Incredible Houses, Beautiful Designs

Just wanted to share with you some houses which have increbidle design and are bursting with creativity. Of course there are a lot more inspirational spaces out there, in all corners of the world, this is just a little taste...Enjoy !!

South Clarkson Residence was designed by architect Angelo Marasco and his wife Nancy and is located in Denver, Colorado. With a total living surface of 3,986 square feet, the crib accommodates three bedrooms and three bathrooms. According to the architects, “the kitchen is by Henrybuilt, a cool kitchen manufacturer specializing in superior 

custom cabinetry and design. Bosch Appliances, Ceasarstone Quartz Countertops and awesome lighting complete the modern aesthetic. An interior courtyard that is both visually stunning and practical for the indoor/outdoor experience takes center stage. Engaged to the public rooms and expands the overall usable square footage. 

The upper level has 3 bedrooms including an amazing master suite with 

a 5 piece spa/luxury bath and a large walk-in closet with modern fixtures and shelving“.The house is up for sale for 1 million dollars but you have to admit this is an inspiring home that definitely has what to showcase.

Built under large pine tree in the backyard of a canyon residence, this 

Banyan Drive Treehouse offers a nice sanctuary with a modern interpretation. This unique project was completed in 2009 

as a part of recreational getaway by Rockefeller Partner Architects. 

The client is an artist and lover of nature, so this perched twelve feet 

off the ground tree house will serve as a creative respite from the demands of domestic responsibilities. Though modest in size, the plan is efficient and allows for a studio space/living area and a toilet room. Deep-oiled wood siding, mahogany windows, and a Rheinzink roof were chosen for their natural qualities and rich palette. Like most tree houses the Banyan features its share of wood interior and exterior appointments and nice open views and natural lighting with 

its well placed windows. This cozy setting makes the best of the 170 square foot floor plan and gives a sense of a much larger space thanks to the tall ceilings and smaller scale furniture.

Have a look at this intriguing architecture project which seems sprung out 

from a Sci-Fi movie. The “Ninety7 @ Siglap” house was designed by Aamer 

Architects and is located in Singapore. The design is said to be inspired 

by the magnificent views that can be observed from atop Siglap Hill. Here 

is a short description from the architects: “Master and family room are 

placed on the third level having the best views. Living and Dining on the 

second level, connected with external verandahs / terraces that flow upwards and fold into the roof form with deep overhangs for sufficient shade and channeling the breeze through the whole house. Two resort style ‘Cabana’ bedrooms are located on the ground level by the pool with a large open/covered terrace for poolside parties. A sculptural metal ‘drum’ anchors the ‘ship’ to the ground and houses the toilet/shower and barbeque pantry. Roof gardens and timber decks provide added insulation from the sun”. How do you appreciate the overall design of this crib?. 

Just Amazing...

  

Pryor Residence was designed by Bates Masi Architects and is located in Montauk, New York.  According to the architects, the house detaches itself from common residential planning and “is entered through multiple areas for different guests and occasions. Large glass doors slide open to the living, dining and kitchen area for a large gathering; a smaller scaled swing door for an occasional guest opens to the center hall with a view of the ocean. A sequence of auxiliary spaces – beach equipment area, outdoor shower, sand and mudroom – creates a seamless 

ritual from the daily activities for the family and friends. In all living areas 

and bedrooms, glass doors and insect screens slide in and out from pocket walls, transforming rooms to screened porches or spaces completely open to the landscape. The house is environmentally friendly in its overall construction and planning with such specifics as geo-thermal heating & cooling, shading & venting systems, solar panels, organic finishes and materials“. The residence was especially designed for a couple and their two children and is said to evoke the parents’ 

love for the outdoors driven by their experiences of camping.

Completed in October 2004, the Hill House was designed under challenging 

conditions generated by modern problems of building on a hillside. 

Located in Pacific Palisades, California, while the site for the house 

offers panoramic views from Rustic and Sullivan Canyons to Santa Monica Bay, the irregularly shaped lot is situated on an uneven, downhill slope. 

With the canonical Eames House nearby, the 3300 square foot Hill House 

provocatively continues the Case Study House tradition of experimentation 

and reinvention of Los Angeles lifestyles.

