Donde se fue mi creatividad ?? La quiero de vuelta !!

Creatividad ? Que es? De donde sale? Naces con ella o la cultivas? La puedes perder ??????

Muchas preguntas y no tengo todas las respuestas, pero espero conseguirlas y que ustedes me ayuden... Siempre me considere una persona muy creativa, al igual que la gente me lo comentaba todo el tiempo. Quizas antes tenia mas tiempo, espacio...animo.
Si algo puedo decir con certeza, la rutina es el peor enemigo de la creatividad, del arte, de la libertad de expresion en todo sentido.
Dia a dia te despiertas temprano, tomas cafe, te arreglas, guias, llegas a tu trabajo, haces mil cosas, quemas mil neuronas, te estresas hasta mas no poder....son las 5:00, quizas mas tarde, guias de vuelta, haces mil diligencias, cocinas, limpias y cuando te das cuenta, ya estas exhausto y listo para dormir y solo para comenzar la misma rutina al  proximo dia. Triste, muy triste....al menos para mi.
Creo que naces con talentos, pero debes cultivarlos, creo que debes amar tu trabajo y disfrutarlo, pero debes tomar tiempo para ti, tus ilusiones, tus pasiones, tu creatividad.
Esa es la parte que olvidamos, nos envolvemos en la rutina, en ganar dinero para poder pagar nuestra deudas (cosa q no esta del todo mal) pero nos olvidamos de cultivar el alma y el espiritu.
Este Blog, se dedica al diseno, la moda y como hacerlo sin demasiado inversion economica o ayuda externa. Pero me tomare el atrevimiento de compartir con ustedes mi vida en estos proximos dias. Que me paso que perdi mi animo y mi creatividad y que hare para recuperarla. Nada esta excluso, meditacion, yoga, visitas a museos, libros, todo lo que sea necesario, incluyendo una copa de vino cuando sea necesario, lol.
No puedo vivir sin esa parte de mi, me hace falta mi arte, mis pequenas creaciones, nada se compara...este es mi proyecto, mi proyecto que en realidad es parte de mi vida, necesito caer en el balance necesario para sentirme completa nuevamente...balance, creatividad, mi arte...aqui voy !!!

Home Offices...It's all about productivity not distractions

Home offices come with many benefits and distractions that would not be found in the “regular” business sector. Start by considering how you will use your office space, including the tasks you will perform and whether you will meet with clients there. Then design a home-based office that eliminates distraction while taking full advantage of the available space.

 ** CORNER OFFICE WITH LOTS OF STORAGE SPACE AND COOL DESIGN TOUCHES 

The best way to achieve this is to go step by step…and have fun with it!!

1. Make a list of everything you’ll be performing in the home office and the equipment you need for each task. This list should include everything from desks to electronic devices, storage, etc…

2. Choose a place in your house that will limit your distractions (the most you can). It should be away from the television, music and any other exterior noises that may distract you.

  

3. Measure and write down the size of your space, as well as the larger items on your equipment list.

4. If you feel up to the task, you can draw your office space, using a scale of 1-foot equals 1 inch (this is the easiest way). For example, if your room is 10 feet by 10 feet, your drawing should be 10 inches by 10 inches. You can use graph paper for this, it is very helpful. Draw (or mark) the larger equipment items, using the same 1 foot to 1 inch scale. You can cut these out in separate pieces of paper (also different colors) so you can move them around on your drawing. Decide where to place these items, starting with the largest, which probably is your desk. Find a place for the desk that eliminates distractions and takes advantage of light from windows or fixtures. Play with it for a while until you feel happy about the placements.

5. Imagine yourself working in this preliminary home office design. Revisit the list of tasks and go through them step by step to make sure your design will work. Erase and redraw items until you have reached a design that meets all your needs.

Your working environment can (and should), depending on its color and the objects surrounding you, influence your creativity and the way you work.

** SMALL, PRACTICAL AND COLORFUL 

A space should be designed to inspire you, make you feel comfortable and increase your productivity.

Whether you are designing an office from scratch or just adding some paint or furniture, there are a number of tools online that can assist you in designing your own home office that reflects your needs, desires and personality.  

