Archive for July, 2011
Bunk Beds!
Posted by Irene Turner in Interior Design & Renovation on July 28, 2011
Lately I’ve worked on house plans for several of my clients second homes. These are homes where they come to relax, spend time with family and friends and often are visited by children who bring friends or several grandchildren from different households and a variety of age groups.
While they want to be able to accommodate everyone comfortably, in general these are homes primarily for two. So how can they house their very important young guests comfortably?
Whether you have a growing family in limited space, or, many guests only some of the time, sometimes you have to double up. Bunk Beds are a great solution! Originally found on trains, planes and boats, they were then adapted and used in bunk houses on ranches, lake cabins and in smaller homes…anywhere there was limited space to house many.
Whether simply for two:
image via google images
Or in a room to house several: Continue reading “Bunk Beds!” »
The Strawberries are Ripe
Posted by Irene Turner in Entertaining Sonoma Style on July 26, 2011
Our local Strawberry Stand
OMG! It’s strawberry season again and I can’t even begin to tell you how sweet and delicious our local strawberries are. They are simply…divine. Beginning early July, we, here in Sonoma are treated to the best fresh strawberries in the world.
What do we do with them? Well, I gave you one dessert recipe for my 4th of July post. Here are a couple of others that are tried and true stand by’s over the summer:
No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Recipe Continue reading “The Strawberries are Ripe” »
Mudrooms Make Life Easier
Posted by Irene Turner in Interior Design & Renovation on July 21, 2011
The first space you enter upon walking through the door of your home is most likely NOT the front door, but rather through the garage or a back door of some sort. It is the place you put down your keys and bags, take off your shoes and jacket, and breathe. This space is important functionally, but it’s also your personal greeting into your home, so the more organized and beautiful it is, the better you will feel after a long day.
photo courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens
When I lived on the east coast and midwest, almost every home had a mudroom. Here on the west coast, not many homes do. Whats with that? I don’t care what the normal weather is, it’s always great to enter a home and not worry about the mess you, your pets or your kids bring in…AND it should look good. I am a big proponent of mudrooms for that very reason!
Mudrooms can be located off the garage, by a back entry or the door you and your family most often enter. It can be simply a space to get out of your outdoor gear and shoes, or combined with: Continue reading “Mudrooms Make Life Easier” »
Expanded Living Space
Posted by Irene Turner in Interior Design & Renovation, Nature on July 19, 2011
In todays world, people are staying home more then ever. Even to extent of giving up vacations for what is now called a “staycation“! How can you make your living space support a staycation? How do you create a sanctuary to unplug in and to enjoy a little bit of beauty™ at home? By expanding your living space outdoors wherever possible.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a small space, or a large one. Creating a place to escape to that’s private, or, a place to share with many is one of the easiest ways to unwind. Last year I wrote about ways to create a living space outdoors. Now more then ever people are finding ways to spend a little time at home with nature.
photo courtesy of Barbara Cannizzaro on Houzz
Here in Sonoma County most of us are lucky to have the room to create outdoor sanctuaries that revolve around: Continue reading “Expanded Living Space” »
Outdoor Dining-Entertaining Sonoma Style™
Posted by Irene Turner in Entertaining Sonoma Style, Nature on July 14, 2011
Outdoor dining, otherwise known as dining Alfresco, is a pleasure for the senses. I don’t know what it is, but there is something elemental about tasting food, in a beautiful setting outdoors in nature, and with friends. Alfresco dining is known as a style of dining that is casual and often party-like in its atmosphere, in a cool place and always outdoors. It’s one of the major elements to outdoor living.
We Entertain Sonoma Style
Outdoor entertaining is, by definition, a casual affair, so don’t stand on ceremony when it comes to planning your next summer party. It’s less about the formality of matching plates and table linens and more about enjoying a great backyard barbecue with family and friends. From a laid back morning meal, drinks by the pool; or dinner for 1 to 10 or more, here are a few tricks to set the scene, making it look extravagant with minimal effort. Continue reading “Outdoor Dining-Entertaining Sonoma Style™” »
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