Architecture Details Can Make All of the Difference

“God is in the details,” a quote famously attributed to Mies van der Rohe, means a layout’s idea must be thoroughly and always represented through the entire fabric of the design down to its smallest details.

I received a superb email the other day by a girl who had been occupying areas for interesting architecture. She had stumbled upon one of the houses designed by my architecture firm and wrote, “What I have mostly seen has been in the arena of ‘has potential,’ ‘a near miss’ or ‘completely missed chance.’ Until today.”

I believe the has-potential and near-miss houses are often due to poor detailing. I remember the first time, as a pupil in Michigan, I walked through a Frank Lloyd Wright house. Of course the house was impressive, but what struck me what I recall most — was that the consistency of the thought, how Wright taken his architectural thought (substances, rhythms, geometries) through to the smallest details. The house had integrity and depth, like a novel with wonderfully deep and meaningful characters. One may have a terrific idea for a story (has potential) but when written with bad character development, the story will drop flat (a near miss). A poorly detailed home is similar to a novel with shallow characters.

These five jobs help exemplify the importance and potential impact of architectural information.

kbcdevelopments

1. This is a tremendously well-detailed house. Nothing about this endeavor, from top to bottom, is poorly considered. A number of substances come together with a symphonic result — that isn’t easy to do. A considerable amount of thought and work goes into a project to ensure it is clean and simple.

My favourite detail within this endeavor (which probably goes most unnoticed) may be the small recess where the outside wall and the roof link, creating a shadow line that highlights the floating nature of the roofing. Had the recess been too small or too big, or had the fascia been overly thick or too thin, this detail could have failed.

kbcdevelopments

Horizontal lines emphasize the tide of the wall on precisely the exact same project — a potential near miss that instead hits the goal.

PLACE architect ltd..

2. Another well-detailed, well-thought-out project. Every detail, connection and material chosen furthers the overall idea, creating credibility and consistency.

The overhead door expands on the industrial semblance, as do the exposed steel trusses, woven steel fabric and metal.

Website lines architecture inc..

3. Material selection is key to appropriate detailing. The project shown here has beautifully chosen materials for its circumstance. The thin fascia, wooden beams and wooden columns are appropriately sized, and the links aren’t overdesigned.

Website lines architecture inc..

The interior of the exact same endeavor continues the detailing with exposed beams, linear windows and wood flooring.

Website lines architecture inc..

A well considered detail above the garage doors creates a rhythm, a lyricism.

The construction zone, ltd..

4. Sometimes a detail can be enlarged into something special.

From the Sonoran Desert, color is vitally important. A trellis offers shade and may be designed or detailed in a million ways. Here the trellis is comprehensive in such a manner that it becomes its own work of art without veering in the overall aesthetic thought of the house. Still authentic, still consistent.

The construction zone, ltd..

The parts of the trellis move in the breeze, making shifting shadows.

Spry Architecture

5. Much like the opening pages of a novel, this entrance sets the point, offering a hint, a foreshadowing of what is to come. The entrance is simple, nothing extraneous: a rusted metal column, beam and cover. Nothing is wrapped in stucco; there are no extra layers.

To the right is a speech marker: 16 ft of rusty metal bolted to an exposed concrete stem wall with 12-inch-tall water-cut numbers. The sunlight shines from beneath the speech marker, casting a shadow of the numbers streetside.

This small detail sets the stage for the house, which is modern, tidy, linear. The speech marker points to the total idea.

Spry Architecture

Finally, while detailing, one ought to think about the convergence of substances. Here we have sand-finished charcoal-gray stucco converging with stainless steel and decomposed granite, substances often utilized in the desert. Color and texture combine to paint a simple mosaic. Details finish the thought and meet the design’s guarantee.

A project that’s well thought out, in which every detail is carefully considered, will have an integrity that’s often lacking in architecture.

Tell us What are some of your favourite architectural details? Upload a photograph or share your thoughts below.

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Expert Pruning Secrets for Exquisite Roses

After the danger of frost has passed, struck on the garden armed on your toughest garments and sharpened pruners to your yearly job of cutting back the roses. While gardeners may share different insights on the craft of rose pruning, 1 thing is sure: Even though roses’ winter dormancy stays, it’s time to prune, ensuring a prolific bloom and wholesome plants in summer and spring.

Cynthia Chuang, president of the Santa Clara County Rose Society at California and an ardent rosarian since 1994, believes this routine crucial to the health of her award-winning roses. The majority of her January days are spent outdoors, pruning and pruning her 200 roses. And each May the area and she love the bounty.

