Magnificent Home Improvements

Lisa Fine

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I have said how much I admire Lisa Fine <a href="http://bellevivir.blogspot.com/2009/04/most-beautiful-childrens-rooms.html" target="_blank">before</a>. Her Paris pad was featured in <a href="http://www.pointclickhome.com/building_remodeling/articles/self_portrait">Elle Decor</a> a while ago becoming one of my all time favorites. Every Wednesday I will feature one unique home that inspires me to not be afraid of using what I like and love in my house. After all, our homes should be nothing if not filled with things that make us happy regardless what magazines try to talk us into.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4FgQXSweggjhdDaAReKbRrqbKLoaYuCLzmv9RbLNiAypYcTSJkG6SQhqgzp34zn6LJMremVCuM1xQSn2jbCwGdj294uhQXFe8x4wwWoGSVOryVh0VJAIcLQkh-1MFWbafWI0ma4cbKU/s1600-h/self_portrait_03.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386689236712890258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4FgQXSweggjhdDaAReKbRrqbKLoaYuCLzmv9RbLNiAypYcTSJkG6SQhqgzp34zn6LJMremVCuM1xQSn2jbCwGdj294uhQXFe8x4wwWoGSVOryVh0VJAIcLQkh-1MFWbafWI0ma4cbKU/s400/self_portrait_03.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 370px; width: 461px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In the living room we can see the traditional herringbone wood floors continuing into the tented parlor.  Light pink walls serve as background for the eclectic art wall. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLulJFq76xJ56YQGwHB_ufJ7Y_mFkiUYGvVCoHvy5kGZOnLZG1iitcsCjzWoMoMjD_tcrO3xU_qWG6XkAY9YwgLXQct_vQaZAoHly4KeiwFdfKVsjULdxhkvtcFX7ZJ0h6KjIoiHxNok/s1600-h/self_portrait_05.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386689252631554754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLulJFq76xJ56YQGwHB_ufJ7Y_mFkiUYGvVCoHvy5kGZOnLZG1iitcsCjzWoMoMjD_tcrO3xU_qWG6XkAY9YwgLXQct_vQaZAoHly4KeiwFdfKVsjULdxhkvtcFX7ZJ0h6KjIoiHxNok/s400/self_portrait_05.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 378px; width: 468px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here in her bedroom we see a more modern approach.  Antique prints are equally framed behind two iron chairs and a mirrored cocktail table.  Below, the wall behind the headboard is covered in silk, becoming the focal point.  The headboard, one of Lisa's gorgeous creations, was hand-embroidery in India.  A sofa at the end of the bed is upholstered in ikat and the Gio Ponti mirrors on the wall add the final details to this gorgeous bedroom.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jUV0PfcxqvEsdJSEzqv7ecvz3nB57MH4ZYE0Wfa3RfgZmOSH8cwvT0xNHcdKKvD_KEo_Br5gLAJaXwbErRVYmLVmy-NCzd7jRdYd6uSd9s6bniiWLiLzYkO03QIdN6AjMS9WFzAych8/s1600-h/self_portrait_07.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386689258775246098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jUV0PfcxqvEsdJSEzqv7ecvz3nB57MH4ZYE0Wfa3RfgZmOSH8cwvT0xNHcdKKvD_KEo_Br5gLAJaXwbErRVYmLVmy-NCzd7jRdYd6uSd9s6bniiWLiLzYkO03QIdN6AjMS9WFzAych8/s400/self_portrait_07.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 357px; width: 447px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bYvomFZdVK4KbkalD9L1zbc36ZjoxPJzF15Jv-mgPC0bk0GX6A9t1oIyHzVN0p16F_qxQMrZx2N-5QiAD2pAbkCCTzktYTxx1Z6qVpyVI9DPmVdOixAT1wVj3ppBl7Z_IKSLRCTN8sc/s1600-h/self_portrait_04.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386689241724171922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bYvomFZdVK4KbkalD9L1zbc36ZjoxPJzF15Jv-mgPC0bk0GX6A9t1oIyHzVN0p16F_qxQMrZx2N-5QiAD2pAbkCCTzktYTxx1Z6qVpyVI9DPmVdOixAT1wVj3ppBl7Z_IKSLRCTN8sc/s400/self_portrait_04.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 376px; width: 465px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Other side of the big living room.  The leather screen is hand painted.  Love the proportion of the velvet sofa.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1u4tzSYg09C_saCoCyDVmXNOeCpF8SZDZ_BspnitIXTR21iFjXs8xJrbo2ganJB4yQIwlBAa2ai7AF6kGqWuXu1GXL_jgYUh1yxk2kf_50r1VbzJceAqySRa5OPrQznOrjW2TUl3k4A/s1600-h/self_portrait_06.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386689256807066978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1u4tzSYg09C_saCoCyDVmXNOeCpF8SZDZ_BspnitIXTR21iFjXs8xJrbo2ganJB4yQIwlBAa2ai7AF6kGqWuXu1GXL_jgYUh1yxk2kf_50r1VbzJceAqySRa5OPrQznOrjW2TUl3k4A/s400/self_portrait_06.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 569px; width: 472px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">In the very Parisian dining room Fine chose to mirror the walls around the room reflecting the beautiful Chinoiserie mirrored paintings. The black frames of the paintings blend with the black on the chairs and table. The crystal chandelier should be even more gorgeous when lit at night, sending light all across the room.  This space perfectly mixes color with various influences to construct a beautiful room.</div></div></div>

Lisa Fine

I have said how much I admire Lisa Fine before . Her Paris pad was featured in Elle Decor a while ago becoming one of my all time favorites...

8:30 AM

Simply beautiful

Simply beautiful

When I have a beach house I definitely one a bed like this in the porch. I can imagine myself playing with my kids and my hubby in this spa...

