Posts Tagged International Interior Design
Green Pre Fab Home
Posted by Irene Turner in Architecture, Interior Design & Renovation, Nature, Sustainability on December 7, 2009
Pre Fab Homes can stand for Pretty Fabulous! Marin based Michelle Kaufmann first came out with her eco friendly, pre fabricated glidehouse in 2004 and it’s is still a beautiful and viable answer to modern home construction in our world today.
The Glidehouse was designed “to collaborate with nature.” Built with eco-materials and made for solar, wind, or geothermal power, the “glide” in the prefab house’s name refers to both the wall of sliding glass on one side of the building and the bank of storage opposite. Sliding wood panels give you the option to use the shelves either as display or as a hidden clutter-catcher. Naturally, the glass wall helps out with lighting and heating, meaning the electricity bill will be lower even if you do connect the Glide to the grid.
Some eco features of the Glidehouse include: Continue reading “Green Pre Fab Home” »
Wish Nests
Posted by Irene Turner in Product/Trend Alert! on December 4, 2009
WISH NESTS
These jewel like gift items are designed by Alise Sheehan. Called wish nests they have a simple beauty and a wonderful significance:
A bird nest is a symbol of the home. It reminds us that we strive to make our home a place where family members grow and prosper. Considered a good luck symbol, the bird nest represents all the love and warmth, enthusiasm and commitment required in creating the happiest of homes.
I’ve personally given a number of these to close friends and loved ones. I often cut a small piece of paper (the size of a chocolate kiss tie) and write my gift blessing and loop into the nest before wrapping. I recently gave one to my step son and daughter in law for the birth of our first grand child! It’s a beautiful way to commemorate such an auspicious event.
To order go directly to Alise Sheehan’s web site…Or…
For those of you who live locally come and see Ron and I, downtown Graton for our Christmas Event on Saturday, December 5th from noon to 4 and get a chance to see these beautiful jewels in person and purchase for all your Christmas needs!
And…in the spirit of the season, please bring a packaged food item to donate to Food For Thought!
The Cloisters-Transported by Beauty
Posted by Irene Turner in Architecture, Inspiration on December 3, 2009
I think of all the places I go to get transported to another realm, another place, another mindset…The Cloisters in NYC is one of those places, especially in the fall! The cool crisp air, with the smell of fallen leaves…the view from the windows of the Hudson River flowing below…the colors…the stone…and when you go after 3 in the afternoon, Gregorian chants play taking me to a different century and a different land.
I am transported in bliss and all else falls away! What is it about the energy in that place that “feels” different? All I know is that when I lived in NYC, when I needed an escape I went there…and today, when I visit I always go back. Continue reading “The Cloisters-Transported by Beauty” »
Renovation-It’s All About the Plan
Posted by Irene Turner in Interior Design & Renovation, Projects on November 30, 2009
This particular project in Carlsbad, CA began in November of 2006 as my clients and I sat in a restaurant for our preliminary meeting. They had owned their tracked home for about 5 years and wanted to do a “small” renovation to make the space more family friendly. We sat there discussing their needs and how they envisioned themselves living in their space over the next 20 years. We discussed how they wanted to take advantage of their western view of the ocean (and the accompanying sunsets) with indoor/outdoor living, and how they planned to entertain. They wanted their home to be the place for family and friends to hang out.
With their Nana door allowing indoor-outdoor living at it's best!
Sitting there I began to draw the floor plan on a napkin. The prize napkin went to the architect/engineer and from there the project started to roll. The finished plan ended up being bigger and more expensive then originally anticipated, but it was what my clients wanted and they were realistic, adopting the mantra…”we don’t need to get everything done at once.” Continue reading “Renovation-It’s All About the Plan” »
The Beauty of Gratitude…
Posted by Irene Turner in Holidays, Interior Design & Renovation on November 26, 2009
I’ve always loved the Thanksgiving holiday…over every other holiday. I like that it isn’t about gifts, more, bigger, better etc… I like that the whole idea around Thanksgiving is…to give Thanks!
Gratitude is a divine state. To be grateful makes us feel good and gives us a sense of well being. We know that people who are more grateful are happier, less depressed, less stressed, and more satisfied with their lives and social relationships. Grateful people also have a greater sense of purpose in life and more self acceptance. Grateful people find it easier to cope with life transitions, they grow more from difficult experiences, and in general they sleep better. Continue reading “The Beauty of Gratitude…” »
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