This project is proof that the challenges posed by limited space and accessibility can always be overcome in order to deliver stunning results. The space itself was rather small and also very close to the neighboring residence. Not only was the neighboring wall imposing, it was also of a completely different design style. The goal here was to create a layering effect with numerous features of varying heights. Not only would this add depth and dimension to the overall design, but it would cause the viewer to shift their focus from the encroaching wall to the beauty of the pool space. Instead of trying to maximize the water area by squaring off the pool, I decided to instead maximize the visual interest by gracefully rounding off the back wall of the pool. This was accomplished by implementing a raised stucco wall, and also a shorter, matching curved wall, featuring a "Sheer Descent" waterfall. Inside the taller, deep-plum stucco wall, I created three vertical windows which are all highlighted by LED uplighting. To give depth, dimension and some natural beauty, I implemented a simple bed of Horse Tail Reeds behind the short wall, and chose to place Banana Trees behind the taller wall. The main seating area is just outside the home's master suite, and is separated by a "Leuder" limestone fire pit. Aside from being a striking design feature, the floating stepper pads accomplish a number of things; they serve triple-duty as a walkway, a seating area adjacent to the fire pit, and also as a poolside rest for beverages. After discovering that the narrow courtyard acted as a sort of wind tunnel between the two houses, we opted to install tempered glass in order to better control the behavior of the flames. This solved the problem while remaining visually pleasing to the client as well. You'll notice in some of the leading photos for this project that I had originally intended to implement stepper pads on both sides of the pool closest to the house. And despite a thorough understanding of what would be necessary on an engineering and structural-design basis, we were eventually forced to turn this into a solid deck due to unrelenting city-required setbacks. However the client remained very understanding due to encountering a number of similar issues in their home-build process. In the end, they were delivered an outstanding pool design that had come to fruition only after coming up with numerous solutions to a number of challenges that only a unique space like this could provide.