6:41 AM

More fashion and architecture

More fashion and architecture collaborations, this time between Miuccia Prada and OMA's Rem Koolhaas, who designed 'The Transformer', a temporary performance and exhibition space in Seoul. I keep accidentally calling it the Hadron collider, because it looks as it it's about to do something atomic.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384499222275718194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGiyidq4mIIF4ofy4nxNP3oIHLIVw_Ckgl13gxdzQ_X9UilApfKkDUHJIBkkJTkGlabaQMqTTqu9syofY1NeISUiW-Hthz6az4Y7ZUhvuO81CANMbvCa9tUkaCX3U4dUoZfPUYm_yy9UQ9/s400/Prada+Seoul.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 237px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384499231579214450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5mVfxw8qZmG_4N9v1emc7szr61x07CCsEFtrHz3fUJq1xZO__MQ5fAetJdLGLDl4iNNEyHK8UKiIQK2GVmdzeYOKNkrvXiTfH1xIJPysLAjK5tD4UInAJu2T-OEVazP9VB3Zkima2Lneu/s400/Prada+Seoul+2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 245px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><div><div></div><div>Koolhaas, of course, also designed Prada's New York and Los Angeles stores. There's more about the Transformer on Wallpaper's site, at this link: <a href="http://www.wallpaper.com/fashion/prada-transformer-seoul/3284">http://www.wallpaper.com/fashion/prada-transformer-seoul/3284</a></div></div>

More fashion and architecture

More fashion and architecture collaborations, this time between Miuccia Prada and OMA's Rem Koolhaas, who designed 'The Transformer...

7:24 PM

Our latest project rises from the ground..and fast..

<span style="font-family:Verdana;">For those of you who may not be familiar with my company, we develop Modern Architectural Houses in the Poconos. Although I aspire to walk in the footsteps of Joseph Eichler and Jonathan Segal (two prominent California developers) I have to come to terms with the fact that right now I am no one of importance. Furthermore, I started my development business at the worst possible time in the history of the modern US Economy. And while this may seem romantic, possibly even daring to some, I deal with rejection on a daily basis. Lenders won't touch us, most people ask me if I am stupid and I spend most nights lying awake trying to figure out how to do more with less. All that being said, our houses sell before most people even see them. Our last house sold in one day. Not bad for a depressed market, right?</span> <div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Our latest project aims to beat that one day record. Before we could even get out of the ground, we started getting calls from interested parties about purchasing it before it was even complete. As of right now, we have at least three interested parties for our next project (on a side note, I find it extremely ironic that all of our buyers tend to have i-phones) and we are hoping to start a fourth before the end of the year. As the project gets further along in construction, I will post more pictures, but I wanted to share some anecdotal evidence about the process so far.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">For the first two months of the project, we did nothing but wait for approvals. This meant that our land and our subcontractors basically sat doing nothing. Even though we knew what we wanted to build, we were frozen. After about two months, we got our approvals (permits) and began. In the first week, our lot was cleared and the stumps were dug up. In the second week, our septic system was installed and the basement for the home was dug. In the third week, our footings were put in and the foundation walls were nearly complete.</span><br /></div><p align="left"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385915552734254050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_rkWYU9vrE365wKKn3lzpLp5bFFahbrvv7cVeXtkmkFA7EdLW8Gke1XHR6LHkWbWYPEXUamhLIOp1gRzHr1SN9itKRPhRvkbm1Yiaj3-Y8MeniHQBQF23X0tr_O3SomeOS7HSC3luDw/s200/footer+rayburn+006.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 236px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 185px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhqNLRYBBfLXrXGe_sYOLF-DKN169jLfX_BJEtacP_Le78rPZw8_Ycgr_uOR587J5rYFWaD0esRozdcICDijQRYfkJCuBvF_8ox8WWXdLaBHEIw7O-DU0J58lMg2kttVRaq76H80xAXE/s1600-h/DSCF0553.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385916080668147890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhqNLRYBBfLXrXGe_sYOLF-DKN169jLfX_BJEtacP_Le78rPZw8_Ycgr_uOR587J5rYFWaD0esRozdcICDijQRYfkJCuBvF_8ox8WWXdLaBHEIw7O-DU0J58lMg2kttVRaq76H80xAXE/s200/DSCF0553.JPG" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 234px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 188px" /></a><br /><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">What we are finding is that the economy has created a buyer's market for goods and services (as well as real estate). We took the time to notify each subcontractor of our project, provide drawings well in advance, and coordinate the timing of each so that one followed the other. Because we did this, we were able to competitively bid much of the work to realize some savings over our last project. The best part is that the work is progressing very quickly, allowing us to save money by finishing the project sooner. In the end, we may find that the time for Design and Approvals may actually equal the construction time. In the pre-bubble days it seemed you were able to get fast approvals and slow construction times, because every subcontractor was so busy that it took forever to tie up all of the loose ends. Now, the tables are turned. Municipal officials are looking at the drawings more closely and doing a better job of making sure that you are building properly (another thing that did not happen in the boom). This is likely to do with the fact that there are also less projects on their desks too. At any rate, all of this is good for those who want to build. Subcontractors are working more diligently to keep your business, often at more competitive rates. We are really excited about our next few projects and I hope you check in our progress.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:verdana;">If you would like to see renderings of this house (known as the Rayburn) please see our website at <a href="http://www.poconomodern.com/">http://www.poconomodern.com/</a></span></p>

Our latest project rises from the ground..and fast..

For those of you who may not be familiar with my company, we develop Modern Architectural Houses in the Poconos. Although I aspire to walk i...

3:40 PM

Fashion and architecture and the great buildings they produce

Thinking about fashion and architecture, as we do in our latest issue, brought to mind the number of great buildings produced by the melding of these two creative disciplines. A personal favourite is SANAA's Dior store on Omotesando in Tokyo, an ethereal creation that looks as beautiful by night as it does by day.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384121154473553954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidg9A_lUddGk0LcE7zOB3VtSao4TUWE5_3tzUEVXF5byu_jpjzeYQFyUBZOORoDKTHFegT3fdQ_vXkg9jaW82FwAfEVwKdRfccmnQaEnCs_B8juAZ5WgtJ8cMP7MKP8nXm9TZaSE__gdc0/s400/dior1.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><br /><br /><p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384121159775531810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfjTP3BbAmFUvEIPxNUyAIqt6IEtoFXMBAnAFBLcl0aWHsxHcQ4KdsPLeDb5qLmSFEEhNw8_5D3qfsdEAG8VWNmVFMUZeY-kwoQxic1OeyQIuSpfhzssbBMSDpWf-2irsO0I3TqL54bOS6/s400/Dior+2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 356px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></p><p>One of the nicest things about this building is its scale. In the west, we tend to think of great architects designing tall buildings or museums or other such monoliths, yet Omotesando in particular is full of smaller creations by great architects, little architectural jewel boxes whose small scale makes them all the more magical. </p><p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384120748227434370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEsSrQHl4vI9lZBCCgqywvR2NuU7RbBSZVq8j6g2oKR7bQGbVB2lPWHzczEE9ZzN0uAghgk4v5_AJQ9io5jvVukqI20mtB5XX7RexfuG9s5CiDEMUBfGjIOVAco8Cu9he-PYDaDzKfVvHk/s400/Dior_-_Omotesando.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></p>

Fashion and architecture and the great buildings they produce

Thinking about fashion and architecture, as we do in our latest issue, brought to mind the number of great buildings produced by the melding...

