home decoration

INDULGENCES - FOOD

noreply@blogger.com (DigiWind Global Solutions) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 12:34:00 +0000

INDULGENCES - FOOD

On the dining scene

COMFORT FOOD, ITALIAN STYLE
BLT Restaurant Group has gone Italian with the recent opening
of Casa Nonna in Dupont Circle. Executive chef Amy Brandwein channels the quintessential fare of a nonna (Italian for grandmother) with a menu of fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas and homey meat entrees. New York-based Guerin Glass Architects designed the space, which features leather pincushion banquettes, large-scale artwork and a marble-topped pizza bar. 1250 Connecticut Avenue, NW; 202-629-2505.
CAJUN EATS
James Beard nominee David Guas opens the doors to his long-awaited Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery in Arlington on November 1 and we can already smell the beignets. The Louisiana native will serve his signature sweets along with savories that celebrate the Big Easy. 1515 N. Courthouse Road; 703-243-2410.

Super Stylish Bathrooms from Delpha

noreply@blogger.com (DigiWind Global Solutions) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 17:13:00 +0000

Super Stylish Bathrooms from Delpha

Delpha brings a collection of ultra stylish bathroom interiors for you. The designs are inspired by nature, pop culture, baroque and urban interiors.

Each bath area runs on a central theme where the fixtures and accessories are thoughtfully arranged. Most of the designs sport brightly coloured walls with rich use of textures. Some walls have mosaic tiles which are like jewels studded in a luxurious haven of purity. Going by the images, it looks as though this Delpha collection is targeting the luxury end of the market meant for people willing to pay the extra dollar.

Browse through for more inspiration.

A CREATIVE COLLABORATION

noreply@blogger.com (DigiWind Global Solutions) — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 16:18:00 +0000

A CREATIVE COLLABORATION

Designer Andrea Houck upgrades an Arlington condo with inspired results

BY JULIE SANDERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LYDIA CUTTER

It was the spacious 28-foot terrace and breathtaking view that first attracted the owner to a fifth-floor, one-bedroom condo in Arlington, Virginia, back in 1994. And for a long time, the view sufficed. The rest of the apartment, which she describes as “builder-grade everything, all white,” remained untouched—until 12 years later, when it was time to install a new floor and ceiling fans.

At that point, the homeowner, a communications consultant, met with interior designer Andrea Houck and “it all kind of spiraled.” Houck envisioned a home that would better reflect her client’s personality, with a higher level of finishes, stylish furnishings and a cohesiveness that the current space lacked. Through a combination of structural and cosmetic changes, she was able to completely transform the apartment. “Everything is new,” the homeowner says happily. “Lights, floors, furniture—everything.”

The need for new ceiling fans resulted in the first structural change. Houck lowered the ceiling by two and a half inches to accommodate new wiring and, in the process, was able to cover an ugly popcorn ceiling. The kitchen area was enclosed by a wall that obstructed the view from the entryway to the living room and terrace; Houck removed the wall from counter-level up, concealing troublesome vent pipes in the process and flooding the kitchen with natural light. With the wall gone, the kitchen, living and dining areas became a single, integrated space.

One of Houck’s challenges was to help her client hone in on her personal style, since—as the homeowner readily admits—she herself couldn’t define it. “I used a designer the way you’re supposed to,” she says, explaining that Houck presented her with samples, plans and ideas and she responded to them, learning about herself and her own preferences in the process.

The designer used additional overhead lighting and a color scheme of olive greens and earth tones—the homeowner’s favorite palette—to impart coziness and warmth. Textures and materials lend sophistication and interest, including a gas fireplace with a surround made of pressed glass and a mantel of zebrawood. Grass-cloth wallpaper adorns the doors of two custom cabinets in the living room, both designed by Houck, and it also lines the bookshelves in the library to connect the rooms. “I tried to use surfaces more than once so the repetition would unify the space,” Houck explains.

