decorology

How to decorate around radiators

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:09:00 +0000

I love old homes and all their charms and quirks. One of these charms is usually an old radiator or other appliance that may pose a decorating "challenge." Personally, I think these quirks are worth the unique feel of an old home, and these days you can even find super sleek, well-designed radiators if that is your home or building's method of providing heat.

I was actually surprised to find out how stylish some of these electric radiators are - see below:

These radiators look more like modern art! These I found on Electric Radiators Direct - click here to learn more. They also don't stain or blacken walls. In my book the best thing about these radiators is that they are also very energy efficient.

Even though there are ways to decorate around old clunky radiators, like building boxes and covers, there's always the concern of decreasing efficiency or damaging materials.

Above and below show radiators with custom covers built around them. If you are renting and aren't able to choose your own radiators, they can be good solutions.

via Houzz.com via Chez Larsson, via Houzz

This post in partnership with ElectricRadiatorsDirect.co.uk

Backpacking around Europe: A few days in Berlin

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:58:00 +0000

Berlin is a city that's hard for me to describe because it is so rife with troubled history that is very visible throughout the entire city. At the same time, it is so beautiful, alive, and modern, and I'm unable to come up with the words to describe the city in any way to begin to shed light on all of it's qualities and characteristics. The basics: it's the German capital and most populous city at 3.3 million.

So instead I'll share some of our moments there and leave you free to do your own research should anything pique your curiosity.

We stayed near the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church, with only the base of the spire left after a raid in 1943.

The beautiful Old National Gallery

Beautiful sculpture "Amazon on Horseback" by Louis Tuaillon outside the Neues Museum

Berlin Cathedral

Neptune fountain

Reichstag (German Parliament building)

Berlin Holocaust Memorial, Berlin - this is a quiet place not too close to other touristy attractions. I remember it well.

The Berlin Wall is definitely a place I will always remember and sticks out in my mind very vividly. I was 5 when it fell and remember watching it in class.

Checkpoint Charlie the best known East - West crossing point during the Cold War.

Berlin is truly an amazing place on SO MANY levels. Highly recommended in my book - you won't forget it.

Obviously, this photo is here just for comic relief - I can't decide if having a Haagen-Dazs right next to a ladies gym is genius or madness.

Thanks to wonderful future hubby for all of the fantastic photography he did during our trip!

Here's that list again of all my posts from our travels that I've posted -

Spain
•Introduction to my European backpacking trip and a list of places we visited
• Galicia - Baiona and Isle de Cies
• Galicia - the coast, some charming vineyards, and Pontevedra
• Santiago de Compostela and gorgeous hidden beaches
• Gorgeous mountain lakes of Picos de Europa
• Stunning mountains - Picos de Europa
• Bilbao and San Sebastian
• Beautiful Barcelona
• The amazing Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona
• Art Nouveau dream house by Gaudi in Barcelona

Italy
• Not to miss - the gorgeous rocky coast of Italy's Cinque Terre
• More from my summer traveling Europe - amazing Rome
• From my summer in Europe - amazing Pompeii
• Turquoise ocean and vineyards on cliffs - the amazingly stunning Amalfi coast
• My Summer in Europe: Pictures from lovely Florence, Italy
• Enchanting Siena
•Venice
•Lake Como, Italy

Switzerland
•Jungfrau region, Switzerland, Part 1
•Jungfrau region, Switzerland, Part 2

Germany
• One of my favorite cities from my European backpacking trips - Ulm, Germany
• Lake Constance
• Cute HOUSE Overload - the charming medieval homes of Germany's Romantic Road
• Regensburg, Germany, and Salzburg, Austria

Austria
• Salzburg
• A charming lakeside village, Hallstatt
• Beautiful Vienna
• Kunst Haus Wien in Vienna

Hungary
• Budapest Part 1
• Budapest Part 2
Czech Republic
• Stunning Prague

4 Tips You Need to Know for a Bathroom Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:02:00 +0000

The look of modern bathrooms by Victoria Plumb is based around sleek lines and contemporary touches which are far removed from the ornate and fussy finishes found in the old Victorian and Edwardian styles and designs.

Today's bathrooms make imaginative use of new materials and natural resources. They conjure up more of an atmosphere of a luxury spa than simply a functional room and present a clean and minimal image that can fit any home; whether period property or new build.

