a step back

  “You don’t want to walk into a room and feel like your head might explode because there’s too much going on,” says Nina and she has a good point. A successful room needs to have balance. Too much of one colour, pattern or texture and a room can look busy. Not what you want from your main living space.

  The trick is to blend well

  • Offset a small-scale pattern with a large-scale one nearby.
  • Place stripes next to checks.
  • Break up colours with neutral tones.
  • Similarly, ensure that textures blend together well.
  • Remember: less is more. Too many furry cushions in one place can create a 'poodle corner' effect.

   

  Tips for good balance

  • do a floor plan before you start so you can see clearly where windows, lighting and furniture are positioned. You can then decide which fabrics to put where.
  • keep large objects, such as the sofa in a fairly plain fabrics, particularly if the room is small. It can be a canvas for colourful accessories such as cushions and throws.
  • before buying curtains, consider how many windows the room has and where they are positioned. A wall of windows with heavily patterned curtains will look too busy when the curtains are drawn.

  
  

  Dos and don'ts for creating the perfect living space

  Do

  • Use magazines for inspiration. Tear out pictures of furniture items, rooms, colours and patterns and create your own mood board which you can use as a point of reference.
  • Use borders or fringing to revitalise curtains or furniture and to pick up colours from a focal item in the room.
  • Have furniture of varying heights to add interest to a room and create a homely effect.
  • Place lighting at different levels in the room. A combination of uplighters, table lamps and standard lamps will add warmth and atmosphere.
  • Keep lampshades up to date, either by replacing or customising. Shapes change regularly. According to Nina, lampshades are "the shoes and handbags of design world." Her advice is "be ruthless".
  • Consider having curtains made to measure if budget allows. Apart from the obvious benefits of being able to choose the exact fabric and colours, they will fit your windows exactly and Nina assures you will see the difference.

   

  Don't

  • Have single chairs in a room used for entertaining, as it invites a person to sit alone and will only make them (and other guests) feel uncomfortable. Instead, group chairs in pairs or use sofas if space permits.
  • Hoard old, worn accessories, such as saggy cushions, rugs with holes and frayed curtains. Mend or update with new coverings, fillings etc if possible. If not, it could be time to get rid and start again.
  • Worry about what your friends will think. This is your room so please yourself, literally.
  • Be afraid of colour or patterns. Experiment and have fun! You can always change it back again.

  (BBC homes design news)

• 2009-2010 Home design style - The Best Indoor and Outdoor Photos

  
  15 June 2009
  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

   

  (HGTV home & garden design news)