Found this on Pinterest! Love the Grey Blue Cabinets with the Earthtones of the Island and the Marble Counter Tops. Thanks Amanda Teal for your Pin! One of my favorite designers.
Monthly Archives: January 2014
Adaptability of the Barn Door!
Barn doors can provide privacy and interior space at the same time. They don’t need to be rustic either, I’ve been in contemporary homes where the doors have been used to hide a closet behind smoked glass with a 4″ wood frame. Incredibly versatile I think they are a great idea to hide a room, bathroom or closet by adding a design element.
http://www.custommade.com/track-doors-for-wine-country-estate/by/werkendesign/
“Orchid” in the Garden
Normally in the Bay Area at this time of year, our hills are Emerald Green, unfortunately with the lack of rain they are barren brown. Always in search of something positive I went looking for gardening ideas to brighten the yard. Success! Orchid, the 2014 Color of the Year, actually looks great with brown! In this article Houzz has some great “Orchid” plant choices that grow well in dry conditions. The Lavender and Wild Thyme are particularly hardy and totally versatile. The Thyme you can cook with and the Lavender flowers smell wonderful in sachets for yourself and as gifts.
Open Concept Living 2014
With all the demand being “open concept living” nowadays, this is a great article on what you need to know before you start removing walls. There are also some great ideas on how to improve your living space with opening up just a portion of the wall “pass-through” if you need the wall for structural integrity.
Great way to travel if you can cover the cost!
Maharaja Express …Seeing India luxuriously by Train.
online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304325004579296981866730624
Love this!
Can’t you just feel your bare feet walking across these old hewn barn floors! I never knew about the philosophy “wabi-sabi” which is that true beauty is imperfect. This is what guides Lococo in his designs. He believes, “The house looks authentically old because, like a true vintage building, things are slightly askew.” Once again give me a barn and I can move right in, provided it has been renovated like the Architects and Designers did with this home.
Need a location for a Special Event or Wedding?
Located 30 minutes south of the Silicon Valley the Devine Ranch is an event venue like no other. Visit their site http://www.devineranch.com/ to see their Gallery of pictures and events that they have previously held at this Montana framed Home and Equestrian facility designed by Washington D.C. famed architect John Blackburn.
Blondies
As promised here is my favorite go to recipe for a treat! Now I realize many of us are on our 2014 Diet….so cut them into bite size pieces. A day should not be complete without a sweet! The Blondies shown in the picture were without the Baking Soda so they are gooier. They will be less gooey if you add the Baking Soda but I like them this way with Vanilla Ice Cream. Then if they last long enough you can put them in the refrigerator and the chocolate hardens which gives you another dimension for tomorrow!
Blondies
Butter or Cooking Spray whichever you prefer a 13 x 9 inch ceramic baking dish.
2 sticks of butter room temperature
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup light brown sugar
½ t salt
1 t vanilla
2 cups flour
1T Espresso powder
2 eggs room temperature
1 cup Toffee chips
1 cup Chocolate chips
1 T molassas (optional)
(For a lighter blondie add 1 tsp baking soda
Whip 2 sticks of butter with 1 cup dark brown sugar and 1 cup light brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molassas (optional) vanilla, salt and espresso powder.
Put the flour in a bowl (and if you prefer a lighter blondie add the baking soda at this time and toss it with all the chips (you can use whatever kinds of chips you like – I even break up Heath bars and put them in instead of the Toffee chips.
Add the two bowls together mix just until blended.
Bake for 25 – 30 minutes at 350. Don’t be tempted to over bake them. Bake them until just barely set in the middle.
Bathroom Sprucing!
Once again what I like about this web site is that they provide you with a visual idea and then the costs for implementation. This particular article offers cost effective improvements to your existing bathroom. When you read this and explore further the site gives you one stop shopping or at least a vehicle to start with, a bottom line so to speak so you can figure out a budget.
Bedroom Comfort and Style = Relaxing Retreats
I think there is nothing more inviting than being able to bring the outdoors into the serenity of your bedroom. French doors opening onto your patio is a perfect way to not only add space to your room but brighten it as well….and with the addition of a water feature you don’t even need to escape to a spa for the relaxing sound of a fountain. If you have windows in your room now knock out the remainder of the wall, install the French doors and voila, instant access to the yard! Need a great contractor? I have excellent choices for you on the Tool Bar.
http://www.houzz.com/photos/207269/Urrutia-Design-transitional-exterior-san-francisco