Written By: Patricia Lynne
Editor: Sarahjoy Crain
In my current SB Journal entry I'm imagining I'm "Decorating A Dreamhouse" in Beverly Hills, California, like the one above. The home:
* exterior is typical Georgian architectural style: symmetrical and orderly; paneled front door located at the center of the house; decorative crown over the door, with flattened columns on each side of the door
* front and rear yards symmetrically landscaped and the rear yard has a dramatic swimming pool with a guest house, all in Georgian style
* views of the surrounding mountain foothills
* is located in a City who's residents actively participate in entertaining, private and public dinners and philanthropic events
* Beverly Hills enjoys nearly perfect weather - with almost year-round sunshine
.
The guest house shares many elements of the main house and of course is of traditional style.
Before we go forward, let me share the photo at right which points out a few elements regarding traditional style and informal style, because we're going inside now. The interior decorating of the house is not traditional, not conservative and not symmetrical. It is however dramatic and even flaunts itself a bit.
To continue reading this article, click here.
Window Treatment Trends
Trends in window treatments
The trend in window treatments is leaning toward:
* a modern look
* clean-lines
* uncluttered drapery panels
* organic materials or natural woven products
Fortunately not only is this the really fresh style right now - its a classic look, never going out of style.
Looking at the photo above, the addition of Roman shades, here natural woven shades, adds nicely to the simple drapery panels design. (Photo Smith + Noble.)
Another fun element to consider as we incorporate natural and eco-friendly looks is adding this to the window hardware - think drapery poles such as bamboo drapery rods from Smith + Noble and also in finials and pulls.
The trend in window treatments is leaning toward:
* a modern look
* clean-lines
* uncluttered drapery panels
* organic materials or natural woven products
Fortunately not only is this the really fresh style right now - its a classic look, never going out of style.
Looking at the photo above, the addition of Roman shades, here natural woven shades, adds nicely to the simple drapery panels design. (Photo Smith + Noble.)
Another fun element to consider as we incorporate natural and eco-friendly looks is adding this to the window hardware - think drapery poles such as bamboo drapery rods from Smith + Noble and also in finials and pulls.
Cindy O'Reilly, product development manager for Smith + Noble says about woven shades, "They let in diffused light, so you can see what's going on outside, but it's not just an open window, so you have some privacy."
Trends In Color For Window Treatments
Blue is becoming the new "red" in the window treatment industry, with a variety of ocean hues in teal, aquamarine and soft green. At right is a collection of Robert Allen blues.
Soft lavender and gray, dusty hues round out the soothing part of this palette. According to O'Reilly, "We've seen white paired with black or navy. Persimmon, orange and gold will be popular jewel tones, while brown continues to dominate. "[Brown] has been, and continues to be, the new basic." says O'Reilly.
Trends In Luxury Design Treatments:
The key fabrics in the luxury category are the silks, velvets, damasks, fur, leather and suede, according to Grace McNamara Inc. She states firmly, "While the overall design trend leans toward simplicity, the lux trend will remain popular with those who desire an ultimate embellishment look."
Photo at left: Silk never goes out of style. The fuchsia silk drapery treatment at left is by Patrick Sutton Associates for a Baltimore client.
Linda Henry, editor-in-chief of Window Fashions magazine, says the lux trend includes "sparkling crystal, beaded tassels and lavish embellishments on every element of the window — hardware, trimmings and fabric."
The key fabrics in the luxury category are the silks, velvets, damasks, fur, leather and suede, according to Grace McNamara Inc. She states firmly, "While the overall design trend leans toward simplicity, the lux trend will remain popular with those who desire an ultimate embellishment look."
Photo at left: Silk never goes out of style. The fuchsia silk drapery treatment at left is by Patrick Sutton Associates for a Baltimore client.
Linda Henry, editor-in-chief of Window Fashions magazine, says the lux trend includes "sparkling crystal, beaded tassels and lavish embellishments on every element of the window — hardware, trimmings and fabric."
