Martes, Oktubre 6, 2015

NYC Recap

New York City has such a fantastic vibe, so much to see and do, I love the energy, the sights and sounds, so it’s always exciting to return. My most recent trip was for two purposes, to attend the Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker event and to meet up with my little sister for a long weekend of fun!

First up, a quick recap of the Stylemaker event, I had never attended before but was delighted to be on the list this year, they are a welcoming bunch of people and very kind to host this event each year for design and food bloggers.

September 17, 2015: The 2015 Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration at the Hudson Hotel in New York City.

September 17, 2015: The 2015 Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration at the Hudson Hotel in New York City.

I’m reminded when I attend an event of creative bloggers like this that behind each design or decorating or food blog is a real person, and it’s so nice to see their faces, hear their voices, and connect in person! It started out with breakfast at the hotel so we could all meet and greet.

September 17, 2015: The 2015 Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration at the Hudson Hotel in New York City.

I got a chance to chat with Cassie and Megan and Gwen and Emily, such fabulous ladies!

September 17, 2015: The 2015 Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration at the Hudson Hotel in New York City.

I spent time with Jen from Rambling Renovators, she must have said something funny (can’t remember what) – it was delightful to hug her and see her again!

September 17, 2015: The 2015 Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration at the Hudson Hotel in New York City.

We had workshops to attend all day on building your brand, also flower arranging and tablescaping, all the things we love about BHG. That is Stephen Orr on the far right, the new Editor in Chief of BHG, and full of energy and humor, it will be exciting to watch where he takes the magazine.

September 17, 2015: The 2015 Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration at the Hudson Hotel in New York City.

September 17, 2015: The 2015 Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration at the Hudson Hotel in New York City.

September 17, 2015: The 2015 Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration at the Hudson Hotel in New York City.

The event ended with rooftop cocktails and everyone’s flower arrangements on display.

September 17, 2015: The 2015 Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration at the Hudson Hotel in New York City.

Here is Emily Clark and my fabulous roomie Melissa from The Inspired Room – this is our third event in NYC together in the past six years, it’s always nice to spend time with her! We enjoyed beautiful weather and an amazing view of the sunset over Manhattan.

September 17, 2015: The 2015 Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration at the Hudson Hotel in New York City.

September 17, 2015: The 2015 Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker Celebration at the Hudson Hotel in New York City.

Thank you thank you BHG for including me among the attendees, it was a wonderful time! Above images – photography credit: Avi Gerver.

The next few days I spent frolicking around Manhattan and Brooklyn with my sister, we stayed at the Warwick Hotel in midtown where we always stay for our sister trips.

warwick nyc

The hotel is elegant on the inside decorated in an Old Hollywood style and close to everything which is why we keep coming back. Great bar, restaurant, and service!

I’ve been to NYC many times but had a few more favorite moments on this most recent trip – these are all cell phone pics I left my fancy camera at home!

I try to take an early morning run in Central Park on each visit, this time I took a turn around Strawberry Fields and was charmed to find someone had arranged fresh strawberries in a peace sign on the iconic John Lennon memorial.

imagine

Eataly is one of my favorite stops, the marketplace of gourmet food is not to be missed! We enjoyed a plate of roasted vegetables, pasta, and white wine at Le Verdure, divine!

eataly

We always go to a show, this year it was Something Rotten at the St. James, very funny! We loved every minute, I’ve also heard that Hamilton is another one to see right now, so I look forward to that when I return!

st james theater

Each day we walked 8-10 miles in various neighborhoods, I found myself photographing artwork and patterns that inspired me, you never know what sights will delight around every corner. When asked what inspires me, my answer is “travel, being outdoors, museums, artists” and NYC has all of it in one spot, the City is such a visual treat.

nyc art

manhattan windowbox

nyc street art

nyc window

art at anthro

We spent a full day in Brooklyn (Ms. Limestone has a great tourist guide). We walked Prospect Park and ate at Smorgasburg which is this huge food scene, it was crowded but worth it, wow amazing food venders! We sampled Lobster Rolls and Pork Tacos, so much food with flair, a great event for foodies!

We kept walking all the way down to the waterfront, along brownstone lined streets, sipping in cafes, admiring the suspension bridges, doing a little shopping, savoring chocolates, it was the perfect last day!

brownstones brooklyn

Thanks BHG and NYC for showing me a good time!

…

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If You Like It Then You Should Put An Architrave On It

Installing ArchitraveWe recently confessed to often not completely finishing projects, so not only are we challenging ourselves (and you!) to finish 3 projects that we’ve already started (why not join in – you can read more about it here), we’re also trying to make more of an effort to finish some of the last few remaining DIY... 

