Archives for September 2014

2014 Is The Future Now?

Future-Technology

10 Living Room Touches to Bring to the Bath

Screen Shot 2014-09-25 at 11.40.58 AMGo ahead, borrow those bookshelves. Unexpected elements can boost interest and comfort in your bathroom

When you’re designing a bathroom, there are many decisions to be made — marble or ceramic, shower or tub, vessel or pedestal sink, brass or chrome? The list goes on. Not to stress you out, but there’s yet another design option to consider when designing your bath: the living room.

Stay with me here. By borrowing furniture, lighting, rugs, architectural elements and even plants from the rest of the house, you can add incredible interest to your bathroom. I’m talking an antique chest for linen storage, a crystal chandelier for romantic lighting over the tub or a built-in window seat for relaxing. Borrowing elements is a good way to add a personal touch and set your bath apart from the rest. Here’s are 10 ideas guaranteed to pique your interest.

12 Stylish Kitchen Counters That Seem to Float in Space

Screen Shot 2014-09-25 at 11.38.39 AMTake your culinary zone to new heights with a cantilevered countertop that’s visually appealing and practical

Want your kitchen countertop to be the hero of your new cooking zone rather than relegated to the background? One way to do that is to look beyond the basic block-like counter and incorporate acantilevered, or floating, countertop into your kitchen design instead. Here are 12 cantilevered counters that not only offer showstopping style but also enhance functionality and create the illusion of more space.

8 Ways to Automate Your Home with Your Phone

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Not a Big Cook? These Fun Kitchen Ideas Are for You

Screen Shot 2014-09-22 at 12.58.16 PMWould you rather sip wine and read than cook every night? Consider these kitchen amenities

Kitchen design tends to be centered around the presumption that you will be spending loads of time in your kitchen cooking. Not so earth shattering, right? But the fact is, not everyone loves to cook. Not everyonecould really use a supersize fridge, dual ovens and an enormous island. So what do you do when it’s time to think about a kitchen design, when all you’ve used your oven for is storage? While it makes sense for certain basics to be in place (sink, stove, dishwasher) even if you rarely cook, there is plenty of room for creativity. From wine storage to a library wall, here are a few ideas to consider.

Simple Pleasures: Movie Night for Film Buffs

Screen Shot 2014-09-22 at 12.54.39 PMIn a world of rising cinema costs … at a time when gathering comes naturally … small screens are hitting the big time

What could be better on a crisp fall night than curling up on the couch with a soft throw, a bowl of popcorn (or perhaps a glass of wine) and a great movie? Avoid the crowds at the theater, save a little cash and embrace the simple pleasure of movie night at home. Whether you keep it spontaneous or start a film club complete with movie-themed snacks (blini and vodka for Dr. Zhivago, anyone?), let these ideas inspire your next movie night at home.

Window Wizardry: 7 Clever Approaches to Privacy

Screen Shot 2014-09-22 at 12.56.41 PMDo you want more privacy without losing your view or feeling boxed in? Take a look at these creative building solutions

Creating privacy while letting in light and views can be an issue for many suburban homes. We often see frosted windows or deliberate screens as the only method of dealing with the issue. Luckily, we now have design alternatives that not only offer privacy, but also look good while doing it.

How Merlot Can You Go? 8 Enticing Ways With Wine-Inspired Hues

Screen Shot 2014-09-17 at 3.57.57 PMAdd warmth and drama to your home with these deepest shades of red

Count me as a big fan of burgundy, whether I’m enjoying a glass of it with dinner or using it as an accent wall color. Decorating with shades of red wine can add drama, depth and a delicious cozy feeling to any room. But the hue can make a space appear somber, busy or even claustrophobic when overused or combined with too much visual clutter. So here are eight elegant examples of red-wine hues done right, along with suggestions for similar colors to try out in and on your own home.

A guide to pet-proofing your home [infographic]

Your pet is a beloved part of your household, so just as the house gets turned upside down with a smile when it’s time to baby-proof — because we know it’s to keep the little one safe — there are steps pet owners need to take to ensure those furry, little ones live a long, healthy life as well.

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