Month: November 2018

5 Pool Houses and Modern Pavilions

5 Pool Houses and Modern Pavilions

A number of the characteristics that define modern structure — large expanses of glass, minimal surface articulation, exposed construction (frequently steel), horizontal roofs — keep individuals from contemplating a residence in such a fashion. The glass makes lots of men and women feel vulnerable, minimalism is at odds with the clutter that life generally entails, and the steel construction and flat roofs would be the antithesis of traditional dwellings, what many men and women connect “home.”

Yet these very same attributes make modernism appropriate for smaller pavilions, make sure they pool houses or other similar structures. The cases of the ideabook tend towards the former, however they all show how contemporary structure could be more tolerable to a greater audience in small doses.

Steinbomer, Bramwell & Vrazel Architects

Tarrytown Pavilion

From Steinbomer, Bramwell & Vrazel, the Tarrytown Pavilion is located on the land of a midcentury-modern Residence. It functions as a pool house and also as a workplace, a pub and a guesthouse. From this standpoint, the principal features of the construction are obvious: L-shape white walls, glass walls opening toward the pool and a floating flat roof perched upon an off-center core.

Steinbomer, Bramwell & Vrazel Architects

A closer view reveals the way the corner of the glass walls opens to combine indoors and out. Additionally, it is clear that the white walls serve as a background for art. I enjoy the yard is cantilevered over by the terrace.

Steinbomer, Bramwell & Vrazel Architects

Though the pavilion serves multiple purposes, the interior spaces are basically two: a bigger space (foreground) and smaller space (background) on both sides of the kitchen/bathroom core.

Steinbomer, Bramwell & Vrazel Architects

The sliding glass partitions create a strong visual link to the home as well as to the trees which line the house. Sunlight is cut down from the heavy overhang. It all combines to make this a nice place to relax.

Mell Lawrence Architects

Sister’s Retreat

This is another pool pavilion, known as Sister’s Retreat for the reason that it serves the households of two sisters on a 7.5-acre property near Austin, along with their houses. Designed by Mell Lawrence Architects, the retreat consists of 2 pubs, one enclosed, one vulnerable.

Mell Lawrence Architects

The vulnerable pub comprises the pool and a terrace, both covered by a trellis, which functions as an armature for plants and lighting. The enclosed pub runs parallel and is seen in the space.

Mell Lawrence Architects

The enclosed pub, which comprises a living room, a living area, a BBQ area and a bathroom/shower for your pool, opens up to the pool area via large glass doors.

Mell Lawrence Architects

Uniting the entire retreat is a grid of square concrete columns, here seen up close with the exterior hearth from the left foreground. Cast with tough horizontal formwork, these columns — actually shells for the steel columns which support the trellis and roof — define the distances and give the project its character.

Pool House, Dungan Nequette Architects

This pool home comes with a glass-walled centre part between ends covered in wood planks. The planks are spaced apart to admit light.

This central space opens itself up to the pool, a common tactic for mixing indoors and out in fair weather.

Ike Kligerman Barkley

Louvered Poolhouse

Similar to the previous example is that the aptly called Louvered Poolhouse by Ike Kligerman Barkley. While a flat roof is eschewed in favor of a gable type, in execution it is fairly contemporary.

Ike Kligerman Barkley

Up close it is clear that the louvers wrap all the walls, stopping where doors provide access between inside and outside.

Ike Kligerman Barkley

The louvers sit facing glass walls and cut down on the sun entering the one-room pavilion.

Ike Kligerman Barkley

The view from inside the pool house to the pool and the Atlantic Ocean beyond is sublime.

Studio Kiss – ASAP House

Pool House, ASAP•home

This is a poolhouse which isn’t technically different from the main home, but it is so different concerning design it might as well be. Whereas the home is brick with an angular roof, this area is all bamboo and wood.

Studio Kiss – ASAP House

Bamboo functions as wall and trellis to provide shade on different degrees beside the pool. Together with the wood walls, it generates an inviting and enclosing space using a solid, almost tropical character.

Studio Kiss – ASAP House

Here is a view of the seating area 1 degree above the pool. In the background is a covered terrace and a BBQ pit.

More:
Glass Home Exteriors Reflect Modern Tastes

Give Me a Wall, a Home or a House of Glass

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The Organized Home: Shelves, Cupboards and Closets

The Organized Home: Shelves, Cupboards and Closets

Spring is a great time to tackle a whole-house planning project. Following months of dull weather (along with the layers of woollen blankets and clothes that go with it), it feels fantastic to lighten the home by letting go of clutter. Join us as we look at a plethora of great ways to organize what’s left in a beautiful way.

