Great Kitchen Design

<div align="center">Here is a great design idea I just had to post - this is such a wonderful, ingenious design. I am anxious to use it in my next project. The first view is entering the kitchen. Notice the raised island area where the the stools are placed.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270523521338982178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SSSpN93APyI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/TOQO8foqGI0/s400/chilmark_kitchen_02+-+Hutker+Architects.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 315px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Hutker Architects</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Here is the view from the other side. It is the perfect space for storing dishes, bowls and mugs. Isn't that so very clever? <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270523513872546354" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SSSpNiC3ejI/AAAAAAAAA9I/whMqtFliDb4/s400/chilmark_kitchen_03+Hutker+Architects.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 315px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /></div><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">Hutker Architects</span></p><p align="center">I think this design idea would work especially well in a vacation home. Guests getting up in the morning at all different times and they can simply find everything they need without feeling uncomfortable rummaging through the cabinets. What do you think? Like it or love it?</p>

Great Kitchen Design

Here is a great design idea I just had to post - this is such a wonderful, ingenious design. I am anxious to use it in my next project. The first view is entering the kitchen. Notice the raised island area where the the stools are placed.Hutker ArchitectsHere is the view from the other side. It is t…

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Playing in Tents!

<div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">With summer in full swing, I am reminded by my children the fun of spending the night in a tent. The billowy canvas sides create a secret retreat. Let's look at some more luxurious ways to spend the evening and ways to create this atmosphere in your own home.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232266030676671170" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SJy-O7DTesI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/qblljMSGx3M/s400/Gorah+Tented+suites+7" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">Hunter Hotels</span></span><span style="font-size:78%;color:#000000;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SJy_NQtpLZI/AAAAAAAAAg4/801I0Sd1dkE/s1600-h/tsala+2"></a><span style="color:#000000;">This is a tented suite from Marataba Safari, part of the Hunter Hotel Group, in the magnificent Marakele National Park, north of Johannesburg in South Africa. This exotic tented suite is a beautiful mix of canvas and stone, furnished and decorated in an African style. I love the way the tent fabric billows above the bed, so luxurious. Notice the en-suite stone bathroom with copper tub. Each of the 12 suites each have their own private deck overlooking the sweeping plains. </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Let's look at another opulent resort for inspiration.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233933169879734466" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SKKqfMjQ2MI/AAAAAAAAAis/OwVvJA2dzjA/s400/khas_tent_exterior_236.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Aman Resorts</span><br /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Here are the lovely tented suites of Aman Resorts in Rajasthan, India. The 10 air-conditioned tents, have soaring six-metre canopies above draped cotton partitions. </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233933164872540882" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SKKqe55dItI/AAAAAAAAAiU/2IJjtSROVRM/s400/khas_lounge_tent_alb.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233933165811630642" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SKKqe9ZWgjI/AAAAAAAAAic/wEJXgWUgUBM/s400/khas_tent_entrance1_alb.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /> They are designed and decorated in a clean modern style. The subtle hues of creamy canvas, swathes of airy-white cotton, khaki cushions on toffee coloured leathers contrast the soft elegance of the tented exteriors.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232266035921100594" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SJy-POlrHzI/AAAAAAAAAfY/AYnxlteinFI/s400/Gorah+Tented+suites+1" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Here is another "bedroom" in the tented suites. Notice the dressing table, comfortable chairs and animal hide footstool. What luxury in a tent!</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233933170642508706" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SKKqfPZH26I/AAAAAAAAAik/nointBIJdcI/s400/khas_tent_bedroom3_236.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233933165504831026" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SKKqe8QNHjI/AAAAAAAAAiM/yEQwqCkF2Vs/s400/khas_tent_bedroom2_236.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:78%;"> Amanresorts<br /></span>Lovely at night and so romantic at sunrise.</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">The tented suites are enchanting and exotic ways to spend an evening, but lets look at some ways to bring this feeling into our everyday homes. </span><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"></span></div><br /><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233937967300148978" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SKKu2cVa_vI/AAAAAAAAAjs/TbOugvaLCBw/s400/Tented+netting.BMP" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /> </span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Marie Claire Maison</span><br />The simplest way of course, is to drape mosquito netting over the bed. Here it is done very romantically with the addition of the crystal chandelier above and crisp white linens on the bed .<br /></span><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233945997309036834" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SKK2J2cuySI/AAAAAAAAAkE/-pdDJw3fodw/s400/Tented+Gray.BMP" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Marie Claire Maison</span></span></div><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">Another bed is simply dressed with a gray silk - It becomes more dramatic by lowering the bed almost to the floor and adding romantic sconces.</span><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233937446513372354" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SKKuYIQLbMI/AAAAAAAAAi0/R0ssvT1kmDQ/s400/G_03955_art.jpeg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /><span style="font-size:78%;">Marie Claire Maison</span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">This room is draped in a simple airy-white cotton, but what makes this room so interesting is the draped, gathered fabric ceiling over the bed. A very traditional bed and side tables, but with the addition of the fabric overhead it becomes a more exotic retreat.<br /></span><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233937970130894930" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SKKu2m4UwFI/AAAAAAAAAj0/b_QMAi--Mso/s400/Tented+Sari.BMP" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /> </span><br /><br /></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#000000;">Marie Claire Maison<br /></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SJy-mqeiqlI/AAAAAAAAAf4/Y5vBNCDV-hM/s1600-h/tents+5"></a><span style="color:#000000;">Here a beautiful canopy is built over the bed and draped with a lovely embroidered sari. I love the purple velvet duvet and the dressmakers' mannequin wrapped in a pretty shawl. The walls, painted cream above and gray below wraps the room in an interesting way.</span></p><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233937450548637586" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SKKuYXSQr5I/AAAAAAAAAjE/mPIRSzim1Vw/s400/Tented+Childrens.BMP" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /> <p align="center"></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Marie Claire Maison</span><br />White linen creatively hung above low to the floor twin beds. Bright linens cover the beds and a dark accent wall lends a more mysterious feel.</span> <span style="color:#000000;"></p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233937454326748994" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SKKuYlXCF0I/AAAAAAAAAjU/TPMNqlKeIDY/s400/Tented+Middle+Eastern.BMP" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /> <p align="center"></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Marie Claire Maison<br /></span>Here is a more middle eastern feeling room done in bright silks. I love the hanging lantern inside the canopy. Notice the silk screen used behind the bed as a headboard. Deep magenta walls and darker trim add to the luxurious atmosphere.<br /></p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233937959259693266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SKKu1-YbYNI/AAAAAAAAAjc/ODkFgQ5Xvco/s400/Tented+Modern.BMP" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /> <p align="center"></span><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:78%;">Marie Claire Maison<br /></span>Here is a much more modern take on the canopy. I love the crisp, nautical feeling of this bed. The canopy is tied like a sail, bed linens are a soft sun-faded blue. This room is restful and fun at the same time.<br /></p></span><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233937960891924546" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SKKu2EdlQEI/AAAAAAAAAjk/hXB_hSss5Fw/s400/Tented+nautical.BMP" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /> <p align="center"></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Marie Claire Maison </span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">This room also has a nautical feel. A simple way to include a canopy without a custom bed or structure is hang it above the bed with wire and a small rod. I love the bold, blue striped fabric canopy and matching headboard. I also love the bench at the end of the bed. The green stripe on the bench adds freshness</span><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233937444436411090" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SKKuYAg_gtI/AAAAAAAAAi8/qbJCxF2b7s0/s400/house+to+home+tent.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="color:#000000;">Marie Claire Maison<br /></span></p></span><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">This attic room uses the angles of the room's windows and fabric to create a tented feeling. Soft quilts and comfy chair add to the cozy cottage feeling. Lying in this bed at night you could easily spend hours wishing on stars.</span></p><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233946002703470242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SKK2KKi3TqI/AAAAAAAAAkM/gE5WuLyjm44/s400/Tented+Outdoor.BMP" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; DISPLAY: block; CURSOR: hand" /> <span style="font-size:78%;">Marie Claire Maison</span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">We end with a serene outdoor room. Crisp white linen bedding and pillows, airy-white cotton billowing on a deck that overlooks the ocean. Now this is an exciting tented retreat anyone, young or old, would enjoy!</span></p>