Sunday, September 14, 2014 Is Your Interior Design Depressing You? By Joseph Pubillones (DailyHerald.com http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20140913/entlife/140919600) From time to time, someone will corner me and confess to me that they are depressed; they whisper that they believe their decorating is making them sick. They tell me that their interiors are not to their liking because of choices made by their spouse, their designer, or because of their own misguided attempts at decorating. Is it possible for their environment to make them feel sick? Yes (as I think about it), it is possible for design to alter moods. In the mid-1950s, Norbett Mintz, a researcher at Brandeis University, and his mentor, the renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow, decided to conduct research about the effects of "beauty" on behavior. Mintz had already conducted experiments about the effects of color on human behavior and concluded that color selection has a palpable effect on personal behavior. A room's design can have an impact on your mood. Mismatched colors or an overstuffed room can affect your ability to relax and feel comfortable. In their experiment about beauty, they designed three rooms. The first was "the ugly room", replete with clashing colors and patterns, disorganization and too much furniture for the size of the space. The second was "the average room", arranged with a monochromatic scheme, basic furniture pieces and subtly colored nondescript art. The third was "the beautiful room", decorated with quality case-goods, and fashionable fabrics and colors. Overwhelmingly, the test group rejected "the ugly room". "The average room" and "the beautiful room" were tied as the preferred room. When asked to describe the rooms, the test group was best able to describe "the beautiful room". As a designer, this is not news to me. There are rooms, especially those that I like, that I can describe with remarkable detail. Although our notion of what is beautiful varies from person to person, it can be said that beautiful design is more memorable. We can deduce that each person prefers the beautiful. From the time we are born, there are foods that are preferred -- some love sweets; others prefer more savory flavors. Over time, our taste buds evolve, and what was once a favorite food can become insipid or nauseating. The same is true for interior design. Over time, everyone develops preferences about what makes us feel comfortable and at home. When I hear that someone's home is depressing, I am concerned. I suggest immediate action to change what is most bothersome. If it is wall color: a painting party is overdue. If it is furniture: I ask them to consider new upholstery; a new furniture arrangement; or substituting new pieces for those that offend. And for those too timid or dismayed to tackle their problems head-on and alone, I suggest hiring a professional interior designer. ( Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Fla. © 2014 Creators.com) [Comment by Brandon Oriental Rugs: Good quality is evident in the words we use when we appreciate its presence: beauty, harmony, integrity, excellence. These are appealing impressions it makes upon our minds and spirits. It can't be faked. Attempts to put a stamp of "quality" -- as in "good quality" -- upon things which possess or convey "bad quality" doesn't fool anyone who appreciates quality and the benefits it inherently brings.] Related articles Is your interior design depressing you? Why Our Brains Love Colorful Interiors A Little Spent on a Well Chosen Oriental Rug Can Save You a Lot on the Remaining Furnishings for Your Home How Can Interior Design Inspire Fashion Design? | L' Essenziale Home Designs Interior Design Pet Peeves Hand-Knotted Oriental Rugs Are Best Friends With Leather Furniture And Arts & Crafts (especially Stickley (tm)) Furnishings of Every Kind Homeowners Select Persian Kashan Rug from Bucks County Oriental Rug Store Brandon Oriental Rugs (www.BrandonRugs.com) for Family Room of Their Upper Montgomery County Farmhouse There Is Nothing New Under The Sun - Opposites Attract - The Truth Does Not Change - Quality IS Forever Manifesting Itself - REAL Is Now ShareThisFacebookTweetLinkedInPinterestEmail Posted by brandon rugs at 6:06 PM No comments: Links to this post Email This BlogThis! Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest Labels: Brandon, Brandonrugs.com, Bucks County oriental rugs, colorful rugs, designing for mood, environment, interior design, personal expression, rug store Bucks County, rugs and design Saturday, September 13, 2014 Bucks County Rug Store Helps Bethlehem, PA Homeowners Select Rugs to Complete Newly Furnished Living Room and Dining Room Our customers purchased new living room and dining room furniture from Hendrixson's Fine Furnishings in Shimersville, PA. With most of both rooms finished, they asked Brandon Oriental Rugs to help them find two fine quality oriental rugs that would coordinate with each other, and serve as the last puzzle pieces to complete their decorating. Both rugs are finely detailed, hand-knotted, antique reproduction Persian Tabriz design oriental rugs made in India. The living room rug has a golden-maize color background with an antique