verta

An example of a small but dramatic way: the sculpture centered atop the fireplace. The fireplace is surrounded by glass, allowing treetop views to outline it. What could possibly make it more striking? A simple, round sculpture that acts like an enthusiastic punctuation mark.

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fish painting

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I like them both ways it really depends on the island. If you need to hide the mess a stove can make from the rest of the room bar height is best.

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could we have a hallway or bathroom laundry chute?!? :-) Turn something utilitarian into a moment. This architect took a boring old laundry shoot and made it memorable.

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woodstove: Given the new-house-as-old-house mentality, the team installed a woodstove. “In a really old country house, this is perhaps what you have for heat, not a fireplace,”

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“The island is both furniture and function,” says Budd. “It’s a divider and where you converse.” The island includes lots of built-in designated storage, including a crafts drawer for the kids and a pullout cabinet for a large mixer and a food processor. (make it bar height instead)

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Spectator or stadium stools are the tallest. They are designed for use at a 48-inch-high table or counter, so their seat height ranges from 34 to 36 inches tall. This variety of stool is often used when extra height is needed, like for television viewing.

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