Freebie Fridays: April 8, 2011 Winner

by Karli in Announcements, Freebies31268No Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F04%2F11%2Ffreebie-fridays-april-8-2011-winner%2FFreebie+Fridays%3A+April+8%2C+2011+Winner2011-04-11+17%3A30%3A04Karlihttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D31268

We asked you to share with us which country most embodies your personal design style in our April 8th giveaway. Some of you had to do some soul-searching to really pin it down. Our winner, Amber, chose Italy. Specifically Venice because of  ”…its marriage of design influences from east and west. You have traditional European, mixed with treasures and flavors from the Middle East and southern Asia. Throw in a bit of Japanese minimalism and thoughtful Zen, and you have my design inspiration!”

Amber wins two Mexican embroidered pillows from The Loaded Trunk to adorn her multi-cultural home. Amber has two weeks to reply to our messages before we randomly select a new winner.

Karli is a contributor to Design Happens.

View the original article here

Freebie Fridays: The Loaded Trunk

by Karli in Accessories, Freebies30964126 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F04%2F08%2Ffreebie-fridays-the-loaded-trunk%2FFreebie+Fridays%3A+The+Loaded+Trunk2011-04-08+13%3A00%3A50Karlihttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D30964

Have you ever visited a town or small city and stumbled upon this one shop brimming with the coolest, most unusual items ever. You know, the store with decadent handmade soaps wrapped in gorgeous papers, one-of-a-kind jewelry impossible to duplicate and goodies you’ve never seen before from far-away lands. (And you want to cry, because it’s all so beautiful but your suitcase is only so big!) Well, we’ve found that shop’s online doppleganger.

The Loaded Trunk is a collection of handmade goods hand-picked by owner Roni Jaco during her travels around the globe. Roni spends several weeks each year scouring stores in Vietnam, markets in Mexico and artisan workshops in Uzbekistan. So every visit to The Loaded Trunk’s website promises a new treasures unlike anything you’ve seen in other stores. To my delight, Roni pulled two of her latest finds — Mexican embroidered pillows from the Otomi Indians — just for us. BONUS: They are in honeysuckle, Pantone’s Color of the Year.

For a chance to win a pair of these striking pillows just leave us a comment before 12/11c Monday, April 11, to be entered for a chance to win.

This week’s question: What country epitomizes your personal design style and why? France? Japan? Kenya? The good ol’ US of A?

Click for official rules.

Karli is a contributor to Design Happens.

View the original article here

Daily Delight: Warhol Phone Covers

by Lili Zarghami in Design Inspiration312252 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F04%2F11%2Fdaily-delight-warhol-phone-covers%2FDaily+Delight%3A+Warhol+Phone+Covers2011-04-11+10%3A00%3A08Lili+Zarghamihttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D31225

I’m conflicted about today’s Daily Delight. On the one hand, I do love these Andy Warhol iPhone covers by Incase.

And on the other hand, I can’t miss the irony of selling a product that is emblazoned with a piece of art that is mocking cult of the almighty dollar. I don’t know if I agree with The New York Times that Warhol would’ve loved these. What do you think? Would the king of Pop art be on board?

Lili Zarghami is a contributor to Design Happens.

View the original article here

Daily Delight: Lobster Ottoman

by Lili Zarghami in Design Inspiration2975210 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F03%2F15%2Fdaily-delight-lobster-ottoman%2FDaily+Delight%3A+Lobster+Ottoman2011-03-15+11%3A00%3A25Lili+Zarghamihttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D29752

I really, truly resisted putting an exclamation point at the end of the headline above. But I’ll do it here: lobster ottoman!

The new look book for Vanguard Furniture includes this charismatic little foot rest in its Coastal Living collection. The nod at humor in the normal stiff-upper-lip demeanor this decor evokes is so pleasing. Pairing the pattern with a plaid armchair is sort of genius too. What do you think?

Lili Zarghami is a contributor to Design Happens.

View the original article here

Star Wars Day: May the Fourth Be With You

by Kayla in Entertaining32437No Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F05%2F04%2Fstar-wars-day-may-the-fourth-be-with-you%2FStar+Wars+Day%3A+May+the+Fourth+Be+With+You2011-05-04+17%3A12%3A25Kaylahttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D32437

It’s time to party like an Ewok!