gold border that subtly complements the fabrics and floor color in the room. The small scale motifs add color and interest while not defeating the supporting role the rug plays in the room to the customer's collection of fine original artworks. The dining room rug is an unusual "Hasht-guli" design with berry-red background and golden-maize border that complements the living room rug, the rich mahogany wood-tones of the dining room suite, and the fabrics used in the custom window treatments designed and installed by Hendrixson's. The wonderful result wrought by our customers expressing their good taste in an unswerving commitment to quality is proof that a modestly sized home can look and feel as elegant and luxurious as any palace. Related articles Lehigh Valley: Bucks County Oriental Rug Store, Brandon Oriental Rugs - www.BrandonRugs.com - Finds and Delivers Rugs for Lehigh Valley Home in Bethlehem, PA New Homeowners in Doylestown, PA (Bucks County) Find Handmade Oriental Rug That Complements Everything in the Entry Hall to Their Home with Help from Brandon Oriental Rugs (www.BrandonRugs.com) Brandon Oriental Rugs in Bucks County, PA helps Lehigh Valley Homeowner ( Bethlehem, PA ) Find a Fine Quality Oriental Rug to Complete Family Room Aesthetic pieces RUG SALE REALITY -- What Kind of Rug Sale Are You Looking For: "Biggest Discount" or "Best Quality at the Best Price"? Bucks County Oriental Rug Store - Brandon Oriental Rugs (BrandonRugs.com) - Helps You Understand the Difference Brandon Oriental Rugs Helps Newtown, PA Homeowner Prepare for Holiday Entertaining with new Hand-knotted Oriental Rugs for the Living Room and Dining Room Is That Really an Antique Rug? Antique Rugs Might Not Always Be As Old As You Think. ShareThisFacebookTweetLinkedInPinterestEmail Posted by brandon rugs at 2:47 PM No comments: Links to this post Email This BlogThis! Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest Labels: Bethlehem, Brandon, choosing an area rug, Doylestown, interior design, Lehigh Valley home furnishings, oriental rugs bucks county Tuesday, September 9, 2014 Oriental Rugs: What More Can You Say? (BrandonRugs.com) Sometimes when there's a lot to be said, saying it quietly commands more attention. You almost want to invite the oriental rugs to speak up, but they are always content playing a supporting role. Related articles New Homeowners in Doylestown, PA (Bucks County) Find Handmade Oriental Rug That Complements Everything in the Entry Hall to Their Home with Help from Brandon Oriental Rugs (www.BrandonRugs.com) Bucks County Rug Store and Rug Search Service (Brandon Oriental Rugs - www.BrandonRugs.com) Helps Upper Bucks County Homeowner to Select Living Room Rugs for Old Farmhouse Renovation A Little Spent on a Well Chosen Oriental Rug Can Save You a Lot on the Remaining Furnishings for Your Home 5 Things That Take a Room from Good to Great RUG SALE REALITY -- What Kind of Rug Sale Are You Looking For: "Biggest Discount" or "Best Quality at the Best Price"? Bucks County Oriental Rug Store - Brandon Oriental Rugs (BrandonRugs.com) - Helps You Understand the Difference Rug Shopping in Princeton - Hopewell - Skillman New Jersey Region Made Easier with Help From Bucks County Oriental Rug Store Brandon Oriental Rugs - www.BrandonRugs.com - as Proven by Customer's Experience Video: All About Persian Rugs from Their Source ( with commentary from Bucks County Oriental Rug Store Brandon Oriental Rugs - www.BrandonRugs.com ) Advice For Maintaining Oriental Rugs ShareThisFacebookTweetLinkedInPinterestEmail Posted by brandon rugs at 4:07 PM No comments: Links to this post Email This BlogThis! Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest Labels: Brandon, Bucks County oriental rugs, choose an oriental rug, Doylestown, Huntingdon Valley, layered rugs, New Hope, Newtown, oriental rug store Bucks County, Pinterest, rug sale, rug size, rugs and decor Rug Placement Helps Determine Room Function and Where Rooms Begin and End (BrandonRugs.com) If feel that your decorating is neither here nor there; the appropriate use of handmade oriental rugs will definitely help you to figure out where here is. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/133348838942090547/ Related articles New Homeowners in Doylestown, PA (Bucks County) Find Handmade Oriental Rug That Complements Everything in the Entry Hall to Their Home with Help from Brandon Oriental Rugs (www.BrandonRugs.com) Bucks County Rug Store and Rug Search Service (Brandon Oriental Rugs - www.BrandonRugs.com) Helps Upper Bucks County Homeowner to Select Living Room Rugs for Old Farmhouse Renovation Homeowners Select Persian Kashan Rug from Bucks County Oriental Rug Store Brandon Oriental Rugs (www.BrandonRugs.com) for Family Room of Their Upper Montgomery County Farmhouse Oriental Rugs and Rugged Individualism: The World at Your Feet Is An Expression of You Rug Shopping in Princeton - Hopewell - Skillman New Jersey Region Made Easier with Help From Bucks County Oriental Rug Store Brandon Oriental Rugs - www.BrandonRugs.com - as Proven by Customer's Experience One-of-a-Kind Oriental Rugs Are Something Special for Those Blazing a Trail of Exquisite Taste That Can Be Admired But Not Duplicated ShareThisFacebookTweetLinkedInPinterestEmail Posted by brandon rugs at 3:22 PM No comments: Links to this post Email This BlogThis! Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest Labels: Brandon, Bucks County oriental rugs, choose an oriental rug, Doylestown, Huntingdon Valley, layered rugs, New Hope, Newtown, oriental rug store Bucks County, Pinterest, rug sale, rug size, rugs and decor Saturday, September 6, 2014 Why You Should Hire a Professional Interior Designer by Cindy Beyer — August 27, 2014 at 1:00 pm ( http://www.restonnow.com/2014/08/27/why-you-should-hire-a-professional-interior-designer) The interior of your home says a lot about you. Your home is your castle. Many of my clients have said they couldn’t imagine the results after their project was completed. They say it was the WOW factor. I say, that is why you hired a professional designer. There are many situations that warrant the hiring a professional interior designer. This includes something as simple as choosing paint and window covering to full scale renovation work such as a new kitchen, bath or lower level. In addition to achieving that WOW factor, a professional interior designer will save their clients’ money in many ways, most importantly the avoidance of costly mistakes. Not only will a professional designer understand the context of the project, they will have access to many resources and their trained eye can make a world of difference in the final result. And those final results also will improve the value of your home. Professional interior designers are able to work closely with architects and contractors and are comfortable with drawing floor plans, as well as understanding the implications of how interiors will be used as it relates to structural and available floor space. Beyond floor plans, program management, installation and understanding how structural design will be used in a practical setting, a professional interior designer will also be knowledgeable in color and fabric design, space planning, window coverings, furniture design, architecture and much more. So when you see the initials ASID and NCIDQ next to an interior designer’s name, know they have been through significant amount of formal certification. When hiring a professional interior designer, it is important to have an understanding of the scope of the work to be done. Before my initial meeting with a new client, I ask them to spend some time making a list of their needs as well as any pictures they saved of items or rooms they like. Upon our first meeting, I take photos and measurements. Together,we then develop a detailed itemized list covering all areas of concern. The next step is to draw up and present a floor plan. Depending on the type of project this could include floor plans and furniture placement as well as construction and lighting if needed. Once the plan is approved appropriate furnishings and finishes are selected. This can be fun - and exhausting as well. I often present my clients with many samples from which to choose. After the furniture choices, I develop a comprehensive budget itemizing all purchases. I also may call on several of the contractors I work with such as electricians, plumbers, cabinet wholesalers and cabinet makers, painters, as well as drapery workrooms and installers. It has taken many years to compile trusted associates, which is an important part of being a good designer. Lead times for good furniture and furnishings can take from 6-12 weeks depending on availability. This extra time gives sufficient time to finish the required preparatory work, and allows clients time to dispose of old furniture. Related articles Interior Design Pet Peeves A Little Spent on a Well Chosen Oriental Rug Can Save You a Lot on the Remaining Furnishings for Your Home Analysis of Initial Reaction to the New Furniture Exhibition 1901 - an 'exceedingly vulgar show' - (Curated by The Victoria and Albert Museum) with Lessons for Today (extending to the use of handmade area rugs) Regarding Evolution of Tastes and Styles Hand-Knotted Oriental Rugs Are Best Friends With Leather Furniture And Arts & Crafts (especially Stickley (tm)) Furnishings of Every Kind How Can Interior Design Inspire Fashion Design? | L' Essenziale Home Designs Brandon Oriental Rugs Helps Homeowner in Doylestown, PA (Bucks County) Find Rug to Complete Newly Furnished Study Fine Quality Area Rugs - Naturally Including Oriental Rugs - Are A Step In the Right Direction As Designers and Homeowners Plan Improvements: What's Under Foot for 2014? | ASID Icon Bucks County Interior Designer Able to Find Oriental Rug for Her Project Through Brandon Oriental Rugs (www.BrandonRugs.com) ShareThisFacebookTweetLinkedInPinterestEmail Posted by brandon rugs at 11:28 PM No comments: Links to this post Email This BlogThis! Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest Labels: Brandon, Bucks County oriental rugs, floorplan, home fashion, interior design, lifestyle, oriental rugs, rug store Bucks County Thursday, September 4, 2014 Homeowners Select Persian Kashan Rug from Bucks County Oriental Rug Store Brandon Oriental Rugs (www.BrandonRugs.com) for Family Room of Their Upper Montgomery County Farmhouse - See more at: http://brandonrugs.blogspot.com/#sthash.QMFruxxC.dpuf (Pamela Ward/ Brandon Oriental Rugs)

