Dan Bernskoetter Photography
Inspiration for a large timeless l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Other with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a transitional dark wood floor dining room design in New York with white walls

Inspiration for a large cottage wooden u-shaped mixed material railing staircase remodel in Detroit with painted risers

William Carson Joyce
Inspiration for a rustic landscaping in Santa Barbara.

The owners requested that their home harmonize with the spirit of the surrounding Colorado mountain setting and enhance their outdoor recreational lifestyle - while reflecting their contemporary architectural tastes. The site was burdened with a myriad of strict design criteria enforced by the neighborhood covenants and architectural review board. Creating a distinct design challenge, the covenants included a narrow interpretation of a “mountain style” home which established predetermined roof pitches, glazing percentages and material palettes - at direct odds with the client‘s vision of a flat-roofed, glass, “contemporary” home. Our solution finds inspiration and opportunities within the site covenant’s strict definitions. It promotes and celebrates the client’s outdoor lifestyle and resolves the definition of a contemporary “mountain style” home by reducing the architecture to its most basic vernacular forms and relying upon local materials. The home utilizes a simple base, middle and top that echoes the surrounding mountains and vegetation. The massing takes its cues from the prevalent lodgepole pine trees that grow at the mountain’s high altitudes. These pine trees have a distinct growth pattern, highlighted by a single vertical trunk and a peaked, densely foliated growth zone above a sparse base. This growth pattern is referenced by placing the wood-clad body of the home at the second story above an open base composed of wood posts and glass. A simple peaked roof rests lightly atop the home - visually floating above a triangular glass transom. The home itself is neatly inserted amongst an existing grove of lodgepole pines and oriented to take advantage of panoramic views of the adjacent meadow and Continental Divide beyond. The main functions of the house are arranged into public and private areas and this division is made apparent on the home’s exterior. Two large roof forms, clad in pre-patinated zinc, are separated by a sheltering central deck - which signals the main entry to the home. At this connection, the roof deck is opened to allow a cluster of aspen trees to grow – further reinforcing nature as an integral part of arrival. Outdoor living spaces are provided on all levels of the house and are positioned to take advantage of sunrise and sunset moments. The distinction between interior and exterior space is blurred via the use of large expanses of glass. The dry stacked stone base and natural cedar cladding both reappear within the home’s interior spaces. This home offers a unique solution to the client’s requests while satisfying the design requirements of the neighborhood covenants. The house provides a variety of indoor and outdoor living spaces that can be utilized in all seasons. Most importantly, the house takes its cues directly from its natural surroundings and local building traditions to become a prototype solution for the “modern mountain house”. Overview Ranch Creek Ranch Winter Park, Colorado Completion Date October, 2007 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

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)

Mid-sized transitional wooden straight metal railing staircase photo in Other with painted risers

Pool - 1950s pool idea in Los Angeles

Stephen Thrift Photography
Staircase - mid-sized transitional wooden l-shaped wood railing staircase idea in Raleigh with painted risers

We completed this whole home renovation for this incredible client, which included custom built in shelving and bookcases in the beautiful 24x30 great room, just shy of 1700 sq ft of site finished white oak, a staircase remodel, a half bath, new trim(base, casing & crown mouldings!) throughout, removal of 2 walls, a fireplace update and countless small details. This project allowed us to showcase our expansive capacity, as we designed the space and then created it. We are as grateful for the opportunity to create this space as the client is to live in it!

Steve Reffey Photography
Inspiration for a rustic brown stone house exterior remodel in Other with a metal roof

Staircase - large traditional wooden curved metal railing staircase idea in Other with wooden risers

Interior shot of Great room with Post and beam Frame, open loft and open to the Kitchen and Dining Room
Living room - mid-sized rustic open concept medium tone wood floor living room idea in New York with a bar, beige walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Inspiration for a large industrial wooden u-shaped metal railing staircase remodel in Chicago with painted risers

