I CAN WALK INTO MY SHOWER WITHOUT PICKING UP MY FEET!

http://www.1stability.co.uk/wetrooms.htm

This is a revelation that is becoming increasingly popular. A lot of people are choosing to go with walk in showers over tubs, which used to be the popular trend in the 80s. Showers are getting a lot more attention and are actually becoming focal points in bathrooms. Today's blog will talk about the different trends we see today in people's showers.

 

How Can I Have A Shower With No Doors?

We are seeing a lot of showers that don't have any doors. But how can we have showers with no door? They are now being designed as frameless glass showers that don't have a door, where you can walk right in. These are sometimes also called a 'wet room' and have to be designed to handle water. This is popular for the look of a seamless design where the glass shower is almost non-existent but also for it's universal design. As people age, it gets harder for them to get in and out of bathtubs. With walk in showers, they can walk right in with no barriers or they can wheel themselves in if they are in a wheelchair.

http://urumix.com/images/wallpaper-download-27186.html

 

I Can Control My Shower Using Technology?

With technology increasing the way it has, it's no wonder we can control our shower settings with technology. But sometimes it's hard to wrap our heads around the fact that technology has increased so much that we can incorporate them into our bathrooms. You can control water temperature and water pressure which is very handy, especially if there's other things running like the dishwasher or the washing machine. There's also a unit that has lights flash when the hot water is about to run out.

http://www.ijoos.com/modern-designs-hafro-bathroom-for-shower-technology/

 

It Can Rain In My Shower?

Yes, it can with the new shower rainhead! A lot of people are liking this option due to the fact that it has different settings where you can control how the water comes out and you get more water coverage. You can get big rain drops, a jet message or an intense downpour-take your pick!

 

http://www.digsdigs.com/19-cool-rain-shower-heads-by-lacava/

 

I Can Sing In The Shower?

Not a problem when you have a music system in your shower. You have speakers right there in your shower with the Kohler Soundtile. You can also get a good water show by incorporating Chromathereapy in your shower. This is a ceiling panel which has body sprays and is lighted. You can have solid colors or a preset color show.

http://scotttowler.blogspot.com/2010_10_01_archive.html

http://www.providencejournal.com/features/lifestyle/house/20140118-once-basic-shower-goes-high-tech-high-comfort.ece

 

Showers have come a long way and are continually increasing. There are many different features that can be added in showers and make it more of a retreat that you won't want to leave.

 

 http://www.hgtv.com/bathrooms/large-and-luxurious-walk-in-showers/index.html

 

 

KITCHEN ISLAND TRENDS

Islands are becoming increasingly popular in kitchens today. They are very versatile and can be used for many things ranging from dining space to a cooking center. In this blog, I will talk about the many different trends in kitchen islands.

1. The Basic Built In

includes cabinets and countertop

provides extra storage space and counter space

this type of island can be accessed from all four sides
can add interest by using different colored cabinets and countertop

2. The Table as an Island

a way to create an original kitchen
is moveable and can be used as moveable work station
using antique tables work well in this application

3. The Two-Tier Island

adds dimension and visual interest
when in other areas of house, the second tier helps hide work station
second tier should stand at 42" so bar stools should be 30" high

 

4. The Cooking Center

while cooking, it helps keep visual open when there's kids or guests
allow 9" of counter space behind cooktop
hood options can include sleek hood for focal point of downdraft ventilation stystem

5. The Entertainment Hub

guests can gather around the island
can include a beverage center or wine refrigorator, bar sink and can be used as buffet
if back side is not used for seating, use different design elements to help flow between rooms

6. The Butcher-Block Island

usually come as stand-alone work stations or carts with butcher-block countertops
another option is attaching a butcher-block surface into the countertop
materials used include maple, walnut, cherry and teak woods

7. The Clean up Station

both sink and dishwasher is located on island
trips to and from dining table can be shorter

8. The Three Level

solves height problem, if there is drastic height difference
gives the table-height option to eat
the top level will typically be 42", good place for microwave or warming drawer

9. The Irregular Shape

a triangular island gives a better walkway and provides storage and work space
a semi-circle or half a hexagon create a 'command central'
can be a focal point

All Pictures and Information came from www.kitchen.com
Directions: Home>Design>Layouts>Kitchen Island



 

LAMP DIY PROJECT

For class we had to find a working lamp that we wanted to redo. I found mine at Goodwill for $3.38. It was a medium size lamp with a white base and shade where the shade had ribbon glued around the shade. I decided to make this lamp a black and silver lamp that's 'blinged out'. First I put a layer of primer, which I got at Hobby Lobby, on it and let it dry. Next, I pulled all the ribbon off the shade and sprayed primer on it also. Then I sprayed three layers of black glossy spray paint, which I also got at Hobby Lobby, on the base and cord, letting it dry in between layers. I only sprayed one layer of black spray paint on the shade. Next, I sprayed 2 layers of glitter spray paint on the shade to add a little glitz. With the shade I painted the the whole thing black; the outside and the inside because the inside of the shade was white which I didn't like. I got the glitter spray paint at Hobby Lobby where I also found little round and square mirrors that I chose to put on the base of the lamp and around the bottom of the shade. Something to keep in mind when doing lamps, is that what you do can affect the light output and if this lamp is needed for task lighting then you need to mindful of what can decrease the amount of light the lamp gives off. With this lamp, since I chose to paint the lamp shade black, it doesn't give off a great amount of light. This lamp will be more for decoration or mood lighting. I only spent $20 at Hobby Lobby for the materials so I didn't spend more than $25 on this lamp.Ultimately, I am very happy with the end result and can't wait to put if to use.