A modern bathroom, even with modern twists on traditional design, is more efficient and easier to maintain.

Sadly, for many of us our bathrooms can be tired and somewhat neglected. So how can you give your bathroom a makeover without going to the expense of ripping everything out and starting all over again?

Country Living suggested 7 budget friendly bathroom makeover tips which could also be applied when thinking about the modern bathroom makeover you’ve been looking for.

For a modern makeover here are the 4 key things you need to consider:

1. Brighten up with color
2. Add a touch of lighting
3. Be creative with the details
4. Use wood furniture for a natural look

Brighten up with color

Unexpected use of colour can be particularly striking in a bathroom where white is often the central colour. Modern minimalistic bathroom styles use vibrant bold colours in towels and floor mats with white floors and walls to produce a stunning effect, or use a monochrome combination of black and white in tiling or flooring for simplicity.

Love those floors!

Aqua is always a favorite of mine!

Add a touch of lighting

As with any other room in the house, the way that a bathroom is lit has a major impact on the way it 'feels'. If you have bright lighting it can give an overly harsh effect that isn't really conducive to a relaxing spa-like environment.

Aside from the amazing tile work in this bathroom, the floor lamp is such a nice surprise.

Start by replacing bulbs with full spectrum, 'natural daylight' ones. Candles can help create a relaxing spa-like mood but you may want to consider electric fittings for a safer, more efficient option.

It is also worth considering putting opaque coverings on windows instead of using black out blinds or heavy curtains as this can help make use of available natural light and reduce your need for artificial. A popular trend is the use of an illuminated mirror cabinet.

Be creative with the details

Accessories - any bathroom sets a tone by the use of accessories. Using chrome and glass can help a modern makeover take shape as can choosing bold block colors for towels, mats and shower curtains. Clever use of mirrors can not only help smaller bathrooms look and feel much bigger but you can also place them to create extra effects with your lighting and adjust the mood.

Taps - the taps you choose can also have a dramatic effect. Tall standing mixer taps can make a bold statement as can the ultra modern open taps which create a waterfall effect. These fittings are relatively inexpensive but immediately bring your suite up to date.

Use wood furniture for a natural look

Storage space in a bathroom is often at a premium so cabinets tend to get installed and forgotten about. You can give a bathroom a totally new look for very little outlay; replacing old bathroom cabinets with contemporary wood finishes can make an instant difference. A unit with a mirror can also add space a enhance light to your bathroom.

Gotta love this repurposed soapstone sink!

A basin vanity unit is always a worthy the investment but a counter top basin and waterfall effect tap is also recommended by Victoria Plumb if you want to have the greatest impact with your bathroom makeover.

via 1. Victoria Plumb, 2-6. BHG, 7. Country Living
This post in partnership with Victoria Plumb

Getting neutrals right

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:26:00 +0000

A room in neutrals can be a beautiful, restful thing. Done wrong and your left with an overly vanilla and drab eyesore.

Here are neutrals that have it right:

The black drapery hardware, iron canopy bed, and thick black frame all add just enough contrast to create some depth in the space.

Leopard or other animal patterns are a way to do neutral but still add a lot of interest.

Mixing textures is another surefire way to add dimension to a space that has a lot of color in the same value.

Another example of mixing texture - the sisal, metal console table, iron lamp, and wood chests. If all of these pieces were in wood, you can imagine how the space might look more drab.

1-3. Country Living, 4-5. Interiors Porn, 6. Lonny

Giveaway: 50 Classic MOO Business Cards to 3 Lucky Winners!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 16:41:00 +0000

I'm really excited to be hosting this giveaway because I have been a fan of MOO for sometime now. The best part? 3 lucky readers will win 50 classic MOO Business cards! To enter to win, all you have to do is leave a comment on the post, and either tell me which design is your favorite, or what you would use yours for if you won.

My latest business cards for Decorology are from MOO, and they look great. I am very particular about color and the color was spot on. I also like to utilize light weight fonts which don't always print well, especially at small sizes, but they turned out perfect on my cards.

MOO'S emphasis is on quality and GREAT design. I designed my business cards, but there design are a great ways to professionally break away from the ho-hum designs that everyone else has.

Here are some of my favorite designs you can get from MOO:

They even have a line of greeting cards - here where you can either upload your own imagery or use one of their designs.

