Inspiration Home Design

HOME DECOR: KITCHEN MAKEOVER WITH PAINT

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What a difference PAINT makes!</span>  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">SO, CSI IS HAVING A CHALLENGE, TO SHOW A PAINT PROJECT, AND I IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT ABOUT THIS KITCHEN I DID FOR A CLIENT.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://thecsiproject.com/" target="_blank"><img a="" alt="Visit thecsiproject.com" class="aligncenter" src="http://thecsiproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/thecsiproject.com-logo-300.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">visit their inspiring blog </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Her kitchen started out much the same as many of ours with older homes. She had good quality cabinets, but they were dated and very much the 80's color stain with prominent oak grain.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Budget was an issue, and we needed new appliances, flooring and countertops - what to do? Take a look and see what a difference a little paint can make.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's her kitchen before.     It did have a beautiful big garden window...</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRurCR87Ba3_C2gN7j2o01W2kAs4QqGT-o6072VwUuUK7p_ZvH4PGPqOtOJB_3RBZpNJ5BUMsz473GYCcRLvWL3EyMIJFVxjTSSX_rgRaIFzepD7L4Rs2ngY_WnAwPoaLJlTUqIxvk9i0/s1600/disk_1+086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRurCR87Ba3_C2gN7j2o01W2kAs4QqGT-o6072VwUuUK7p_ZvH4PGPqOtOJB_3RBZpNJ5BUMsz473GYCcRLvWL3EyMIJFVxjTSSX_rgRaIFzepD7L4Rs2ngY_WnAwPoaLJlTUqIxvk9i0/s320/disk_1+086.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Okay, I'll say it..... it was UGLY....</div><div style="text-align: center;">Note the island here, it's important to remember how puny and dated this really looks...</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">But, like I said the cabinets were good quality....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2BC2ZpfF7_npeF_sKqwGnzkwg8pN04jkJa8BCexXPL9FDhz51Sb9dyuzDBpUzSLiKvOSoXxKzpOXDOZtbWPuvtOVdjOb8sish9SrkJHsMUPgZtEml_o_D24gqVE2HB-E6Ra8glQrzfY/s1600/anas+oak2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2BC2ZpfF7_npeF_sKqwGnzkwg8pN04jkJa8BCexXPL9FDhz51Sb9dyuzDBpUzSLiKvOSoXxKzpOXDOZtbWPuvtOVdjOb8sish9SrkJHsMUPgZtEml_o_D24gqVE2HB-E6Ra8glQrzfY/s400/anas+oak2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">She also had this really big oak china cabinet in the adjacent eating area. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJCZuCl3E3DghDuMoiC7XIYZ4ZdiVLPKNKuqBg-0GDfTz-meOa6tWu0JwCXLaoQd8E52MqJX9FUlDQv8ddV3UJUAgtVrTo4d4NR0A_sOXm_GtCfdz-ObwdACcOhklO_dLuIL3Y6D0y4c/s1600/anas+oak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieJCZuCl3E3DghDuMoiC7XIYZ4ZdiVLPKNKuqBg-0GDfTz-meOa6tWu0JwCXLaoQd8E52MqJX9FUlDQv8ddV3UJUAgtVrTo4d4NR0A_sOXm_GtCfdz-ObwdACcOhklO_dLuIL3Y6D0y4c/s320/anas+oak.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">She was prepared to sell it/donate it, but I thought it had potential...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvyiPrKdyq4i93P4vKqnEsta4jyxbdXGRm3Ky5tzec7nNk38xSiCk66Pp4gUhElDWva_USPccQWLyn0kx2mfh6W07dBBUPKGW5kxpogc8AFiBYx_5yz4YGIIMt_F_pQ0oOIfRrejqsNU/s1600/disk_1+085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvyiPrKdyq4i93P4vKqnEsta4jyxbdXGRm3Ky5tzec7nNk38xSiCk66Pp4gUhElDWva_USPccQWLyn0kx2mfh6W07dBBUPKGW5kxpogc8AFiBYx_5yz4YGIIMt_F_pQ0oOIfRrejqsNU/s320/disk_1+085.