Showing posts with label House Beautiful. Show all posts
Showing posts with label House Beautiful. Show all posts

Color Trends For 2015 - They're Hot Hot Hot! & Funfetti Biscotti Recipe




House Beautiful invited eleven top designers to share what they're seeing as the 'next big thing,' and, baby, they delivered!

Ranging from olive greens to bright patterns, enjoy the ride as we visit these entertaining color combo's.

Greek Blue is fabulous when paired with grey and pink.


Greek Blue is fabulous when paired with grey and pink. It otherwise may be overwhelming, but its stunningness is perfect in this new and fun color scheme. 


Don't let the strong, strong blue distract from the use here of olive and orange.



In the 1960's the colors olive green and orange were 'groovy,' 'outta sight,' and even 'far out, man!' 
Vogue Cover, 60's Model Twiggy
At right, look beyond an overwhelming and unyielding blue and you will see a fresh presentation of a 60's colors palette: 
  • olive green
  • orange
  • aqua blue
  • sea foam green
  • lime green

Art Objects Make Room Come Alive



Objects of art are sometimes awfully energetic - for being inanimate objects, of course.

We know clay is not alive, as in, clay is considered a non-living material. However, when clay is sculpted into a form, it can take on its own unique personality. Knowing how objects interact with us and our surroundings can be enjoyable as well as helpful in the creation of beauty.
This object, this ceramic piece, caused the stir. Looking through a Guild Catalog,

I saw the object WAS that cannonball girl. I was seven years old. It was MY curled-up body. My knees drawn tight to my chest. I could feel the impact of hitting that water. I was under the warm summer sky. I felt the SPLASH! It was me, me, me. There is nothing like a cannonball! For a split second, I was the art.



Article continued, including Mini Black Bottom Cheesecakes recipe, click here.


Color Trends For 2015 - They're Hot Hot Hot! & Funfetti Biscotti Recipe (Cont'd)



Continued from main page, click here to return.



House Beautiful invited eleven top designers to share what they're seeing as the 'next big thing,' and, baby, they delivered!

Ranging from olive greens to bright patterns, enjoy the ride as we visit these entertaining color combo's.

Greek Blue is fabulous when paired with grey and pink.


Greek Blue is fabulous when paired with grey and pink. It otherwise may be overwhelming, but its stunningness is perfect in this new and fun color scheme. 


Don't let the strong, strong blue distract from the use here of olive and orange.



In the 1960's the colors olive green and orange were 'groovy,' 'outta sight,' and even 'far out, man!' 
Vogue Cover, 60's Model Twiggy
At right, look beyond an overwhelming and unyielding blue and you will see a fresh presentation of a 60's colors palette: 
  • olive green
  • orange
  • aqua blue
  • sea foam green
  • lime green



This exquisite Monet-esque living room by designer Fawn Galli is as simple as painting your surroundings with a pastel and then adding some NEON sparks!

Now we're touching on the 80's - Madonna, the Go-Go's and your closest mall for neon colored clothing and accessories. However it's toned down with a big pastel, such as this soft green, as shown at left.

Shake it up baby with 80's neons (but contrast it with your Gramma's old living room paint color, a 'decrease the volume,' muted background).










Malcolm James Kutner called his 2015 color trend offering, "Dynamic Pairings."

He wrote, "For 2015, pair the classics with unexpected accents to make the scheme dynamic and vibrant - I love black, grey and white with splashes of red . . ."





To read the entire House Beautiful article and see more color combinations on 2015 color trends, click here.

A 'New Color Scheme Warning:' 

Colors can sometimes be hard for the eye to absorb - and fully appreciate. I'd suggest that you peruse them, then maybe come back and take a look at them again; then, and then only decide if one of these new color trends find a spot in your heart.





How To Use New Color Trends:
  • Enjoy the new colors and new color combinations - if they appeal to you. This is a splendid opportunity to create visual pleasures for the eye (and sometimes tactile pleasures for the feel)
  • Incorporate new color trends but avoid being 'trendy;' embrace what fits in with 'your' look, with your style; this becomes your classic look
  • Don't break the bank to stay up with trends and fashion in your home

Pick color trends that appeal to you. It's not practical nor economical nor true to your own sense of well being to become a slave of fashion. 

Don't buy large furniture pieces in trendy colors. Trends come and go but you can easily expect a piece of furniture such as a sofa to stay for years. Rather, use trendy colors in accents and decor such as trays, vases, mirrors, or even candles.

Maybe change out your wall art from time to time to keep your room looking fresh and to reflect your favorite colors.

