Realtor Blog, White Rock Real Estate Blog

1394 BEST ST, White Rock, BC

Beebe Cline — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:43:41 -0700

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 1394 BEST ST, White Rock, BC

Uptown White Rock on a 9500 sq.ft. corner property Gracious garden and Fenced Yard, Great Sun Deck for entertaining, Home has all New Plumbing and Electrical, new windows,*Energy Smart Home* a Studs up, Substantially rebuilt home completed in 2012 Absolutely Charming and brimming with personality Wide plank dark hardwood floors, Brilliant Custom lighting. All millwork and Cabinetry done on site by British Master Craftsman. Character Centre Island100yr+ Barnwood, reclaimed from Ontario topped with a stunning Bianco Antico Granite .Walk to Library in 2 minutes shopping walk 7 minutes away, City Of White Rock Amenities at your fingertips, park your car and enjoy your Community. School coveted *White Rock Fine Arts*.

5 Edgy Trends in Today's Tile

Beebe Cline — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:35:14 -0700

Cutting-edge style can cover a range of looks, from the glamour of polished alabaster to the grittiness of a graffiti-covered urban street. Whether inspired by the mainstreaming of subculture via films like Exit Through the Gift Shop, the popularity of converted lofts, the popularity of Tony Duquette causing cravings for malachite, or the '70s-luxe styles brought about by Kelly Wearstler's odes to bravura modern, the tile industry is watching and responding. Here's a sampling of some of the most cutting-edge looks from around the world that are trending in tile for 2013, on display at the Coverings show in Atlanta in spring 2013.

Trend: Avant-Garde

Technology has played a big role in avant-garde tile looks, like with the Semiprecious series from Fiandre. Images are ink-jet printed onto a slab of engineered clay and then fired; the final result is a large glazed porcelain tile that looks like a slab of polished stone, inculding malachite (shown) and agate.

Shown: Fiandre

Fiandre has a patent on the technique, and the material can be adapted to floors, counters, doors, cabinet faces and more.

Shown: Fiandre

I saw these pieces up close and personal, and they were truly stunning; my jaw dropped and my eyes bugged out, then I had to shake my head and look again. I would have felt stupid, except everyone around me had similar reactions.

Shown: Fiandre

Trend: '70s Glam

Digital imaging and ink-jet printing mean that ceramic and porcelain tile can take on the look of just about any exotic stone, such as brown marble. Many of the rich browns, taupes, bronzes and golds have a bravura modern look.

Shown: Rex

Alabaster-inspired tiles give this floor a superglam '70s look. I can see the influence of Kelly Wearstler's designs as well as Rachel Zoe's fashion aesthetic at work here.

Shown: Rex

Trend: Bling

Metals also took on decorative prints as well as pretty gilts. Luxe metallic tiles shimmer and twinkle as they reflect light. These tiles are especially popular on accent walls, particularly on a fireplace wall or headboard wall, or completely covering a small powder room.

Shown: Rendering Decor Bronze by Apavisa

An accent wall takes on the look of gold leaf.

Shown: Apavisa

Trend: Industrial Chic

Some metal finishes are taking on the rusted look of Cor-Ten steel or the patina of copper. These rusty and crusty metallic looks work well with an industrial design aesthetic.

Shown: Xtreme Black by Apavisa

Shown: Apavisa

Industrial style is also moving tile designers toward concrete looks. These new tiles were designed with elements like exposed brick in mind and instantly add the look of industrial wear and tear to loft-like homes that were built from scratch.

Shown: Jazz by Keraben

These tiles resemble aged and worn concrete floors you'd see in factories and warehouses.

Shown: Pavimento by Viva

Concrete floors and countertops are popular in today's minimalist kitchens.

Shown: Apavisa

Trend: Street Culture

Not since Jean-Michel Basquiat's heyday has graffiti been so close to mainstream, with collectors shelling out millions for street art in galleries, which admittedly, is a little hard to wrap one's brain around. Whether you see it as ironic or not, tile designers have taken notes, tagging tiles with graffiti-like art as well as creating tiles that complement subculture looks.

Shown: Peronda

Street-sign graphic details add an urban touch to this concrete-like tile.

Shown: Dolcemaro by Viva

Doodles and Union Jacks are part of this chalk-brick pattern, inspired by nostalgia for the British punk scene.

Raw Materials Revealed: Drywall Basics

Beebe Cline — Sun, 19 May 2013 17:38:37 -0700

Putting up a wall was anything but easy a century ago. Once you framed a wall or ceiling out of wood and were ready to close it in with a finished surface ready for paint or paper, you'd first nail on small strips of wood called laths, then put on several different layers of plaster. The work was time consuming and difficult to master.

Today you'll be hard pressed to find anyone installing a traditional plaster finish from scratch. It's much easier to put up sheet of gypsum plaster sandwiched between paper, called drywall, gypsum board, wallboard, Sheetrock (a trademarked brand) or just rock. Here's an introduction to this ubiquitous material.

by Claudio Ortiz Design Group, Inc. »

Drywall vs. Plaster

Drywall is a master of disguise. The walls in this picture look like they could be plaster. One of the visual giveaways that you're actually looking at drywall is when you see the sharp corners created by standard corner bead.

Corner bead is a metal or plastic piece that covers the outside corners of drywall to protect them from damage. Then joint compound is spread over the bead and sanded smooth.

In many traditional plaster applications, a rounded piece of wood trim was placed at the corners and then plastered over, creating a round corner. To mimic this look with drywall, look for a bullnose corner bead.

by Kenny Grono »

Unlike with traditional plaster applications, for which the entire surface was troweled on by hand, only the seams and fasteners are covered with joint compound when you're finishing drywall.

The finishing happens in several steps. First paper tape is embedded in joint compound, or "mud." Then two more coats of mud go on before sanding.

If you are looking for a plaster-like finish, you should install blue board — a drywall product made for this purpose — then skim coat the entire surace instead of just the seams. This is much faster than with traditional plaster.

by Kenny Grono »

Drywall Sizes

Most drywall or Sheetrock you see is either 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch thick. What size to use depends on a variety of factors, including durability, location and fire safety.

The width of drywall sheets is either 48 or 54 inches. The reason for the two width sizes is that when installed horizontally, two sheets will equal either 8 or 9 feet — common ceiling heights in residential construction.

The sheet lengths vary from 8 to 16 feet. For the do-it-yourselfer, a 4- by 8-foot sheet will be difficult enough to maneuver. And don't forget that you'll need to cut holes for every outlet and light fixture box and get those all to line up, too.

Professionals generally use the longer sheets, like the one shown in this picture, because it reduces the time spent on taping joints.

by Kenny Grono »

The advantage of 5/8-inch-thick drywall is that is does not bend or sag as much as 1/2-inch drywall, which can show imperfections in the framing.

But what if you want the drywall to bend? Use 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch drywall. You may also need to make slits in the material to allow it to take the curve.

by quietrock.com »

QuietRock Soundproof Drywall »

Drywall Types

Other than regular gray drywall, you'll also see green and purple. Both of these are good for areas that will see a lot of moisture, like a bathroom. The purple is a step up in moisture protection from the green. Even with this added security, I don't recommend installing these in a shower or tub surround — you'll want to tile on cement board instead. Use green or purple board for bathroom walls outside the shower. And install a good bath fan with a timer switch so that you're not testing the capability of the drywall.

Other types of drywall you'll see are type X for added fire protection and QuietRock (shown), which is two pieces of gypsum laminated together with a special glue that allows the assembly to absorb sound and make your living space quieter. The drywall is installed with the same special glue at the seams, and a putty-like material is placed around outlet boxes. If installed properly, it is quite effective — but that doesn't come cheap.

If you're looking for a lighter sheet of rock, try USG's new lightweight drywall. Better yet, DIYers should rent a drywall lift for ceilings. It's worth the added expense.

by Mark English Architects, AIA »

We've only scratched the surface of what can be done with drywall. Although drywall is easier to install than plaster, it takes time to master the skill. Look for opportunities to practice, like in a garage, before you try your skills on the living room.

Have fun, wear a mask when you sand, and rock on!

6 Driveway Looks Take Landscapes Along for the Ride

Beebe Cline — Sat, 18 May 2013 17:43:00 -0700

Driveways are often the most overlooked part of garden design, considered more utilitarian than something worthy of our attention; yet we usually travel along them at least twice a day, and they are often both the first and last thing visitors see. What impression does your driveway give?

Certainly designing gardens that flank a driveway or service road can have its challenges, but there are always solutions that will add the necessary style and color to this important area. Slopes, watering issues or just the sheer length of a driveway can all seem daunting obstacles when you're creating a garden. Then there is the question of how to connect the design and plant palette to the home itself.

