Magnificent Home Improvements

Fashion latest trend: Fur Coats

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8914qWG_6buos3X9HLfNJMT8cOcFbXk_Vpd6sb5nVkQ6X8uBVXuSNrvE1OxvKaCRqbnPMpkDzigRFi1254yK0OrdhK5C4kiLqTlcuMXxT9Wj_7pX-FDn4jL3LgDEy_aVvblyVCnct7oX/s1600/130302_fw13_bf_par_0470_20130304_1044623999-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ8914qWG_6buos3X9HLfNJMT8cOcFbXk_Vpd6sb5nVkQ6X8uBVXuSNrvE1OxvKaCRqbnPMpkDzigRFi1254yK0OrdhK5C4kiLqTlcuMXxT9Wj_7pX-FDn4jL3LgDEy_aVvblyVCnct7oX/s1600/130302_fw13_bf_par_0470_20130304_1044623999-1.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>Fur coats have been used for cold protection since forever, although  back then it was for strictly survival reasons rather than fashion  motives.  Despite being probably one of the most controversial topics in  Fashion it is indeed in its heydays, if we go by its constant  presence during Fashion Weeks lately.  From real ones to fabulous faux  fur options, fur coats are more present than ever in any chic woman's wardrobe.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCURMn3eNtN9FOiQ_limNnqx251qI0ox4bbQld7HmmzXxI9YbD1JF141JqBHiFRMKPDi1yd5-oYcCCcbcPJYH5KmmuRzOGtaEV2d4I55qyYADYv8puc7EU6ENfTcBSWdwZ6g-DmvN2KG5T/s1600/hbz-street-style-nyfw13-day4-01-lgn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCURMn3eNtN9FOiQ_limNnqx251qI0ox4bbQld7HmmzXxI9YbD1JF141JqBHiFRMKPDi1yd5-oYcCCcbcPJYH5KmmuRzOGtaEV2d4I55qyYADYv8puc7EU6ENfTcBSWdwZ6g-DmvN2KG5T/s1600/hbz-street-style-nyfw13-day4-01-lgn.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVcXIHP8ARmIrx20TyNa0TeCiu8aobWqqFP3UAt9s5hPyM22OzThOjnTDBplpxgcrwarlNBZvZSx7wW5bfhGRQq89wODwdsQySYnzQTsx5JEvipoxVr0lhtpXUPdvNyokYYltMmJnPVP0/s1600/anna+dello+russo+and+carine+roitfeld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwVcXIHP8ARmIrx20TyNa0TeCiu8aobWqqFP3UAt9s5hPyM22OzThOjnTDBplpxgcrwarlNBZvZSx7wW5bfhGRQq89wODwdsQySYnzQTsx5JEvipoxVr0lhtpXUPdvNyokYYltMmJnPVP0/s1600/anna+dello+russo+and+carine+roitfeld.jpg" width="493" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4DdZGbSwasG8BLVo4t_AAL_HLLXWNzvtzwmgJO36-0rQzymCe6kxr-OlRVrm-dKDkd5xxAEEOyRRHr2a0BsbmoBVV03qQhqjEbuXdTD8QQZ249pDSMjIx1LZmKbiwy9YSOTcg5aupfdS/s1600/pink+fur+coat+street+style+belle+vivir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4DdZGbSwasG8BLVo4t_AAL_HLLXWNzvtzwmgJO36-0rQzymCe6kxr-OlRVrm-dKDkd5xxAEEOyRRHr2a0BsbmoBVV03qQhqjEbuXdTD8QQZ249pDSMjIx1LZmKbiwy9YSOTcg5aupfdS/s1600/pink+fur+coat+street+style+belle+vivir.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bellevivir.com/2013/11/the-pink-coat.html">Did you get your Pink coat yet?</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSc6vh7mqFgTv9xr3GrL3sHH6pQ-Ycd2-4iNpTHtYdtnXnEvLTCvOCxk6Ar8XVLZnGD7M-BO2_-3t9n_aRP5IkLAA8mkLZtjhX7ArvmBujLnKmI-p0AxvsixjLuqUtdn3nFlJxXXpMfNI/s1600/Paris-FW-AW13-street-look-gray-black-fur-Givenchy-clutch-by-Saskia-Lawaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSc6vh7mqFgTv9xr3GrL3sHH6pQ-Ycd2-4iNpTHtYdtnXnEvLTCvOCxk6Ar8XVLZnGD7M-BO2_-3t9n_aRP5IkLAA8mkLZtjhX7ArvmBujLnKmI-p0AxvsixjLuqUtdn3nFlJxXXpMfNI/s1600/Paris-FW-AW13-street-look-gray-black-fur-Givenchy-clutch-by-Saskia-Lawaks.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDSskEI8MKkzvas0Ajw4KHlNSjT7tfQbuWFwsw2UKXIBa415I__DXA32PW2ovA-rBvWRA2FdwP0_2Ty9ut8gJIj8tGBQ10-OZ_5suvWZ2b2QX6G3N8npDidTdKPBouuD0F1okjHKB6vk1/s1600/tumblr_mukybzeWPl1qak3nwo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkDSskEI8MKkzvas0Ajw4KHlNSjT7tfQbuWFwsw2UKXIBa415I__DXA32PW2ovA-rBvWRA2FdwP0_2Ty9ut8gJIj8tGBQ10-OZ_5suvWZ2b2QX6G3N8npDidTdKPBouuD0F1okjHKB6vk1/s1600/tumblr_mukybzeWPl1qak3nwo1_500.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXoHZ-AZPzPdFTa7bc3MWD0IZuxX_3PwrIXR9PQ6kRYqz05Sro27czxFBxLp39CUHQyqCK9ZFP1lVLYR0L3L2TRpETIhGwaY1py8g_oB1sX9OgoqyA1RCZd1DgjJiHghfQZawbsr8hd-6/s1600/belle+vivirFall-2013-fashion+wee-street-style-fur-Jacquelyn-Jablonski-via-hbz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXoHZ-AZPzPdFTa7bc3MWD0IZuxX_3PwrIXR9PQ6kRYqz05Sro27czxFBxLp39CUHQyqCK9ZFP1lVLYR0L3L2TRpETIhGwaY1py8g_oB1sX9OgoqyA1RCZd1DgjJiHghfQZawbsr8hd-6/s1600/belle+vivirFall-2013-fashion+wee-street-style-fur-Jacquelyn-Jablonski-via-hbz.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArCc9w7sbYi2dFQgiA0eY_MEZh27mHOejv5puIkL0-vwaeJ8f9fhxi5D1-R9s22irox2bB3yzEHZPyllttTEIMw6aiEYfjH3DKBOYCAXj3SZ47s7grDZT_B_-uSmZIXGJCuP5YbIKKMKZ/s1600/la-modella-mafia-Christine-Centenera-fashion-editor-2013-street-style-fur-collar-coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArCc9w7sbYi2dFQgiA0eY_MEZh27mHOejv5puIkL0-vwaeJ8f9fhxi5D1-R9s22irox2bB3yzEHZPyllttTEIMw6aiEYfjH3DKBOYCAXj3SZ47s7grDZT_B_-uSmZIXGJCuP5YbIKKMKZ/s1600/la-modella-mafia-Christine-Centenera-fashion-editor-2013-street-style-fur-collar-coat.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLPYQhvJoYJbcHKZnYQjJ6f00vAkDUMrCscQpzB6nCd0rtzPXXsLs3kgQFa1VqFImBRzrLU5uH6aRmauK8kTboBvyPnPNMdxPG6k65XUzA1ZrmIgeZCwFveKL6lnoAQQViI5NAfL5-JPk/s1600/milan-fashion-week-2013-fall-street-style-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLPYQhvJoYJbcHKZnYQjJ6f00vAkDUMrCscQpzB6nCd0rtzPXXsLs3kgQFa1VqFImBRzrLU5uH6aRmauK8kTboBvyPnPNMdxPG6k65XUzA1ZrmIgeZCwFveKL6lnoAQQViI5NAfL5-JPk/s1600/milan-fashion-week-2013-fall-street-style-12.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWfccXF-ssZQywXlmjIomIY_x4JMvrogLDy0r_F98Xqy3mGDdXn55_BSX7oaztZKTWgOe5Qm4HT_k7woNO3_IciDHuGlh3MTxnLOKOZb5GazjJQRvl9ZrX-GI2BfGMFeuvDYeTj4r1j7y/s1600/la-modella-mafia-model-off-duty-street-style-all-gray-everything-fur-inspired-by-kate-moss-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWfccXF-ssZQywXlmjIomIY_x4JMvrogLDy0r_F98Xqy3mGDdXn55_BSX7oaztZKTWgOe5Qm4HT_k7woNO3_IciDHuGlh3MTxnLOKOZb5GazjJQRvl9ZrX-GI2BfGMFeuvDYeTj4r1j7y/s1600/la-modella-mafia-model-off-duty-street-style-all-gray-everything-fur-inspired-by-kate-moss-1.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;">images via <a href="http://lamodellamafia.com/">La Modella Mafia</a>, <a href="http://lefashionimage.blogspot.com/">Le Fashion</a>, <a href="http://styletao.com/">Style Tao</a></div></div>