Cottage home design photo in Houston

Farmhouse home design photo in Houston

This 1901 Park Slope Brownstone underwent a full gut in 2020. The top floor of this new gorgeous home was designed especially for the kids. Cozy bedrooms, room for play and imagination to run wild, and even remote learning spaces.

Sturdevant Construction is a Class A General Contractor providing custom home building, additions, and remodeling services to the greater Hampton Roads area. Our goal is providing a timely service, and reliable product, with ethical behavior.

Inspiration for a french country dark wood floor, brown floor and exposed beam home office remodel in Other with white walls

Sturdevant Construction is a Class A General Contractor providing custom home building, additions, and remodeling services to the greater Hampton Roads area. Our goal is providing a timely service, and reliable product, with ethical behavior.

In 17th century Isaac Newton identified the colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) that make up the visible spectrum. And as his discovery at a time shocked the world and became a first step for a new era of discoveries and world evolution, we believe that the new Electric collection, creation of which is based on a solid theory of photon spectrum and physical characteristics of 4 speeds of rays which travel between Gamma as form of nuclear and cosmic radiation to infrared rays, a result of movement of lower-energy photons, will become a breakthrough of contemporary interior design. This collection reflects a principally new approach to perception of rug in interior making it an art object at the first place. Nevertheless, very important value that remains untouched whatever we do and however futuristic our works are is extreme care about ecologic background and sustainability of our product. Through all the history of Atelier Tapis Rouge each of our rugs has been manually drawn by the team of our designers and afterwards tinted and knotted by hands of best Nepalese craftsmen, who carefully maintain tradition of rug knotting throughout the centuries. The world has gone through a very hard time during last 2 years and perception of things, behavior, philosophic approach of people has changed drastically. We all need a recharge of energy and inspiration to restart our live paths in a new reality and there is no better place where we get energetic feed as home and family. Therefore, having created Electtrico we meant to boost the homes with warm solar energy – eternal source of life and continuity and we believe that it is a good start for new conquests. Designed by Natalia Enze

Inspiration for a transitional bedroom remodel in Boston

Kids' room - 1960s kids' room idea in Austin

Sturdevant Construction is a Class A General Contractor providing custom home building, additions, and remodeling services to the greater Hampton Roads area. Our goal is providing a timely service, and reliable product, with ethical behavior.

New Electric collection of Atelier Tapis Rouge is meant to become a breakthrough of contemporary interior design. Based on the philosophy of natural light spectrum it harmoniously combines smoothness of organic forms, scientific creation basis and unique technology of production. This winning combination guarantees harmonious coexistence of futuristic design and sustainable approach changing the perception of rug from an interior design piece into an art object. Unique trinity between intelligent natural forms, advance technology and science of material production became solid basis for absolutely new period of Design in 80-90s, being brilliantly expressed by timeless artists as Zacha Khadid (in architecture) or for instance Ross Legrove in technologic and later in fashion design. The attraction and subtle elegance of organic shapes has been continuously growing bringing to the world new solutions for fashion and interior design. Following this tendence, we have created a futuristic collection of rugs, philosophical basis of which is the theory of photon spectrum. In chase of inspiration, we addressed behavior characteristics of each of 4 light rays caused by photon speed and as a result of this thorough work our Electric collection “saw the light”. Designed by Natalia Enze

Ceramic aquarium decor encompasses a range of handcrafted ornaments and functional pieces made from clay, fired at high temperatures, and designed to enhance the beauty and health of your aquarium.  Dive into a world of underwater wonder with The Viet Potter's captivating collection of ceramic aquarium decorations.  We offer a carefully curated selection of ceramic fish ornaments and ceramic fish tank decorations, perfect for transforming your fish tank into a breathtaking aquatic realm. Types of Ceramic Aquarium Decorations The Viet Potter offers a diverse selection of ceramic aquarium decor to suit various tastes and aquarium styles. Decorative Ornaments - Molded Structures Our handcrafted pagodas, bridges, and temples add a touch of cultural charm and create visually appealing focal points in your aquarium.  These decorative ceramic aquarium ornaments not only enhance the aesthetics but also provide a sense of peace and tranquility. Hiding Places - Aquarium Ceramic House Many fish species appreciate having safe spaces to retreat and hide. Our ceramic fish hideouts, such as Rong House, Miniature House with Green Roof figurine, provide these essential hiding spots, reducing stress and encouraging natural behaviors. Specialty Items Aquarium Figurines People: Add a narrative element to your aquarium with our charming figurines depicting people in various activities like fisherman with basket trap, Gardener figurines… . These ceramic aquarium ornaments bring a touch of whimsy and personality to your underwater world. Aquarium Figurines Animals: From graceful birds and deer to serene water buffaloes and turtles, our animal figurines add a touch of natural charm to your aquarium. These ceramic fish tank accessories are not only decorative but also symbolic, representing different aspects of nature and culture. https://thevietpotter.com/collections/ceramic-aquarium-decor

