Category: Eclectic Homes

You might be knowledgeable about the kitchen work triangle and its emphasis on an efficient kitchen design. But did you know that this notion has been in use for more than a hundred decades? Initially developed in European kitchens, the conventional kitchen work triangle was fine-tuned from the 1950s, when kitchens were reconceived as one-person spaces separate from the rest of the home. Those kitchens usually included just a range, refrigerator and sink; the arrangement of these attributes shaped the work triangle. Today’s kitchens are extremely different, inspiring new designs, but they still assemble on the older logic of the efficient workspace. Rempe Construction Open concept. Putting the fridge at the entrance to the interior work place enables family members to get the fridge without interrupting the cook. Both the fridge and wall mount have a drop-off zone in immediate reach. Based upon the exact space between the sink and…

When remodeling a house, architects are tasked with fixing or altering a preceding architect’s layout. For Bill Willers that preceding architect turned out to be himself. In 2002 he completely renovated and added on to a 1966 Sea Ranch–fashion home in Sonoma, California, for a set of clients whose conventional style included granite countertops, distressed stone tile and Crafts–style light fixtures. Nearly a decade later, those clients moved out and the home’s new owners approached Willers to remodel the distance to their requirements. This time Willers and his clients chose finishes he hopes will last through design tendencies. “This way the insides have longevity and timelessness,” he says. “Light, openness, sense of distance — these things define really good architecture no matter what finishes are. If finishes help that, then it helps the whole thing endure.” at a GlanceWho resides: A investment banker and a potterLocation: Sonoma, CaliforniaSize: Around 3,200…

A woman nicknamed Birdie has her very own unique nest within an Ohio backyard. It’s a playhouse inspired by her favourite novels, the Beatrix Potter tales her parents really like to read to her. Constructed when Birdie was 3, the playhouse is modeled following the family’s home, right down into the implanted urns on the front porch. Interior designer Susan Lobalzo tricked out the home inside for tea parties, reading and much more kiddo fun. Come like a little playtime inside this dreamy little house. Playhouse at a GlanceWho performs here: BirdieLocation: Kent, OhioSize: 55 square feet and a loft Lobalzo Design Associates The playhouse was modeled following the principal house on the property, such as the lanterns along with the widow’s walk on the roof. Lobalzo Design Associates, Ltd The family believes the home an heirloom that generations will enjoy, and plans to take it upon any future proceeds….

iron patio furniture’s times are behind us. We are all about moving green and reclaiming materials for new purposes! Nowadays the possibilities with pallets are endless, and the materials are usually free. If you have got access to pallet timber and basic power tools (and the abilities to utilize them), this project shouldn’t take longer than an afternoon. Make sure you’re obtaining your pallets legally. Just because you find a stack of pallets behind a shop doesn’t mean they’re free and available for you to take. Always ask. You could also search online to find free stashes in your area. If you may find pallet wood that’s already disassembled, I suggest taking that path — some towns and cities have pallet reconditioning businesses that give away pieces they can not use. Ability level: Medium to advanced. You should be comfortable with basic power tools, like saws and drills. Recognizing measurements…

Before you tear down a wall to start your kitchen to the dining or living area, you must determine if it’s holding up part of your ceiling. When it’s, you’ll have to install a header column and one or more articles in its place to provide the required structural support. Your contractor or architect can confirm whether the wall is load bearing and help you sort through the alternatives for post dimensions and placement. Adding a brand new support system into your plan presents some design challenges, but it may also be a practical design component. M.a.p. insides inc. / Sylvia Beez Some of this modern kitchen area has a ceiling, and the post and beams appear as one unit and produce an industrial vibe. Mark Brand Architecture Two articles work well for a wide island, and the symmetry looks pleasing and purposeful. These match the cabinetry. Balodemas Architects Within…

The front porch has evolved together with the quickening pace of normal life. Porches were initially designed to make a more tolerable living room — a place for rest, relaxation and cooling breezes. Their decrease can be attributed to many things: air conditioning, cars, radios, televisions, backyard decks. But despite modern conveniences, we can still reestablish front porch, restoring and enjoying its quaint beauty. Using this distance not just can enhance the look of our house, but can enhance the quality of our own lives as we invest more time with family, friends and acquaintances. Below are a few ways to use the porch as it was initially intended. Whitten Architects Front porch is just one more limb of the home. It’s important to remember that it may be used many various ways, and its usage ought to be specific to your requirements. Tim Barber Ltd Architecture A coated front…

Geometric wallpaper, traces of natural substances and thoughtful personal touches fully remodeled this nook in a San Francisco Bay Area kitchen. Interior designer Cristin Priest was tired of this dark space that sat just around the corner from her kitchenand wanted to inject it with color and a feeling of relaxation. A fun new palette and practical additions make this perfect hangout area for her and her kids. Cristin Priest Simplified Bee The 6- by 6 1/2-foot nook now has a brand new feel. A mix of cheerful green and warm organic tones creates an inviting area. Before Photo Cristin Priest Simplified Bee BEFORE: Constructed in 1940, Priest’s house had the proof of its era. The nook was initially equipped simply with wooden benches and a Formica table (which had already been replaced when this photo was taken). “It was magical, but it needed a little facelift,” she says. The kelly…

As the wife of an expert carpenter, I’ve been spoiled by being able to fill my house with rich architectural details for merely the cost of stuff. We have established a space with a coffered ceiling, added crown molding throughout our house and even appointed carriage doors to our garage from scratch. Next on our architectural jazzification list is installing vertical tongue and groove wall paneling in our dining room. Tongue and groove joints allow flat pieces of wood to be combined together to create a single level surface. Famous for their rich texture, stripy pattern and ability to dramatically heighten the interest of a space, vertical tongue and groove walls are spectacular in comparison to the blank canvas of shingles. We are especially excited to include tongue and groove since it’s an efficient method to provide the illusion that a space is larger than it actually is. Our dining…

Often it seems we hear more awful stories than good in regards to client-contractor relations. Miscommunication on either side is a frequent culprit. In my experience it has been simpler to discuss topics and aligning present relationships compared to start over entirely with a new company. Due to mutual respect and an awareness of each other’s expectations, my builders and I’ve build lasting relationships. They believe vested in the project and take a personal interest in helping me look good in the opinion of my clientele. Listed below are a some tips that have helped me get the best from my builders — and from other support professionals as well. Remember that payment is overriding. Pay your builders in a timely manner, in accord with the work completed. This stage cannot be stressed enough. Your payment makes it possible for the builder to cover his or her subcontractors, vendors and…

“My clients are parents and grandparents that love spending time with family and enjoy life,” says architect Mark Tate. Thus, they proposed their dream retirement home in Desert Mountain, Arizona, to add three guest rooms so everyone could come live with them. This magnificent desert home opens to views that stretch 40 miles, whereas cautious orientation and overhangs protect the insides out of the relentless desert sun. Outdoor living has been a priority also, so there’s a lounging patio an outdoor kitchen, a pool and a hot tub. “I wanted to bring the desert to the house for my clients to appreciate,” says Tate. “We very carefully incorporated the house to the landscape and treated the website as gently as possible.” at a GlanceWho lives here: A retired couple with a major family who loves to visitLocation: Scottsdale, ArizonaSize: 5,600 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 4 1/2 bathrooms, office, workout roomThat’s intriguing:…