Mom's Turf

A Touch of Pink

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 07:29:00 +0000

Pink… a color that signifies sweetness, the color for young girls, and yes it can also be a color of love…not as intense as red but more soft, silent and charming. For most of us ladies, pink is the color we love when we were still little girls, the color our mothers favor for our dresses, ribbons, school things and other girly items. As we matured, some of us moved on to favor other colors than the girly old pink but still once in a while we get to see pink items that melt our hearts and deep inside us we once again feel how good it is to see one familiar color from our yesteryears that is so dear to us that reminds us of happy girly days and playful times. A touch of pink in our homes can be a good thing, it may even brighten a dull day and add a little whimsy to our home life.

My Home Ideas

Amanda Nisbet

Jayne Mansfield Bathroom c/o Architectural Digest

Todd Oldham

Kelley Interior Design

Living at Home

Selena Lake

Would you take this Tudor Style Mansion?

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 05:17:00 +0000

It is celebrity home tour today… and it is Mel Gibson’s multi-million dollar mansion we are going to check out. This luxurious 16,000 sq ft Tudor-style mansion in Greenwich, Connecticut is on the market right now. It has 15 bedrooms and 17 bathrooms, a tennis court, a private pond, a landscaped driveway, a soaring cathedral ceiling, formal gardens, a terrace pool, greenhouse, stable, staff houses, log cabin, and even a maze. Hmmm… I say too big for my family, we are only three you know. But although this mansion is not quite my style, I still enjoy looking at its grandiosity. Is this your kind of a dream home? What can you say about owning a house as huge and as luxurious as this one?

photos: DailyMail

Feeling Beachy

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:45:00 +0000

There are moments when you just want to have a quiet and relaxing vacation somewhere idyllic and laidback (preferably on an island hideaway but a quiet uncrowded beach would do too) but just can’t because of some job or responsibilities you have to face and focus on at the moment. And this day is one of those for me … I’d love to go somewhere but can’t for the moment, and when I feel this way I always opt to do the next best thing … browse some beachy images. Photos and images that depict relaxation, calmness, sun, and water never fails to lift up my mood and make me smile inside. Beachy images makes me feel the rush of the waves on my legs, the sensation on my feet which I get from walking in the sand, and the breeze of fresh air on my face. Ahhh…it is good to feel beachy once in a while.

Frank Roop

Fab Floors

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Fri, 08 May 2009 08:00:00 +0000

What floor coverings we have in our home spaces directly affects the aesthetic, feel, and atmosphere of our home. Our floor is our walking surface and we use and see it everyday. Because of modern technology, we now have a wide variety of floor coverings we may choose for our home spaces like carpets, rugs, laminates, bamboo, wood, ceramic, tile, stone, linoleum, and rubber among others. Organic and eco-friendly floor coverings are popular these days and they usually add a nice texture to your floors. Carpets and rugs are among the most common floor coverings we see around, actually it is a floor covering above another floor covering which is your main flooring. Carpets and rugs beautify rooms and spaces, no doubt about that, but there are also so many interiors that are without a carpet nor a rug but are also lovely and oh so fabulous. Don’t get me wrong, I love carpets and rugs on the floor but sometimes it is just so refreshing to have your floors bare of such elements and just feel the raw flooring on your feet and give emphasis to the beauty of your main floor covering.

skona hem

Living etc

Veranda

Home Spaces made more beautiful by Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:47:00 +0000

Burnham Design

Flowers make a room look more vibrant, fresh, and homey. It does not really matter in what part of your house you want to put some flowers, these days you can put them practically anywhere… in your entryway, living room, dining room, kitchen, and even in your bathrooms. Flowers inside your home need not be too many, big, or placed in the center of the room to create an impact, flowers just never fails to brighten up a space. Flowers are sure to make any part of your house more vibrant, fresh and homey and if your flowers have fragrance then you get to enjoy its lovely smell too.

