Traditional Architecture

Roofs that are extraordinary Have High Design Covered

The options for roof layout aren’t limited to the two most common ones: pitched (gable, hip) or horizontal. Other shapes and expressions are possible, and if done creatively the roof can be the most striking aspect of a house’s exterior. This ideabook assembles four homes with dramatic roofs, dissecting what pushes them outside creating strong images. Charles Rose Architects Inc.. In this waterfront house in Gloucester, Massachusetts, architect Charles Rose describes the roof as with a sail-like quality. The house is like a boomerang in plan, and also the roof reaches its high point where the two wings fulfill, the remote point in this picture. But as could be seen, at this end the roof turns to turn into wall-like, acting like a terminus for the terraces. Charles Rose Architects Inc.. Another view of this turned-down end indicates the way the roof and wall construction contains the distance of this…

Eclectic Homes

Wood for Great Modern Layout

Natural forests have been a popular topic in interior design within the past few years because they work wonders when coupled with all the clean and modern lines of minimalist design. When compared to shiny metal, stone surfaces and sharp white details, wood is fully capable of taking center stage in any home. Below are some creative ideas for integrating this splendid natural material on your area. 1. Opening statement. Natural wood is an excellent way to show off your home from the beginning: the hallway. Within this straightforward and elegant hallway, the wood perfectly balances the sharp walls and rough feel of the stone. Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.. 2. The accent wall. Should you look closely at this inside, you’ll notice that the designer used various finishes and sizes of scrap wood. The result is a mesmerizing installation that retains your sense of sight. Watch the rest of…

Tropical Style

Southern California Gardener's October Checklist

Fall is prime planting time in Southern California. The nicely organized one of us are supposed to program all year long so they’re prepared to spring into action the instant the hot weather subsides (typically by mid-October). The shorter days, cooler nights and low-angle sunlight of autumn add up to lower water stress on new plants, while the still-warm soil enables roots to thrive. Prime planting season continues through January or so, when much-welcome rains (fingers crossed) give young plants an extra leg up. Keep an eye out for hot, dry Santa Ana winds early in the summer, however, and be prepared to apply extra irrigation to garden newcomers to prevent them from turning into shoe leather. See a sampling of fall planting selections below. Note: Considering that bare-root season is coming with the new calendar year, you can find a good healthy start for all these varieties and save…

Eclectic Homes

Metal Works Wonders With Home Exteriors

Following on the heels of ideabooks that looked in exteriors covered in glass and wood, this one introduces a couple of projects that use metal in some intriguing ways. In architecture, metal can refer to a wide selection of substances with similar attributes — metallic glint, hardness, elasticity, magnetism, conduction and so on — but that nevertheless have special looks. These include zinc, copper, steel and aluminum. These metals, usually alloyed with other components, can be left fairly normal, oxidized to put in a layer of coated or rust to take on other characteristics. The subsequent jobs show a wide variety of uses of metal in architecture. The construction zone, ltd.. The Logan residence by Jones Studio features walls of metal (this picture and next) as well as glass and concrete. Nevertheless, the gold “aspen leaves” overhead steal the show. They provide a memorable transition and shade between inside and…

Coastal Style

Vintage Treasure Trove in Chicago

A self-proclaimed thrifting enthusiast, Dean Fisher picked up 90% of the bits in her house from thrift shops or antique shops, or found or inherited them. “I love owning items using a background,” Fisher says,”and can frequently linger when I pick up something from Craigslist, pressing the seller for any backstory they can give me.” Fisher, that chronicles her apartment decorating experiences on her blog, My Small Apartment, has a flair for an eclectic combination of 1970s and mid-century modern style. in a Glance: Who lives here: Dean Fisher and her corgi-beagle combination, BunnyLocation: Logan Square, ChicagoSize: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom That’s interesting: The mirror in the living area is constructed in and was original to the apartment — it’s what ended up completely selling Fisher on the area. Fisher moved to Chicago from Los Angeles, and a lot of her style reflects the laid-back desert vibe of her prior…