Example of a contemporary spa inspired master bathroom with Asian overtones.
Trendy bathroom photo in Los Angeles

Entertaining and bringing people together is what this family is all about. Birthdays involve amazing cakes like you see on those TV shows, and groups of 30 people or more. Their ideal kitchen needed to accommodate that level of baking and hosting, but also support the daily rhythms of life. Our collaborative design was guided by Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural tradition that predates feng shui. Based on Vedic traditions that harmonize human behavior with natural forces in the world, Vastu Shanstra basically suggests how to inhabit a place in the best way possible. The objectives were: -Relocate the entire kitchen so the home’s heat source (oven) is in the southeast -Incorporate symmetry into the overall design -Create a large space for entertaining – open and airy with lots of light -Simultaneously separate but join cooking and gathering spaces, allowing the cook to have a cook-specific zone that is still a part of any gathering -Individual storage for small appliances – making them easier to use -Simplicity – the space should be easy to use and maintain Design challenges we solved for: -Incorporate three load bearing points of the house -Provide structural support that was not obvious -Reconfigure kitchen utilities to another part of the home -Maximize storage space Design solutions and mindful innovations became an exciting motivation that drove the project: -Double-horseshoe design features two symmetrical islands that seat 18 people comfortably -Downdraft ventilation behind rangetop allows unobstructed views -Overhead beams for structural support -Equip nearby dining room with locking bar and wine cabinet -Roll-out appliance shelves on back of cooking island are powered for easy use -Symmetrical fridge and freezer columns separated by oven -Cabinets along back of the cooking area for everyday items -Tall pantry cabinet has four drawers for paperwork -Spacious walk-in storage pantry has a counter with power outlets -Coffee station has a trash can directly below for easy clean up -Two sinks and dishwashers for easy cleanup “A lot of relationships are built over food,” the homeowner told us. “This [kitchen] keeps our family close because we all love food. My kids sit in the kitchen all evening long every day – and I’m right there cooking. That’s life –to be together.” We also collaborated with the homeowners to remodel their primary bathroom, primary bedroom closet and an additional bathroom.

Home design - traditional home design idea in Philadelphia

Entertaining and bringing people together is what this family is all about. Birthdays involve amazing cakes like you see on those TV shows, and groups of 30 people or more. Their ideal kitchen needed to accommodate that level of baking and hosting, but also support the daily rhythms of life. Our collaborative design was guided by Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural tradition that predates feng shui. Based on Vedic traditions that harmonize human behavior with natural forces in the world, Vastu Shanstra basically suggests how to inhabit a place in the best way possible. The objectives were: -Relocate the entire kitchen so the home’s heat source (oven) is in the southeast -Incorporate symmetry into the overall design -Create a large space for entertaining – open and airy with lots of light -Simultaneously separate but join cooking and gathering spaces, allowing the cook to have a cook-specific zone that is still a part of any gathering -Individual storage for small appliances – making them easier to use -Simplicity – the space should be easy to use and maintain Design challenges we solved for: -Incorporate three load bearing points of the house -Provide structural support that was not obvious -Reconfigure kitchen utilities to another part of the home -Maximize storage space Design solutions and mindful innovations became an exciting motivation that drove the project: -Double-horseshoe design features two symmetrical islands that seat 18 people comfortably -Downdraft ventilation behind rangetop allows unobstructed views -Overhead beams for structural support -Equip nearby dining room with locking bar and wine cabinet -Roll-out appliance shelves on back of cooking island are powered for easy use -Symmetrical fridge and freezer columns separated by oven -Cabinets along back of the cooking area for everyday items -Tall pantry cabinet has four drawers for paperwork -Spacious walk-in storage pantry has a counter with power outlets -Coffee station has a trash can directly below for easy clean up -Two sinks and dishwashers for easy cleanup “A lot of relationships are built over food,” the homeowner told us. “This [kitchen] keeps our family close because we all love food. My kids sit in the kitchen all evening long every day – and I’m right there cooking. That’s life –to be together.” We also collaborated with the homeowners to remodel their primary bathroom, primary bedroom closet and an additional bathroom.