Stonebreaker Builders & Remodelers

Aim to leave roughly 20 percent “breathing space” on each shelf. If that sounds unattainable, just open up as much free space as possible. It often takes several rounds of decluttering until you really feel like you’ve gotten rid of everything you can.

Why 20 percent? Notice in photos of homes you admire just how much storage is actually full, and I think you will discover there’s generally a substantial amount of breathing space left between things.

Design note: Throw in a sculpture or decorative sign to liven up an otherwise practical storage area.

Zinc Artwork + Interiors

Profit steam by starting small. I recommend starting your spring cleaning. For many of us, the bathroom or hallway closet is a good choice. Go for obvious junk first, such as expired drugs and empty bottles of shampoo (make certain to eliminate drugs properly — do not flush down the toilet), and then move on to that particular stash of product samples you know you are never actually going to use.

Style note: Snap up matching white storage containers the next time you are in Ikea to create a pulled-together look just like the one displayed here.

Decant everyday things into quite containers. The simple step of removing the outside packaging out of most standard household things instantly makes them more appealing. Neat stacks of toilet paper rolls, jars of cotton swabs and bowls of soap bars can bring a feeling of order to your bathroom cupboards.

Design notes: Repurpose a classic glass-front cupboard to house more supplies in the bathroom. Wire baskets and glass canisters are nice looking and practical additions.

Crate&Barrel

Yellow Storage Tub – $9.95

Choose cheerful storage. If you’re in the market for a couple of new storage containers, seek out ones that cause you to grin, and I swear you will be more likely to use them. Use one of these handy sunshine-yellow buckets from Crate & Barrel for laundry, extra towels, cleaning goods or tub toys.

TruexCullins Architecture + Interior Design

Address clutter hot spots. Every home has a couple of spots where clutter will collect — the kitchen counter, the back door and so forth. These places tend to be along our most frequently traveled paths throughout the house, so it is sensible to work with the hot spot instead of try to remove it. Simply placing a bit of storage in the problem area should do just fine.

Design note: In the kitchen, try with a few strategically positioned file boxes to quell the clutter.

Charmean Neithart Interiors

Make your pantry pop. A fresh, well-ordered pantry can help to make meal prep a breeze and may even inspire healthy choices.

Step 1: Take every last thing out of the cabinet. Really — everything.

Step 2: Toss anything that is expired or bad.

Step 3: Fill a bag with food that is still great but you know your family will not eat, and give it to the regional food bank.

Step 4: No one needs three half-empty bags of flour. Open up them and toss them into one nice-looking jar. Ta-da! Now replicate with any other partly vacant staples.

Step 5: Put everything that’s left in, but this time create zones. Cans with headphones, breakfast stuff forth. Place the healthiest choices at eye level.

Style note: Can a fairly wallpapered backdrop inspire you to keep things tidy? Who knows, but it sure will be fun to give it a try. Alternatively, you could paint the back wall a bright colour for a similar effect.

Divine Design+Build

Optimize your drawer area. Once you have created extra room by culling unnecessary copies (do you want five Fragrant?) And tools that you do not like or use, rethink the contents of your drawers, one by one. As an example, you might rather have a canister of often used tools on the counter top and use your drawer space for spice teas or jars instead. Or you could set up one of these magnetic knife racks and free up space for your everyday dishes where they’ll be easily attained.

Think creatively — that is the kitchen, and it ought to do the job for you.

Bosworth Hoedemaker

Be mindful of what is on display. So often we place things on our kitchen counters as a sort of default — but do you really need to be looking at all the stuff daily? Hide eyesores behind closed cabinet doors and leave the counter area for quite tea things, a coordinated set of spice jars or a basket of fresh dish towels.

Tackle that cleaning closet. Whether you have a dedicated utility closet or simply a stash of equipment under the sink, then obtaining this area under management will help manage daily tasks easily. Pick up a couple of attractive baskets to store supplies, choose that pile of plastic bags into the recycling center and hang brooms, mops and dusters from wall hooks.

Update your own workspace. Sorting through heaps of paper has to be one of the least attractive organizing jobs, but as with a visit to the dentist, you know you will feel better when it is completed.

Set aside an entire morning to handle this area, and also plan a fun activity for a reward for afterward. Think about registering for online statements and digital subscription providers to cut down on future paper overload.

Design note: Choose 1 style and colour of file and storage boxes for an orderly look.

The Container Store

Intelligent Stockholm Office Storage Boxes – $9.99

Use colour to your benefit. Color-coordinated storage containers are great for corralling paperwork, instruction guides and photos. You could choose all 1 colour for a cohesive look or use a color-coding method to easily find unique kinds of documents.

Astleford Interiors, Inc..