These inspirational designs show how to meet such challenges and create an approach to your home that will be both inviting and memorable.

by Rocco Fiore & Sons, Inc »

1. The Sweeping Driveway

The challenge: How to make the approach interesting and set the scene for what is to come.

Solution A: Create a park-like feel with a tapestry of plants and lawn that meets the paving at intervals along the way.

Many of us would approach the idea of planting a driveway by digging a border on either side and adding plants. This design goes beyond that by incorporating areas of manicured lawn to give the effect of driving through a park.

Since the plantings are all low, they seem to meld with the greater garden, while the soft color palette and plant selection suggest wonderful, billowing, romantic gardens ahead.

Each vignette is unique, making this drive a wonderful garden tour. I doubt visitors will be rushing in either direction with so much to enjoy en route.

by KG DESIGNS »

Solution B: Establish a rhythm with regularly spaced trees on either side of the driveway, interplanted with a modest-height hedge.

This glorious mass planting of white Annabelle hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle') sweeps out of sight, enticing visitors to see where it leads. Although one can still see over these shrubs, there is a sense of mystery since the ground plane is not immediately visible on the other side.

Zelkova trees flank the driveway and set up a pleasing rhythm while adding height to what otherwise might become a monotonous design. Both the trees and shrubs add structure to the garden in winter as well.

This elegant garden lends itself perfectly to classic architecture such as colonial or Cape Cod styles. Yet its elegant monochromatic scheme would work well for an approach to any traditional-style home.

by Madson Design »

2. The Large Driveway

The challenge: The driveway dominates the property, taking up a significant proportion of the front garden.

The solution: Rather than using solid paving or poured concrete, add a center strip of grass or drought-tolerant ground covers. Flank this with large pavers separated in such a way as to create a checkerboard with plants growing in between.

This gives the effect of another border within the front garden and extends the visual green space, making the driveway less obtrusive.

Although grass could be used for this, I would opt for a tough, low-maintenance, drought-tolerant ground cover, such as elfin thyme (Thymus serpyllum 'Elfin', zones 7 to 9) or miniature brass buttons (Leptinella gruveri, zones 7 to 9). Both of these withstand heavy foot and vehicle traffic, are evergreen and need neither mowing or fertilizing. Dymondia (Dymondia margaretae, zones 9 to 11) is a good choice for warmer climates.

by Perello Building Corporation »

3. The Long, Straight Driveway

The challenge: How to prevent this straight driveway from feeling like a runway when the house is not even in sight.

The solution: Create an allée of trees to set up a rhythm and provide vertical interest to distract the eye from the road itself.

Regularly spaced ornamental pear trees (Pyrus sp) act as mile markers down this long gravel driveway, each pair taking you one step closer to the destination. Without these trees the driveway would feel more like a road; their addition creates a more relaxed atmosphere.

This crunching gravel driveway approach suggests a formal or perhaps Mediterranean home and garden style, with simplicity being the key.

by Portal Design Inc »

4. The Sloped Driveway

The challenge: Creating planting pockets that are easy to manage.

Solution A: Combine a stepped pathway to one side of the drive with a series of built-in planters between the two.

This design almost makes me wish I had a sloping driveway. It not only solves the problem of planting, but by incorporating a series of wide, shallow steps, the designer has made the journey on foot much more comfortable.

The square and rectangular planters tie in with the motif used for the garage door and windows.

If you build raised beds, you can keep the soil surface level, avoiding the problem of erosion after a heavy rainfall as well as allowing for deeper soil to support trees and larger shrubs. For added interest these could always be brightened with seasonal color, yet this simple approach is in keeping with the overall planting theme of the home.

by Troy Rhone Garden Design »

Solution B: Create a shallow raised border following the slope and fill it with an abundance of seasonal color.

The greatest challenge with this particular border is preventing the soil either from spilling onto the driveway or being washed downhill. A simple cobblestone edging provides an easy boundary to plant against, while the dense planting creates a mat of roots to keep the soil in place.

Weeding sloping gardens is not an easy task, but one way to reduce this is simply by covering the soil with more plants. Clearly this homeowner understands that and has created a delightful cutting garden that provides months of color while also covering the soil in such a way as to reduce the ability for weeds to take hold.

by The Design Build Company »

5. The Sunken Driveway

The challenge: The driveway runs parallel to a slope.

The solution: Build a retaining wall to create a raised terrace and a level driveway.

This beautiful design is likely to have drivers really taking their time. Since the plants are elevated, they can be enjoyed from within a vehicle much more easily than if they were at ground level.

Tiers of shrubs and perennials in a rich color palette set the scene for this Tuscan home; they include blue African lilies (Agapanthus sp) and purple fan flowers (Scaevola). The retaining wall is capped with flagstone to provide a sitting ledge — obviously the designer knew that this part of the garden would be revisited after the car was parked.

by D-CRAIN Design and Construction »

6. The Contemporary Driveway

The challenge: Bring a sense of contemporary design to the space while keeping the planting varied yet drought tolerant.

The solution: Create a strong geometrical theme, with irregular planting areas dissecting the driveway.

I find the design of this driveway especially appealing because of its strong linear theme. Wide strips of concrete are interspersed with crushed limestone. These strips are offset, adding a softness to the design and breaking away from the expected straight route to create subtle curves.

By stepping the materials in this way, planting pockets of varying widths and lengths have been created. These have been filled with an assortment of drought-tolerant shrubs, perennials and grasses with a crushed rock mulch being applied as a finishing touch. This mulch connects the plants seamlessly to the driveway itself while continuing the contemporary style and reducing weed growth.

Take a look at your own driveway with fresh eyes. Perhaps what you considered an insurmountable problem is now more manageable after viewing these inspirational designs.

8 Incredible Rentable Homes Around the World

Beebe Cline — Fri, 17 May 2013 17:45:00 -0700

What do you get when you combine the ease of a luxury hotel, the independence and privacy of a vacation rental, and a big dose of high style? Jaw-dropping apartments and homes available to rent for your next vacation. Going above and beyond the typical sandy-floored beach rental, these spaces are design destinations in and of themselves.

Take a peek inside these eight swoon-inducing rentals all over the world.

by boutique-homes.com »

1. Margaret River Beach House, Australia. This stunning beach house is located near the world-class Margaret River surfing area, and boasts 180-degree views of the sea from every room. With a pantry service, your own personal chef and housekeeping, you can enjoy the comforts of a real home with all the benefits of a luxury hotel.

by boutique-homes.com »

The terrace and cantilevered balcony offer jaw-dropping views of the Indian Ocean and front-row seats for spectacular sunsets.

by onefinestay.com »

2. Dumbo Penthouse, Brooklyn, New York. This modern loft is an utterly glamorous home base from which to explore New York City. The smoky gray and blue color scheme and luxurious touches like hide rugs and original artwork set this space apart.

by onefinestay.com »

The lounge-friendly living spaces, full kitchen and laundry help guests feel at home, and kids of all ages are welcome.

Bonus: An iPhone is included with your stay, for getting oriented with maps and making local calls.

by boutique-homes.com »

3. The Chromatic House, Portugal. This home in Torres Vedras, Portugal, is a visual confection with a different bright, bold hue in nearly every room. Designed by architect Pedro Gandanho, this townhouse could be the ultimate getaway for fans of ultramod design.

by onefinestay.com »

4. Artsy Primrose Hill Townhouse, London. From the lemon-yellow stripes on the ceiling to the oversize contemporary artwork gracing nearly every wall, this London home oozes style. And since it has four bedrooms, three baths and a private garden, you could fit your entire clan.

by spaces42.com »

5. Modern Villa, Tuscany, Italy. This breathtaking villa seamlessly blends old and new, rustic and elegant. An infinity swimming pool beckons with gorgeous views of the Tuscan hills, and an onsite gourmet chef is available to prepare luscious meals with local ingredients.

by spaces42.com »

With eight bedrooms and eight baths, multiple lounge areas and an outdoor pergola-covered eating area, the villa would make an unforgettable retreat for the entire extended family — or a big group of close friends.

by spaces42.com »

The extra-large showers are stocked with cult-favorite Santa Maria Novella products, and posh extras like locally produced cashmere goodies await when you get out.

by onefinestay.com »

6. City Docks, London. This large, lofty space is decorated with chic, modern furnishings and contemporary art, and boasts a sauna room and cinema room. And if you spied only the inside, you would never guess you were staying ... on a houseboat!

by onefinestay.com »

Once used to carry coal along the Seine, this vessel has been converted into a spacious, modern home on the water. It's hard to imagine a more unusual place to stay — right in the heart of London.

by onefinestay.com »

7. Modern Family Loft, Manhattan. With a girl's room, boy's room and playroom (in addition to the master suite) this airy, modern loft in the Flatiron district has everything a hip traveling family could possibly want.

by living-architecture.co.uk »

8. The Balancing Barn, England. Crafted by Dutch design firm MVRDV, this cantilevered house near the Suffolk coast is sure to send modern design lovers over the moon.

by living-architecture.co.uk »

A stunning feat of architecture, the Balancing Barn appears to float above the surrounding landscape.

