Archive for the ‘Architecture’ Category

Gathering Place…

Monday, December 27th, 2010

 

Kitchens are one of the most important places in a home for interior designers to personalize for people.  It is where we spend much of our time throughout the day, thus making it a gathering place for family and friends.  It is important that it is both aesthetically pleasing, as well as sizable enough to house people, other than the cook, allowing the chef room to move about.  Austin has some great kitchen resources, especially when it comes to unique tile and fine cabinetry.  This kitchen is great for everyday living, as well as entertaining.  There is plenty of room to cook and socialize, which is how most families live. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cabinet Jewelry…

Wednesday, December 15th, 2010

 

Choosing the right knobs and pulls for your cabinetry is like choosing the right jewelry.  Your engagement ring, your wedding band, those “wear with anything” earrings that you have come to love.  There are almost as many choices in interior hardware as there are paint colors.  This can be a little intimidating for homeowners, which is why we are here as interior designers…to help you embrace the endless choices that can personalize your Austin home.   Below are some of our picks that could really dress up your cabinetry.

 

Cabinet Pull Italian Renaissance Style

Cabinet Pull by Fersa

www.fersa.biz

 

  hardware

The Decorative Hardware Studio

www.dhshardware.com

1¼“ Square Knob

Du Verre

www.duverre.com

Sophisticated White…

Wednesday, December 8th, 2010

 

What we love about the villa below is the simple sophistication in its interior design.  White walls create a light and airy feel that compliments the rich hardwood floors.   The soft walls  also create a great backdrop for “statement art” to really pop, and they also allow the vast windows to do what they are meant to do:  bring in natural light and allow the natural surroundings to create focal points, rather than distract the eye. 

The “Grand Scale of Things”

Friday, November 19th, 2010

 

Manipulating scale is an interesting concept that interior designers love to engage in.  By exaggerating certain elements within a space, a designer or architect can make people take second looks, when they might not have before.  It can create a fun, almost whimsical feel, or it can be used to create a feeling of grandeur.  The image below is a major exaggeration of scale (but we love it for what it is!).  Objects that are clearly too big or too small are great conversation pieces, but beware not to overdo it.  They say everything is bigger in Texas…especially in Austin!

Scale

Whimsical Scale

A Great Room in Portland…

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

 

What we love about this Great Room is its large scale and open view…not to mention the floor to ceiling copper fireplace.  A bridge leads you from the front doors to the large living area, which is open to the kitchen and dining areas.  The vast windows eliminate the need for much in the way of art, as the natural surroundings and the interesting elements within the home have become the focal points of the interior design.

Solaris Dune Wall Art

Monday, November 8th, 2010

This is an architectural design element for either an outdoor or interior space.  The individual squares could be installed either horizontally or vertically, in a random pattern.  It would be a great focus wall for an entry, dining room, great room, or garden.    You could even make this wall art behind a pedestal lavatory in a powder bath.  Traditional or modern furnishings go beautifully with these Solaris Wall Art Squares from Seasonal Living in Austin, Texas.    www.seasonalliving.com

“To the Trade”

Nature Home

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

What I love about this interior is its natural surroundings.  This home could easily be in Austin, Texas, surrounded by rolling hills and water.  The natural materials which are used both inside and out add to an easy, but sophisticated lifestyle.  The open architecture and design also provides terrific function, combining music, dining, and leisure livability.