Best Kitchen Paint Colors

Dreaming in Brick

<h3 align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/TWjxHPm_v0I/AAAAAAAAGoc/w1DnfBH5cQE/s1600-h/peter%20montanti3_thumb%5B108%5D%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="peter montanti3_thumb[108]" border="0" height="315" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/TWjxH_esMzI/AAAAAAAAGog/fKYu8inPLW8/peter%20montanti3_thumb%5B108%5D_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="peter montanti3_thumb[108]" width="400" /></a></h3><br /><h3 align="center">I have been waiting until my blog was redesigned to share this fabulous brick home with you. Of course this house is stunning but it is captured spectacularly by architectural photographer, <a href="http://www.mountainphotographics.com/"><span style="color:#333333;">Peter Montanti of Mountain Photographic</span></a><span style="color:#333333;">s</span>. He is a master at photographing interior and exterior architectural details with over 30 years experience.<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/TWjxINT1T7I/AAAAAAAAGok/170DnZK-wdc/s1600-h/peter%20montanti_thumb%5B17%5D%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="peter montanti_thumb[17]" border="0" height="421" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/TWjxIQfnvnI/AAAAAAAAGoo/PPyYbge1QFA/peter%20montanti_thumb%5B17%5D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="peter montanti_thumb[17]" width="688" /></a></h3><h3 align="center">The house, nestled in northern Georgia, is built with post and beams and General Shale brick. The details of the house are just amazing. I fell in love with this photo of the twilight reflecting off the metal roof.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/TWjxI0opmFI/AAAAAAAAGos/gh6N9StRdeg/s1600-h/peter%20montanti%202_thumb%5B55%5D%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="peter montanti 2_thumb[55]" border="0" height="839" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/TWjxJLrOCLI/AAAAAAAAGow/NvG7z8SDlMc/peter%20montanti%202_thumb%5B55%5D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="peter montanti 2_thumb[55]" width="650" /></a></h3><h3 align="center">I adore the meandering brick bridge to the back door – We often see this type of connector with very straight lines, but the way this curves is just a delight. Notice the detailing on the roof line and around the windows. Also notice the lovely copper overhang – beautiful. Now for a real treat let’s see inside!</h3><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/TWjxJRIgU-I/AAAAAAAAGo0/S5EDvIk7m38/s1600-h/Brick%20-%20peter%20montani%20Georgia_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="Brick - peter montani Georgia_thumb" border="0" height="638" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/TWjxJpgRTeI/AAAAAAAAGo4/LOc1pVJw3Jo/Brick%20-%20peter%20montani%20Georgia_thumb_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Brick - peter montani Georgia_thumb" width="670" /></a><br /><h3 align="center">Look at that fireplace, quite an architectural feature. The post and beams come right to the floor which I think is very interesting. The wood ceiling and floors balance the expanse of brick. One of my favorite details is the metal band around the fireplace. Also notice the arched entry ways which is repeated in the arch of the fireplace opening. </h3><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/TWjxJzxeI1I/AAAAAAAAGo8/fi91QeYSJsU/s1600-h/Brick%20-peter%20montanti_thumb%5B37%5D%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="Brick -peter montanti_thumb[37]" border="0" height="357" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/TWjxKZ4PGBI/AAAAAAAAGpA/kCUiQFM3yXg/Brick%20-peter%20montanti_thumb%5B37%5D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="Brick -peter montanti_thumb[37]" width="711" /></a><br /><h3 align="center">The kitchen is stunning! Notice there are almost no upper cabinets – the wall of arched windows is breathtaking. The black honed counters are nicely balanced by the black cabinet on the left.</h3><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/TWjxKpwylHI/AAAAAAAAGpE/Vhl2pQ_NJgo/s1600-h/peter%20montanti%204_thumb%5B5%5D%5B2%5D.jpg"><img alt="peter montanti 4_thumb[5]" border="0" height="825" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tSGOcFKOoqI/TWjxK4rkUSI/AAAAAAAAGpI/HGp3d_qPd08/peter%20montanti%204_thumb%5B5%5D_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 0px; PADDING-RIGHT: 0px; DISPLAY: inline; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-TOP: 0px" title="peter montanti 4_thumb[5]" width="650" /></a><br /><h3 align="center"></h3><br /><h3 align="center">Finally let’s have another look at the outstanding details on the exterior. It is wonderful to see such craftsmanship. A special thank you to Peter Montanti for his wonderful photo tour. Click <a href="http://www.mountainphotographics.com/"><span style="color:#3366ff;">HERE</span></a> or on the small photo below to see more of his outstanding work. The fabulous architect was Clay Chapman.  To see more of his work click <a href="http://www.periodarchitecture.com/index2.php#/home/"><span style="color:#000099;">HERE</span></a>. To read his Blog click<span style="color:#000099;"> </span><a href="http://www.chapmanarchitecture.blogspot.com/"><span style="color:#000099;">HERE</span></a>. To see more brick homes by General Shale Brick, click <a href="http://www.generalshale.com/dreamHome/">HERE</a>.</h3><br /><h3 align="center"><a href="http://www.mountainphotographics.com/"></a></h3><p align="center"></p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577975349371508866" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEpuhHmgsvBqQ6E5ZqKPo4Bftg5uHFfhqxtnbwjiF5Xl4hOjC5VY1lsSK8jX6KrEkDaroTv_tu_CvXHhlOqGughQaC2sh2psi02ctnUx1HbW8J3a8vOadgQSwGbO1NlyVKgp-G4b7I3NO/s400/peter+montanti.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 245px; CURSOR: hand" /><br /><h2 align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;">(All Photos Property of </span><a href="http://www.mountainphotographics.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">PETER MONTANTI</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> not to be copied with out written permission)</span></h2>

Dreaming in Brick

I have been waiting until my blog was redesigned to share this fabulous brick home with you. Of course this house is stunning but it is captured spectacularly by architectural photographer, Peter Montanti of Mountain Photographics. He is a master at photographing interior and exterior architectural …

27Feb2011

Weekend!