Host a closet-clearing party. You can surely do so all on your own, but if you are having a hard time getting motivated to cull your closet, think about inviting a couple of great friends to help out. Provide refreshments and enjoyable music, and let your friends help give you that extra nudge to finally ditch those less-than-flattering pieces in your wardrobe.

Astleford Interiors, Inc..

Believe as a boutique owner. As soon as you have your clothes edited down to those that you actually wear and adore, it is time to think of how to organize what’s left. Let us take a few tips.
Put together a favourite outfit on a single hanger where it is easy to grab it onto a hurried morning. Maintain off-season clothes out of sight.Store shoes and bags on shelves.Display favourite jewelry on racks or hand figurines.

peterbristol.net

Coaching Dresser – $1,500

Do not forget the little ones. Children’ stuff can escape control, as any parent knows. Make things easier for your little ones in the house by labeling baskets or drawers with what goes inside. You might even trace traces of clothing shapes or stamp out words on drawer fronts for a creative and organized space.

More:
Clutter-Clearing 101
How to Fold and Store Your Clothes
How to Work with a Professional Organizer

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Teach Your Landscape Rhythm

Teach Your Landscape Rhythm

According to Marjorie Elliot Bevlin, writer of Design through Discovery: The Elements of Style (my college design textbook in the 1980s), there are six components of layout and seven fundamentals of layout. Though these design principles are universal, I find I return to Bevlin’s basic explanations again and again. They’re particularly useful as I seek to understand what is considered good design and why it resonates with me personally.

So for the next few weeks, I’m likely to utilize the many amazing landscape design projects on to research each of the design principles and components. This series will present one subject at a time and showcase the many ways each is now an iconic theme in the landscape.

First up: Rhythm, a principle

Webster’s defines “rhythm” as “the patterned, recurring alterations of contrasting components” The energetic of rhythm makes a visual flow. As a beat is to music, as choreography is to dance, rhythm adds energy into a garden. In landscape design, rhythm makes a physical sensation. It may cause people to move fast, to slow down or perhaps to pause before continuing again.

By repetition of such as forms or evenly spaced points of emphasis, a rhythmic design could be expressed naturally or literally. Here are a few cool ways to infuse your landscape using a dynamic rhythm.

Huettl Landscape Architecture

Repetition in crops of comparable kinds — all circles and mounds — generates a gorgeous rhythm within an entry garden. Color blocking can also be used as a cool layout apparatus to draw somebody out of your concrete patio toward the stepping-stone path. First there’s a section of blue, in the form of fescue grasses, then there’s a band of green-gold boxwood (right) represented by a gold succulent band (left). And lastly, a row of taller decorative grasses in green lures you farther into this garden.

Shades Of Green Landscape Architecture

A succession of plants and architecture is visually pleasing to the eyes, which read it as a blueprint. Here, a maroon, spiky Cordyline plant is aligned using a fence section at a rhythmic repetition that seems balanced and contemporary. Place them together to get a totally attractive setup. The silvery-blue floor cover is called Senecio vitalis, a succulent.

Begin with a very simple trio of square, tall planters. Install three clipped boxwood balls. Line them up from a screen or wall and voilà! You have generated visual rhythm in a single vignette.

Exteriors From Chad Robert

In the 1977 publication A Design Language, authors Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa, Murray Silverstein and many others describe over 250 “patterns” as alternatives to design problems. The patterns follow layout principles but can also be deeply rooted in nature and history, which explains why they resonate with us.

Pattern number 247, “paving with cracks between the stones” addresses the good sense of walking out of stone to stone. Here is a modern interpretation utilizing precast square and rectangular stepping stones at a gravel garden. I love the rhythm it generates.

Rossington Architecture

This easy checkerboard theme is strongly rhythmic. The square concrete pavers read as a grid, as a result of the green grass seeded between every square. Furthermore, this is a far cooler, permeable solution to get a poolside patio than in case concrete alone had been used.

Ron Herman Landscape Architect

Thoroughly random looking, there’s intention within this mixed-media layout. Stone pavers slice through square pads of turf and similar-size squares of smooth slate stones. The overall layout is exciting and very arresting for its rhythm and textural interest.

Shades Of Green Landscape Architecture

Long bands of concrete that alternate with gravel type the ground of this entry garden. There’s a lot of lively energy within this area, as replicating bands of different textures (smooth concrete and fine-grade gravel) invoke the idea of rhythm.

Ana Williamson Architect

Repeating bands look in this entrance garden at a slightly different way. The long, horizontal pathway increases a rhythmic vibe because every piece staggers to the left or right of center. Visually, this is exciting to view and to traverse. Ground covers planted between every band help to soften the otherwise crude installation.

Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

Here’s another way rhythm plays long, staggered bands. I love the different-colored concrete, which range from light to dark and in between. The gravel is a fourth color, contrasting with all the concrete and suggesting negative space inside this patio. The concrete bands seem to be shifting — is it an optical illusion?

Jeffrey Gordon Smith Landscape Architecture

This beautiful spiral, rendered in flagstone, appears to vibrate with its own energy. The stones form a rhythmic motion as the spiral narrows, turns on itself and terminates in a center firepit. Where most of the spaces between the stones have been planted with soft, woolly thyme, note the contrasting crushed stone used in merely a single band to further emphaisze the powerful spiral line within this layout.

Daryl Toby – AguaFina Gardens International

Circles emanate out of a mound of rocks symbolizing mountains at a calm Zen garden. The gravel has been hand-raked to suggest the ripples on the surface of water brought on by a dropped stone. The curved lines contain other raked lines, parallel ones which have still another sense of energy. Add the play of shadow and light and this instant in the landscape is eternally powerful.

Summerour Architects

The repetitive arches at a classic Spanish-style setting feel both timeless and modern. They suggest windows through which you may peer to the distant, wilder landscape.

Beertje Vonk Artist

A pebble “area rug” generates a pleasing rhythm all its own. It’s a flowing sensation of water, including a kinetic disposition to this patio.

WA Design Architects

Rounded and mounded forms appear and replicate themselves throughout this dreamy meadow — a rhythmic planting scheme that’s memorable and alluring. Santolina in colors of green and silver covers the earth, while purple alliums replicate that globe shape on taller stems. The distant wands of dark purple lavender echo the alliums, including depth.

More:
Pavers for your Perfect Patio and Path
Magical Garden Paths

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Tubular Daylighting Devices Bring In Organic Light

Tubular Daylighting Devices Bring In Organic Light

Natural lighting is among a home’s best assets. It can force you to look better and feel much better. It can decrease depression and improve your health. As the Greek philosopher Plato said, albeit in another context,”We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” The newest, sleekest way to bring natural light to your home is using a tubular daylighting device — a narrow tube that unobtrusively beams daytime into dark rooms.

Tubular daylighting devices (TDD) also reduce the amount of fixtures you have to have in a space, thus saving you electricity and cash. Solatube International, which generates TDDs, also states that the tubes are cost and time efficient: An expert can install one in two weeks, and they cost less than installing new windows or conventional skylights. Payback varies, but for an average cost of $500, you could see economic benefits in a few decades, Eco-Structure magazine reports.

The skylights are reflective cylinders or pipes installed between the roof and ceiling, with a transparent plastic dome. The bottoms of these tubes are diffused or glazed to stop glaring beams of light and to ensure a soft glow.

Garrison Hullinger, of Garrison Hullinger Interior Design in Portland, Oregon, enjoys to place these tubes into his clients’ baths, since the natural light makes a serene spa setting. But they can go in just about any area of the house.

Before Photo

VELUX

The difference in this toilet between no TDD, with electrical lights from sconces turned on, and a TDD, electrical lights turned off, is eye opening. And the more you maintain your lights off, the more you save electric costs.

Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc..

Designer Garrison Hullinger place a skylight in this project’s toilet, adding to the feeling of the outdoors brought in.

Spore Design

TDDs can be installed on almost any roof. And unlike large skylights, they maintain a rather low profile, even though they can be observed from an outdoor space, as in this house.

VELUX

Velux Sun Tunnel Skylight

Inside this close-up of a Velux Sun Tunnel, you can see the transparent plastic dome on top of the reflective pipe that’s installed between the roof and the ceiling.

John Lum Architecture, Inc.. AIA

A shower using a solar tube shines brightly, even without electrical lights.

Harrell Remodeling, Inc..

A TDD at a kitchen, coupled with canned lights, makes the space warmer than the canned lights would independently. If multiple TDDs are installed at a place, reducing the use of electrical lights, in addition, it reduces the area’s heat gain, states SolaDesign Systems, another manufacturer of TDDs. This can save even more money and electricity by lessening the need for air conditioning.

Mark English Architects, AIA

If you do not like how the TTDs look in the interior, you can always recess part of the ceiling and then install multiple ones, so they move quite unnoticed.

Inform us: If you could install a tubular daylighting device in 1 area of your house, which is it?

More:
Professional Lighting Design Secrets

Get the Lighting Right: 8 Reasons to Avoid

12 Ways to Light Your Kitchen With LEDs

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Sweet Georgia Summer Beach Home

Sweet Georgia Summer Beach Home

This sweet southern shore house, set on Tybee Island in Georgia, was not necessarily the cheery home that it currently is. When designers Joel and Erika Snayd of Rethink Design Studio initially visited, it was a 1,100-square-foot cinderblock structure. “We were scared to death when we saw the home,” says Erika. “Everything was cold and cement, like a bunker.”