7:56 PM

Gracious Entrance-partie deux

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%; font-style: italic;">"Luck is the residue of design<span style="font-weight: bold;">"</span></span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms; font-size: 130%;"><span style="color: #666666; font-style: italic;">.  </span><span style="color: #666666; font-size: 85%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Branch Rickey</span></span></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWovzuUBNKydK9ylbCXS3SkzskC3XgyiuldoFaIqZRus-DaIQMwp-r_ncmPA95CMvtbUNJxZA0fHmSZfFHgGerWLSs8S7E84O1F5T4T6OTeQSKR1RuJD8jnXpI1noIPtGsBr0W-Bb1UT4/s1600-h/main-3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: #666666;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385377732784214210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWovzuUBNKydK9ylbCXS3SkzskC3XgyiuldoFaIqZRus-DaIQMwp-r_ncmPA95CMvtbUNJxZA0fHmSZfFHgGerWLSs8S7E84O1F5T4T6OTeQSKR1RuJD8jnXpI1noIPtGsBr0W-Bb1UT4/s400/main-3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 459px; width: 459px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmbO_0j1vIZ6DzPCHAAU0MEqfxpYdEXZOfwozMEnDxZIAUKRuL-um1TMm0wsCw4g4F6YtlOTy5JOH2CarVadCE8z0pWWCGjre6GHsDbzdDd3FSclNHKvfexC_FL4sthT5hyphenhyphenAK0t5zZyw/s1600-h/main-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385377739320634610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigmbO_0j1vIZ6DzPCHAAU0MEqfxpYdEXZOfwozMEnDxZIAUKRuL-um1TMm0wsCw4g4F6YtlOTy5JOH2CarVadCE8z0pWWCGjre6GHsDbzdDd3FSclNHKvfexC_FL4sthT5hyphenhyphenAK0t5zZyw/s400/main-1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 434px; width: 434px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwIuSG4XDbTSabbfFCJ3VBUn0-8tHAxdtCWxE0HT6BmuBmViJi34IUR6_O3AeaVM8x5KPKhA3fRsYA6G7-5eC5WB-z9uX1A9Cuvj2K9DFwaqFMXe6QuoE4CXnCefawxpK5caak_4j1qE/s1600-h/diamond-baratta-0508-3_lg-39713622.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385377742307163298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwIuSG4XDbTSabbfFCJ3VBUn0-8tHAxdtCWxE0HT6BmuBmViJi34IUR6_O3AeaVM8x5KPKhA3fRsYA6G7-5eC5WB-z9uX1A9Cuvj2K9DFwaqFMXe6QuoE4CXnCefawxpK5caak_4j1qE/s400/diamond-baratta-0508-3_lg-39713622.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 596px; width: 452px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-gnR6YZOFUrGldkj9ULpP3LruGE9tnaQCbyVIkyOEH6nDKNlDCbs3xxlK1u2nYTQpHq-IyEWyD6rgGInztwFXiLk6nm494GitBExbb3-7QKZvzfP-_SWGCFrP1rOzsYZjNP6YM8eDAc/s1600-h/main-5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385377727467539250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-gnR6YZOFUrGldkj9ULpP3LruGE9tnaQCbyVIkyOEH6nDKNlDCbs3xxlK1u2nYTQpHq-IyEWyD6rgGInztwFXiLk6nm494GitBExbb3-7QKZvzfP-_SWGCFrP1rOzsYZjNP6YM8eDAc/s400/main-5.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 450px; width: 450px;" /></a></div>Some entrances can tell a lot of their occupants.  For instance; their age, their likes and their hobbies.  Have a wonderful, lucky weekend!!</div>

Gracious Entrance-partie deux

"Luck is the residue of design " . Branch Rickey Some entrances can tell a lot of their occupants. For instance; their age, thei...

6:14 AM

Shigeru Ban

In Auckland last week, Japanese architect Shigeru Ban gave a talk to a capacity crowd in the Auckland Town Hall. Ban is best-known for his work using cardboard tubes as a building material in everything from refugee shelters to glamorous Expo pavilions, but one of my favourite pieces he showed was his 'Curtain Wall house' in Tokyo, which replaces the architectural version of a curtain wall with, quite literally, curtains. It's witty but also extremely beautiful.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384117926986174946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnpsL1rAAg-WtEe5VarcLXQ6WVYVZgDprar4yJ46TWu7ZXSmLfl0oYi1Ynlinv1ssr8oswSlnAJcm3-hRtT1bFuRJS0eNaGdFGzeEBI1JU7mmU2vFVoHCEpYUHQ6ooD1NajmtwFWm9O7u/s400/shigeru+ban+curtain+wall+house.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 330px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br />Currently under construction: the much weirder outpost of the Pompidou Centre in Metz, France, scheduled for completion later this year.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384118705286368114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0rsJlaT0S84bwNZBgEkFxGpxLsjbZ-SNviYdll_vHJoSitTHEHdZoNuYRPfEjv1IMvfchZ2-gchFxLs5L7jkeKTaGeZUsEroYVyF0f1x9ExkL-0Rz-R8pohsh9HvRH1zWmoN7s5ABGdFa/s400/Shigeru+Ban+Metz.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 241px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" />

Shigeru Ban

In Auckland last week, Japanese architect Shigeru Ban gave a talk to a capacity crowd in the Auckland Town Hall. Ban is best-known for his w...

7:39 PM

A cozy bathroom

A cozy bathroom

I love how the custom curtains wrap around the wood cabinet sink giving this bathroom a very warm and cozy feeling. The pretty vanity mirro...

5:02 AM

Sneak peek

Sneak peek

Apologies for the lack of post. I've been very busy adding the final touches to this project and I'll be soon sharing more picture...