The New York Botanical Garden

Why prune? Pruning is regenerative. It stimulates new growth and will enhance and start up the form and form of the plants, Chuang says. Additionally, it eliminates dying or diseased portions that can damage the overall health of a backyard. Roses are sturdy and pliable, and will be fitter plants because of it. As you may not prune absolutely every time, it’s always preferable to prune than not to prune.

When to prune. Prune roses throughout their dormancy, before they ship out new growth. In moderate climates, this means mid-December through February. In more extreme climates, wait until the final danger of frost has passed. Otherwise you run the risk of damaging canes.

Revealed: Hybrid tea rose Rosa ‘Gemini’

Tools and equipment. Chuang spends roughly 20 minutes pruning every tree. Be sure that you’re comfortable and well equipped. You want to enjoy the time you spend outside in preparation for spring.
High-quality rose pruners (sharpen often; Chuang applies WD-40 weekly)Loppers (for larger-diameter canes)Pruning saw (for older canes and canes too large for loppers)Scissors (for detail work)Heavy-duty glovesEye protectionA long-sleeve shirt and pants made of a sturdy materialKnee pads or bench (discretionary)Pruner holster (optional)Hint: Sanitize instruments with rubbing alcohol after contact with diseased plants.

Here Chuang has pruned 1/4 inch over a thick, healthy and outward-growing cane. The cut is vented in the path of expansion and will encourage an open, rounded plant.

Create the cut. Rosarians may disagree on how much to prune, when to prune and what to prune, but they agree that the cut itself is important in promoting improved wellbeing.
Cut 1/4 inch over an outward-facing bud eye. Locate an outward-facing bud eye onto a thick, healthy cane. A bud eye happens just above the junction of a leaf (Chuang suggests five-leaflet leaves) and the cane — or at a twisted eye. The twisted eye is really where a leaf used to be and looks like a swelling band. Leaving the leaves on the bush before the conclusion of pruning makes it easier to spot where to cut. The cut indicates the bush to ship water and nutrients to that part of the bush. New growth will emerge in the bud eye at the direction of the cut. Cut at a 45-degree angle with the management of foliage growth, away in the bud eye. This is the direction where the new growth will emerge, so you’ll be promoting an open and outward-facing shrub. The angle also directs water and sap away in the bud eye, and naturally seals the cut. (Some rosarians indicate sealing cuts wider than a pen with a sealant like Elmer’s Glue to prevent borers.)

Chuang’s husband, Chi Ning Liu, dismisses a woody, fundamental cane during its origin. This enables younger, healthier canes to flourish and opens up the middle of this rosebush, promoting circulation and airflow.

How to Prune Roses

While expert demonstrations, extensive reading and preparation are helpful preparation for pruning, nothing educates you enjoy hands-on experience. You may prune too much or too small, but roses are resilient, and they’ll grow back.

Leave healthy, important canes. First, cut off dead or dying canes to their source. Get in there with the saw if necessary, says Chuang. The sure sign of a wholesome cane is a rich green bark and a strong white core. Older rosebushes can get woody, so pick and choose the canes that you would love to maintain. The American Rose Society proposes leaving four or five big canes for hybrid teas and grandifloras; more for floribunas. Cut off dying canes, even though healthy canes shoot off them.

That you want to ensure a healthy rose plant, over all. Then you want to think about shape. Chuang says she will cut canes smaller than the diameter of her pinkie finger. New growth will be thinner than its source, so thin stems will produce even thinner, weaker stalks, not able to support the weight of this rose.

Hint: If you cut healthy canes off, put the stem in the ground and stake it. The stem can sprout roots and form a secondary plant.

Remove suckers. Lots of roses are grafted onto a root stem of another rose type. Under the joint (bud marriage) is the root stalk, and over is the rose variety you’re growing.

Every once in a while you will find a vigorous straggler growing right from the root stalk — those are suckers. Suckers have different leaves and a different form compared to the bush and need to get yanked in the base as soon as possible. The rose bush will waste precious energy onto the undesirable sucker.

Hint: When pruning, keep an eye out for Y-branches. Chuang uses these as spacers between stalks that are near crossing as a guide for receptive expansion (see next photograph).

A spacer opens up the base of this plant

Maintain an open form. Whilst pruning, think about the final form of your rosebush within an upright, open hand or vase. You need canes to radiate up and out of the middle, ensuring airflow and circulation, and preventing mildew and disease.

Canes that cross the middle of the plant or cross a second, healthy cane ought to be pruned. Thin out parts of the plant that have become overly dense, all of the while recalling the pinkie rule as well as the outward-facing rule. This is your chance to guide the form of your plant.

