Realtor Blog, White Rock Real Estate Blog

13230 Amble Greene Court, Surrey, BC

Beebe Cline — Thu, 17 May 2012 16:33:31 -0700

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 13230 Amble Greene Court, Surrey, BC

Amble Greene Estates. Corner property featuring a new roof. Home has vaulted ceilings, skylights, master bedroom ensuited on main. Lovely, private, fenced yard with mature hedges. Upstairs large loft area and two bedrooms. Schools Ray Shepard Elementary and Elgin Secondary. Ocean Park shops and services easy walk away. Double garage with deep driveway. Ample parking.

2163 179th Street, White Rock, BC

Beebe Cline — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:05:21 -0700

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 2163 179th Street, White Rock, BC

Redwood Park Capecod on exquisitely manicured one acre lot backing onto greenbelt gardens. Southwest facing. Mature hedges offer total privacy in the home and fenced gardens. Extensive renovation from European craftsmanship top to bottom. No expense spared on renovation, done with exceptional quality and taste. Qualified buyers only please. PDF download available all rooms including extensive deal. Floor plan, over 60 pictures, day and night virtual tour available capturing world class gardens and home interior. Please preview.

2184 179th Street, White Rock, BC

Beebe Cline — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:55:41 -0700

I just finished uploading this House for sale, 2184 179th Street, White Rock, BC

Lighten Up With Glass Floors

Beebe Cline — Sun, 13 May 2012 20:52:20 -0700

In a previous article I focused on indoor bridges, many of which happened to use glass floors. Be they clear or translucent, glass floors enable light to pass from one floor to the one below, while also providing a visual connection between spaces. This article looks more generally at glass floors, in bridges and in other areas. Whatever the reasons for incorporating a feature such as this, the effect is always dramatic.

by Ike Kligerman Barkley

As soon as glass is chosen as a flooring material, the first question is, "What kind of glass?" Clear glass gives views that might not be desired, so translucent glass is often favored. This bridge illustrates what can follow from using translucent glass: lighting that illuminates the floor and creates even more drama.

by John Maniscalco Architecture

This house in San Francisco by John Maniscalco uses glass walkways adjacent to the stairs. With the skylight located above the walkways, the light brought to the lower levels is maximized.

by John Maniscalco Architecture

This photo was taken one level below the previous photo, making it apparent that the glass walkways are stacked. Note that the lower level's glass floor is wider, and its effects are visible in the next photo.

by John Maniscalco Architecture

On the lowest floor, the glass floor helps bring plenty of light to the space. It presents a soft glow that echoes the plane of the white drywall ceiling around it.

by John Maniscalco Architecture

Maniscalco used a glass bridge in another project, this one also located below a skylight. Note the green color of the glass, indicating the iron content naturally in the material. This is often undesirable in such an application, but low-iron glass, as the white-gray glass is called, comes with a cost premium.

by Shannon Malone

Here is one more Maniscalco project that also places a glass floor under a skylight. It just makes sense to tie the two together vertically, so they work in concert.

by Jerry Jacobs Design, Inc.

Glass floors need not be limited to walkways or bridges. This square patch of glass floor helps bring light to the library below.

by Jerry Jacobs Design, Inc.

This view shows how the cross-shaped structural members supporting the glass give the ceiling a strong character ... and an added sense of security.

by Exedra Architects

Here is a library that doubles as a stairway. The tall bookshelves run across multiple floors off the stair landing. The glass floor gives this wall of books some cohesion.

by Exedra Architects

This view shows the narrow piece of glass off the wood landing.

by Exedra Architects

And a last view positions the viewer on the glass floor, illustrating how it relates to the window next to it. The glass floor also provides visibility of the green roof, a nice touch.

by MusaDesign Interior Design

In this multistory high-rise loft, a glass floor is used to bring additional light to the space below it. Sitting on a chair on a glass floor must take some getting used to!

by MusaDesign Interior Design

This view from below shows some of the light coming from above, but also how objects touching the glass are in focus but those farther away are blurry.

by Beckwith Interiors

This is probably the craziest application of a glass floor I found on Houzz, reminiscent of Philippe Starck's bar at the Hudson Hotel in New York. In both cases, a glass floor is combined with a whimsical design and some neoclassical elements. This house is interesting because of the space it overlooks.

by Beckwith Interiors

It's a wine cellar, a cathedral-like space in acrylic that glows blue. I could see the homeowner realizing after this was installed, "I need a glass floor to show off this space!"

Small-Business Savvy: Personalize Your Packaging

Beebe Cline — Sun, 13 May 2012 20:28:08 -0700

When people buy from independent creative businesses, they're often looking for better, more personalized service — a small business can have more flexibility than a large corporation and can sometimes better meet the needs of the consumer. When someone receives a custom-tailored product that's also creatively packaged, it shows that the sender really thought about and cared about him or her.

Small businesses can really shine in the details, including things like packaging, which might be overlooked by larger counterparts. There are a lot of economical options, but are those the right move? Small businesses can stand out when they present and package their products in special ways. A few simple materials and techniques will surprise customers and have them wanting more. Here are some ideas.

by Lauren Donaldson

The best packaging is simple but never standard. Present your product in the best possible light. Put some time and thought into your packaging and your customers will respond.

by Lauren Donaldson

Material: Kraft paper

Kraft paper may seem like a simple and mundane solution at first, but I see it as a neutral backdrop that can shift the emphasis to unique, colorful flourishes. Kraft is so easy to dress up; just use whatever materials you have on hand.

by Lauren Donaldson

Packaging idea: Make a bold statement by adding a faux flower made out of scrap paper. Fringe the edges of some circles, tape them together and fluff the petals for an easy flower. Customers will be surprised by the ingenuity. Also, the recycling of scraps is Earth friendly.

by Lauren Donaldson

Material: Twine

Twine is a economical option because you can often buy large spools in bulk online. Have a few colors on hand so you can switch them out when the mood strikes.

by Lauren Donaldson

Packaging idea: Mix a few different colors together to tie your merchandise up in style.

by Lauren Donaldson

Material: Washi tape

Washi tape comes in all kinds of colors and patterns, so you are sure to find a few styles that fit into your brand's aesthetic. Washi can be functional as a replacement for plain tape, or it can be an embellishment.

by Lauren Donaldson

Packaging idea: Use your washi tape to make a pattern. Mix up the colors and make stripes across your package. Weave the tape or even make a diagonal crosshatch. If you accidentally mess up, just peel up the washi and reposition it.

by Lauren Donaldson

Material: Glassine bags

I use glassine bags as an organizer in my packaging to slip in all the loose odds and ends. I stuff them with receipts, a handwritten thank-you card, any special coupon codes and my business card so that upon opening, customers can find everything easily. Usually the bags are translucent white, but you can also find them in colors and with patterns.

by Lauren Donaldson

Packaging idea: Tie your glassine bags with twine or seal them with washi tape, then add a tag. The transparent material gives a little peek at what's inside.

by Lauren Donaldson

Material: Shipping tags

Stock your studio with a variety of tags. They come in all shapes and sizes, and you can use them in multiple ways on your packages. To streamline the packaging process, have rubber stamps made with your business logo or other useful messages. You can stamp a bunch in advance and have them ready for when you get a big order.

by Lauren Donaldson

Packaging idea: I use shipping tags as cards to write personal thank-you notes to my customers. The tag is just the right size for a quick greeting. Slip a tag into a coin envelope with confetti for a fun surprise.

by Lauren Donaldson

Material: Rubber stamps

Stamps allow you to personalize your packaging, but in a much more efficient manner. If you get a stamp made of your logo, you have the potential to brand all kinds of promotional material: business cards, mailing postcards, thank-you cards, bags and tags.

by Lauren Donaldson

Packaging idea: A simple shape or graphic can get stamped repeatedly to make a pattern. This pattern can represent your brand and become a part of different packaging elements, and can be used for personalized wrapping paper.

Easy Green: 10 Tiny Homes That Live Large

Beebe Cline — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:50:01 -0700

No matter what you call it — downsizing, voluntary simplicity, microliving — scaling back your home's size is one simple thing that can greatly reduce your carbon footprint. By living in a smaller than average house, you will use far less energy and water, and produce less waste. And, of course, you can save money too.

There are so many creative ways to approach small-space living. Get tips on living with less from these 10 unique and innovative homes.

by Koch Architects, Inc. Joanne Koch

The Houzz: Spruce Street Cottage
By: Koch Architects, Joanne Koch
Tip: Maximize loft space.

This cottage makes excellent use of space with a loft reached by a ladder and with built-in cupboards, a sink and closets below.

by Sullivan Building & Design Group

The Houzz: River Road Cottage
By: Sullivan Building & Design Group
Tip 1: Carve out extra space with built-ins.