MOO also makes these adorable "mini" cards. I had a set a few years ago with different images from my blog on each one. They went fast and everyone always complimented them!

3 winners will be chosen by random draw. Only one comment per reader is counted.

The contest will be open until June 19th at 12 AM EST, you have until then to comment. Good luck! To comment on this post (scroll to the bottom of this post and right above "Labels" you will see a number followed by the word "comments." Click on the word "Comments." Or, you will see a link, "Post a Comment," which you click on to comment.

Unique and personalized bathrooms

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:06:00 +0000

From feature walls to quirky accessories from personalised wall art to family photo frames, there are so many ways to showcase your individuality in your home. It is easier to do this in some rooms than others; for example personalising a bedroom might be perceived as a more manageable feat than making your bathroom stand out. The fact is, you can bestow a personal twist in any room and make your entire home beautifully unique.

Personalise your bathroom furniture

With so many different types and styles of bathroom furniture to choose from, there are plenty of opportunities to branch out and create something that is one of a kind.

Love how the furniture in this room looks like real furniture - not bathroom furniture.

Give me some chocolate and a book and I would spend winter here.

Starting with the larger fixtures, you can make a dramatic design statement with a bath. Rather than opting for a bath that sits against the wall and blends into the overall décor, why not opt for a stunning freestanding bath? You could even place it in the centre of the room so that it stands out even more.

You could also decorate your bathroom with a vanity unit that is slightly out of the ordinary. For instance, a vanity unit crafted from solid oak with a sparkling white circular basin on top is more likely to make your bathroom stand out from the crowd than if you went for a standard sink and pedestal.

If you want to add a unique twist to your bathroom on a smaller scale, then rest assured it is often the little things that have the greatest impact on a room. From door handles to plinths and cornices, there are plenty of opportunities to make your bathroom completely exclusive.

Quirky cabinets and funky floors

Bathroom cabinets are not only useful for storing all those lotions and potions, but can also be a design statement. You can either blend these into the décor of your bathroom, creating a consistent design theme and letting the unit speak for itself, or intentionally choose furniture so that it creates a colour contrast, giving the room a focal point of interest.

A living seagrass corner four drawer unit is a far cry from the standard white and chrome bathroom cabinets that garnish the majority of bathrooms. Likewise, straying from the single or double mirrored cabinet by opting for a triple mirrored cabinet can make your bathroom stand out. This will also bounce more light around the room, making your bathroom appear more airy and spacious. You could even use border tiles on the walls and floor to draw attention to certain accessories.

Decorating your home is not just about making do with the essentials and letting functionality cast a shadow over style. A home should be practical, stylish and distinctive to those living under its roof. Your home is your most valuable possession, so it should exude your unique personality wherever possible.

This is an article provided by Homebase. As a leading provider of home and garden furniture, our extensive product range will work perfectly with these inspirational ideas on how to create a seamless indoor/outdoor living divide.

all images via Houzz

Decor score! Amazing goods that make great gifts but you'll be keeping for yourself!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 21:30:00 +0000

Uncommon Goods is an online marketplace that focuses on uniquely and WELL DESIGNED objects, many sustainably produces and handmade. One of my best friends in the whole world used to sell her adorable handmade books through them back when she was focusing on bookmaking.

What I really love about Uncommon Goods, aside from their vision (sustainability, artist support, and partial profit donation to non-profits, is the celebration of creativity and individuality through artisan made products.

Since we just moved into our first home on Saturday (*phew), I am coming up with ideas and wish lists left and right for things I'd like to do with our backyard and home. Click here to see all of the cool stuff they carry. Below are some of the products in the Uncommon Goods Home and Garden section that I have my eye on:

We're in desperate need of planters for our patio area and I love that this one is so attractive and self watering! Being a farm girl, I always assumed I'd do well with potted plants but I've learned that is not the case.

These birdhouses are adorable and handmade in Pennsylvania.

You can have these pillows customized to represent all the members of your family - including the furry ones!

This is a great gift idea for the more rugged dads out there who still love their tech stuff!

How clever is this doormat?

Love this terrarium! Reminds me of the days of being an art student and spending classes in nature painting.

Perfect for my window over the kitchen sink

Anything strike your fancy?