Fashion latest trend: Fur Coats

Fur coats have been used for cold protection since forever, although back then it was for strictly survival reasons rather than fashion mo...

12:05 PM

Design Case Studies with Altherm Window Systems: Architect Dave Strachan's eco-friendly Auckland renovation

<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The fifth in our series of Design Case Studies with <a href="http://www.altherm.co.nz/">Altherm Window Systems </a>visits the Auckland family home of architect Dave Strachan (of Strachan Group Architects), a former bungalow that's had a significant renovation with increased energy efficiency one of the primary goals.  The photographs are by Patrick Reynolds.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">You could say that architect Dave Strachan has a 360-degree view of the process of designing and building a home. He was a builder before he went to architecture school and, along with his wife Colleen, he was his own client when he designed an extensive renovation of the couple’s bungalow in the Auckland suburb of Mount Eden (he also had to supervise his sons, who worked as builders on the project). This led to a mild case of multiple personality disorder. “When you’re the client, the architect and the builder, you wonder who’s calling the shots,” Dave says. “The client wants to know how much it is, the builder wants to know if you can do it easier, and the architect is reaching for the sky.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgus2uV0rvYE2KMI__BDv1DziB5cseFXr7GW00WNVk3Y1t1pFZEbFTq_0yLr9BaQRX-8AKkFVsh7ykQHinqxaJKn1doBBBfsXRMu8cy7l6My6RQajZnabq0c0lIi_P5Xi8cRX0v9i1vxUg/s1600/he1006strachan_L6Y4574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgus2uV0rvYE2KMI__BDv1DziB5cseFXr7GW00WNVk3Y1t1pFZEbFTq_0yLr9BaQRX-8AKkFVsh7ykQHinqxaJKn1doBBBfsXRMu8cy7l6My6RQajZnabq0c0lIi_P5Xi8cRX0v9i1vxUg/s1600/he1006strachan_L6Y4574.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Dave Strachan's family home in Auckland is a bungalow that's had a significant, environmentally senstive renovation. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Of course, performing these roles simultaneously saved the couple a lot of money. Their original bungalow was 180 square metres, but now the extension is complete, Dave and Colleen (who at the time had all four of their children living at home) have a renovated home measuring about 300 square metres in size.<br />   </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6sH2D2Pcixn2lblIStBPLO8fcBSk2rGBNRrO2DCC7NIaeIOU9FKs4k7yeidu9HdKcultjt7AmXq9WLhH_IaJPQLbXsPtpwJ2BephkVqZCecRWk0mXoaZk1GU08_sIUHdm8Q3lPaBX1s/s1600/he1006strachan_DSCF0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6sH2D2Pcixn2lblIStBPLO8fcBSk2rGBNRrO2DCC7NIaeIOU9FKs4k7yeidu9HdKcultjt7AmXq9WLhH_IaJPQLbXsPtpwJ2BephkVqZCecRWk0mXoaZk1GU08_sIUHdm8Q3lPaBX1s/s1600/he1006strachan_DSCF0002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The home before renovations began. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oRPT1vV6QU-yF6xHGVtHitRxis55m3nJkkXaGTlHu2ZPuAxWM-SiercdcV_lb__JCupkAM2z_-G9UYcy2a9riGmr9yL23-PDaKXorLKPZOG7oNmpbSNA19eEq8oLmgI-1v3KCO4DIsw/s1600/he1006strachan_L6Y4469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oRPT1vV6QU-yF6xHGVtHitRxis55m3nJkkXaGTlHu2ZPuAxWM-SiercdcV_lb__JCupkAM2z_-G9UYcy2a9riGmr9yL23-PDaKXorLKPZOG7oNmpbSNA19eEq8oLmgI-1v3KCO4DIsw/s1600/he1006strachan_L6Y4469.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A view of the home after renovations were complete.</span> </i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">They initially explored the option of demolishing the bungalow and starting anew. Dave estimates that if a client was to pay a builder and an architect for an all-new home of that size (which includes a swimming pool), they would be looking at a bill of about $900,000 (plus the pool). In this case, Dave and Colleen completed the job for about $500,000. “I reckon we’re about $400,000 better off because we decided to keep the old bungalow,” he says. “And I think there’s something really nice about the embodied memory that’s still in our building – the heart of it still beats.” Part of the savings came from doing so much of it himself, but Dave still estimates that if a client was to undertake a similar project, they would save about $250,000 by keeping an old house.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS1BacDDS27swEhaIz7a-YuMZ-KyXZuFPd_1In1mZRS4FQiDc6_xAREOS3ysIgpFFe7W_dAV7KJD9NMIqpomIiaLdSfFSfw_vxpOPn150EagVWXEkkoL4huDRkfIYCbKs6G1bGXJOGZw/s1600/he1006strachan_L6Y6104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS1BacDDS27swEhaIz7a-YuMZ-KyXZuFPd_1In1mZRS4FQiDc6_xAREOS3ysIgpFFe7W_dAV7KJD9NMIqpomIiaLdSfFSfw_vxpOPn150EagVWXEkkoL4huDRkfIYCbKs6G1bGXJOGZw/s1600/he1006strachan_L6Y6104.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The home's two-stage entryway features a garden <br />inside the building envelope that leads to the front door.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAJfsxSx5HpXfGJtxDC2HVU-jMgKltP-6cnuMwnumCih9yaxaT5Ux-rLgPNJGSJm78xLEz5im23Br6V12tzseHvV_mP8uYPufE0gjckGvPRLlSQMtjQGcuVFNAoDXtDZat2_Dute9400/s1600/he1006strachan_UrbShedSketch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheAJfsxSx5HpXfGJtxDC2HVU-jMgKltP-6cnuMwnumCih9yaxaT5Ux-rLgPNJGSJm78xLEz5im23Br6V12tzseHvV_mP8uYPufE0gjckGvPRLlSQMtjQGcuVFNAoDXtDZat2_Dute9400/s1600/he1006strachan_UrbShedSketch2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8jUGHWcZOY3Rpd_TmugsXM4zPQPJ_ZVZxzvdPRA9Zdjk0L1nuyNYRrXV1jhQ9JiiN_fiMj5Re1tNEtRj4EAdrzPx9Uwrigq43sclcJpAnSmw4dFlTU7uHuyMYBLQlWiealla50L5EDM/s1600/he1006strachan_UrbShedSketch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8jUGHWcZOY3Rpd_TmugsXM4zPQPJ_ZVZxzvdPRA9Zdjk0L1nuyNYRrXV1jhQ9JiiN_fiMj5Re1tNEtRj4EAdrzPx9Uwrigq43sclcJpAnSmw4dFlTU7uHuyMYBLQlWiealla50L5EDM/s1600/he1006strachan_UrbShedSketch1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><i>Two of Dave Strachan's conceptual sketches for the renovation.