The structural assembly is composed of concrete, steel, and timber. The 

foundation, based upon nine 35-foot deep reinforced concrete piles, is anchored into bedrock and tied together by a network of grade beams. Rising up from this foundation, inclined concrete walls project orthogonally to the grade – instead of vertically – taking on the figure of prevented fall. A braced steel frame with timber infill framing emerges out of the concrete base to form the circulation core and cantilevered overhang at the entry.

Creativity + Drive + Knowledge = Incredible Architecture Design

All About Counter Tops

Counter tops experience the most wear and use in a kitchen, next to flooring. 

So selecting a countertop should be a primary consideration when designing or updating a kitchen. 

Your selection should be based on:

1. looks

2. practicality

3. budget

Not necessary in that order...

First, review your options, some of the most popular and used today are:

GRANITE

It is an extremely durable material, and it is an ideal surface for cooking and food prep. 

It is a natural stone, so no two slabs or granite types are exactly alike. However, granite is expensive, 

particularly if it is curved or if intricate edge details are desired. Also, granite must be sealed at 

least once a year or depending on usage.

BUTCHER BLOCK

Butcher block is a natural product, it is resistant and reasonably priced. It is ideal for chopping fruit, 

vegetables and meat. Continual use will create texture and variations of color, which gives it its "old world look". 

However, prolonged exposure to water can damage the wood, which makes it an impractical choice to use around the sink. 

It must be periodically sanded and conditioned to prevent wood from drying.

SOLID SURFACE

Solid Surface is a synthetic material, mostly acrylic, available in a multitude of colors and textures. It is waterproof, 

scratch resistant, and low maintenance. However, it can be expensive and comparable to granite. Also, because it is a 

synthetic material, it may burn if exposed to intense heat. It can be repaired and renuwed if necesary.

LAMINATE

Laminate is affordable and easy to maintain. There are a variety of colors and textures to select from, 

including some that mimic the look of natural stone. This type of surface can warp if water penetrates the surface. 

It is not scratch resistant, heat resistant, and nearly impossible to repair if damaged.

STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel is a commercial grade surface that is durable, heat resistant and virtually indestructible. 

It is an excellent choice for professional and serious cooks or chefs. It is non-corrosive and sanitary. 

It does scratch easily, but it can create a desirable patina through the years.

CONCRETE

Concrete offers infinite design possibilities of color, texture and appearance. It can be imbedded with materials 

such as leaves or glass to create a unique finish. Installing concrete is a hard task, because the material 

is poured on-site. It is also very expensive, even more so than stone. Concrete can also stain or crack, although 

some people prefer these imperfections.

Besides this, there is marble, tile countertops, quartz and even glass !! Options are limitless...

Now that you know a little more about the basic options...

Based on your needs, narrow down your selection to two or three materials. Request samples and quotes from local 

distributors and fabricators. Bring them home and review. 

Make a checklist of features and benefits. Be realistic.

Will you seal your granite countertop every year?

Will a crack on your concrete countertop bother you?

Do you use a cutting board every time ?

Once you make your decision, make sure you shop around and compare quotes. But for that, you need measurements, 

here is an overview on how to measure your surface:

1. Sketch the basic layout of your kitchen on paper. Add in the sink, refrigerator and the stove.

2. Measure the width of the counters by starting at one end of the existing counter. Run the tape measure 

along the wall to the opposite edge of the counter. Measure each section of counter. Mark the measurements 

on your paper.

3. Measure the counter from the wall to the front edge to determine the depth. Take the measurement 

in multiple locations to verify the depth in each section. Mark the measurements on your paper.

4. Measure each section again to double check the measurements on your sketch. 

Once you are satisfied that the measurements are correct, write the exact measurements on your sketch. 

This will be very helpful when visiting a design center or local store.

But the most important thing...Enjoy yourself  and the process !!

Di'Luna's Design Tip:

Maintenance

It's important to know how to keep your countertops clean based on what they're made of. 

For instance, laminate countertops are best cleaned with a lemon-based cleaner or lemon juice, 

which helps to lift the stains. Ceramic counters wipe clean with a solution of bleach and water, 

but this is too harsh for a granite counter top; an antibacterial clean is best for granite.

Decorating and Designing Your Kitchen With a Theme

When decorating or renovating a space, specially a kitchen, many people find it helpful to choose a theme to guide their selection of materials, colors and fixtures. 

A theme shouldn't be a cheesy declaration, but rather a subtle statement that ties the look of the room together. 

