Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Exterior

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The Benefits Of Exterior Shutters

When you see a house for the first time, one of the first things you notice are the windows. Are they big or small? Are they a simple square or an unusual shape? Are they plain or decorated? And do they have shutters? Shutters complement most homes -- they add an element of traditional beauty.

Exterior shutters can be either decorative or functional. In areas prone to hurricanes, such as those by the Gulf of Mexico, shutters are useful. They can be closed to protect the glass of the window from damaging winds. In times when there is no threat of inclement weather, the shutters are left open.


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In other parts of the country, shutters are not really needed -- but they are still popular. These decorative shutters are inoperable and cannot close. They do not offer any protection in bad weather. Still, though, homeowners love these exterior shutters for their class and beauty. Shutters give houses a homey look; they provide a welcoming hospitality.
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Exterior shutters can be made of vinyl, wood, and faux wood. They also come in a variety of styles, including louver, panel, raised panel, or a combination. One type of shutter that is gaining in popularity is the “farmhouse” look. These shutters, officially known as board-n-batten, give country warmth even to city houses. This look is particularly effective on homes with porches.
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Shutters are available in an array of colors, including midnight blue, burgundy, wicker, green, and brown. White and black, however, remain the most popular choices. Some companies offer paintable shutters so that you have some flexibility in future decorating. Shutters can be chosen to match your homes exterior, to complement it, or to stand in contrast to it.
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Sunday, June 28, 2009

Inspirational Chinese Interior Design Photos










Beautiful Pool House in Connecticut by Hariri & Hariri Architecture

This 1200 square feet structure was designed as a minimalist sculpture in the landscape. It is part of a 3.5 acre property in Connecticut. The architecture of this pool house is in contrast to the traditional architecture of the existing house yet the design sets up a dialogue between the two. The architecture of the pool house hovers over a 48′x20′ pool like a vessel in the water. On the North there is a spa and an outdoor/ indoor shower, and on the south there is a roofed veranda acting as an indoor/ outdoor dinning area with a large opening on the wall framing the landscape beyond. The area around the pool becomes a sunken courtyard paved in travertine with steps and walls of stone. The interior of this pool house contains a living/ entertainment room, kitchen and bar area, simple bathroom and variety of terraces and decks. It is enclosed by series of metal and glass sliding panels that would allow the structure to be transparent and open up towards outside (









Friday, June 26, 2009

Home Study Interior Design

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Home Study Interior Design

For those that wish to study interior design, home study interior design is becoming increasingly more popular. Many students continue to work and even raise families thus taking an online program is much more suited to their lifestyle. A degree in the interior design profession is more important today as well due to the strict regulations imposed by many states. You must pass a qualifying exam in order to call yourself an Interior Designer.

One of the first steps you must take is to research the school you wish to attend. Make sure they are an accredited institution. Find out whether home study interior design is available.


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A nonprofit accrediting body develops guidelines and standards that the interior design schools must maintain. If the school does not meet the guidelines then the school is not accredited. The nonprofit agency is called the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. Some schools that do not have the accreditation may not have applied for it. It is up to the student to do their due diligence. Contact Interior Design firms and ask them what schools they recommend.
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The prospective student should research the various programs offered to get a better idea of exactly what program best fits their needs. Find out if financing available for the student. If possible speak to former students, were they able to secure a position that they wanted after graduating. Can the student learn the proper techniques through home study interior design?
Set up an appointment with a faculty member.
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Find out as much information as possible before committing to a particular school. Try to find out whether students who take home study interior design actually get the same type of jobs as students who physically attend school. Do you have the workspace and time allotted to take on something as challenging as interior design home study? You must answer this important question. Are you ready for the commitment? If you are then it could be one of the most important decisions of your life.
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Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Dining Room Design

Dining Room Design

Dining Room Design

Minimalist Bossanova Dining Room

Minimalist Bossanova Dining Room

Minimalist Bossanova Dining Room

Modern Dining Room Design

Modern Dining Room Design

Modern Dining Room Design

Contemporary Dining Room Table

What Color Is Comfort By Nicolette Toussaint



We believe interior designers are their best advertisement for themselves and their business of helping the public live in a home they deserve. We consistently encourage interior designers to get a blog and tell us about your projects, share with us the before and after pictures and the problems that were solved.