</i> </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8yvFQpdDbIEjg7EfkMQZBbv6CSxYMSP5Dp5fp_MslXaj7rec-9fRTzV6Oc0tGLFttM523iq2_JsQWVdUDipf3-Q4rltZq3uwOZ6vic1D63kp9bY5AbPYCVMsaHE2PUSSQAX9LWDYsl8/s1600/he1006strachan_L6Y4486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje8yvFQpdDbIEjg7EfkMQZBbv6CSxYMSP5Dp5fp_MslXaj7rec-9fRTzV6Oc0tGLFttM523iq2_JsQWVdUDipf3-Q4rltZq3uwOZ6vic1D63kp9bY5AbPYCVMsaHE2PUSSQAX9LWDYsl8/s1600/he1006strachan_L6Y4486.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A new indoor-outdoor living area at the rear of the house faces northwest and is usable year-round.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   <br />Dave does a budget estimate for a client himself at the sketch design stage, but calls in an independent quantity surveyor to estimate the cost of a build once the design has been developed. The biggest challenge, Dave says, is marrying clients’ wish lists to their budgets – and if they don’t match, letting the clients know quite clearly at the outset of the process that what they’re asking for is not achievable. The clients then have the option of scaling down their desires, or finding the extra finance to meet the budget.<br /><br />The cliché that anyone taking on a new building project should estimate their budget then double it is, Dave says, “a horrible thought”. He prides himself on making clients aware of the full scope of potential costs at the outset of a project, including council and resource consent fees, building in a contingency for landscaping, and so on. If a client asks for something outside that scope, Dave says they need to be informed that such a decision will have budgetary implications. It’s a process that has worked successfully for Strachan Group Architects – a house they recently designed in the Auckland suburb of Parnell, for example, has a developed design budget (by a registered quantity surveyor) that is consistent with the original project estimate. “We’ve lost jobs where people have come in with a budget and we’ve told them it’s unrealistic, and they’ll go to someone else who tells them what they want to hear,” he says, “but you have to be honest with people about the process.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuKpfQRqlzW0ztdtWRi5x3KpwZnwtS-4EzHKCNaAXmYzOoALv36fY19wK9nE1cBdhWFunln1GEAYKR8XVNZLsZcpKqJcu1bgCZHNWrciREtiK7Ms3AY2WSW4eOzkOpY1hNiQs7odNBOs/s1600/he1006strachan_L6Y4476.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijuKpfQRqlzW0ztdtWRi5x3KpwZnwtS-4EzHKCNaAXmYzOoALv36fY19wK9nE1cBdhWFunln1GEAYKR8XVNZLsZcpKqJcu1bgCZHNWrciREtiK7Ms3AY2WSW4eOzkOpY1hNiQs7odNBOs/s1600/he1006strachan_L6Y4476.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The home's main bedroom looks onto the back lawn. The lightshade is by David Trubridge.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Q+A with Dave Strachan</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>HOME</b> What was the hardest part about the process of renovating your own home? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Dave Strachan</b> We decided, rightly or wrongly, to live in it while we did it, so we put up with all the dust, mess, noise, and camping and decamping as you move around the building as various phases get completed. I remember lying in bed during a terrible storm after we’d pulled off as much roof of the old bungalow as we could cover with a tarpaulin and listening to the tarpaulin flapping around in the wind and finding water coming down the Gib board inside. With the design, I relied on the team at the office – you can get too close to a project like this, so it’s good to have people to talk to. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwiT7hmN7sDm-sQBXryR4YHA-x7otwyLqFTnlLmtEtgvKe5PZlPbqIlxqJfFTEhvBtBnXpc3ZqKqowqBIepB4eUExpbA1wkqlRxnxzU5kms01wNViZMCJFhk0XYhb53-5NDuT_InHjvQ/s1600/he1006strachan_mngwhC26V1125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwiT7hmN7sDm-sQBXryR4YHA-x7otwyLqFTnlLmtEtgvKe5PZlPbqIlxqJfFTEhvBtBnXpc3ZqKqowqBIepB4eUExpbA1wkqlRxnxzU5kms01wNViZMCJFhk0XYhb53-5NDuT_InHjvQ/s1600/he1006strachan_mngwhC26V1125.jpg" width="464" /></a></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><i>Architect Dave Strachan.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>HOME</b> Does your background as a builder help you gauge a budget more accurately? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Dave Strachan</b> In general, you know how much everything costs. But we don’t do budgets with guesswork – in the initial stages, we calculate them by using the price books in our office. And we have a good feel for it and a collaborative approach with the builders we use. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4FcAhiNoAp_4X1gDhjCzyUvJElDaIihJHeQWxN-d6l1SXiGPglm8b4ISFkiBzcZyNea4dbC5eOJbpaYSl-J3IKrOWcODZgbXMxpJ5NUEk1fwo125eVhCUlAmjC6dt-owohAMWkM5U3I/s1600/he1006strachan_L6Y4448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4FcAhiNoAp_4X1gDhjCzyUvJElDaIihJHeQWxN-d6l1SXiGPglm8b4ISFkiBzcZyNea4dbC5eOJbpaYSl-J3IKrOWcODZgbXMxpJ5NUEk1fwo125eVhCUlAmjC6dt-owohAMWkM5U3I/s1600/he1006strachan_L6Y4448.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr align="left"><td class="tr-caption"><i>A view of the home's new living area with pool outside.</i> </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>HOME</b> What do you think of the old cliché that if you have a budget for a project, you should double it to get a realistic figure? <br /><b>Dave Strachan</b> I reckon there’s no excuse for that. The budget needs to marry reasonably well with the clients’ wish-list at the outset. After that it’s about knowing the budgetary consequences of the decisions the clients make, and informing them of that. We get a quantity surveyor in at the developed design stage and we don’t proceed with a project unless the client sees those cost estimates and says that they’re OK. Sometimes clients’ budgets don’t really match their dreams, and they don’t often admit that. A lot of it is about having a reasonable budget to cope with the scope that you intend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>