Weekend!

I will be relaxing with my family over the next few days! We will be doing some organizing and pre-spring cleaning! Have a great long weekend!!!…

19Feb2011

What Every Princess Wants for Valentine's Day!!!

<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEida3cVv1MK8hcNGZep3khg6CxVZsrlketS5qfoFpRSf3_QBkAdEYXh98VPZ9fwsfmUKc7caiZd8l768jPIjmeIihuf0Dqp0D4i-Nd6_XVFzwuYl82pNaMH6FCWzX4ZFVLaHOpSppUWt-zk/s1600/heart+thin.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572850869715440050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEida3cVv1MK8hcNGZep3khg6CxVZsrlketS5qfoFpRSf3_QBkAdEYXh98VPZ9fwsfmUKc7caiZd8l768jPIjmeIihuf0Dqp0D4i-Nd6_XVFzwuYl82pNaMH6FCWzX4ZFVLaHOpSppUWt-zk/s400/heart+thin.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 324px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisnC0Bt3OY2yTpeJlGF39teJLbg78DKWzl_t9P9g6NY2yDG-DS5nVOeaCTnYbJgMxtPjfNocX0NVhFGn9tl1iOkHygD4bp0w-9tOy98ziqOYkUebikwUs622SC9w7XMFRah6xNrBqoo4TQ/s1600/heart+new.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Happy Valentine's Day readers!! I wanted to share the sweetest heart I found from Sugarboo Designs.<br /></span><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h5YSByIUo1aCo07s_cqH5kZtsaSVPjEXaw8NL2RGWDk4hOwoUsi9EtOqxEkSzmMvQESwDQl3E2NB6O16LaDFzJoopLy2BqR80-AnUZIB7NO315lxGlhJBRkL61Lvc0gewNoWZ_bU421H/s1600/Heart+Close+up.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572847259401782418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1h5YSByIUo1aCo07s_cqH5kZtsaSVPjEXaw8NL2RGWDk4hOwoUsi9EtOqxEkSzmMvQESwDQl3E2NB6O16LaDFzJoopLy2BqR80-AnUZIB7NO315lxGlhJBRkL61Lvc0gewNoWZ_bU421H/s400/Heart+Close+up.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 362px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><br />The copper heart is embellished in French: "Heureux Pour Toujours" or "Happily Ever After" - LOVE THIS!!! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Happy Valentine's Day!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">xx-Gina<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;">(You can find it </span><a href="http://www.sundancecatalog.com/product/code/53164.do#"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:78%;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> - WD gets no compensation for recommending this</span> - Just a joyful heart!!)</span> </div></div>

What Every Princess Wants for Valentine's Day!!!

Happy Valentine's Day readers!! I wanted to share the sweetest heart I found from Sugarboo Designs.The copper heart is embellished in French: "Heureux Pour Toujours" or "Happily Ever After" - LOVE THIS!!! Happy Valentine's Day!!xx-Gina(You can find it HERE - WD gets no compensation for recommending …

