Month: September 2018

Guest Picks: 20 Products to Pretty Up Your Front Porch

With spring just around the corner, I am already starting to think about ways to liven up the exterior of my property. The front porch seems like the obvious place to start. It’s actually the very first impression of your house, and it can look fabulous, even if the inside of your house is covered in toys, clothes, dirty dishes — you get the picture.

It does not take much to create a gorgeous porch, however big or small it could be. Here are a few examples of accessories which instantly say “welcome” — Emily from Emily A. Clark

Restoration Hardware

Ring Door Knocker – $28

This classic door knocker comes in two dimensions and provides instant style to a ho-hum entrance doorway.

Grandin Road

Nantucket Rocking Chair – $199

If you’re fortunate enough to have a spacious front porch, these rockers are an ideal addition! I like the cleaner, right lines of this trunk versus more traditional rocking chair styles. These would be great paired with bright pillows.

Grandin Road

Box Planter – $99

These all-weather planters are classic and can be utilized year-round. They would look fantastic as a pair flanking the front door. I’d add low-maintenance greenery to my porch using a easy boxwood topiary or even a little spruce tree.

Wisteria

Compass Doormat – $34

This fun doormat is always pointing toward home. I like that it is graphic but still sophisticated enough for a front entrance.

Horchow

Large X Design Lantern – $185

Insert a welcoming touch to your porch with some of those lanterns. I’d flank the front door with them down them the front steps for instant style.

Home Infatuation

Elaine Smith Yachting Mitered Cross Pillow – $99

Insert a bold, graphic element to your porch with this outdoor pillow. I like that it is quite enough to use inside but durable enough to resist fading, staining and precipitation. There’s also an option to upgrade to some faux-down fill if you want a softer pillow.

Home Infatuation

Square Fresh Boxwood Wreath – $58.95

This boxwood wreath is the perfect touch of green, even if you don’t have a green thumb. It’s classic, easy to keep and available in round or square shapes.

Home Infatuation

Elaine Smith Sedona Sun with Concho Pillow – $165

If you’re fortunate enough to have room for a seating space on your own porch, this pillow is a fantastic way to add pattern and some subtle colour.

Inside Avenue

Four Seasons Garden Stool, Green – $250

I love that this stool has numerous functions — besides adding instant color to your door. Use it as a pedestal for planted flowers, a little table between two chairs or even a little seat.

Pottery Barn

Post Mailbox – $59

If you’re fortunate enough to have mail delivered right to your front door, I love the simplicity of the mailbox. I might even use it inside as a drop-off stage for mail and keys.

Etsy

CARVED SLATE ADDRESS Plaque by T. Michael Studio – $30

This slate address plaque is little enough to center on your own front door or to spruce up your mailbox. I like its earthy feel.

Inside Avenue

Red Ceramic Garden Stool – $229

Even if you can not maintain blossoms alive, you can add some fun colour by using one (or a couple) of these beside your door. They are even quite enough to pull indoors for accent tables or additional seating.

Etsy

Fantastic Gatsby Square Doormat by Karen’s Rope Function – $86

This exceptional doormat is made by an Etsy seller that specializes in rope creations. It’ll add a nautical touch to your front entrance, and it is a wonderful conversation piece.

Traditional Outdoor Coffee Tables – $159.95

This fantastic little table would work indoors or outside. I see it paired with a brightly colored seat or two. You can also pull it from the own porch to your patio if you want it to maintain your outdoor umbrella.

Wharf 10in 1 Light Std Bulb Outdoor Wall Light in Empire Bronze – $71.80

I love the modern simplicity of the outdoor wall lighting. It comes in two finishes and is made of cast aluminum.

Pottery Barn

Stella House Numbers – $12

House numbers are an easy way to add charm to your front door or door posts. I love the traditional font of those amounts, plus they come in three distinct finishes.

Overstock.com

Mariner 1-light Bronze LED Outdoor Pendant Light – $157.99

Add style and keep green in precisely the same time by installing this outdoor LED pendant lighting. It’s easy and transitional sufficient to work with a great deal of unique styles.