These rooms may be aesthetically fabulous already but they are made more beautiful by the addition of lovely flowers in them.

Country Style Spaces that makes you go Awwww….

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:22:00 +0000

These are country style spaces that makes you go Awww…because they are so lovely, nice, and oh so charming. You just gotta love the fabrics, the choice of furniture in each room, the use of colors and flowers, and the unmistakable warmth and homey feel of each of these beautifully designed country style spaces. These are from the portfolio of Diamond Baratta Design, a partnership of William Diamond and Anthony Baratta. Diamond founded his interior design firm in 1974, and Baratta joined Diamond 25 years ago. The focus of the firm is Architectural Interior Design and Decoration. Together, they are heralded as “Decorating's Dynamic Duo” by critically acclaimed House Beautiful magazine.

photos: Diamond Baratta Design

Amazing Kids’ Bedrooms

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:28:00 +0000

Vallone Design is known as the premiere golf clubhouse designers. They have many wonderful and brilliant luxury residential interiors and hospitality projects under their belt. I am especially fond of their kids’ bedrooms which are really amazing… always fun, lively, colorful, safe, and functional. The kind of bedroom that would inspire kids and make them proud of their own private place, a place they would remember for the rest of their lives.

photos: Vallone Design

Somewhere Quiet, Nature-filled, and Luxuriously Stylish

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 02:12:00 +0000

Somewhere in Africa are lovely lodges that are luxuriously quiet, nature-filled, and stylishly designed. Singita, which means ‘place of miracles’ is famously known as the world’s best when it comes to providing its guests the most excellent safari experience in Africa. And their lodges are also something to rave about, they are all stylishly and uniquely designed incorporating the scenic natural surroundings and wildlife of Africa. Singita has five lodges in South Africa, two in Singita Sabi Sand and three in Singita Kruger National Park, three lodges in Singita Grumeti Reserves in Tanzania, and one lodge in Singita Pamushana in Zimbabwe, all of which are really amazingly designed and filled with antiques and exceptional decors, modern luxuries, private decks, and picturesque views.

Singita Sabi Sand in South Africa

Ebony Lodge

Boulders Lodge

Castleton Camp

Singita Kruger National Park in South Africa

Lebombo Lodge

Sweni Lodge

Photos: Singita

It is Relaxing, Modern and Green

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 03:16:00 +0000

This modern beach house is relaxing, has great views of Cape Cod Bay and most of all it is Green. Now, how cool is that? It is also furnished with custom bamboo furniture and cabinetry. The modern design of this beach house did not complicate nor contradict the concept of a beach house being a haven for relaxation, comfort, and a place for taking it easy. This 7,000 square ft. beach house in Truro is very much spacious and airy and allows natural light to get in on almost every part of the beach house. This beach house according to its builder, Silvia & Silvia Custom Builders, “The Energy Star certified home features a geothermal well, zero carbon footprint, and a photovoltaic system which allows electricity produced and not consumed, to be pushed back to the grid.”

Built by: Silvia & Silvia Custom Builders

The Old and The New

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:37:00 +0000

Designer Nate Berkus’ Chicago apartment has undergone quite a makeover. I’m sure most of you are familiar with him, Oprah’s go to guy when it comes to interior design and is quite a regular guest of her show. Well, his apartment has a fresh new look and it is a relief to know that hot designers as Nate is just like the rest of us when making some transformations around the home, we like to keep those things dear to us and leave some parts of the home we feel most comfortable with and somehow we haven’t outgrown yet. I have this crazy notion before that wealthy people and even designers would just totally get an all new set of furniture and things and would just totally change every element of the old house or space being renovated when they do a makeover because they can afford it and they can make it happen. But as I told you, it might just be a crazy notion. So, here is Nate’s before and after apartment look. Personally, I love the new look, and notice some of the elements and things he kept from the old one.