My father was determined to instill in his children, two daughters, a love and appreciation for sci-fi films, like Star Wars and Star Trek. And we were told, “Now these are good movies. You’ll like them.” It didn’t take much convincing. Years later, my sister still proudly displays her Star Wars figurines, and I love her for it. Well, May 4th…May the Fourth Be With You (get it)…is Star Wars Day, an unofficial holiday celebrating the sci-fi phenomenon in all its galactic glory. And my fellow Jedi Knights and Younglings, I’ve found a Star Wars-themed party that will knock your Princess Leia buns off. (No Siths invited.)

Star Wars Party: justJENN Recipes

If your little ones aren’t gaga for Goongas and Wookiees, then check out these party themes for boys and girls at HGTV.com. Pirates, cowboys and pj strutting princesses, oh my!

Kayla is a recent college grad and an assistant editor for HGTV.com. When she’s not scouring the internet for delicious design inspiration, she’s shopping for home decor, spending quality time with D'Artagnan, her adopted kitten, and finding a reason to be outside. Her favorite design style: eclectic with a vintage, retro vibe.

View the original article here

Happy Cinco de Mayo: Talavera Ware + Tile

by Anna in Handmade, World32453No Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F05%2F05%2Fhappy-cinco-de-mayo-talavera-ware-tile%2FHappy+Cinco+de+Mayo%3A+Talavera+Ware+%2B+Tile2011-05-05+12%3A00%3A28Annahttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D32453

I like a good margarita on Cinco de Mayo (on the rocks with salt) and some homemade guacamole. (Jump to the end of the post for recipes.) I’m also one of those geeky types always reading, always looking to learn more about anything. So in researching this post, I got to thinking about traditional Mexican crafts. Because Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s triumph at the Battle of Puebla, here’s at look at the #1 craft associated with the city and state of Puebla: talavera ceramics.

flickr: photoholics – Talavera in Puebla, Mexico

This article by Rita Pomade from Mexconnect offers the best overview of this 400-year-old craft. My top takeaway — the Consejo Regulador de la Talavera is the official group that monitors the authenticity of talavera. So, if you truly want to collect this pottery, only buy from certified workshops. All the images I selected for this post feature pieces by these approved artisans. Some have online stores, others you’ll have to travel to Puebla to purchase. And what better time to travel there than for Cinco de Mayo.

Talavera Santa Catarina

flickr: aliciamoyas – Talavera Cesar Torres

Talavera de las Americas

Talavera Santa Catarina partner IDI Talavera Collection

Uriarte Talavera

By the way, if you’re looking to plan a muy bueno feast for your May 5th celebration, our sister site FoodNetwork.com has got you covered.

?Cinco feliz de Mayonesa!

Anna, hgtv.com's manager of online programming, loves DIY decor and caring for her six pet chickens. Anna and her S.O. started renovating a 1922 bungalow in 2004; seven years later, they are 90% done. .

View the original article here

Design Watch: Washington DC Design House

by Lili Zarghami in Design Trends & Styles322133 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F05%2F03%2Fdesign-watch-washington-dc-design-house%2FDesign+Watch%3A+Washington+DC+Design+House2011-05-03+17%3A00%3A14Lili+Zarghamihttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D32213

Not to be outdone by New York, Washington DC has revealed a Design House of their own.

Photos: Gordon Beall / John McDonnell

Above, the pool kitchen in the house that was originally built in 1925 was redesigned by Nadia Subaran with stunning results. The fourth annual house is to raising fund for the Children’s National Medical Center.

Lili Zarghami is a contributor to Design Happens.

View the original article here

Daily Delight: Sequin Pillows

by Lili Zarghami in Design Inspiration298403 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F03%2F16%2Fdaily-delight-sequin-pillows%2FDaily+Delight%3A+Sequin+Pillows2011-03-16+10%3A00%3A59Lili+Zarghamihttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D29840

Don’t let New Year’s Eve be the only time you think of sequins. These sparkly, full-of-personality metallic embellishments will add a bright touch of glamor to your bed, armchair or sofa.

If too many sequins make you nervous that you’ll turn your living room into a 70s-era disco, try just one. Silver or gold can act feminine and pretty, while a black or purple are punchy and dark enough to blend. I want to throw the silver pillow on the plaid chair in the Coastal Living room from yesterday!

Lili Zarghami is a contributor to Design Happens.

View the original article here

Daily Delight: March Madness

by Carol Schoenfeld in Design Inspiration29849No Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F03%2F17%2Fdaily-delight-march-madness%2FDaily+Delight%3A+March+Madness2011-03-17+10%3A00%3A55Carol+Schoenfeldhttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D29849

Are you ready for some basketball? Starting today, you can get your fill of college hoops on TV, but how about adding some basketball spirit into your decor in honor of March Madness?