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">So we painted.....    a creamy white - and added travertine backsplash and granite countertops.</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaRVn-DLlYYsOiK2IsQWc1VkZgUGQPXwLvbHz8uQStnFuLBMXjKZOgaxjTQUzFoIWDy7LRhVogSAnMtim22luFqipm4FvFMaCCcq8uNKXak2PhP-yqsMI4ryjEVwFr7aCeu26R17F6yc/s1600/IMG_3166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaRVn-DLlYYsOiK2IsQWc1VkZgUGQPXwLvbHz8uQStnFuLBMXjKZOgaxjTQUzFoIWDy7LRhVogSAnMtim22luFqipm4FvFMaCCcq8uNKXak2PhP-yqsMI4ryjEVwFr7aCeu26R17F6yc/s320/IMG_3166.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And a few architectural embellishments here and there from the local molding and trim store... like this corbel</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwkiFgFSfrlbGWKZIoD1z4esSR112bDQJkRTxzs8A2Nj_x-420K4NUnRE_F73lsFi3L2AP5J2MsCMQHheqjdsCjWVK9udGXQF0FWxK82qDjSi45cZ93NH4VDwi3IAoEES4P97vgf3Fs0/s1600/IMG_3208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwkiFgFSfrlbGWKZIoD1z4esSR112bDQJkRTxzs8A2Nj_x-420K4NUnRE_F73lsFi3L2AP5J2MsCMQHheqjdsCjWVK9udGXQF0FWxK82qDjSi45cZ93NH4VDwi3IAoEES4P97vgf3Fs0/s200/IMG_3208.JPG" width="140" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And we added paint and trim all the way to the ceiling - it really made those old cabinets look custom</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC92WclGU76ci_FdRcaUa1js1TVBAwcG9tftFIeTC7rEaEDAJojopORQmBLGe4sup3dJLxYwNJPSUobQpoQmegU7EXB04IMR0NL_8ICaNBZFfco8IhDP9YG4G1DM9Zzh6RzYUgjNc1f9s/s1600/anas+upper+cabs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC92WclGU76ci_FdRcaUa1js1TVBAwcG9tftFIeTC7rEaEDAJojopORQmBLGe4sup3dJLxYwNJPSUobQpoQmegU7EXB04IMR0NL_8ICaNBZFfco8IhDP9YG4G1DM9Zzh6RzYUgjNc1f9s/s320/anas+upper+cabs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And remember the ugly island?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoFHwPkZ4UaNwrO8iZBIj2nw2mHCEwEgJKygJ8BfTRUQ0cLTYkRCoEdcYHgEOg3cwoS8IRuJzhqQNG46Jb8Ojtlxw0DSZ5yjwKcF6gnWul-we6K-xZBO9zjLIcsEUuBAnnbsD1Bp_Q18/s1600/anas+island+embellishments.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoFHwPkZ4UaNwrO8iZBIj2nw2mHCEwEgJKygJ8BfTRUQ0cLTYkRCoEdcYHgEOg3cwoS8IRuJzhqQNG46Jb8Ojtlxw0DSZ5yjwKcF6gnWul-we6K-xZBO9zjLIcsEUuBAnnbsD1Bp_Q18/s320/anas+island+embellishments.JPG" width="216" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Another trip to the molding store and some 1/2 columns and corbells later....</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">With a unifying coat of that same creamy white.... and a granite top ... it's almost unrecognizable.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsh8vkLOn_ho81HDwCNWNCrLKx12iFnN-5b2B-8u07Ct1VyaEWCGdwKEQY9xJ1UFzjBBnZV6bbcJoP0btuFBwlkIw8WB2lHYRdMuXqlunLYCxINSJ0t551a2rkKiZ6SOfqzE4QtL7k0C4/s1600/IMG_3207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsh8vkLOn_ho81HDwCNWNCrLKx12iFnN-5b2B-8u07Ct1VyaEWCGdwKEQY9xJ1UFzjBBnZV6bbcJoP0btuFBwlkIw8WB2lHYRdMuXqlunLYCxINSJ0t551a2rkKiZ6SOfqzE4QtL7k0C4/s320/IMG_3207.JPG" /></a></div>After the paint had cured (Dunn Edwards perma sheen brand prevents sticky cabinets) I hand applied a tinted wax finish (Bri-wax) for a soft time-aged look - and buffed it with an orbital buffer (borrowed the one my husband uses to buff out his car!) to a hard protective finish.  Added new hardware and we were done....