If a lot of stems arise in the same portion of the cane (Chuang states three or even longer), or when you see too many pops and previous cuts in the cane, cut them back again.

Avoid having a lot of this rosebush in the colour — even its colour. Ideally, plant rose bushes 3 to 4 feet apart. Think about sunlight pattern when trimming; if you need to decide between keeping among two canes, cut on the one that will spend more time at the colour.

Cut one off or one-fourth off the surface. While there is not a steadfast rule, Chuang states she aims to cut off a third to a fourth of a bush general height when trimming.

She says that she often sees roses cut too short, which may inhibit the bush’s capacity to regenerate or regenerate, since a lot of its energy was removed. Alternately, if you prune too small, the plant won’t rejuvenate, and you’ll get a spreading, unkempt plant that won’t produce also.

Strip leaves once you prune. Some rosarians strip renders before pruning, but Chuang says leaving them till after pruning makes it easier to identify the path of expansion when making your cuts. Removing leaves eliminates pests or diseases that may be growing on the plant. If you notice mould or rust after in the year, simply strip the leaves to avoid spreading.

Revealed: Hybrid tea rose Rosa ‘Barbra Streisand’ before pruning (left) and after (right)

Clean up. Remove all fallen leaves and surrounding plant debris. Rose debris is typically not composted, as it does not break down quickly, and residual disease and fungus can still live on the leaves. Discard the debris.

Things to Do After Pruning

Spray. Chuang says two sprays after pruning are crucial to a wholesome plant over winter and into spring. Spray the canes greatly all of the way to the floor and even the surrounding ground. Spray in the top down and let the spray blanket the tree.
Employ a dormancy spray when you are going to have three or more days without rain and at least 24 hours without freezing temperatures. Dormancy oil is a horticultural oil that smothers pest eggs that can survive on last year’s leaves, canes and the surrounding soil. Follow the directions on the package. While it’s not essential to spray immediately after pruning, the sooner you do, the sooner you will remove potential pests.One week after, apply a combination of dormancy sulfur and oil. Fungus spores will be smothered by the sulfur. Fertilize 1 month afterwards. Chuang puts a ring of a fertilizer blend around the bottom of every bush, comprising:
Alfalfa pellets3/4 cup slow-release fertilizer4 to five cups chicken manureWater well after fertilizing.

The first blossoms emerge in Chuang’s backyard in mid-April, with the huge show coming in mid-May. If you are still lightly prune through the year, Chuang states, you can expect up to five repeat blossoms per rose a year, depending on variety.

Lenkin Design Inc: Landscape and Garden Design

Growing Sally Holmes Rose

Tips for Particular Rose Types:
Climbers: Bend and tie the canes, arching slightly below horizontal, during dormancy. This will produce prolific blooms. Adhere to the pinkie rule and don’t cut back the key canes if they’re still generating. Old garden roses: If they are single-blooming species, then prune after blooming. Repeat-blooming roses can be pruned similarly to contemporary roses but more lightly. Mini roses: Clean up the inside, creating an open, radiating tree to promote good airflow and circulation. The stem-diameter rule doesn’t apply, but remove any thin, spindly stems. More: Things to Do On Your Garden Now

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Readers' Choice: The 10 Most Popular Living Rooms of 2012

The varied tastes of subscribers come in the most popular living rooms of 2012. Some of the rooms veer toward traditional, others feel distinctly modern, and a few mix in elements from nearly every style. Some of those spaces and a palette added touches of color, but stuck together.

Here are the living room photographs added to the most user ideabooks in 2012:

Found Design

1. Gray and yellow at the San Francisco Bay Region. Gray and yellowish continued to be a popular color palette for homes in 2012, and ers loved the inspiration that this living room supplied. Soothing gray tones help tie the entire room together even though several different patterns are used by the room.

Cornerstone Architects

2. Open floor plan. Rustic beams help separate this spacious living space from the adjoining kitchen and dining room. This picture was spared by ers for its particulars and noted the smooth color transitions throughout.

ROSEMARY MERRILL DESIGN

3. Stunning stone fireplace. users loved this traditional stone fireplace and contrasting mantel using corbels for the flexible layout; it might work nicely with a different stone or mantel material.

Exquisite Kitchen Design

4. Blue built-in cabinetry in Denver. Built-ins were anyplace on this season, including inside this popular living room. The cabinets that are blue include depth, but their undertone retains the color scheme simple.

Siemasko + Verbridge

5. Summer. This waterfront pool house has a smartly designed living room that could accommodate summertime wear and tear. Its vinyl rug and tile flooring, for example, can stand up to wet towels and feet. A sleeping loft is ideal for naps on a warm afternoon.