5:39 AM

Fashion and architecture

You may or may not care, but this week is Fashion Week, so here at ACP headquarters (the home of Fashion Quarterly, and other fashion-obsessed magazines) there has been a great kerfuffle about who's scored tickets to which designer's show, and so on.<br /><br />Here at HOME New Zealand, we cannot claim to be above the fray. In our next issue, which we're just sending to the printers today (and will be on sale Monday October 5), we've asked 11 New Zealand fashion designers to choose their favourite buildings.<br /><br />Kate Sylvester (shown below) chose a home designed by Stevens Lawson Architects that won our Home of the Year award in 2007. The photograph is by Mark Smith.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384114934234639106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphen_GzW__vYACjInO-mFkE-F3lE_EvbEJ1JfvCw3iqn85kV4bWmXDawmXp8XpkSCV0D2kEerLR0DLCezLB-ghQGHiyfG0lXUGU5vlk-J0PYjOj3M_UhyIh7xnbYq0wBBTCRqnAM6AI-fM0/s400/HOME+New+Zealand+Oct+Nov+09+Fave+Buildings.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 258px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><br /><br />The surprising thing was how many of the other designers - who include Karen Walker, Trelise Cooper, Beth Ellery and Alexandra Owen - chose historic buildings as their favourites. We presumed that these of-the-moment designers would be obsessed with contemporary structures. Then we wondered if timelessness actually stems from a design being of its time, rather than trying to stand apart from it.<br /><br /><br />You can check out the other designers' choices when our October November issue comes out. We hope you enjoy them.

Fashion and architecture

You may or may not care, but this week is Fashion Week, so here at ACP headquarters (the home of Fashion Quarterly, and other fashion-obsess...

7:29 PM

Have a fantastic weekend

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #996633; font-size: 180%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"Gazing on beautiful things acts on my soul"</span></span> <br /><span style="color: #663333; font-family: arial;">Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475- 1564)</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTHKRTnDweUfZIr_y5diaCW44JHwE5dHXSTnfSXg_eBwn93cuNEPxKKYc6YKHOZ6o5J5HPbCIBXAfhk54JYtHOhUqixzmMpdPRhWzlmYoc_CJwJoGn-U-5m4MFTylOZv2k5XAe1JkPIg/s1600-h/wedding%252Bdress.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382788061323358082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTHKRTnDweUfZIr_y5diaCW44JHwE5dHXSTnfSXg_eBwn93cuNEPxKKYc6YKHOZ6o5J5HPbCIBXAfhk54JYtHOhUqixzmMpdPRhWzlmYoc_CJwJoGn-U-5m4MFTylOZv2k5XAe1JkPIg/s400/wedding%252Bdress.jpg" style="height: 529px; width: 482px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xqF-eJd1CO_HxSBVko0J_dRG2c5Bqz5_MhhqQR0DEKm_r1OWDk7haL_wzJ6puldeLDlirABjJl3rT_ZBx7hfj4OgiUYfvJJRl_6M5gAOWmJBfMASbDxfLT4Z8_bvdc2Qd_gPUiZm63k/s1600-h/11.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382788072792393362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xqF-eJd1CO_HxSBVko0J_dRG2c5Bqz5_MhhqQR0DEKm_r1OWDk7haL_wzJ6puldeLDlirABjJl3rT_ZBx7hfj4OgiUYfvJJRl_6M5gAOWmJBfMASbDxfLT4Z8_bvdc2Qd_gPUiZm63k/s400/11.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 576px; width: 461px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3v1LqT0QMSCiCEcdpbPzRCRAQTxuPpDcVeDFBaV4uvMx1stplKBe9WUcU2lTD3rB3N-XPgam-rClUDSnlTl21e_2Eab8AvtsY9iNje4C0997LT811lnZHc_cdGW8ySXwLC-w9rNJVYDY/s1600-h/10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382788061509687378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3v1LqT0QMSCiCEcdpbPzRCRAQTxuPpDcVeDFBaV4uvMx1stplKBe9WUcU2lTD3rB3N-XPgam-rClUDSnlTl21e_2Eab8AvtsY9iNje4C0997LT811lnZHc_cdGW8ySXwLC-w9rNJVYDY/s400/10.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 560px; width: 464px;" /></a><br />last two images from <a href="http://desiretoinspire.blogspot.com/">DTI</a>.</div></div>

Have a fantastic weekend

"Gazing on beautiful things acts on my soul" Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475- 1564) last two images from DTI .

5:40 AM

Gracious entrance

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The foyer is perhaps the most important part of the house when it comes to decorating.  Our guests will have a good or bad 'first impression' of our style based on our foyer.  Below are a few inspirations.  Either your space is a hallway, a room or a single wall, I hope these images give you ideas on how to display a gracious entrance to welcome your guests.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpfRatwnr7YbVuEQyDHLbk5CbHPh_QvNGLVSQ_eKtf2bKKUHJGYBWhWN49yLQv1D4F_7jY8vi39hh3zRviG8CfGvAIYTcyduO3aX4JOC90ildIrLecbAOfOdvD8TFaFlgtOag8cZ6rXE/s1600-h/378_4_6g.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382260091100699826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXpfRatwnr7YbVuEQyDHLbk5CbHPh_QvNGLVSQ_eKtf2bKKUHJGYBWhWN49yLQv1D4F_7jY8vi39hh3zRviG8CfGvAIYTcyduO3aX4JOC90ildIrLecbAOfOdvD8TFaFlgtOag8cZ6rXE/s400/378_4_6g.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 579px; width: 468px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPglcCBSIjOjE-FK_iwRjpX1W4O4P5iMDA_9cP9opzu_wdz2K_NzoSbwf825gxyh-psyy4rpsSU4ETqm_qJMcKNIWSyFUe0Kz3lO-0PWZXpdhYXm17tqp6QvBPY6ef6q896t2XBtta22U/s1600-h/HBX-decorating-Hadley-2-0709-xlg-54494839.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382259544531382066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPglcCBSIjOjE-FK_iwRjpX1W4O4P5iMDA_9cP9opzu_wdz2K_NzoSbwf825gxyh-psyy4rpsSU4ETqm_qJMcKNIWSyFUe0Kz3lO-0PWZXpdhYXm17tqp6QvBPY6ef6q896t2XBtta22U/s400/HBX-decorating-Hadley-2-0709-xlg-54494839.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 584px; width: 462px;" /></a><br />Albert Hadley</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH70FTYyjmHgkJtWxR0zT9BP61_en5zx4ZaqfimeLWbXPYTPQYyTy4Lb4ivYvhGTR6yDahd2s07VLVnxEMKYaFQwvTwrPEtRHupHEdAxhrFpCgOrZDLnPAEmpc_SqfLJYEde01Fhsafdk/s1600-h/378_2_2g.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382260094406408098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH70FTYyjmHgkJtWxR0zT9BP61_en5zx4ZaqfimeLWbXPYTPQYyTy4Lb4ivYvhGTR6yDahd2s07VLVnxEMKYaFQwvTwrPEtRHupHEdAxhrFpCgOrZDLnPAEmpc_SqfLJYEde01Fhsafdk/s400/378_2_2g.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 577px; width: 468px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5_KAWngTpF9CAiM57ZwCIWgjbiCMNdI2kVz9YhuswkDwXyyW6eM_NxbYmNDV2F9Vkq23PTZsYwyb47VWGPZKjZSOTK0n1dUshrk3Vz_bDhOpCnSynh900euAsEer9bbv88Kul6Xzvf4/s1600-h/main-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382259553732917330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG5_KAWngTpF9CAiM57ZwCIWgjbiCMNdI2kVz9YhuswkDwXyyW6eM_NxbYmNDV2F9Vkq23PTZsYwyb47VWGPZKjZSOTK0n1dUshrk3Vz_bDhOpCnSynh900euAsEer9bbv88Kul6Xzvf4/s400/main-2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 463px; width: 463px;" /></a><br />Living Etc</div></div>