Shape Up Your Surfaces With New Tile Textures and Forms

Beebe Cline — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:03:00 -0700

Technology has taken our movies, TV shows and printing into three dimensions, and now it's taking tile there. Tile not only has taken on textures like damask, stacked stone and textiles in its new looks, but has also become an integral part of architecture, with sculptural tiles adding new dimensions to walls. Tiles bump, undulate, weave, wave, crimp, crumple, create rhythms and draw our hands, which cannot resist touching them to check them out. Philippe Starck has even turned the way we look at joints between tiles upside down. Here are some of the most interesting innovations I saw at the spring 2013 Coverings stone and tile show in Atlanta.

Patterns with large-scale shapes. Separate tiles work together here, meeting at the corners to create new shapes; it's like the wall was a large crumpled-up piece of paper that's been somewhat smoothed out.

Shown: Apavisa

Inspired by stacked stone. This look is a more uniform and contemporary take on stacked stone's popular aesthetic.

Shown: Archistone by Ceradisa

Sculptural patterns. These patterns on wall tiles play with light and shadow and give the whole wall an artistic quality as well as depth.

Shown: Lamosa

Tiles with different levels and textures. Famed designer Philippe Starck has a new line called Flexible Architecture for Sant'Agostino that approaches tile installation in a new way. "The ugly joint used to be a problem; now the ugly joint becomes more than the advantage. It becomes a reason to exist," Starck explains. Think of the flat area between the shiny squares here as expanded joints.

Here is said Starck joint: The glossy part and the lower rough part are on the same tile, so there are two different depths on one square tile. There are different tile options (some are just the rough part, some have rough edges around all four raised sides, some have two rough edges, some have one rough edge etc.) and interesting ideas for configuring these tiles that you can check out in the catalog. I promise the pictures explain it much better than my words do, and the concept is really brilliant and simple!

Seriously sculptural. The Archconcept Collection by Apavisa takes 3-D tiles to a whole new dimension. These tiles and the tiles below are anything but flat. They have the power to completely transform interior architecture. And no, I don't have any idea how to clean these!

Hieroglyphic style. This tile and the one below are both from Egypt. They look like they're straight out of an archaeological dig.

Subtle patterns. Subtler patterns work well in a more minimalist room, whether cream tiles (these are from Viva) cover an entire wall or ...

... just form an interesting border or stripe.

Shown: Ascot

Small-scale 3-D tiles. Tiny tiles are in on the pattern game too; here the small tiles give the wall depth and interest in a mosaic pattern.

Shown: Abita by Sant'Agostino

Fabric-inspired textures. Patterns like damask are also appearing in relief on tiles.

Shown: Interceramic

Other tiles are taking on a rough linen or burlap look.

Shown: Sant'Agostino

Tiles are also integrating intricate borders, emblems and other ornaments.

Shown: Apavisa

Here is a closer look at these detailed border pieces in a shade of golden bronze.

Bronze Greek key details break up this tile wall.

Shown: Ascot

Small beads in wavy patterns draw the eye here. Ornamental pieces like these are like jewelry for walls.

Love Your Living Room: Make a Design Plan

Beebe Cline — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:01:00 -0700

Living rooms are often the hardest-working rooms in our homes. If your living room has no real flow, or you are not maximizing the area to its full potential, you probably aren't enjoying it as much as you could. Maybe it's time to take charge. Start with a firm plan for your living room's design and layout, and you will be on your way to a room that not only reflects your style and personality, but offers others a warm welcome too.

by Arc Photography »

Make a list. To get an idea of what you already have, make a list of everything in your living room: furniture, rugs, lights, curtains — even accessories. What pieces do you love? What pieces should be tossed? Do you have any other pieces that you'd like to integrate into your living room? Maybe you have an inherited table or chair that would look perfect in your living room after you redo the layout. This also could be the right time to replace a few worn-out pieces or order new window coverings.

by Charlie Simmons - Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd. »

Decide what your living room can do for you. How do you need to live in this room? Is the space for watching television only? Does it flow directly into your kitchen or dining room? Maybe you have small children and pets. Prioritize your needs so that the space can function effectively — you may not be able to get everything you want in one space.

If you are short on space, you may need your living room to serve multiple functions. Integrating a home office can be a success, as shown here, when a desk blends tastefully into the living room cabinetry.

by Pearson Design Group »

Have a focal point. Identify your room's best focal point. Our natural inclination is to visually focus on one object or area when we enter a room. If your living room doesn't have a focus, a striking piece of art or built-in shelving may give you an anchor point to build your furniture around.

A spectacular fireplace like this makes it easy to arrange the furniture in the rest of the room.

by Fiorella Design »

Maximize your seating. Try to design your living room to comfortably cater to six to eight people. Day to day you will have only immediate family to worry about, but don't forget that your visitors' comfort is equally important.

Occasional seating like a stool or ottoman takes up less space than a sofa or chair and will work hard for you. If you have more dining chairs than you use every day and the color scheme works, put one in a corner of your living room — this can be a nice way to link the decor in both rooms.

by LDa Architecture & Interiors »

Lay out the living room. Your list of furniture and accessories is made; how will everything fit?

An interior decorator or designer can work with you to get the look you're after, and even come up with ideas you didn't know you'd love. If you're going the DIY route, start with a simple sketch of the room on paper. Measure the length and width of the room, including any windows or doors. Plain paper and a ruler are all you will need to draw up the room — 1 centimeter on the paper equals 1 foot (or 1 meter) of real space.

Then measure, draw and cut out paper to match all the pieces of furniture you want in the room, new and existing, including rugs. Don't stress about trying to make them look professional; the basic shape is enough to get an idea. Make sure you use the same formula as for the room measurements.

by The Troop Group »

Once you are happy with how it all looks on paper, you can start moving furniture around. Use masking tape to make an outline of any pieces you like but haven't yet bought. This will help with scale and help you avoid any unwanted purchases.

If possible, arrange the furniture so it sits off the walls. This allows for airflow around the perimeter and actually makes the living room appear larger.

11 Perfect Plants for a Moonlit Garden in Pots

Beebe Cline — Wed, 15 May 2013 18:13:00 -0700

Most summer gardens must be seen in the daylight for us to truly appreciate their beauty. But if you love to spend your summer nights outdoors, a moon garden can help you create an outdoor space that's just as enjoyable in the starlight as it is in the sunlight.

by Sweet Dirt Designs »

Moon gardens consist of white flowers and foliage that glow under moonlight. Put these luminous plants in containers for the perfect accompaniment to outdoor evening entertaining.

Like all plants, some of these will have different sun requirements during the daylight hours. But all tend to work best in spots that get plenty of sunlight during the day.

by Kim Gamel »

Pennisetum 'Skyrocket'

A nice surprise for your container design is Pennisetum ‘Skyrocket’, featuring thin blades of grass with white margins. It grows up to 2 feet tall, not as big as some other annual grasses.

Common name: Fountain grass
USDA zone: N/A; annual
Light requirement: Full sun
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 1 1/2 to 2 feet tall and 1 foot to 1 1/2 feet wide

by Kim Gamel »

Angelonia angustifolia

Angelonia, which comes in white as well as other colors, is a great choice for hot and humid areas. It features spires of constant blooming flowers from spring to fall and adds nice height to containers.

Common name: Angelonia
USDA zones: 9 to 11 (find your zone)
Light requirement: Full sun
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 9 to 18 inches tall and wide

by Inga Munsinger Cotton »

Mandevilla

If you have a trellis or another support structure, you might try Mandevilla. When grown in containers, this vine will typically reach 3 to 5 feet tall in a growing season, making it another great way to add height to containers. With large, white, funnel-shaped flowers, Mandevilla shines brightly on a moonlit night.

USDA zones: 10 to 11
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 3 to 10 feet tall and 2 to 6 feet wide

by Kim Gamel »

Petunia

One of the best-selling summer annuals, petunias are well known for their easy care and nonstop blooms from spring through frost. There are many different varieties available at nurseries; some have a mounding habit, while others spread, so be sure to get the appropriate choice for your container.

USDA zones: 10 to 11
Light requirement: Full sun
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 9 to 12 inches tall and 1 to 3 feet wide

by IKEA »

Gardenia Jasminoides Potted Plant - $12.99 »

Gardenia jasminoides

If you’re a fan of strong, sweet fragrance, you might want to try gardenia in your container moon garden. Sometimes considered a diva, gardenias can be finicky about their growing conditions. But with the gorgeous, sweet-smelling flowers, the rewards outweigh the labor.