Here's an example of a designer, not local however, who posts an excellent piece about color and comfort. Nicolette Toussaint owns Comfort & Joy Interior Design in San Francisco, CA and here's what she shared:
In this post, (What Color Is Comfort) I will talk about the emotional impact of color – about what colors make us comfortable in what circumstances – and also about how color influences our perception of space and place. Most of my recent design jobs here in San Francisco have been color consultations, and this post will share some of those experiences. At the end, you should have a pretty good idea of what the color of comfort might be for you.
It's a long post, but filled with tons of worthwhile information.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
Follow us on Twitter

What Color Is Comfort By Nicolette Toussaint



We believe interior designers are their best advertisement for themselves and their business of helping the public live in a home they deserve. We consistently encourage interior designers to get a blog and tell us about your projects, share with us the before and after pictures and the problems that were solved.

Here's an example of a designer, not local however, who posts an excellent piece about color and comfort. Nicolette Toussaint owns Comfort & Joy Interior Design in San Francisco, CA and here's what she shared:
In this post, (What Color Is Comfort) I will talk about the emotional impact of color – about what colors make us comfortable in what circumstances – and also about how color influences our perception of space and place. Most of my recent design jobs here in San Francisco have been color consultations, and this post will share some of those experiences. At the end, you should have a pretty good idea of what the color of comfort might be for you.
It's a long post, but filled with tons of worthwhile information.

Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
Follow us on Twitter

Christopher Guy Furniture


This dining table from Christopher Guy is described on his website thusly:
"Sheer elegance and luxury define this magnificent looking mahogany and veneer dining table, complete with delicate marquetry work, a fine example of a contemporary piece with classic appeal."
Ava Living has this video of a furniture fashion show in Paris this year:



Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
Follow us on Twitter

Christopher Guy Furniture


This dining table from Christopher Guy is described on his website thusly:
"Sheer elegance and luxury define this magnificent looking mahogany and veneer dining table, complete with delicate marquetry work, a fine example of a contemporary piece with classic appeal."
Ava Living has this video of a furniture fashion show in Paris this year:



Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
Follow us on Twitter

Green Design Summit

Don't forget to sign up for the Green Design Summit to be held June 29–30 via Webcast. The event looks to help architects and designers meet rising demand for environmentally friendly materials and designs.

Click here to sign up today!

The two-day Green Design Summit, available nationwide and internationally, will offer a host of well-known experts in green construction, architecture, interior design and the ecological impacts and tax benefits of going green.

Speakers for the event include:
• Ed Begley Jr., actor, environmental activist and HGTV star, presenting "Living With Ed."
• Penny Bonda, FASID & LEED AP, green blogger for Interior Design Magazine, presenting "The New LEED Requirements–What You Need to Know."
• Leslie Carothers of The Kaleidoscope Partnership, a consultant to the furniture industry, interior designer and blogger for Furniture Today, presenting "Specifying Green Furniture."
• Bob Dixson, Mayor of Greensburg, a city that was 95 percent destroyed by a tornado, presenting "The Story of Greensburg and How Building Green Has Transformed the City."
• Joshua Foss, LEED AP, Season 2 HGTV Design Star Contestant and Metro Hippie Blogger, presenting "How to Build Your Practice Around Sustainable Design."
• Lisa Foster, founder of 1 Bag at a Time, presenting "What Is Your Carbon Footprint and What You Can Do to Reduce It."
• Tom Hamilton, senior product marketing manager for Philips Color Kinetics, presenting "Designing Energy Efficient Lighting & Maintaining Aesthetics."
• Libby Langdon, HGTV star of "Small Space, Big Style" and author of Design in Small Spaces, presenting "Design Ideas for Smaller Space Clients."
• Michael Port, New York Times best-selling author and business coach, presenting "The Think Big Manifesto–Think You Can’t Change Your Life (and the World)? Think Again."
• Sarah Susanka, FAIA, architect, interior designer and author of eight books selling more than 1 million copies, presenting "Not So Big Remodeling."
• Cassie Walker, author of The Green Office Handbook and founder of The Sustainable Office, presenting "How to Green Your Office and Help Your Clients Green Their Spaces."
• Robin Wilson, New York interior designer for President Clinton's Harlem office, and the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mary Richardson LEED residence, presenting "Eco-friendly Design from the Foundation to the Furniture."