<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Remember that old kitchen?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRurCR87Ba3_C2gN7j2o01W2kAs4QqGT-o6072VwUuUK7p_ZvH4PGPqOtOJB_3RBZpNJ5BUMsz473GYCcRLvWL3EyMIJFVxjTSSX_rgRaIFzepD7L4Rs2ngY_WnAwPoaLJlTUqIxvk9i0/s1600/disk_1+086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRurCR87Ba3_C2gN7j2o01W2kAs4QqGT-o6072VwUuUK7p_ZvH4PGPqOtOJB_3RBZpNJ5BUMsz473GYCcRLvWL3EyMIJFVxjTSSX_rgRaIFzepD7L4Rs2ngY_WnAwPoaLJlTUqIxvk9i0/s320/disk_1+086.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">What a difference a little paint makes!</div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPjc3sZK5qhv-01Lm9MVbt3zLYt3q-MjH0kYzqmvXc_kWSUMv6DdXXrr2zOCwBmLGGlFCZA4YsIXBCf757_nFxN3dAhGYODPlgYEIjTBLepAQJgQBOoKmYR44aa34RQ4Yc6kl2mOKkMg/s1600/anas+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPjc3sZK5qhv-01Lm9MVbt3zLYt3q-MjH0kYzqmvXc_kWSUMv6DdXXrr2zOCwBmLGGlFCZA4YsIXBCf757_nFxN3dAhGYODPlgYEIjTBLepAQJgQBOoKmYR44aa34RQ4Yc6kl2mOKkMg/s400/anas+kitchen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And the almost donated china cabinet?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvyiPrKdyq4i93P4vKqnEsta4jyxbdXGRm3Ky5tzec7nNk38xSiCk66Pp4gUhElDWva_USPccQWLyn0kx2mfh6W07dBBUPKGW5kxpogc8AFiBYx_5yz4YGIIMt_F_pQ0oOIfRrejqsNU/s1600/disk_1+085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWvyiPrKdyq4i93P4vKqnEsta4jyxbdXGRm3Ky5tzec7nNk38xSiCk66Pp4gUhElDWva_USPccQWLyn0kx2mfh6W07dBBUPKGW5kxpogc8AFiBYx_5yz4YGIIMt_F_pQ0oOIfRrejqsNU/s320/disk_1+085.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">With a coat of paint to match the cabinets, and the same wax treatment - </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP523SxRC9DyioEqZoxy3r3kvG84smdBxG6vPQmVRE37HriE8CPF2UXvowWwoyrQwCDgUhOM060djvhxY-awoQmjJjCoVDkBZCia-RT20pIsYI12Wq9e10haeiixPNctiJpxV7LKXxcL8/s1600/IMG_1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP523SxRC9DyioEqZoxy3r3kvG84smdBxG6vPQmVRE37HriE8CPF2UXvowWwoyrQwCDgUhOM060djvhxY-awoQmjJjCoVDkBZCia-RT20pIsYI12Wq9e10haeiixPNctiJpxV7LKXxcL8/s320/IMG_1227.JPG" width="208" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It looks amazing~</div><div style="text-align: center;">And unites this eating area with the kitchen, beautifully!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiay1hja85Tg1-e2tWcAOR9Ackkfz75dCFJjVz6vfsAOSoI1fURBATva87roPnteNHTPAGtItLvFAyJHBSiqBw1ZhNqJ5jOd44JGxKMOWyOp6b9hEeA_ej28Ovo2Aapdc8Nom_nG3r78d8/s1600/painted+cabinet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiay1hja85Tg1-e2tWcAOR9Ackkfz75dCFJjVz6vfsAOSoI1fURBATva87roPnteNHTPAGtItLvFAyJHBSiqBw1ZhNqJ5jOd44JGxKMOWyOp6b9hEeA_ej28Ovo2Aapdc8Nom_nG3r78d8/s400/painted+cabinet.JPG" width="246" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">So, I hope this inspires you NOT to settle for an outdated kitchen - when all you need is a little paint and some elbow grease....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>Check out the whole house project at <a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2009/04/ana-bobs-house.html">http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2009/04/ana-bobs-house.html</a><br /><br />And join our Spring garden tour!  We need participants!     Go here for the details... <a href="http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2010/05/spring-garden-tour.html">http://yournestdesign.blogspot.com/2010/05/spring-garden-tour.html</a><br /><br /><br /><br />Best,<br /><br />Claudine