The home is owned by three sisters; his grandfather built it in the 1940s. Since he’d built it personally, the sisters were reluctant to do a complete rebuild and originally just wanted to add a new bedroom and bathroom. But the Snayds and their staff could convince them to begin all over. By getting creative with substances and utilizing family mementos, Rethink Design Studio was able to create a cozy and comfortable summer home for the family on a budget.

in a Glance
Who lives here: 3 sisters and their families during the summer
Location: Tybee Island, Georgia
Size: 2,400 square feet
That’s intriguing: To preserve a palm tree which the grandfather had initially planted on the house, the tree had been eliminated and then replanted following building.

20 Spectacular Beach Houses | Browse shore house photos

Rethink Design Studio

The original cinderblock structure consisted of tiny bedrooms and no open spaces. The Snayds wanted to provide the home a more modern sense but also bring in elements that would highlight its history and make it timeless. Clapboard siding along with a light shade palette gave the new home a new look.

Rethink Design Studio

The design group was inspired by traditional beachfront architecture from the 1940s. “We wanted to take that home and elevate it to a level at a new build that it was meant to be,” Joel says.

Initially, the site had no landscaping at all. The group transformed the barren lot into a lush lawn, maintaining a palm tree the sisters’ grandfather had initially planted in the yard. A side lot was turned into a yard with a fieldstone paver patio.

Rethink Design Studio

The group had to maximize the footprint of the home nearly to the edge of the small site to gain more square footage. Since there was not a ton of room for landscaping, they added in a large screened front porch — a must in mosquito-laden Georgia.

Outdoor furniture: vintage, reupholstered with Sunbrella and Trina Turk to get Schumacher cloth

Rethink Design Studio

The structure takes advantage of natural lighting. The ceilings were lifted to 10 feet on the first floor along with 14 feet on the next — a switch that made a difference in the house’s feel.

The budget for both the interior and the exterior design was limited, so the team had to get creative when it came to style. Luckily, the homeowners gave them nearly free rein. Their one specific demand was that the walls have been coated in white boards. The walls at the open living room, dining room and kitchen are produced from horizontal 1-inch-by-10-inch buttocks joint paneling.

Rug: GDC Home; sofa: Hickory Chair; pillows: Thomas Paul for Duralee, Schumacher

Rethink Design Studio

Function and ambiance were the priorities. An open kitchen, living and dining room made the most sense for this holiday home. Even though this isn’t a full-time residence, the group had to look for large quantities of individuals, since multiple households remain here at once.

Open shelving in the kitchen keeps it bright and casual, while slate tile flooring are both durable and stylish. The kitchen cabinets were done at a simple Shaker style and painted to match the granite countertops. The Cooper and white milk glass ceiling fittings in the kitchen have been salvaged from an old saloon. The light above the dining room table is from Circa Lighting; Joel had the trim and hood painted powder blue to give it a vintage look.

Table: Hickory Chair; chairs: Crate and Barrel

Rethink Design Studio

The loft area upstairs is completely open, which not just creates a communal space but also saved money on framing. “This residence is not about partitions and constraints; it’s about becoming communal and together as a family,” says Joel. Rather than walls, curtains from Pottery Barn were dangled from iron curtain rods with rope. The floor material in the attic is painted porch-grade hardwood, which also cut down to price.

Rethink Design Studio

Even though the sisters were originally hesitant about the attic area, it’s now an integral part of their holiday home. “When you have a custom home, it evolves and continues to evolve. It is organic by nature,” says Joel.

Rethink Design Studio

Flea markets and garage sales were scoured for cheap but quality pieces, and simple furniture from big-box shops filled in the blanks. “At a shore home, you can get away with much more,” says Joel. Twin beds allow for more sleeping area — this upstairs area can sleep four to six. The yellow headboards are now outdoor floor cushions using handles which can be taken down and used for additional seating when needed.

Bedding: Amy Butler; baskets: World Market; carpeting: West Elm kilim; nightstand: refurbished classic

Rethink Design Studio

Cane furniture at the loft’s living room creates a cozy sitting area in which the family often spends mornings. Some of the accessories and furniture came from the sisters’ elderly mother, who passed away during the project; they add a personal element the sisters love.

Rug: GDC Home; java table, cane chairs and console: refurbished classic

Rethink Design Studio

A vintage desk set obtained a makeover using bold yellow paint and glass drawer pulls, making the ideal dressing table for the upstairs bathroom. Timeless subway tile and simple sconces keep the space lighting, bright and functional.