Common name: Gardenia
USDA zones: 8 to 11
Light requirement: Partial shade
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 5 to 6 feet tall and wide

by Kim Gamel »

Brugmansia

Brugmansia is another large white-flowered plant with a heavenly scent that makes an appearance only in the evening. In many parts of the U.S., Brugmansia must be wintered indoors. Growing it in a container makes this chore a bit easier.

USDA zones: 8 to 10
Light requirement: Full sun
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 5 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide

by Kim Gamel »

Hosta

A variegated hosta is a good choice for your container, as its leaves will reflect the moonlight even if its flowers aren’t in bloom. Keep it to a nice small mound as a filler for your container garden; ‘So Sweet’ (shown) is a terrific variety for moon glow.

USDA zones: 3 to 8
Light requirement: Partial shade to full shade
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 6 to 9 inches tall and 9 to 12 inches wide

by HOPE DESIGNS »

Impatiens hawkeri

If constant white blooms are what you’re looking for in a shady area, white New Guinea impatiens will do the trick. Their dark, glossy leaves look stunning in daylight but disappear at night, making the flowers look like they're floating.

Common name: New Guinea impatiens
USDA zones: 10 to 12
Light requirement: Partial sun to shade
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 1 foot to 2 feet tall and wide

by Jeffrey Erb Landscape Design »

Carex ‘Ice Dance’

Carex 'Ice Dance' has thin, strappy leaves with white margins.The texture of the grass-like leaves mixes well with broad leaves of hosta or Heuchera.

Common name: Sedge
USDA zones: 5 to 9
Light requirement: Partial sun to shade
Water requirement: Medium to wet moisture
Size: 9 to 12 inches tall and 1 foot to 2 feet wide

by Andrew Keys »

Brunnera

The silvery-white foliage of Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’ (shown) and ‘Looking Glass’ are luminous under a moonlit sky. As a perennial Brunnera can be planted in the garden as summer wanes. In the early spring you can enjoy the pale blue forget-me-not flowers during the daylight.

Common name: Siberian bugloss
USDA zones: 3 to 7
Light requirement: Partial shade
Water requirement: Medium moisture
Size: 9 to 18 inches tall and 6 to 18 inches wide

by Kim Gamel »

Plectranthus forsteri

The spreading habit of Plectranthus forsteri is perfect for spilling over the edge of containers. The white edges of this variegated plant light up at night.

Common name: Swedish ivy
USDA zones: 10 to 11
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Water requirement: Dry to medium moisture
Size: 9 to 12 inches tall and 1 foot to 3 feet wide

20 Fab Outdoor Finds, Almost All Under $100

Beebe Cline — Tue, 14 May 2013 18:15:00 -0700

Grab your flip-flops, because it's time to update those outdoor spaces that are faded and worn from the harsh winter elements. The most cost-effective way to do this is by adding a few new outdoor furnishings and accessories to your existing patio or deck furniture. By adding pieces with vibrant colors, modern clean lines and earthy textures, your screened porch, deck or patio will look fresh, updated and ready for warm-weather entertaining with family and friends. Check out my affordable picks for updating any outdoor space, and they're (almost) all for less than $100! — Jane from Finding Fabulous

by World Market »

Spicy Orange Classic Adirondack Chair - $99.99 »

Adirondack chairs are classic. I love them in vibrant colors, and World Market carries several color choices including red, turquoise, apple green and more.

by Overstock »

Pillow Perfect Opal Outdoor Flamestitch Corded 18 1/2-Inch Throw Pillow - $52.79 »

Pillows are a great way to add color to any outdoor space or patio. I love these bold corals, blues and greens. And the ikat pattern is such a fun trend right now.

by Target »

Worchester Rectangular Bordered Patio Rug, Chestnut/Sand - $69.99 »

Add this great outdoor rug to your screened porch or patio. I love the chunky border and the fabulous price.

by Crate&Barrel »

Tidore Planters - $79.95 »

I love the clean lines of these brown Tidore planters. They're tall and thinner in scale, making them perfect for smaller decks and patios. They also look great in a grouping of two or three.

by Pottery Barn »

Branch Coral Embroidered Outdoor Pillow - $49.50 »

Go coastal and add a pop of color and texture to any outdoor seating area with this embroidered pillow from Pottery Barn.

by World Market »

White Lili Punched Drum Stool - $59.99 »

Every outdoor space needs a garden stool. They're not only pretty, but versatile too. They can be used as extra seating, and work as small side tables as well.

by Crate&Barrel »

Helix Lanterns - $34.95 »

I love the texture and functionality of these votive candle lanterns. They're perfect for adding a soft evening glow to any outdoor dinner party or get-together.

by Target »

Round Pulley Patio Umbrella, Orange, 9' - $74.99 »

Outdoor umbrellas are both beautiful and functional, and they will keep the sun off your face when dining outdoors. I love the tangerine hue here.

by Target »

Threshold Outdoor Seat Cushion Set, Neutral Chevron - $29.98 »

These chevron patterned seat cushions are a steal. Perfect for updating an existing deck or patio table, their neutral tone will match almost any decor.

by West Elm »

Ombré Colored Glassware - $32.00 »

These are so fun! I love the beachy blue hues in this collection.

by World Market »

Green Paisley Antigua Plates - $8.98 »

These melamine plates are great for outdoor cookouts and dinner parties. The vibrant colors and paisley pattern will add the perfect splash of color to any table setting.

by West Elm »

Large Rectangle Lacquer Trays - $59.00 »

These large lacquer trays are great for spring and summer entertaining. Clean modern lines and cool color hues make them functional and fabulous.

by Pier 1 Imports »

Woven Water Hyacinth Round Metallic Placemat - $7.95 »

I love the natural grass texture of this placemat. It's also coated with a silver metallic finish, so it'll add a little shimmer and shine to your next outdoor dinner party!

by Overstock »

Majestic Home Goods Bamboo Large Ottoman - $102.99 »

This outdoor ottoman is so fun. It would be great for extra seating or as a footstool. Add a few for the kids on a patio or deck, and they can lounge in style.

by Pier 1 Imports »

Casbah Chair, Ocean - $119.95 »

Need an extra seating area on your deck or patio? A few of these will do the trick. I love their smaller scale and clean lines, and that teal color is just beautiful.

by IKEA »

Garpen Bar Table - $99.00 »

Check out the Garpen bar table from Ikea. It is a great spot for cocktails and appetizers when entertaining guests. And I love that it's made of black rust-proof aluminum.

by Pier 1 Imports »

Cabana Stripe Lumbar Pillow, Citrus - $20.00 »

Every seating area needs a few lumbar pillows for comfort and back support. I love this fresh green color, and cabana stripes are so fun.

by World Market »

Blown Glass Hurricane Candleholders »

Dine outdoors by candlelight with these hand-crafted blown-glass candleholders from World Market. I love them!

by West Elm »

Marbleized Planter, Ledge - $34.00 »

This planter from West Elm is a great pot for succulents or shade-loving plants. I love that it looks like concrete.

by Pottery Barn »

PB Found Glass Buoys - $59.00 »

I love that these buoys are made from hand-blown glass. They will make a great centerpiece for any outdoor dining table.

12660 14B AV, Surrey, BC

Beebe Cline — Tue, 14 May 2013 14:03:15 -0700

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 12660 14B AV, Surrey, BC

Ocean Park 13 acre waterfront park & 1001 steps with access to Crescent Beach steps from home. Ocean Park Community Hall, easy stroll to Starbucks, Safeway, Library & Pub. Community. Preserved coastal living at its best 5000 sq ft lot South West facing backyard, good view on a re-build. New 30 yr roof, 5 bedrooms/3 full bath, vaulted ceilings, 2 gas fireplace, 2274 sq. ft on 2 levels second kitchen in basement unauthorized suite. Double garage & long driveway.

Can-Do Design Ideas From 8 City Gardens

Beebe Cline — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:18:00 -0700

Urban gardens may have started as a way to link us to our rural roots, but we now can turn to the cities themselves for garden inspiration. Designers and gardeners are creating spaces that are doing more than just replacing asphalt with plants — they're bringing communities together, providing habitats for migrating birds, and housing vegetables on city skyscrapers. See how the eight urban gardens below are energizing efforts even beyond the city streets.

by Matthew Cunningham Landscape Design LLC »

1. Keep things simple. Landscape designer Matthew Cunningham designed this Boston courtyard using three hardscape materials and limited his planting to two main plants. Use its simplicity as inspiration for your garden, regardless of size. By maintaining a focused palette, the design is cohesive, and garden maintenance is much more streamlined.

See more of this Boston courtyard

by Future Green Studio »

2. Grow edibles by an outdoor table. This sunken dining area is a former rooftop pool. In addition to enjoying panoramic New York views, diners can savor meals made with the herbs and vegetables grown here. You can't get much more local than that.