Consider your personal style and preferences, and choose a theme that matches with your design taste.

Italian Theme

An Italian kitchen theme, particularly one that's Tuscan, should feature textured 

walls that mimic the look of stucco. Try a faux painting technique to recreate this look. 

Use a color palette of warm earth tones, like beige, terra cotta and sage green. Finish the 

floors with terra cotta tiles and use marble or granite on the countertops. Antique lighting 

and furnishings round out this Old World look.

Country Kitchen

A country kitchen is an inviting and practical space in which to cook and entertain. 

A classic country color scheme involves whitewashed surfaces with accents of blue or green. 

Add plenty of decorative items, such as ceramic chickens or pigs on top of your cabinets, and 

line your dining table with vintage tablecloths -- the more worn-looking, the better. Invest in a 

olid-wood china hutch in which to proudly display your family heirlooms and china.

Retro Kitchen Vibe

Create a kitchen with a retro feel. Start with authentic vintage appliances such a fridge, 

mixer or stove. Let their colors guide your selections for the rest of the room. Black and white 

linoleum tiles are always a classic choice. Paint your walls a bright and cheery shade, such as red, 

yellow or aqua. Add a few decorative vintage accessories like old frying pans, clocks or toasters to 

complete the look.

Minimal and Modern

If you prefer clean lines and uncluttered surfaces, a modern and minimal kitchen might be 

the right choice for you. Purchase sleek stainless steel appliances. Choose floor and counter 

finishes that match or complement each other. Popular counter options include solid-surface or 

marble or granite with little variation in color. Sleek lacquer or wood cabinets complete the minimal theme.

Which one is your style? Which one you like best and feel more comfortable around? Pick one or do a combination of two, add some personal touches...and enjoy !

Great Ideas for Cheap IKEA Mirrors

Have you been to IKEA and seen those very cheap square little mirrors ??

There are huge tall stacks of them, mostly unfinished.

And you think...what people do with those? They are so small and can't see myself !!

Guess what ? They are perfect as decorative pieces, with a little creativity and maybe some

acrylic paint and glue, you will have an art piece in no time.

And the best part? Is unique and it didn't cost a lot of money...another great point, It will look great !!

These mirrors come unfinished, but also in some basic colors, including black.

Measure the wall area you want to use as canvas and arrange the mirrors on the floor. 

Then glue them or attach them using small wood nails or screws.

Use only one color mirrors or combine for a more vivid look.

These mirrors can be easily finish with acrylic paints, you don't have to be an artist, just by painting them in a solid color would be enough.

Place them horizontally or vertically for a more stylish modern look, go a little wild and scatter them in different directions for a more casual and fun look.

Also, place them between a piece of art, to make a bigger statement.

See some examples of how they were used in different areas and styles of decor.

Nobody would think they cost less than $2.00 a piece !!

Have Fun !!

Designing In High Heels and Mac n' Cheese: Light It Up With Style...

Designing In High Heels and Mac n' Cheese: Light It Up With Style...: "The trend in home design is multipurpose rooms with energy-conscious, high performance lighting. The right lights complement the decor wi..."

Light It Up With Style...

The trend in home design is multipurpose rooms with energy-conscious, 

high performance lighting. 

The right lights complement the decor without being "in the way" and 

provide sufficient visibility for every task. 

With more homes relying on daylighting for daytime illumination, 

lights for cloudy days or after dark are even more important to get right.

Living and Family Rooms

Rooms that serve as gathering spots have the most functions to accommodate. 

A living room or mixed living room-family room will house the media center, conversation area, 

reading chairs, art collection, computer station, library and entertainment and game tables, etc... 

Use recessed downlights to draw attention to a fireplace without creating visual clutter. 

Take care of adjustable ambient lighting with a bar of small spotlights on dimmers that hit paintings and 

sculptures but can be lowered to accommodate computer screens and TVs. 

Task lighting in reading corners comes from freestanding (floor) lamps that are low enough to prevent glare.

The rule is the bottom of the lamp or shade should be at eye level. 

A chess or pool table is more inviting, and better lit, with pendant lamps 

that hang about 36 inches above the table to provide adequate headroom. 

If the pendants are dimmable, the game table becomes a standing sculpture in low light when it is not in use.

Kitchens

The kitchen is another room that gets heavy traffic and near constant use. 

Various stations are provided for a variety of activities and each one has its own lighting requirements. 

