Archia HomesHome design, construction and restoration in Boston2012-05-17T12:07:44Zhttp://blog.archiahomes.com/feed/atom/WordPressarchiahomeshttp://feedburner.google.comtmaberry<![CDATA[White Hot Kitchens are Trending]]>http://blog.archiahomes.com/?p=18412012-05-14T14:36:02Z2012-05-17T12:07:44Z<p>Since this blog launched just over two years ago, <a href="http://blog.archiahomes.com/inspiration/coastal-kitchens/" target="_blank">some of our most popular posts</a> have been about <a href="http://blog.archiahomes.com/homes-that-work/kitchens-homes-that-work/common-coastal-kitchen-features/" target="_blank">coastal kitchens</a>.</p>
<p>If you live in the New England area, you probably know this design style very well. Coastal kitchens are often described as crisp, clean, classic and just a tad beachy. The layouts are very open and allow for tons of natural sunlight.</p>
<p>Another thing that most coastal kitchens have in common is that they’re almost always white.</p>
<p>This lack of color is catching on, according to the <a href="http://www.nkba.org/press/releases/pressreleases2012/12-04-25/The_National_Kitchen_Bath_Association_Reveals_Top_Trends_from_2012_NKBA_Design_Competition.aspx" target="_blank">National Kitchen and Bath Association</a> (NKBA). In this year’s Design Competition, hundreds of designers submitted their work and the experts at NKBA found that white in the kitchen is quite hot this year.</p>
<div id="attachment_1842" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 560px"><a href="http://lookbook.elledecor.com/search/room-Kitchen/style-Beach"><img class="size-full wp-image-1842" src="http://blog.archiahomes.com/files/2012/05/kitchen1.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="440" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image from Elle Decor </p></div>
<div id="attachment_1843" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 438px"><a href="http://pinterest.com/search/?q=white+kitchen"><img class="size-full wp-image-1843" src="http://blog.archiahomes.com/files/2012/05/kitchen2.jpg" alt="" width="428" height="600" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image from Pinterest</p></div>
<div id="attachment_1844" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 564px"><a href="http://pinterest.com/search/?q=white+kitchen"><img class="size-full wp-image-1844" src="http://blog.archiahomes.com/files/2012/05/kitchen3.jpg" alt="" width="554" height="415" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image from Pinterest</p></div>
<div id="attachment_1845" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 564px"><a href="http://pinterest.com/search/?q=white+kitchen"><img class="size-full wp-image-1845" src="http://blog.archiahomes.com/files/2012/05/kitchen4.jpg" alt="" width="554" height="416" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image from Pinterest</p></div>
<div id="attachment_1846" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 460px"><a href="http://pinterest.com/search/?q=white+kitchen"><img class="size-full wp-image-1846" src="http://blog.archiahomes.com/files/2012/05/kitchen5.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="600" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image from Pinterest </p></div>
<div id="attachment_1847" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 560px"><a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=81235&index=11&currentPage=1&searchQuery=white%20kitchen&searchType=photos"><img class="size-full wp-image-1847" src="http://blog.archiahomes.com/files/2012/05/kitchen6.png" alt="" width="550" height="295" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image from Decor Pad</p></div>
<p><em><strong>What’s your take on all white kitchens?</strong></em></p>
<p> </p>
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/archiahomes/~4/4_hZMsba2VQ" height="1" width="1"/>0http://blog.archiahomes.com/slider/white-hot-kitchens-are-trending/tmaberry<![CDATA[What’s Hot for Outdoor Living in 2012?]]>http://blog.archiahomes.com/?p=18292012-05-11T14:00:19Z2012-05-14T12:01:08Z<p>Each year, <a href="http://www.asla.org/NewsReleaseDetails.aspx?id=35277" target="_blank">American Society of Landscape Architects</a> (ASLA) reaches out to hundreds of industry professionals to find out what’s trending in the outdoor living arena. Their feedback is based on their clients (homeowners) and what <a href="http://blog.archiahomes.com/inspiration/7-ways-to-create-a-visually-appealing-yard/" target="_blank">outdoor features</a> they’re requesting the most. So, here’s an overview of what’s hot in outdoor living for 2012:</p>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Top Outdoor Design Elements </strong></p>
<div id="attachment_1830" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 410px"><a href="http://www.myhomeideas.com/outdoor-living/gardening/8-great-plants-10000001062264/"><img class="size-full wp-image-1830" src="http://blog.archiahomes.com/files/2012/05/garden.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="420" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image from My Home Ideas</p></div>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li>Gardens and landscaped spaces</li>
<li>Outdoor kitchens and entertaining areas</li>
<li>Recreation amenities (pools, spas, tennis courts)</li>
<li>Sustainable design features</li>
<li>Turf lawns</li>
<li>Accessible design for the disabled</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Top Outdoor Living Features</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_1831" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 410px"><a href="http://www.myhomeideas.com/outdoor-living/backyards-patios/fire-up-the-grill-00400000063565/built-in-cookout-00400000063619/"><img class="size-full wp-image-1831" src="http://blog.archiahomes.com/files/2012/05/grill.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="420" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image from My Home Ideas</p></div>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li>Grills</li>
<li>Seating/outdoor dining furniture</li>
<li>Fire pits and fireplaces</li>
<li>Landscape lighting</li>
<li>Installed seating (benches, ledges)</li>
<li>Weatherized or year-round outdoor furniture</li>
<li>Counter space</li>
<li>Utility storage</li>
<li>Stereo systems</li>