Green Design Summit

Don't forget to sign up for the Green Design Summit to be held June 29–30 via Webcast. The event looks to help architects and designers meet rising demand for environmentally friendly materials and designs.

Click here to sign up today!

The two-day Green Design Summit, available nationwide and internationally, will offer a host of well-known experts in green construction, architecture, interior design and the ecological impacts and tax benefits of going green.

Speakers for the event include:
• Ed Begley Jr., actor, environmental activist and HGTV star, presenting "Living With Ed."
• Penny Bonda, FASID & LEED AP, green blogger for Interior Design Magazine, presenting "The New LEED Requirements–What You Need to Know."
• Leslie Carothers of The Kaleidoscope Partnership, a consultant to the furniture industry, interior designer and blogger for Furniture Today, presenting "Specifying Green Furniture."
• Bob Dixson, Mayor of Greensburg, a city that was 95 percent destroyed by a tornado, presenting "The Story of Greensburg and How Building Green Has Transformed the City."
• Joshua Foss, LEED AP, Season 2 HGTV Design Star Contestant and Metro Hippie Blogger, presenting "How to Build Your Practice Around Sustainable Design."
• Lisa Foster, founder of 1 Bag at a Time, presenting "What Is Your Carbon Footprint and What You Can Do to Reduce It."
• Tom Hamilton, senior product marketing manager for Philips Color Kinetics, presenting "Designing Energy Efficient Lighting & Maintaining Aesthetics."
• Libby Langdon, HGTV star of "Small Space, Big Style" and author of Design in Small Spaces, presenting "Design Ideas for Smaller Space Clients."
• Michael Port, New York Times best-selling author and business coach, presenting "The Think Big Manifesto–Think You Can’t Change Your Life (and the World)? Think Again."
• Sarah Susanka, FAIA, architect, interior designer and author of eight books selling more than 1 million copies, presenting "Not So Big Remodeling."
• Cassie Walker, author of The Green Office Handbook and founder of The Sustainable Office, presenting "How to Green Your Office and Help Your Clients Green Their Spaces."
• Robin Wilson, New York interior designer for President Clinton's Harlem office, and the Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mary Richardson LEED residence, presenting "Eco-friendly Design from the Foundation to the Furniture."

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Realities OF Furniture Shopping



Jason Ball of Jason Ball Interiors has a great post about shopping for furniture from an interior designer's viewpoint:
Interior designers shop for furniture differently than most consumers by focusing on size, style, lines, color and pattern. Many designers "shop" at designer-only showrooms which don't have a large number of options on the floor, but instead have thousands of options in catalogs covering multiple manufacturers. The number of styles and semi-customization are much greater than most retail furniture stores. The real benefit comes in access to hundreds of fabric options and a higher level of customization possible. Take the "walking the floor" situation. In a designer-only showroom, you'll test out different types of cushions to see what's comfortable. You can then select pieces based on their various measurements - seat depth and height, arm height, overall height, etc. And, the piece you select will be built for you!
Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
Follow us on Twitter

Realities OF Furniture Shopping



Jason Ball of Jason Ball Interiors has a great post about shopping for furniture from an interior designer's viewpoint:
Interior designers shop for furniture differently than most consumers by focusing on size, style, lines, color and pattern. Many designers "shop" at designer-only showrooms which don't have a large number of options on the floor, but instead have thousands of options in catalogs covering multiple manufacturers. The number of styles and semi-customization are much greater than most retail furniture stores. The real benefit comes in access to hundreds of fabric options and a higher level of customization possible. Take the "walking the floor" situation. In a designer-only showroom, you'll test out different types of cushions to see what's comfortable. You can then select pieces based on their various measurements - seat depth and height, arm height, overall height, etc. And, the piece you select will be built for you!
Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
Follow us on Twitter

A Colorful Accent



Faith Sheridan has my husband's favorite colors: Malachite and I call it a cinnamon.



Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
Follow us on Twitter

A Colorful Accent



Faith Sheridan has my husband's favorite colors: Malachite and I call it a cinnamon.



Bev & Mike
Landfair Furniture + Design gallery
Follow us on Twitter