Even the beds are built in here, making an attic nook work as two bedrooms. Plus, there's plenty of storage for books.

by Sullivan Building & Design Group

Tip 2: Forget what you thought you knew about scale.

A guest room in the River Road Cottage uses a bed that fills the space nearly wall to wall but manages to look cozy rather than cramped. Think about it — once you are tucked in, wouldn't you be more comfortable in a full bed than a shrimpy twin, even if the twin made the room look more spacious?

by Sullivan Building & Design Group

Tip 3: Create "moments" of spaciousness.

Just because (or especially because) you are working with a small space doesn't mean you can't have a room that feels wide open. Consider knocking out a wall or two in the main living space to allow room to breathe.

The Room: In The Upward Bound House
By: Nadia Geller
Tip: Use curtains for more than windows.

For the Upward Bound House, an emergency shelter for families where designers donated their services to create welcoming environments, Nadia Geller used white curtains to section off sleeping areas in the small space.

Curtains are also brilliant in place of closet doors or for hiding a workspace when not in use.

Photograph by Laure Joliet

by Lauren and Kyle Zerbey

The Houzz: Chezerbey
By: Lauren and Kyle Zerbey
Tip 1: Keep possessions well edited.

Take a cue from homeowners and architects Lauren and Kyle Zerbey and pare your belongings to what's necessary but still beautiful. For example, choosing gorgeous handmade white dishes means you can leave them on display and they look great. Plus, they go with everything, so you can get rid of multiple sets of dishes.

by Lauren and Kyle Zerbey

Tip 2: Use ceiling height to create zones.

The couple used lowered and raised ceilings to affect the mood throughout the home. A lowered ceiling in the dining area creates a cozy, intimate feel, while the raised kitchen ceiling makes that end of the room feel spacious and airy.

by Dufner Heighes Inc

The Houzz: New York City townhouse
By: Dufner Heighes
Tip: Pack a big punch with a small patio.

This New York City townhouse may have a postage stamp–size patio, but that doesn't mean it lacks style. A Lutyens-style bench in fresh spring green paired with a petallike table and modern wire chairs makes a dynamic arrangement well suited for the urban outdoors.

by FABRE/deMARIEN

The Houzz: Former garage in Bordeaux, France
By: Fabre/deMarien
Tip: Use unexpected areas for living.

This amazing renovation from French architecture and design firm Fabre/deMarien transformed an unused garage into a chic living space.

by FABRE/deMARIEN

Light floods the dining space of the former garage, with simple concrete floors and industrial pendant lights alluding to the structure's past incarnation.

by FABRE/deMARIEN

Innovative details such as the built-in sofa and workspace make superb use of the small space. Sleek finishes and spare, modern furnishings work well with this industrial look.

by FABRE/deMARIEN

Most of the key features were built into a central cube containing the bathroom, the washing machine and storage, as well as the sofa and desk on the other side.

by Ira Lippke

The Houzz: Industrial minihouse in Seattle
By: Homeowner Michelle de la Vega
Tip 1: Open up to one-room living.

Another garage renovation, this time in Seattle, feels much more spacious than its 250 square feet suggest. Light floods in from the French doors and high windows, and keeping the center of the main room furniture free helps maintain an open feel.

by Ira Lippke

Tip 2: Don't think small needs to mean spartan.

The bathroom addition to Michelle's small home (once a permanent residence but now used as a vacation getaway) is anything but bare bones. A full-size claw-foot tub is beneath a skylight and surrounded by gorgeous stone tile. The key lesson here: Incorporate small luxuries so that going small doesn't feel like a sacrifice.

by Churreria Photography

The Houzz: Fold-out apartment in Barcelona
By: Architect Barbara Appolloni
Tip 1: Build in creative architectural details.

This tiny 260-square-foot rooftop apartment contains a number of unique folding designs, allowing the single space to function as bedroom, eating area and workspace.

by Churreria Photography

Here you can see the bed and desk folded away, and a small dining table has been pulled from the wall. An entire kitchen is built into the opposite wall, which appears as a continuous, sleek surface when not in use.

by Churreria Photography

Tip 2: Count outdoor space as an extension of your home.

Outside is the rooftop terrace with spectacular views of the city, an outdoor tub, a day bed and a washer and dryer. Particularly in a locale with a mild climate, it makes sense to put your outdoor space to work.

by Normal Projects

The Houzz: Unfolding apartment in Manhattan
By: Michael Chen and Kari Anderson, Normal Projects
Tip: Be innovative with space savers.

Another unfolding apartment, this one has a large cabinet that conceals a bed, a closet and a desk. The "wall" partitioning the bed from the living area is actually the cabinet door.

by Normal Projects

When the Murphy bed is folded up, the large door swings shut, opening up the room into one space again to allow extra room for entertaining.

by Tumbleweed Tiny House Company

The Houzz: The Gifford
By: Tumbleweed Tiny House Company

Tip 1: Consider going really small.

Jay Shafer's home measures a staggeringly small 16 feet by 7 feet, and he likes it that way. The founder of The Tumbleweed Tiny House Company, Shafer creates tiny homes like the one you see here, along with 22 other designs, all less than 900 square feet (most are less than 300 square feet). Some of the Tumbleweed homes are even portable.

by Tumbleweed Tiny House Company

Tip 2: Forget about square feet — use every last square inch.

The interiors of the Tumbleweed homes are reminiscent of ships. Desks, shelves and sleeping areas are built seamlessly into the design, fitting together like a jigsaw puzzle.

Eclectic Global Style in a Swedish Village

Beebe Cline — Sun, 13 May 2012 19:45:05 -0700

Patterned walls, exotic furniture and vintage touches gave this midcentury Swedish home a new life for a family of six. Cat and James Brewis moved from London to Sweden more than 10 years ago and immediately started searching for a house outside of Uppsala, Sweden. The couple, who had previously lived in France and Indonesia, wanted a blank slate to fill with their eclectic furniture and infuse with their playful style. "We found this scruffy little house with beautiful surroundings," says Cat. "It had no competition on bidding! I hated the ugly house, but James saw great potential. Today we love it."

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Cat Brewis and 4 sons; husband James currently lives and works in Indonesia
Location: Marielund, Sweden
Size: 2,260 square feet
That's interesting: A dining room cabinet is made of wood from a sunken battleship.

by Fotograf Lisbet Spörndly

The Brewis' home is set in the small, idyllic village of Marielund. This lakeside locale has only about 70 other houses and was originally a summer vacation spot for shop owners in Uppsala. Most of the homes were built in the beginning of the 20th century, and Cat wanted to make sure that her home's architecture reflected that style. "The goal was to make it fit in with the existing houses in the beginning of the 20th century, but in an original way," she says.

Wallpaper, curtains: Designers Guild

by Fotograf Lisbet Spörndly

James left much of the decorating up to Cat, so she chose the majority of the fabrics and wall coverings for their home. They already had most of their furniture from previous homes, and Cat incorporated a mix of French, Indonesian, Swedish and British pieces.

Couch: Mio; rug: Ikea; coffee table, bench: teak from Bali

by Fotograf Lisbet Spörndly

The unique fireplace is an old-fashioned tile stove — kakelugn in Swedish — that Cat and James nabbed from a neighbor's house and had refinished. Brick stones inside the stove are heated by the fire and retain heat long enough to keep the house warm for the day. The house originally had one (they found the ruins in their garden), but it had been removed years before and replaced with more modern heaters.

Wallpaper: Designers Guild

by Fotograf Lisbet Spörndly

Cat and James' first real home together was in Jakarta, Indonesia, so much of their furniture is Indonesian. This beautiful sideboard was made by one of the couple's friends in Bali.

Sideboard: Papipoto

by Fotograf Lisbet Spörndly

The bright and open dining room has a mix of textures and treatments for a warm effect. The cabinet in the corner is made out of old oak pieces from an 18th-century Swedish battleship. The ship sank just outside of Cat's hometown, and many of these oak pieces — blackened by salt water — were bought by a local carpenter.

by Fotograf Lisbet Spörndly

The dining chairs are all old Dutch antiques that the couple found in Jakarta. Cat had them painted and distressed.

Rug: The Conran Store; chairs, table: Indonesia

by Fotograf Lisbet Spörndly

The kitchen is Cat's favorite space in the house — the room's access to the dining room, living room and garden means she can cook and keep an eye on the children while they play or do homework.

Bench: Indonesia; wallpaper: Designers Guild

by Fotograf Lisbet Spörndly

Cat outfitted her kitchen all with pieces from Ikea. She was able to customize the oak countertops and simple white cabinetry in the exact style and layout that she wanted.

by Fotograf Lisbet Spörndly

With four young boys, durability and storage were the most important priorities, but Cat also wanted a clean and simple design that would work with the home's architecture.