Playing in Tents!

With summer in full swing, I am reminded by my children the fun of spending the night in a tent. The billowy canvas sides create a secret retreat. Let's look at some more luxurious ways to spend the evening and ways to create this atmosphere in your own home. Hunter HotelsThis is a tented suite from…

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Velvet and Linen

Please check out my new favorite blog - <strong>Velvet and Linen</strong>. It is written by Interior Designer, Brooke <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Giannetti</span>. Brooke has some wonderful photos of her work and the work of other designers. She showcases some very inspirational rooms. Below are two photos from her recent posts. It's no surprise to me that <strong>Velvet and Linen</strong> was just selected as a "Must Click Blog" by the Washington Post! <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268324566187344114" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SRzZR7kPgPI/AAAAAAAAA6U/CyG41FX3_x4/s400/brooke+3.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268278286792132930" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/SRyvMHYmCUI/AAAAAAAAA6M/U5IDHp1Z61w/s400/brooke2.jpg" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" /><br /><div><div><div><div>To check out <strong>Velvet and Linen</strong> click on the link below under My Favorite Blogs!</div></div></div></div>

Velvet and Linen

Please check out my new favorite blog - Velvet and Linen. It is written by Interior Designer, Brooke Giannetti. Brooke has some wonderful photos of her work and the work of other designers. She showcases some very inspirational rooms. Below are two photos from her recent posts. It's no surprise to m…

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