Under-cabinet counter lighting should be placed toward the front of the cabinet so it is less 

visible and illuminates the whole counter. 

A kitchen island stands out with an odd (1-3-5) number of matching pendant lamps over it. 

They should be 60 to 66 inches from the floor. 

Recessed downlight is ideal for over the sink and stove. It gives strong, focused light and is out of the way. 

A pendant on a dimmer over a breakfast nook provides bright or romantic dining. 

And light strips or LED downlights inside glass front cabinets highlight a collection of antique pieces or 

crystal as if it were in a gallery.

Bathrooms

The bathroom has become a spa, make-up station, peaceful reading retreat (LOL) and 

usually have separate spaces for tub, shower and toilet.  

Lighting for all these divisions and activities has to be coordinated or the bathroom will be anything 

but welcoming. 

A chandelier in the center of the room is a trend that shows up as "flea market chic", they can be crystal 

and ornate or sleek and contemporary, depending on the decor. 

Mirror lights might be a row of theatrical bulbs across the top but wall sconces next 

to the mirror are a new look. 

They should be bright enough for grooming but soft enough to avoid shadows. 

A separate shower stall needs a recessed ceiling light. 

A bathtub could use a small spotlight on a dimmer, in combination with a tray of pillar candles in different 

sizes but in the same color.

If you read in the bathroom, add task lighting to the toilet. 

A recessed downlight, correctly positioned, should make everything clear.

Hope all this information helps, next time we'll go through outdoor lighting for patios, terraces, balconies

and porches !!

Until the next time...Lights Up !!

Art, Frames, Photos...All you need to know !!

Have you ever seen a frame that either looks wrong for the picture or wrong for the decor? 

Although there are no specific rules for selecting frames, some general tips should be followed.

1

Frames basically fall into three categories: traditional (often wood frames with some ornate carving, etc), modern (metal or wood, very simple) and transitional (minimal ornamentation).

2

Choose versatility when using a plain transitional wood picture frame, either stained or painted, maybe a simple stripe of contrasting paint color or metallic. 

These frames work in nearly every decor and styles of art; they also can usually move 

from room to room very easily.

3

Use old-style, ornate gold frames in traditional, formal environments with decorating styles such as 17th- and 18th-century styles, as well as with Victorian and English country decor; 

they can also be used in eclectic-style rooms (combination of styles). 

4

Give yourself more latitude if your decorating style is eclectic. Frames and artwork can mix it up a little bit, but you'll achieve a more harmonious atmosphere if there are other furnishings in the room 

(like a coffee table or chair, that also reflect the style of the frame and picture.

5

Consider hanging large abstract canvases without frames. This is a better look in modern decor.

6

Use the same or similar frames (and mats) to unite a grouping. Black-and-white drawings of varied subjects blend nicely when all are edged with black metal 

or walnut-stained picture frames; color family portraits may gain the same sense of unity with whitewashed wood frames, pewter frames or brass frames.

Now that you have a better understanding on which frame to use, we can move on to the wall arrangement.

Picture arrangements of family photos or wall art are an ideal way to enhance your décor and add personality to your home. 

Once you select your picture frames, you’ll be able to create a professional-looking picture arrangement on any wall.

Here are some tips and guidelines to make this task easy and not become a nightmare:

1

Select picture frames of various sizes, but use the same type and color of picture frame and mat. 

This approach focuses attention on the art rather than on the frames.

2

Cut a piece of craft paper according to the size you want your picture arrangement to be. Lay the paper on the floor or another flat surface.

3

Arrange all your frames on the piece of craft paper. You will need to try different combinations until you find the arrangement that has the best 

impact and you like the most.

4

Trace around each picture frame with a pencil. Remove all the frames.

5

Turn each picture on its back. Measure from the top of the frame to the hooking mechanism. Measure from the mechanism to one side of the frame. 

Write down the measurements within each traced frame on your craft paper, and repeat the process with each picture frame.

6

Take the measurements you wrote down, and determine where the nail should go on the corresponding frame outline on the paper. Make a mark with a pencil. 

Repeat this process with each picture outline.

7

Tape the piece of craft paper onto the wall.

8

Hammer in a nail through each mark on the paper. Remove the paper and tape from the wall. Hang your pictures.

And you are done !!

Hope this little tips help you use your creativity and fill your rooms, amd your life, with beautiful art and family momentos...