See more of this urban pool farm

by John Hill »

3. Grow up. MFO Park, in Zurich, Switzerland, has paving, seating and plants layered all in the same footprint — space saving and efficient, not to mention elegant. Even when space isn't a constraint, you don't need to limit yourself to the ground plane; think up.

See more of this vertical park

by Lynn Gaffney Architect, PLLC »

4. Let the views inspire you. This modern trellis in New York's Chelsea neighborhood was inspired by the surrounding industrial water towers. Look around you for ideas from your own cityscape. You may see a detail to bring into your own garden, resulting in a more meaningful and lasting design.

See more of this rooftop

by Nicole Kistler Studio »

5. Join forces. Built and designed by local volunteers, Seattle's UpGarden transformed an unused parking structure into a thriving community garden. More important, it brought a neighborhood together through teamwork and cooperation.

See more of the UpGarden

by Natalie Myers »

6. Make the journey fun. When you're walking along New York City's High Line, it's easy to forget that this elevated park is also an urban thoroughfare. Native plantings and spaces to linger in make this more than a pedestrian path; it's a memorable journey.

See more of the High Line

7. Design for wildlife. Lisa Lee Benjamin has made it her mission to speak up and design for the bugs and birds. Through temporary garden installations and attractive urban habitats, Benjamin asks us to invite the animals back into our cities and gardens. Stack twigs, plant pollinator attractors and simply rethink who you're designing for.

Read more about Benjamin's Urban Hedgerow group

by The City Outside »

8. Know that beauty does not have to be expensive. It took little more than pea gravel, vertical pocket gardens, concrete planter bowls and a few concrete benches to convert this abandoned lot into an open, inviting area. Instead of quickly passing through, residents in Philadelphia's Point Breeze neighborhood now can linger among plantings and savor their coffee.

A Single-Wall Kitchen May Be the Single Best Choice

Beebe Cline — Sun, 12 May 2013 18:25:00 -0700

Kitchens tend to be laid out with their counters, cabinets, appliances and fixtures in a few shapes; the layouts are typically U shapes, L shapes and galleys. Less popular, but no less functional, are single-wall kitchens, where the three elements of the semisacred work triangle — refrigerator, sink, stove — are aligned on one wall.

The efficiency of single-wall kitchens happens through the spacing and location of these three elements, the sizing and articulation of the countertops, and the use (if any) of a nearby kitchen table or island. The following examples illustrate these efficiencies, but also how the single-wall kitchen relates to the rest of the house, particularly the adjacent dining and living spaces.

by Fotograf Lisbet Spörndly »

The idea to write about single-wall kitchens came to me when writing about the Dialogue House in Arizona. In that minimalist residence, the use of a single-wall kitchen followed from the location of storage and other other service areas at the perimeter, in order to free up the center for an expansive view of downtown Phoenix.

This kitchen in Sweden works according to a similar logic; it is pushed along one wall to keep the dining room open and not block the large windows. This kitchen is more generously sized than most we'll see, but it has an order that we'll see repeatedly: refrigerator on the far right or left, followed by the sink, then the stove. The simplicity and clean lines of the cabinets and wall tiles make the kitchen work really well covering one wall of the space.

by Dyna Contracting »

Often a single-wall kitchen is used for the efficiency of space within the whole house, rather than just for the efficiency of the kitchen. This houseboat is a good example of a home where the footprint of the kitchen needed to be minimized. Like the previous example, it is a handsome design that fits well on one side of the living space.

Also, this layout illustrates one change since the days of the middle of the 20th century, when the work triangle was being developed: The oven and stove are not a single appliance. Here a double oven sits next to the refrigerator at right, while the stove is located between the refrigerator and the sink on the far left.

by Space Kit »

Here is a very carefully designed single-wall kitchen, from the cabinets and integration of appliances to the framing of the work surfaces and open shelves. The kitchen is part of a gut renovation in Manhattan's West Village, a locale pressed for space.

by Jason Ball Interiors, LLC »

The intentional design of the kitchen in this Portland, Oregon, condo can be seen in the balance of the refrigerator on the right with the cabinets on the left, and the way the tile and shelves work with the hood over the stove. As this and all the previous examples show, it's important to have an appealing design when one wall of an open living space is defined by the whole kitchen.

These kitchens also illustrate another change from the middle of last century: The kitchen today is a social hub within the house, be it for daily activities or entertaining. Single-wall kitchens offer the openness that goes along with this socializing, yet without taking up as much room as island or galley kitchens.

by Sandrin Leung Design Build »

The space constraints in this Vancouver house's living/dining space are clear. The single-wall kitchen is an obvious choice, given the width of the room. As in the previous example, tall cabinets bookend the kitchen, with the refrigerator on the left, then the stove and then the sink. This kitchen flips the order of the stove and sink from earlier examples, but it's less important today that people's actions progress in the kitchen from the refrigerator (getting out the meat, dairy and vegetables) to the sink (cleaning them) and to the stove (cooking them); more important now is having a zone or area to work in. Single-wall kitchens may have less room for this than other shapes, so every bit of surface is important and should be used to its utmost capacity.

by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design »

This 540-square-foot house in Portland, Oregon, is served by a kitchen that fits into one end under the gable. A hutch takes over for the lack of upper cabinets, but the reclaimed wood is worth highlighting; its use on the range hood is particularly nice.

by mango design co »

Help can also come in the form of an island work surface, space permitting. This kitchen moves from the refrigerator (out of frame just to the right) to the sink in front of the window, and then to the stove on the left. The integrated design of the lower and upper windows, lower cabinets and upper shelves, and paint color is very appealing.

by Case Design/Remodeling, Inc. »

So when is it good to have a single-wall kitchen? This confined room is a great example of when it's ideal. A galley kitchen would make the floor space too small and eat into the window opening.

by Rad Design Inc »

Urban lofts are great places for single-wall kitchens. This petite kitchen is tucked partially under a stair, where some secondary storage comes in handy.

by LUX Design Inc. »

Here is another loft space, one with room for a fixed eating island. This island surface provides an extra work area, even as the three main elements are located along one wall.

by mango design co »

City condos are also good places for single-wall kitchens, since many new high-rises have large expanses of glass. If a kitchen is close to the exterior, rather than set back toward the hallway and core of the building, this layout allows for more light coming into the apartment.

by Design Matters »

This last example is another condo apartment with a small kitchen along one wall. I like how even in this confined space, the upper cabinets give the kitchen a rhythm that works with the sink and stove.

A Guy Likes a Nice Closet, Too

Beebe Cline — Sat, 11 May 2013 18:33:00 -0700

Take almost any closet space shared between a man and woman. The man’s portion will likely take up one-third of the space, while the woman’s dominates the rest. Sure, we guys understand: You have more stuff than we do (despite hating 95 percent of it and only wanting to wear pajamas).

But a guy still needs his own well-designed and organized space, too. Our fashion collection may not be as massive as most women's, but it encompasses almost as many categories: jewelry (ties, cuff links, rings); accessories (belts, pocket squares, watches); bags (briefcase, knapsack); and, yes, shoes (work, play, exercise, summer, winter). And since you've made it clear that the bathroom floor, hallway floor, bedroom floor, desk chair and kitchen counter aren't appropriate storage options, it all needs to go somewhere.

The best part of our conversion from wardrobe piles to organization is that many dudes are realizing that their closet is the one area where they can excercise a little personal style. Our ladies might not want dark, sophisticated wood and a shoe-shining station in the living room for all the guests to see, but we can still have a small bit of freedom in the closet.

by Branca, Inc. »

Custom closets range from a couple thousand dollars for a small corner space all the way up to an enormous walk-in for $200,000. But for some the splurge is worth it. That's because getting ready in the morning is a ritual. Whether you're heading to a job interview or an important meeting, or you just want to feel confident and energized throughout the day, taking time to pick out the right outfit and wear it well is important.

Having a space that keeps things organized makes this process easier. Here a pullout shelf and brass wall hook let the homeowner display and select his outfit carefully, while rich, sophisticated wood, a Persian-style rug and a tufted foot stool help set the tone for the day.

by Atlanta Closet & Storage Solutions »

A closet doesn't have to be over the top to make a big impact. David Buchsbaum at Atlanta Closet and Storage Solutions created this smart custom-made unit to perfectly fit a corner space.

Since guys don't typically have long articles of clothing, stacked double hangers for shirts and pants help maximize space and keep things organized. An oversize bottom drawer here is a pullout hamper.

Cost: About $1,200 to $1,500, including installation

by Jessica Boudreaux, Boudreaux Design Studio »

"Believe it or not, guys do have a lot of shoes," says Jessica Boudreaux, who designed this custom-made system for a minimalist homeowner's narrow closet in Miami. Open shelves hold multiple pairs of shoes, while pullout drawers have holders for multiple pairs of sunglasses, a must in Florida.

Boudreaux believes the closet is one space where guys can get creative with style. "You might love the color green but don't want to do that color in your living room, where you entertain frequently," she says. "But a closet can be a fun place to play up your personality."