Design Case Studies with Altherm Window Systems: Architect Dave Strachan's eco-friendly Auckland renovation

The fifth in our series of Design Case Studies with Altherm Window Systems visits the Auckland family home of architect Dave Strachan (of S...

12:30 PM

Not so feminine Crystal Chandelier

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHB3xhzg6D1PaW_SN6u8JUYmsR2AF0TcKUpiYfZL9vHsE0ymVdD4JwoHorvXBR0lowAFXUVDwX1iXZxDJrUqYtXEoMgKdE14Np5ruX33idpktkgbCnvPsgPYBGBSBxVZbBN0ZIbE_DSLd/s1600/bf0c8ac3fa2fca04dcf0e5c4d7d02424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHB3xhzg6D1PaW_SN6u8JUYmsR2AF0TcKUpiYfZL9vHsE0ymVdD4JwoHorvXBR0lowAFXUVDwX1iXZxDJrUqYtXEoMgKdE14Np5ruX33idpktkgbCnvPsgPYBGBSBxVZbBN0ZIbE_DSLd/s1600/bf0c8ac3fa2fca04dcf0e5c4d7d02424.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><a href="http://www.bellevivir.com/2009/05/crystal-chandelier-in-room.html" target="_blank">Crystal Chandeliers</a> have always been considered feminine and girly hence often the first  choice of a traditional woman when looking for overhead lighting  options.  They can make  a room look instantly elegant and sophisticated but in most cases can  also make a room very feminine.  If that's not the road you want to  take, because you are married, living with a guy or because you are  simply too cool, don't panic, you can still have your  fabulous crystal chandelier without making your guy feel like a perfect  loser.  Here is what I would look for if I were in the hunt for a  crystal chandelier. <br /> Go for dark metal chandeliers, such as antique black metal, black wrought iron and so on.<br /> Get a chandelier without light bulb shades.<br /> Pair it with a neutral color palette or rustic  elements as wood or concrete.  Don't worry you can still put your  peonies on the table.  You both live there. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRo3XWn-D8Qnq_xuwEln68Zz3PmFieNaLvEVEjN6oKclI7FZyS1f3gSow1i7zq7dhA4UXNsbf8NL_bpJGww0BI583ujFgzi8NrPFoAux9v-lGdTeVgzKG_ipuh2jOsxesMGfwsSpA46sX/s1600/kitchen+with+crystal+chandelier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="660" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRo3XWn-D8Qnq_xuwEln68Zz3PmFieNaLvEVEjN6oKclI7FZyS1f3gSow1i7zq7dhA4UXNsbf8NL_bpJGww0BI583ujFgzi8NrPFoAux9v-lGdTeVgzKG_ipuh2jOsxesMGfwsSpA46sX/s1600/kitchen+with+crystal+chandelier.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp4Hq7Ak2G36g_qeUlt05VALuqoB29xDoCoUj5Yif0uPr58_x4nMKM03aJV2e2NvFNbxBEZMbSIsiFV0e4vmgFN3KmNDKYrcVYkolDEvWIVOuwvhk4jdnkX59D_wWDS26GnDjnDioqr9C/s1600/bookshelves,+builtins,+crystal+chandelier+via+belle+vivir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp4Hq7Ak2G36g_qeUlt05VALuqoB29xDoCoUj5Yif0uPr58_x4nMKM03aJV2e2NvFNbxBEZMbSIsiFV0e4vmgFN3KmNDKYrcVYkolDEvWIVOuwvhk4jdnkX59D_wWDS26GnDjnDioqr9C/s1600/bookshelves,+builtins,+crystal+chandelier+via+belle+vivir.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhCCDuRKyVGKpZ-NaM0Mj1UF_i33aCtWMTHkHs8raOy5MFiWdMVnwGlM0H_bnBGniH5vJt3aHk9oJ2KzlUl03J6fS5z0c66JX8Z5zARM7VwiPZXn3QSrSRPIjs53r6Ro5kZ-JjV9czqUA/s1600/crystal+chandelier+and+fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhCCDuRKyVGKpZ-NaM0Mj1UF_i33aCtWMTHkHs8raOy5MFiWdMVnwGlM0H_bnBGniH5vJt3aHk9oJ2KzlUl03J6fS5z0c66JX8Z5zARM7VwiPZXn3QSrSRPIjs53r6Ro5kZ-JjV9czqUA/s1600/crystal+chandelier+and+fireplace.