HOME DECOR: KITCHEN MAKEOVER WITH PAINT

What a difference PAINT makes! SO, CSI IS HAVING A CHALLENGE, TO SHOW A PAINT PROJECT, AND I IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT ABOUT THIS KITCHEN I DID FOR A CLIENT.visit their inspiring blog Her kitchen started out much the same as many of ours with older homes. She had good quality cabinets, but they were date…

24May2010

White on White Summer House

Hello dears! After a seven hour delay at Rio's airport we finally arrived in Paris yesterday afternoon. So, yay! Here I am in Paris, in Spring with my daughter and hubby, I am so happy!<br /><br />I have a while before we go out so there's time enough to show you this lovely summer house. A feast to us white lovers, but to those who are not too keen on white bear with me because they are truly wonderful.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss11.jpg" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss11.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in; width: 650px; height: 532px;" /></a><br />Blooms in the perennial garden peek through a white  picket fence along   the side and back of the 100-year-old shingled house.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss1.jpg" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss1.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in; width: 651px; height: 526px;" /></a><br />A graceful arch frames the view of the sitting room  as seen from the  entry. A pair of new, extra-comfy lounge chairs focus on the  fireplace  studded with shore stones.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss2.jpg" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss2.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in; width: 650px; height: 539px;" /></a><br />At the far end of the living room, this atmospheric  bay window is  fitted with built-in seats and furnished with a table and chairs  used  primarily for game-playing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss3.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss3.jpg" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss3.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in; width: 650px; height: 527px;" /></a><br /><span class="bodyLinks">White on white and very pale blues. I guess I'd have to have everything slip-covered before I let my family walk into this room!<br /><br /></span><img alt="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss4.jpg" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss4.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in; width: 650px; height: 528px;" /><br />Open to the dining room, the kitchen  looks larger than it really is. A  peninsula is used  for both prep work and serving snacks<br /><br /><img alt="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss5.jpg" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss5.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in; width: 650px; height: 528px;" /><br /><br />With its ocean views, the kitchen eating area  provides the utmost in  waterfront dining. An old ship lantern is now a  chandelier.<br /><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss7.jpg" height="554" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss7.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in;" width="449" /><br />The girls’ bathroom continues the yellow and white of  the bedroom.  Built-in ledges hold toiletries.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss6.jpg" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_easybreezylg_ss6.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in; width: 650px; height: 522px;" /></a><br /><br />Sunny and cheerful, this is the girls’ bedroom. Spindle beds were found at a flea market; all other   furnishings  came with the house.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/">Traditional Home</a>.<br /><br />I'd like to thank all of you who left your kind comments yesterday. I will try to get back to you as soon as possible!

White on White Summer House

24May2010

Paris

Good morning to everyone. I'm off to Paris in a couple of hours! Hubby and I will be visiting our daughter who is studying and living there. Sorry I won't be posting today as I still have a some things to do.<br /><br />While I was packing I remembered an article in the New York Times featuring  a flight attendant who demonstrated how to  pack enough for a 10-day trip into a single standard carry-on. For those of us who don't like waiting for luggage at the carousel this is definitely a must read! Get these packing secrets right <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/05/06/business/businessspecial/20100506-pack-ss.html">here</a>.<br /><br />I will try to post every day as usual while I'm away but if I can't make it I apologize and hope you understand.<br /><br />Thanks to all of you!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.esiweb.org/rumeliobserver/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/paris.jpg" src="http://www.esiweb.org/rumeliobserver/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/paris.jpg" /><br /><br />Paris... here I come!<br /></div>