Knobs: Pinch of the Past; seat cushion: Sunbrella; sconces: Circa Lighting

Rethink Design Studio

Each of the bedrooms are paneled with batten strips at a traditional coastal fashion. Joel applied walnut strips right to the sheetrock as an inexpensive way to find the look the sisters wanted. Simple dressers were emphasized with sea-green hardware, a simple and affordable touch which feels high end.

Bedding: vintage and West Elm; side table and mattress frame: classic

Rethink Design Studio

Because a lot of the residence is about family, Joel and Erika wished to pay tribute to its origins. Sentimental touches are visible all throughout the home — quilts the sisters’ mother made are folded carefully in closets, family art is framed on the walls, and also photos of their sisters when they were blown up and hung in the dining room.

More Tours:
Coastal Chic Family Getaway

Modern California Beach House

Eclectic Country Beach House

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Recessed Lighting 101

Recessed Lighting 101

What it is: Recessed lighting, sometimes known as recessed cans or may light, is installed inside the ceiling instead of on the ceiling surface. It has two main components: casing, the space where the bulb matches, and trim, the finished edge that sits around the ceiling.

Philpotts Interiors

The kind of home is dependent upon the ceiling material and insulation, and if the lights are installed during new construction or a remodel. There are specially designed housings to fit ceilings that angle up or down. Trim is largely a matter of personal taste and suitability with the décor.

Downlights, as the title suggest, beam light directly downward, while eyeball-style fixtures pivot inside their housing. Depending on where you need light concentrated, you can choose one, the other or a combination for your space. If you are installing them at a damp space, like a toilet, basement or covered outdoor living space, be sure you choose models that are rated for moisture.

When to use it : Recessed lighting is frequently used for accent lighting rather than as the only light source for a room. Because it is so discreet (when done well, that is), it marries well with clean, contemporary or minimalist interiors. However, there is no style for which recessed lighting looks really ill satisfied.

It may offer task illumination in kitchens and bathrooms, and can highlight a gallery wall or a stunning piece of artwork. If you’ve got a statement light fixture like a chandelier, but want extra downlighting to decorate the room, recessed lighting include illumination without stealing the fixture’s limelight.

When not to use it when you’ve got a ceiling with detailed plasterwork, ornamental coffers or a painted or papered theme, recessed lighting may detract from its beauty — you may not want ceiling fixtures in any way. There is also A ceiling that is concreten’t the ideal fit for recessed lighting.

Glenvale Kitchens

How many you are going to want: It’s easy to go overboard and plan for way more recessed lighting than you require, resulting in the dreaded “Swiss cheese ceiling” look. Consider several factors: which areas you want to illuminate, how much light floods the distance already, how much visibility you need (a media room versus a kitchen, by way of instance), the wattage of the bulbs you’ll use and the height and square footage of your ceiling.

The size and spacing of recessed lighting depends completely on your individual space and the result you need — there is no universal solution. One general rule of thumb is to put 4-inch lights 4 feet apart and 6-inch lights 6 feet apart. Generally, you’ll want to mount them 12 to 18 inches in front of the region you need to illuminate. Consult an attorney for information regarding your particular situation.

Bunker Workshop

Special concerns: One important factor is the electrical load of your circuit. If you want to have more lights in the present circuitry can handle an electrician will be able to help you devise a safe solution. If you’d like to be able to control the quantity of light through the day and evening, add dimmers.

Price: Again, this varies widely based upon your space. However, as a rule, you can program on roughly $100 to $150 per fixture for a simple version, including materials and skilled installation. Prices go up from there.

Lumens

Ledra 12 LED Recessed Light by Bruck Lighting Systems – $238.40

The metal casing with this version from Bruck Lighting, available through Lumens, lends a compact, modern texture.

Lumens

Easy Recessed Light by Fabbian – $115.20

A drum-style glass color gives the Fabbian Easy Recessed Light, too from Lumens, a profile. Additionally, it comes in many recessed home styles.

YLighting

Leucos | Plain Small Semi Flush Ceiling Light – $148

A hand-molded, etched glass diffuser beams light down to get a gentle glow. The fixture comes in four colors: clear crystal (shown), satin white, amethyst and light blue.

LightingUniverse

Leucos Hera2-Non IC-CFL-B Hera Energy Saving Recessed Can Light – $196

This version features a poured-glass diffuser and fully remodeled home. Available colors include clear crystal, cobalt blue, jade green, Nile green/aqua, light blue, rose and lace white (shown).

More:
Lighting: The Hardest Working and of this Home
Get the Lighting Right: 8 Reasons to Avoid

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Fantastic Design Plant: Red-Leafed Mukdenia

Fantastic Design Plant: Red-Leafed Mukdenia

Ground covers fill breaks in a landscape by improving and bridging other focal garden characteristics to make a unified layout. The colorful and flamboyant leaves of Red-Leafed Mukdenia (Mukdenia rossii ‘Crimson Fans’) will perfectly complement and accentuate your own plantings while infusing a sufficient splash of red into your landscape.