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'd like to live int his room and eat in front of that fireplace. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjrx8TEuN44KtpSis0yuiv30IlBQNqYmify6f6RmRRhPAV3PD1WEoWZ1XAaVU6Pz0NrJ_PerBcwZ8dkWIMwktHDqXbX6iHGBBQWJTJmyDLdThmHp8JhX83ZyUD37sDBkA0qoPXjdNVYY0/s1600/diningg%252520veranda_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjrx8TEuN44KtpSis0yuiv30IlBQNqYmify6f6RmRRhPAV3PD1WEoWZ1XAaVU6Pz0NrJ_PerBcwZ8dkWIMwktHDqXbX6iHGBBQWJTJmyDLdThmHp8JhX83ZyUD37sDBkA0qoPXjdNVYY0/s1600/diningg%252520veranda_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QXpW24L1w0_W3G2qIVzhWaOmMkMlv01lw00BwgYoPGPcjo7OjI2KsScu2OAXPusMvCwMfLQ6q44FB9YsYeNP3QVPJZ7nuHtqjeX8PLUiHre9Y6DAkenivjCzzWwstHvF6jxC4ayvip7-/s1600/living+room+with+crystal+chandelier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QXpW24L1w0_W3G2qIVzhWaOmMkMlv01lw00BwgYoPGPcjo7OjI2KsScu2OAXPusMvCwMfLQ6q44FB9YsYeNP3QVPJZ7nuHtqjeX8PLUiHre9Y6DAkenivjCzzWwstHvF6jxC4ayvip7-/s1600/living+room+with+crystal+chandelier.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVs8PXIa76lAnTYhx3TKZU7YSouC3VJmuyMLm80dojaXw63gpGYOzl1XvCfKhRDCjfbVO5mT0Z8X-MU9Rz2_sJzJZ2d-4cpptHNeSoj9nPt9T-zp_It_mCgpe1WnszfimmQswby6KEJx1t/s1600/not+feminine+chandelier+vi+aatlanta+homes+mag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVs8PXIa76lAnTYhx3TKZU7YSouC3VJmuyMLm80dojaXw63gpGYOzl1XvCfKhRDCjfbVO5mT0Z8X-MU9Rz2_sJzJZ2d-4cpptHNeSoj9nPt9T-zp_It_mCgpe1WnszfimmQswby6KEJx1t/s1600/not+feminine+chandelier+vi+aatlanta+homes+mag.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifX9PjVlla49JTG8-0q7P10uvHPBFEpna0uQHfhbyhf78bd51b94VAIB3JvrvwINOckwB-9DoWwwzuH45TZr_tUFSM1CODh_EyaMEXhZ1ERFJVbgvbgtZ6OcsiaM0O8Pu_tv7XqGo5NF9o/s1600/b108628547af85855c0bc089340cb82c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="660" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifX9PjVlla49JTG8-0q7P10uvHPBFEpna0uQHfhbyhf78bd51b94VAIB3JvrvwINOckwB-9DoWwwzuH45TZr_tUFSM1CODh_EyaMEXhZ1ERFJVbgvbgtZ6OcsiaM0O8Pu_tv7XqGo5NF9o/s1600/b108628547af85855c0bc089340cb82c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgugQatKSHP489F7VTcfd2GojeUzOXkEs-_a_fIKebBDvGisp2G2eDNWvJddUp_nMektYJYJ44OIpjEYBv4bXPOvkB6e1_E1tptXCS_KRZZUmF1p-O-btFnWvKWotVxuyFjbGhOk_EnPa/s1600/crystal+chandelier+via+architectural+digest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSgugQatKSHP489F7VTcfd2GojeUzOXkEs-_a_fIKebBDvGisp2G2eDNWvJddUp_nMektYJYJ44OIpjEYBv4bXPOvkB6e1_E1tptXCS_KRZZUmF1p-O-btFnWvKWotVxuyFjbGhOk_EnPa/s1600/crystal+chandelier+via+architectural+digest.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQqPW5AhrEz34KygIjKvgwSvPm0YhjJsfVwEQaUoB2VaVxz8AJzfNLrIZVl3ELj9UGLsKXq7e21kORp6evRxPE7E0S_7AnWU9naFRqFvV0J9KTLdF9QTa71sqTjrludkMVr_K2P1te0Uu/s1600/aeb219ad148f56e1a783c0c91def0605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQqPW5AhrEz34KygIjKvgwSvPm0YhjJsfVwEQaUoB2VaVxz8AJzfNLrIZVl3ELj9UGLsKXq7e21kORp6evRxPE7E0S_7AnWU9naFRqFvV0J9KTLdF9QTa71sqTjrludkMVr_K2P1te0Uu/s1600/aeb219ad148f56e1a783c0c91def0605.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;">images via <a href="http://www.atlantahomesmag.com/">Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles</a>, <a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/">House Beautiful</a>, <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/">Architectural Digest</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/BELLEVIVIR/">Pinterest</a></div></div>