The kitchen underwent a complete makeover, with custom Decora cherry cabinetry in an espresso finish, Black Galaxy granite (which is repeated in the guest bath) and an eye-catching backsplash of small, vertical granite and marble rectangular tiles in brown and olive tones. The floors are hand-picked, pink-hued slate with random black dots, which Houck also used in front of the door to the terrace in the library.

Both baths in the apartment have been renovated. The guest bath, in close proximity to the kitchen, picks up the same earth tones. The sink console is made from a piece of furniture, with a distinctive, round glass sink painted black with a crackle texture. The room has a geometric motif, with square-patterned wallpaper, three square-shaped decorative shelving units set into the wall and a square-tiled wall behind the sink; small, square sparkling glass tiles line the insides of the shelves and trim the sink area.

The master bath, which the homeowner characterizes in its original form as “the ugliest white bathroom you ever saw,” is now an inviting space that communicates a restful vibe. Its focal point is a bank of iridescent tiles on the bathtub walls; green-hued slate floors (hand-picked like those in the kitchen) complement the tiles while a granite-topped console with zebrawood doors houses the sink.

The master bedroom was the least altered by the renovation: Houck retained the original furniture, had the artwork reframed and purchased striated silk bedding; window cornices match the headboard. The bedroom artwork features a tropical motif, reflective of the homeowner’s interest in diving and frequent visits to the Caribbean islands of Turks and Caicos. These bright hues repeat themselves in the library, which houses colorful artwork, a vivid, flowered rug and brightly hued sofa pillows and upholstery.

Initially, the homeowner worried that window treatments in the living room would impede both the view and the light, but Houck persuaded her to rethink her position. Draperies from Donghia in a loose-knit fabric now soften the room’s lines while admitting plenty of light; sun-block shades cover windows that open toward the other residences. The floors, the original impetus for the whole redesign, are now a dark African hardwood—exactly what the homeowner wanted. “I never could have done this on my own,” she says. “The process was just wonderful.”

Purple Kitchens

noreply@blogger.com (DigiWind Global Solutions) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 17:37:00 +0000

If you have been a long term follower of this site, you will know that at times we do color specific posts. It is like we pick out a particular color and post pictures of spaces that give importance to this color. Today we specifically focus on purple kitchens, and we must say that the visual impact of this range of hues really works in the modern kitchen! Since purple signifies deep passion, royalty, spirit, and people who like purple are often individuals who are creative and generous. Needless to say, these kitchens are definitely mysteriously inviting, sexy, and the color all too trendy this season, but perfect for hosting fabulous interactive dinner parties. Let’s just hope tie-dye doesn’t come back into style any time soon…

Check out these other kitchens we have featured in the past:

Bedroom Decorating Ideas for your Rented Space

noreply@blogger.com (DigiWind Global Solutions) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 19:14:00 +0000

Bedroom Decor & Inspirations
Wondering how to decorate a child's bedroom, your teenagers bedroom or liven up your sleeping space to be more romantic ?

From buying kids furniture to creating a romantic bedroom, you will find great ideas for improving your sleeping place.

Bedroom Basics & Bedding Information
Children's Bedrooms
Romantic Bedroom Decorating
Romantic Bedroom Decorating

Decorating Tips For Personalizing Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (DigiWind Global Solutions) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 19:12:00 +0000

Decorating is a form of art, a creative process where you can express your soul on the very nature of the environment around you. In this way you can create a space that truly feels like home, because it will be filled with subtle hints of your own personality.

The process of personalization always begins with you. It’s important to understand your own tastes and preferences in order to make decorative choices which will be meaningful. This can be a difficult process, most people prefer to sit back and let societal norms determine what they prefer. However an honest inspection of who you are will yield an environment which will be that much more powerful and inspiring.

Art is a vast field of creativity, with a multitude of mediums, and an overwhelming collection of endeavors, all designed to try and make you feel something powerful. Not every piece will evoke emotion, most wont. But every once in a while you’ll see an image that makes your heart beat a little faster, that makes your mind spark with new ideas and passions. These are the pieces you need to bring into your home. These are the subtle notes of your soul which will fill a space with the song that is you.