Young fans are sure to swoon over this awesome kid’s bedroom dedicated to sports. With its own mini basketball court, punching bag and climbing wall it is sure to thrill little athletes.

Carol Schoenfeld is a contributor to Design Happens.

View the original article here

The Green Room

Even though honeysuckle is Pantone’s color of the year for 2011, have you noticed how green is popping up in home decor? When I was at Maison & Objet earlier this year, I saw green everywhere. It’s always been a difficult color for me to decorate with; there are so many varying shades that I get lost when it comes to a green color palette. But these rooms by some of my favorite designers show how stunning a green room can be.

Pal + Smith

Interior design firm Pal + Smith takes green to new heights in this glamorous bathroom. The pop of orange is the perfect complement to the dark leafy hue.

Living Etc.

Apple green has a mod feel when paired with beige and cream. I love this glossy coffee table. It keeps the space looking fresh.

Domino Magazine

Mint green can also be a beautiful shade. It looks classic with black accents.

Sheila Bridges

One of my favorite interior designers, Sheila Bridges, is a master at mixing shades of green. Using the shade with nature-inspired elements, she brings the outside in with grassy layers of color in this bedroom.

Sheila Bridges

And Sheila makes green walls look so gorgeous when paired with bits of buttery yellow and natural wood.

So what are your thoughts about green rooms? Do you see any in your future this year?

Jeanine Hays is a featured blogger for Design Happens.

View the original article here

Curb Appeal: Our Yellow Front Door

by Erin Loechner in Design Inspiration, Paint Colors & Palettes324046 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F05%2F04%2Fcurb-appeal-our-yellow-front-door%2FCurb+Appeal%3A+Our+Yellow+Front+Door2011-05-04+17%3A15%3A38Erin+Loechnerhttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D32404

I just realized that I’ve never shared our front door with you, which is a complete crime, because it’s adorable. Seriously. Take a look:

Yellow tulips, my favorite, are often found on our doorstep.

Because the rest of our home’s exterior is fairly subdued, a bright pop of color was in order (remember when we first painted it?) And the modern finishes up the glam factor.

And, of course, because I love a hefty dose of personality in my space, we installed a glass frosted decal to the sidelight. Here’s a closeup…

Surprise! (Please pardon that renovation dust on our window.)

With a custom steel number plate found on eBay and a super fancy entryway keypad (which runs around $150, but are so worth it!), the look is cheerful, modern and welcoming.

Come on in!

Next project for our sweet little curb? We’ll be painting the brick white, installing a modern pergola and crafting white window boxes to hold plenty of yellow tulips. Are you sensing a trend here?

Red brick be gone...

Until then, our bright front door will be welcoming guests with open arms! Happy summer!

Erin Loechner is a freelance writer/blogger whose work has been featured in Glamour, Dwell, Lucky, Nylon, Print and ReadyMade Mag. Follow more of her daily renovation musings at her blog, Design for Mankind.

View the original article here

Happy St. Patrick’s Day: Handmade Decorations

by Kayla in Design Inspiration, Handmade, Holidays29779No Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F03%2F17%2Fhappy-st-patricks-day-handmade-decorations%2FHappy+St.+Patrick%27s+Day%3A+Handmade+Decorations2011-03-17+10%3A30%3A24Kaylahttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D29779

Top o’ the mornin’ to ya! I love St. Patrick’s Day not only because everyone is proudly wearing my all-time favorite color, but also because it gives me an excuse to eat traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage and drink green beer. How do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Are you throwing a last-minute party for the leprechauns in your life? Here are some easy and fun decorating ideas packed with free downloads and plenty of shamrocks for good luck!

Dress up simple white- or green-frosted cupcakes with festive toppers for an easy-to-make dessert everyone will love (and quickly devour).

Print these pre-made “lucky” letters on thick, white paper, string together with jute and adorn with ribbon for a simple St. Patrick’s Day banner the kids will love making, too.

For a budget-friendly alternative to purchased wall art, print this Irish-themed subway art for a festive addition to your home today. (Plus, it will give that empty frame some love.)

For a year-round decorating idea, grab the kids and create this simple burlap wreath. After St. Patrick’s Day, simply change out the shamrock for spring tulips, then an Easter bunny, later an American flag.

Bring the luck of the Irish into your home with more easy handmade projects from HGTV. Dive into delicious Irish cuisine with fun St. Patrick’s Day recipes from FoodNetwork.com. And check out St. Patty’s Day Parades from around the world at TravelChannel.com.