Gracious entrance

The foyer is perhaps the most important part of the house when it comes to decorating. Our guests will have a good or bad 'first impres...

5:39 AM

A charming home

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Although I prefer to mix vintage pieces with new or custom furniture, I couldn't help but fall for this charming home when I came across it some time ago.  This house is furnished completely with vintage furniture, but because of the use of color throughout looks fresh and unpretentious.  This would make a perfect weekend cottage.  Don't you think?</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou7XMDlRgbZR7zFSKL10k8pEPL3VF9xpPtTOAWu23oD_MYH2_iTm4skkK5USh71hS0ArxS6DMJNWmCzVEO69dbVLhBwOquEkGWr4TgGEeKlSyCXyXRtXZS9r6rQDKYjbOn0ZY1FVRyco/s1600-h/377_3_5g.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381867780708277330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhou7XMDlRgbZR7zFSKL10k8pEPL3VF9xpPtTOAWu23oD_MYH2_iTm4skkK5USh71hS0ArxS6DMJNWmCzVEO69dbVLhBwOquEkGWr4TgGEeKlSyCXyXRtXZS9r6rQDKYjbOn0ZY1FVRyco/s400/377_3_5g.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 398px; width: 471px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVsIOStnpu-uKoQe1UdLHrCIMk1GxTMvC6-rVAJ4QNCLYpH6_GGqqVji9gP-vDj2Gqxi53rdz9-9lexByXKR71dj8l8ymNkJgINuzTU2eYa0DpCcY7vt-Cs_drmNrhyphenhyphenfT8cWWXNRkRv4/s1600-h/377_3_4g.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381867777870787986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVsIOStnpu-uKoQe1UdLHrCIMk1GxTMvC6-rVAJ4QNCLYpH6_GGqqVji9gP-vDj2Gqxi53rdz9-9lexByXKR71dj8l8ymNkJgINuzTU2eYa0DpCcY7vt-Cs_drmNrhyphenhyphenfT8cWWXNRkRv4/s400/377_3_4g.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 575px; width: 474px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVGD2AaIZBr0qk7RSJz8egWQXaZCvp-22gZz9kRPIYeQCD4HdmUIYmxQr2PxsTKc-XfOCcDt49hvphmMpoB3kcpMWTEQzK0WkflZ-mkGOo0kE_9igIzMkflNeYW7hpjeDolbGsgHrA9U/s1600-h/377_3_15g.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381867964766036498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVGD2AaIZBr0qk7RSJz8egWQXaZCvp-22gZz9kRPIYeQCD4HdmUIYmxQr2PxsTKc-XfOCcDt49hvphmMpoB3kcpMWTEQzK0WkflZ-mkGOo0kE_9igIzMkflNeYW7hpjeDolbGsgHrA9U/s400/377_3_15g.jpg" width="512" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbxo8yq-xlzTHEV7pEg57tHu7aucauJIiUqr67M2LFYDhrLjD5Cu3gMHKBx2JtTxvt8a21g_Rmqwe0I68yMaPa0yOZGA-hW2poZusLgTNSgo1qFbowaku115CZBEubabfeqeOILlwDDo/s1600-h/377_3_8g.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381867802784361058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbxo8yq-xlzTHEV7pEg57tHu7aucauJIiUqr67M2LFYDhrLjD5Cu3gMHKBx2JtTxvt8a21g_Rmqwe0I68yMaPa0yOZGA-hW2poZusLgTNSgo1qFbowaku115CZBEubabfeqeOILlwDDo/s400/377_3_8g.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLjsW0lw0r8Rn54UNOqzdWyLiTfgNXyldsmXbQQ6sj5RqL01S-q5OyiZ7QRHWorz7x3aeNujmpSApqdRDV9NwK_yg2R5kmNswDjUP6ldkQswsHabZ7xNi7Geaos40EtV8WDIQnU-6qRU/s1600-h/377_3_7g.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381867792396877746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLjsW0lw0r8Rn54UNOqzdWyLiTfgNXyldsmXbQQ6sj5RqL01S-q5OyiZ7QRHWorz7x3aeNujmpSApqdRDV9NwK_yg2R5kmNswDjUP6ldkQswsHabZ7xNi7Geaos40EtV8WDIQnU-6qRU/s400/377_3_7g.jpg" width="512" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4GYUNGHd2kj-7MElpEcFPjSdbuKfEuydy35oGyB_8kbot37JhfgmjqyBufXsn_hdLVvjixg7SFo5lu85icBRF9p2hTFNX9uDomhpScLWOH5_nF6RJnp-x52WIPPCcPYRGdhKznG76Vs/s1600-h/377_3_10g.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381867961496578290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4GYUNGHd2kj-7MElpEcFPjSdbuKfEuydy35oGyB_8kbot37JhfgmjqyBufXsn_hdLVvjixg7SFo5lu85icBRF9p2hTFNX9uDomhpScLWOH5_nF6RJnp-x52WIPPCcPYRGdhKznG76Vs/s400/377_3_10g.jpg" width="512" /></a></div></div>

A charming home

Although I prefer to mix vintage pieces with new or custom furniture, I couldn't help but fall for this charming home when I came across...