Horchow

Acorn Finial Statue – $125

If you don’t have a green thumb, some of those acorn finial figurines could possibly be an ideal thing to flank your door. In 24 inches tall, they’d make a statement, and I love their paychecks end.

Etsy

Texas Aggie Maroon Door Knocker by Camilla Cotton – $28

If you’re afraid to commit to painting your entire doorway, this dark red door knocker might work instead. It’s oozing with classic charm.

Ballard Designs

San Luca Outdoor Pendant – $349

Updating your outdoor lighting is one of the greatest strategies to increase curb appeal, and also this outdoor pendant is guaranteed to make an impression. I love the complicated design, and also that it could go traditional or contemporary.

Next: Curb Appeal Begs Your Attention

See related

2012 Trends: See What's Ahead in Kitchen Faucets and Fixtures

Lots of new kitchen amenities and and styles are in store for remodelers this year, such as integrated sinks and drainboards, sinks you are able to conceal or personalize, stainless steel apron-front countertops, lots of new faucets, and new darker finishes. Continue reading for some faucet and fixture tendencies for your kitchen this year, dependent on trade shows, insights from The Home Depot, and ongoing industry research.

Browse modern kitchen photographs | Locate a kitchen designer

BLANCO

BLANCORONIS: The Entertainment Sink

Hiding your sink is a European trend starting to make its way across the Atlantic.

They are developed for”un-kitchen” open plan looks. In addition to minimizing visible sink mess, they also add kitchen counter and prep space.

elkayusa.com

Elkay Avado Sink – $2,205

Modular sinks that incorporate flexible bowl configurations and accessories will be sexy in 2012.

We’ve become so accustomed to our electronic work surfaces, so it’s inevitable that we will want to personalize our additional work surfaces too. Think of them as iSinks, together with the I position for”individual preference.”

Silestone Nebula with Integrated Quartz Sink

Engineered stone countertops, a.k.a quartz, stay on-trend. What’s likely to be a hot trend in 2012 is the integrated quartz sink.

Integrated countertops have been popular for Corian, stainless steel and granite countertops. Their availability from producers, not just a few revolutionary fabricators, is new, exciting and likely to be a popular fad this year.

Paul Anater

I expect integrated drainboards to be a trend this year, too. They will likely be smaller in size than this dramatic model Blanco showed us at a Living Kitchen display in Cologne last year. Most of the fixtures producers at the show featured integrated drainboards, and a few have begun to provide them in the U.S. market. Keep a look out for them at a showroom near you.

Pankow Construction – Design/Remodeling – PHX, AZ

Once seen mostly in copper and white, newer apron-front sink offerings are sexy in low-maintenance, modern stainless steel.

Also expect to find more shallow apron-front sinks that are suitable for remodeling functions. This means they’ll fit into a standard sink base cabinet with its front removed and can be used when you update to granite counters.

SeamlessSink

Zero Radius Seamless Undermount Kitchen Sink – $744

Dan Sullivan’s Affluence Seamless Sink (now CreateGood.com), introduced the faucet drain when none of the significant sink firms were considering his invention. It won a significant design award and the hearts of architects and homeowners, such as me.

The majors have begun to take notice, and are introducing their own versions to the marketplace this year. Expect to see more of those clean-lined sinks in 2012.

Susan Serra

Nation and rustic inspired faucet shapes will be big this year in both traditional and non-traditional spaces and styles. Bridge taps are going to appear in expected finishes such as oil-rubbed bronze, but also in polished nickel. They’ll be large and accessible in traditional and modern styles.

Superior Woodcraft, Inc..

Modern compact taps will probably be hot this year, particularly pull-down styles. These include both modern dash and convenience to your kitchen and work with contemporary or traditional sinks, as revealed here.

Kitchen Faucets – $569.25

More one-touch and sensor taps will be entering the residential market. This will be a popular trend in 2012 as more homeowners take for their convenience and possibility of germ reduction.