14Feb2011

Stunning Coastal Exterior and Interior Renovation

<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;"></span><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:78%;"></span><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572778007528801154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi30XzUtZGHfOFT4JgrYvkdoMH4BG59M-RhVHrZbx7jphyoZI-9qLokdHd-DHFgJ_YYNaRP9Fg1RQaLXuxVzzozuGGO0ILnEAqDxYSovC04bnm8ov0ICXD2QyJ3qyK8ZGM41SE3oSMwpt3I/s400/Mayfair+Front.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">I am always intrigued by renovation. I especially marvel at exterior transformations and this beautiful home in New York is no exception. </span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572777146128082658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgo9kN4LZu4GRoAAGyoEUyHkiI5P0u4-hlLc_KhAUYujRHPfp1C3BkFK8DRAnlZIH_sYgUd9mJF81ZDDFYQh3GtAt6b_LImKaG0Au9nGLLe56i7Ks132YuGDzxwBQC6ZHLuQyrbB3g4Cg/s400/Mayfair+Before.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: pointer" /><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">On a breathtaking piece of property on the Long Island Sound it was a perfect home for renovation. Above is the Before - a wonderful, quaint colonial.</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572795920677762930" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0e3vyuokAM8YTzb7rJbP_O3V6_NBVI0MUi5FJ6yoSvwNczZk3HbB-rQi-wtK9E9Wjr3bpErjAAzvujeX4Iw6SkktUw9bMaBbF61Uwh9yIFIh85v6rfugrBcYzQz1xCiE01U5PTOG2ib6u/s400/Mayfair+After.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 273px; CURSOR: hand" />And here is the After: Notice the change in the roof lines - the original second story was expanded and a second story was also added to the original one story structure - These external additions changed the ordinary into extraordinary.</span></div><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPFVnzy1d4Zb-xj9FNmEFnTzXOT_1uVKBSLZXxhdyp7OUIBFdhZru9g9Et9rQidZIyHW6Y4_FcSXuZL58H6QxrIeV-Qcc3AxdL0T_jyBXs5P2GlGQfyM-nfZt2wcU6xF02vcuixgveCrJ/s1600/Mayfair+dog.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572780263923203890" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGPFVnzy1d4Zb-xj9FNmEFnTzXOT_1uVKBSLZXxhdyp7OUIBFdhZru9g9Et9rQidZIyHW6Y4_FcSXuZL58H6QxrIeV-Qcc3AxdL0T_jyBXs5P2GlGQfyM-nfZt2wcU6xF02vcuixgveCrJ/s400/Mayfair+dog.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> </span></p><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">The kitchen renovation is stunning boasting state of the art appliances and marble counters. Notice the arched entrances between rooms. </span></p><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOW2zYf7QO2coq2T-H-AgxrwPNfSyaXm6kiTN90GYIjSdkpjSNJTDCGg8hgHVXNjSuKtrONXQhdSdWfKO-jb6jpQ_W45BDDJzF0krQeLpCwu0eN4JwSgu0FxASPiNSwWJBAXj0-quDJks/s1600/Mayfair+4.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572777632981674034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOW2zYf7QO2coq2T-H-AgxrwPNfSyaXm6kiTN90GYIjSdkpjSNJTDCGg8hgHVXNjSuKtrONXQhdSdWfKO-jb6jpQ_W45BDDJzF0krQeLpCwu0eN4JwSgu0FxASPiNSwWJBAXj0-quDJks/s400/Mayfair+4.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: pointer" /><br /></span></span></a><p align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">I love the classic details of this kitchen including the subway backsplash tile, lighting, marble counters and the exquisite detailing on the corners of the center islands.</span></p><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeqRY6poteMrqsxXgfQyLgDhxK6BFZ1eBXCFU5tS3c3CFGZ9rGDtTsVZISWJyCiV56pRVtlkL_rvuhGv1Yc-lNERLWl2aXgOBOiVEC0YlMs2d657ZD7fRvJETlFVaydSkdB0YxOXJ4TxU/s1600/mayfair+construction+3.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572777642551122098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAeqRY6poteMrqsxXgfQyLgDhxK6BFZ1eBXCFU5tS3c3CFGZ9rGDtTsVZISWJyCiV56pRVtlkL_rvuhGv1Yc-lNERLWl2aXgOBOiVEC0YlMs2d657ZD7fRvJETlFVaydSkdB0YxOXJ4TxU/s400/mayfair+construction+3.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Looking from the other side of the center island we can see the dining and family room area. Notice the arched bookcases which echo the arches through out the first floor.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572777639518245426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Nrsb0TYKc4WA73MmOhonY9M4KeFXWSXCzCEUb4Bmzz9KkGWs5GVDKWTuyF128AaaBtI4dOsMYrgblDeogszoRQmtK1DuBTwE_GbpM7HDQuA0tY0EgdhAR9PeP3Y99H3MWtY9LlRS5jRv/s400/Mayfair+5.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 341px; CURSOR: hand" /> With the addition of a second story over the original one story structure, the owners were able to add a spectacular wood paneled library with fireplace and vaulted ceilings.<span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572777636748538546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqn4Mi-r_1A2EiJRkFKAo0yawragq57ERUc-MSLiE-SI0WW2wswTGsUKuUEDA5hcFwzOrA24AgOeMoXKfiwxjOgyrAQ85F7EFSNwsLR6wj64NKbXl12GPIxyr-PzcQE9XH96MumHEB7GI/s400/Mayfair+6.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" /><br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Again if look closely you can great details in the millwork of this room. The arched window provides a spectacular view of the Long Island Sound.</span><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9Vm5zxtfQct8lybnT6sOFt_bB2GHzEcsOEpjsKhRfINhXCjH8uZdbjkhGSA0P02RCGxXW30kyMTNa6O42-JgMAohCxf2lvisSF-dq7xAbCFneUQ4mXUcd9VOCkQB751NzQDofnNupT72/s1600/Mayfair+outdoor+pool.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572777137698083634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_9Vm5zxtfQct8lybnT6sOFt_bB2GHzEcsOEpjsKhRfINhXCjH8uZdbjkhGSA0P02RCGxXW30kyMTNa6O42-JgMAohCxf2lvisSF-dq7xAbCFneUQ4mXUcd9VOCkQB751NzQDofnNupT72/s400/Mayfair+outdoor+pool.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 269px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span> <span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">An infinity edge pool gives the illusion that the water's edge begins just steps outside the back door. </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU5dSO_ZBjbYZy6skGC33veHlZpiic3xhz4X4wlHdB97G_h_TMgzlx97AHjbfg3wY8bg0laKfkJwrs06itkxDhKKuWLVEE6y-uhknDQCwtpKH3gJAi8Z3A0-Ogb3hsvq2V6x753MVcqG3/s1600/Mayfair+outdoor+wide.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572777129837436338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNU5dSO_ZBjbYZy6skGC33veHlZpiic3xhz4X4wlHdB97G_h_TMgzlx97AHjbfg3wY8bg0laKfkJwrs06itkxDhKKuWLVEE6y-uhknDQCwtpKH3gJAi8Z3A0-Ogb3hsvq2V6x753MVcqG3/s400/Mayfair+outdoor+wide.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 223px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Wonderful coastal landscaping seamlessly bridges this outstanding home from land to sea.<br /></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;">I adore oceanfront homes - How about you??</span> </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></span><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(All photos by <a href="http://www.chuckchoi.com/">Chuck Choi</a> and property of <a href="http://www.olivercope.com/">Oliver Cope Architects </a>& <a href="http://www.mayfairconstruction.com/portfolio.html">Mayfair Construction</a>)</span></span></div></div></span>

Stunning Coastal Exterior and Interior Renovation

I am always intrigued by renovation. I especially marvel at exterior transformations and this beautiful home in New York is no exception. On a breathtaking piece of property on the Long Island Sound it was a perfect home for renovation. Above is the Before - a wonderful, quaint colonial.And here is …

13Feb2011

Ethnic Interiors...