Pillows and throws are also an excellent way to introduce a new color in your room and easier on the budget.

Again, incorporating new color trends is enjoyable, like tasting an exquisite, refreshing new cuisine. But avoid 'trendy.'  Adopt what fits in with 'your' look, with your style. In doing so you are creating your own classic and classy look.



The Something Beautiful Shoppe offers design services in the Dallas / Fort Worth Area. We sometimes receive requests from outside of this area and have tried to provide assistance. Click here for more information about design assistance.


Funfetti Biscotti

Makes 18 large pieces


  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon clear imitation vanilla (Yeh uses McCormick)
  • 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
  • a few pinches sea salt and pearl sugar or sanding sugar for sprinkling
Preheat oven to 350.

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together oil and sugar. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, and then the vanilla.
  3. Whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, and then fold in the sprinkles.
  4. Line a baking sheet with parchment, divide dough into two equal parts, and then form long rectangles, about 4" wide. Leave a few good inches in between the rectangles because they will spread in the oven. Sprinkle the tops with a few pinches of sea salt and pearl sugar or sanding sugar and then bake for 25 minutes
  5. Remove from oven and reduce heat to 250. Use a serrated knife to cut the rectangles into 1 inch pieces and place them on their sides.
  6. Bake at 250 for 20 more minutes, or until desired crispiness
Check out other fabulous recipes from "My Name Is Yeh" .

Decorating A Dreamhouse - A German Equestrian Estate (Cont'd.) + Ham And Potato Bake

This article is continued from main post, click here to return.





Written By: Patricia Lynne
Editor: Sarahjoy Crain


In my current SB Journal entry I'm imagining I'm "Decorating A Dream House" A German Equestrian Estate.



My Dreamhouse is a generous two stories including a third level attic with two dormer rooms. Ground level has room for parking three automobiles, almost unheard of in Germany.

My Germany Dream House also includes horse breeding and training facilities.








About Hamburg, My Dreamhouse City:


My Dreamhouse is located in Hamburg Germany, the second largest City in Germany, a City which bursts pride. Something new can be discovered, experienced and marveled at everyday. Arts and Culture are at its finest. Worldwide successful musicals, superior and entertaining theatres, a great variety of hotels and excellent restaurants. Historical landmarks from 1200 years of City history. The list goes on. Exquisite shopping possibilities and exciting nightlife.


The Dreamhouse is located near Lake Alster, which has a a circumference of 7.6 km. It makes for a great bike ride and is the hub for meeting friends for a lager shandy draft at one of the many cafes. I've been known to announce: "I'm in paradise," while watching the yachtsmen, oarsmen and paddlers enjoying Alster Lake.

If you visit this Lake which dates from the 13th century be sure to plan a ride on an Alsterboat. Providing tours of the lake including the canals and the bridges, these boatrides offer unparalleled sights of the city.

Lake Alster is surrounded by some of the best residences in Hamburg as well as by many, many landmark buildings, such as the well-known Atlantic hotel and St. Michaelis Church. This Church hosts a 132 meter high baroque spire covered with copper. The spire is a prominent feature of Hamburg’s skyline and has always been a landmark for ships sailing up the river Elbe.



Lake Alster, known as the‘German Venice’ as it runs through the center of the city, competes with Venice, Italy for its number of bridges and canals.

Also at Lake Alster is the Port of Hamburg. Named Germany's "Gateway to the World" it's the largest port in Germany. It is the second-largest port of Europe and is experiencing major advancements in commercial and residential growth, cultivating multifarious layers of enriching diversity.


My City of Hamburg, Germany is bursting with such creativity. You'll see it in its contemporary architecture, art, fashion, events and design.



We're going inside now. Please join me in my SB Journal on Decorating A Dreamhouse My German Equestrian Estate



Decorating My Germany Equestrian Estate Dreamhouse Formal Entry


Borrowing a French look with the Louis XVI Style Chairs, these are upholstered in Pierre Frey's "Les Camees."  Les Camees (French transl., the cameos) is a beautiful cotton/linen upholstery fabric with a 59" repeat, making it ideal to position your favorite cameo illustration on these arm chairs. The small table is a petrified tree trunk.  It is the photograph we are drawn to and it is of an Andalusian horse in Susan Friedman's Equus Collection.




Decorating My Germany Equestrian Estate Dreamhouse Living Room:

I love the slight pink paired with deep brown upholstered furnishings. Pink by itself can be considered too feminine, but it's what you pair it with that makes it work - consider a man in a black suit with a pink shirt and tie - it's a dynamic combination.

The horse photograph above mantle again is by Susan Friedman, the marble horse head from The Well Appointed House.

