I came across this amazing photo project via apartmenttherapy.com - 100 residents photographed within their 100 square foot living spaces in China's oldest public housing estate. So fascinati...
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Let the Holidays Begin !
Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving, I am in Dallas and will return home on monday. Time to start decorating for the holidays...
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Family Rooms
They may be on the small side but that did not make these homeowners shy ways from bold color...Loving the round table-ottomans, great when you have little space...
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Country Christmas
I get some of my best Christmas decorating ideas from small things I see in decor photos. A wreath hung in the kitchen, s small pine tree in a red pot. In the weeks leading up to the holidays I will post pictures of different styles hopefully to inspire you for your holiday decor...
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Room Painting Ideas - 32 Pics
Beautiful color combination for your room paintings.While most of us may not spend a lot of time thinking about color, it affects every day of our lives. Color can influence our mood and our thoughts. Colors affect people in many ways, depending upon one’s age, gender, ethnic background or local climate. Certain colors or groups of colors tend to get a similar reaction from most people - the...
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Efficient Framing for House Plans
Fine Homebuilding has a new article on the future of framing house plans. For many years we have been framing houses basically the same way. And this way is not necessarily the most energy efficient or material efficient. The article makes the following recommendations to increase energy efficiency and to reduce material and labor costs at the same time:use 2x6 wall framing at 24" o.c. (in lieu of 16" o.c.)use 1" rigid foam insulation in lieu...
Friday, November 13, 2009
Design Challenge for a 2000 SF House Plan
Lately I have been getting inquiries for modestly sized new home designs that feature main floor master bedrooms. A search of the web reveals a gazillion main floor master bedroom plans - but most are massive or ugly or both. So I decided this might be a good opportunity to design a new plan fitting this unique need, and to illustrate for you a little bit of the design process at the same time. So let's get started.The design process I use typically involves the following phases:ProgrammingSchematic DesignDesign DevelopmentConstruction DocumentsToday...
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Look for Storage Everywhere !
When space is at a premium, that usually means storage is too. Here are some simple ideas you can use in any space. Some cubbies over your dresser, s shelf under your mirror in your bathroom or just some benches stacked up. You can use that for extra seating when you have extra guest. Look at your space with a new eye...
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
How to design a bay window!
I have had many clients in the past tell me they want a bay window. Sometimes I have been a bit reluctant to the idea because I have seen so many bad examples. The image below is a very typical example of the contemporary application of the bay. To me this just looks like they cut a hole in the wall and slapped on the window unit. It just doesn't look integrated.Don't do this!On the other hand my recent trip to the Napa Valley area reminded me...
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Dream Spaces
Nothing like a white/cream bedroom to set the mood for a good night sleep. Unclutter your mind for a relaxing night of sleep. Whites and creams are excellent choices for the small place dweller. The middle picture is not a small space but the bed and white/cream combinations are wonderf...
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Open or Closed Storage ?
Everything needs a place. Putting your things away is key to small living. The very first thing you should consider is open or closed storage. I tend to lean towards closed, because, well, I'm a messy person. Don't get me wrong. I love the look of open storage, I just know my limitations :). My best advice is, if its pretty and you like to look at it, open storage. Otherwise, hide that stuff...