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Uh-Oh: My Kitchen Remodel Is Halfway Complete & I'm Rethinking Every Design Decision I've Made

Kitchen and family room floor plan by interior designer Carla Aston.

I’ve changed my mind.

Designers do that too you know — occasionally — especially when they are acting as their own clients.

I’m working on my kitchen remodel; currently, we’re two weeks into construction. And although I had carefully considered what I wanted (especially with regard to having a mudroom)...

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After demo, and with the urging of my husband (my other worst client, myself being the absolute worst), I changed my mind.

I was going to build in this great little shallow cabinet into the wall space outside my laundry room so my husband — who makes stacks of papers everywhere and charges devices all over the house — can have a place to put those items as soon as he walks in the door from the garage. In case you missed that post, details about that whole situation can be found HERE.

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However, I would be taking away space from my laundry room, which is tiny, btw — and it would mean a lot of wall reconstruction there. (That wall is holding up the stairs.) So, although I know you can basically do anything you want in construction (it’s only a matter of how much you want to pay), I decided to simplify things and rethink this area.

Instead of putting that countertop in that location I decided to move it to where I had originally wanted the bench: where my former tiny pantry was, behind the door. I’m kind of worried that my husband will bypass it with all his stuff, what with it behind the door and all, but I made him swear he’d use it. I decided to delete the bench at this point, because I no longer have kids and — really — we don’t stop there much anymore compared to how we used that space when they were around.

Then, this past week, the sheetrock went in, revealing how open and spacious this area was compared to how it used to be.

Garage entryway, before:

Garage entryway, before:

The new space:

The new space:

Diagram of new space

Diagram of new space

I’ve decided that maybe I can put the bench on that wall. After all, it’s down low, not up in your face; and if it only protrudes out around 15”, with the wider space there now, I thiiiiiiink we can have our bench, too, without it seeming so crowded or having to build into the laundry room. (Maybe.) I’m going to wait till the cabinet boxes go in to decide. I don’t want to crowd this space but, then again, I do like storage. Also, I’m sure the next family who moves in would appreciate a bench.

Because, you see, while I was dead-set to build it all the way I planned (no matter what had to be done), I walked around the corner and reviewed my laundry room more carefully and saw this on that wall:

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And that’s when I melted.

Because there’s no sense in remodeling fond memories. ;-)

Sabado, Oktubre 3, 2015

Costa Rican Decor: Pura Vida!

Step off the plane in Costa Rica and you’ll instantly be met with a splash of color. Costa Rica is a country known for its colorful designs, gorgeous beaches, lush rainforests, and laid back lifestyle. If you’re longing for an exotic getaway, look no further than your own home!

Bringing a vacation vibe to your home doesn’t mean you have to makeover the whole house. You can introduce elements sporadically throughout the house or choose one room, such as a game room or guest room, to bring to life.

Here are a few ways you can bring Costa Rican decor into your home.

Bold Colors

Costa Rica is a country full of vibrant colors, from storefronts, furniture, and the nature all around. You can introduce bright colors and life into your own home through handmade multicolored pillows, textiles, and braided or woven rugs. Or add pops of colors by transforming existing furniture with a fresh coat of vibrantly colored paint or re-covering a chair with boldly colored fabric. Don’t be afraid to embrace color because it will infuse life into your space.

This bathroom is the perfect example of adding tropical colors by using curtains, accents and a beautiful woven rug.

Tampa Kitchen & Bath Fixtures Tyrrell and Laing International, Inc.

Natural Elements

Do a Pinterest search on Costa Rica and you’ll see many pictures of rustic beach houses or tree houses in the rain forest. Who says tree houses are just for kids?

While you probably can’t turn your home into a tree house or make it beach front property, you can bring natural elements into your home that are reminiscent of both.

  • Fill a vase or wooden bowl with sand and seashells gathered from a past beach vacation.
  • Buy lush green plants (fake if you don’t have a green thumb) to bring nature inside.
  • Mimic the wood of a tree house by getting gorgeous hardwood floors. You can go with laminate flooring in a wood finish as an affordable option.
  • Create a rustic accent wall out of reclaimed wood or faux wood wallpaper. 

How amazing is this home full of natural elements and lush greens?

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Via Design Boom

Pura Vida 

Pura Vida is a popular saying in Costa Rica and means “pure life” or “full of life”.