Cost: Around $6,000

by Tim Barber LTD Architecture & Interior Design »

Floor-to-ceiling storage units can turn tight and narrow spaces into perfectly organized solutions, while masculine materials and colors create a personal, inviting space where guys can start and end their day.

by Poliform USA »

This freestanding unit with vertical panels by Senzafine is one of the most popular designs at Poliform, a company that makes custom closet spaces. Elena Sladkopevceva, a marketing associate at Poliform, says dark colors tend to work better for men's closets. "They look more organized, and the richness shows off the materials more," she says.

These units have inside lighting, are easy to install and come with custom additions like glass doors, pullout hangers, drawers with organized dividers for cuff links and ties, and even room for a briefcase.

by Poliform USA »

Poliform's Ubik unit is also popular. It attaches to a wall — unlike a modular unit — and comes without doors for easy accessibility. The shelves are melamine board, while the drawers come in eight different types of wood and lacquers in more than 30 colors and textures, including leather.

by Poliform USA »

by California Closets Twin Cities »

"Men really do have a preference for dark colors," says Ginny Snook Scott, chief design officer at California Closets. Scott has been making custom closets for more than 25 years; she has found that guys lean toward contemporary aesthetics for a more streamlined and clean look without fussy detail or decor, unlike women, she says.

"Women like more cubbies and containers," she says. "Men want more open shelves and baskets they can see into."

by ClosetMaid »

Smart and stylish closet concepts aren't just for walk-ins. Custom modular units can turn a tight area into a dramatic space.

by Cabinet Innovations »

Having a spot for every item is key to creating a well-organized closet. Suit pants, for instance, are always the bane of a guy's existence. Fold and hang them wrong, and you'll get awkward, messy creases up and down the pant legs. Hang them properly, and they'll stay neatly pressed.

This hideaway pullout for suit pants keeps each pair just far enough apart for them to stay immaculately folded.

by Richard Ross Designs »

Sure, hanging all your knotted ties on one hanger and shoving it in your closet worked when you were in college and owned department store ties. But expensive silk and wool ties can't take that sort of abuse.

Custom drawers, shown here and below, help keep them wrinkle free and easy to access.

by Twin Cities Closet Co. »

by Cabinet Innovations »

This vertical drawer creates an organized mini wall for ties and other accessories.

by Cabinet Innovations »

In the same space, acrylic dividers keep undershirts and socks color coordinated and organized.

by Cabinet Innovations »

Meanwhile, a smart wooden plank folds out to create a shoe-shine station.

by Cabinet Innovations »

And drop-down hangers make suit jackets easy to rifle through and store for a clean look.

by The Closet Lady/Manhattan Murphy Bed Inc. »

Even a few simple solutions for hanging pants, shirts and ties can turn an average closet into a stylish space.

by Hall Developments »

by Richard Ross Designs »

If your wardrobe doesn't consist of dozens of suits, smart storage can still jazz up your closet.

by transFORM | The Art of Custom Storage »

Small closets receive the most benefit from high-minded design. Here a cool sliding door helps conceal a perfectly organized space.

by Jill Greaves Design »

by Miller & Wright Architects »

With graphic carpet, rich wood, marble floors, cool lighting and black and white photos, this closet and the one above rival any

17345 31ST Ave, Surrey, British Columbia

Beebe Cline — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:28:58 -0700

I just finished uploading this House with Acreage for sale, 17345 31ST Ave, Surrey, British Columbia

Palatial South Surrey Property with North Shore mountain views in a serene parklike setting. Perfect arrangement for extended family or adult children @ home. Extensively rebuilt in 2011, 2 kitchens, 7 bedrooms - 3 are all ensuited total of 6 full baths. Walkout basement, indoor pool with HVAC system. Home has central A/C. Outdoors over 2000 sqft in decks and patios. Detached garage workshop 810 sqft. Property is 2.159 acres. Private fenced and gated. Over 1/2 acre is organic blueberries - farm status possible. Radiant Hot Water Heating Central Air Conditioning New Rock Siding New 1,500 sq ft deck and railing New filter heating system in pool Air vacuum system in pool with fresh air return Fresh drywall in garage and epoxy floor Lots of upgrades!

See the Daring Designs at the 2013 Kip's Bay Decorator Show House

Beebe Cline — Wed, 08 May 2013 18:37:00 -0700

A 7,000-square-foot luxury townhouse overlooking Manhattan's Central Park serves as the latest canvas for the 41st annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House, which opened May 7 and runs through June 4.

The lofty spaces and beautiful terraces offer plenty of opportunities for individual designers to showcase new ideas for adventurous homeowners. Think of this as a fashion runway show for the home, with each designer using an assigned space to express his or her style. And it's all for a good cause: The proceeds support the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club.

Step inside some of the most distinct spaces from this year's event.

2013 Kips Bay Decorator Show House
Location: 161 E. 64th St. (between Lexington and Third avenues), New York City
Open: May 7 to June 4, 2013; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday until 8 p.m.
Cost: $35 general admission. More info

by Rikki Snyder »

Modern Family Lounge
Design team: Eve Robinson Associates (this photo and previous)

This space is meant to embody that all-in-one room where modern families gather and relax, watch television, play games and sit fireside. It has a soothing combination of grays and lavenders, first set with a luxurious geometric hide rug from Kyle Bunting and continuing to a defined ceiling. Venetian stucco was added to the walls for texture, and a walnut cabinet with stainless steel detailing and lacquer accents anchors the TV wall.

Sofa: Jens Risom; photograph: Olivo Barbieri

by Rikki Snyder »

Living Room
Design team: Jack Levy Design (this photo and next)

Using the idea of living in a fishbowl, Jack Levy wrapped this space with what he describes as a "sexy, crazy and lovely" new wallpaper from Fornasetti. Ovals are a recurring theme seen in all the details of this space, including Herve Van Der Straeten candle sconces from Maison Gerard and a reclaimed painting from one of Levy's former projects above a borrowed Belgian black marble fireplace from Chesney's.

French 1940s dressers: wood, Bermingham & Co. Antiques

by Rikki Snyder »

Levy was drawn to use this needlepoint chair because it looks and acts like a traditional throw pillow. A number of tall sea-inspired plants tie in with the oval theme, including this Myrtle topiary in a black marble urn and a ladyslipper orchid, which are used to help add height to the room. Iridescent blue-green draperies play off the fluid quality of water.

Tiered table: Fornasetti, Eric Appel; draperies: The Ruffled Window

by Rikki Snyder »

Bedroom
Design team: Kathryn M. Ireland Textiles & Design

Ireland is best known for her layering of patterns; here an elegant floral wraps a canopy bed against a mix of red and blue bedding. Each fabric used in this room is named after different places or homes in England.

by Rikki Snyder »

Lounge Suite
Design team: Garcia/Maldonado (this photo and next two)

Originally a rather dark and uninviting room with heavy wood paneling, this space is now a soothing urban sanctuary using primarily platinum and orange tones. By adding full-height library-style custom book shelves, a built-in bar and sumptuous leather Edelman Leather upholstered wall panels, the design team achieved, in designer Louis Garcia's words, "a place where you can submerge yourself into a world of literature, art and tasteful pleasure so desperately needed in today’s fast-paced environment."

Wing chair: Adrian Pearsall; art: "Kate Moss #3," Russell Young, Taglialatella Galleries

by Rikki Snyder »

Daybed: custom, New Wave Custom Woodworking; daybed fabric, pillow fabrics and cashmere throw: Romo Group

by Rikki Snyder »

Dining Room
Design team: Kristen McGinnis Design (this photo and previous)

This intriguing light fixture by Elliott Hundley, a dear friend of McGinnis' since sixth grade, served as the inspiration for this dramatic room that mixes both antique and modern design. The glossy walls show off some of the space's original details while complementing the Maya Romanoff gold leaf ceiling and serving as a backdrop for the room's other captivating piece — a sculptural console by French designer Vincent Dubourg.

Dining table, chairs: Joaquim Tenreiro

by Rikki Snyder »

English Drawing Room
Design team: Gomez Associates (this photo and next)

Mother-daughter design team Mariette Gomez and Brooke Gomez went back to the basics with their elegant interpretation of a traditional English drawing room. Challenged with high ceilings, they used elegant dentil crown molding, an original Carrara mantel and a wrought iron and brass railing to create an inviting space. The main inspiration comes from a London flat, with a delicious vanilla palette and accents meant to look like they've been collected over time.

