Glass Houses

If you follow my blog you are aware I love glass houses, this one truly gives you theexperience of bringing the outside indoors. The Fireorb fireplace frees up floor space, and the spindly tables, chairs, and even kitchen counters help the home feel uncluttered.The dining room opens onto the semi-walled entrance area. The open floor plan and careful window placement eliminate the need for air-conditioning.The result of a design/build class taught by Jennifer Siegal and Michael P. Johnson, it’s a dynamic, livable house that honors Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy while tackling important design issues of today, from innovative prefabrication to sustainable systems like solar panels and rainwater and gray-water collection.Sustainable features...

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Dining Room Ideas

Energizing PaletteDesigner Troy Beasley adds vibrant pops of red, orange and blue to this streamlined, contemporary dining room. Neutral gray walls allow the colorful accents to shine. Happy HuesA vibrant yellow and blue color scheme gives this small dining room a sunny and almost tropical aspect. Design by Lori Dennis.A Taste for the ExoticDesigner Angelo Surmelis brings Indian flair to this space with the addition of intricately carved and painted wood panels. He adds interest to the tabletop by layering plates, napkins and chargers in varying colors and patterns. Designer Troy Beasley opts for a pair of oversized, modern pendants to illuminate this lofty dining room filled with soft grays, warm tans and a fresh pop of pear green. Warm and...

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Colorful Contemporary Kitchens

Even the slightest touch of color can make a bold statement. Dark wood cabinetry is toned down by the pale-green glass backsplash and the white granite countertops. Lavender chairs and a flowing violet flower arrangement deliver a lively touch of color to this modern kitchen. Design by Daniel Bodenmiller.A unique peacock feather painted on the ceiling sets the color scheme for this transitional kitchen. The pretty blues of the mural are reflected in the soft wall color and seating, and bursts of orange are found scattered throughout the space. All of the colors are effectively pulled together in the tiled floor and artwork. Design by Ken Kelly.This kitchen reflects the owner's love for artistic expression. Custom cabinetry made from hand-painted...

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Designer's Notes

Display a unique wine cellar by designing it under a stairway. What was previously a coat closet was transformed into a wine cellar with custom wine holders that were created out of solid walnut and stacked in such a way that they create a very architectural feel. Now, the staircase is much more open with glass replacing the drywall, and the entire area went from boring to functional and eye-catching.From the top of the staircase, the use of tile and wrought iron details balance the curved wall of windows allowing light to brighten this rustic entry. The one-of-a-kind chandelier lantern accentuates the style.This seemingly simple baluster engages the eye with its intriguing curves and keeps it interesting with its modest detail. Once the eye...

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Designer's Notes

Designer's NotesMirrors can really create great impact in small rooms without natural daylight, such as hallways. Adding a unique table and an interesting statue would be the added bonus for a conversation piece.  Shown here, the mirror adds dimention to the hallway, and the statue adds the interest I mentioned above.An entry hall with a center table is functional for placing handbags and packages. Art and sculptures can be showcased in this area for impact.A colorful work of art against stark white walls is the point of departure for accent colors in this residence. A mirror and a small console are always right in any entry hall; a great place to plop your keys and cell phone as you get ready to relax. A bulky and simple baseboard...

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Pillow Talk

Natural PaletteGreen, yellow and brown decorative pillows brighten up a solid tan couch with a natural — but lively — color palette. Rainbow HuesThis white living room gets its burst of color with an array of vibrant decorative pillows on the window seat and couch. Vibrant SolidsSolid throw pillows, like these from Company C, can add simple color to a bed or sofa.Chic PinkSmall hot pink accent pillows can add a playful touch of color against white pillows and taupe walls. Classic RedDesigner Elizabeth P. Clarke uses a crisp red pillow against a cream chair for a splash of color.Mellow YellowYellow accent pillows to pop against the crisp white sofa and to complement the pale yellow walls.Touch of PumpkinPumpkin-colored pillows add a lively visual...

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Designer's Notes

Designer's NotesIn the Living Room, the custom triptych from AndreasCharalambous.com is a dramatic backdrop to the B+B Italia sofa and the concrete Cha-Cha cocktail table. The wool and silk area rug is also from ChaChafurniture.com. I love the comfortable, stylish feel of this sofa!!!!!The kitchen area was opened up to the rest of the house in this open plan. Poliform cabinetry and stainless steel appliances were inserted in the burnt orange wall that becomes the organizing element. The dining room table is attached to the island and becomes an extension of it, with the same silestone top.The drama of the open tread stair against the burnt orange wall within the two story entry foyer gives the visitor the first taste of the open plan that organizes...

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