If decorating isn't easy for you or if you are in need of some particular interior design assistance, our designers at the Something Beautiful Shoppe will be happy to work with you - working with professional helps assure you get the look you deserve while helping eliminate costly mistakes.
Ceiling Decor
Brass, chrome, copper and paintable white 2' x 4' ceiling panels make up Armstrong's "Metallaire Decorative Ceilings" line, which have intricate detail reminiscent of late 19th century metal ceilings. The ceiling line has been so successful architects and interior designers are pleased to know the line has just been extended so that the ceiling panels are available for backsplash applications.
Ceiling Decor
The ceiling should be considered the fifth wall in a room, and should always be considered when developing an interior design plan.
Paint: Just like the other four walls, the quickest least expensive way to change your ceiling design is by painting it. Even if your walls are white, your ceiling doesn’t have to be. Color on the ceiling will give the room dimension and personality. Soft colors will make the room open up and evoke feelings of the outdoors. Imagine painting your bedroom ceiling a soft blue, sunset peach or mellow yellow. If you have a dark room, you can paint the ceiling in a high-gloss finish that will capitalize on the room’s available light (Caution: high gloss paint will highlight flaws in a surface). If you have high ceilings and you want to ‘bring the ceiling down’, you can paint the ceiling a dark color such as chocolate brown. If your ceilings are low or average height, consider painting the ceiling a lighter shade of the wall color (mix one part of the wall color with two or three parts of pure white).
Paint Pattern Designs: Another option when using paint on the ceiling is not to paint the entire ceiling in a color, but to paint large squares, circles or diamond patterns. The paint colors can be monochromatic, or a mix of different complementary colors. This approach is particularly good for modern/contemporary design plans.
Painted Murals: You can hire a professional artist to paint a mural on your ceiling. It doesn’t need to be a complicated design; it needs to flow with the other design elements in your space.
(By clicking here, you can go to an article by Martha Stewart with practical tips on painting ceilings.)
Other Ceiling Options: As seen at left, there are many options in ceiling decor. You can use wallpaper, tiles, even architectural details such as beams, molding, crown molding for decorative lighting, and often adding beauty to a chandelier, add a medallion.
In summary, ceilings should not be boring or ignored.
Use the ceiling to emphasize and enhance the décor of a room. Have fun and make your ceilings something pleasant to look at that will compliment your home and give it unique style.
If decorating isn't easy for you or if you are in need of some particular interior design assistance, our designers at the Something Beautiful Shoppe will be happy to work with you - working with professional helps assure you get the look you deserve while helping eliminate costly mistakes.
Omvivo Bathroom Products Wow!
The intention was to create a complete suite of luxury pieces that combine beautiful yet simple aesthetics with flexible design, suitable for a varied range of bathroom environments.
Was it a success? Beyond a shadow of a doubt. "Latis" by Omvivo is an opulent and sculptural range of bathroom products that compliments both modern and traditional spaces. In the industry we call that a classic.
The Omvivo designer is said to have been inspired by the fundamentals of tradition and quality. Uncomplicated, elegant forms combine with beautiful materials such as natural stone to create a luxurious contemporary range with eternal appeal. Named after the Celtic Goddess of Water, the Latis range includes basins, the trestle vanity and a remarkable bath. The basins are available in round and rectangular designs with soft curves, in a variety of finishes. The deep bath features an optional timber end with practical open shelves. The bath and trestle vanity both have clean angled lines that contrast and compliment the sculptural form of the basins.
The elegantly-minimalist Le Cob Bath pays homage to Le Corbusier’s famous chaise lounge. This bath tub is not something you see everyday.
The "Le Cob" bathtub is designed by Omvivo CEO & Chief Designer Joseph Licciarsi - this bath tub creates a unique bathing experience. The soothing cascade overflow is naturally therapeutic, reminiscent of a river, as the water falls onto the pebbles below. The Elegant Le Cob bath is handcrafted from a combination of Corian® and glass. It has everything, it arrives supplied complete with overflow tray and pebbles.
Washplane Basins - Check These Out!