What better way to embrace the good life and compliment a tree house or beach vibe with a hammock? You can buy one or make your own and hang it outside on a patio or in a corner of your home near a window. It would make for the perfect place to take a nap or relax reading a book.

If a hammock isn’t your thing, you can buy funky, brightly colored prints of beach scenes with “Pura Vida” printed on them to hang on your walls. These can serve as artful reminders to live life to the fullest every day.

This patio with a natural wooden table and hammock is an oasis for relaxation.

Makawao Photographers Ashley Camper Photography

Have you brought elements of your dream vacation into your own home?

The post Costa Rican Decor: Pura Vida! appeared first on Passion for Home - Bestlaminate Blog.

Huwebes, Oktubre 1, 2015

Abstracts on Etsy

I figured since I haven’t done a home tour in two years it’s time to get my act together, dust off my camera, and start shooting some pics. But then I realized geez several of the rooms in my house are half decorated and half mess, it’s how I roll, so I’m trying to buckle down and get it done but life gets in the way, ya know? Anyway, part of what I’m trying to achieve before I photograph is freshness, using most of what I have but swapping out a few things here and there.

New artwork helps me to achieve that. While I’ve attempted my own DIY brushstroke style abstract art a few times, I’m always left feeling a little meh at my work so I turn to those who have real talent. I can’t afford to commission an original, God wouldn’t that be nice, “Oh I just commissioned an abstract for the living room loves” but no mama ain’t got that kind of cash so it’s to Etsy I turn for prints that capture the look I seek.

I ended up purchasing two this week because I love the colors and movement – the first will go in the living room, the second in the studio, because abstracts I can’t quit you.

new abstract art

In my online search I found several Etsy artists who specialize in abstract art worthy of your looky loo – hop on over to visit them if you too are as mad for abstracts as I am.

Like William Studio

like william studio

Lesia Binkin Art

leisia binkin

Parima Creative Studio

 parima creative studio

Due Alberi

due alberi

Tahlia Day

tahlia day

So Very Happy Art

so very happy art

ArtZaro

artzaro

If you know of and love any other amazing abstract artists on Etsy, feel free to name them in the comments!

…

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Who Lives In A House Like This? + A Giveaway!*

Modern Edwardian Living RoomDo you have a favourite room in your home? Ours is our living room. We love to spend time there curling up in front of the fireplace, relaxing and entertaining friends. The room has such a cool and calm feel, but it wasn’t always the way. When we first moved into our house every room... 

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Made With STILE Series: Competition Start!

Competition Start in California!

The Solar Decathlon Competition has begun! The WVU-UTV Team has made the journey to Irvine, California to begin assembling their solar powered home. In 9 days, the team will have a fully functioning, off-the-grid home! Follow along with the Made With STILE series for competition updates.

STILE House Pre-Construction

Courtesy of the WVU-UTV team, these pictures show the progress of the pre-construction at WVU. In preparation for the decathlon, the team assembled the main structure of the house on the WVU Campus, creating a modular structure that can easily ship across the country. To protect the internal structures during the travel, the team decided to wait until the site build in Irvine to install the flooring, cabinets and high-tech windows.

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Setting the Foundation – Courtesy of the WVU-UTV Team

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Building the Steel Structure – Courtesy of the WVU-UTV Team

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Steel Structure Coming to Life! Courtesy of the WVU-UTV team

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Assembling the Roof – Courtesy of the WVU-UTV Team

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The Structure Ready to Be Shipped – Courtesy of the WVU-UTV Team

Getting There

The team used 4 semi-trucks to move the STILE House across the country, thousands of miles, from West Virginia University to Irvine, California. The team strategically needed to arrange transportation, package it effectively and plan the logistics of the trip. As you can see, their shipping container modules made transportation and installation one site easy by transporting the full container.

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Loading the Trucks! Courtesy of the WVU-UTV Team

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Cranes Lift the One Shipping Container to the Truck – Courtesy of the WVU-UTV Team

Competition Start

The WVU-UTV Team was the first ones through the gate and eager to start assembling the STILE House!

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The WVU-UTV Team at the Competition! Courtesy of the Solar Decathlon

In the first day of competition, the team got their foundation set and began placing their first module! Next up is the arch. Stay tuned for more progress pictures!

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First Day Progress Collage – via WVU-UTV Instagram

Anyone in Irvine? Take your very own tour of all of the houses during the open house times! The Solar Decathlon Village is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily on eight days over two weekends:

  • Thursday, Oct. 8–Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015
  • Thursday, Oct. 15–Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015.

For more details, visit: http://www.solardecathlon.gov/

Learn More About the STILE House Project:

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