Countertops, cabinetry, shelving, bar stools: Ikea; range and hood: Miele

by Fotograf Lisbet Spörndly

When the family moved in, the home was still outfitted with its original, terribly outdated kitchen. After a year of living with broken-down appliances, Cat completely renovated the bottom floor of the house. Five years and two more children later, the family ran out of room and did another renovation to extend the living space.

by Fotograf Lisbet Spörndly

With the interior of the house almost complete, Cat can't wait to start renovations on the expansive property outside. Future possible projects include a workshop, a play cottage, a garage and an apple orchard. She's also hoping to build a terrace outside the kitchen's double doors and convert an old henhouse into a guest room. And her boys would love a pool. "We're at the stage where our plans are still forming and dreams are being discussed," she says.

Kitchen of the Week: Aqua Knockout in Austin

Beebe Cline — Sat, 12 May 2012 19:47:00 -0700

Formal dining went out the window when designer Jennifer Ott remodeled the kitchen in her Austin, Texas, home. Ott and her husband didn't use the huge closed-off dining space next to the original small kitchen, so they knocked down the walls to create a contemporary, open space for entertaining as well as cooking. Bold colors, two pantries, clever cabinet designs and a smart breakfast nook now give her the space and style she craved.

by Loop Design

Ott wanted plenty of countertop workspace to share with her husband, and room for two cooks and guests to move comfortably around the kitchen. "I'm a fan of generous aisle widths," she says. "If you cook or entertain often and have the space, I suggest 48-inch to 54-inch wide aisles. More than 54 inches starts to feel too wide, and you'll feel like you've run a marathon after making a meal." After the remodel, the kitchen is 250 square feet, and the dining space is 115 square feet.

Cabinetry: Ikea base cabinet boxes, Texas Trim pecan door and drawer fronts; shelving: custom pecan; countertops: concrete by Caesarstone; range, hood: Wolf

by Loop Design

After the walls between the original kitchen and dining rooms were knocked down, architect Christy Seals of Loop Design had to integrate a large beam to support the load of the second story, which was quite a challenge. Since the beam is a foot thick, it meant they had to lower the ceiling height in this area. However, Ott loves the varying ceiling heights — they allow for a subtle openness in the kitchen and intimacy in the dining area.

Ott chose the colors based on housewares she'd fallen in love with. Her strategy was to use neutral colors for materials that are expensive or difficult to change — like the quartz countertop and concrete floor — and use bold colors for materials that are cheap and easy to change out — like paint and accessories.

Flooring: concrete overlay; wall paint: Parakeet, Sherwin Williams; island paint: Larchmere, Sherwin Williams; bar stools: Ikea

by Loop Design

Although she loves her kitchen neat and clean, Ott isn't always able to stay on top of putting everything away. She designed the window seat as a secret storage area, with a huge space for oversize and little-used items. Two pantries at the far end of the kitchen help with this too. Since the pantries are behind closed doors, she doesn't have to worry about them being spotless.

Refrigerator: Samsung; pendants in dining room: Firefly, CB2; window seat fabric: Small Dandelion, Premier Prints

by Loop Design

Ott put extra-large drawers in the base cabinets, rather than fixed shelves, making it easier for her to reach kitchen items. Often-used bowls, glasses and plates were put on the open pecan shelving, to prevent constant dusting. Ott also used the home's existing plumbing to keep costs down. This limited the kitchen's layout, but they had plenty of space to work with.

"Nobody has an unlimited budget, so it's good to figure out what your priorities are and put the money in the items that make the most sense for you, for how you'll use your kitchen," Ott says. "I don't bake, so I didn't need two separate wall ovens. It may be a popular must-have for a lot of people, but we just didn't need it."

My Houzz: Rooftop Retreat Addition in Toronto

Beebe Cline — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:48:00 -0700

With two children and a need for more living space, architect Wanda Ely and her husband, John, needed to move out or build up. The decision was easy. They loved their home and wished to remain steps from Toronto's vibrant Queen West and Dundas West neighborhoods, so Wanda set about designing a thoughtful and modern wood rooftop addition.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Wanda and John Ely and their 2 kids
Location: Toronto, Canada
Size: 1,750 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

by Andrew Snow Photography

The original house had been extensively renovated by the previous owners and was already featureworthy, but the sun-drenched rooftop addition makes guests feel like they're leaving the city behind. Air and light sweep into the space, as a wall of floor-to-ceiling operable windows blurs the line between inside and outside.

On warm days, the couple opens up the rooftop space to the surrounding views and relaxes on the outdoor sectional, made by Toronto's Andrew Richard Designs. The inventive coffee table lends an industrial touch and intriguing texture to the space. John, who also holds an architecture degree, designed and built the low table as an anniversary present for Wanda. It's made up of multiple pieces of plywood clamped together with threaded rods and castors.

by Andrew Snow Photography

The addition is a true hybrid of spaces: bedroom, bathroom, living room and private outdoor deck. It almosts seems more like a boutique hotel room than a residence. Since the home is child centered, the third floor allows the couple to enjoy some much-needed time for themselves. The children will occasionally venture upstairs to watch a movie or hang out, but they see the space as more of an adult's retreat.

Sofa: Jane Loveseat, by Gus; custom windows: Bauhaus; tub: Kohler; table: designed by Wanda Ely, fabricated by Rodrigues Art and Steel

by Andrew Snow Photography

A 50-inch plasma TV on a swiveling mount allows the couple to choose between the sofa, the bed or the tub when watching movies. The rest of the media hardware rests on a teak credenza bought at a local 20th-century-modern furniture store. In the corner are a few design classics: a Flos lamp by Philippe Starck and a Borsani P40 lounge chair. The chair is Wanda's favorite piece in the house, not only for the design but also for a sentimental aspect: It was originally owned by her parents, and she grew up with it.

Floor lamp: Flos Rosy Angelis, Philippe Starck; chair: P40 lounge chair, Borsani

by Andrew Snow Photography

The custom mahogany millwork was built by Gibson Greenwood and consists of two wardrobes and a headboard with built-in book storage. The headboard is slightly recessed, providing a niche for the bed to sit in. One-of-a-kind cast aluminum door pulls were sourced from DuVerre Hardware, and the plush gray rug is from Lanart.

by Andrew Snow Photography

The exterior wall of plantings provides privacy from neighbors, and bathing is a light-filled, soothing experience. To maintain a direct indoor-outdoor relationship, Wanda went to great lengths to ensure that clutter was minimal. The blinds for the windows are recessed into the ceiling, and towels are stored in a wood-lined cavity in the countertop.

by Andrew Snow Photography

Clever storage solutions like these recessed pullouts are paramount in an open space such as this. Wanda ingeniously uses the minimal space underneath the tub to store slippers and deck shoes.

by Andrew Snow Photography

Except for the small toilet room, the bathroom is contained in one large piece of custom mahogany millwork. The sink countertop wraps down to form the bath surround. This design concept is carried throughout the addition, from the third floor stairs to the exterior elevations.

Millwork: Gibson Greenwood; sink and faucets: American Standard; photograph: Stephen Chung Photography

by Andrew Snow Photography

The Elys didn't want an insect screen covering the large sliding window, so they installed this door to the right. Hidden in the wall behind the tub is a screen that slides out to cover the open door. On warm summer days when mosquitos are in the air, the sliding window stays closed and breezes enter through the open door instead. When winter comes and the temperatures plummet, heated travertine floors ensure that the family can enjoy the light and views without worrying about the cold.

by Andrew Snow Photography

The east-facing roof deck has an unforgettable view of the downtown Toronto skyline. Because of the deck's orientation, the family can watch the sun rise in the morning and glimpse the light shows of the iconic CN Tower at night.

by Andrew Snow Photography

One story below the rooftop retreat is the children's floor, which includes both of the children's bedrooms. The open space at the top of the stairs was one of the key selling features for Wanda and John, as the area could serve many different functions. It has naturally evolved to become a communal play area for the two children. Being able to contain the cheerful clutter of toys to the second floor also ensures that the downstairs living space is kept tidy.

by Andrew Snow Photography

An Ikea Expedit bookcase slots neatly into a wall niche, creating an instant reading nook when paired with the Eames chair. Splashes of vivid red give the space some kid credibility, visible in the chair and children's table as well as the paint finish on the north wall. The photograph on the right is from internationally known Toronto photographer Edward Burtynsky.

by Andrew Snow Photography

Alluding to the subdued and refined upstairs palette of floor finishes, the stairs are made from travertine and dark-stained yellow birch. The stairs provide a material counterpoint to the pale finishes in the rest of the space and continue the wrapping notion seen in much of Wanda's detailing.

by Andrew Snow Photography

The prior homeowners had renovated the second-floor bathroom, and the Elys furnished it to engage with the rest of the home. A sheer custom window covering allows for privacy while still letting light pour into the south-facing space.

by Andrew Snow Photography

Though the couple will often bring friends upstairs to relax on the private deck, the hub of the home is the open-plan downstairs living space. The dining, kitchen and living areas all flow into one another. The only partition is a central column where painted portraits of the two children are displayed.