The Omvivo Washplane - Omvivo offers an truly original range of bathroom sinks – Washplane. Its name perfectly reflects the best feature of its models – slimness. These bathroom sinks almost haven’t any hollow for the water. If you needn’t to hold the water then these sinks could become an interesting choice for you.
Behavioural changes over the years indicate that we are now using a continuous flow of clean water, rather than using soiled water in a plugged basin. This observation allowed Omvivo to change the whole design approach to a ‘washing vessel’. Without the need to hold water, a basin could be slim, elegant and sculptural, and at the same time use considerably less water through the utilisation of a restricted water outlet, such as the Omvivo Ulisse outlet.
There are a lot of models which are differs by materials and a little by shapes available. One of the most attractive models of this company is a wall-mounted sink made of seafoam glass. This material adds a natural and unique touch to this sink and makes it refine and sculptural. Supporting elements are made of high-quality stainless steel which perfectly combines with glass. These bathroom sinks are available in different sizes and can be comfortable as for one as for two or even for three persons. Above are shown two of these new sink basin styles, the elegant Linea Washplane Seafoam Glass and the Geo Washplane Stone, which is made of Carrara marble.
Was it a success? Beyond a shadow of a doubt. "Latis" by Omvivo is an opulent and sculptural range of bathroom products that compliments both modern and traditional spaces. In the industry we call that a classic.
The Omvivo designer is said to have been inspired by the fundamentals of tradition and quality. Uncomplicated, elegant forms combine with beautiful materials such as natural stone to create a luxurious contemporary range with eternal appeal. Named after the Celtic Goddess of Water, the Latis range includes basins, the trestle vanity and a remarkable bath. The basins are available in round and rectangular designs with soft curves, in a variety of finishes. The deep bath features an optional timber end with practical open shelves. The bath and trestle vanity both have clean angled lines that contrast and compliment the sculptural form of the basins.
The elegantly-minimalist Le Cob Bath pays homage to Le Corbusier’s famous chaise lounge. This bath tub is not something you see everyday.
The "Le Cob" bathtub is designed by Omvivo CEO & Chief Designer Joseph Licciarsi - this bath tub creates a unique bathing experience. The soothing cascade overflow is naturally therapeutic, reminiscent of a river, as the water falls onto the pebbles below. The Elegant Le Cob bath is handcrafted from a combination of Corian® and glass. It has everything, it arrives supplied complete with overflow tray and pebbles.
Washplane Basins - Check These Out!
The Omvivo Washplane - Omvivo offers an truly original range of bathroom sinks – Washplane. Its name perfectly reflects the best feature of its models – slimness. These bathroom sinks almost haven’t any hollow for the water. If you needn’t to hold the water then these sinks could become an interesting choice for you.
Behavioural changes over the years indicate that we are now using a continuous flow of clean water, rather than using soiled water in a plugged basin. This observation allowed Omvivo to change the whole design approach to a ‘washing vessel’. Without the need to hold water, a basin could be slim, elegant and sculptural, and at the same time use considerably less water through the utilisation of a restricted water outlet, such as the Omvivo Ulisse outlet.
There are a lot of models which are differs by materials and a little by shapes available. One of the most attractive models of this company is a wall-mounted sink made of seafoam glass. This material adds a natural and unique touch to this sink and makes it refine and sculptural. Supporting elements are made of high-quality stainless steel which perfectly combines with glass. These bathroom sinks are available in different sizes and can be comfortable as for one as for two or even for three persons. Above are shown two of these new sink basin styles, the elegant Linea Washplane Seafoam Glass and the Geo Washplane Stone, which is made of Carrara marble.
Omvivo Bathroom Products are available through interior designers - - if you are interested in this product line, contact one of the professionals at the Something Beautiful Shoppe. If decorating isn't easy for you or if you are in need of some particular
interior design assistance, our designers at the Something Beautiful Shoppe will
be happy to work with you - working with professional helps assure you get the
look you deserve while helping eliminate costly mistakes.