5:28 AM

Pink and gray wedding

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: left;">Many people would not consider gray as a first choice when it comes to wedding decor. However there is that correct shade of gray able of bringing that soothing romantic touch and warmth to any wedding. Suitable for a relaxed countryside wedding, when combined with pink, or a sophisticated indoor one, when combined with lavender and/or white.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelufGag5fp6C9AnqI9VHMpv7oCb5rI5s3ebdugOh38jyWVBBi1KQFpAlOyEJuX9Wl_qxNrEvieiCX28sZ2Lr_rhvb_QwS_0YzEV43k0RxmBaaH6sxJ1lh5iYY4nm7dvyGRo51xHKKg-A/s1600-h/gray+and+pink+wedding.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="349" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381500271210446018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhelufGag5fp6C9AnqI9VHMpv7oCb5rI5s3ebdugOh38jyWVBBi1KQFpAlOyEJuX9Wl_qxNrEvieiCX28sZ2Lr_rhvb_QwS_0YzEV43k0RxmBaaH6sxJ1lh5iYY4nm7dvyGRo51xHKKg-A/s400/gray+and+pink+wedding.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2OSfGyF0SsIbFNh1HG1UMfG4SvG3fwlRiHnsCMv1JY-2w-3Z0cfIXeYm2u6QM1bVtNJ57zLb58O7R-BoTkRHyzLyXGBSFhsnBURX0FVUVVI9YLrQLCNU5mt-2Nw4ZMSKQSauTyXZA74/s1600-h/gray+cake2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381500559092647010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc2OSfGyF0SsIbFNh1HG1UMfG4SvG3fwlRiHnsCMv1JY-2w-3Z0cfIXeYm2u6QM1bVtNJ57zLb58O7R-BoTkRHyzLyXGBSFhsnBURX0FVUVVI9YLrQLCNU5mt-2Nw4ZMSKQSauTyXZA74/s400/gray+cake2.jpg" width="397" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCESnMZ38YrzWIF6A15rhmJAfD5McsXsQRWUsla9hlBxhud_xKM9FdJmFRNa0QIgovH0innBItT7VbF3QmesRCCqzsb7opA6-o184nu2wsNfOp-iEMMUAeSdnvPstHtp2eTu8vrRQSxU/s1600-h/favors.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381501228167636626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPCESnMZ38YrzWIF6A15rhmJAfD5McsXsQRWUsla9hlBxhud_xKM9FdJmFRNa0QIgovH0innBItT7VbF3QmesRCCqzsb7opA6-o184nu2wsNfOp-iEMMUAeSdnvPstHtp2eTu8vrRQSxU/s400/favors.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtZuKs7CYTdepDPOtkYGdbs1JONlrhrADXFNBwxJs7a8ZrxVKLsvb-2kcjDpla-fqBt33DsG2v98NDxSrkPN9pyCBdhSArrEmE8yxBzatmAuvLYPw367UgIiBniV7aBjEpKjMXJHL5sI/s1600-h/lilac+wedding.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381501220398701842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXtZuKs7CYTdepDPOtkYGdbs1JONlrhrADXFNBwxJs7a8ZrxVKLsvb-2kcjDpla-fqBt33DsG2v98NDxSrkPN9pyCBdhSArrEmE8yxBzatmAuvLYPw367UgIiBniV7aBjEpKjMXJHL5sI/s400/lilac+wedding.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZXO3wjBCi-UvJUSe1kp6h7bg9B8GjFQDfrg9Mzp8JuNwBbSXFmVWy69iZfuOK7bwZXX2lGLoohYR0CfWZwveTN9ANnEPeaZ6-cfFu4U7BclNFi3HPrmCxAci9B_Xv7uwdKD_j5Lw6ek/s1600-h/pink+and+gray+cups.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381501336943129746" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZXO3wjBCi-UvJUSe1kp6h7bg9B8GjFQDfrg9Mzp8JuNwBbSXFmVWy69iZfuOK7bwZXX2lGLoohYR0CfWZwveTN9ANnEPeaZ6-cfFu4U7BclNFi3HPrmCxAci9B_Xv7uwdKD_j5Lw6ek/s400/pink+and+gray+cups.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjz6yYeL1FMq8Pw4At5cacek4UF_SMr5zOUUEx1tBKvBWd4Soz5ixCqmYFZTgmMePFdZUcUmxPXHq34EdIi1Dic_Fywv1JwUHYIUdIYWpHPq2KKSQpE2UJ9tfWpLBSK0oXTPL9-SEY8Bs/s1600-h/lilac+and+pink+wedding.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="243" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381499558191762498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjz6yYeL1FMq8Pw4At5cacek4UF_SMr5zOUUEx1tBKvBWd4Soz5ixCqmYFZTgmMePFdZUcUmxPXHq34EdIi1Dic_Fywv1JwUHYIUdIYWpHPq2KKSQpE2UJ9tfWpLBSK0oXTPL9-SEY8Bs/s400/lilac+and+pink+wedding.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKmyc9hsoiIuTsOOFUhtS320rFHjP8_bp0Rt0szNZlorSZbH8DD80jON4bQafjVt16HGd_DoCgsZkfkpFGEzQAlUC-eLq74rzK-hcbbwt64p79gg6fxKUD7cx0GIRfQX6SHJNoHH2PkQ/s1600-h/image_thumb31.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381499532175680594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKmyc9hsoiIuTsOOFUhtS320rFHjP8_bp0Rt0szNZlorSZbH8DD80jON4bQafjVt16HGd_DoCgsZkfkpFGEzQAlUC-eLq74rzK-hcbbwt64p79gg6fxKUD7cx0GIRfQX6SHJNoHH2PkQ/s400/image_thumb31.png" width="467" /></a></div></div>

Pink and gray wedding

Many people would not consider gray as a first choice when it comes to wedding decor. However there is that correct shade of gray able of br...