Inc, Terra Nova ® Nurseries

Botanical name: Mukdenia rossii ‘Crimson Fans’
Common names: Red-Leafed Mukdenia
USDA zones: 4 to 9
Water requirement: Regular watering
moderate requirement: Afternoon color
Mature size: 1 to 3 feet tall, 1 to 3 feet wide
Tolerances: Moist soil, acidic soil, most insects

Inc, Terra Nova ® Nurseries

Distinguishing attributes: Mukdenia boasts large and colorful fan-shaped leaves that energetically spread and cascade along the landscape. Leaves emerge in early spring a deep bronzy green, hinting at its seasonal coloring.

Inc, Terra Nova ® Nurseries

Creamy white flowers blossom in late winter or early spring soon after leaves emerge. After a few months of blooming, the leaves start their dramatic colorful transition.

Inc, Terra Nova ® Nurseries

A vibrant burgundy begins in the tips of Mukdenia’s leaves and quickly spreads to the rest of the foliage, persisting although the growing season.

Inc, Terra Nova ® Nurseries

The way to use it Mukdenia makes dramatic announcement as a ground cover in a woodland garden. Its lush, colorful foliage contrasts and illuminates other landscape attributes during the year together with the evolution of its colours signaling the shifting seasons. If using as a ground cover, plant 2-3 feet apart.

Banyon Tree Design Studio

If space or growing conditions prohibit a expansive floor cover, plant Mukdenia in a pot instead. It divided easily, and its own red-tipped leaves and creamy white blossoms enhance any decorative planter, as noticed in this arrangement by Banyon Tree Design Studio.

Planting notes: Original to woodland settings, Mukdenia prefers soil full of organic thing that sustains a certain quantity of constant moisture. Adhere to a weekly watering schedule, at least initially, to establish a solid root system. For example an understory plant, Mukdenia will gladly sustain color, but be cautious that too much may inhibit the reddish color for which it is known. Mukdenia is slow growing, but it is a resilient and easy plant to grow that will awaken any exhausted garden.

Inc, Terra Nova ® Nurseries

More great layout plants:
Blue Chalk Sticks | Hens-and-Chicks | Redtwig Dogwood | Toyon

Great layout trees:
Bald Cypress | Chinese Witch Hazel | Western Maple | Manzanita | Persian Ironwood
Smoke Tree | Texas Mountain Laurel | Tree Aloe

Great layout blossoms:
Catmint | Golden Creeping Jenny | Pacific Coast Iris | Plumbago | Red Kangaroo Paw
Sally Holmes Rose | Slipper Plant | Snake Flower

Great layout grasses:
Black Mondo Grass | Cape Rush | Feather Reed Grass | New Zealand Wind Grass

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Colorful Midcentury Modern from the Ocean

Colorful Midcentury Modern from the Ocean

Los Angeles area residents Robert and Petra Wirsching were hesitant about leaving the vibe and culture of big-city life for those suburbs of Orange County, California. But one unbearable triple-digit August day, the couple went for a cruise south from their home in Encino in their 1969 Cadillac convertible to see a friend in Laguna Beach.

“As we neared the coast, we noticed the exterior temperature got cooler and cooler,” remembers Robert. “We thought, this is something we can get used to.” As they approached Pacific Coast Highway in south Laguna Beach, they were awestruck by the view of the Pacific — so awestruck they missed the turn into their buddy’s house.

Going back, they handed a tract of homes that seemed just like a midcentury modern utopia. “Petra went nuts,” says Robert. A couple of months afterwards, the couple left their familiar digs and buddies in L.A. and purchased a fixer-upper in that exact same Laguna Niguel area.

at a Glance
Who lives here: Robert and Petra Wirsching; their son, Marco; and their cats, Rocky and Zucchini
Location: Laguna Niguel, California
Size: Around 2,500 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, studio apartment downstairs
That’s intriguing: A Mark Bennett print Constructed for Wirsching, a fan of the TV series I Dream of Jeannie, hangs on the fireplace.

Lisa Hallett Taylor

The main living area is really one big room. A low, thick-walled chopped yellow divider separates the kitchen from the living room and supplies one of the very few actual walls in the principal regions of the home.

Designed from the late architect George Bissell in the early 1960s, the home integrates the indoors with the outdoors, which makes the transition almost seamless. The surrounding land was mostly undeveloped whenever the homes in the tract were constructed, allowing for sea views from all. Rather than partitions, Bissell designed floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliding doors. As a result, there is hardly any wall space on which to hang artwork.