The Old Look

The New Look

photos: Oprah, Elle Décor

Dramatic Stairways

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:23:00 +0000

Stairways may be straight, spiral, round, high, or low and can be as creative and as grand as the owner or designer may want it to be. Beautifully designed stairways definitely make a statement of elegance, grandness, and style in a home. Stairs are functional but can also be a good way to personalize your home and at the same time make it a creative part of your home. Stairs allows the homeowner versatility in making a style statement of his own in his own home. Dramatic stairways are always nice to look at and add a timeless appeal and structural aesthetics in any room, space or home.

Barry Dixon

Diamond Baratta Design

Livingetc

Fabulous Holiday Decorating Inspirations

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 08:48:00 +0000

Holiday Home Decorating is one of the most fun and exciting things to do for most women and homemakers. It gives us an outlet to express our creativity and even an excuse to splurge for some of us. Holiday or Christmas Home Decorating has come a long way from the times of the pagans to our present times. Yes, it is believed by many that most of our Christmas decorations have been around for a long time and have been used in pagan festivals before. There are more variety of Christmas decors in terms of style, color, texture, shape and items that we can use these days, and of course, the more the merrier. But having more Christmas things and themes to choose from sometimes cloud our judgment of what to choose and create. Most of you have finished your holiday home decorating by now but for those who have not, especially those who have not started yet it is not yet too late to start now. Liven up and ready your living rooms, dining rooms, and even your fireplaces for the coming holidays. Let your family, friends and guests enjoy the season with your holiday home decorating as backdrop to the happy moments about to unfold this holiday season. Here are some fabulous rooms elegantly decorated for the holidays to inspire you.

photos: 1, 2, 3, 4

‘Tis The Season to Decorate your Homes

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 04:27:00 +0000

Christmas is just around the corner and everywhere you look it is starting to be festive, cheerful, and jolly. The season to celebrate and give our homes the happy vibe is here especially if you have children or planning to have some company during the holidays or any other excuse you can think of to adorn and decorate your home this holiday would just be fine. It is time to bring out those family treasured holiday ornaments and accents, and of course it is also time to shop for new ones. Speaking of shopping, which of course is becoming one of the most-enjoyed and well-loved hobbies of women all around whether there is a crisis or not, I have quite a few nice finds for some holiday decorating. These holiday decors and accents will surely spice up any dull and boring space in your home and hopefully add to the holiday spirit of everyone that gets to see them. These decors are something you would love to add to your collection of family treasured holiday ornaments.

Silver and Glass Spheres

Reduce. Rejoice. Recycle. Celebrate in eco-friendly style with these blown-glass spheres,all handcrafted from reclaimed materials.

Glass Cone Trees

Crafted by hand, these trees possess a lustrous metallic finish styled with a festive swirl. Their simple, elongated forms make a striking display on a mantel or table.

Mercury Glass Log Votive Holder

Lend character to candlelight with this faux-bois holder, crafted of glistening mercury glass.Holds five votives or tealights.

Swarovski 2008 Star Ornament

Swarovski's collectible annual ornament adds undeniable sparkle to the tree. The original design in faceted crystal is accented by the traditional blue ribbon.

Santa Shimmer Light

A holiday party conversation piece, this pink-faced Santa becomes animated when heat from a halogen bulb inside makes the glitter revolve.

Cracked Pomegranate Ornaments

Add a festive flourish to holiday settings with these luscious, sparkling faux pomegranates. Handpainted with realistic details and finished with just a hint of glitter, each is handcrafted of resin.

Old-World and Baker Nutcrackers

Old-World Nutcrackers Steinbach is recognized around the world for their heirloom-quality nutcrackers. Handcarved in Germany, these holiday nutcrackers are dressed in the guises of a 19th-century confectioner (shown left) and gingerbread maker (shown right).

Peppermint Twist Candlesticks

Like stacks of bright candies, swirled red and white glass make merry on the holiday table. Each is a single piece of glass that's carefully mouthblown and shaped, then handpainted.

Crystal Snowflake Ornaments

Sparkling snowflakes bring a wintry feel to holiday decor, whether hung on a tree or suspended from a garland.