Kayla is a contributor to Design Happens.

View the original article here

Celebrate National Wildflower Week

by Karli in Gardening, Green, Landscaping320142 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F05%2F04%2Fcelebrate-national-wildflower-week%2FCelebrate+National+Wildflower+Week2011-05-04+16%3A00%3A34Karlihttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D32014

Around this time last year, I planted several varieties of wildflowers in honor of National Wildflower Week — an annual celebration of the native flowers that pop up all over the country starting this season. My little beauties have wakened from their winter sleep and soon my plot of grass will transform into a colorful meadow. The sad news is that every state has an extensive list of endangered and severely threatened wildflower species. These once-thriving varieties are all endangered here in Tennessee:

Autumn Onion

Canadian Anemone

Yaupon Blacksenna

Appalachian Rose (left) and Spreading Sandwort (right)

National Wildflower Week was started not only to celebrate the beautiful carpet of flowers Mother Nature lays each spring, but also to spread the word about preserving endangered species.

You can make a difference with plantings in your yard. HGTV.com has the best tips for matching like-minded and complementary plant species in your garden, as well as an introduction to the native plant movement. To learn about what organizations in your area are doing for Wildflower Week, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center offers a national directory. The U.S. Forest Service is also an excellent resource.

Karli is a contributor to Design Happens.

View the original article here

Daily Delight: Bike Rack

by Lili Zarghami in Design Inspiration321981 Commenthttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F05%2F05%2Fdaily-delight-bike-rack%2FDaily+Delight%3A+Bike+Rack2011-05-05+10%3A00%3A13Lili+Zarghamihttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D32198

Cyclehoop, a company which specializes in creating bicycle parking, has taken back the road.

Clearly the designers have a sense of humor about their Car Bike Rack giving it cheerful colors and an automobile outline. But the car shape is not only fun, it also protects the cycles from surrounding vehicles. Plus, the 10-bike parking structure can be used in a single parking spot. Smart design!

Lili Zarghami is a contributor to Design Happens.

View the original article here

Donating to Help Japan

by Kelley in Good Works298713 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F03%2F16%2Fdonating-to-japan%2FDonating+to+Help+Japan2011-03-16+18%3A03%3A19Kelleyhttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D29871

Last week Japan was hit with its largest recorded earthquake, followed by a ferocious tsunami that killed thousands of people and washed away ships, cars and homes. Like the rest of the world, we at HGTV are watching the devastating news continue to unfold.

We’re grateful for the heroes who have jumped in to help, including our friends at The Red Cross. The Japanese Red Cross, a highly-experienced disaster relief organization, has deployed mobile medical clinics, disaster management teams and relief workers with emergency supplies into those areas affected by this disaster. If you want to help, you can go to www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999. Gifts to the American Red Cross will support their disaster relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami throughout the Pacific. On those rare occasions when donations exceed American Red Cross expenses for a specific crisis, contributions are used to prepare for and service victims of other crises.

Kelley Walters is a writer, design fanatic and certified beekeeper. A former San Francisco real estate agent, Kelley now lives on a farm in East Tennessee with her husband, a laid-back little poodle named Pete and a host of barn cats. She's the executive editor of Design Happens.

View the original article here

NKBA 2011 Design Competition Winners

by Kayla in Design Inspiration, Designers & Shops32411No Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F05%2F04%2Fnkba-2011-design-competition-winners%2FNKBA+2011+Design+Competition+Winners2011-05-04+17%3A10%3A16Kaylahttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D32411

The National Kitchen & Bath Association announced the winners of their 2011 Design Competition. According to David Alderman, 2011 NKBA President and Certified Master Kitchen & Bath Designer, “they represent the finest in function, personalization, innovative-thinking and beauty.” Check out the jaw-dropping designs that took home awards for Best Kitchen, Best Bathroom, Best Small Kitchen and Best Small Bathroom. And be sure to let us know what you think of them.

This refined kitchen includes wide pine wood flooring paired with natural limestone flooring and walls, mahogany cabinetry with mesquite cabinet center panel accents and typhoon green honed granite countertops.

The magnificent tub sits in a river-rock-filled, drained fiberglass pan. A wood-textured porcelain tile floor follows the gentle curve of the tub and rock path.

As if those designs weren’t impressive enough, see how the winners of Best Small Kitchen and Best Small Bath packed constrained spaces with effortless style.

With an unmistakeably classic style and smooth palette, this stunning kitchen pairs a simple, transitional design with modern fixtures and hardware for a look that feels dynamic yet comfortable.