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">The Ethnic and much stylish interiors and some corners of my sister's house(my mom's ,elder sisters daughter) in a sleepy town in North Kerala..,my maternal village.Surrounded by lush greenery of a simple village,the interiors have been kept minimalistic and also stylish.Inorder to keep up with  the environment that it has been set into,the interiors resemble the ancient tharavadu style with courtyards and plants that grow in it,swings and sloping mangalore tiled roofs and surrounded by white long columns in the verandahas..unfortunately only the interiors have been shot and exeriors will be added later.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Hope the images do the justice for all my readers...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">We make it a point to be here once a year..to refresh ourself,and to breathe fresh air....</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572826691377858946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cEYNqaab-cM5ryriReijZymbu3-cLRt52KyHOxE2triNKm1TRQcF2Ji68204RlPW1BA4JC47Fq3zQkDM-yj4RfGyTdmTlvWaUR4n409h9s6oAjrf1rWV6DSzqWb319ayTZoDZQYQA4Y/s400/IMG_3641+copy.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />entrance<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572826693103853058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDryDpQ24xpKfKktGEQJSKmN8cxSuDjN4tCvr3APt77OmExf13D6cN1iWzQTYLBIC_vyhzptsRCsRx42mNcL0zBhX0u5GHJ93E22Je89uSJsRxaHo3ReBiyx_xD1EqFCgVhk4BHyYma4/s400/IMG_3635+copy.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572826677949689954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbQTmJZPZDQRxQTdz-uukSDnSKaYeksOgAzLVwy0jdi8-ri-1uON5LtbG-cfncdgeOhKOqhcejVT6F3WHaZmHh8MhA08DrEKFFGgUk3jH-j6n-sSS0PWfuTs9PkpsUMtqk7o4SCdUA7c/s400/IMG_3632.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />south indian swing<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572826700454696034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT-h4xNh0KmiLDusRElgip5qk1uuEKg8Ea40-dPGBZEkOvZzMu0iJiXiL7tqtH-BxeM661RQEF4gCoUYWom4fuxgRdGj7zpPv0RLN2jZC1oqIXiWxaESm4MEI4Kxz-JMA0J_tfTl4zZs0/s400/IMG_3647.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 298px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />a typical diwan<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572826684717186834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaSlzKATiDhpr_EBuX9BGoD7lo_BbtFkhxubcrs290NbMWJPV7WODTqywItrJxstZ5paFu7lqHIkT_3TdoRi0N0YlDJyh4ol0Vz6aRsIb-i9n37GUM6ymmykF-Uu0HErfyCiT1hU8lTRw/s400/IMG_3634.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572828692134037314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkR1YbpypB9Wv_bDZkeYu8JgmGgKFyFSmO06cwGFC0FbxFtLo1-kE4ABb7IzQQOZFf5ZIYfsUeisbJduVSm9pW-n6U-IXDXUzfl974lvVH2dUsbSmgTQLIOxU2_W9VCstvevrqr2nRS34/s400/IMG_3670.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572828687062080994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Vp8XcbuJfBts_bUK3UeBK1PlETdtkNar_qJ3dE3D0LoUuUKSaeAi9qpSCuLfeGoh8BF4doMcIdCGq9AUOBsw8VBlR27jpI203-dL4VOTl-4g7qi3z9UpcibaFqB5ZRMl2ATZJJ5VTOk/s400/IMG_3667+copy.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572828686202085986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9w7emulaGgj4rvfcVFY2NJjTkKmgCas0jO6XFD2wkr_wvHKrhA1RoUr924zgOJmsJFg3E9vQ8ces-zJAchhhgRhm2jqI_QcdwO5XaR-RNHKra-zyuIUV6dZOfgU_o4RIa-b1_doYR73E/s400/IMG_3662.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />dining room<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572826275328205186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1vQPVPUBrz3VozRP4KplGCt40cy_boorlcFkHNqBnvJU1hb-tdCiMiFGcp6TrQxFPhpbAmbiTzfreyUSiyy5VDgqtiebkqVnV83WuZCyRkTLMtpQLGm2aEtPrOGFDjTd36kAn2EjPCw/s400/IMG_3605+copy.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" />a much detailed view of the plants in the courtyards,monsters and palms and some chimes...<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572826284723973810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6xsPqyNkktQpENWA4fDNvGajEfnIIaaRQwWLwYMz8mOju7vVHyg8EXauVsvo4ATpSdtlaC6cQSl_yzu790Nf60fRfbmsU1QRHUMlkjePlcYHc-AVHKLVAE6f2ncMPRZViqgpZOq10nDw/s400/IMG_3616+copy.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572826268259481010" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GienaC1un1k6k2u7WGn1e2X8DzbENoJiSDNXEpuYmko5gFpqMuZgjxdkvU-tGdDxwTTpnb0HvcNC7EVAQsI0z3vjSubEs2DpCCIvt_8C0tTKIpqec0KrgHOliJ1D4V_Ru3J_wiCvPBU/s400/IMG_3604+copy.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572826278014371314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nj7zSnCJvuSkW3nN7XE_DL_WdQkzrRwiOe81IC59SJ05VOisMpevxlV6wtph2Wl29vL7rpDrRnsQORskZKRsrfFOJ3V1-5u7IJ8XZU-Gq330Lf0XxnXRniUcSiHIbvCBH2mxD9p2jOg/s400/IMG_3607.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572826265319937842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9coUIhREPWHDkXrNB-osUfrNIbAJD4lAE3u-jzpx8rYtqulYJrMk4XoZVz5YkJyNLtkNDBDSBlXXWi61cHV1ZG-rKWgzrl-QrWZJ5bYi06fcpFWvK7NfC6uXmva8ZOEou3p_4t9o6yVg/s400/IMG_3598.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 262px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZz8yCZ4U3hAGdGmKy-tVFHNEYyooNriZsckmkfq1PsVUy4sVTokM8FzLbncli8Cdrh0h9u0M6fOQYBm_0e-pSPieCEL4Ef_r9E-F9iFPQG2tv5Ib6ldRKu68Ma0ZaB1htuEYKA_mL-Uk/s1600/IMG_3923+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572828895235830034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZz8yCZ4U3hAGdGmKy-tVFHNEYyooNriZsckmkfq1PsVUy4sVTokM8FzLbncli8Cdrh0h9u0M6fOQYBm_0e-pSPieCEL4Ef_r9E-F9iFPQG2tv5Ib6ldRKu68Ma0ZaB1htuEYKA_mL-Uk/s400/IMG_3923+copy.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 267px;" /></a>lighted corners of the kitchen.i love the sleepy light and mild shadows coming in the kitchen<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzYOObnf4zjTka57JL981yhk0CwRHAUO9eFwllhNCWMaKX62zMwbMtWwMKVhGFTtN9V-_1AUTioxUFM0-FFxOEd_iXFHQ6N19C_NfFSDp21UYwq4sYrGWGJgijpzTwHr7bN7Nvb3drRM/s1600/IMG_3755.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572828890842780674" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzYOObnf4zjTka57JL981yhk0CwRHAUO9eFwllhNCWMaKX62zMwbMtWwMKVhGFTtN9V-_1AUTioxUFM0-FFxOEd_iXFHQ6N19C_NfFSDp21UYwq4sYrGWGJgijpzTwHr7bN7Nvb3drRM/s400/IMG_3755.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjCNpuqJGrQlMb0H1WvYGKHwvtYFEVc0S7C4H3eTwuevWO50CxcCB26bhEbWmHlq1gbGcC0hfkRNEDVmGfN7r7E1keQrJyegEpuxTEWs2_v4VDkdSk2Rw41NxdOhMQpI2rEnukRqEDeY/s1600/IMG_3736.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572828704341601954" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjCNpuqJGrQlMb0H1WvYGKHwvtYFEVc0S7C4H3eTwuevWO50CxcCB26bhEbWmHlq1gbGcC0hfkRNEDVmGfN7r7E1keQrJyegEpuxTEWs2_v4VDkdSk2Rw41NxdOhMQpI2rEnukRqEDeY/s400/IMG_3736.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDkaMZb8L0N4ukpA76wSwh6OAZpqLfVKtRlrmDe1hqu3mZQMCq0toHlCkdfxb8hT3T7-xrEfNeP6AuLxLx0w_siYSlDT3EZ75pKq3ow4NhxmdWKWjNJ2QW8GBaH4xGb51v4iLIgHd-d0/s1600/IMG_3702.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572828703129853138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDkaMZb8L0N4ukpA76wSwh6OAZpqLfVKtRlrmDe1hqu3mZQMCq0toHlCkdfxb8hT3T7-xrEfNeP6AuLxLx0w_siYSlDT3EZ75pKq3ow4NhxmdWKWjNJ2QW8GBaH4xGb51v4iLIgHd-d0/s400/IMG_3702.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 267px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Please do not copy images from this site ,without the prior permission</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span">All images copyrighted and sole property of Lakshmi Arvind</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>