The expansive feeling of the ground floor is aided by large windows on two sides, mirrored rear walls and exposed ceiling joists. All have been painted white to add to the sense of height. Quirky vintage furniture, including reupholstered dining chairs from Craigslist and a teak dining table rescued from the trash, adds a playful touch.

by Andrew Snow Photography

John designed and built this custom cabinetry with the help of a friend, architect Jason Smirnis. It holds the couple's extensive music collection, as well as a TV for the whole family to enjoy movies. Beveled edges help to give the low-profile counter minimal edge expression. The piece also features wraparound detailing, similar to the upstairs addition. The 1960s floor lamp in the corner is another item from Wanda's parents' house.

by Andrew Snow Photography

The previous owners had designed the custom kitchen, which has maple cabinets and stainless steel countertops. The textural exposed ceiling and industrial pendant lights help to offset the sleekness.

by Andrew Snow Photography

A stainless steel countertop wraps to form a seamless farmhouse sink, anchoring the drawers in place. Though the kitchen was installed prior to the couple moving in, they've made it their own by leaving many of their kitchen tools exposed. The wall-mounted spice rack was designed and created by Wanda.

by Andrew Snow Photography

The Ely family's property was originally the garage of an adjacent home. After the lot was severed in 1939, a brick duplex was erected. The house is situated at the end of a driveway, slightly removed from the neighbors' residences. Because of this, the family is provided with both privacy and unparalleled views of the city.

Though uncompromisingly modern in form, the addition is clad in rough-sawn cedar, and portions of it are painted black. Left untreated, the siding has weathered quickly, allowing the box to appear as if it may have always been there.

by Andrew Snow Photography

Wanda says the renovation was a great decision. She appreciates the freedom to have made all the decisions and learn from the building process by being so intimately involved. "It has changed our standard of living, as we built exactly what we wanted to live in," she says.

10 Ways to Get the Modern Rustic Farmhouse Look

Beebe Cline — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:52:00 -0700

Even if you don't live in the countryside, you've probably been on a road trip that meandered through farms and small towns. Somewhere in the middle, you probably saw a cluster of trees and a simple house sitting at the end of a dirt road. At first glance, a farmstead can seem uncomplicated — there purely for function. However, with a resurgence in farmhouse architecture, more people are discovering the joys of capturing its enduring style. Here are 10 ways to start.

Style 101: Birthplace of Today's Rustic Look

by The Workshops of David T. Smith

Create a collected look. The look here is fresh yet worn. Use different colors and vary the level of distressing on cabinetry to create a gathered-over-time feeling. If you can, keep windows bare so views of the land are unobstructed. Farmhouse life is centered around the kitchen table, so don't let that be an afterthought.

by Peter Cardamone

Bring in the workhorses. Use an open-bottom utility table for the kitchen island and top it with classic Carrara marble. Then opt for a slab of Carrara for an extra-tall backsplash. To make this look work, leave room in the budget for chunky baskets.

by Group 3

See every detail as an opportunity. Use glass uppers to display your white tableware and add a refrigerator panel that has the appearance of an old icebox. A farm sink will pull it all together.

by Witt Construction

Keep it functional. A butler pantry and open shelving says farmhouse. It’s all about practicality and keeping it functional. Pullout bins that hold produce, topped by the honed soapstone, feel right at home next to the wine cooler. Wood countertops are another good option in these spaces, as it is warm and does not typically have to stand up to constant water.

by Murphy & Co. Design

Tell a story. Find an old utility sink for the bathroom and convert a beat-up piece of furniture into a vanity. By continuing wood flooring into a powder room, it can feel as though a small room or closet was taken over after plumbing hit the scene.

by Lands End Development - Designers & Builders

Repurpose and multipurpose. In this home, a mirror was added to an old window to make the medicine cabinet. A sewing table serves as a vanity for the vessel sink, as well as a place to display the antique sewing machine.

Beadboard is a constant in farmhouses and cottages. It's easy to work with and adds instant charm.

by robert kelly

Soften with fabrics. Run a simple café curtain instead of cabinet doors to cover up necessities without taking away from the ruggedness of a timber vanity.

by Knickerbocker Group

Work the new into the old. This modern glass shower disappears into the stone wall. The whitewashed, wide-plank Z door adds softness to this weathered room. Rough wood above is the perfect ceiling choice. Carry the look all the way through every detail with antique hooks and door latches. Keep it honest with exposed plumbing and electrical conduits whenever possible.

by Knickerbocker Group

Feminize without fuss. The feminine periwinkle on this Dutch door is a fun contrast to the hefty metal hardware and stone walls. To get this look economically, pick a highly visible wall in your home to make the impact. If you’re working toward the raw feeling of a room like this, stick with rough plank ceilings and pull back from detailed trimming on doors and windows. Cabinetry doors should have a flat panel or a simple raised panel.

by Rauser Design

Celebrate the porch. The farmhouse porch is wide and uncluttered. Go without a railing so the space is undefined and the whole porch will be used. The windows are low to extend the indoor living areas. Lighting is primitive, such as lanterns or goosenecks. Hunt around for ceiling fans with a utilitarian feel to be hung from flat wood ceilings or exposed rafters.

1605 928 RICHARDS ST, Vancouver, BC

Beebe Cline — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:50:38 -0700

I just sold this Condo at 1605 928 RICHARDS ST, Vancouver, BC Yaletown.

View this recently sold Condo or see all my home sales

12 Ways to Get a Designer-Kitchen Look

Beebe Cline — Sun, 06 May 2012 21:32:00 -0700

If you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, or you’re building a new one, interior designer Ines Hanl of The Sky is the Limit Design has got an idea that will suit your needs. Actually, as she explains here, she’s got dozens of suggestions. "I feel like my designs are very complex and thoughtful, no matter how simple the end result looks," she says. "And I have been told by some fellow designers and architects that they think I'm very playful as well." Here, she shares some secrets.

by The Sky is the Limit Design

Play with proportion. Designed for a bachelor who lives in Victoria, British Columbia, this kitchen features textured Italian laminates in a faux-wood design, offset with stainless steel accents. "The laminates are a good contrast with the area's ever-so-popular oak flooring," Hanl says. "I played with proportion by using a balance of horizontal and vertical directions in the wood grains and an accent cabinet in a mushroom lacquer."

The curved tall unit on the left has stainless steel edging that accentuates the shape's dynamics. It hides a structural post but also serves as a display unit and a place for keys.

"He asked for a hint of blue, which we brought in with the quartz countertop as well as in the tile backsplash at the sink," Hanl elaborates. "The three-dimensional wave-shaped glass mosaic, which covers the entire window wall, combines all the colors I used in the kitchen."

by The Sky is the Limit Design

Show off your collections. This kitchen has lots of detailing in the door style and the crown molding. "I honored the homeowners love for decorating by providing ample open and glass-door display cabinetry, beadboard detailing and off-white cabinetry with an amber glaze that's accentuated by sky-blue backdrops to make their china stand out," Hanl says.

by The Sky is the Limit Design

Throw in some angles. This house sits on the cliffs of Pender Island off the coast of Vancouver, British Columbia, and overlooks the ocean. "The swooping ceiling line designed by Blue Sky Architecture, and the fir timber-frame construction, called for an appropriate approach in the interior finishes and lines," Hanl says. "We selected a 24-inch by 24-inch oyster slate for the floor, the lightest slate out there, and a rift-cut oak for the cabinetry that was stained a sort of bark color. We played with the stains a lot during the process and actually liked a trio of them. Inspired by one of the artworks in the owner's collection — she is a painter herself — we decided to use them in a collagelike manner on the fronts of her pantry and linen cabinets."

The layout of the kitchen is a simple U shape, and Hanl focused on the horizontal lines for a contemporary look. "However," she explains, "for architectural reasons we added a slightly angled peninsula to the end of one of the legs of the U. It's supported with a raw steel post that I had made by a local steel manufacturer and then artificially aged, or rusted, before it was waxed to look like a remnant coming from an old ship. The bar was made out of 6-inch-thick concrete blocks, and there's a small accent cabinet facing the dining room which is lacquered in a grayish green, to invoke the colors of the evergeens and arbutus trees outside."

The three-dimensional iridescent blue Oceanside glass tile in a wave shape on the backsplash is another reference to the grandious landscape.

by The Sky is the Limit Design

Take an artistic approach. This kitchen also belongs to an artist, this time from the Netherlands. "It's a very poetic approach to a contemporary kitchen and very much focused on the client's artistic sensibility," Hanl says. "The mango-colored island with a water-driplike textured glass counter sits on a 'sea' of white pebble-in-resin tile. The flooring throughout is commercial-grade vinyl in a somewhat shimmering concretelike finish. It's very soft underfoot and easy to maintain."