Not so feminine Crystal Chandelier

Crystal Chandeliers have always been considered feminine and girly hence often the first choice of a traditional woman when looking for ov...

6:36 AM

Topshop Unique Autumn/Winter 2014

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yTOEqdVYvX8gHDO6eRiG0-9KkjDXxUr8xDB_JMV27Dt8JF0lqWCSC3_730liQo7CGwtYrUfWntKlg3BjTEbU3A4IATYNnqxbtFNUQpYlYVs7D8Me3eEvPdmIj3yfZDGb44Oc7-MGmFhT/s1600/topshop+unique+runway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yTOEqdVYvX8gHDO6eRiG0-9KkjDXxUr8xDB_JMV27Dt8JF0lqWCSC3_730liQo7CGwtYrUfWntKlg3BjTEbU3A4IATYNnqxbtFNUQpYlYVs7D8Me3eEvPdmIj3yfZDGb44Oc7-MGmFhT/s1600/topshop+unique+runway.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Topshop Unique is Topshop's runway collection shown at London Fashion  Week.  Their Autumn/Winter 2014 presentation was pretty high fashion  with a seduction of layers, mixed patterns and lots of fur.  Topshop  Unique is well anticipated by the A-list fashion  crowd for its fantastic and couture-like designs at reasonable prices.   Here are a few outfits that scream “wear me!!”.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsj_U2SDphRt7TRR7Y_iCycTF_6RrXDnrbINxuIUn4184XGKfeZzPZIQkwVkZkoYodHbiOJjTeLIOk2P-x4GKHP0Sy28AdMuVl6fgw4gQyhjYc9mhcgmW2K4yL6JkvDcnRjAnrniMD1j7/s1600/topshop+autumn+winter+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsj_U2SDphRt7TRR7Y_iCycTF_6RrXDnrbINxuIUn4184XGKfeZzPZIQkwVkZkoYodHbiOJjTeLIOk2P-x4GKHP0Sy28AdMuVl6fgw4gQyhjYc9mhcgmW2K4yL6JkvDcnRjAnrniMD1j7/s1600/topshop+autumn+winter+2014.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPxSx878KNODuRjM51bSdMY_Xv0wbbam_6c1M2-26vMqOKFXgkVX88o9hA4A2r9yqS0S5yusAGHViY7vmG69KPOH_55cqcOisHUBq9LUDEEnIIGHpPvcqH6w5b_za3Rmx875NugElIl_a/s1600/london+fashion+wee+autumn+winter+2014+topshop+unique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipPxSx878KNODuRjM51bSdMY_Xv0wbbam_6c1M2-26vMqOKFXgkVX88o9hA4A2r9yqS0S5yusAGHViY7vmG69KPOH_55cqcOisHUBq9LUDEEnIIGHpPvcqH6w5b_za3Rmx875NugElIl_a/s1600/london+fashion+wee+autumn+winter+2014+topshop+unique.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnrct1frW-lSOM293iezEXmq3UJzUuEuWASTi-Q1-TINsh33q6DHx1Ijwf5XoV-FplZIj6SPb2EqwRUwXbvKVIbp-o0KfCWpCXFc8qd4xRyOHWRb8lrz-mJnNNDaaAKCZbpNIKJwFlUmj/s1600/topshop+unique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnrct1frW-lSOM293iezEXmq3UJzUuEuWASTi-Q1-TINsh33q6DHx1Ijwf5XoV-FplZIj6SPb2EqwRUwXbvKVIbp-o0KfCWpCXFc8qd4xRyOHWRb8lrz-mJnNNDaaAKCZbpNIKJwFlUmj/s1600/topshop+unique.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__PAdKNNWcxjX_yCtR68c9e80zs5tpr5eNrKAMJXWhVMVPIWlN6EVqpfR3xd-0BVcgow2prl_AopQk-ib-LFlZRpgUPvAkCrcrDyapioesg2lhX083HcCxyymUMfuPjTI_GpzejZ_bnNR/s1600/topshop+unique+london+fashion+week.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__PAdKNNWcxjX_yCtR68c9e80zs5tpr5eNrKAMJXWhVMVPIWlN6EVqpfR3xd-0BVcgow2prl_AopQk-ib-LFlZRpgUPvAkCrcrDyapioesg2lhX083HcCxyymUMfuPjTI_GpzejZ_bnNR/s1600/topshop+unique+london+fashion+week.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9tyKAXq28cxMBshnONilyIobCgdi5_mXoEqJ-tk9Sy4VJjExjIAMO-u-BQxYlAQoeH9QSyXbfnEfSKJK9gQ-r2JHl4iKzaDtCgbzf_JAllwkjNXgW-1wT33vV4JQuKoPx_qS_maUAzRT/s1600/topshop+unique+london+fashon+week+winter+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR9tyKAXq28cxMBshnONilyIobCgdi5_mXoEqJ-tk9Sy4VJjExjIAMO-u-BQxYlAQoeH9QSyXbfnEfSKJK9gQ-r2JHl4iKzaDtCgbzf_JAllwkjNXgW-1wT33vV4JQuKoPx_qS_maUAzRT/s1600/topshop+unique+london+fashon+week+winter+2014.jpg" width="500" /></a></div></div>