Collection Of 'Something Beautiful Thoughts'
- A Something Beautiful Thought - I Love You, In French
- A Something Beautiful Thought - Creativity
- A Something Beautiful Thought - Be A Free Spirit
- A Something Beautiful Thought - Fashionista, Organize Yourself
- A Something Beautiful Thought: - How I Feel When My Favorite Song Comes On
- A Something Beautiful Thought - Ways To Measure A Year - Larson, Movie: Rent
- A Something Beautiful Thought - Books Are My Friends
- A Something Beautiful Thought - Live A Life You're Proud Of - Fitzgerald
- A Something Beautiful Thought - Rumi
- A Something Beautiful Thought - But She Had Wings, Dean Jackson
- A Something Beautiful Thought - J. Keats
- A Something Beautiful Thought - Brothers And Sisters
- A Something Beautiful Thought - Need Some Time In A Beautiful Place To Clear My Head
- A Something Beautiful Thought - Kids, They Dance Before They Learn There Is Anything That Isn't Music
- A Something Beautiful Thought - Christina's World By Andrew Wyeth
- A Something Beautiful Thought - Kimbell Art Museum
- A Something Beautiful Thought - Deepak Chopra
- A Something Beautiful Thought - The Best Way To Predict The Future
- A Something Beautiful Thought - Ten Ways To Be Happier In Your Home
Articles About Art And Artwork
Something Beautiful Journal Articles About Art And Artwork
Also see my Pinterest Boards:
- "Art That Modifies Social Behavior"
- "Artwork On A Budget"
- "Designer Shares Propitious Kershisnik Art Collection Info"
- "America: We Own Western Art, It's Ours
- "Decorating My Home Journal Entry: My Studio Apartment (Small, Temporary, Pretty)"
- "Art Objects Make Room Come Alive"
- "Posters As Art"
- "Robert Doisneau, Famous "The Kiss" Photo & His Frank & Humorous Depictions Of 1950's French Life"
- "Decorating With Art And Objects D'Art"
- "Decorating My Home Journal Entry: Santa Fe Meets Chic Style - Update of Decorative Painting"
- "Walls As Art"
- "Decorating My Home Journal Entry: My Loft Apartment - Rockford, IL"
- "Design Art - Brad Pitt & Marc Jacobs ( & We) Can Enjoy The Style"
- "Chalkboard Art"
- Anthropomorphic Dog Art
Also see my Pinterest Boards:
- "Art That Modifies Human Behavior"
- "Alternate Art Forms (Chalkboards, Paste On Murals, Random Other Stuff) & Decor"
- "Equine Art And Decor"
Ten Ways To Be Happier In Your Home (Cont'd.) + Tartelette Lemon Cakelets
1. Make your bed.
The book The Happiness Project, explains that this three minute task is one of the simplest habits you can adopt to positively impact your happiness.
2. Bring every room back to “ready.”
I learned this trick from Marilyn Paul’s clever book, It’s
Hard to Make a Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys. It’s a known fact: Clutter causes stress; order creates a haven from it. This mood-boosting routine is simple: Take about three minutes to bring each room back to “ready” before you depart it. (Unless you have a toddler, or a partner who likes to simulate earthquakes, three minutes should be sufficient.)
Hard to Make a Difference When You Can’t Find Your Keys. It’s a known fact: Clutter causes stress; order creates a haven from it. This mood-boosting routine is simple: Take about three minutes to bring each room back to “ready” before you depart it. (Unless you have a toddler, or a partner who likes to simulate earthquakes, three minutes should be sufficient.)
One reason that experiences (and memories of those experiences) make us happier than material
things is due to the entire cycle of enjoyment that experiences provide: planning the experience, looking forward to the experience, enjoying the experience, and then remembering the experience. Make your home a gallery of positive memories.
things is due to the entire cycle of enjoyment that experiences provide: planning the experience, looking forward to the experience, enjoying the experience, and then remembering the experience. Make your home a gallery of positive memories.