Rug: Loto Chinese; tilt-top table: George Bullock Regency; floor lamps: Adnet

by Rikki Snyder »

These adorable dog sculptures, named Henry and Harriet, invite you to admire two framed watercolor paintings by Joseph Raffael.

by Rikki Snyder »

Sitting Room: "Bamboo Story"
Design team: Sara Story Design (this photo and next)

The theme of this graphic space is optical effects. A custom fractal sofa covered in lilac lambswool by Furniture Masters and a binary pair of black and white coffee tables add to the visual tension, grounded by a checkerboard floor. The walls are covered in a black and white version of the designer's own bamboo patterned wallpaper.

Upholstery, window treatment fabric: Elizabeth Dow; carpet: Flor; Venetian plaster: Fortuna Painting; sconces: Gio Ponti, Bern Goeckler; black candles: Celine Cannon; drawings: Otto Zitko, on loan from Cheim & Read

by Rikki Snyder »

The visual illusions continue in the bathroom, which features a custom vanity using a spectrum of the same lilac seen in the sitting room, to break up the visually arresting black and white tile.

Construction: AR Woodworking, Robert Bump Construction and RG Tile; plumbing: Lefroy Brooks

by Rikki Snyder »

Wine Lounge Observatory
Design team: Dineen Architecture + Design PC (this photo and next)

This quirky little nook-turned-wine-lounge is adjacent to the dining room. After paneling the walls in a dark-stained walnut and installing steel wine racks, the designers created a leather-clad floating bar inspired by a 1950s Italian asymmetrical cantilevered bar. Completing the custom bar are one-of-a-kind pulls by Pamela Sunday. To further encourage a good time, hanging above is a Margeaux Walter photo of a mosh pit next to a 19th-century silver pug box and a Thomas Boog shell mask.

by Rikki Snyder »

The windowed bay became a natural sitting nook for the wine lounge, with its huge windows overlooking the garden and atrium. On one wall is a custom-painted celestial chart inspired by the room's awkward proportions and Joseph Cornell's boxes. A regency wine cooler and other older accessories from Kentshire fill out the space.

Mirror: Carlton Hobbs; sheer curtains: Donghia

by Rikki Snyder »

Entry Hall, Living Room, Powder Room
Design team: Andrew Suvalsky Designs (this photo and next three)

These three rooms designed by Andrew Suvalsky are meant to be a "playful dance between strong architectural lines enhanced by vibrant colors," he says. A sheer drape adorned with multicolored peonies is meant to emphatically announce that spring is here, while a Kyle Bunting runner gives an accurate preview of what's to come in the color-intense living room and powder room.

Painting: Clara Fialho

by Rikki Snyder »

Meant to evoke a playful sense of spring at nighttime, the living room has sheer blue drapes that serve as a backdrop for jewel-toned furnishings.

Painting: Rainer Gross

by Rikki Snyder »

Punchy art by Adrien Broom surrounds a glossy cabinet finished in the same lacquer as in the powder room (next).

by Rikki Snyder »

The lacquered, striped walls in the powder room are meant to feel like the satin lining of a jewel box.

by Rikki Snyder »

Atrium
Design team: Huniford Design Studio
(this photo and next two)

When conceptualizing the design of the atrium, Huniford wanted to take advantage of the multiple perspectives of the space and its proximity to the garden. The custom window film was inspired by Eileen Gray’s use of pattern and allows light to filter into the room while adding texture and depth. With sculptural furniture, an eccentric color palette and modern art, the atrium gives a nod to an artist’s studio.

8 Homes With Exterior Paint Colors Done Right

Beebe Cline — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:40:00 -0700

There is nothing scarier for some people than choosing paint colors for the exterior of their house. What goes together? What colors work with the style of the home? What will the neighbors think? These are all concerns I've heard over the years.

I like to give people two tips on choosing exterior color. First and most important, pay attention to the color of your roof. Make sure the colors you are considering either complement or blend with the roof. Second, consider the architecture and landscaping as a starting point.

Here are some great examples of paint colors that got both considerations right.

Related: 12 tried and true interior paint colors

by Grossmueller's Design Consultants »

This very traditional home with a combination of horizontal siding and shingles is painted in Tomatillo AC115N by Duron. This earthy red is also a great choice for barn-inspired architecture.

by Sicora, Inc. »

Here is a basic cottage-style home with a combination of shingles and vertical siding. The main field color is Copley Gray HC-104 by Benjamin Moore. The trim is Elephant Tusk OC-8, also by Benjamin Moore. Note the garage door is also painted the main field color.

by Kara Weik »

This traditional painted brick home looks regal in Ballet White OC-9 by Benjamin Moore. The shutter color, which blends beautifully with the landscape and roof, is Attitude Gray SW7060 by Sherwin-Williams. Notice the chimney is painted the main field color.

by Arthur Rutenberg Homes »

Mediterranean architecture looks great in warm colors that lean toward neutral. I like sandy golds and terra-cotta colors for this style home. Here the paint is Colonial Revival Stone SW 2827 by Sherwin-Williams.

by Colorful Concepts Interior Design »

This traditional home, which features stone and siding accents, is painted in Status Bronze 7034, with Relaxed Khaki 6149 for the trim and Caviar 6990 for the shutters, all from Sherwin-Williams. I like to see neutrals with stone accents and lush landscaping.

by Stephanie Wiley Photography »

If you're looking to take your house exterior fun and edgy, try a dark main color with a fun burst of color on the front door. Here is Kendall Charcoal HC-166 for the main field color and Cool Aqua 2056-40 on the front door, both by Benjamin Moore. Dark colors look great with chartreuse and emerald landscape colors.

by JacksonBuilt Custom Homes »

If you're looking for a beachy palette for your Cape Cod or tropical-style home, try soft blues. Here is Rainwashed SW 6211 by Sherwin-Williams.

12 Home Stages That Put on a Great Show

Beebe Cline — Mon, 06 May 2013 20:56:00 -0700

In our technology-saturated world, we often turn to the TV, the computer or the video game console as soon as boredom strikes. Although all those screens have their conveniences, being your own source of entertainment can help spark creativity and up that all-too-rare family time. If you're a fan of family jam sessions, karaoke parties or self-produced plays, it might be time to create a home stage.

To get those creative juices flowing, you don't need an expansive space — all you need is a small corner in a playroom or basement and the outgoing personality of a performer. These colorful, fun stages will help bring out the kid in you, and who knows? It just might prepare your kids for future stardom.

by Liz Carroll Interiors »

This pretty-in-pink karaoke corner is a child's dream. The dress-up station lets her try on different personas while belting it out on a bright pink mic.

by Studio B Designs »

Make sure those guitar or drum lessons are paying off by letting your kids strut their stuff. This music room–playroom combo leaves plenty of space for adoring fans and works for homework time, too.

by Media Rooms Inc »

If you can go all out, turn your basement into a movie and music haven by creating a theater with a stage. The projector screen here moves up when not in use, leaving plenty of space for a concert or play, and the oversize sectional ensures the audience is comfy.

by Aurelio Vazquez »

This studio with stage would bring out the artist in just about anyone. The platform lets kids model those dress-up clothes or strive for singing perfection.

by Raino Ogden Architects »

Turn a bay window into a stage. Here the magnetic and chalkboard walls let kids personalize performances with drawings or concert signs.

by North Star Stone »

This corner stage is a perfect place for rocking out.

by Lucas Kay Interiors Photography »

A young dancer's dream, this playroom stage has plenty of room for kids to move around — and a big mirror so they can check their form. With so many pretty dresses nearby, little girls will love playing princess.

by Laura Manning Bendik »

Go Hollywood with a slick black stage and a big band mural. It will put you in the mood to croon the night away.

by Interior Works Inc »

With its crowd wall decal and microphone, this stage is the perfect karaoke spot. The track lighting and elevated platform ensure the spotlight stays on the performer. Now all that's needed is a real audience.

by Judith Balis »

Complete with beanbags and red striped curtains, this fun little stage has plenty of room for kid-friendly entertaining. The nearby toy storage can also be used for play props and dress-up clothes.

by Sullivan, Goulette & Wilson Ltd. Architects »

Though not raised, this wood-laden space is perfect for putting on a show. The wide-open area has plenty of room for dancing and performing, while the built-in cabinets can store instruments and other equipment.

by Oakwood Homes »

For those who don't appreciate a plain stage, this city-themed space fits the bill. The painted wall skyscape adds a unique dimension, while a small seating area lets admirers sit and enjoy the show — or watch TV if they (can't happen!) lose interest.

7 Stunning Glass Walkways in Modern Homes

Beebe Cline — Sun, 05 May 2013 20:55:00 -0700

One of my predictions for 2013 was "breaking up the house," by which smaller detached volumes are able to respond to unique site conditions, such as existing trees, slopes and water's edges. Smaller buildings also mean that certain functions can stand alone for reasons relating to needs (an apartment for a grandparent, for example) and energy (heating and cooling systems can be lowered in a living area at night, while during the day the bedrooms can do the same).