Color is also a powerful visual element that can inspire emotion and energy in the human psyche. Paying attention to your own reaction to colors will help you to get a deeper understanding of your personality. When used in a space, color can be a kind of secret code, expressing complex feelings that are often too delicate to convey in a more direct manner.

As you work to create the spaces around you, it’s important to stop and take time to gauge how you react to the atmosphere of each room. It’s not just about the items in a space, it’s about the design and patterns that emerge as you arrange them. Pay attention to the difference between clutter and emptiness, between large and small spaces, and try to get a sense of how you react to the overall room.

Decorative endeavors should be an artistic pursuit, utilizing color and décor to create designs which evoke personal emotions. The idea is to create a home which is an expression of your inner being, so that every time you step inside, it will really feel like you are coming home.

Five Tips to Simplify your Holiday Shopping on any Budget

noreply@blogger.com (DigiWind Global Solutions) — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 19:10:00 +0000

(ARA) - The holiday season is upon us. That means the stress that comes with shopping for that perfect gift is not far behind. So, what's the best way to go about making a list, checking it twice and sticking to a budget?

Audrey McClelland is the founder of Mom Generations, an online destination for moms. She is an expert at holiday shopping for her tech-savvy husband, four boys all younger than 6, and a large extended family.

McClelland offers her top five holiday shopping tips and gift ideas that will help you conquer your holiday shopping - on budget - for everyone on your list.

1. Keep a master list. It can get overwhelming around the holidays when you are trying to decide whom to shop for. Outline everyone you need a gift for, and remember to incorporate any unexpected last-minute gifts. Then write down a realistic number on what you want to spend on each person and stick to it. Seeing it on paper will make it easier to knock items off your list while keeping your budget in check.

2. Be sure to have gifts on hand that can be given to anyone … regardless of their tastes. For example, Staples carries colorful Omnitech mini speaker pods in jewel tones for only $10 that can plug into any iPod, Sony PSP, or MP3 player, and are perfect for kids and grown-ups on the go. Digital photo ornaments in the shape of decorative balls or snowflakes make another universally likeable gift for less than $15. These are also time-savers to have on hand for office Yankee swaps, hostess gifts or any unanticipated presents you may need.

3. Don't waste time rushing from store to store. Try condensing your shopping visits to the fewest number of stores possible. Pick a shopping destination or two, and commit to buying as many gifts as you can for your list there. If you're looking for the newest tech items, Staples stores offer interactive displays that allow you to get a feel of the newest tech products before you buy, whether you're considering a Kindle for your mother-in-law or a Flip video camera for that next family vacation.

4. It's a digital world - follow your favorite shopping places on Facebook and Twitter. Many stores reward their followers with up-to-the-minute deals via these social media outlets. Stores occasionally post exclusive print-out coupons and deals specifically for their Facebook friends, and let you know about upcoming events ahead of time.

5. Check out the websites of the stores that you plan to visit before heading into the actual store. You may be surprised by the variety of products some stores offer. It also helps you to become acquainted with the product selection and can help you to nail down specific items for each person on your list, making your trip more efficient. You may even decide to purchase some items directly on the website and have them shipped to the recipient to avoid a trip to the store or post office. For example,Staples.com offers free shipment on items over $50.

"Every year, inevitably, I get caught up in the frenzy of the season," says McClelland. "However, by sticking to these tips, I can focus on the joy of gift giving and the satisfaction of knowing I did it all under budget."

Winter Holiday Decorating

noreply@blogger.com (DigiWind Global Solutions) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 10:56:00 +0000

Christmas Decorating Ideas

Christmas Decorating Ideas & Tips for Holiday Home Decor.

When the spirit of Christmas sets in and the weather starts to cool check out these cool decorating ideas to bring in this fall season.