Kayron Brewer, CKD, CBD / Studio K B

Dark finishes are showing up all over the area this year in some intriguing variants. There’s a new dark chrome many makers are offering, together with brown and black composites and the popular oil-rubbed bronze.

More:
10 Components of Today’s State-of-the-Art Kitchens

Fab Fixtures: The Wall-Mounted Faucet

Bronze: Ancient Metal With Modern Appeal

See related

Houzz Tour: Modern Bucktown Beauty

The group in Kara Mann Design were initially challenged with the sheer size of this 6,600-square foot modern home in the heart of Bucktown, one of Chicago’s metropolitan areas. The designers began with the color palette, by introducing warm tones and colors of brown into the space, and abided by the desire of homeowners Al and Anna Goldstein’s want to maintain the surroundings neutral. Anna says, “We wanted to keep it simple, in order to not restrict us in selection of furniture and décor.” The house was constructed and designed keeping in mind the couple’s need to entertain guests and also have room for a family one day.

The initial vision of the fantasy home was that of owner Al, with inspiration from his wife Anna. “My husband already began dreaming up the house before we met, therefore the fundamental out lay was his thought,” Anna says. “After I came into the picture, I became really involved with the specifics of the house and fell in love with it also.”

Houzz in a Glance
Who lives here: Al and Anna Goldstein along with their dog Jackie
Location: Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois
Size: 6,600 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 6 baths
Architect: Environs Development; Interior Designer: Kara Mann Design

Cynthia Lynn Photography

The stem of the house is painted in a chocolate charcoal brown to serve as an anchor and pull the home’s warm tones together. The seating area from the living room provides a visually open texture. It enables those seated to have an unobstructed view of the dining room and a glance into the family room/kitchen area.

Anna discovered the glowing painting onto a trip to New York. The warm hues from the painting pull together the traces of color from the room. The acid-green pillows also function as a pop of color against the monochromatic chairs.

Cynthia Lynn Photography

Floor-to-double-ceiling windows from the living room look onto the bustling Bucktown neighborhood through gauzy roman colors. The oversize chairs were designed by Kara Mann and upholstered in a polyester/viscose tonal stripe cloth by Pollack Fabrics.

Cynthia Lynn Photography

The dining chairs are timeless in arrangement, but made edgy with a patterned print onto its back. The sea urchin-like chandelier and oversize Casamidy mirror complement the couple’s modern design.

Dining seats: Artistic Frame
Chandelier: Lumière by Jean de Merry

Cynthia Lynn Photography

Mann wanted the living room to function as a couch, and she realized that by designing around the fireplace. Anna says this is their favorite spot in the house.

Coffee table: Jayson Home & Garden

Cynthia Lynn Photography

A bookshelf functions as a divider between family room and kitchen. The designer maintained the shelving low to prevent obstructing the view of anyone seated on the sofa. Their dog Jackie can see into the kitchen and know when dinner is prepared!

The bookshelf also functions as a display area for the couple’s image frames and keepsakes, such as a figurine given to the couple after their engagement.

Cynthia Lynn Photography

The home office overlooks the double-height ceilings, which make a great open space. An abundance of lighting makes the oversize club seats a great place cozy up with a novel. The Dennis & Leen woven seat and Tai Ping rug add classic design elements to the modern design room.

Cynthia Lynn Photography

Hardwood floors flow through the residence. The selection of flooring had been their main design issue, Anna states. “I wanted lighter and my husband needed a dark wood floor. He won, and as much as I hate to acknowledge it, I look at the final solution, he was perfect.”

An adjoining stairs leads into the kitchen, family room and foyer. Waiting from the front door is a part the couple picked up in a neighborhood design store. The piece reflects the Chinese Chongqing Dog, a powerful and muscular natural guard dog. The figure functions as protector of the house, but don’t tell their dog Jackie!

Cynthia Lynn Photography

The elongated kitchen is embellished with shimmering glass tiles that guide all the way up. The tiles add a bit of contrast to the ordered cabinets that line the wall. Tiles were sourced in Urban Archaeology’s Glass Sticks with a custom color by Kara Mann.