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Before the Wirschings could inhabit the home, some hefty remodeling required to happen. Fortunately, Robert is a general contractor specializing in timber finishing, cabinetry, floors, tile setting and high-end painting.

Among the first things he did was replace the faded burgundy carpets. In its position went ash hardwood floors, extending into the kitchen. Shiny, embossed 1970s-era background was removed, and walls were painted white, but for the panel separating the kitchen from the living room.

Among those cats, Rocky, rests on the Design Within Reach couch here. The granite table was purchased at a consignment store, and the blue glass bowl is Murano.

Lisa Hallett Taylor

The Wirschings’ home is two stories. The main living space, including the backyard, is about the second degree, constructed against an embankment. When you enter the home, the door to the right opens into the garage, and to the left is a big studio that Robert uses within an office.

The entryway is a landing pad for the family’s comings and goings. Jackets become hung on the Henry Miller Hang-It-All, while a white IKEA locker under the staircase holds shoes. Balls and athletic equipment are corralled in big black wire floor containers. The horizontal shelves will also be IKEA.

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Once the new floor and improvements were in place, the Wirschings moved in, adding their set of different Eames and other midcentury chairs and tables, lamps, accessories and paintings.

The fiberglass-shell rocker is an original Eames chair, as would be the bent plywood Eames Herman Miller chairs.

Lisa Hallett Taylor

A 1960s mahogany game table functions as the dining table. “Most dining tables are 30 inches high,” Robert says. “This one is 27.5. It was custom built for someone who liked to gather ’round the table and play cards maybe have a couple drinks.” The table and leather captain’s chairs came from a consignment store in West Los Angeles.

The few additional thick glass to cover the surface, allowing for a view of this gorgeous, rich wood with no stress of scrapes or water stains. The silver Bar is a retired Nambé piece; it retains orange and royal blue Kosta Boda votives.

Lisa Hallett Taylor

The open design blends the living room, dining area and kitchen altogether. To break up the space, the pair grouped an original Wassily chair (made by Marcel Breuer) and Barcelona seat (made by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe) and an Eames tulip table create an intimate setting beside the fireplace.

Hanging on the fireplace wall is a Mark Bennett printing designed for Wirsching, who is a fan of the older TV series I Dream of Jeannie.

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Robert designed and remodeled the kitchen around five years back. The kitchen consists of cherry wood cabinetry with a horizontally positioned grain, Caesarstone countertops, and Fisher & Paykel appliances, such as a drawer-style dishwasher.

Lisa Hallett Taylor

The dining room space provides a view of this Wirschings’ backyard.

Petra’s proudest moments as a homeowner are when she’s entertaining guests. And that would she enjoy sitting at her dining table nowadays? “President Obama, Frank Gehry, Brad Pitt and Adele,” says Petra, adding, “Of course, Adele would possess to sing!”

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Art by Mark Bennett decorates the hallway.

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Son Marco’s room is modest, but space is economized with an IKEA bookcase for a storage and headboard. A glowing red accent space pulls together the youthful space, and a floating shelf offers additional storage.

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Since Marco’s room is modest, Robert and Petra capitalized on the perpendicular space in the room, adding a loft space above the built-in cupboard. They installed carpets, a railing and a ladder so Marco can have easy access into the nook.

Lisa Hallett Taylor

While the in-ground swimming pool takes up much of the garden, areas are established with specific activities in mind. Wood decking was put over the concrete to generate an outdoor living room and a location where Marco and his buddies can be viewed by an adult while in the pool. Additional “rooms” and outdoor spaces in back incorporate a raised vegetable garden, a koi pond, a dining room, a barbecue, and Petra’s prized teahouse escape.

Petra and Robert oil and sand their teak garden furniture with linseed oil every couple of weeks to maintain its warm, rich brown colour. Petra’s collection of blue and white ceramic bought while traveling or at estate sales or antique stores makes for a beautiful centerpiece.

Lisa Hallett Taylor

Japanese and Far East accessories and decorations were added to Petra’s teahouse. Petra is a nurse that frequently works shifts and awakens for work about 4:30 a.m., so she frequently flows for a restorative day nap on her Futon inside.

Lisa Hallett Taylor

More than 100 dead rosebushes were removed from the yards in front and back. The landscaping was created more indigenous to the area and simpler to maintain.

Ever the vintage furniture shoppers, the Wirschings found this pair of pool lounges at a garage sale in L.A.. They were produced around the 1950s or 1960s out of fiberglass.

Lisa Hallett Taylor

The exterior includes a yellow-green painted door. The identical hue is taken up to the second degree. Two little children’s chairs and a Japanese-style fountain at the side of the door welcome all to the diverse home.

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