FIX IT OR FORGET IT?

"That chair sure would make a nice addition to my home but it looks in need of too much tlc!" Isn't this what you say when you see an old piece of furniture somewhere. There is so much potential in these pieces but they get overlooked for newer, cheaply built pieces of furniture because they are a little worn and need a little fixing. When it comes to older pieces of furniture, a lot of people don't want them because they don't look the greatest but that can be remedied by re-upholstering it and cleaning up the woodwork. You can get some great finds at places like flea markets or second hand stores. A lot of people have problems with knowing what's worth putting money into and what's not. What you want to look for is the quality of the furniture. Age plays a part in deciding to re-upholster but if there is no quality in it, then it's not worth it. The first steps after finding a keeper include figuring out where and who this furniture will be used for, how it will be used and how firm it needs to be based on what it's used for. To the right,  is an example of some tools that can be used when re-holstering furniture.

It's important to know what goes underneath the fabric. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not important. For example the second picture below features midcentury dining chairs which show the multiple layers underneath. First you have the jute webbing and foam, then goose down or in some cases upholstery foam depending how expensive you want to go. Next is a layer of polyester or cotton batting then the fabric. This is probably one of the most important steps, this is a where a major part of the integrity of the piece comes from. This right here is the meat of any chair or sofa. 

Something to keep in mind when re-uholstering is the fabric selection. Yes, you want something that looks good but you also have to think about the durability and how it will fare after being used. Here's how they break it down.  WORKHORSES-is for the pieces of furniture that are constantly used. They recommend tightly  woven indoor-outdoor textiles that are water and stain resistant.                                                                     MIDRANGERS-is for the pieces of furniture that are used but not that often. Some silks and cotton velvets can be used but are prone to marking. DELICATES-is for pieces that are a look but don't touch. Fragile fabrics such as silks, brocade, damask, satin, and linen aren't ideal for sitting on but make a great statement piece. You also want to use screen printed or embroidered by hand fabrics on these pieces as well.

One of the last important decisions in re-upholstery is the finishes. You can do anything from tufting to nail head trims. The finishing touches are where a lot of the fun comes in and this helps make the chair your own. 

Below are two examples of the multiple ways you can make the same chair look different.

This blog and photos was referenced from The Lonny Magazine-the October 2013 issue, article "The Lonny Guide to Upholstery" written by Allegra Muzzillo and photographed by Genevieve Garruppo

www.lonny.com

They got a lot of their information from 

www.chairloom.com

"ON A GRAND SCALE"

For this week's blog, I decided to share the article "On a Grand Scale" from Elle Decor out of the November 2013 issue, because in my class our next project is about global, ethnic and cultural design. This house is located in New Delhi, India and was designed by French designer Jean-Louis Deniot for Moin and Nasreen Qureshi who are prominent meat exporters in India. They purchased the five acres of land where the house now sits, but was originally just a plot of land with a pond and trees. The house is 25,000 square feet with 5 bedrooms and was built around a photograph of Picasso's 19th-century Villa California in Cannes. Nasreen wanted the house to look like it was 100 years old and she wanted to be able to see the gardens when you step in the front door. Her husband however didn't want the house to resemble a French house located in India. He wanted the inspiration to come from the architecture of Edwin Lutyens in New Delhi. Throughout the house there is a mix of both. However, most of the furniture and lighting was made in New Delhi. Building this grand scale house was a five year process where Deniot had to make adjustments because the cultural is different there than in western culture. For example, they are limited in textiles so they won't print off any more than is needed. He also said that if he drew up something, then he would have a sample in 15 minutes because the carpenter would set up his studio on the property which you won't see happen in the western culture.

 Resembles classic architecture with the columns, arched windows and quoining. One of the things I love is the Indonesian umbrellas because they help bring some culture to this grand exterior. 

I love the 18th Century French inspired railing along with the Venetian-glass pendants. I also like the way the pattern on the marble floor is reflective of the empire style table. The niches in the stairwell also add a dramatic touch. 

 This is the drawing room where the fireplace, mirror, sofas and stool were custom made. Deniot himself designed the 18th century style paneling along with the rug. I love the how the shape of the sofas are reflected in the chandelier. 

This is the other side of the drawing room. 

This is the winter garden. The mirror and trellis design is custom made which is seen throughout the space, even on the ceiling. The window draperies are of an Italian Linen while the marble floor is was inspired by the dining room floor at the Chateau de Groussay. I love the the light fixture and how it is reflective of vines and leaves you would see outside. 