Barstools were set along the counter for a casual dining experience along with extra guest seating. Large lace pendant lighting by Moooi hang above.

Cynthia Lynn Photography

The master bedroom on the second floor has a much lighter color palette than the remainder of the house. A plush rug under the king bed is nearly as comfortable as the bed. It’s a wonderful spot for their dog Jackie to sleep — which is, when she’s not on the sofa.

Cynthia Lynn Photography

The home office, that overlooks the living room, has an open source approach to its layout. A tri-level publication shelf which divides the hallway from the workplace.

Cynthia Lynn Photography

The basement press room is meant to be in which the all-male actions take place. The designer wanted to keep with a lodge-like texture, bringing in darker tones and rustic leather seats. The table converts into a pool table, along with the poker dining table next to the wet bar keeps the actions to a central room.

The basement also holds a home theater, wine cellar, gym/sauna and other sleeping quarters.

Cynthia Lynn Photography

The house sits on the corner of two tons; its modern design fitting right in with the urban landscape.

More Inspiring Houzz tours:
Warm and Modern in Austin
A Soothing Retreat in the Heart of Chicago
Living Luxuriously with Nature

See related

Kitchen of the Week: Ultra-White Cabinetry in Calgary

While each of the components of this kitchen stand out — rich walnut floors, contemporary design, and sleek stainless steel cappliances — the real show-stopper is the high-gloss white cabinetry. This cabinetry may be the brightest, whitest, shiniest custom cabinetry out there — thanks to a professional piano finisher. To make the space seem as clean and modern as you can, the designers at Fifth Element Homes at Calgary, Alberta sent this cabinetry into a piano finisher to provide it the same high-gloss white as the keys on a grand piano.

For this project, the client wanted a sleek, white kitchen which may still be functional for entertaining large groups of people. Having an open floor plan was crucial, as had been having sufficient space and storage to cook economically — without sacrificing style.

More: 20 Great White Kitchens

Fifth Element Homes

Full-height pull-out cabinets on the back wall and storage under either side of the island offer sufficient storage whilst keeping up the kitchen’s minimal and clean look.

The walnut island blends beautifully with the rich flooring, and a white quartz countertop on the island offers a durable surface.

Refrigerator: 42-inch Sub-Zero

Fifth Element Homes

The kitchen was built for a client who loves to entertain. Since the kitchen is indeed often the heart of those events, the client wanted to make certain this principal level had an open floor plan which would not divide up the space . The kitchen is situated with a dining room and a sitting area directly to the side — a perfect way to control overflow whilst dinner is cooking, and permit guests to roam around without feeling separated from the activity.

Fifth Element Homes

A more compact living room sits just past the kitchen bar. There’s no TV in this room — it is meant as an addition to the kitchen. A small sleeper sofa provides a feeling of coziness in the rather large space.

Fifth Element Homes

The backsplash was handmade at a seamless custom cement, which removes any grout lines. It had been extended a distinctive wave-like pattern and feel for visual interest. The feel is very subtle, which also makes it effortless to wash.

Hood: Zephyr 36-inch Roma (Essentials Europa)
Range: Miele 36-inch Gas 5-burner (Vintage series)

Fifth Element Homes

The walnut floors finished onsite using a low-sheen, high-traffic commercial clear coat. The rich, warm wood provides a perfect contrast to the white cabinetry and stainless appliances.

Oven: Miele 30-inch Traditional series oven and microwave combo

More Kitchens of the Week:
Vibrant Mid-Century Remodel

Whimsical and Modern at Houston

Creative, Colorful and Modern

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Powder Rooms That Actually Perform

After the holiday season is in full swing it’s time to host celebrations and accommodate visitors to make them feel comfortable. Your powder room might seem to be a rarely used little jewel box the rest of the year, however when the guests begin pouring through the door it’s important functions to perform! Believe it or not, a poorly thought-out half bath can really be a source of stress for your visitors, who need to have the ability to freshen up smoothly with everything they want readily at hand. Have a look at these great examples and tips on how best to design the perfect powder area to pamper your guests.