Paris

22May2010

Restored House in Madrid

Good morning dear readers. The house we're visiting today is located in San Lorenzo de El Escorial in Madrid. Bought and restored by architect Fernando Yankelevich and decorated by interior designer Silvia Caballero. Formerly a three level multiple family building, they turned it into their home. The ground floor is now used as their office and both upper levels are their living spaces. The living room, dining room and kitchen are all on the first floor and the bedroom, dressing  room, bathroom and small hall on the second floor.<br />Furnished in antiques and items found on their many trips, they have created a warm and inviting home. N'est-ce pas? (Tomorrow I'm flying to Paris so I'm getting ready!)<br /><br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.micasarevista.com/casas/reformadas/reformadas19/reformadas19_1g.jpg" /><br />The coffee table in the living room was purchased in Marrakesh.<br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.micasarevista.com/casas/reformadas/reformadas19/reformadas19_2g.jpg" /><br />I love the way the bare brick wall looks here.<br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.micasarevista.com/casas/reformadas/reformadas19/reformadas19_3g.jpg" /><br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.micasarevista.com/casas/reformadas/reformadas19/reformadas19_4g.jpg" /><br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.micasarevista.com/casas/reformadas/reformadas19/reformadas19_6g.jpg" /><br />Love this rustic stairway. I know exposed pipes are convenient but I would rather hide them.<br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.micasarevista.com/casas/reformadas/reformadas19/reformadas19_7g.jpg" /><br />The headboard here is actually two headboards put together.<br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.micasarevista.com/casas/reformadas/reformadas19/reformadas19_8g.jpg" /><br />Nice and tidy closet with those baskets.<br /><br /><img name="foto" src="http://www.micasarevista.com/casas/reformadas/reformadas19/reformadas19_9g.jpg" /><br />A simple bathroom. I like the idea of hanging the hand towels right where you need them.<br />Hope you enjoyed this tour.<br />Happy Friday to you my friends!<br /><br />All images from <a href="http://www.micasarevista.com/">MiCasaRevista</a>.

Restored House in Madrid

21May2010

Interior Designer Susan Marinello's Home

Hello dears! I'd like to introduce you to Susan Marinello's work. She used to be a fashion model (isn't she gorgeous?) but now she's an award-winning interior designer in her hometown near Seattle. This is her 1940s   house on Mercer Island. So elegant, bright and neat.    A cool gray-and-white color scheme soothes, while  warm gold,   chocolate brown, and mossy green accents add warmth. Come and take the tour!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatementlg_1.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatement_1.jpg" width="470" /></a><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatementlg_2.jpg" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatementlg_2.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in; width: 470px; height: 562px;" /><br />The wood-burning fireplace was  updated with a new  surround made from concrete finished to resemble stone.<br /><br /><img alt="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatementlg_3.jpg" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatementlg_3.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatementlg_5.jpg" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatementlg_5.jpg" /><br />Open plan for the kitchen, dining room and seating area.<br /><br /><img alt="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatementlg_4.jpg" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatementlg_4.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatementlg_6.jpg" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatementlg_6.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatementlg_7.jpg" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatementlg_7.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatementlg_8.jpg" src="http://www.traditionalhome.com/images/img_fashionstatementlg_8.jpg" style="cursor: -moz-zoom-in; width: 540px; height: 598px;" /><br />A large vintage photo of New York City printed on  linen  hangs in a hall just outside the dining room. French doors  on the  opposite wall open to a terrace.<br /><br />Architects: Lyle and Meredith Grant<br /><br />Photographs  by John Granen<br /><br />All images and information from <a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/">Traditional Home</a>.