4. Start a one-line-a-day gratitude journal.
Before bed, simply jot down one happy memory from that day. (If you have kids, you can ask them, “What was the best part of today?”) Reflection is an important part of happiness, and pausing to reflect on a positive event from each day cultivates gratitude. (An added bonus: Later, when your memory is defunct, you will already have all of your meaningful adventures recorded!) If you have trouble getting started with journaling, consider buying a book to guide you. Simple Abundance, by Sarah Ban Breathnach, is a great one.
5. If you can’t get out of it, get into it.
This tip comes from The Happiness Project. I love the message: The dishes are not going to clean themselves, so you will do it, and you will like it! (Unless, of course, you can outsource this job, in which case I say: Nice work!) Otherwise, get into doing the dishes. Feel the soothing warm water on your hands. Enjoy the tickle of the tiny bubbles. Crank your favorite album at an unusually loud volume, do a couple fist-pumps while shouting “Can I get a hell yeah for the dishes? Hell! Yeah!” and pretend you love it.
In The Art of Happiness, the Dali Lama says “”Every day, think as you wake up: today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it.” Wow. What a wise man. I tend to wake up with a strong visceral reaction that says, “Attention human beings: Be afraid of me before coffee. Be very afraid!” Setting a daily intent makes a huge difference. Your daily intent could be something like “be productive” or “enjoy today’s delicious moments” or it could be something more specific like “say thank you to my loved ones today.” But it should not be another “to do” item on your list.
7. Do small favors for your housemates, expecting nothing in return (not even a thank you!).
(That’s right, I said it: nothing!) Mow the lawn for your husband, but don’t expect him to pat you on the back. Make the bed for your wife, but don’t try to get bonus points for it. Take the trash out for your roommate, just because. The ability to cultivate strong, healthy relationships is one of the biggest contributors to health and happiness, but when you start to keep score, the benefit is lost. (No! It’s YOUR turn to clean up the dog poop!) It’s a well-known fact: When you do good, you feel good.
You can do this while you clean, while you make the bed, or while you walk the dog. Texts and emails do not count! Make an actual phone call to a loved one, just to chat and catch up. We humans are social beings and studies show that even when we don’t feel like it, even if we are naturally introverted, socializing with our loved ones makes us feel better.
9. Spend money on things that cultivate experiences at home.
Save money for a new grill for parties or a new DVD for family movie night — something that will encourage you to have people over and entertain. Plan a summer barbeque, invite your closest friends, kick back and relax. (And don’t forget to print out the pictures to remember the good times.)
Whatever your spiritual beliefs — or non-beliefs — may be, studies show that connecting to a high power is correlated with happiness. Just stepping back to realize that we are part of an enormous universe can put some perspective on your annoyance with the those-are-definitely-not-mine-and-they-are-abso-fricking-lutely-repulsive socks under the coffee table. Before bed, spend just a few minutes contemplating something larger than yourself. Take a walk in nature. Write in a journal. Create a sacred space in your home. (Or if spirituality is really not your thing, create a home spa: light some candles, soak in a hot bath, delve into a good book… are you feeling better yet?)
Click here to see my Pinterest version of this article.
Click here to see my Pinterest version of this article.
Click here to see my
Collection Of "Something
Beautiful Thoughts"
_________________________________________________________________
Tartelette Lemon Cakelets Bonus Recipe
Makes about 12 filled cakelets
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup all purpose flour (also works with Jeanne's all purpose gluten free flour)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- zest of a lemon
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 egg whites
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350F and position a rack in the middle.
- Sift together the flour, cornstarch, lemon zest and sugar together.
- In a stand mixer fitter with the wire whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until soft peaks.
- Add the flour mix to the egg white and fold gently with a large spoon.
- Spoon the batter, a couple of rounded tablespoons at a time onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the cakelets are golden and puffed up.
- Let cool completely before filling with the vanilla bean whipped cream.
Filling:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 vanilla bean
Directions:
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar until soft peaks.
- Cut the half vanilla bean in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds out with the back of a pairing knife. Add the seeds to the cream mixture and continue to whip until firmer peaks form.