KuDa Photography

Whirlpool baths are a terrific area for dramatic appearances, and they are able to look so pretty with soft lighting and candles.

However, your guests frequently use the powder room to apply lipstick (or to assess whether they might have anything stuck between their teeth prior to flashing that joyful smile with a piece of lettuce front-and-center).

Providing plenty of lighting and a good mirror are important. These lovely wall sconces placed on either side of the mirror provide great lighting.

Stonebreaker Builders & Remodelers

Put on a dimmer switch. The minimal level of lighting in this powder room looks so pretty bright softly from the deep color of their walls.

But using a dimmer switch, your guest can turn up the light as required to make sure they have not pulled the wrong shade of lipstick out of the purse.

Aneka Interiors Inc..

This stunning powder area positively bathes the guest in mild from a chandelier, pendants on either side of the mirror and lighting in the markets.

Ownby Design

A mirror that allows guests of any height test their faces is good, and the previous three powder rooms handled nicely with generously sized mirrors above their sinks.

I’m only 5′ 2″, and happen to be in powder rooms with small mirrors placed so high I had to stand on tiptoe to see my head.

This floor-to-ceiling mirror behind the dressing table is a wonderful bonus, allowing guests to provide their entire outfit a quick check.

Willman Interiors ASID, / Gina Willman

Provide your visitors with a location for their bag and other hand-held products. This vanity has a nice, wide countertop with loads of room to place a purse or toiletries to freshen up.

Don’t you hate going into a powder room and needing to balance your purse on the edge of a pedestal sink whilst attempting to rummage through it? Then you pull out an item or two you want to use and there is not any place to set down those, either. I really don’t know about you, but I also don’t like having to put my purse on the ground.

Hint: If your powder room already has a pedestal sink with no counter space, consider including a couple of hooks on the wall for hanging up bags, coats or sweaters.

If you have a pedestal sink, then you might add a small table to provide space for your guests’ personal products.

This powder room has a wonderful full-length mirror.

CIH Design

Here’s a lavish touch. Click on this picture to see below this stunning vanity and you will come across a little upholstered stool. It’s so nice to have the ability to perch on something apart from the toilet seat if you want to.

Additionally, it offers another place to place a purse or sweater.

Geiss Custom Builders

Am I the only one who has become a beautifully decorated powder area to find nothing but a jewel encrusted, be-ribboned and heavily tassled hand towel — also been so intimidated by it I just let my palms air dry?

Provide your visitors with hand towels they know they can use. Shared hand towels can spread germs; this stack of cloth towels is a more opulent way of giving your guests a more sanitary way to dry their hands. Provide a basket for the soiled towels and put one in — or tag it so it is not confused for a waste basket.

K2 Design Group, Inc..

This tray filled with color-coordinated paper towels is appealing, convenient and sanitary. The box of cells covered in a mailbox is just another very helpful amenity for your visitors. You can find coordinated containers at every price point. The demonstration is so much nicer than plastic liquid soap packs and cardboard tissue boxes.

Habachy Designs

I love everything about this elegant powder room. The table lamps include an opulent feel while the ceiling lamps provide additional illumination. There’s loads of counter space, along with the tray together with rolled guest towels is a gracious way to offer new towels for everyone. The lower shelf of this vanity gives a great place to place extra amenities for your visitors.

Hint: To get a truly luxurious powder area, have a page from restrooms in high-end restaurants or clubs and provide some toiletries that would be helpful: liquid soap, air freshener, hand sanitizer, lotion, tissues, toothpicks, hair spray. Put them all in decorative containers. Set them on a beautiful tray to help keep them corralled and clean.

Using transparent containers of varying heights for the toiletries you supply makes them easy to recognize and adds flair into the counter top.

Melissa Miranda Interior Design

Maintaining additional supplies close at hand makes it easy for you to quickly refresh the room. Having extra storage at a powder room can be tough if the room is really small, but there are very slim vanities available that provide a surprising amount of storage.