Ethnic Interiors...

The Ethnic and much stylish interiors and some corners of my sister's house(my mom's ,elder sisters daughter) in a sleepy town in North Kerala..,my maternal village.Surrounded by lush greenery of a simple village,the interiors have been kept minimalistic and also stylish.Inorder to keep up with the…

12Feb2011

EXPLORING WALL COLOR: SERENE GREEN

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q_HBysr16OcVVrL5oKPeKZ__fXVX0vdunadvf8JQCKDqdT0SLcIyciel_6Ly8NQKXCvDUQ_6ufee1a5rQARJGvcCYOqniMeTnvpHhE05a5Z34gpNcSrcCoTEdYcClmLntCa-4suIfcMM/s1600/7-17-english-garden-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="640px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q_HBysr16OcVVrL5oKPeKZ__fXVX0vdunadvf8JQCKDqdT0SLcIyciel_6Ly8NQKXCvDUQ_6ufee1a5rQARJGvcCYOqniMeTnvpHhE05a5Z34gpNcSrcCoTEdYcClmLntCa-4suIfcMM/s640/7-17-english-garden-2.jpg" width="420px"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">There are specific words that come to mind for the color green.  Words like nature, calm, serene, soothing and 'Spring'.  </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><br /><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><b></b></div></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2011/02/exploring-wall-color-serene-green.html#more">Read more »</a>

EXPLORING WALL COLOR: SERENE GREEN

There are specific words that come to mind for the color green. Words like nature, calm, serene, soothing and 'Spring'. Read more »…