Kim Woods

6. Southern California shabby chic. A beadboard backsplash, a white wood ceiling and casual furniture give this house a subtle shore house vibe. This picture was spared by ers for its sunny, cozy and warm look.

Ownby Design

7. Bold and modern Arizona living room. Browns, grays and blacks tie this living room together effortlessly. The set of furniture created this chamber worth saving, and ers noted the well-designed layout as well.

Erin Hoopes

8. Soft and soothing Virginia area. A cozy sectional manages to divide the spacious kitchen and living room in this house, without producing too much branch. Complementary tans and gray-blues subtly tie together with the 2 spaces.

Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd..

9. Upgraded traditional Pennsylvania home. Despite each the stunning furnishings in this area, the stunning coffered ceiling is what initially drew many readers to this living room. However, the mixture of designs and prints — from zebra to paisley — is another inspiring touch.

Kendall Wilkinson Design

10. Artistic San Francisco high-rise. Set within the magnificent St. Regis Hotel, this modern living room manages to incorporate daring black accents without overdoing it. Shelves, lined with easy displays, bring about the gallery vibe.

Can you break from the pack? Locate your perfect living space design

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Minimalism Suits an Arizona Ranch House

A dab of black in a sea of pink and white, this Phoenix ranch house stands out from the audience with a decidedly contemporary take on desert style. Cynthia Steinman came across the outdated and termite-infested ranch house and immediately envisioned a contemporary desert home she could market. With the help of architect Eric Spry, it evolved into a robust and clean layout. “We just wanted to clear the dance floor,” says Spry of the house’s new look.

Steinman adored the house so much, she moved right in. “I am not supposed to get emotionally connected,” she says. “But when it had been done, we put it on the market, and a week after I just couldn’t sell it”

in a Glance
Who lives here: Cynthia Steinman
Location: Phoenix
Size: 1,500 square feet; 3 bedrooms

Photography: Christopher Barr Photography

Spry Architecture

When Steinman and Spry initially saw the house, they knew right away that the website dictated a fresh, contemporary style. The black exterior was motivated by a house Steinman found in a magazine. Rusted steel, including a water-cut address plate, provides the only colour out front.

Before Photo

Spry Architecture

The renovation began as an exterior makeover, however, the degree of the necessary repairs was so good that it soon turned into a full remodel. Although this house is in a prime area of Phoenix, no other renovators had been prepared to get it. “It just needed some love,” says Steinman.

Spry Architecture

Spry kept the new house as easy and streamlined as possible. Anything that wasn’t absolutely necessary — including shingles, bulky columns and trimming — was removed. “I stuck with that which wouldn’t dismiss in a hurricane,” says Spry.

The entryway is composed of a single column, a steel beam and a plate at the top to get a portico. Fundamental pavers carve a path to the front door.

Spry Architecture

The chambers were split from the original design. Spry had four walls knocked down and turned into the main space into this open great room. They redid the ceiling construction, but the majority of the exterior walls are exactly the same — no square footage was inserted, which helped keep the budget in check.

The fireplace wall was already there. A second drywall layer behind it and light in between produce a subtle shine. Originally Spry simply refinished the drywall, but after the project was done Steinman wanted some texture in the space. Natural stone helps brighten up the contemporary lines of this fantastic room.

Fireplace surround: Idaho quartzite; floors: ceramic tile; light fixture: Cost Plus World Market

Spry Architecture

Every material and merchandise from the house is made from the U.S.. A muted, neutral colour palette reigns in each room. “I’d rather the people who come in be the pops of colour,” Steinman says. “Along with the outdoors: the pool, pool etc.”

Sinks: Decolav

Spry Architecture

Spry gutted the kitchen and put in new windows with a view to the backyard and pool.

The island has a unique seating arrangement that promotes gatherings. Rather than the typical-bar style island where those seated have to appear sideways, this island has seating on all three sides to produce direct conversation simpler.

Countertops: Corian; light fixture: Exeter 16 Jar, Pottery Barn

Before Photo

Spry Architecture

The pool had been left without water and attention for some time, causing quite a lot of harm. Originally, Steinman didn’t like the form of the pool because it didn’t go with the house’s clean lines. However a complete redesign or fill-in would have put them far over budget, so they refinished it instead.

Spry Architecture

A brand new Pebbletec surface and concrete decking tie the pool to its slick surroundings. As from the front yard, the backyard landscaping is also minimalist. “We wanted each bush and tree to be its surprise,” says Spry.

Spry Architecture

Spry designed a sculpture of metal panels and exterior light to hide an unattractive part of a neighboring block wall. The panels also hide an electric transformer and pool equipment.