Coastal Style

Modern High-Rise Singleton in Austin

Towering 323 feet into the skies, the Monarch building is one of the tallest residential buildings in downtown Austin, Texas. Its prime location only blocks away from beautiful Town Lake makes it among the most coveted places to live in the city, so it is not surprising that it brings young professionals such as 23-year-old Zac Goldman. “I love Austin because of its hip, young and active lifestyle,” Goldman says. The Monarch’s design is modern and modern, and fits right in with Goldman’s personal style. “Everyone in my family has a very clean, modern style. I like things to be very neat,” he states. Goldman embraced the all-white walls of this bare apartment and transformed the area into a minimalist’s dream. in a GlanceWho lives here: Zac GoldmanLocation: Austin, TexasSize: 914 square feet, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom That’s intriguing: Not merely is your sofa curved, but its three seats recline…

Eclectic Homes

Decorate with Intention: Clutter Clearing 101

Getting organized is something of a passion of mine. Yes, I consider cleaning out my junk drawer a leisure activity — I love labels and also have been known to put my books in rainbow sequence, so make fun if you need to! But over the years I have commissioned a simple routine for paring down and producing order in the home, and I wish to discuss these 10 tips with you now. Before we dig in, it’s important to know what we are up against. What is clutter exactly? Surplus stuff, right? Well sure, but more than that, clutter is a sign of procrastination. It is the bicycle you have been meaning to have repaired, the books that need to be returned to the library, the most hideous vase from Aunt Mildred you can not bear to throw away, along with the heaping piles of paperwork that require sorting….

Eclectic Homes

So Your Style Is: Traditional

What it is: From classic furnishings to floral-print cloths, traditional style sometimes gets a bad rap because fusty and outdated. But that is missing the point. While it’s true that this look takes its inspiration in the past, it’s about comfort. Every element feels comfortable, correctly placed and predictable — in a fantastic way. Why it works: There is a reason that conventional decorating has flourished for a long time. It promises warmth and welcome, and it provides. Refined furnishings, mannerly fabrics, dignified colors and a feeling of order make this cherished style simple to live with. What’s more attractive than that? You will love it if… Chaos makes you queasy. Your favorite films are untouched by Technicolor. You’ve vacationed in precisely the exact same spot since you’re 12. You swoon over Blue Willow and Wedgwood. Your perfect day involves a bookshelf filled with classics along with a tumbler of…

Eclectic Homes

Guest Picks

Finding the right chair to complement a space can be an intimidating job. Instead of looking for one which blends in with your current decor, why not include a chair which makes a statement? — Danyelle from Dandee Designs CB2 Parlour Bold Seat – $799 I have never seen a lot of color on a single chair. If your area needs personality, this guy has plenty of it. West Elm Ryder Rocking Chair – $599 I don’t think I have noticed a rocker this sleek. It appears so comfortable that I’d be tempted to put it in the bedroom, but it’s so beautiful I would like it out where everyone can see it. Anthropologie Howell Wingback, Soleil Linen – $1,898 This really is actually the not-so-classic, classic wingback chair. Anthropologie Lunet Chair – $1,698 The fact that this chair is made from reclaimed French jute sacks gives it a lot…

Eclectic Homes

Add a Dash of Downton Abbey Style

When the second season of Downton Abbey expired on PBS Sunday it delivered in its uniquely English Romantic way, giving us a high-brow period drama that feels wickedly low-brow. The societal intrigue, period costumes, and those Edwardian insides all make my heart swell. Following is a brief glance at some essential characters and room elements that could be inspired by these as we see the story unfold during World War I. Scenes at the literary halls of Downton Abbey, an English country estate, were filmed at Highclere Castle. The imposing structure is a part of its own on the series that follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and the servants with whom they share close ties. Windsor Companies The majority of us will be fortunate enough to tour an Edwardian castle let alone reside in one, but we can take cues in the layouts of English country houses…