** HOME OFFICE FOR TWO!! EACH PERSON HAS THEIR OWN SPACE AND STORAGE **

For additional awesome help...

Go to “HGTV.COM” and explore the site. One of the main goals should be to determine your design style. Is it modern, traditional, country or rustic?

Go to “Better Homes & Gardens”, it has an "Arrange-a-Room" tool that allow you to plug in the measurements of your room and move the furniture around the room. 

Go to “Glidden” or “Sherwin Williams” they both offer online color palettes and tools like "Room Painter" and "Color Visualizer" to help you envision what your room might look like. You can also buy paint samples from your local paint or hardware store, like Lowe's or Home Depot, to see how the color will look on your walls (they may vary depending on lighting)

You can also create your own artwork by printing your photos in large scale at

** DiLuna’s Tip: Check out magazines or design web sites for ideas **

Bonus Tips:

·              Avoid choosing colors and decor for your home-based office that create too relaxing an atmosphere.

·              Create a visible boundary where your office begins; use partitions or screens if your space has no door.

·              You can also create your own artwork by printing your photos in large scale at “Kodak.com”

The time spent in your home office should be a productive one, try to avoid distractions as possible and get to work!!

And don't worry if you don't have a large space, take a look at these home offices, they are practical, functional, ingenious and incredible cute !!

** HOME OFFICE IN SMALL CLOSET SPACE, THIS IS GREAT !! 

** ARMOIRE OFFICE, HEY, IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE ACTUAL SPACE, CREATE IT !! 

Share your pictures, comments and questions, I’ll be more than glad to help with you!

My Comfy Sofa...

Let's face it, they take a beating. Now in the summer, kids are home,

family members visiting...and even if we love them with all our hearts, they

can do some serious damage to our beloved comfy sofa.

Here are some examples of the best material, they are resistant, friendly and most important of all, easy to clean.

Now these materials come in all kinds of colors, blends and styles to fit every need.

Here we go, Hope this helps !!

 Whether you're looking for a new couch to put in the family room, 

or a quality sofa for your formal living room, you'll want to choose a 

furniture piece made of fabric that will keep it looking its best. 

There are several sofa materials that are easy to clean, that also provide 

the style and design you want to make any room in your home complete.

Wool

Wool sofas are a cozy, comfortable addition to a room where your loved ones will use the sofa often, such as the den or home theater. Wool couches, as well as furniture made of a wool blend, are unlikely to fade over time and the fabric doesn't wrinkle easily. 

It's common for the wool used to create 

the couch to be mixed with a synthetic fiber to make cleaning easier. 

You can easily clean a wool sofa by blotting the stain with a dry cloth 

immediately, then adding a wool-safe cleaning solution to the stain and 

scrubbing gently with a garment brush.

Leather

Leather sofas, just like leather shoes, begin to give the more they're used, 

so the furniture will become more comfortable with each use. Couches made of leather are available in a number of colors, and they complement both modern and traditional living rooms well. To clean the furniture, wiping it with a damp cloth is usually all that's necessary, particularly if the stain is brand new.

For tougher stains, add a few drops of nonabrasive soap to a slightly wet 

cloth before wiping the furniture. Ink stains are removed from the couch by spraying the spot with hairspray and wiping it clean. To get rid of grease or oil on leather, treat the stain with talcum powder (baby powder) and cornstarch, wiping it clean after about four hours.

Microfiber

Microfiber sofas have the feel of suede or velvet, but they are created from polyester fibers. These couches are durable and suitable for everyday use, and they are made of the smallest man-made fiber possible, according to the Home Decorating Reviews website. The sofa is easily cleaned with a damp cloth in most cases, but a special cleanser formulated for microfiber is best for deeper cleanings. Don't use fabric cleaners that contain bleach on a microfiber couch as the detergent will break down the fibers over time.

Acetate

Acetate is a synthetic form of silk; sofas made from this material are usually best featured in the formal living room or bedroom, where the decorative theme is especially elegant. The fabric is fairly easy to clean and resistant to mildew, which makes it more attractive for homeowners with large families, or those who entertain guests often. However, the material does tend to wrinkle, and a couch made of acetate shouldn't be placed directly in the sun, near a window or glass door,

as the color will fade.