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10 Soaking Tubs for Bathing Bliss

In Japan bathing rituals are a very early and important part of life. Traditionally you clean yourself in a bathtub or padded hand bath and become an ofuro filled with clean, steaming water for a pleasant, hot beverage.

Consider the ofuro soaking tub as the prototype of the modern-day hot tub, only cleaner, without chemicals and with fresh water every time. Originally these heavy (about 27 inches) soaking baths are made from hinoki wood, but as these examples show, they come in all sorts of substances — from metal to cement — and are designed to match any design style.

Step-Down Tubs

there’s something really luxurious and spa-like about stepping down into a tub flush with the ground. This tub is large enough for a small group, but many ofuros are just large enough for one. See the hand shower on the left side.

Coates Design Architects Seattle

Setting this tub into the ground allowed for a floor-to-ceiling view without any obstruction. Best for this long, narrow space.

Harrell Remodeling, Inc..

Wooden Ofuros

A conventional wood box-style ofuro. This bathroom is a real-deal personal spa, complete with sauna.

Abramson Teiger Architects

This deep wooden tub has a more familiar rectangle shape. I adore the appearance of this hot wood tub next to the more intricately patterned tiles. Start looking for similar custom made and conventional wooden bathtubs.

Superior Woodcraft, Inc..

Another wooden tub. It’s like a piece of artwork.

Arkin Tilt Architects

Step-Up Tubs

Raised baths with small stairs leading up to them nearly have a throne-like feel. This one has a wooden frame with an insert. Depending on what style surround you decide on, this is the more economical way to go. Many mainstream manufacturers make similar tubs.

Empire Development & Construction

Another insert having a wooden frame around it. The room has an extremely contemporary Japanese sense but isn’t too theme-y.

Ehrenclou Architects

A tiled ofuro with built in storage. The appearance doesn’t need to be Japanese even if the notion is.

kimberly peck architect

This stark blue glass-tile bathroom with a built-in soaking tub has a clinical appearance, as though you can actually get healthier by bathing.

Claudia Leccacorvi

Firms like Kohler make porcelain soaking baths like this. The substance to the surround is your decision.

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Ruche

There is A ruche a pleat of fabric much . Ruching is the result of several equally spaced pleats across an expanse of fabric, making loose gathers. Ruches are similar to pleats, plaits and pintucks, which started at the neckline of women’s fashions and on quilts.

Crane & Canopy

The French phrase “ruche“literally translates as “beehive,” possibly because ruched fabric resembles all the equally spaced cells of a hive.

Resolution: 4 Architecture

To ruche a fabric, a sewer slips a thread through a couple layers of fabric and then pulls the thread to collect the layers into a pucker.

Hendel Homes

Picture a girl’s dress on which elastic thread is used to ruche the fabric at the torso, to provide some flexibility and room for expansion.

Flea Market Sunday

A pleat is a collect in a bit of fabric, typically ironed level, and also a tuck is a collect that’s sewn flat. A dart is a wrought iron tuck, also sewn flat. Ruched fabric has a superb loose attic to it.

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Contemporary Meets Exotic in a Dallas Ranch House

Stanford and Corrine Hudson know full well that their residence is landlocked in the fantastic state of Texas, but they like to envision it as an oceanside paradise. Corrine, originally from the island nation of Madagascar, says, “Sometimes I sit by the pool shut my eyes and envision the noises of the swaying cottonwood trees are sea waves.”

The couple calls their design “contemporary old-world exotic” and filled their 1950s ranch house with an eclectic mix of tropical and traditional pieces. Stanford says that in the end of a very long workday, “we want to unwind and feel as though we’re on vacation.”

in a Glance
Who lives here: Stanford and Corrine Hudson and their 5-year-old son Charlie
Size: 2,500 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Location: Dallas

Sarah Greenman

On a covered patio in the backyard, billowy linen curtain panels help prevent the brutal Texas sun. Corrine says, “This could as well be our family room, because we spend so much time out here.”

Patio furniture: Into the Garden

Sarah Greenman

Crisp white deck chairs with striped lumbar pillows, bright-colored umbrellas and sexy pink flowering shrubs surround the pool. Quality furniture is essential for your Hudsons. Stanford says, “Everything is very sturdy and will last. No plastic here.”

Sarah Greenman

The land is surrounded by tall cottonwoods, crape myrtles and thick vegetation. Potted ornamental potato vine, bougainvillea, birds of heaven and citrus present to the tropical ambiance.