*this post sponsored by Uncommon Goods

A chic NYC apartment with a mid-century mod and industrial twist

noreply@blogger.com (Jennifer Otey) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 16:20:00 +0000

I was really excited to get this submission from Irving, which is for a recently finished apartment in a utilitarian high rise on 3rd ave. I really like the mix of mid-century modern, industrial, and chic. To me by keeping away from style extremism, it keeps the space looking lived-in.

The dweller gave me quite a few delicious details "We have a bright open layout that have 9’ floor-to-ceiling double paned windows, a loft style kitchen featuring volcanic balsitina countertops, Italian Veneto glass tile backsplashes, Sub-Zero fridges, Miele dishwasher, Thermador oven and cook top, and Jenn-air microwave & convection oven. The luxurious limestone bath boasts Wenge wood cabinets, separate seamless glass shower, sink and a soaking tub. "

LOVE that wall color (Benjamin Moore - White Diamond), and the gallery style wall.

The pink Wishbone chair is the result of twenty female interior designers who got to customize the Wegner classic and auction them off to support breast cancer research.

What do you think?

Announcing the winner of the Wallpapered mural

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 03:29:00 +0000

Congratulations to Kelly Hallahan! Kelly shared that her dream vacation is Italy. You can't really go wrong with Italy!

Absolutely stunning bathrooms

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Thu, 30 May 2013 13:17:00 +0000

There is something about a wonderful bathroom. You can shut the door and escape, even if it’s just for a short while. If you're one for rituals, undoubtedly a couple of yours take place there. For me it's a space where it's okay for me to say, "No, you can't come in," and enjoy some privacy and personal space. There is nothing like a bath, candlelight, and a good book.

Through and through I am a fan of white interiors, but there is something so luxurious about a small room painted in such a rich color. My tiny kitchen is navy blue and it makes it feel more expensive than it really is. And that chandelier! To me, anytime there is upholstery in the bathroom it feels elegant to me.

Love that showerhead! Even if you don't have the funds to renovate your bathroom, changing out your hardware and faucets can make a huge impact. Mira Showers Shower Accessories is one of several fantastic suppliers. I'm not usually drawn to the industrial look, but this is still clean and elegant. The gold sink hardware is nice to balance it out too. I’m also a fan of the wood paneled ceiling. This bathroom by a fab designer I just discovered - Summer Thornton

I have a weakness for leaded glass windows or anything that looks like leaded glass. What do you think of the prints hanging over the window molding?

The master bath in our new home has dual sinks, and I cannot wait! Finally sweetums and I won't be dancing around the sink both trying to brush our teeth at the same time!

That black tile is so gorgeous. And the simple glass shower guard doesn't disrupt from the view. I also LOVE having a window in the shower! I could never have a rain showerhead though, because I don't wash my hair every time I get in the shower.

I would prefer to see just one tile size used here, but the vanity top is perfect.

Even if you don't have a fancy glass or walk in shower, a lux shower curtain or an ottoman or chair can add a glamorous touch. The pop of color from the rug is cute, too.

Do you have any tricks to make your bathroom feel more glamorous or restful?

1. House Beautiful, 2. Houzz via Summer Thornton, 3-4. BHG, 5. Elle Decor, 6. Houzz, 7. Lonny Mag

disclosure*: This a guest post by Mira Showers

We're officially homeowners - and some adorable pics of our new puppy!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Wed, 29 May 2013 14:43:00 +0000

Yesterday we closed on our first home, and what a good feeling it was to have the keys in our hands! My godson was also born yesterday, AND I surprised Chris with a puppy for his 30th birthday on Saturday - so an eventful week all around!

Our adorable furry bundle is named Sammy, and he's a 15-week half Boxer half German Shepherd that we rescued. It was love at first site! We spent the weekend at my parent's farm, where he got to meet his canine cousins, Juno, Remi, and Storm, and all the other animals on the farm, which include pigs, chickens, turkeys, and sheep.

Adoring daddy

Wherever uncle Remi went, Sammy was sure to follow

We required lots of snoozes between playing

Sammy meets this year's rams.

We got Sammy from Must Love Dogs Rescue of Maryland, and they were absolutely wonderful to work with and took such good care of Sammy before he came home to us!