For our family this room feels soft and warm; it is instantly inviting, something necessary as we work hard outside with the horses, this ethereal space is for us.




Decorating My Germany Equestrian Estate Dreamhouse Dining Room
I love this dining room presentation.The simple fireplace and decor are fabulous, but most of all I love the 'borrowed' view of the stellar staircase. If it is just the two of us for dinner, we often use the small table and chairs grouped near the fireplace. This gives us the feeling we've got the best seat in the house. Photograph is from Motif Designs and the Something Beautiful Shoppe can help you access some items in the picture.



Decorating My Germany Equestrian Estate Dreamhouse Kitchen

In addition to working hard, we also entertain a lot. Friends and family from the States as well as newly-made "freundes" (German transl. friends) visit and as a consequence, I love this spacious kitchen. Whether it is in entertaining friends and family, or having coffee with a fellow equine enthusiast, I wanted an area that was easy and efficient. I always work with the best, and here I chose Nancy Thornett Associates.



Decorating My Germany Equestrian Estate Dreamhouse Daughter's Room


This room reflects my daughter's personality. Mature, feminine, romantic and orderly. Everyone who visits loves this room, as does my daughter.

The pairing of the soft pink with whites and greys creates an inviting feeling. No harshness here.

Susan Friedman's "Tempest 1" is on display here; Sherwin-Williams' Paint White Dogwood SW6315 was used when originally featured in House Beautiful.



Decorating My Germany Equestrian Estate Dreamhouse Master Bedroom And Bathroom



This room is perfect for us. It's tranquil. We've got bedding that's like sleeping on a cloud. This master bedroom is from Motif Designs and you can access it through the Something Beautiful Shoppe.  


Freestanding Oval tub by Waterworks has clean, sculptural lines. I also like the simple 'table' next to it. It is literally a soaking tub, you can have water up to your shoulders . . . every home should have one. These are all part of the things that make our home dreamily beautiful.









My Dreamhouse German Equestrian Estate - I could so live here. Couldn't you? 





Ham And Potato Bake Bonus Recipe


Layers of potato, ham and cheese are bound together by a quiche-like egg and cream mixture. This potato bake cuts well and can be served hot or cold, as a side dish or with a salad as a light meal.

Ingredients:

3 large potatos
1 cup grated tasty cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups shaved ham, finely chopped
1/2 medium onion, grated
4 large eggs
1 cup cream
Salt and pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Thoroughly grease a 7" or 8" pan or bowl.

Line the base of the pan with baking paper. If your pan isn't non-stick, line the side of the pan also.

Peel and halve potatos. Boil potatos until tender, drain. Allow potatos to cool, then cut into 1/3" thick slices.

Combine cheeses in a bowl.

Cover the base of the prepared pan with a layer of potato slices. Season with salt and pepper.

Top with half the ham and onion. Sprinkle with about one third of the combined cheeses. Continue layering ingredients (seasoning each layer of potatoes), finishing with a layer of cheese.

Use a whisk or fork to beat the eggs and cream until well combined. Gently pour the mixture over ingredients in pan.

Bake for about 50 - 60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the egg mixture has set. Cover the bake with aluminium foil if the top begins to over brown before the egg mixture has set.

Remove from oven and set aside for 5 - 10 minutes before removing from pan. Cut into wedges to serve.

This recipe is from Exclusively Food.



Want More? Read Other "Decorate A Dreamhouse Articles":






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.


Bathroom Vanity Photograph: Julian Ross
Foyer, Living Room photograph from
House Beautiful, January 2009
Research Source:
Hamburg Germany Tourism, Hamburg Travel Guide
Research Source:
http://www.cometogermany.com/
Research Source:
http://www.hafen-hamburg.de/en
Research Source Climate:
http://www.wordtravels.com/Cities/Germany/Hamburg/Climate

Art Objects Make Room Come Alive (Continued)

Article Continued From Main Post, Click Here






Objects of art are sometimes awfully energetic - for being inanimate objects, of course.

We know clay is not alive, as in, clay is considered a non-living material. However, when clay is sculpted into a form, it can take on its own unique personality. Knowing how objects interact with us and our surroundings can be enjoyable as well as helpful in the creation of beauty.
This object, this ceramic piece, caused the stir. Looking through a Guild Catalog,

I saw the object WAS that cannonball girl. I was seven years old. It was MY curled-up body. My knees drawn tight to my chest. I could feel the impact of hitting that water. I was under the warm summer sky. I felt the SPLASH! It was me, me, me. There is nothing like a cannonball! For a split second, I was the art.