That idea received much resistance from readers, particularly the notion of trekking outside to go from the living room to the bedroom. (I like the idea of being connected to the outdoors in this way, but I understand that it's not appropriate for all people in all climates.) One means of building smaller footprints but having a conditioned path from one to the other is via an enclosed walkway.

This ideabook looks at a variety of such walkways, many of them with glass walls, which reinforce the distinction of the buildings they connect while maintaining views through the site.

by Remick Associates Architects + Master Builders »

The Napa Vineyard House is a vacation house for a group of friends. With this situation it was necessary to create private suites in addition to the communal spaces. A glass-enclosed walkway connects these two parts of the project.

by Remick Associates Architects + Master Builders »

Nic Ehr, principal at Remick Associates Architecture, says, "We wanted to have a courtyard, but the planning commission wanted everything under one roof. The glass passageway allows us to be enclosed yet open to the view."

by Remick Associates Architects + Master Builders »

This openness is further conveyed in the way the walkway follows the topography of the site. The steps actually align with the terraced landscape, a considerate means of tying the two together.

by Alterstudio »

Alterstudio's design for a house near Austin, Texas, has a courtyard created from the houses' being split into two parallel bars. From the entry and garage, the living area is the volume to the right of the glass walkway, and the bedrooms are beyond the volume on the left. The walkway then acts as the entry, while also defining one side of the courtyard.

by Alterstudio »

Reflecting pools on both sides of the walkway help to create a sense of calm for someone traversing from one side of the house to the other. They also reflect sunlight into the space, creating a dappled effect.

by WA design »

In certain conditions glass walkways can disappear, as in this courtyard house in Berkeley, California, designed by WA Design. Full-height panes with silicone joints are one means of ensuring continuity of views in exterior spaces.

The decision to do something like this should be tempered by considerations for wildlife, particularly birds. (I'm speaking generally, not about this house, for which it may not be a problem.) To discourage birds from hitting glass, certain films — or something as simple as cutouts of birds — can be applied to the glass.

by WA design »

The glass walls are about as simple as can be, set into the floor and ceiling and framed with silicone. An external column gives some additional support.

by Poss Architecture + Planning + Interior Design »

Views through a walkway can be amplified through the use of sliding doors, as in this mountain residence. The view from the walkway is phenomenal, so it's easy to see why patios are located on either side of the walkway.

by Poss Architecture + Planning + Interior Design »

When closed the walkway connects two sides of the house, but it does so in dramatic fashion. The cove lighting and subtle barrel-vaulted wood ceiling are nice touches.

by James D. LaRue Architects »

Here is a walkway that does triple duty: It acts as a front door and a walkway connecting two sides of the house, and ...

by James D. LaRue Architects »

... it provides access to a patio overlooking a pool on the other side of the house.

by McKinney York Architects »

A walkway need not be only one story. This glass-enclosed walkway is two stories.

by McKinney York Architects »

As in the previous home, doors on both sides of the glass walls provide access to the outdoors. Overhead the walkway is a bridge, set back from the glass walls.

Note the roller shades on the right side, what I'm guessing is the southern exposure. A glass walkway, particularly a two-story one, can act like a greenhouse, so cutting down on direct sunlight is a good idea.

by Travis Price Architects Inc. »

The last example is a glass-enclosed bridge that happens to also feature a glass floor. The gap between the two buildings is small, which reduces the size of the structure required to bridge one side and the other.

by Travis Price Architects Inc. »

The bridge is actually two stories, meaning there is a glass roof and two glass floors. In the short walk from one building to the other, the sky, trees, rain and ground are grasped through the glass panes.

Why Authenticity in Architecture Matters

Beebe Cline — Sat, 04 May 2013 20:51:00 -0700

I was 22 years old, full of myself and sitting at a conference desk across from Charles Foreman Johnson, who had recently been named as one of the 100 best design professionals in the world by Architectural Digest. Between us, sitting proudly on the table, was a model. I was explaining to Mr. Johnson why this model that I had recently completed in school was the greatest work of architecture of the last 50 years.

Mr. Johnson listened quietly while he spun the model, looking from above and ducking to an eye-level view. My verbal dissertation finally ended, but Mr. Johnson kept quiet. Surely, I thought, he was simply considering the magnificence that sat upon his conference table. After a few moments, he leaned back in his chair and scratched his chin. Then, after what seemed like forever, he spoke: "What you have here, Eric, are three very good ideas. Unfortunately, you've stuck them all together into one design. The home lacks integrity; it lacks authenticity."

He then motioned for me to cup my hands together and look through them the way a child would pretend to look through a telescope. I looked at the front of my home, then the left side, then the right. Though I certainly didn't want to admit it, I immediately understood what he meant. My great piece of architecture suffered from multiple personalities — there was no single idea that tied it together, and it did indeed lack authenticity.

Why does authenticity make for wonderful architecture? Let's look at six examples of authentic interiors and exteriors, and why they work.

by CHRISTIAN DEAN ARCHITECTURE, LLC »

1. Sweeney Lake House, Minneapolis

The facade of this home is striking and clean. Two materials, two windows with parallel geometry and an opening that is obviously the entrance. What would you imagine the interior to be, based on this facade? The answer largely determines the home's authenticity.

by CHRISTIAN DEAN ARCHITECTURE, LLC »

Well, here is the master bath of the same home in the previous photo. Striking, clean lines. I love the simple use of two materials for the floor and one large window with a view of the lake beyond. The architecture of this bathroom perfectly marries with the exterior. This home has authenticity.

More photos from this project

by Caputo Construction »

2. Montecito Residence, California

The approach to this home is promising: interesting materials, interesting procession and small glimpses of the architecture. What would you expect the interior to be, based upon this image?

by Caputo Construction »

The interior doesn't disappoint: exposed steel, open spaces, metal decking and an architectural dialogue that fulfills the promise of the home's approach.

Too often we will see a movie that does not fulfill the promise of the movie's poster or trailer (I may be just a bit bitter about the last movie I saw). That can be a very disappointing experience. Authenticity in architecture keeps and fulfills the home's promises.

More photos from this project

by Gordon Rogers INC/AIA »

3. Nevada Home

Here is an image of a dining room of beautiful lyricism with a rhythmic, exposed structure, a clean space and consistency in material choices, all creating spatial integrity. The furniture was designed and constructed specifically for this space.

by Gordon Rogers INC/AIA »

And here is the front door to the same home. The design in the door begins the rhythm of the space beyond.

"This above all:
To thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man."
— William Shakespeare, Hamlet

Architecture should share the same qualities of authenticity that we value in people.

More photos from this project

4. Children's Room, Turkey

This image is a wonderfully playful kids' bedroom. The Lego idea is carried through consistently with creativity and imagination. Truth be told, I love Legos and still play with them ... with my kids, of course.

The color brings the space to life. Not overdone or underdone, this singular space has integrity.

More photos from this project

by De Meza + Architecture »

5. San Francisco Bathroom

This image reminds me of an Eric Carle illustration. The room has a wonderful use of color and texture in the floor and in the drawers. It's a whimsical space that isn't trying to be overly serious.

More photos from this project

by Shouldice Media »

6. Timber-Frame Home, Canada

Last, for those who might bewail my almost exclusive use of modern architecture, is this beautiful home. Too often homes of a more traditional style are merely a facade, with the interior ordinary at best, and the promises of the exterior are unkept.

Thankfully, that is not the case for this house. This is the interior of the room seen in the tall roof portion of the previous image. It's a genuine architectural experience that's authentic to the style, right down to the thick, rough beams, tall space (just as we would expect from the exterior) and detailed connections.

Architecture must be authentic, just like a person — authentic to its culture and its historical context, with the thread of a common idea carried consistently throughout.

We've all been lied to in art — whether it be a movie, a book or an exhibition. Little is worse, in the context of architecture, than entering a home that promises much and delivers little. A home should deliver well beyond its promises with whimsy and surprise, just like a great movie. Architecture must be authentic to be successful.

14220 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC

Beebe Cline — Fri, 03 May 2013 12:41:46 -0700

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 14220 Marine Drive, White Rock, BC

This is a WOW home. Yes You have arrived, *You are Living the Dream* Enter Soaring ceilings, Bacci Lighting, invites you forward into an expansive Open Floor plan w/27 feet of commercial glazing Nano Walls private unobstructed shores of the Pacific Ocean, Islands, & Mountains. 1600 sq ft of wide generous covered, heated decks on 2 levels, plus terraced sundeck Ocean Front. Your Entry Level from Marine Dr. Has DBL garage + open parking, leading straight into the Kitchen. All Carrera Marble, Top Flite appliances, entertainers dream. Master Suite & 5pce Spa en-suite & dressing rm on Main. Below 2 bedrooms, Games rm, Wine, Media, Laundry and Storage. 3940 sq ft of living space on 2 levels, 2000+ sq ft of decks. Please preview floor plan.

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1394 BEST ST, White Rock, BC

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