Sarah Greenman

The house was updated in 1989, when the previous owners included this barn, which spans the period of the house and has a view of the pool and backyard. The dining area includes seating for eight in a sturdy conventional wood dining table. “This thing requires a beating,” Stanford says. “We eat here, do assignments here, play board games — you name it.”

The place rugs in the sunroom could be obtained outside and hosed off. “Everything needs to be durable and easy to clean when there’s a 5-year-old running round,” Corrine says.

Dining place: Voyager (now closed)

Sarah Greenman

Adjacent to the dining area is a complete bar covered in cobalt blue tile. The bar incorporates overhead storage for glassware and spirits.

Bar stools: Pier 1 Imports

Sarah Greenman

A cozy rattan seating set includes views of the pool and a lot of surface space to hold drinks. A palm plant, a potted bamboo, a giraffe print throw plus crisp white cushions create a tropical farm vibe.

Rattan furniture: Voyager (now closed); drum end table: Pier 1 Imports

Sarah Greenman

Sarah Greenman

The previous owners removed a wall between the sitting area and the dining area to make one large room. Buttery walls, white trim, French doors and dark wood furniture would be the ideal setting for your family’s library and sitting area.

“We’ve had those mad leather sofas forever,” says Stanford. “We’re excited because a brand new set of couches are on order from Restoration Hardware.”

This grand bay window, trimmed in honey-colored wood, is the centerpiece of the sitting area.

Sarah Greenman

The dining area has been transformed into a house office. A bench upholstered in a cheetah print with nailhead trim pairs together with palm-leaf houseplants.

The home office is decked out using masculine details, like a high-back leather cushioned seat and a heavily carved wooden desk and bookcases.

Sarah Greenman

Five-year-old Charlie is a budding pianist and loves making making music with this family heirloom. “I grew up with this particular piano, and I love getting it in the house,” Corinne says.

A trio of framed sheet music pages, family photos, back problems of National Geographic and an African sculpture round out this cozy vignette.

Sarah Greenman

Sarah Greenman

The foyer is a bright space using an Asian-inspired hardwood dresser topped with tropical accents. A coral and peach print hangs above a potted orchid plus a Japanese-style tray holding books.

Dresser: Voyager (now closed); print: Cost Plus World Market

Sarah Greenman

A little living room in the center of the house boasts a romantic hearth and seating area.

Sofa, matching chair: Rooms 2 Go; coffee table, side tables: Voyager (now closed)

Sarah Greenman

The kitchen opens to the family room and receives a great deal of natural lighting from a cutout above the stove to the sunroom. The couple is now working on the kitchen and also in the practice of painting and installing new cabinet faces.

Sarah Greenman

Charlie insisted the household take a photo in his favorite spot near the pool.

telephone: Share your vibrant family house with us!

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See-Through Refrigerators Dare to Go Bare

I kind A about a few things, but tidiness is not one of them. I’ve got friends and family members whose houses remain neat as a pin, however busy they are, and I would love to maintain the same virtue. However, the truth is I don’t arrange so much as relocate; little piles of clutter migrate from room to room like tumbleweeds. (It doesn’t help I have a 7-year-old who tends to deposit Lego sculptures, crayon stubs and the strange science experimentation in surprise spots around the home.)

Keeping this in mind, I can not imagine having a glass-front refrigerator, one of the rising trends on the kitchen appliance scene. A longtime staple of industrial kitchens, these fridges have crept into house kitchens, and they do have any design and practical advantages. However, I know myself and also the contents of my refrigerator will never be fantastic enough to put on screen. Devotees insist that perfection is not necessary — coordinated chaos will do. My insanity is not organized, however. It’s just chaotic.

Following is a peek at a few of the advantages and disadvantages of glass-front refrigerators. Do you have one? What do you like about it (or not)? Share your thoughts in the Remarks.

Beckwith Interiors

Pros of Glass-Door Refrigerators

A sense of openness. Like glass-front cabinetry, transparent refrigerator doors help to expand a kitchen visually and also alleviate the heaviness of a traditional solid-front model. They also can look more elegant than solid colors or even stainless steel, so adding to the upscale feel of a room, and they work particularly well with modern kitchens.

Clarke Appliance Showrooms

Extra screen area. Basically, having a glass fridge is similar to having a deep-chilled cupboard. Motivated homeowners are known to take advantage of the excess space to showcase collections of crockery and glassware, artfully filled with fruit, vegetables, beverages and other goods.

Frankly, it is easier if you don’t cook. But if you are ready, you can put in a little extra effort to coordinate storage containers and other contents to create a pleasing package.

Cornerstone Architects

Additional lighting. The inside glow of a glass-door fridge can help to brighten a dark corner or lackluster wall. Just pay attention to the throw — a cool blue LED light might look at odds with a warm-tone kitchen, for example. On many versions, you can change the light off or leave it all on.