Topshop Unique Autumn/Winter 2014

Topshop Unique is Topshop's runway collection shown at London Fashion Week. Their Autumn/Winter 2014 presentation was pretty high fash...

6:49 AM

Joseph Dirand Interior Design in Paris

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MYUiCovTClIZ9Xe3NflJTtcaCTkGdsDXVt2Qj44yZnt6SaCS66ai6I6lj1iZni3GwTtnNcZJTjzIJ5dHVZXARKCk6rnZCxj8om4wik2tywWwaN-svqydAtt-F6jlac2J_E8wG7TJXVyy/s1600/joseph-dirand-paris-apartment-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MYUiCovTClIZ9Xe3NflJTtcaCTkGdsDXVt2Qj44yZnt6SaCS66ai6I6lj1iZni3GwTtnNcZJTjzIJ5dHVZXARKCk6rnZCxj8om4wik2tywWwaN-svqydAtt-F6jlac2J_E8wG7TJXVyy/s1600/joseph-dirand-paris-apartment-01.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>After posting the <a href="http://www.bellevivir.com/2014/02/the-new-modern-kitchen-design.html" target="_blank">kitchen</a> designed by <a href="http://www.josephdirand.com/" target="_blank">Joseph Dirand</a> yesterday, it's a rigor to post the rest of this breath taking Paris  apartment.  This apartment designed by him is situated in the widely  popular neighborhood of <b>Saint-Germain-des-Prés</b> in Paris and I would say that it also  falls into the "new modern" category I spoke about yesterday where the  design concept is still simple with "less is more" as the standard but,  without sacrificing the warmth and provenance  of the space.  And I'm sure that you would assume that such magnificent  Interior Architectural features as stunning parquet floors found all  throughout the house, extraordinary floor-to-ceiling French doors  providing unbeatable amounts of light, and walls  dressed with elegant ornate moldings, doesn't need much to be enhanced  further.  Unquestionably though Dirand went on and did his magic by  adding wonderful and sculptural furniture, paired them with top notch art  while keeping the color palette to the minimum.   The result is a perfect symphony of harmony and beauty to treat our  eyes.    <br /> See more gorgeous Paris abodes <a href="http://www.bellevivir.com/search/label/Paris%20abodes" target="_blank">here</a>. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZcJfr6qUjevD9BBXivqHpK-gJ3z2ADukaWhfp76gB3OtPaaBRTb4OEvocv7N133LdUSdYpSItRydngBJrh1WEFB7cOW2dMunXp7Z6_hfYSpd6Xgqu-pceZ9yVTYw-Sx_qfH9h1Hg1Ky8/s1600/joseph-dirand-paris-apartment-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZcJfr6qUjevD9BBXivqHpK-gJ3z2ADukaWhfp76gB3OtPaaBRTb4OEvocv7N133LdUSdYpSItRydngBJrh1WEFB7cOW2dMunXp7Z6_hfYSpd6Xgqu-pceZ9yVTYw-Sx_qfH9h1Hg1Ky8/s1600/joseph-dirand-paris-apartment-02.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9n0CwX_NCvnwjnmwxf69ob6P4bjnpNn4Bqj9dudjrwKxkPrErpR8aBTBNNxKEaAk5IP06ox37D6r1Iit3yPZcUYDRSrW9P8qMFOFQSaDkqe57DzxYLogEHtoDgsDFyriEXFvfcd9pdhy/s1600/joseph-dirand-paris-apartment-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9n0CwX_NCvnwjnmwxf69ob6P4bjnpNn4Bqj9dudjrwKxkPrErpR8aBTBNNxKEaAk5IP06ox37D6r1Iit3yPZcUYDRSrW9P8qMFOFQSaDkqe57DzxYLogEHtoDgsDFyriEXFvfcd9pdhy/s1600/joseph-dirand-paris-apartment-03.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eb8SXYfGY0iEtftpOt47M8Jd2vxEuFMhhlGBmqIoIqVmcNGXhupOOdvOM3TiD2kWWLWh5OrXbb5ffhKSkG3OCSwv64Zz_OZ8wi3T6Z9P2-X1xSj-zwOKvOwvDL9xyy3jfcVeAVGKCoxJ/s1600/joseph-dirand-paris-apartment-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eb8SXYfGY0iEtftpOt47M8Jd2vxEuFMhhlGBmqIoIqVmcNGXhupOOdvOM3TiD2kWWLWh5OrXbb5ffhKSkG3OCSwv64Zz_OZ8wi3T6Z9P2-X1xSj-zwOKvOwvDL9xyy3jfcVeAVGKCoxJ/s1600/joseph-dirand-paris-apartment-04.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">  A Pierre Jeanneret desk stands in front of an elegant marble fireplace.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNTaZEpr5YmiP7nrseC-q2z7Kqzwpb5QZCREfsHy4WTAH7UwDYN6S5KZayMyg-SV5kqhOtlxnm3VW5rBLLBWIEF2JcOW-RDY5xs25T842Uw8wIj3lBZq0GMDJObG9VzqZiak8vNY-Ln8M/s1600/joseph-dirand-paris-apartment-05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNTaZEpr5YmiP7nrseC-q2z7Kqzwpb5QZCREfsHy4WTAH7UwDYN6S5KZayMyg-SV5kqhOtlxnm3VW5rBLLBWIEF2JcOW-RDY5xs25T842Uw8wIj3lBZq0GMDJObG9VzqZiak8vNY-Ln8M/s1600/joseph-dirand-paris-apartment-05.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_CZbf65UYPPOtbkJThrySlCN2y1sA9rOzxrLNgrLK1byhRru1soo8nDIl6Ks7y442R4y8wJcZ57XI2xgffGjIT6fhNHqwB6CWssaAvMknXZ_eNUuKN8r2gTau3ng7WxN_49KfsYnUEQG/s1600/1-Joseph-Dirand-paris-photo-Adrien-Dirand-yatzer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_CZbf65UYPPOtbkJThrySlCN2y1sA9rOzxrLNgrLK1byhRru1soo8nDIl6Ks7y442R4y8wJcZ57XI2xgffGjIT6fhNHqwB6CWssaAvMknXZ_eNUuKN8r2gTau3ng7WxN_49KfsYnUEQG/s1600/1-Joseph-Dirand-paris-photo-Adrien-Dirand-yatzer.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoUlrhYfvg1wyAstm2h8fpCAaRlqly0VUeJ36GRWclz3TPo9jbUz-jtBaX_kto0-jc6hx6MqaUniqt4BSUkcD2akeGO4NhlTicSrv1bY_nHuSFbheQXwLTzfDqUsZ2d58nvSG7x_8S0vK/s1600/3-Joseph-Dirand-paris-photo-Adrien-Dirand-yatzer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZoUlrhYfvg1wyAstm2h8fpCAaRlqly0VUeJ36GRWclz3TPo9jbUz-jtBaX_kto0-jc6hx6MqaUniqt4BSUkcD2akeGO4NhlTicSrv1bY_nHuSFbheQXwLTzfDqUsZ2d58nvSG7x_8S0vK/s1600/3-Joseph-Dirand-paris-photo-Adrien-Dirand-yatzer.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwrrQbUuhdvRjB-nekGlMXZO3Aw8DoPSRStwr-Ptuu8cE2-KSBe9f1aIyvDl17vL2Ab8V4zD-FU7l-Hk5GcuNmKHazWIJfWsmEM5HalFc4utx3q9gpPZUOqnJdTlLnnrt3z_zMbM7U_M6/s1600/2a-Joseph-Dirand-paris-photo-Adrien-Dirand-yatzer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiwrrQbUuhdvRjB-nekGlMXZO3Aw8DoPSRStwr-Ptuu8cE2-KSBe9f1aIyvDl17vL2Ab8V4zD-FU7l-Hk5GcuNmKHazWIJfWsmEM5HalFc4utx3q9gpPZUOqnJdTlLnnrt3z_zMbM7U_M6/s1600/2a-Joseph-Dirand-paris-photo-Adrien-Dirand-yatzer.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkECNWV-O-XMtCp98KOsKfju2Xr1eCOx9ppahiTdS_-qhx61r_EI5Li-mI1Le4NIvjjGgynoAqhznjAiDnmAwL0Xl0LmDtwmPrm8AWPYIheNDnv9Icdip-OA_eOfuZLqGqVgvTiEw6S2Gd/s1600/6-Joseph-Dirand-paris-photo-Adrien-Dirand-yatzer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkECNWV-O-XMtCp98KOsKfju2Xr1eCOx9ppahiTdS_-qhx61r_EI5Li-mI1Le4NIvjjGgynoAqhznjAiDnmAwL0Xl0LmDtwmPrm8AWPYIheNDnv9Icdip-OA_eOfuZLqGqVgvTiEw6S2Gd/s1600/6-Joseph-Dirand-paris-photo-Adrien-Dirand-yatzer.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;">Photos by Adrien Dirand for AD France via <a href="http://www.yatzer.com/joseph-dirand-saint-germain-paris">Yatzer</a>.</div></div>

Joseph Dirand Interior Design in Paris

After posting the kitchen designed by Joseph Dirand yesterday, it's a rigor to post the rest of this breath taking Paris apartment. ...

