The wall and doorway came down between the kitchen and dining room. A prep space and seating were created at the new peninsula. By bumping the exterior wall into the dining room, it allowed for symmetrical space on both sides of the window.

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)

Photography: Alyssa Lee Photography
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional master double-sink bathroom remodel in Minneapolis with recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door and a built-in vanity

This pool just screams outdoor fun! Pool Fountains are such a valuable asset, they not only look cool but they also add some benefits. Pool Fountains cool the water through aeration. When the pool water is sprayed into the air, oxygen is introduced to all the tiny droplets. This cools them down. When they fall back into the pool, they bring that cooler temperature with them. Run a fountain long enough, and you can see a drop in temperature from 2 to 4 degrees. You know pool circulation is essential to distributing water chemicals, moving pool water through the filtration system, and preventing yucky things from growing in stagnant water. You may already suspect this from personal experience. But it’s documented that listening to water sounds has a stress-reducing effect for many people. Swimming is already one way to lower stress. Add a fountain to your pool, and increase that benefit even more. Pool fountains create some of that fun, and can possibly even keep a rainbow around for a little longer than one splash could. They’re just pretty. Pool fountains you install may not be masterpiece sculptures, but a fanned water spray is just as beautiful to watch.

Fireplace set up for a very personal experience in the tub. tile is full hieght ot the top of the cathedral cieling, but fire is placed at eye-level while luxuriating the the tub. Perfect relief from Marathon training the owner partakes in.

"... I wish to publicly thank Chris for going above and beyond in helping me and my wife achieve our wonderful kitchen as well as the product that is sold at Builders Surplus. I had always recommended Builders Surplus in the past and my personal experience has only enhanced my feelings for your company." - Laurence Blau, LW Blau Restoration

Full renovation of first floor: Included opening floor plan by removing interior walls and mechanicals to provide a more interactive and personal experience between the family members. Leveled compromised floor joists and laid new hardwood flooring throughout the first floor. Moved stair location to basement to provide better access. installed new kitchen and appliances

Photo: Kayla Stark © 2015 Houzz
Trendy dining room photo in New Orleans

This pool just screams outdoor fun! Pool Fountains are such a valuable asset, they not only look cool but they also add some benefits. Pool Fountains cool the water through aeration. When the pool water is sprayed into the air, oxygen is introduced to all the tiny droplets. This cools them down. When they fall back into the pool, they bring that cooler temperature with them. Run a fountain long enough, and you can see a drop in temperature from 2 to 4 degrees. You know pool circulation is essential to distributing water chemicals, moving pool water through the filtration system, and preventing yucky things from growing in stagnant water. You may already suspect this from personal experience. But it’s documented that listening to water sounds has a stress-reducing effect for many people. Swimming is already one way to lower stress. Add a fountain to your pool, and increase that benefit even more. Pool fountains create some of that fun, and can possibly even keep a rainbow around for a little longer than one splash could. They’re just pretty. Pool fountains you install may not be masterpiece sculptures, but a fanned water spray is just as beautiful to watch.

Many people tell me that they have a unique, personal experience that touches their emotions and spirit when they look over my work. They "see things." Somehow the visual part of seeing my art touches something very deep inside themselves.

This pool just screams outdoor fun! Pool Fountains are such a valuable asset, they not only look cool but they also add some benefits. Pool Fountains cool the water through aeration. When the pool water is sprayed into the air, oxygen is introduced to all the tiny droplets. This cools them down. When they fall back into the pool, they bring that cooler temperature with them. Run a fountain long enough, and you can see a drop in temperature from 2 to 4 degrees. You know pool circulation is essential to distributing water chemicals, moving pool water through the filtration system, and preventing yucky things from growing in stagnant water. You may already suspect this from personal experience. But it’s documented that listening to water sounds has a stress-reducing effect for many people. Swimming is already one way to lower stress. Add a fountain to your pool, and increase that benefit even more. Pool fountains create some of that fun, and can possibly even keep a rainbow around for a little longer than one splash could. They’re just pretty. Pool fountains you install may not be masterpiece sculptures, but a fanned water spray is just as beautiful to watch.

Choosing the Ark Executive Standing Desk is not just about choosing a desk, it's an attitude of high quality life. Combining high-end design and practical functions, it creates a private luxury office space for you to show your taste and personality. Experience it now and enjoy the dignity and comfort of a private luxury office space.

A timeless, sleek design allows the Winifred Freestanding Resin Tub to complement any bathroom decor. The bathtub features a subtle double-slipper shape and a stylish speckled white color. An integral overflow sends extra water through a channel built into the tub's wall down to piping beneath the floor. This type of drain requires no exposed pipes, enhancing the Winifred's clean look that's perfect for a minimalist-style bathroom.

It was in every way, Ramsey says, a once-in-a-lifetime professional and personal experience. “My favorite part of this project was the glow on John and Betty’s faces upon the completion of the hacienda,” she says. “They became not only satisfied clients, but friends for life. It was very challenging but so rewarding.” Helping her and the Martins embrace the home’s challenges was Kendrick, who has been in the design business for more than 40 years. Despite her long career, Kendrick admits to being speechless when she first viewed the ranch’s blueprints and renderings. “The central courtyard had a bell tower over the front entrance gate — a real one,” she says. “The main house had an observation tower that overlooked the dammed-up river and a picturesque view of heaven on earth. There was a magnificent outdoor kitchen off of an enormous porch. This home was to have all the bells and whistles, with unimaginable details, while sparing no expense.” All three women embraced the challenges of creating the Kemosabe Ranch abode, including designing and building 58 chandeliers and sconces, dozens of custom doors and cabinets, two fully tricked-out kitchens — one inside, one out — and myriad accessories such as candle holders. Regardless of a proposed element’s complexity, like the hammered copper panels in the cabinet doors, Kendrick’s response was the same: “No problem.” Betty Martin is as apt to talk reverently about all of the craftsmen, contractors and suppliers who worked on her home’s features, from the 10-foot Mexican limestone fountain in the courtyard to the outdoor fossil art wall, as she is to want to bask in the grandeur of the finished project. That’s not surprising, given its scope to rival that of the Taj Mahal. But having been so intimately involved in the process has given her an even greater sense of pride in ownership of her dazzling dwelling. “It’s hard for me to pick out the part of the project that I love the most,” she says.

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