6:21 AM

The Magic of Ikea

<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Everyone has their guilty pleasures.  The things that you enjoy a little TOO much.  For some it's Mallomars.  For others, it may be a TV show like Gossip Girl or Project Runway.  For me, I am <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">embarrassed</span> to admit that what tops my list is a trip to the local <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">IKEA</span>.  Yes, you heard me right.  Those Swedes have got me hook, line and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">SATER</span>.  </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">First, there is the ideology.  Great Design at Great Prices.  Their stores have big signs that say things like "We'll never stop making good design affordable."  Right on brother.  Then, there is the Environmental aspect.  Flat pack to save on shipping.  Put it together yourself.  Genius.  I think that when you go for a job interview, they should just leave you alone in a room with an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">EXPEDIT</span> shelving unit and an Allen wrench and just see what happens.  If you can do it in under 10 minutes, you're hired.  (Just make sure you recycle that cardboard package.)</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Secondly, there is the store design itself.  The entire apartment in 250 Square Feet.  The maze like layout with shortcuts for people in the know.  It's an experience to say the least.  I won't even talk about the restaurant, where you can get an entire hot meal for $4.  To sum it up, they definitely get you thinking.  </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Lastly, and most importantly, is the sheer volume of their offerings.  Other than the exterior shell of a house, they've got it.  From napkins to bed frames, they have thought of everything for home AND business.  And of course, everyone knows how affordable it all is.  For the life of me, I can't understand why people would shop at places like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Walmart</span> and Bob's Discount Furniture when you can get <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">thoughtful</span>, well made products at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">IKEA</span>.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">I first discovered <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">IKEA</span> when I was in college.  It was then that I purchased my first BILLY bookcase.  After that, it was the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">KLIPPAN</span> Sofa, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">POANG</span> chair, you know the drill.  You stock up on all of this cool looking stuff and then your friends come over and ask, "Where did you get this?  <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">IKEA</span>? Really?"  And then <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">IKEA</span> began to grow, adding other systems and finishes to their lineups.  Black-Brown began to pop up on everything from LACK shelves to kitchen cabinets.  Architects in NYC started specifying <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">IKEA</span> kitchen cabinets for apartment renovations due to their durability and affordability.  Stores started popping up everywhere.  </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Now I have taken my share of criticism for endorsing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">IKEA</span> among colleagues in the past.  Some say that the stuff is not made well.  Some say that it is cheap.  I would be remiss if I did not mention those criticisms.  But here's the rub:  No other company is focused on affordable, accessible modern design like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">IKEA</span>.   It's not like there are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">alot</span> of other options.  For a recent project, I was trying to find a sofa with a boxy shape and square armrests.  I went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Raymour</span> and Flanagan.  Nothing but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">poofy</span> sofas.  I went to Ashley.  No dice.  I even went to Bob's.  Total waste of time.  I finally found a 79" sofa at Macy's for $699.  When I told the salesperson that I would take it, he said the lead time was 12-16 weeks.  I passed. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Yes, I also looked at Crate and Barrel, Room and Board, and the local furniture stores.  I found nothing that was less than $1000 for what I wanted.  Room and Board came the closest, but had an 8 week lead time.  Still not happening.  Only <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">IKEA</span> offered the product that I needed.  A boxy brown leather sofa, in stock for under $500.  Sold.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">So, I admit it.  I love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">IKEA</span>.  I wouldn't say that I would go out and furnish an entire project from there, but I do selectively purchase staple items and then use the savings to splurge at other stores.  And the best part is, they continue to get better.  They improve the systems that are lacking, and stick with the systems that are great.  They understand what people are looking for, and find a way to deliver it to them on budget without compromising Design.  As a company, they act responsibly towards the environment and pass those responsibilities along to the customer.  What more could you ask for?  How about a free Cinnamon Roll with that Swedish Meatball lunch?  Now you're talking my language...</span>

The Magic of Ikea

Everyone has their guilty pleasures. The things that you enjoy a little TOO much. For some it's Mallomars. For others, it may be a TV...