Natural stone and organic materials help deliver a tranquil space with subtle touches of modern Indonesian and Asian style. The sleek cabinetry, freestanding furniture and European-style fixtures provide a perfect mix of modernity with cultural infusion.

As a sponsor of the People’s Pick Awards, our sister site HGTV Pro has more than a hundred pictures of the winning designs from 2011 Design Competition. Click here to see more drool-worthy kitchens and baths.

Kayla is a recent college grad and an assistant editor for HGTV.com. When she’s not scouring the internet for delicious design inspiration, she’s shopping for home decor, spending quality time with D'Artagnan, her adopted kitten, and finding a reason to be outside. Her favorite design style: eclectic with a vintage, retro vibe.

View the original article here

What We’re Reading: 3 Craftacular Books

by Anna in Book Reviews, Design Inspiration, Handmade312062 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F04%2F09%2Fwhat-were-reading-3-craftacular-books-2%2FWhat+We%27re+Reading%3A+3+Craftacular+Books2011-04-09+16%3A42%3A44Annahttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D31206

Handmade is all the rage. So, find out what our HGTV.com editors had to say about these new craft books, and make something cool to decorate your home.

Modern Paper Crafts: Okay, I’ll admit that paper crafts aren’t normally my thing, but Modern Paper Crafts (STC Craft Melanie Falick Books) has me pondering new uses for the scraps of pretty paper that I can’t bring myself to toss. Author and origami guru Margaret Van Sicklen skillfully covers paper basics, folding techniques and necessary materials. She then presents 20 cute projects — all doable even for a relative paper crafts novice like me. Among my faves are the Pet Silhouette (woof!), Spring Branches, Candy Cones (perfect for a kid’s party), but the first to try on my list is the A-Little-Bird-Told-Me Greeting Card and Envelope. Sooo sweet and springy. –CAMILLE SMITH, Decorating/Handmade Editor

World of Geekcraft: Embrace your inner geek with fun handmade projects that take on sci-fi, video games of yore and the uber-techie in this Chronicle Books title. From the Oregon Trail cross-stitch to the Star Wars terrariums, World of Geekcraft, by Susan Beal, is lighthearted and quirky. And there’s plenty to delight budding Carl Sagans and Captain Kirks. I’m obsessed with the Harry Potter baby costume because it features a small stuffed Hedwig, and who doesn’t want their own Hedwig? My other necessity is the Buffy the Vampire Slayer fuse bead portrait. I haven’t tried fuse beads since elementary school but for Buffy, I’m up to the challenge. –CHELSEY BOWEN, Decorating Editor

The Repurposed Library: This homage to the many unexpected uses for the neglected home library by Lisa Occhipinti (STC Craft Melanie Falick Books) will delight bibliophiles and DIYers. Got a dust-covered set of the Encyclopedia Britannica in the basement? Create a group of structural vases or a wordy wreath with the pages. The Repurposed Library offers 33 projects for giving orphaned books a stylish new lease on life as decorative objects and handy housewares. I’m torn between which project to tackle first. I’ve got some beat-up copies of The Pilgrim’s Progress and Paradise Lost (estate sale score —$4.00!) that would totally rock as a stacked book ledge for displays. But my Kindle needs a cover. Upcycling a hardback is the past meeting the future. –KARLI SANDERS, Assistant Editor

For handmade projects from HGTV, check out our original DanMade web series starring Design Star fan favorite Dan Faires and other cool DIYs from our editors.

Anna, hgtv.com's manager of online programming, loves DIY decor and caring for her six pet chickens. Anna and her S.O. started renovating a 1922 bungalow in 2004; seven years later, they are 90% done. .

View the original article here

Design Watch: Help for Japan

by Lili Zarghami in Designers & Shops299001 Commenthttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F03%2F16%2Fdesign-watch-help-for-japan%2FDesign+Watch%3A+Help+for+Japan2011-03-16+15%3A30%3A18Lili+Zarghamihttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D29900

Nearly the entire world is moved by the devastating images from Japan following the massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

The designers at W + K Studios, along with several others looking to help are selling their work with proceeds going to relief efforts. Of course, traditional means of donation are available through the Red Cross and other aid organizations.

Lili Zarghami is a contributor to Design Happens.

View the original article here

Daily Delight: Rudimentary Lamp

by Lili Zarghami in Design Inspiration32140No Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F05%2F04%2Fdaily-delight-rudimentary-lamp%2FDaily+Delight%3A+Rudimentary+Lamp2011-05-04+10%3A00%3A47Lili+Zarghamihttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D32140

It can be a relief to strip all the complexities of a design down to its most basic elements.