The Italian laminate cabinet fronts are slightly textured and offset by the high-gloss island; the colors are united by an iridescent glass-stick tile backsplash. There's also a "really beautiful zebrawood tabletop that accentuates the bay window and offers a great spot to eat breakfast," she notes. "I also love the special door I had made that leads into the kitchen. It has an overheight stainless steel frame with a magnolia-leaves-in-resin panel."

by The Sky is the Limit Design

Go for the bold. This is a custom residence located in a small community on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. "The owners were looking for high style and wanted a look that was urbane, tactile and natural with a touch of color," Hanl says. "I used what I call 'undulations' in organic and graphic forms. The organic aspect is reflected in the enlarged pattern of the base cabinetry, while the shape of the stainless steel bar adds a graphic element."

Italian high-pressure laminates and back-painted glass were used on the cabinetry. Bold touches include a tortoiseshell iridescent glass mosaic on the window wall, a stainless steel mosaic backsplash behind the stove, a back-painted iridescent blue glass countertop on the bar and a Cambria quartz counter that has reflective blue flecks.

"Overall, the room has a masculine feel," Hanl points out, "that's softened by tall units fronted in off-white back-painted glass [not shown], as well as the dash of color on the visual anchor cabinet at the entrance to the kitchen."

by The Sky is the Limit Design

Use lots of color. Although they look very different, these cabinets were done by M artin Zemp, the same cabinetmaker who worked on the Vancouver Island kitchen in the previous photo.

"This is a modernized Victorian-style room, as in Victoria, the city where I live," Hanl says. "A lot of people here love that British-influenced style. The kitchen was designed for a young family with two teenagers and a real zest for color — I managed to use a total of 16 colors without making it look like a designer gone crazy. Because of privacy issues regarding the neighbors, we essentially changed all the windows along one side of the house and used two clerestory windows that are integrated into the British hob-style hood."

A 9-foot-long denim-blue island with a 4-foot-long black-fronted extension complements the glazed off-white cabinetry along with an oversize custom-turned blood-red table leg. "I played with the door styles to make things appear less formal," Hanl explains, "a simpler style on the white cabinets and more ornate with raised-panel doors with an outside profile on the island. I kept the crown buildup fairly simple to make it a bit more modern, but the thing that makes this kitchen appear so young is the choice of colors. You can see the owners' sense of joyous color in the African artwork and the choice of area rug."

She adds that the glass-mosaic backsplash "is a custom blend that integrates five of the colors we used in the space, which helps pull it all together. I also accentuated the backsplash with pewter and bronze tiles to integrate the stainless steel appliances and the bronze faucet on the sink."

by The Sky is the Limit Design

Highlight your curves. For an oceanfront home surrounded by fir trees in the northern rainforest of Canada, Hanl chose natural and chocolate-colored bamboo "for its straight, distinct yet quiet grain as a complement to the fir," she says. "To balance all this wood, I added chocolate-colored faux-leather paneling on the back of the island. It's made out of rubber, so it's easy to maintain. The blue and blood-red lacquered cabinets were inspired by the owners' favorite piece of art."

Although layout is a striking architectural design, it posed some spatial challenges. "The small prep island is a very sculptural piece," Hanl says. "I put it in between the single wall I had available to place a huge assortment of appliances and the long swooping curve of the actual work island. The soft curves I brought in to balance this dynamic and make the space functional incorporate and bridge the architect's angled theme. At the same time the island is a multipurpose unit. It's contains a prep sink, appliance center and bamboo butcher block section that's an easy-to-maintain eating area for the couple's two little girls."

Part of the kitchen also serves as an intricate, multifunctional room divider that incorporates all the different finishes and colors. It "refers to the angled nature of the architecture, this time in the shape of a fanned-out hand," she says.

by The Sky is the Limit Design

Send a subtle message. The pineapple, a symbol of hospitality and welcoming, was chosen by this kitchen's owner for the custom-made posts on the 4-foot by 8-foot island. The island top is Uba Tuba granite, complemented by walnut counters finished only with a food-safe wax called Good Stuff.

"The counter-sitting cabinet has a teakettle on a rollout and houses a selection of tea bags in the cubbies," Hanl notes. "Display was again important, as you can see by the inclusion of two big glass-front cabinets towards the back of the room."

by The Sky is the Limit Design

Marry Arts and Crafts with a Tuscan theme. "The rest of the house has huge arched windows facing the lake and is surrounded by arbutus and evergreens," Hanl says. "I continued that characteristic into the kitchen and improved the flow of the room by relocating the double doors leading out to the deck. I also found a black Italian floor tile that sported a typical Arts and Crafts rose motif."

A simple slab door style was used "to stay true to the modern feeling of the design lines," she explains. "But to add a traditional feel we selected quarter-sawn man-made teak and combined it with a charcoal man-made wood veneer. To further match it to the wonderful Oceanside glass-metallic tile-blend backsplash, I added an Italian laminate in a charcoal-steel finish for contrast with the matte finish. The balance of finishes is also evident in the choice of countertops. A polished Cambrian black granite on the perimeter was paired with a brushed Metallicus granite on the island and the coffee center."

She adds that "the stainless steel pole was not a whim of mine. I couldn't bring electricity through the floor, so we had to come through the ceiling, and the pole is the conduit, which I integrated into a deliberately dimensioned multilevel island."

by The Sky is the Limit Design

Create distinct work zones. "The character of a kitchen can be dramatically impacted by the use of glazes, as well as a careful selection of door styles and elements like crown molding," Hanl says. "I think this room shows my subtle but very distinct focus on proportion and rhythm when it comes to those elements."

It also reflects her approach to creating distinct work zones; note the organization of the tall units at the end of the room and the start of the work counter on the right. "The island, which is connected to a raised informal eating counter, has a prep sink," she points out. "The hutch on the left is slightly narrow to help give the island a decent depth."

by The Sky is the Limit Design

Play up the exterior architecture. Ultramodern with a striking architectural design, this kitchen is in a custom home perched on the cliffs of Vancouver Island. "I employed the same architectural language as the materials used on the actual structure of the house: reclaimed birch from the Great Lakes, concrete, copper and steel," Hanl says.

This is evident throughout the space in the cabinetry, with details like the frameless glass corners (see the kitchen window, compared with the glass cabinetry), to the canopy shape of the custom hood, and the island. "I dubbed it 'Infinity Island,' because water in the form of a 1½-inch textured-glass runs down the wall from the hood, along the work counter and ends in a slightly lowered stainless steel prep-sink counter," she says.

by The Sky is the Limit Design

Combine modern and traditional. We've all heard of this situation: A husband wants a modern feel, while the wife is looking for something traditional. In this kitchen, "the horizontal orientation of the banks of drawers speak a modernist language, whereas the simple, slightly enhanced Shaker-style door and the crown molding are a testament to traditional design," Hanl says.

"The almost-black stain combined with the unglazed off-white cabinetry has a very graphic connotation to it," she continues. "And once we enlarged the windows to the garden, the prevalent rock outcrops with lichen and moss growing on them became our inspiration for the dark olive-mushroom wall color. It made the view into the garden really pop!"

Breezy Outdoor Living in Newport Beach

Beebe Cline — Sat, 05 May 2012 21:36:00 -0700

When this streamlined, modern house a mile from the Newport Beach coast was finished, local passers-by "stopped their cars in the street, ran up and peeked in the front windows," says architect Paul Davis. "The owners found this very funny at first and eventually got a little tired of it, but now the house has settled into the neighborhood nicely."

The neighborhood is mainly made up of new homes that take up the entirety of their individual sites, so Davis created a more inward-looking home. A tall stucco wall and quiet back courtyard provide plenty of privacy in the outdoor spaces. Plenty of porches and patios offer access to the sunny outdoors from every room.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with 2 teenage daughters
Location: Newport Beach, California
Size: 3,400 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 5 baths
That's interesting: Davis and one of the clients were college roommates.

by Paul Davis Architects PC

Patios and porches on every level, large sliding glass doors and windows and a simple material palette emphasize the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. "I think the house is a little like an Italian hill town — from inside it, you look out at equally lovely adjacent parts and your friends and outdoor places you share. It all feels integrated and wonderful," says Davis.

Outdoor furniture: Richard Schultz 1966 Collection

by Paul Davis Architects PC

The exterior of the main part of the house has gray steel-troweled stucco with a subtle texture. This rectangular building makes up the hub of the home, and additional structures covered in red cedar plug into it.

The house is fortunately sited right next to an alley, which is where the driveway and garage are situated. "This way, there's no need to feature the driveway and garage as major components of the look and function of the house's main facade," says Davis.

by Paul Davis Architects PC

To keep costs down and to work with the family's modern style, Davis stuck with simple, straight lines and boxes for the architecture. Polished concrete floors on the main floor are sleek but durable. Light oak hardwood flooring was used upstairs in the master suite and in the downstairs kids' rooms.