Van Wicklen Design

Efficiency. One rationale glass refrigerators are a mainstay of restaurant kitchens is that cooks could stock supplies fast without having to open the doors and fumble around. The same is true for homeowners. If you maintain the contents clean, it is possible to see exactly what you need and what you are missing in a glance.

Extraordinary Works – Luxurious by EW Kitchens

Cons of Glass-Door Refrigerators

Transparency. If you are the kind to keep eggs in a French wire basket, apples in pretty ceramic dishes and Perrier bottles in precise rows, glass-door refrigerators put your national divadom on screen. If, instead, you’ve got leftovers in arbitrary plastic tubs and a collection of half-empty juice cartons, good luck with this. You don’t need to restrict your buying habits to manufacturers with the same color packaging, but you need to remember that nobody wants to stare in a jumbled mess.

If this sounds daunting but you are drawn to see-through doors anyhow, consider a compromise. Some designs can be found in frosted, ribbed or stained finishes that strike a balance between transparency and baring it all.

Erin Hoopes

Cleaning. Believe stainless steel is hard to keep clean? It has nothing on glass. Every smudge, fingerprint and splatter will reveal, so you ought to be diligent about stripping down the fridge door regularly. Remember, too, that inner shelves look best when they’re pristine, which requires extra elbow grease.

Kitchens & Baths Unlimited

Reduction of door storage. Those useful bins and cubbies on the door of most standard refrigerators are not a choice with glass. You will need to locate an alternate way to store butter, condiments and other staples. The upside: You will get a bit of shelf and drawer depth, since there aren’t any door shelves to consume up square footage.

Group3 Architects llc

Price. These versions include an eye-popping price tag. The least expensive ones begin about $1,500, but a few may cost $10,000 or more.

You might be tempted to save a little money by going for a industrial glass-front fridge rather than one designed for home use, but business versions have disadvantages — chiefly noise from their compressors.

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7 Decorating Tips for an Bedroom Sanctuary

Do not let the sloped ceilings and awkward structure of the attic throw you off with a little know-how, you can transform that this often-underused space into cozy sleeping quarters. Whether you are in need of a guest bedroom or just need a fresh space on your own, have a look at the next professional hints for setting up a fabulous attic escape.

Feldman Architecture, Inc..

Organize your furniture carefully. “Factor in space to sit and stand around main pieces of furniture, such as sofas, chests and desks,” says interior designer Meredith Heron. “Make sure to place the bed somewhere that you can get in and out smoothly.”

Gast Architects

Use sloped ceilings wisely. “Dormers are fantastic for window seats, desks or reading nooks,” says Heron. “These kinds of tasks don’t require ceiling height, so where things are constricted, they provide more function to this space.”

If you are short on storage, built-in shelving is another wise utilization of the space where a sloped ceiling meets the floor.

Soorikian Architecture

Contemplate skylights when organizing your design. Would you like to see the morning paper? Place your bed under the skylights. If you’d prefer natural light when getting ready for the day, then organize your space so your vanity sits under the windows.

Learn about tubular skylights

Rizzoli New York

Do not overcrowd the space. Attic bedrooms are generally tighter spaces, and when there are sloped ceilings, the room can feel claustrophobic with too many furnishings. Add only what you need — less is definitely more in this case.

Cardea Building Co..

Contemplate a high-value paint job. “Painting is always tricky when working with an attic space, as the walls are usually shortened and the ceiling space is greater than in many rooms,” says Heron. “For a cozy feeling, think about painting the walls a different colour than the ceiling.”

Sullivan Building & Design Group

Or trick the eye by using all one colour. “If you want the room to feel broad, paint the ceiling and wall exactly the exact same shade, but keep it to a light neutral or white,” advises Heron.

Meredith Heron Design

Nix the overhead lighting. “Forget pot lights in the attic,” says Heron. “Pick instead for table lamps or wall sconces; uplighting is a terrific way to play up a dramatic roofline.”

Tell us : How have you changed your attic space?

See an architect’s hints for turning an attic or a basement into living space

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10 Beautiful Ways to Landscape With Bulbs

Bulbs are among the most anticipated flowers — their appearance signals a new garden season along with the return of color to the gloomy late-winter landscape. However, this fall, before you plant a smattering of tulips here and also a bag of daffodils there, consider what impact you want and the way you can replicate the bulbs’ dying foliage that’s necessary for the following season’s blossoms.

All these 10 design ideas can help you achieve the best impact from the spring and summer bulbs you plant in fall.