The Andrew Berg Lamp is, as the General Store says, “as simple as it gets.” With a hand carved wood base, an Edison bulb and a simple toggle switch the lamp is downright austere in its simplicity. I’m not sure where I would put one (maybe a bedside table?), but I love it.

Lili Zarghami is a contributor to Design Happens.

View the original article here

Who Needs Spring Break? Exotic Backyard Retreats

by Anna in Design Inspiration289733 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F03%2F14%2Fwho-needs-spring-break-exotic-backyard-retreats%2FWho+Needs+Spring+Break%3F+Exotic+Backyard+Retreats2011-03-14+17%3A00%3A48Annahttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D28973

I’m an off-season traveler. So for spring break, I opt to stay home. Now I just need a backyard that’s peak-season staycation worthy. Here are my three favorites. Would any of these convince you to avoid hoards of beach-bound sunbathers or long lines for the ski lift?

Exotic Outdoor Rooms by Jamie Durie

Jamie Durie found his inspiration for this design on a trip to Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur. India is on my bucket list, but for my spring break staycation, you’ll find me poolside, sipping a mango lassi and listening to Malkit Singh.

Outdoor Designer Lap Pools

The romantic setting for this lap pool designed by Erinn Valencich looks to me like the perfect place to re-read E.M. Forster’s A Room With a View and pretend Julian Sands is approaching…ready for a swim.

Water Features for the Garden

No pool, no hot tub. Who needs them when you’ve got your own tropical paradise in the form of a combo waterfall and pond in your backyard. Plus, all those beneficial negative ions. It’s like that Leonardo DiCaprio flick, The Beach, set in Thailand…before all the bad stuff starts happening.

Anna is a contributor to Design Happens.

View the original article here

Our DIY Staircase Railing

by Erin Loechner in Design Inspiration298367 Commentshttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F2011%2F03%2F15%2Four-diy-staircase-railing%2FOur+DIY+Staircase+Railing2011-03-15+19%3A19%3A29Erin+Loechnerhttp%3A%2F%2Fblog.hgtv.com%2Fdesign%2F%3Fp%3D29836

A few weeks ago, Ken and I embarked on one of our scarier DIY projects — crafting a wood/glass staircase railing. Sure, we’d never built a sauna before and had certainly never sided our house (and hopefully never will again), but for me, safety-related DIY projects are always scary no matter how much experience you have.

After months of researching, we decided on a solution that would be both durable and beautiful, and then began brushing up on our knowledge of safety regulations, weight restrictions and more. Turns out it was much easier to craft than we’d expected with a few learning curves along the way. Care to see how we fared?

Get your math hat on, friends, because this one’s a killer equation. We spent an afternoon measuring our desired glass size, handrail height (36 is standard), length, wood spacing and more. Many headaches ensued, but we finally reached a verdict and headed out to the hardware store to order our tempered glass in custom sheets (with a milk shake as a treat for using our wicked math skills!).

The custom glass turn-around time was 2-3 weeks, so we prepped and cut our wood as we waited patiently for the tempered glass to arrive. Because we would be insetting the glass, we had to dado the wood with a hand-held router to allow for a seamless finish.

We installed basic foam weather stripping directly to the wood so the glass would be well-padded with little play once it came time to lay the glass inserts into our frame. Worked like a charm, and I was thrilled to have a job that was more my speed!

This step was much easier than I had envisioned, as we were lucky that our wood wasn’t warped in the slightest and each angle necessary was a near perfect 90. Oh, the DIY gods were indeed shining on us that night.

Once our frame was built and metal plates were attached, it was time to prep the floor to install the frame! By this time, our glass had arrived and we were itching to finish.

Bolt the frame to the floor, secure the railing and admire our handiwork! Only one more step to go…

Once our frame was secure, it was time to install the glass panels and attach the handrail to the top of the frame. Everything fit properly and we’re thrilled with how durable the entire piece is!

You know my favorite part about this project? We no longer have a giant hole/death trap in the middle of our floor, so we can bring on the guests! If you’re in the Midwest, come on over! Especially if you’re handy with a miter saw…

Erin Loechner is a freelance writer/blogger whose work has been featured in Glamour, Dwell, Lucky, Nylon, Print and ReadyMade Mag. Follow more of her daily renovation musings at her blog, Design for Mankind.

View the original article here