Hardwood floors: Gaetano Hardwood Floors; front door paint: Tawny Day Lily, Benjamin Moore

by Paul Davis Architects PC

The husband loves to cook, so the family wanted a kitchen where they could do some serious cooking but still have the space to spend time together. The spacious kitchen workspace includes a sturdy island with a Staturio Venato marble countertop. The island faces a casual dining area where the family eats almost all their meals.

by Paul Davis Architects PC

Big sliding doors in the kitchen open up both walls in this space. Like most of the other rooms, the kitchen gets natural light from all sides. Full-height glazing allows light to pour in from the south, filtered by bamboo along the property line. A partition separates the entry hall from the kitchen but doesn't reach all the way to the ceiling, allowing light to enter from the front of the house.

by Paul Davis Architects PC

Davis chose a light-color palette for the materials and furniture so that the family's possessions and accessories could provide the main color points. Bright books and knickknacks create visual interest on a white full-height bookshelf in the living room.

by Paul Davis Architects PC

A small fireplace turns the living room into a cozy and comfortable hangout spot during the winter. During the summer, the doors in this room slide completely open.

Chandelier: Flos Sarfatti Suspension Lamp; lighting: Kenneth Brian Vick, Lightopia

by Paul Davis Architects PC

The main staircase sits just outside the formal dining room. A powder room and a closet are tucked under the stairs — their doors are hidden, integrated into the paneling.

The staircase is a primary source of light in the house. It's housed in a glass-face box that rises above the roof, leaning south. This glass box acts like a periscope, reflecting light down into the home.

by Paul Davis Architects PC

The master bathroom is one of Davis' favorite rooms in the house. Limestone floors, marble countertops and oiled teak cabinetry all glow from the light that floods the room through the massive skylight. The team installed this double-layer skylight over the entire shower and bathtub. The ceiling well is smaller than the skylight frame so that the view from the shower is pure sky.

Davis installed a laundry chute in the vanity here for convenience. The alignment between the upper and lower levels made installation easy.

Tile: Arctic White, Waterworks, installed by Andrea Latini, Euro Laguna Marble

by Paul Davis Architects PC

The main courtyard, in the back of the home, sits in front of a bright orange wall, which hides a small storage building for tools and beach supplies. "We like the bold chunk of color, which is kind of a reflection of the red entry door," says Davis.

by Paul Davis Architects PC

Southern-facing roof decks along the top of the main structure take advantage of the area's plentiful sunlight. There are no direct ocean views, but the home still gets bright light and clean ocean air.

by Paul Davis Architects PC

The roof decks are screened from neighbors by a two-story natural-color stucco wall. The wall is a seamless part of the home's design; it provides adequate privacy without feeling awkward.

Break Up a Bland Ceiling the Modern Way

Beebe Cline — Fri, 04 May 2012 21:25:00 -0700

All too often the ceilings of modern interiors are treated in one way: flat drywall. This treatment may coincide with a focus on minimalism, but it can also be seen as unimaginative. Crown moldings and other decorative features don't work in modern interiors, so this ideabook highlights other means of modifying painted drywall ceilings.

The following examples fall into four broad categories: cutting, materials, layering and stepping. The first involves openings in ceilings; the next highlights other materials adjacent to drywall; the third deals with multiple ceiling planes; and the last involves different ceiling heights across a space. These modifications show how ceilings can be enlivened without departing from modern style and simplicity.

by Bates Masi Architects LLC

Cutting

This simple, white drywall ceiling is broken up over the kitchen by an opening to the floor above. To its left we can see the stair heading up. The wood in these openings echoes that in the kitchen counter below.

by Bates Masi Architects LLC

Another view of the space shows the stairs next to the kitchen, echoed directly outside. Let's take a look upstairs ...

by Bates Masi Architects LLC

The white drywall from downstairs gives way to lots of wood. If this space had been treated with the same surfaces as the living area below it, the opening above the kitchen would not have the strong contrast that pulls the eye — and body — to the second floor.

by Wheeler Kearns Architects

This bedroom has an unusual feature, a skylight above the headboard. The light it adds to the room is tangible, and it breaks up an otherwise plain-Jane white ceiling.

by emily jagoda

Materials

White drywall and plywood top this living space. The latter goes a long way to break up the space and to link the overhead plane to the wood wall at right.

by Specht Harpman

In this bedroom, wood walls run along the sides while a taller white ceiling with boxed-out beams makes up the center portion over the bed. The design is like an inversion of an exposed wood structure with white drywall below it.

by Lucid Architecture

Layering

A bold yellow ceiling juts out from below the usual white drywall in this kitchen. A slot in the yellow surface receives the pendant lights hanging over the island.

by Lucid Architecture

A view from above shows how the ceiling extends past the mezzanine's glass guardrail. It's a unique touch, if another surface to dust.

by Abramson Teiger Architects

This kitchen uses a similar tactic, but here it is rendered in another color and material and receives an exhaust hood. The ceiling gives some intimacy to the kitchen and seating area at the island, while also housing the flue; otherwise the latter would enter oddly into the drywall ceiling.

by Stuart Sampley Architect

Stepping

Different heights can also work toward breaking up drywall ceilings. As in the previous example, the lower ceiling gives intimacy to this kitchen, but the living area has more breathing room.

by Stuart Sampley Architect

Looking from the living area to the kitchen, you can (barely) see another use of the stepped ceiling in the top right corner. A diffuser shows that the air supply can be put into the vertical surfaces, leaving the ceiling free of grilles.

by Blaze Makoid Architecture

Stepping/Layering

Here is a living area with a stepped ceiling much like the previous example. Yet the band of light on the wall at right hints at the layering that is going on as well.

by Blaze Makoid Architecture

The low ceiling at right — seen from the opposite direction of the previous photo — reveals the clerestory windows that sit between the two ceiling planes. These high windows help bring in natural light even when the blinds are closed for privacy.

California Mediterranean in Los Angeles

Beebe Cline — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:40:00 -0700

Interior designer Darci Goodman had some wooing to do when it came to this Long Beach, California, remodel. Her clients, a couple with three kids, were confident in her work, but the husband needed convincing. "I think he only saw dollar signs in the beginning," Goodman says. "But after the first set of tiles in the bathroom was installed, he saw how the space was able to breathe and get a second life."

The designer transformed what she says was once a "run-down, characterless" house into a traditional home that leans Mediterranean — a style Goodman calls California Mediterranean — and perfectly fits the family's laid-back lifestyle.

Houzz at a Glance
Location: Long Beach, California
Size: 4,500 square feet
Designer's challenge: Getting the husband to realize the value of an interior designer's work

by Darci Goodman

The sea, sand and clouds inspired the living room's palette. The traditional, symmetrical furniture placement gets an update from turquoise accents and coastal tokens: a collection of coral, seashells and starfish, and Mediterranean floral throw pillows in varying shades and patterns.

Coffee table: Restoration Hardware; club chairs: Noir Furniture

by Darci Goodman

Goodman's clients threw a little foliage into their home's coastal mix in this tablescape arrangement of branches and cut flowers. The composed symmetry of the candleholders, framed photographs and cabinet drawers is tousled by the unexpected curves of the potted branches and flowers, adding organic allure.

by Darci Goodman

Sea grass and abaca chairs, a custom wood table and brass chandeliers add organic texture to the dining area; the wood tones bring warmth to the crisp white walls.

Dining chairs: Pottery Barn; dining table: custom, Darci Goodman; chandeliers: Restoration Hardware

by Darci Goodman

The traditional and subdued gray-green shade of the powder room cabinet and masculine captain's mirror are softened by the skinny and playful starfish wall display.

Related: 10 Artful Powder Rooms

by Darci Goodman

The dressed windows, country-chic shade pendant and vintage rolled-rim bathtub bring an elegant and traditional flair to the bathroom; the Mediterranean-inspired hassock serves as a stool and a flat surface on which to throw clothes and towels.

Bathtub: vintage, Kohler; pendant: client's

by Darci Goodman

Photos of the girls and other family members pepper the home with warmth and memories. An enlarged image of the girls on top of child-friendly soft-closing drawers leans against the wall.

Dresser: Ordinal, Anthropologie

by Darci Goodman

Goodman gave this turquoise frame to her clients when she was asked to help with a party that was being thrown at their house. She found the frame and thought of the couple; the quote reflects their "loving nature toward each other," she says. Goodman adds that she couldn't resist "adding another splash of turquoise" to the home's interior.

by Darci Goodman

The clients wanted their kids to have the freedom to play and grow in the house and with the neighborhood kids who have become their close friends. Goodman describes her clients' community as one where children still play in the streets and parents meet outside to catch up on their lives. "It is a throwback to another era," she says.

by Darci Goodman

The girls use their Dutch doors as game props for "all kinds of make-believe," Goodman says. The doors give the kids the perfect combination of whimsy and privacy, allowing them to call out to each other over the open top door.

by Darci Goodman

Meals are eaten at the dining table, but family and friends can pull up a stool around the kitchen island for the in-between hours.