The owners requested that their home harmonize with the spirit of the surrounding Colorado mountain setting and enhance their outdoor recreational lifestyle - while reflecting their contemporary architectural tastes. The site was burdened with a myriad of strict design criteria enforced by the neighborhood covenants and architectural review board. Creating a distinct design challenge, the covenants included a narrow interpretation of a “mountain style” home which established predetermined roof pitches, glazing percentages and material palettes - at direct odds with the client‘s vision of a flat-roofed, glass, “contemporary” home. Our solution finds inspiration and opportunities within the site covenant’s strict definitions. It promotes and celebrates the client’s outdoor lifestyle and resolves the definition of a contemporary “mountain style” home by reducing the architecture to its most basic vernacular forms and relying upon local materials. The home utilizes a simple base, middle and top that echoes the surrounding mountains and vegetation. The massing takes its cues from the prevalent lodgepole pine trees that grow at the mountain’s high altitudes. These pine trees have a distinct growth pattern, highlighted by a single vertical trunk and a peaked, densely foliated growth zone above a sparse base. This growth pattern is referenced by placing the wood-clad body of the home at the second story above an open base composed of wood posts and glass. A simple peaked roof rests lightly atop the home - visually floating above a triangular glass transom. The home itself is neatly inserted amongst an existing grove of lodgepole pines and oriented to take advantage of panoramic views of the adjacent meadow and Continental Divide beyond. The main functions of the house are arranged into public and private areas and this division is made apparent on the home’s exterior. Two large roof forms, clad in pre-patinated zinc, are separated by a sheltering central deck - which signals the main entry to the home. At this connection, the roof deck is opened to allow a cluster of aspen trees to grow – further reinforcing nature as an integral part of arrival. Outdoor living spaces are provided on all levels of the house and are positioned to take advantage of sunrise and sunset moments. The distinction between interior and exterior space is blurred via the use of large expanses of glass. The dry stacked stone base and natural cedar cladding both reappear within the home’s interior spaces. This home offers a unique solution to the client’s requests while satisfying the design requirements of the neighborhood covenants. The house provides a variety of indoor and outdoor living spaces that can be utilized in all seasons. Most importantly, the house takes its cues directly from its natural surroundings and local building traditions to become a prototype solution for the “modern mountain house”. Overview Ranch Creek Ranch Winter Park, Colorado Completion Date October, 2007 Services Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture

Contact for Pricing: vince@recreationunltd.com Manufacturer: Country Lane Availability: Custom Order Hearthside and the Arcadian are part of the arched (or curved) pergola series. The arched pergolas come with curved joists to create an elegant look and feel. Choose from 2 different arched pergola designs, available in both wood and vinyl showcasing decorative joist ends. The Hearthside: A beautiful, arched wood pergola that will transform any space. An arched pergola, like the Hearthside, adds a touch of elegance and romance to any backyard. Designed for those who appreciate beauty in details, a curved wood pergola design creates a natural, yet sophisticated atmosphere. Whether you're planning a cozy family dinner, or a neighborhood pool party, an arched pergola provides the perfect backdrop. Quick Specs: -Unique Curved Joists -Decorative Scalloped Ends -Available in #1 PTSYP -Available in 4 stain colors to match your outdoor decor. -The perfect centerpiece for romantic dinners & entertaining. Arcadian: An arched vinyl pergola that mimics the natural lines and curves from nature. An arched pergola, like the Arcadian, adds an aura of romance to any backyard. Built for those who appreciate beauty in details, a curved pergola design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether you're planning an intimate dinner for two, or a pool party for the whole neighborhood, an arched pergola provides the perfect backdrop. Quick Specs.: -Unique curved joists -Decorative Scalloped Ends -Available in Low Maintenance Vinyl -The perfect centerpiece for romantic dinners & entertaining. Please visit our website for; -Wood Stain and Vinyl Colors -Post Options -Standard Features -Warranty specifications; inclusions and exclusions -Inspiration Gallery

Photo by Boor Bridges Architecture
Example of a mountain style patio design in San Francisco

industrial steel posts framing front porch, fuscia- coloured front door photos by Tory Zimmerman
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern front porch remodel in Toronto with a roof extension

This beautiful bar cabinet with burnt oak adjustable shelves is part of our Loft Shelving System. Our Loft posts in blackened gunmetal and fully machined brass fittings in our buffed brass finish mount from the top of our cabinet and tie back to the wall to support 8 shelves. Amuneal’s proprietary machined hardware clamps onto the posts so that the shelves can be easily adjusted at any time. The burnt oak shelves are milled in house from solid white oak to a thickness of 1.5” before being hand-finished using the traditional Shou Sugi Ban process of burning the wood. Once completed, the shelves are sealed with a protective coating that keeps that burnt finish from rubbing off. The combination of blackened steel posts, machined and patinated brass hardware and the charred oak shelves make this a stunning and sculptural shelving option for any space. Integrated bronze bottle stops and wine glass holders add detail and purpose. The lower portion of this bar system is a tall credenza in one of Amuneal’s new finishes, cerused chestnut. The credenza storage highlights the system’s flexibility with drawers, cabinets and glass fronted doors, all with Amuneal fully machined and full width drawer pulls. Behind the glass doors, are a series of pull-out wine trays, carved from solid oak, allowing both display and storage in this unit. This unit is fabricated in our Philadelphia-based furniture studio and can be customized with different metal and wood finishes as well as different shelf widths, sizes and configurations.