Another great giveaway to adorn your walls!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:59:00 +0000

Enter for a chance to win this very cool world map mural from Wallpapered. I've actually been looking for something just like this so we have a constant reminder of all the awesome places we've traveled to over the years. It's over 6.5' long and 3' tall. It would also look great in a study, library, home office, or kid's room! To win, just use the widget below to "Like" Wallpapered on Facebook, and leave a comment sharing where your dream vacation would be!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here are some other goodies:

The preview tool on the Wallpapered site is really cool and allows you to move and zoom in on the image.

They have pieces from artists and designers, like Elisabeth Olwen, who gets inspiration from her mother's house.

They also have works from the masters, like Manet.

Good luck to everyone - don't forget to share where you'd go on your dream vacation!! The contest closes at 12 AM EST on May 31, 2013.

Announcing the winner of the bespoke Bloom Papers wall mural!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:38:00 +0000

Congrats to Valerie Hildebrand! Valerie's the luck winner of a wall mural from Bloom Papers. Thanks to everyone who entered, and I'll be announcing another great giveaway this afternoon!

Oklahoma love

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:10:00 +0000

I'm sure that like me, most of you have had Oklahoma on your minds these past couple of days. I can't even begin to imagine the heartache. I thought today I'd show my support by sharing this fun and pretty Oklahoma home full of genius DIY projects.

So charming!

Happy Friday - eye candy!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Fri, 17 May 2013 13:36:00 +0000

I feel awful I've been so neglectful of Decorology lately! Our settlement couldn't come sooner, because I'm not going to feel like the house is really ours until I have the keys. Now I'm just in countdown mode until May 28th!

Here are some gorgeous spaces to get your weekend started off right:

via Pinterest via House Beautiful

4 above via BHG

I might test out having white floors in my home office. I love the look but would only want to commit to a small space in the beginning.

via Elements of Style

via BHG

Win a bespoke mural from bloompapers!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:20:00 +0000

Announcing another great giveaway! The cool folks at Bloompapers were kind enough to offer one lucky Decorology reader a bespoke mural in celebration of the launch of bloompapers in the US! For a chance to win, all they request is that you "Like" them on Facebook, and share the competition on your wall. You can do that easily using the widget below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

You don't have to leave a comment, but I'd still love to hear which mural you like best! Here are some I thought were particularly cool or interesting.

Bloompapers also has a lot of really unique wallpaper options as well.

The contest closes May 23 at 12 AM EST. Good luck!

Dreaming of our new home - what is on my inspiration board

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:12:00 +0000

Our settlement is getting close! May 28th and I am getting really excited! Here is the direction I think I'd like to go in with our space:

You know I'm all about a white kitchen!

That backsplash and that counter...swoon

I've always loved this photo.

My dream dining table and chairs! This is from the Washington School House Hotel.

I'm not always a fan of chalkboard walls, but they're prettier than white boards, and it might be a good way to really keep on top of my project milestones for the week.

1-3, 6 via BHG 4, 5. via Elements of Style

A Crisp White Home That Still Has Historic Charm

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Thu, 09 May 2013 16:16:00 +0000

This Sag Harbor home caught my eye recently. It's at times a bit rustic for my tastes, but I think the balance of clean and modern, and respecting the homes historic charms - like exposed beams, is perfect.

In love with that rug!

Black floors in white rooms are really starting to grow on me.

The dining room is the only one that sticks out to me a little. I would love to see a few sleeker elements brought in to counteract with the more rustic ones.

The tiny gray tiles on the floor are so pretty

via Lonny

Escape to a historic garden home in the UK

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Tue, 07 May 2013 17:17:00 +0000

Right now they are repointing the brick in my apartment building, and the never-ending grinding noise is UNbearable. What I wouldn't do for a little silence! At least I can virtually escape. One thing I like to do is do property searches for country chalets, manors, and garden cottages throughout the UK and Europe. I'm always able to find some charming little (and big) property that looks like it's been plucked right out of Pride & Prejudice. I just delve into the photos and try to imagine what it'd be like to spend the summer there. I used Savills today, and they have an amazing array of dream properties.

Here are two properties I discovered this afternoon.

The first, Clapton Mill, used to be a Paper Mill, and has STUNNING grounds, and even a room in the home where you can view the waterfall that running under the home.

Dreamy.

Another gem I found is a Georgian property in a secluded village setting...just the description makes me feel a little better!

I'd spend most of my time outside and in this bright studio

I'd take my high tea out in the garden...I don't know how proper that is though...