The Todd Group

1. Let them multiply. Few springtime sights are as spectacular as masses of naturalized bulbs — informal sweeps that seem like Mother Nature did the planting herself.

When choosing bulbs for a naturalized planting, then look for species and varieties that will multiply readily without becoming invasive. Also search for a location where you can live with all the relaxed look of dying bulb foliage once the flowers are gone.

Excellent choices consist of small bulbs like crocus, snowdrops and scilla for yards; grape hyacinth, species tulips and ‘tete-a-tete’ dwarf daffodils for rock gardens; along with larger daffodils and checkered lily (fritillaria meleagris) for areas and woodland settings.

The Todd Group

Among the most striking regions to plant bulbs to multiply freely in is beneath deciduous trees and along woodland paths. The bulbs will get ample sunlight before the trees leaf out.

Great Oaks Landscape Associates Inc..

2. Mix with companion crops. The trickiest part of gardening with bulbs involves getting through the inevitable ugly stage — that the time required after flowering for foliage to die back and store energy for next year’s blossoms. Now, you are going to want nearby plantings that can disguise the leaves and take over.

Don’t worry about the minor foliage of smaller bulbs like species tulips, muscari and crocus. Team midsize bulbs with perennials like rockcress, lady’s mantle, Oriental poppy, catmint, chrysanthemum, shasta daisy and candytuft. Tall later-blooming bulbs require larger companies, such as hostas, little shrubs and shorter ornamental grasses.

Glenna Partridge Garden Design

3. Fill containers with color. Surprisingly, maybe, bulbs perform too in containers as they do from the floor. Plant portable baskets in fall, then overwinter the plants in a cold garage or storage shed before putting the containers out in spring. You will have the benefit of being able to put color directly where you want it.

Denise Dering Design

4. Play with color schemes. As a rule of thumb, plant bulbs in large groupings for the most impact. (Aim for at least 12 larger bulbs and 50 or more if they’re small.)

Even though it’s advisable to maintain bulbs of the same variety together, you can occasionally incorporate a random additional to create the happy accidental look of a cottage garden.

Verdance Landscape Design

In monochromatic schemes, the bulbs’ most important role is to supply design interest rather than color. Because of this, you can use fewer bulbs to accomplish the target. In this picture, little staggered groupings of tulips provide rhythm and repeat, leading the eye down the route to front door.

Small Miracles Designs

5. Reinforce your garden’s style. Precisely the exact same bulb can appear formal or informal depending on how you utilize it. For casual landscapes, set bulbs in an intermittent manner to mimic how they would grow in character.

The New York Botanical Garden

For a more formal look, plant that same bulb in rows alongside a route or a driveway. This more manicured look works great with larger-flowering bulbs like Darwin hybrid tulips or tall alliums.

The Todd Group

6. Use shrubs as perfect backdrops. Spring-blooming bulbs pop if planted in front of evergreen shrubs in a boundary or a foundation planting. Even white seems dazzling in comparison to the shrubs’ dark green.

Natalie DeNormandie

7. Plant for a layered effect. Create greater impact by using the same room to plant small, medium and large bulbs on top of one another.

For instance, in the same 8-inch deep gap, it’s possible to first plant alliums or massive tulips and protect them with a few inches of soil. Insert hyacinths or mini daffodils that you also pay for, then finish with little bulbs like crocuses, species tulips, and grape hyacinths.

Inside this picture, alliums are preparing to bloom, while daffodils and hyacinths are going strong.

Carolyn Chadwick

Layering can choose an abundant, natural look that’s perfect for casual gardens and meadows. Here, agapanthus and culture garlic set onto a multilayered show.

See more of this landscape layout in Greece

Summerset Gardens/Joe Weuste

8. Create a view. If you’re like most anglers, you long to look out of your window and peek that colorful bloom. Look at planting with this in mind. Mark places in your lawn that can easily be seen from the windows you frequently look through.

B. Gardening Landscape Design

9. Keep color. Use a mixture of bulbs that bloom early, midseason and late in the summer to supply sequential color in your garden. Plant them near perennials that will peak a bit later, pay the remnants of those dying bulbs and maintain the color alive.

Conte & Conte, LLC

10. Edge the garden. Use smaller bulbs like grape hyacinth or scilla as a colorful border to frame a formal bulb garden or the early-season greens in a vegetable plot. Here, elevated beds of pink and coral tulips are accentuated by grape hyacinth. Though a planting like that is magnificent, you will want to remove the bulbs after they bloom or include sufficient perennials or annuals to give interest until the foliage obviously dies.

More: 6 Unsung Bulbs for Fall Planting

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