11Feb2011

Spectacular Pool Pavilion

<div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572030429143227106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZv6kr4NnP8g4K14fmYT4uiBJWO-QMaWB9Lw1B4uu-CJMyLrmnhohhRTpXopL_6FZqrhPTkBpUWrxycISwlGpny9oKjQK66eJVS7FRZ_xyJuU41VQahLDu0fm3crUM7EChvW-Kgxwt3OeA/s400/Outdoor+pool+house+%25282%2529.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">In New England during the winter months we sometimes have to stay indoors - this year with so much snow, we have been indoors more than we have wanted to be. Our friend, the fabulous architect, Tom Catalano, of Catalano Architects, shared this gorgeous Pool Pavilion with me. A wonderful respite from the chilly, snowy days. Beautiful photography by the talented interior photographer, Eric Roth.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;"></span><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572030241304894130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8kKFGPeNrR37twzYUyiu5zR8l5yn9cS2CFTTF0mewVHsBLcOfmS98Lo4KinLA3KSvQ38DvKtTQzOfSR7-jRjcUMaWCr_1Cb86UzXXk7feMcYK7EfUKoGWfcXYdW3Hc-BrmVPVQfXFbn_/s400/IBR+Hopkinton+Pool+1+%25282%2529.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 259px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">What a spectacular space. I love the post and beam ceiling details. It is wonderful oasis of natural lighting with french doors on three sides.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572030433372297458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiE2z0V5XIVxbZnQK6POU93Ne3w5HsrWYpjSgVTRZlALH0SNSMw4ougKW4Yl4C9xW1stuRaJgYFY57syFr6OdZpjms-TZnXdaXZBYJcOXloe_t7ddagJREJGK_tXvjc8tNtUPjaRVJBq21/s400/IBR+Hopkinton+Pool+3+%25283%2529.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></div><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Here is a closer shot looking from the other side. Notice the ceiling beams and painted a gray green - it wonderfully compliments the wood doors and walls. </span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572030241829718722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeswKHDPE-tm4apJglLRisY8KnWpibFRDQDFi9i5Jm0fNwtaYMDRnV8Vj4uzMiB0k27HEsXW-YvVem56R6zRTf7ZFKavj_XsxIS3JjsRTkDHxPObw_9o20RMJ0QtfM5_3TZiMT0crnR9z1/s400/IBR+Hopkinton+Pool+2+%25282%2529.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></p><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">From this angle we can see the windows very high in ceiling to add even more light. No matter what the temperature outdoors, in this pool pavilion you immediately feel like you have escaped the winter and are at a fabulous resort. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572030235559094754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7Ixghl_6Gh81m-GTnaqyLCRGciQPqWhyav8sYBczbDHRXFRs3-D1exlOrrBichdiFZCrglu0JzuwVRYxc9w09oBpP_1aCidKHB0Flar9utaUNchWumtWznksc7GtoJmr1K4JPgp0uNuz/s400/IBR+Hopkinton+gym+%25282%2529.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 264px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Directly off the pool is a tranquil home gym and yoga studio. In this home it is easy to stay in shape all year long. If you look closely in the mirrors you can see the ceiling beams of the pool area.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572030244393879682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZDOfFYFYoDGH-dhkOzuTog68156uGOfEwYywHhBT3OUrBy2E9t7Cu5Z7lO4u7duy2qnd8S32B63gb_hw044CZ_yMRZkQPdCHJvjRsQlDjWbDlEDf1F_umFeQC98greZqfpxjUVFQikUi/s400/IBR+Hopkinton+Pool+Room+2+%25282%2529.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 270px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Of course the house also boasts a gorgeous Billiards Room.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572030925131811458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1HyLATIQTmdTZBfnIpJOp36ES_blVBUxw1kFyONRfucimok12XMAWqa25pkxkHL3gw2yY0VSY1Rga6Y8MVPGq90LWiKZVDAUsGpHyS_5xj0X93uHIr9s1dqQtOuKKITcuEQc8BAWsoMEc/s400/IBR+Hopkinton+Pool+Room+1+%25282%2529.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 277px; CURSOR: hand" /> Look at stone work around the bar. Just stunning!!! This home has so much to offer on those days when you are snowed in and you just want to stay home. </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIon0RrVSqyvGKYIqheMERwH9n4uD3LN8axtMlUxG7uk45dVGrZUXs0gaYwjEzgI_p6cnktt37isA5yZ8o9nO5AyT2RZ9q5GrcbSYHIxGQZOqavdfmsy4bHBs0oghSQ_7O6hgq3EBfTeoY/s1600/IBR+Hopkinton+ext+16+%25282%2529.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572030233636384530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIon0RrVSqyvGKYIqheMERwH9n4uD3LN8axtMlUxG7uk45dVGrZUXs0gaYwjEzgI_p6cnktt37isA5yZ8o9nO5AyT2RZ9q5GrcbSYHIxGQZOqavdfmsy4bHBs0oghSQ_7O6hgq3EBfTeoY/s400/IBR+Hopkinton+ext+16+%25282%2529.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> Thanks again to Catalano Architects for sharing this Pool Pavilion with us. To see more of this home from a previous post, "Lessons of a Grand Home", click </span><a href="http://willowdecor.blogspot.com/2010/04/lessons-from-grand-home.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">. To visit Catalano Architects click </span><a href="http://www.catalanoinc.com/arch/index.html"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">. To visit the website of photographer Eric Roth click </span><a href="http://www.ericrothphoto.com/"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">.</span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(all photos by </span><a href="http://www.ericrothphoto.com/"><span style="font-size:78%;">Eric Roth </span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">and </span><a href="http://www.catalanoinc.com/arch/index.html"><span style="font-size:78%;">Catalano Architects</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;">- not to be copied with our permission)</span></span></div>

Spectacular Pool Pavilion

In New England during the winter months we sometimes have to stay indoors - this year with so much snow, we have been indoors more than we have wanted to be. Our friend, the fabulous architect, Tom Catalano, of Catalano Architects, shared this gorgeous Pool Pavilion with me. A wonderful respite from…

11Feb2011

Maine Coastal Gem!