- Fill the cakelets with a couple of tablespoons of vanilla bean whipped cream refrigerate until ready to eat.
__________
Recipe from Tartelettes
Savio Firmino Classic Furniture, Italian Style
Classic Italian furniture is distinct but Florence, Italy's Savio Firmino’s Collection really captures this style's essence. The Collection is on the expensive side - but take a look - it is absolutely delicious.
Collezione 1941 (Bathrooms Collection) - If you like luxury designs and minimalism is definitely not your thing; if you dream to create a bathroom similar to the royal styles of the 19th century ~ and ~ if you dream to surround yourself by beauty and splendor, then you will love Savio Firmino Collezione 1941.
Savio Firmino doesn’t follow fashionable modern trends. It creates unique and wonderful furniture, with Collection 1941 made in the neoclassic style. Every piece in the collection is defined by its refinement and elegance, almost each piece decorated by jewels and gold or silver leafs. Sophisticated hand-engravings make this bathroom set even more marvelous. This bathroom design is timeless and created to calm and relax.
To see more Savio Firmino furniture, go to the Something Beautiful Journal's article "Decorate A Dreamhouse in Beverly Hills, California for a luxury, unconventional-chic look. Click Here.
The chaise lounge or aka the 'fainting couch' - can you even get enough of it! I think I have a need to lay down, pull the decorative large decor pillow from the fur rug up onto my tummy and top it off with a good book. Yummmm........
Collezione 1941 (Bathrooms Collection) - If you like luxury designs and minimalism is definitely not your thing; if you dream to create a bathroom similar to the royal styles of the 19th century ~ and ~ if you dream to surround yourself by beauty and splendor, then you will love Savio Firmino Collezione 1941.
Savio Firmino doesn’t follow fashionable modern trends. It creates unique and wonderful furniture, with Collection 1941 made in the neoclassic style. Every piece in the collection is defined by its refinement and elegance, almost each piece decorated by jewels and gold or silver leafs. Sophisticated hand-engravings make this bathroom set even more marvelous. This bathroom design is timeless and created to calm and relax.
Notte Fatata (Bedding) is Italian for magical night - and more specifically, is Savio Firmino's bedding collection for the baby nursery and even the older child. The pieces can adapt with your little tiny princess even as she turns twelve. The furniture collection has a exquisite traditional design and comes in light gentle colors and to make it the ultimate in luxury, Notte Fatata can be covered with gold or silver foil.
Check out how the Notte Fatata baby cot piece can be easy transformed to a big and comfortable kid bed and the swaddling table can become a practical sideboard.
To see more Savio Firmino furniture, go to the Something Beautiful Journal's article "Decorate A Dreamhouse in Beverly Hills, California for a luxury, unconventional-chic look. Click Here.
This furniture is worthy of a Tuscan mansion - and I thought it worthy of writing about in my Something Beautiful Journal. For more information, go also to Savio Firmino. The Savio Firmino line is a high end , Italian line of luxury furniture and bathroom decor, is available through the Something Beautiful Shoppe, but not shown publicly in its regular pages. Please contact us directly and a designer will be assigned to work with you. Call 1-888-338-4490, or email us at Editor@SomethingBeautifulJournal.org Working with an interior designer helps assure you get the look you desire while helping eliminate costly mistakes.
British Barn Remodel - Check This Out!
If you check out the whole house, via Remodelista you can see they created a main space, all other rooms are accessed from the area shown in the above photograph.
A publication called "The Modern House Estate Agents" highlighted this incredible British barn conversion house for sale. Now called "Great Saling Barn," it is a fantastic remodeled project, containing both living space, five bedrooms and two reception rooms, and extensive workspace under a vast roof. The property is a thrilling combination of both contemporary and historic, a cathedral style barn from the 14th century.
Barns as living spaces have much of the coolness of living in a loft but with even more light and space and warmth created by all the wood."Go to "The Modern House Estate Agents" or Remodelista for more on this barn or Pocknell Studio to see more projects.
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