This is the sitting area in-between the master bedroom suites. The daybed was found at an England auction while the chandelier was made in 1880 in France. The cocktail table, chair, and secretary were all custom made. The marble floor has the same pattern as there was in the winter garden. 

This is the husband's bedroom and the headboard, canopy and light fixture are all custom made.  

Above is a Art Deco cocktail table. The paneling is custom designed and feels very masculine. 

In the dining room they have Klismos chairs with a custom made table. The Directoire-style chandelier was made in India. Deniot designed the hand painted ceiling where the circles are reflective of the floor. I also like how the rug resembles the marble floor in the winter garden and sitting area. 

This is the library where the cocktail table and the rug were custom made. The chandelier is from the 19th Century and is very unique. I love the compartmentalized ceiling and doors, gives it an old world feel. I also love the round niches by the ceiling. 

DON'T BREAK THE BANK!

When it comes to kitchens, we all know that new trendy looks usually aren't cheap and we also know that most people don't want to spend a lot of money updating their kitchen. Here are a few ideas to keep up with the trending styles that won't break your bank. 

TREND #1-BOLD COLOR SCHEMES

Repainting your whole kitchen can be a bit of a chore and a lot of money depending on how big your kitchen is. I had to buy a gallon of paint just last weekend and couldn't believe what i had to pay for it. And who's to say that you won't get tired of that bright color in a year. You might consider adding in your pops of color in small doses so it's easy to change out. Some Tips to keep this look under $50;

• Add small updates to your existing scheme with a trendy new color
• Use colorful accessories such as a teakettle sitting on the stove 
• If you have cabinets that are see through or don't have doors you can paint the back wall of your cabinets 
• Use a bright valance that frames a window and adds a pop of color

http://www.bhg.com/decorating/decorating-style/cottage/color-filled-beach-inspired-home-decorating/#page=9
 

TREND #2-SLEEK EURO-STYLE

This style is all about the calm simplicity but simple doesn't always mean cheap. Some Tips to keep this look under $50;

• Start by de-cluttering countertops and shelves. It costs nothing to clear your contertops and helps create the sleek-Euro style
• Get floating shelves to replace wall cabinets to get the European style
• You can also paint the cabinet doors with a high gloss finish in a neutral color 
• Simple white cabinets with a similar shade  on the surrounding wall or backsplash creates a modern, monochromatic look  and these can easily be painted

http://www.bhg.com/blogs/centsational-style/2012/11/page/2/

 



TREND #3-TRICKED OUT CABINETS

The newest trends in kitchen cabinets have "rich finishes and gorgeous hardware" which can also be known as expensive. These cabinets have things such as built in organizing components  but also adds more to the price tag. Some tips to keep this look under $50;

• You can get a nice finish in the hardware
• Buy inexpensive drawer dividers that give you the organization

http://www.tophomeideas.com/kitchen-cabinet-organizers-why-its-worth-it/

 



TREND #4-STATEMENT LIGHT FIXTURES

"One great light fixture can transform the look of the entire kitchen," Morisseau says. Lighting can be used to create emphasis and drama in certain areas but can often be overlooked. Some Tips to keep this look under $50;

• Keep an eye out for sales. You can also look at garage sales or flea markets and find inexpensive lighting that may need to be rewired but won't break your bank
• You can change the finish of a light fixture with metallic spray paint 
• Buy a trendy drum shade that can be hung with a pendant cord kit at Ikea for $5

http://www.hgtv.com/kitchens/custom-kitchen-drum-pendants/index.html

 



TREND #5-INDUSTRIAL CHIC

Industrial chic is more commercial looking with bigger appliances that are usually stainless steel and are also really expensive. Some tips to get this look for under $50;

• Use "gleaming metals" throughout the kitchen helps create the feeling of industrial chic
• Find high end accents at a discount such as a stainless steel toaster that would sit on your countertop or a metal canister filled with utensils
• Place a hanging pot rack above a range or island
• Hang a stainless steel shelf that will show off some cookware

http://blog.bellacor.com/

 



TREND #6-MARBLE OR GRANITE

Stone countertops is the popular trend and has been for awhile. It looks great and is very durable but comes with that all too dreaded high price tag. Some tips to get this look for less;

• Use stone in a small area such as an island or prep zone and then use a different complimentary countertop on the rest. You can look for remnant slabs of stone because you aren't doing your whole kitchen and it will be extremely cheap because a lot of people don't have a use for a little slab. 
• Use a marble slab pastry board and keep it out all the time

 

 

 

"DESIGNER LOOKS FOR LESS"

featured in CONSUMER REPORTS-KITCHEN PLANNING & BUYING GUIDE

December 2013 issue

WHERE THE PROS GET "CHEAP-CHIC DEALS"

ACCESSORIES

• bedbathandbeyond.com
• art.com

CABINET ORGANIZERS

• containerstore.com
• stacksandstacks.com
• shelvesthatslide.com

HARDWARE

• niftynob.com
• overstock.com

LIGHT FIXTURES

• lightinguniverse.com
• ikea.com
• pbteen.com

INDUSTRIAL CHIC

• walmart.com
• amazon.com