Murano Angels

Canes of clear, white and colored glass are fused together, then reheated and mouthblown to create these delicately striated angels. Touches of gold accent their halos and wings.

Waterford Musical Santa Snowglobe

Snowflakes swirl to the tune of "Jingle Bells" as the stationary Santa in this holiday scene double-checks his list.

Monogrammed Holiday Guest Towels

Personalized with a single initial, these embroidered linen guest towels are a distinctive accent for the bath - and make a thoughtful hostess gift.

Images: Gump’s

Romantic Spaces

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 09:14:00 +0000

Meg Braff

We love romantic spaces because they are charming, cozy, and relaxing. Romantic spaces may seem to lean on the feminine style but it is something that the men and boys in our life may appreciate and enjoy. Many think that the only room in the house that needs to look romantic is the bedroom. This is not so, because almost every space and nook in your home can be turned into something romantic and charming. Whites, soft neutral colors and even pastels are commonly used in a romantic space but nowadays there are a variety of other colors that can be used to set the tone for a romantic space. Décor and accents are elements that are very important in creating a romantic space. Flowers, candles, lace, soft and light fabrics, whimsical and memorable things are some of the popular items that can be added in a romantic space. Romantic spaces are oftnetimes associated with country and cottage style but it is not only country and cottage designs that can look romantic and can have a romantic ambiance. A romantic space has a universal appeal because of its casual elegance, charm and pleasing ambiance.

Shabby Chic

Amy Lau

micasa

Stunning Entryways

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:53:00 +0000

Coastal Living

An entryway is a space in the house located at the front entrance of the house and usually comes in the form of a hall or a foyer. Many houses do not have entryways anymore but for those houses that do, a stunning and beautifully designed entryway would be an asset. Although entryways is the first space in the house that guests and visitors see when they enter the house it is also one of the most neglected spaces. It is however, important that your entryway would present a good impression as it would speak a lot of what is in store inside your house. We are now fortunate that there are many available items, accents, and decors available for home entryways and there is no more reason for yours to be looking drab and boring.

Bunny Williams

Robert A.M. Stern

Jennifer Post

Jennifer Post

Point Click Home

Point Click Home

Point Click Home

Vicente Wolf

John Saladino

Kara Mann

Juan Montoya

Antonia Hutt

Thomas Britt, ASID

Traditional Home

Barry Dixon's Stylishly Elegant Interiors

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 06:14:00 +0000

Barry Dixon is a very talented world-class designer and a true Southern gentleman whose works and projects never fail to garner admiration from anyone who is fortunate enough to experience and see it. A home or space with a Barry Dixon touch is elegant, stylish and a visual treat because of his skillful use of colors, textures, and patterns. His treatment of light and spaces even the accents and decors he uses captures his tasteful elegance in styling. Barry Dixon also has an award-winning line of furniture, fabric collection, and rug collection which compliments with his international design style.

His new book, which is aptly titled ‘Barry Dixon Interiors’ by Brian D. Coleman features 11 homes which showcases the style and creative genius of Barry Dixon. A very inviting Caribbean Villa, an elegant Embassy in Washington, an interesting Manhattan loft, and his own lavish Elway Hall among other equally spectacular homes are featured in the book. Each home is a testament of Barry’s masterful blend of traditional and contemporary elements and creating astounding spaces that is truly a feast to the eyes and senses. Aside from the many fabulous photos taken by photographer Edward Addeo, valuable design tips from Barry can also be found in the book. ‘Barry Dixon Interiors’ is a good book to have in your own home and a gift that will surely be appreciated by your home-design loving friends this coming holiday.

Below are some of Barry Dixon’s projects.