I added some pictures of very cool sofa designs, maybe you'll get adventorous and buy one for your house !! Enjoy...

Wood Counter Tops...Do's and Don'ts

Yesterday I was working on a design for a customer, she wants a wood counter top. 

Nothing else. And to tell you the truth, I didn't know much about them, only that they are very high maintenance and expensive. So, I started doing my research and found a company to estimate her kitchen counter top...couple of hours later, I received the numbers back, and OMG...I knew they were expensive, but never imagine it would be that much !!...Now, I'm looking for more bids (price for the top was almost as the same as the cabinets) and I am almost an expert on wood surfaces !! 

That's there reason for this posting, just wanted to share with you this information and then you can make an informative decision if you are thinking about buying one

Wooden countertops bring a natural element to any kitchen style. 

Properly cared for, wooden counters can last many years. 

Moisture is an enemy to wood countertops. Sweating glasses and spilled liquids 

can quickly cause warping and damage the wood. 

Wooden countertops finished with varnish or polyurethane do not require the same 

level of care as unfinished wood. 

A finished countertop can be washed and dried with soap and water without ever 

needing to oil it. Unfinished countertops, however, can simply have scratches 

or burns sanded out without needing to refinish the surface.

A wood counter top or butcher-block top is not a continuous piece of wood; rather, 

it consists of sections of wood that are glued together and sanded. 

The pieces of wood are arranged according to the visible grains, which helps 

create a wide variety of looks. Wood countertops are sturdy but can be damaged 

from everyday use if certain precautions are not taken.

Butcher block counter tops made from wood add an elegant and refined touch to any 

kitchen. While the butcher block design is ideal for food preparation, its 

naturally porous wood tends to absorb juices and liquids from foods. 

Immediate and thorough cleaning, especially after cutting raw meat, is important 

for maintaining the life of the countertop and the health of your family. 

Advice to prevent damage to your wood counter top

1

Avoid placing hot pans or other cookware directly on a wood countertop. 

Wood countertops are not resistant to heat, and exposing them to heat can cause 

the wood to crack, warp or expand. Also, do not install appliances such as 

toasters or microwaves that emit heat directly on or near the wood surface. 

Instead, place heat-producing items on a trivet or a metal tray to protect the 

wood.

2

Cut food items on a cutting board instead of directly on the wood countertop. 

This will prevent your countertop from cut marks and scratches.

3

Wipe up spills immediately with a cloth to prevent liquids from seeping into 

the countertop and staining the surface.

4

Rub a mineral oil on the wood by using a soft cloth once per month to maintain 

a smooth surface. Apply as much mineral oil as the countertop will absorb.

5

Evenly apply a bee's wax once per month to seal the wood and prevent liquids 

from penetrating the surface. The mineral oil can be applied on top of the 

bee's wax.

Also, here are some instructions to clean and care for your counter top

1

Scrape any food stuck to the counter off gently with a spatula. 

Avoid using a scouring pad or abrasive cleaner.

2

Wash your wooden countertop immediately after use with a clean cloth or sponge 

in warm, soapy water. A mild dish soap will work fine.

3

Rinse out the cloth or sponge and wipe your countertop with plain water. 

Let the surface of the countertop dry completely before applying oil to it.

4

Sand out any scratches or burns with a 120-grit sandpaper and then follow with 

a finer 180-grit. Wipe the dust off with a cloth.

5

Pour food grade mineral oil, which is available at grocery stores, on the 

counter top and rub it in with a clean rag. Leave it on for about 30 minutes 

and then wipe off the excess with a clean paper towel. Oiling should always be 

done after sanding.

6

Use hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice on a clean cloth to remove stains from 

pots and pans. After removing the stain, you will need to re-oil the counter top.

If you think you can handle this material, the choices of wood are endless...from the most common Cherry, Teak and Maple, to the new Bamboo...construction varies too, thickness, finishes, etc... my personal advice, do your research !!

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.