What do you think of these homes - how long would you like to retreat in them?

*disclosure: this post in partnership with Savills.co.uk

Patio inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:12:00 +0000

Love the ambiance of string lights outside.

via Pinterest

via Pinterest

I'm also a sucker for non-outdoor style furnishings outside.

via Pinterest via Stylish Living

Love this spot under the trees.

Flea market fab! Check out the grasses growing in a salvaged fireplace surround, and a day bed turned into an amazing chaise.

via BHG

Have a great weekend!

Announcing the winner of the Shabby Apple $75 gift card give away.

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Wed, 01 May 2013 13:41:00 +0000

Congratulations to Amber! Thanks to everyone who entered, I will be revealing another great giveaway today so you'll still have a chance to win something really cool!

Amber's favorite Shabby Apple treat is the Santa Monica dress - what a great silhouette!

The Glamorous work of Angie Hranowsky

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:23:00 +0000

In a bit of a frenzy today, so I leave you with the work of Angie Hranowsky, which needs no words. Enjoy!

Super Dreamy Kitchens

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:51:00 +0000

Happy Friday everyone! I am excited to create my dream kitchen in our new home, here are some looks I'm loving...

A dramatic pendant over the sink.
via BHG

A wall mounted monitor - most of my recipes are from the computer, and I don't like to waste ink or paper printing out a recipe that I may not like.

Open shelves aren't for me, but otherwise this kitchen is a dream...
2 above via House Beautiful

The gray brick is really beautiful, but I wouldn't want the stainless steel counters.
via Interiors Porn

The three below are all from the same kitchen. I think I'm definitely going to go with white cabinets. I also love the marble countertops, but that won't be in our budget for a long, long time.

The hood is really cool

Love those stools too, and the pendant lights

3 above via House Beautiful

Jennifer Aniston's Manhattan Brownstone in "Bounty Hunter"

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:02:00 +0000

I wanted to show you what in my opinion was the only decent thing about the 2010 movie "The Bounty Hunter." Sorry to anyone who liked it, but I felt that this was one of those films studios just release to meet a quota or something...

The only part of the movie I really paid attention to were the scenes that took place in Nicole's (Aniston) Manhattan brownstone. I didn't think an investigative reporter could afford a Manhattan brownstone, but hey, if Carrie Bradshaw could afford that spacious Upper East Side "studio," an investigative reporter can afford a whole brownstone I guess. ?

Anyway the character's home is super bright, cute, and cheerful. Maybe a teensy bit too "whimsical" for my taste at times, but definitely worth a close look (hint: if you click on the images a larger version will pop up)

The kitchen obviously. The cabinet backs painted to match the blue walls was something I haven't seen before.

The home is covered in really cute wallpaper that manages to be quiet but noticeable.

A LOT of pattern in both upholstery and wall paper, a bit too much for me, but it's really fun to look at.

Love those sconces, and the modern bookshelf against the crown moulding.

With the curtains this is too much pattern for me. If they were just white I'd like it better. I thought it was interesting that the couch is slipcovered. It makes me wonder if that was a conscience decision by the designer or if they were like, "This character would put a slipcover on her sofa..."

What do you think of the house?

*The Bounty Hunter is property of Columbia Pictures

In my dreams - Timber Windows

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley White) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 22:55:00 +0000

So, just recently I was told about timber windows, I've bee admiring them all along, I just didn't know they were called timber windows, which I blame on my lack of an interior design education. I have a feeling that now that I know what they are called, I will be noticing them a whole lot more. My new found discovery also poses a BIG problem. Like all things of great beauty and quality...and therefore, expense - I want them!

via blackthornetimber.com

via dreambookdesign.com

I imagine that well made and maintained timber windows can outlast (and out-beautify!), any PVC window. Depending on the architecture of the rest of your home, they can add an old-world charm, or a clean and strong contemporary feel.

via idealtimber.co.uk

Even on an old home, brand new timber windows don't take away from the charm.
via er-joinery.com

Check out the scalloped roof!!! Okay, focusing...

via elwyns.com

via vithouse.com

After a little reading, it looks like your biggest concern is the fact that wood contracts and expands, so managing humidity in the interior is important. Also, maintaining the windows' exteriors with the proper sealants and finishes will ensure they enjoy a long life.