Kitchens of Style and Function

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 11:23:00 +0000

Ahh …. kitchens. Having a nice and beautiful kitchen is every homemaker’s dream. The kitchen is one space in our house that we want to be extra spacious and most of the times splurge on. We want to have the nicest appliances and coolest gadgets for our kitchen, after all we spend quite a lot of time there everyday. A kitchen is a good place to hang out too, many family stories and chitchats happen in the kitchen. Women just love kitchens, some men do too and we (women) are so glad that they do. It makes it easier for us to convince them when we want some remodeling done or appliance addition for our kitchen. Even when we already have the kitchen of our dreams we still can not help but be in awe when we see fabulous kitchens. Beautiful kitchens transcend design style, when a kitchen looks beautifully designed and functional there are times when we do not care of the design style, whether its modern, country, contemporary, rustic, or cottage as long as it looks good and functional, we adore it. Here are some wonderful kitchen design ideas of different styles, functions and colors. Enjoy.

Photos: CoteMaison

Fascinating Modern Furniture

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 09:30:00 +0000

Kenneth Cobonpue is a very talented furniture designer whose creations are well recognized and critically acclaimed in the design world. His creations are modern pieces that exude relaxation, sensuality, comfort and style. He makes use of locally sourced organic materials like rattan and abaca and turns them into modern furniture with Asian flare and Western sophistication. His works are always interesting, fresh and eye-catching.

“My palette of materials include rattan, buri, kawayan(bamboo) and abaca. Each has its won texture, color, smell, and sound. You can bend, twist and weave them in endless ways. It is a feast for the senses to work with these.” – Kenneth Cobonpue

Here are some of his works that got me speechless. They are all so beautifully designed and well crafted as well.

Lolah

Rattan poles and strips are fastened together with nails and nylon wire in a technique similar to boatbuilding to create soft and sensuous shapes.

Dragnet

Polycotton fabric (indoor) or sunbrella acrylic fabric (outdoor) is twisted and wrapped around a frame of galvanized steel. Legs made of stainless steel.

Croissant

Strands of abaca rope are tied down by translucent nylon wires over a hand sculpted frame of light steel. An outdoor version is also available in polyethylene and steel.

Voyage

Buri or Palm Leaf Spines or abaca are hand-woven on a steel frame and tied with abaca rope creating a cozy cocoon where dreams are revealed.

Manolo

Inspired by a lady’s sandal, the Manolo is made of fine natural or stained rattan vines woven over a frame of mild steel then bound with leather strips.

Kawayan

Natural bamboo poles are individually cut, hand-polished and framed in dark oak wood and veneers.

Noodle

Stained rattan vines are hand-woven and tied over a frame mounted on an oak-veneered base.

Blue and White Spaces

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:57:00 +0000

The colors blue and white are perfect combination. Simple and very basic but never too dull nor too fancy. You may use this combination to create a relaxed and laid-back spaces and even elegant and stylish ones. You can hardly go wrong when using blue and white together.

A fabulous Villa in St. Bart’s

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:03:00 +0000

The island of St. Bart’s is known for its amazing views and laidback way of life where the truly rich and elite go to escape their busy schedules. A perfect place for travel and vacation, this is the place where the rich and famous spend their moolah and time when they want to unwind. There are many different villas that are all magnificently built and designed in St. Bart’s and I am just in awe at the interiors of each villa and the scenic views from these abodes. And this particular four-bedroom villa perched on the crown of the mountain in Lurin, St. Bart’s has sensational features, it has lush tropical gardens, stunning large two infinity edge pool with magnificent deck area and a spectacular harbor view. This fabulous villa is aptly called Au Soleil where you can enjoy spectacular sunset views from different terraces and vantage points. Enjoy the images of this fabulous villa as you take a virtual holiday in St. Bart’s, it has been quite a while since we’ve had a travel feature.

photos:Caribbeanway

Spectacular Garden Images

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 06:20:00 +0000

Helen Fickling is an international photographer with extensive commercial experience in shooting contemporary landscape, garden design, interiors, and lifestyle. Her garden photo shoots are so stunning, a perfect montage of colors, light, and texture. They are so lively, and bright. Her works are a real celebration of nature and life. Below are some of her spectacular garden images that delight me whenever I take a look at them and hopefully will have the same effect on you.

photos:HelenFickling

Color Explosion

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:32:00 +0000

The Wiseman Group

I love colors in homes especially if they are skillfully used and applied. They liven up a place and make spaces bright and cheerful. Here are some colorful rooms and spaces that will hopefully inspire you to use more color in your homes especially those who have already lived in white walled homes for years.