<li>Sinks</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Top Outdoor Recreation Features</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_1832" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 510px"><a href="http://www.decorpad.com/photo.htm?photoId=815&index=0&currentPage=0&searchQuery=waterfall&searchType=photos"><img class="size-full wp-image-1832" src="http://blog.archiahomes.com/files/2012/05/waterfall.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image from Decor Pad</p></div>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li>Decorative water elements (ornamental pools, waterfalls)</li>
<li>Swimming pools</li>
<li>Spa features (hot tubs, Jacuzzi, Whirlpool, sauna)</li>
<li>Sports (tennis or basketball court)</li>
<li>Outdoor TV or theater</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Top Landscape and Garden Elements</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_1833" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 410px"><a href="http://www.myhomeideas.com/outdoor-living/gardening/gardening-spring-10000001738471/showstopping-lawn-10001391585619/"><img class="size-full wp-image-1833" src="http://blog.archiahomes.com/files/2012/05/landscape.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="420" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image from My Home Ideas</p></div>
<ol>
<li>Low-maintenance landscapes</li>
<li><a href="http://blog.archiahomes.com/inspiration/try-xeriscaping-for-green-gardening-and-landscaping/" target="_blank">Native plants</a></li>
<li>Fountains and ornamental water features</li>
<li>Food and vegetable gardens (orchards and vineyards)</li>
<li><a href="http://blog.archiahomes.com/inspiration/try-xeriscaping-for-green-gardening-and-landscaping/" target="_blank">Water-saving xeriscaping</a></li>
<li>Organic gardens</li>
<li>Rain gardens</li>
<li>Ponds and streams</li>
<li>Rooftop gardens</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Top Sustainable Design Features</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_1834" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://www.bhg.com/gardening/gardening-by-region/northeast/top-native-plants-of-the-northeast/#page=3"><img class="size-full wp-image-1834" src="http://blog.archiahomes.com/files/2012/05/native-plant.jpg" alt="" width="360" height="360" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image from BHG</p></div>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://blog.archiahomes.com/inspiration/try-xeriscaping-for-green-gardening-and-landscaping/" target="_blank">Native or adapted drought-tolerant plants</a></li>
<li>Drip or water-efficient irrigation</li>
<li>Reduced lawn</li>
<li>Permeable paving</li>
<li>Recycled materials</li>
<li>Rainwater/graywater harvesting</li>
<li>Compost bins</li>
<li>Geothermal-heated pools</li>
<li>Solar-powered lights</li>
</ol>
<p style="text-align: center"><strong>Top Outdoor Structures</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_1835" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 560px"><a href="http://lookbook.elledecor.com/search/room-Outdoor-Room/style-Traditional"><img class="size-full wp-image-1835" src="http://blog.archiahomes.com/files/2012/05/patio.jpg" alt="" width="550" height="440" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Image from Elle Decor</p></div>
<p> </p>
<ol>
<li>Terraces and <a href="http://blog.archiahomes.com/inspiration/spring-calls-for-great-decks-patios-and-more/" target="_blank">patios</a></li>
<li>Fencing and gates</li>
<li>Steps</li>
<li>Ornamental water features and fountains</li>
<li>Pergolas</li>
<li>Arbors</li>
<li><a href="http://blog.archiahomes.com/uncategorized/may-home-maintenance-safe-decks/" target="_blank">Decks</a></li>
<li>Porches</li>
<li>Outdoor kitchens and ovens</li>
<li>Utility sheds</li>
</ol>
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/archiahomes/~4/uuQrZ32ANFw" height="1" width="1"/>0http://blog.archiahomes.com/inspiration/whats-hot-for-outdoor-living-in-2012/tmaberry<![CDATA[Is There Lead in Your Pre-1978 Home?]]>http://blog.archiahomes.com/?p=18222012-05-09T20:18:07Z2012-05-10T11:27:23Z<p>One of our specialties here at Archia Homes is restoring old residences and adding customized touches that make them safer, convenient and more relevant.</p>
<p>It’s not uncommon for some of the homes we come across to contain traces of lead – a highly toxic metal that was formerly used in many paints. In 1978, lead-based paints were banned for housing use, so any home or building that’s existed for 35 years or more could very well still be plagued with lead if no remodeling or renovations have taken place to remove the poison.</p>
<div id="attachment_1824" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 410px"><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/peeling-paint-on-wall-and-ceiling-in-bathroom-royalty-free-image/83676074"><img class="size-full wp-image-1824" src="http://blog.archiahomes.com/files/2012/05/lead.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="266" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Royalty-free image by Sami Sarkis on GettyImages.com</p></div>
<p>Anyone residing in a home with traces of lead is at risk of getting lead poisoning. It’s common for children to be affected by ingesting paint chips while adults suffer from just breathing in lead dust or drinking water contaminated with lead. Exposure to lead can lead to headaches, hearing and vision problems, anemia and hyperactivity. More severe cases have lead to miscarriages for pregnant women and even death for those in direct contact.</p>
<p>There are small but significant ways to ensure that your exposure to lead at home is diminished. Keep your home clean and dust-free is probably the most important tip, but more drastic measures might need to be taken.</p>
<p>Is your home lead safe? Review <a href="http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/chancechecklist.pdf">this checklist</a> put together by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and find out now!</p>
<p>In order to rid your home of any and all lead, you’ll need a Lead Safe Certified contractor. Two services that might be performed include:</p>
<ul>
<li>A paint inspection — Tells you the lead content of every different type of painted surface in your home, but does not tell you if the paint is a hazard or how to deal with it.</li>
<li>A risk assessment — Tells you if there are any sources of serious lead exposure such as peeling paint and lead dust, and tells you what actions to take to address these hazards.</li>
</ul>
<p>To learn more about ridding your home of lead, visit <a href="http://www.epa.gov/lead/">EPA.gov</a>.</p>
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