8:51 PM

Botanical prints in a room

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Botanical prints can add freshness and life to a room. They go well with almost every decor style, adding a timeless touch. Although botanical prints are not too expensive the antique kinds can be pricier. I found this great <a href="http://vintageprintable.com/wordpress/">website</a> with incredible vintage prints with great resolution that you can download for free and print in any size you like.  Enjoy<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKHZAMlU4gT3h1v7WsYhs19GKAmFmZdhnznIQ8FfvwYgBVNb5EMrUEetCVT_0Hm-IlbJbxYXTaWmjRPeYu9Yz0LNtFCckrKv5j1FzpNs8nz3wyc8thEEFoZgSk_CYXCPCi4iHj-iOfxM/s1600-h/7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381124047039791442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKHZAMlU4gT3h1v7WsYhs19GKAmFmZdhnznIQ8FfvwYgBVNb5EMrUEetCVT_0Hm-IlbJbxYXTaWmjRPeYu9Yz0LNtFCckrKv5j1FzpNs8nz3wyc8thEEFoZgSk_CYXCPCi4iHj-iOfxM/s400/7.jpg" width="472" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9K-lfQlDohHsgUonXSOW3Q2I88skVxLEZKHKGIlYk0B1dTImivvy-TteVV1zYoITEXLpSid1xubCxOeeUrI7T4sF1r32oHxhiCJyvbY-rkyJqnMLPnfw53CUG52ms-gjz3OYgLUw8Yos/s1600-h/6a00e54fccb6d28834011570420489970b-800wi.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381124037291821266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9K-lfQlDohHsgUonXSOW3Q2I88skVxLEZKHKGIlYk0B1dTImivvy-TteVV1zYoITEXLpSid1xubCxOeeUrI7T4sF1r32oHxhiCJyvbY-rkyJqnMLPnfw53CUG52ms-gjz3OYgLUw8Yos/s400/6a00e54fccb6d28834011570420489970b-800wi.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRO1ET-yXwYln5VODS_IbHnV-c-bnOktYBHv4bqfYgayGiQqwCeejSi6Wj1OtsmF0OcuPxk4HfZwc4GT73nX_pzqpQNywW7uDhg66wBJAvOOH7_FZFe7ORbIQKGvzy6Uz0wfQ3z_S5KI/s1600-h/09cottpg.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381124056200442002" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRO1ET-yXwYln5VODS_IbHnV-c-bnOktYBHv4bqfYgayGiQqwCeejSi6Wj1OtsmF0OcuPxk4HfZwc4GT73nX_pzqpQNywW7uDhg66wBJAvOOH7_FZFe7ORbIQKGvzy6Uz0wfQ3z_S5KI/s400/09cottpg.jpg" width="520" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawm7sVEMrmat1EcCVWqFLMh_ptXPKFJkdYQIZ8PnIVpDMeRIxbp4_dYWryrfqp3CmuaNFglNsXClTheLhQTOf2dGdvptBdJBv3vpmFYJapvs1VXipnfODFvW-mVosl3orZ62ec9OepGw/s1600-h/hbx-decorating-barber-4-0709-xlg.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381124066955114258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawm7sVEMrmat1EcCVWqFLMh_ptXPKFJkdYQIZ8PnIVpDMeRIxbp4_dYWryrfqp3CmuaNFglNsXClTheLhQTOf2dGdvptBdJBv3vpmFYJapvs1VXipnfODFvW-mVosl3orZ62ec9OepGw/s400/hbx-decorating-barber-4-0709-xlg.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzqQ3bCjmBA6jkEf3Ft0muIj_CFw22ZfX3M6nFfHhyphenhyphen_u-1W7vbVrHifzehwLAaZJ1jT-xizAZilmhdTzvgU8YKFQ-vBwj9rvlbQjYT49WJDFfIbOzjFN6avjWAxM450o2DdmdewjqzRI/s1600-h/7a533089.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381131636985337554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzqQ3bCjmBA6jkEf3Ft0muIj_CFw22ZfX3M6nFfHhyphenhyphen_u-1W7vbVrHifzehwLAaZJ1jT-xizAZilmhdTzvgU8YKFQ-vBwj9rvlbQjYT49WJDFfIbOzjFN6avjWAxM450o2DdmdewjqzRI/s400/7a533089.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 588px; width: 484px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0cFCYG97_Ui102DZhTqwQGI9zVa3qyQtXl3iP1OL0BdGncB5kDIV17P88lZPMX14CUporuO439V7BuHxhUTbWGXPWAdF0nL1pK_UWWW2izPfe3-ZFVTCYkmyZPSX6U-K8x0GzKeRST4/s1600-h/cata3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381135073781988066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0cFCYG97_Ui102DZhTqwQGI9zVa3qyQtXl3iP1OL0BdGncB5kDIV17P88lZPMX14CUporuO439V7BuHxhUTbWGXPWAdF0nL1pK_UWWW2izPfe3-ZFVTCYkmyZPSX6U-K8x0GzKeRST4/s400/cata3.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 590px; width: 448px;" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79jGXEg32PeLYqg1pixlpm3a1UWYisMyRw2kbGZMV-T9SErWWyGmjFpMoZiB460IWF8gWgFPq5-Ecngotm1r-9-pVhydlvF_2W3wBWTipP-Vcj6uCCzh4grmO6P8HZTFP4Y8fP29ObrI/s1600-h/de19d926.bath.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381131648083167106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79jGXEg32PeLYqg1pixlpm3a1UWYisMyRw2kbGZMV-T9SErWWyGmjFpMoZiB460IWF8gWgFPq5-Ecngotm1r-9-pVhydlvF_2W3wBWTipP-Vcj6uCCzh4grmO6P8HZTFP4Y8fP29ObrI/s400/de19d926.bath.jpg" width="494" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBllPwJ6dc5oXCvjaXi_VjOxjXZTc8AR2iibC9oTr_RDKi95SUTsRwXEmTvQ-cBv4ZuAWMvdJwROU_NTddHMZSxw3T3oQff_cYFZeMWeSv-f61ZYwDpdGumm123E53tgQ1TxXcqBaIyVQ/s1600-h/bathroom-family-0909-de.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381131638667972418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBllPwJ6dc5oXCvjaXi_VjOxjXZTc8AR2iibC9oTr_RDKi95SUTsRwXEmTvQ-cBv4ZuAWMvdJwROU_NTddHMZSxw3T3oQff_cYFZeMWeSv-f61ZYwDpdGumm123E53tgQ1TxXcqBaIyVQ/s400/bathroom-family-0909-de.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />Below are some of the many selection.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hdzOVHXbAqdsliqNN9jQ7nnNUgJDXm3m7ysdTnI80cBxBMioEpp-50yyd3mTic9bp0aQWU-rT09m9rue9pIBAVciuaoka6JSWEw8x6R2B-M3f8n6J35mon6oZFhkVMdCMY8cjeSjrdE/s1600-h/catesby-4-swallow-tail-hawk-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381130627298333074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hdzOVHXbAqdsliqNN9jQ7nnNUgJDXm3m7ysdTnI80cBxBMioEpp-50yyd3mTic9bp0aQWU-rT09m9rue9pIBAVciuaoka6JSWEw8x6R2B-M3f8n6J35mon6oZFhkVMdCMY8cjeSjrdE/s400/catesby-4-swallow-tail-hawk-1.jpg" width="465" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZIn3p9tDzJluLROF50ch1RNPsuaj0_j9Gpp3t87jZh8O09OWlbymehhgylb0XbG4pCwtqYHrkxWuxEgSAGxua3mloEibwklaHXTSNyVrFc7sADfi7U0Rwj5257ye8dbnaa0a2VZom50/s1600-h/Coffee-bean-22.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381130135620033714" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZIn3p9tDzJluLROF50ch1RNPsuaj0_j9Gpp3t87jZh8O09OWlbymehhgylb0XbG4pCwtqYHrkxWuxEgSAGxua3mloEibwklaHXTSNyVrFc7sADfi7U0Rwj5257ye8dbnaa0a2VZom50/s400/Coffee-bean-22.jpg" width="448" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitV_tSkpy-hytwotGxBN3Tvmwrg4g4LgAXNO8HObkbsHvuVdmhKlo2LETA6sIe1s0Qg9LZJruHxP1fAvKwhpYhuEzGasVxA8jKbgmAaZtoKoPGDunldY1hzWz0yGQFRNxhd_hs0OYZkqk/s1600-h/mushroom-histilina-hepatica-schaeff.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381130146124186530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitV_tSkpy-hytwotGxBN3Tvmwrg4g4LgAXNO8HObkbsHvuVdmhKlo2LETA6sIe1s0Qg9LZJruHxP1fAvKwhpYhuEzGasVxA8jKbgmAaZtoKoPGDunldY1hzWz0yGQFRNxhd_hs0OYZkqk/s400/mushroom-histilina-hepatica-schaeff.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 538px; width: 449px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WPD4-tnzdFpDDZkKDE5o8-rxofatd7i-2BocGzO62lfNla0s_QQ2uH88ILEJ_cwnTHw-9Ao72km0mY8VXUT43oA2kRYdQS1J9ybrXNUsnG-8gzavATrfY0_LAjoiDCTj_MQxcJ8SZcY/s1600-h/Melon-watermelon2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381130151472996450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WPD4-tnzdFpDDZkKDE5o8-rxofatd7i-2BocGzO62lfNla0s_QQ2uH88ILEJ_cwnTHw-9Ao72km0mY8VXUT43oA2kRYdQS1J9ybrXNUsnG-8gzavATrfY0_LAjoiDCTj_MQxcJ8SZcY/s400/Melon-watermelon2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; height: 630px; width: 442px;" /></a></div></div>

Botanical prints in a room

Botanical prints can add freshness and life to a room. They go well with almost every decor style, adding a timeless touch. Although botanic...

5:52 AM