Whenever Goodman looks at pictures of the house, she feels a tremendous sense of joy; the wife's vision of a home that was not too traditional, decorated or shabby was achieved and extended throughout the whole house's design. She "didn't want to go overboard with the shabby part, but she did want the laid-back, relaxed feel of a shabby chic home, which I think we achieved," says Goodman.

As for the husband, Goodman says he eventually sang her praises.

FrenchNew York Flair in St. Paul Condo

Beebe Cline — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:24:00 -0700

Interior designer Abby Tallman was given a specific objective when she began designing this upscale condominium in the heart of St. Paul's Lowertown district in Minnesota. The client, a young professional, wanted her apartment to show her combined love of quintessentially French and New York apartments. The result is a home with a sophisticated New York state of mind and a dash of Parisian boutique hotel flair. "There are all of these special touches in each room that give it a unique character," says Tallman.

A century ago, the home's area on the Mississippi River was a major warehouse and distribution center for much of the upper Midwest. Its restoration created a mix of commercial and residential spaces that now make up the unique Lowertown neighborhood.

Houzz at a Glance
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Size: 1,425 square feet
Designer challenge: Transform a narrow formal dining area into a multipurpose room with style

by Happy Interiors

The biggest design challenge for the condominium was creating a multipurpose space in a slender room that was still elegant and glamorous. This room, originally intended for formal dining, now serves a combination of different functionalities.

"By using a unique mix of furniture pieces, we were able to make this a flexible area for casual conversation, formal dining for five to eight people, and a place to spread out a laptop and materials to get work done," Tallman says. The room, once underused square footage, is now a highlight of the home.

Chandelier: Glass Link, West Elm; floor lamp: Louis, white, Torre & Tagus; wall paint: Storm, Benjamin Moore; trim: Deep in Thought, Benjamin Moore; ghost chairs, Wholesale Interiors; settee, Cisco Brothers; wallpaper: Walt Disney Damask, York Wallcoverings

by Happy Interiors

The Parisian boutique hotel influence is apparent in the silk draperies, the ghost chair, the damask wallpaper and the gray tufted settee. But Tallman points out that the industrial-chic glass bulb chandelier is something you could easily find in an artist's Manhattan loft.

by Happy Interiors

Loft-style windows created a design challenge. "The client needed privacy during the day from the office building across the street, but she didn't want to limit her access to the views or natural light," Tallman says. The solution was to double up lightweight cotton drapery panels; the bright white fabric helps usher in the most sunlight, and the cotton fabric offers more privacy than a traditional sheer drapery panel would.

Stool: Shanghai Porcelain and chrome, Torre & Tagus; drapery panels: Thai silk, Optic White, Restoration Hardware; tufted-back chair: Home Decorators

by Happy Interiors

Tallman's client loves the handpicked acrylic candlesticks, silver vases and glass light fixtures in the interior. Tallman kept the cherry finish of the hardwood floors to warm up the space.

by Happy Interiors

The 10-foot-high ceilings and large, loft-style windows give the space a grand, open feel with beautiful views of the surrounding historic buildings. The added ceiling space meant more freedom to choose longer light pendants and fixtures.

Chandelier: Caviar Fixed Small Cluster, Arteriors

by Happy Interiors

The bedroom is where the mix of different furniture pieces and influences converge into a singular, chic style. The Asian-inspired bedside tables share the bedroom space with Thai silk drapes, a purple tufted chaise longue and headboard and the unmistakable dandelion-like Maskros pendant.

Mirrors: Propac Images; chaise: Bellacor; wallpaper: Antonina Vella, Seabrook Wallpaper; wall paint: Nightingale, Benjamin Moore

by Happy Interiors

A black reactive-finish glass lamp casts a moody and dramatic light in the bedroom.

Table lamps: Flynn Mercury, Arteriors; nightstands: Lamps Plus; jewelry box: Global Views

by Happy Interiors

The mauve bathroom is the client's sacred space and the most feminine room in the entire unit. The swirls and soft curves of the curtain fabric and rug are echoed in the swirls of the bathroom sketch artwork. "Everything about the bathroom is soft, glamorous, but still speaks the style language of understated elegance found throughout the rest of the unit," says Tallman.

Great Design Tree: Australian Tea Tree

Beebe Cline — Wed, 02 May 2012 21:22:00 -0700

I'm not even going to attempt to conceal the reverence and adoration I have for the Australian Tea Tree (Leptospermum laevigatum). Wind blown and architectural, these trees appear to be molded by hand rather than grown. They sweep wildly across the landscape, and no two trees are ever alike. Growing up in San Diego, I would climb these trees at my favorite beach, only later discovering the name. As it turns out, Australian Tea Trees make for beautiful landscape design features in more than just my childhood beach.

by Ms. Sadie

Botanical name: Leptospermum laevigatum
Common names: Australian Tea Tree, Coast Tea Tree
USDA zones: 9 to 11
Water requirement: Little to none
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 10 to 30 feet tall and wide
Tolerances: Drought; thrives in coastal conditions

by Suzette Hosken

Distinguishing traits. Australian Tea Tree is a showstopping specimen tree that exudes a casual and understated aesthetic. The flaky gray bark and twisting form of the tree's trunk are identifiers of the tea tree and what make it so unlike any other. The trunk and bark only become more sculptural with age.

Fine foliage and petite white flowers softly contrast the coarse trunk of the tree, creating a balanced juxtaposition. Flowering in spring, the tree produces a dazzling display of small, white flowers throughout the stems and leaves.

Photograph by Stephen Bain via Wikimedia Commons

by Deborah Cowder

How to use it. The picturesque appearance of the tea tree, highly ornamental and sculptural, makes it inherently a specimen tree. Given room and time to mature, its limbs will only spread and twist more, creating a living landscape sculpture and perfect shady landscape spot.

by J Brew

Australian Tea Tree can also be trained as a windbreak, a garden screen or a covered walk — shown here at Lotusland in Santa Barbara, California. While this treatment of the tree prevents its branching structure from taking shape, fine leaves and flowers will still blanket its branches. This use requires more labor to maintain.

by Ms. Sadie

Planting notes. Native to coastal climates, tea trees thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The tree is susceptible to root rot if the soil is too moist. Long living and quick growing, Australian Tea Tree requires little additional care once established. If you let it grow out completely, you can thin areas to emphasize its shape; otherwise it requires little pruning.

Cheery and Breezy Pittsburgh Home

Beebe Cline — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:42:00 -0700

Inspired by their destination wedding in Key West, Florida, first-time homeowners Matt and Sara Bates brought the island's breezy color palette back to their Pittsburgh home. The two attorneys wanted their 1930s home to allude to the island's laid-back mood and signature conch houses. "Since Pittsburgh tends to have long, dreary winters, drenching our home with bright colors helps make us feel warm and cheery year-round," Sara says. The result is a refreshing, personalized storybook retreat awash with a soothing palette of pale blues and saturated pastels.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Matt and Sara Bates
Location: Regent Square, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Size: 2,100 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms
Design challenge: With plaster walls built directly onto solid brick, hanging draperies and artwork came with a huge learning curve.

by Adrienne DeRosa

From a capiz shell chandelier to clay tile flooring in the kitchen beyond, the foyer sets the tone. "Our friends and family always comment that they immediately feel a little bit brighter upon walking into our home," Sara says.

Sara bought the golden peacock from a discount home store and spray painted it to match the sunny message above.

Chandelier: World Market; typography art: "Here Comes the Sun," Etsy

by Adrienne DeRosa

A lime green door injects the entryway with a playful contrast to the pastel walls. This shift in color can be seen elsewhere in the house, in textiles and wall colors.

by Adrienne DeRosa

The couple struggled with where to begin decorating with such an open floor plan. "We moved into this house from a one-bedroom apartment, and most of our furniture was left over from college living," Sara says. "We didn't have furniture in our living room for about six months, but learned to focus on the rooms where we spent the most time and not let the other empty spaces overwhelm us."

Sara and Matt's living room provides plenty of options for lounging, from napping in the sun-drenched sitting area to gathering on the sectional for cocktails.

Sofa, cocktail table: Arhaus

by Adrienne DeRosa

Patterned pillows abound. "I am generally drawn to bright colors and graphic patterns," Sara says. "Moroccan motifs just slip in here and there." Golds and greens create a fresh contrast with the pale blue walls, drawing the eye into the built-in bookshelves.

Accent pillows: T.J.Maxx and Arhaus

by Adrienne DeRosa

Delightful vignettes united by color or context are a special feature throughout the home. This peacock-adorned perfume bottle from Sara's mother adds personal warmth and charm to their living room bookshelf.