Interior Designer Susan Marinello's Home

20May2010

French Inspired Beach Home

I have seen some of these photographs around but not the house they belong to. I found them all together and think they are well worth showing in a single post. Interior designer Betty Burgess and architect Richard Barrett   teamed up to give this Pebble Beach home its French feel. For the overall palette, Burgess chose grey, pairing it with taupe,   white and black accents.<br /><br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/Vu/homes-paris-inpsired-pebble-beach-5-0409-lg.jpg" style="top: -75px; left: 36.5px; width: 500px; height: 667px;" /><br />Rustic scheme for this part of the kitchen with a tailor made glass front cabinet and limestone flooring.<br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/OD/homes-paris-inpsired-pebble-beach-1-0409-lg.jpg" style="top: -12.5px; left: -26px;" /><br />Flax-linen sofa,  wool on 19th-c. stools, ottoman  in suede and an antique barometer on wall. Beautiful herringbone floor.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/Mv/homes-paris-inpsired-pebble-beach-2-0409-lg.jpg" style="top: -12.5px; left: -26px;" /><br />French chairs in  suede. Intaglios, 19th c. velvet on  bench. Venetian chandelier and French lamps, all  antiques.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/co/homes-paris-inpsired-pebble-beach-3-0409-lg.jpg" style="top: -12.5px; left: -26px;" /><br />Leather chairs. Door  hides TV above the French mantel. I wonder if the TV isn't harmed by the fire. The flooring is  antique limestone.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/uh/homes-paris-inpsired-pebble-beach-4-0409-lg.jpg" style="top: -75px; left: 36.5px; width: 500px; height: 666px;" /><br />French 19th century table.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/DJ/homes-paris-inpsired-pebble-beach-6-0409-lg.jpg" style="top: -12.5px; left: -26px;" /><br />Gilded bronze table. Ultrasuede was used for curtains, upholstered  walls, custom bed and bedskirt.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/homes-paris-inpsired-pebble-beach-7-0409-md-47416429.jpg" style="top: -25px; left: 74px; width: 400px; height: 533px;" /><br />In master bathroom, Carrara <i>bianco</i> <i>statuario</i> marble walls,  countertop and floor. Floating cabinet adds a modern touch.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/lx/homes-paris-inpsired-pebble-beach-8-0409-lg.jpg" style="top: -75px; left: 36.5px;" /><br />Minimalist modern style — inspired by the Hôtel Le Bristol in Paris.<br /><br /><img id="fb_image" src="http://www.veranda.com/cm/veranda/images/Zi/homes-paris-inpsired-pebble-beach-10-0409-lg.jpg" style="top: -75px; left: 36.5px;" /><br />The ocean view from this Pebble Beach residence.<br /><br />All images and information from <a href="http://www.veranda.com/">Veranda</a>.

French Inspired Beach Home

19May2010

Shabby Chic Style Cottage

It's easy to add all the colour you long for and still look great when the background is neutral. All the items you love simply pop out while the neutrals of the walls and floors hold everything harmoniously together. This home is full of flea market and garage sale finds. I wonder if you like this style. Come and see.<br /><br /><img alt="sofa straight on" border="0" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2006/11/ss_100173976.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 533px;" /><br />Wicker sofa  and rustic and beach-theme accessories. I love the pillows  and rug and the enamel painted pot for flowers.<br /><br /><img alt="sofa and pillows vignette" border="0" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2006/11/ss_100173975.jpg" style="width: 399px; height: 532px;" /><br />Close-up, the coffee table was made with salvaged wood.<br /><br /><img alt="flowers detail" border="0" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2006/11/ss_100173977.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 532px;" /><br />Close up of the peonies. I'm sure blogger friend <a href="http://aintshecrazy.blogspot.com/">Jami</a> would love them.<br /><br /><img alt="green sofa and red chest" border="0" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2006/11/ss_100173986.jpg" style="width: 401px; height: 535px;" /><br />Traditional furniture mix with painted pieces, granny's foot stool  and  the old door leaning against the wall is an unusual way to balance  off  the decor.<br /><br /><img alt="dining area" border="0" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2006/11/ss_100173984.jpg" style="width: 401px; height: 534px;" /><br />Metal chairs around a distressed harp-style table entered the scene. The  window frame matches the door against the wall of the previous photograph.<br /><br /><img alt="flowers and tea cup on table" border="0" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2006/11/ss_100173985.jpg" style="width: 401px; height: 534px;" /><br />Ccolorful accessories in every room.<br /><br /><img alt="dishes in green shelf" border="0" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2006/11/ss_100173983.jpg" style="width: 401px; height: 566px;" /><br />Family pieces including the  little-girl tea set on the top shelf mix with the homeowner's collection of red-and-white transferware.<br /><br /><img alt="bedroom" border="0" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2006/11/ss_100173994.jpg" style="width: 401px; height: 401px;" /><br /><br /><br /><img alt="plants with one birdhouse" border="0" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2006/11/ss_100173991.jpg" style="width: 400px; height: 533px;" /><br /><br /><img alt="deck with red chair" border="0" src="http://images.meredith.com/bhg/images/2006/11/ss_100173982.jpg" style="width: 401px; height: 334px;" /><br />This old bicycle serves as a flower pot holder.<br /><br />All images from <a href="http://www.bhg.com/">Better Homes & Gardens</a>.

Shabby Chic Style Cottage