<div align="center"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color:#000000;"></span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569453708753379234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvICdqk5ulspn39whDBu8XCHOCXCi_5ZMTkBmUpptK43exYljKTejGfk-aW_77LewOYAKBnsSPVl42BchkoK7W5oxQfnUv48JF7AENGIPFL0aP05byb-spBR59bg2DDLdmUc4b-ikyQmR/s400/DSC_5919064432.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">My friend, the talented interior photographer, Jamie Salomon of </span><a href="http://www.salomonphoto.com/Home.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">James R. Salomon Photography</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">, shared this fabulous home in Bar Harbor, Maine with me recently. He was kind enough to let me provide you a private tour . </span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></div></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnMIOfDPP_ASyedOR9CqvF1goABaKec4WWVtubX7EjM0bdlTrHStZjW010x1iFWkQyN1ALGtFlMtDcqdwcifn2NhWSZmKZHlAkWLXpAegeJ4L74EhsPNFrZizaTgyg7h3ra_oonJ71MN7/s1600/DSC_5929.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569454271252321986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLnMIOfDPP_ASyedOR9CqvF1goABaKec4WWVtubX7EjM0bdlTrHStZjW010x1iFWkQyN1ALGtFlMtDcqdwcifn2NhWSZmKZHlAkWLXpAegeJ4L74EhsPNFrZizaTgyg7h3ra_oonJ71MN7/s400/DSC_5929.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: hand" /> </span><p align="center"></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">The owners of this gorgeous historical home on the water wanted to do a renovation. </span><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569454274925804082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif9jj3AQzMDm-zYTfX08fXYby-Tk1407kW6EJNLqOO-Q2xrslV9ptV7m2sLyKfH-TNQFwXl8ML2QwYaQc98EZjFTTmS1R1iX0Tz_U4-ix3_8WrhmKKg3c2ip8u284Rg_-AzmHt9Mn-bnm3/s400/DSC_5947.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></span><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="color:#0000ee;"><span class="Apple-style-span"   style="font-family:times new roman;color:#000000;"><span style="font-size:130%;">You can see how much character the home has and they wanted to keep that feeling so they called upon Anthony Barnes of </span><a href="http://www.barnesvanze.com/html/newsite2010/cat_overview.html"><span style="font-size:130%;">Barnes Vanze Architects </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">to help design their renovation. Let's have a look:</span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvICdqk5ulspn39whDBu8XCHOCXCi_5ZMTkBmUpptK43exYljKTejGfk-aW_77LewOYAKBnsSPVl42BchkoK7W5oxQfnUv48JF7AENGIPFL0aP05byb-spBR59bg2DDLdmUc4b-ikyQmR/s1600/DSC_5919064432.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569453708753379234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvICdqk5ulspn39whDBu8XCHOCXCi_5ZMTkBmUpptK43exYljKTejGfk-aW_77LewOYAKBnsSPVl42BchkoK7W5oxQfnUv48JF7AENGIPFL0aP05byb-spBR59bg2DDLdmUc4b-ikyQmR/s400/DSC_5919064432.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> The Entry Hall is a lovely of mix of old and new. Notice the stone arches which lead into the Dining Room. I like the choice of the wood and white paint on the staircase.<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzERDk2aGfOsQBSjv6xk55OvUVHApzpXe6S7Czy-s33Wg36JewjjOMPkw1mXiK8WbFmh3aj21YdfbVNgjXHOTPZna_slu6GLrxbe2fJersTwguIRpUSKQ5mIyp0HYHinpWMibcC7vdF2v/s1600/Jamie1.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569088022295156738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzERDk2aGfOsQBSjv6xk55OvUVHApzpXe6S7Czy-s33Wg36JewjjOMPkw1mXiK8WbFmh3aj21YdfbVNgjXHOTPZna_slu6GLrxbe2fJersTwguIRpUSKQ5mIyp0HYHinpWMibcC7vdF2v/s400/Jamie1.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">The Dining Room is just beautiful. Notice how the granite stone of the archway is echoed in the stone fireplace. Also notice the detailing in this room. I love the wood arched doorway and the built in; they both also echo the stone archway. Peeking further you can see the stunning wood and marble Butler's Pantry.</span><br /></span></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqTgC8fRoKUcEuYK07rThVY2ZwOKpDDg37_sLkOdhxJbt33wM5XKmqcP05SC5MfGB-N65IBlefzXB3U5PBphAM3evaU9zYi21qHPheJiDZKq3HJ_Cn4usOltk_IS5YEdSkT_t7UzlZqxq/s1600/Jamie5.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569086827072897346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqTgC8fRoKUcEuYK07rThVY2ZwOKpDDg37_sLkOdhxJbt33wM5XKmqcP05SC5MfGB-N65IBlefzXB3U5PBphAM3evaU9zYi21qHPheJiDZKq3HJ_Cn4usOltk_IS5YEdSkT_t7UzlZqxq/s400/Jamie5.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 327px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> Also notice the coffered ceilings which add an additional layer of detail - the ceilings are very high, so it also brings them down a bit - I also love the turned wood chandelier.</span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHne3ClhZgGyUDXd97VH86F4NGLon-rxleqMkFJM1zNU8dm-5O39rxsst1nB0Pxk3rMcw2w2Ymv7O3jtKhxcEuzCWvQt2KICnhwPIDCTpr2evU-abYqpMX463o5g5gg1uQAcGUMVKKKpH/s1600/DSC_5833064310.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569453709680513522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHne3ClhZgGyUDXd97VH86F4NGLon-rxleqMkFJM1zNU8dm-5O39rxsst1nB0Pxk3rMcw2w2Ymv7O3jtKhxcEuzCWvQt2KICnhwPIDCTpr2evU-abYqpMX463o5g5gg1uQAcGUMVKKKpH/s400/DSC_5833064310.