Clean crisp white walls, English Antiques, Black and White photos, Horse Trophies and Lantern Lights line this handsome hallway featured in AD this week. The rug and antiques season the black and white hallway with just right amount of warmth.
Category Archives: Living Areas
Jane Fonda’s New Mexico Ranch : Architectural Digest
I can’t ever resist a ranch, especially when you blur the lines between barn and home. I love the reclaimed wood ceilings in the upstairs library of Jane Fonda’s New Mexico Ranch. There is nothing better than the smell of oiled leather saddles while you are sitting reading a book. Forked Lightening Ranch is a 2,300 acre property located on the Pecos River. Originally part of a 13,000 acre cattle ranch, the property had only a 2 bedroom log cabin on it when Fonda purchased it. Staying true to Northern New Mexico architecture and design she set about designing River House so that embodied the physical characteristics and style of the region.
Jane Fonda : Jane Fonda’s New Mexico Ranch : Architectural Digest.
Natures Lighting
Having lived for the majority of my life in a home with skylights I can attest to the softness of this type of lighting. From the early morning sunrise to the twinkling of the stars at night you are constantly surrounded with what the earth is moving through. It has a calming effect. My favorite days are rainy ones, the sound of the water on the skylights is soothing. There is a natural light that fills a room with windows to the sky that can not be duplicated with electricity. I love the examples shown in this link. Outside patios as well as attic rooms, great ideas.
Living at home while remodeling?
So you are planning on remodeling as opposed to braving the housing market right now and you have decided to experience the process first hand. If that’s the case there are a few things that you can do or should be aware of before the crew arrives. Laura Gaskill, contributing writer for Houzz, has written an excellent article explaining the rationale behind the list below:
- Pare down and pack up
- Set up a temporary kitchn
- Check on Home Security
- Protect your at home privacy
- Put your “must have” things together
- Keep kids out of work areas
- Watch outdoor construction zones
- Remember your Pets
- Budget a “getaway” you will need it!
If I were a cat, this is where I’d live!
Pete Cohen’s Goleta house is not only artfully designed and technically smart but it’s about as close a cat can get to Heaven without forfeiting a life. Houzz’s reporter Mitchell Parker shares Cohen’s plan, budget and pictures in his recent post. Here’s the link:http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23029316?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u436&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery0
Valentines Day at home!
Now I admit this particular table setting might be a bit formal… but Valentines Day is supposed to be a bit special for those we love. The reds and the pales greens of this table are just visually wonderful. The other table shots from House Beautiful are equally as colorful just not as formal. I happen to love the lavender setting “Pastels Aren’t Cliche” and the “Go Vibrant” setting. We’ve always included our kids on Valentines Day, after all they are our loves as well. So it’s nice to see examples of a large table set for that special evening. Nowadays our grown children don’t always want to spend that date with us…but maybe some day in the future! I’ll archive them for another time. And don’t forget the Kollar Chocolates! They are artisan masterpieces in their own right.
http://www.kollarchocolates.com/
Entertaining? What to stock for your bar.
Essentials for an Expertly Stocked Bar by event designer Bronson van Wyck.
Thanks to Architectural Digest for the article.
Remodeling? Where to begin…
If you are considering a remodel or a furniture revamping….I think the website Houzz is a terrific tool to work with and a great place to begin. By gathering ideas into your “Ideabook” on the website you can revisit them as your thoughts work through what you want to accomplish or you can share them with an interior designer or architect. A visual picture is ideal to relate to a professional the look you are trying to achieve. In many cases Houzz also provides the prices of items, flooring, fabric and lighting which you can use to construct a beginning budget.
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21684880/list/9-Planning-Musts-Before-You-Start-a-Makeover w=300
Alfresco Dining
A nice bottle of wine, a beautifully crafted dinner, conversation with your best friend and family….what more needs to be said, this is what life is about. Isn’t it incredible that there are creative, talented visionaries that can guide you to an eventual comfortable and inviting outcome.
Remodel Check List
This is a great article written by Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill. It’s a realistic Check List for the Home Owner who has just finished a remodel…..before the Contractor and Subs leave permanently! Not planning a remodel or in the throws of one, file it away for the future.