Carleton Varney

Decor Mag

Dorothy Draper

Amanda Nisbet

Ghislaine Viñas

Before summer fizzles out …

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 07:00:00 +0000

I love summer... I can't seem to get enough of it. There's always some more activities to be done and other places to see. So before summer totally fizzles out, I would like to feature one more extraordinary beach house. This beach house is not one of those ‘in-your-face’ beach house but still manages to capture the right ambiance and mood for a beach house. It is relaxed, laid back, and soothing, a perfect place to spend lazy days without compromising elegance and style. The generous application of earth colors, woods, and other nature and earth-inspired decors and accents made this beach house homey and inviting. This wonderful place is a project of Jeff Andrews-Design one of Los Angeles’ most exciting and in-demand interior design firms.

Stunningly Inviting Fireplaces

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:21:00 +0000

Drake Design Associates

A fireplace is just basically a place to hold or have fire usually for heating purposes. But where you place or position a fireplace in your home and how you design that particular space is very important because it can influence the ambience and feel of your home. It is also a good idea to make your fireplace a focal point in your home, thus it is usual for us to see fireplaces in the living room and family rooms where social interaction and conversation are usually held. A fireplace adds warmth, comfort, and coziness to your home as well as it gives style and elegance to a space. The structure of the fireplace is important but the design of the surrounding area is as important. Furniture, fixtures and décor to use in the fireplace area is every important to create the kind of design style you want to achieve. Below are a few of the most inviting and stylish fireplaces from classic and rustic to contemporary and modern designs.

Caminetti Montegrappa

Architecture by Peter Cebulak/Interior Design by Katherine Newman

Decorator: Karin Blake

JFL Architects

Sills Huniford and Associates

Chateau St. Philippe in France

Martha Stewart's Maine Guesthouse

Designer: Mimi Maddock McMakin

Cabañas Rincon del Lago in Argentina

Interior Architecture by Karin Payson/Interior Design by The Wiseman Group

Designer: Kathryn M. Ireland

Designer: Nancy Bozhardt

Villa Schifanoia in Tuscany, Italy

Sexy Chairs

noreply@blogger.com (Ann) — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 07:55:00 +0000

I like everything sexy, something in them that makes me keep in touch with my feminine side. So when I saw these sexy chairs while surfing the web I can not help but like them and appreciate them. Some of the chairs are really meant to be sexy and their designs are inspired by feminine body parts and girly things but still others I just find them sexy. These sexy chairs may not go with every home design style and they may not look good in every kind of home but I think they are still worth sharing.

The Living Chair
This looks like a sexy lady sitting with her legs crossed.

The Lips Chair.
This lips chair is an eye-catcher that has chrome legs and braces and is upholstered with a plush fabric.
High Heel Shoe Chair
All women love high heels and this one looks real sexy.

The Hand Chair
This would look good in modern design living rooms.

This chair would definitely be a conversation piece anywhere you put it.

1940's French Slipper Chairs. Its red and its French so it must be sexy.

Nicole Cohen's reinterpretation of one of the Getty's 18th-century French chairs.

I wouldn't know if you'll agree that this chair is sexy, but I think it is.
Just its color makes me want to sit on it.
Oh this is no chair, its a bench, but I find it sexy so its here. This carved Budoir Bench Circa 1900 with fluted mahogany legs with fabric in white cotton duck and shag carpet looks so luxurious, girly, and sexy.

photos: Homistic, SexyChairs, Casamania, ChairCouture, Getty