5:57 AM

The New Modern Kitchen

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPX5KbT6Jo8xWBjVyLWghfmoj08YCQ-XV5ZpgO69UZC4d4ljPjg3HgTLxNUtt2uoZXHgersOENOH-kIXfuOZVP5AC4hPfBvhJcYd9kkkqNSvUJ2HRpuoWM1IqZz9Cz8R0wlXWoM5dOyaT/s1600/joseph+dirand+kitchen+via+AD+france.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcPX5KbT6Jo8xWBjVyLWghfmoj08YCQ-XV5ZpgO69UZC4d4ljPjg3HgTLxNUtt2uoZXHgersOENOH-kIXfuOZVP5AC4hPfBvhJcYd9kkkqNSvUJ2HRpuoWM1IqZz9Cz8R0wlXWoM5dOyaT/s1600/joseph+dirand+kitchen+via+AD+france.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>The design of the new modern kitchen has forever changed.  The new  modern kitchen is far from the cold, showroom-looking kitchens that were  once considered contemporary.  The design savvy homeowners are aware  that a modern or contemporary design has more to  do with the functionality and use of the space than with the final  (outlook) of the room.  The main focus in remodeling or designing a  kitchen nowadays is about planning and making the right choices to make  life in a kitchen more enjoyable and productive.   The pictures below show some images of what a modern kitchen design  looks like today. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A smart kitchen layout </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span>The layout of a kitchen is probably the  first point of reference for any designer.  Not only it should be easy  and functional but it should also provide a comfortable atmosphere for  social gathering.  This  is the place where we usually get together with close friends and  family to cook, drink and laugh together. </span><b>  </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yTgk4JklJaNbgm8NsA3gOCrzWJ3rXSSbU3JsHapWm5kPx18_US-Mwru_OWGJm6FWtJBFnGFoR2HeURS0WWWZKuJT7gVdn78DWkdOtZ7wDo5-s8B7_Gxu1ykUH3GzuVrdTk46mrywXNKy/s1600/modern+kitchen,+white+marble,+brass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yTgk4JklJaNbgm8NsA3gOCrzWJ3rXSSbU3JsHapWm5kPx18_US-Mwru_OWGJm6FWtJBFnGFoR2HeURS0WWWZKuJT7gVdn78DWkdOtZ7wDo5-s8B7_Gxu1ykUH3GzuVrdTk46mrywXNKy/s1600/modern+kitchen,+white+marble,+brass.jpg" width="498" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Durable and beautifully designed kitchen appliances</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">When selecting appliances stainless steel is still, the first choice.  Not only are they modern looking but they are also beautiful.  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6B07Q1l1xnvKi6z7haHkw-aRvbkuB1INBNR1peWqtT_LsOPT47FJkXaFkwKAZX0xlOFyLNhYbKVMvIlJ8wROVx9fMnu83IWPaiQ2Rcd9JBTGKJd7Tlr1pom-ykv2XAuSoLgQCkAxRpDq/s1600/modern+kitchen+light+cabinets+and+white+marble.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6B07Q1l1xnvKi6z7haHkw-aRvbkuB1INBNR1peWqtT_LsOPT47FJkXaFkwKAZX0xlOFyLNhYbKVMvIlJ8wROVx9fMnu83IWPaiQ2Rcd9JBTGKJd7Tlr1pom-ykv2XAuSoLgQCkAxRpDq/s1600/modern+kitchen+light+cabinets+and+white+marble.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Family first</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Kitchens with double functions such as eat-in area and perhaps an area where kids can do their homework are the norm now a days. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vjLcD2TBHVHWSPVyMjwRPlstBjCkDCU3r_OXwght1QcnSTMDMlSEZLX3vTMsFNsXqKx7uJ2N51CIxXcjwoznm13YQTr9wXNEw6pL1v5bRfjpLFZ2uAgLjqjtJOpfOoeiLTdnIct3L8KO/s1600/grey+modern+kitchen+design.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-vjLcD2TBHVHWSPVyMjwRPlstBjCkDCU3r_OXwght1QcnSTMDMlSEZLX3vTMsFNsXqKx7uJ2N51CIxXcjwoznm13YQTr9wXNEw6pL1v5bRfjpLFZ2uAgLjqjtJOpfOoeiLTdnIct3L8KO/s1600/grey+modern+kitchen+design.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>New modern design elements</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">White marble is perhaps the most prevalent design element in a modern  kitchen at the moment. Subway tiles is a timeless style that goes well  in any kitchen design and it's constant use makes them a modern choice.   White, light color cabinetry or high gloss  finished cabinetry is also a very modern selection.  Open shelving,  especially in small spaces, can make all the difference. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfwP2NZSPW5q6RuVmFneybyzYaKbO29xKqUHVdqwNOkZegMm7Y0iXrTsYGx2wZzgHzOwEak0x-zKXOuGqBtzFbWMHFvMP2xtR6HmvN2p4aLb2__p8LeQROZ-OPtfNp2wvahMjWVKc48Mc/s1600/stainless+steel+cabinets+in+modern+kitchen+design.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfwP2NZSPW5q6RuVmFneybyzYaKbO29xKqUHVdqwNOkZegMm7Y0iXrTsYGx2wZzgHzOwEak0x-zKXOuGqBtzFbWMHFvMP2xtR6HmvN2p4aLb2__p8LeQROZ-OPtfNp2wvahMjWVKc48Mc/s1600/stainless+steel+cabinets+in+modern+kitchen+design.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Color palette</b></span></div>Today's kitchens tend to stay away from saturated colors  and prints.  They share either a monochromatic color scheme or a two tone.  I uploaded this kitchen below into my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/BELLEVIVIR/kitchens/">pinterest</a> account 5 weeks ago where you can see not two but three different colors with the green standing out.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtMR9YZCRcNEJdFQcHWq4CLw1-phVU6va_GkJW6Iq0hG51Exc2tVM41jdSm0xxAaOJWOvzDk_GGlituDXQxtqbw7TS5JFFjbrmrmaRQ17DbRQLLtwoaSF5NUEgfAUu-CWkBqUMJ3LF9yH/s1600/modern+kitchen+design,+green+and+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="700" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtMR9YZCRcNEJdFQcHWq4CLw1-phVU6va_GkJW6Iq0hG51Exc2tVM41jdSm0xxAaOJWOvzDk_GGlituDXQxtqbw7TS5JFFjbrmrmaRQ17DbRQLLtwoaSF5NUEgfAUu-CWkBqUMJ3LF9yH/s1600/modern+kitchen+design,+green+and+white.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgg3Sh0lEfSthJSYUrG0G1Fxi_juClSSoPNpBf0BD-43Dncz25e7uNLQDs9t4ovezQiyfvjB4pDm6RQuB_e9PCrMf8MxxxHOTcTZekCRdW-GvWSB5x0dQxpOyGPrtrupMf2JtEspkzEob/s1600/white+and+brass+kitchen+modern+design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="710" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgg3Sh0lEfSthJSYUrG0G1Fxi_juClSSoPNpBf0BD-43Dncz25e7uNLQDs9t4ovezQiyfvjB4pDm6RQuB_e9PCrMf8MxxxHOTcTZekCRdW-GvWSB5x0dQxpOyGPrtrupMf2JtEspkzEob/s1600/white+and+brass+kitchen+modern+design.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBhtxnj-7vjOdIsEfYyV1WQm5TRwg6rwtoV6_pygxKa7h4_vS829kiIirqlaEH-YQk2qJHIXr6TAcVH51OXzj_v-UXjB5KvA2fLlHQCGkQdDJTk7p06Kt8OQndD8tETfTPT3C10U4Kome/s1600/gallerist+david+gill%27s+home+serge+mouillie+arm+sconce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimBhtxnj-7vjOdIsEfYyV1WQm5TRwg6rwtoV6_pygxKa7h4_vS829kiIirqlaEH-YQk2qJHIXr6TAcVH51OXzj_v-UXjB5KvA2fLlHQCGkQdDJTk7p06Kt8OQndD8tETfTPT3C10U4Kome/s1600/gallerist+david+gill's+home+serge+mouillie+arm+sconce.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">David Gill's home</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iZgR3hXaIc/Uwqr4zPub7I/AAAAAAAAbdA/kLn0uQpJRd4/s1600/open+shelving+modern+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="700" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iZgR3hXaIc/Uwqr4zPub7I/AAAAAAAAbdA/kLn0uQpJRd4/s1600/open+shelving+modern+kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;">Top image Joseph Dirand, 3 via <a href="http://www.designsponge.com/2011/02/sneak-peek-sarah-bedford-alan-hill.html">Design Sponge</a>, 4 <a href="http://www.bellevivir.com/2013/06/light-cabinetry-kitchen-ideas.html">Athena Calderon kitchen</a>, 6 via <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/BELLEVIVIR/kitchens/">Pinterest</a></div></div>

The New Modern Kitchen

The design of the new modern kitchen has forever changed. The new modern kitchen is far from the cold, showroom-looking kitchens that were...

4:25 AM