Objects can have so much energy that there are times when we become one them, such as with Marie E.v.B. Gibbons’ “Cannonball Swimmer.“ I melt with it. When we can see and fuse with an element of beauty, either natural or man made, this energy is unique and can make for special moments. The Cannonball art piece is not just a beautiful sculpture, rather I know Gibbons’swimmer intimately, she now has her own personality.

With objects that we already are endeared to (such as a framed photograph of a friend or an unique art piece that embodies a passion) we can make sense of this energy. If we place a cherished photograph on a small table, among a displayed collection of items, the strength of its energy makes it seem larger than it really is. The perceived size
of the object is changed by its energy.

Recognizing how we interact with our surroundings, it's understood that what we see can affect the quality of our lives. Objects that we use in our environment are not seen in isolation. We must endeavor to place items as artistically as our eyes & our brains are capable of. If we want to consciously create a restful room, for instance, we will reduce items that individually and collectively cause tension to the eye.

Objects can cause emotion. The more we learn about their essence and the energy they give off, our world and how we see it and enjoy it is improved. In learning to recognize and more fully appreciate our surroundings we are more able to create beauty in our own lives.



This article is one in a series of Design Concepts, to go to the entire list, click here.  Bedside table photo is from House Beautiful, framed horses (no longer available) are from Pottery Barn.

Mini Black Bottom Cheesecakes Bonus Recipe From Food And Wine


These yummy desserts are from Food and Wine’s Grace Parisi and they're a favorite dessert to make any time of the year -- and a hit everytime!
Ingredients
Vegetable oil spray
24 plain chocolate wafer cookies, preferably Nabisco*
3 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter, melted
8 ounce(s) cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup(s) sugar
2/3 cup(s) fromage blanc (6 ounces), at room temperature*
2 large eggs
2 teaspoon(s) pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup(s) seedless raspberry preserves, warmed
 Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a standard 12-cup muffin pan with foil baking cups and spray the cups with vegetable oil spray. In a food processor, crush the chocolate wafer cookies. Add the butter and process until fine crumbs form. Spoon the chocolate cookie crumbs into the prepared baking cups and press with the bottom of a glass to compact. Bake for 5 minutes, or until almost set. Leave the oven on.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar at medium speed until smooth. Beat in the fromage blanc, then add the eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth.
3. Pour the cheesecake batter into the baking cups, filling them three-quarters full.
4. Bake the cheesecakes for 15 minutes, or until slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and spread 1 teaspoon of the warmed raspberry preserves on top of each cheesecake. Transfer the muffin tin to the freezer and chill the cheesecakes until set, about 15 minutes.
5. Remove the cheesecakes from the pan and peel off the foil baking cups. Transfer the cheesecakes to a platter and serve. The mini black-bottom cheesecakes can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
*  Substitutes, you can use crushed Oreo’s instead of chocolate wafers and mascarpone cheese instead of fromage blanc (since they are impossible to find at a regular grocery store), but they still come out pretty amazing!
This recipe will become a staple in your home!  
[image source: Food and Wine]


Ideas For Decorating Small Spaces



Following are some ideas on creating beauty and function in small apartments or homes.


Learning to see is a most important tip.  When you are seeing your space, avoid the predictable.  Small spaces require you to be pliable with your thinking process.


Divide areas into smaller areas and make your own rooms. The dining room photo, left, from ApartmentTherapy is just a small part of a larger area, but by the arrangement of the various dining room elements, a dining room was created. The mirror helps distinguish the vignette, it adds drama and presence. The wine bottles display, the table, chairs etc. reinforce the dining area's liveliness while the table lamp provides a touch of intimacy.

Adapt. Adapt, Adapt. Think outside the box. The photo at right shows an antique secretary can serve as a desk or it can also be storage. If it has glass doors, it can be both storage and display; fold the towels, or roll them into a appealing shape, add a small vase and framed photo or art. You have a functional thing of beauty.

Play around with the things you have, push them, prod them. When your groupings or areas work, you'll know.

Mix it up, use casual with formal. Consider your living space like painting on a blank canvas or assembling an outfit. You are building your look.

Form and function are a beautiful team. Place your costume jewelry in a pattern on a side table. Arrange your olive tea bottles, tea tins and boxed foods so they look wonderful. Play dress up; hang your shawl or your collection of hats on the wall the same as you would any art.

Use your walls! Go verticle. Hang mirrors, artwork hang anything. Check out the photo at left from House Beautiful - don't forget you can go casual or alternative. . . . lean artwork (or an oversized mirror) against a wall or against a bookshelf.