Glass dish: T.J.Maxx; paint: Sea Exposure, Valspar

by Adrienne DeRosa

Matching chairs and overstuffed ottomans create an intimate sitting area in the living room. A side table Sara inherited from her great-grandmother and painted bright red offsets the cool palette.

A glass console table from a local boutique helps divide this area from the main living space. A bowl of seashells from the couple's travels to Key West, Georgia and the island of St. Lucia sits on top.

by Adrienne DeRosa

Sara selected weathered wood accents such as the decorative mirror and coffee table for a rustic, beach-inspired aesthetic. She painted the backs of the built-in bookshelves in a darker hue to highlight family keepsakes.

Sunburst mirror: Ballard Designs

by Adrienne DeRosa

In the dining room Sara mixed vintage furnishings and budget finds with more capiz shells and Moroccan prints. "A Moroccan wedding blanket is high on my wish list, and I'd really love to use it as a throw rug in a light-traffic area," she says.

Sideboard: Furnish; dining chairs: Ikea; capiz chandelier, drapery: West Elm

by Adrienne DeRosa

Liquor bottles mix with art and mementos from Matt and Sara's wedding on a sideboard mini bar. Although the couple is currently searching for the perfect vintage bar cart, this area is one of Sara's favorite spots to decorate during the holidays.

by Adrienne DeRosa

This dining room gallery wall is one of many in the home and exhibits the couple's love of DIY projects. Sara painted a thrift-store canvas with chalkboard paint and set it into a gilded frame. It served as the menu board for their wedding and now acts as a canvas for ever-changing inspirations.

"Holla" sign: Etsy

by Adrienne DeRosa

Candles flicker in votives along the dining room windows, adding warmth even in daylight. "I also like a bit of glitz and glam. I like to bring sparkle into our home with mirrors, beads and gilded frames," Sara says.

by Adrienne DeRosa

The kitchen features sandy tones and a granite countertop and stone tile backsplash. For more color, the couple spray painted the pendant lamp hanging over the sink with a cheerful teal, Valspar's glossy Tropical Oasis.

Double pendant lights: Home Decorators Collection; sink light: Home Depot

by Adrienne DeRosa

Here's a closeup of the stone tile backsplash. Sara mixes everyday cooking elements with decorative glass bottles found from the local thrift store.

by Adrienne DeRosa

In the master bedroom, a DIY headboard project represents Sara and Matt's proudest homeowner moment. "We went from not being able to hang a picture on the solid brick walls in this house to being able to create and hang our headboard with no trouble at all," Sara says. She purchased the materials locally, and the project cost less than $100.

Lamps, drapery: Pottery Barn

by Adrienne DeRosa

Matt and Sara customized their 1980s dresser by sanding it down, priming it with an oil-based primer and then giving it three coats of paint and two coats of polycrylic, proving that a weekend's worth of elbow grease is well worth the effort. With new drawer pulls, this dresser now perfectly complements the couple's vivid design scheme.

Dresser paint: Ocean Slumber, Valspar Paints

by Adrienne DeRosa

Color is evenly distributed throughout the guest bedroom, creating a calm energy. The green cabinet provides a break in the scheme and gives the room a small dose of glitz.

Mirrored side table, rug: HomeGoods

by Adrienne DeRosa

The handmade quilt is a wedding gift from Sara's childhood friend. The blues, greens and purples are inspired by Sara's affinity for peacocks and provide the basis of the guest bedroom's color palette.

by Adrienne DeRosa

In the third-story den, Sara uses a picture board made from an old window frame to display wedding photos and mementos. "One of our favorite things to do when we travel is to look for keepsakes," she says. "In most cases we pick out what we like and then worry about how it will fit into our decor."

Fabric, clips, string: JoAnn Fabrics

by Adrienne DeRosa

The den has plenty of comfortable seating and a big-screen TV (not pictured). Whether it's game day or time to wind down with a good book, this is a destination for the couple to relax.

Lamps: Pier 1 Imports; ikat throw: Joss and Main

by Adrienne DeRosa

A lime-green front door gives passersby a hint of the home's sunny interior. Before buying the house, the couple toured about 50 different homes. "In the end, it was all the beautiful windows in the main living space that sold us," Sara says.

Door paint color: Japanese Fern, Behr

by Adrienne DeRosa

Matt and Sara in their living room, now the favorite room in the house.

6 Sound Solutions for the iPhone Home

Beebe Cline — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:19:00 -0700

The era of the big, clunky home stereo system is over for most people. Nowadays, our phones serve as the central location for music, podcasts and other audio entertainment. We expect our music to go with us wherever we go.

Unfortunately, phones have tiny speakers. And who wants to wear headphones around the house all the time? One solution is to embrace iPhone music accessories that double as functional or decorative elements of your home’s decor.

by en & is

Megaphone - $500.00 »

The Megaphone is a hand-crafted “passive amplifier” for iPhones. It expands the music like old-school phonographs did back in the day: with an elegant, sound-amplifying horn.

The Megaphone not only increases the tone and volume of music without electricity, but it amplifies the sound of a voice on the line as if the person is standing in the room.

Crafted from clay and resting on a wooden stand, the Italian-made Megaphone is available for $500 in white or black and for $800 in hand-painted gold.

by KMKG Studio

iTree Sound System - EUR 5,900.00 »

An Austrian architecture and design studio called KMKG Studio custom makes each iTree, an iPhone-docking sound system carved from a single tree from a forest in Austria. Each is sound engineered by the Austrian speaker company Lenz.

Each iTree is unique, and you can choose from three kinds of wood as well as the length. The iTree costs between $7,800 and $15,000.

by iBamboo Speaker

iBamboo Speaker »

The iBamboo speaker is a very low-cost ($25) way to amplify sound, and with an attractive piece of cut bamboo. The design is extremely minimal and elegant. A carved slot for the iPhone straddles the divider between two compartments of bamboo, separating the stereo signal from the iPhone’s two bottom speakers, using the wood to amplify the sound.

by Thivend Stephane Design

Horus Coffee Table »

Furniture designer Stephane Thivend has created a very unusual pyramid-shape Horus Multimedia Coffee Table, which doubles as a dock speaker system for the iPhone.

The table base is made of high-tech, high-performance concrete, and the table surface is safety glass.

Two amplified speakers broadcast whatever the iPhone is playing, and the dock charges the phone. The juncture of the glass and concrete can be illuminated by any of 24 colors.

by West Elm

Parsons Audio End Table - $399.00 »

The introduction of the iPhone has brought clutter into our bedrooms.

Millions of these devices spend the night sitting on an end table next to a bed, either playing or plugged into some garish charging station. The iPhone itself has replaced the old clock radio as the device that plays music as we drift to sleep and wakes us up with an alarm. Still, many use audio charging stations to amplify the iPhone’s sound.

The $319 Parsons Audio End Table eliminates the need for the charging station, external speakers and audio cables. The table itself has an electrical cable to power the speakers and charge the phone. Made from engineered wood with a white lacquer finish, it conceals speakers and cables inside. The top is broken only by a small place to insert the iPhone. Once plugged in, the phone charges, and any audio coming from the phone is played through the table’s speakers.

by Finite Elemente

Hohrizontal 51 Soundboard »

The Finite Elemente Hohrizontal 51 is a simple wall-mountable shelf but with a difference. It has two speakers and an iPhone cradle built into the front, leaving nearly all the shelf space available for books, knickknacks, framed pictures or even a TV. It can hold up to 55 pounds.

The minimalist design masks real flexibility. On the bottom of the shelf, hidden from view, you’ll find inputs for plugging in a laptop (via USB) or audio components. A composite video output means you can play videos from your iPhone on your TV.

It’s also a surprisingly powerful sound system. You can see the two small speakers in the front, but you can’t see the big woofer speakers on the bottom — or the 50-watt power output.

It comes in red, gray, black, white, cobalt, mallow or natural-wood walnut.

402 14824 N Bluff, Surrey, BC

Beebe Cline — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:35:37 -0700

I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 402 14824 N Bluff, Surrey, BC

The Belaire Concrete and Steel Construction with Luxurious finishing ,Built by Marcom, Floor to Ceiling glass, Central Air-Conditioning -Heat Pump,hardwood floors,Splendid View of the Ocean South, 2 bedrooms + office and 2 full bath,heated tile floors, granite & quartz surfaces. Central vac system, Kitchen with granite eating bar and Commercial grade Jenn-air Stainless Pkg . Covered concrete deck with Natural gas BBQ hook up,2 pets permitted,All Ages welcome in building ,5 min walk to Semiahmoo Secondary, Shopping Mall.or Centennial park.. Enjoy White Rock living at its Best , carefree and lock and go* 1399 sqft

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13230 Amble Greene Court, Surrey, BC

2163 179th Street, White Rock, BC

2184 179th Street, White Rock, BC

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