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span></a></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Here is a close up of the Butler's Pantry area. It is interesting to me that french doors open up right beside it. I think this is a great idea, and a very thoughtful part of the design, to have access to the Pantry for entertaining indoors and out. Great architects always think ahead!</span><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underlinefont-family:times new roman;" class="Apple-style-span" ><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569088028271297554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhScDTmtf8j13Uo0tylpWQT87zHhhCXR3cs5ufMQey2jloQFeSW-nOT8sgg0eIp8ZJZV5kDkSYVfwB47W1Mi_wQRF0bBOyM2L-zTkCEI2HtiroeHnMxN2E_GmfdHrNl_KXibg8PKwOwpRMw/s400/Jamie7.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span> </span><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Moving to the Kitchen we see more period style details incorporated like this charming oval window over the sink.</span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline;font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" class="Apple-style-span"  ><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569086830272149490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhChqUPJ6EqB9RuPNeeaSg1yoRXyqn1xnCN4qI4fKWixiy0PEVPDokSn24zNVHg0NglHBeVp2LVMf58iQxtS6tFaebPdJamD6pJLdh_T2_RNV81-CHgiPBx1fELFf_rEwix83mhbdiEBwQd/s400/Jamiie4.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 339px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Pulling back and getting a larger view of the kitchen you can see how every inch of space was utilized including under the stairs. Also notice the stone work and the transition of stone to plaster up the staircase. I love this effect and how it cleverly solves the design problem - so you don't harshly have stone butted up against plaster.<br /></span></div><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,0)" class="Apple-style-span"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_fqmULDI8gLE9nazQMF4874ZoNWfxiCXq5GQuPK-vKxWLO7ywWGuyZWkqHrB-aNg1-koGU1eNi9-Q_TKr7stWqxZ_SKqraZ_THUi8BuT6_rFhTwfMTpYXXbHCDEtyVCMVHJcm0BqL0O0/s1600/Jamie3.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569086409504326034" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_fqmULDI8gLE9nazQMF4874ZoNWfxiCXq5GQuPK-vKxWLO7ywWGuyZWkqHrB-aNg1-koGU1eNi9-Q_TKr7stWqxZ_SKqraZ_THUi8BuT6_rFhTwfMTpYXXbHCDEtyVCMVHJcm0BqL0O0/s400/Jamie3.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 268px; CURSOR: pointer" /> </span><p align="center"></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">Another kitchen view where you can see an antique fireback incorporated into the white subway tile behind the stove. Wonderful combinations of old and new!</span></span></span></p><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underlinefont-family:times new roman;" class="Apple-style-span" ><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569454929410651282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu-oqVq6TM4qjXEsl6qmyWV6qh2Hcii-YuQWo3uiecoeMSR7KAK_sCvTXwaGNz_B39lDSkaoP1Gdl6cI5M5ugeaZb4WH-TI-BmmQFa1GJTeS2VhUYs7mIi_4-7n5zWqpsVzVoq4dssKQ5w/s400/DSC_5905water060441.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 306px; CURSOR: pointer" /></span><br /></span><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">The family room captures the views of the water at every turn. You can only see a bit of the fireplace, but it is also the same granite stone we have been seeing in other parts of the house. Perfect coastal decor with antiques, sisal rugs and slipcovers. Notice the ceiling detail - love it!<br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="color:#0000ee;"><br /><br /><p align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4nuUKgO814ic6zug8lYdRe5AKOrVhAE9hC4VAKG9Dcneb2VBIPUeTuBBQTI-D1atcyB7MvtQyy3HY3SIkIweCkW7ThEPt4ebz3p8cUb1ny1HJFc0c3dMYYrLhxqE0NcI3U8HdbGQ3xvP/s1600/DSC_5967060907.jpg"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569453694238163618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4nuUKgO814ic6zug8lYdRe5AKOrVhAE9hC4VAKG9Dcneb2VBIPUeTuBBQTI-D1atcyB7MvtQyy3HY3SIkIweCkW7ThEPt4ebz3p8cUb1ny1HJFc0c3dMYYrLhxqE0NcI3U8HdbGQ3xvP/s400/DSC_5967060907.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></span></a><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;"> Finally a perfect tub for a perfect retreat - Isn't this a beautiful home in Maine??</span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">To learn more about Barnes Vanze Archietects click <a href="http://www.barnesvanze.com/html/newsite2010/cat_overview.html">HERE</a></span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">For more inspiring interiors photographed by James R. Salomon Photography click <a href="http://www.salomonphoto.com/Home.html">HERE.</a></span></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:78%;">(All photos <a href="http://www.salomonphoto.com/Home.html">Jame R. Salomon Photography </a>and not to be copied with permission)</span></span></p>

Maine Coastal Gem!

My friend, the talented interior photographer, Jamie Salomon of James R. Salomon Photography, shared this fabulous home in Bar Harbor, Maine with me recently. He was kind enough to let me provide you a private tour . The owners of this gorgeous historical home on the water wanted to do a renovation…

04Feb2011