Willman Interiors / Gina Willman, ASID

If you don’t have a dressing table with cupboard space, utilizing a decorative chest like the one under this counter can supply just enough space for extra towels and toilet paper.

Debra Campbell Design

Another great little chest is under this particular corner shelf and dressing table. Such a great immediate storage idea!

Joni Spear Interior Design

You can tuck storage space in lots of places apart from under the sink. This powder room includes a little cupboard flush in the wall above the toilet.

Elad Gonen

The storage is to one side of the sink on a floating shelf that functions as countertop in such a long, narrow powder area. I really don’t know whether that long shelf has some drawer space inside, but it is thick enough to possess it. That is a good spot to keep extra supplies.

Faiella Design

Skirting can make a great hiding place for the supplies. A black leather skirt provides this room extra sex appeal as well as functionality.

Loadingdock5 Architecture PLLC

This wall-hung dressing table is minimal, keeping the spacious feel of this restroom. But in addition, it has these great little side cubbies to stash conveniences.

Donna DuFresne Interior Design

This little secret compartment is built into the wall so it takes up no precious floor space. I would leave it open, just like that, when guests are at the home.

Dorit Sela

We have been studying the primping works of this powder room and how to best accommodate them, but let us get down to the business end. Ladies, we’ve all been there: you are at somebody else’s home and too late, you observe the toilet paper has run out. Aaarghh! Don’t let this happen for your visitors. Have toilet paper within arm’s reach of the toilet. This contemporary little powder room really makes a decorative statement out of the stored rolls with nine markets just for the purpose.

Birdseye Design

T.P. can run out fast at a major party. This niche is perfectly placed and it holds several rolls so that you can spend your time enjoying the party rather than checking supply levels.

You don’t need to construct in a niche to provide an attractive way to hold the extra rolls. I enjoy this particular clear, tall tube because of its minimal appearance. Baskets work also.

BiglarKinyan Design Planning Inc..

The freestanding holder beside this toilet holds one roster in a simple position for usage, together with extras below. Keep a waste basket next to it to get a place to discard the empties.

Pepe Calderin Design- Modern Interior Design

No toilet paper in sight here. It looks to me like that might be one of those magnificent toilet and bidet mixes that disturbs you and dries you also. If your guests are more comfortable using a more European solution, you might just not require any toilet paper at all.

While I’m speaking about automation, I just love those new super high-definition air conditioners for your hands that I’m discovering in public restrooms. They are fast, sanitary and they eliminate paper litter. If there’s an attractive version for residential toilets, I’m going to get one and eliminate the need for hand towels altogether.

Inform us Is there anything else that you think should maintain the perfect powder room?

More: 6 Elements of a Pretty Powder Room
Powder Rooms for Dudes
Where to Keep the T.P.?
Read the Newest Powder Room Photos

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Guest Groups: 20 Eco-Friendly Playhouses

Kids love with a place of their own to explore, imagine and play. These playhouses are a great way to let their creativity run wild, while being gentle on the environment. Whether they’re made from sustainable wood, recyclable cardboard or fabric, they’re fantastic toys for kids which can be passed to the next generation or easily recycled. — Maddie from Li’l Magoolie

Paperpod

The Paperpod – GBP 38.95

Imagine living on the moon in your own bio-dome! Kids will enjoy exploring this uniquely shaped playhouse.

Small Play Spaces

Kids French Cafe – $79

Stop in at a charming little French cafe whilst walking your pet poodle, Fifi. Tres chic, darling!

This Little Piggy’s House

Small Playhouse I

Complete with chimney, this little house requires no glue or tape to build. It needs just pure creativity.

PHOYO

The First PHOYO – $695

Designed by an architect from New Zealand using sustainably grown veneers, PHOYO (Playhouse Of Your Own) is a slot-together playhouse. It is fast to prepare and easy to dismantle and keep away.

Etsy

Farm Stand Card Table Playhouse by Miss Pretty Pretty – $245

Designed to fit over a standard card table, this fabric playhouse could be folded up and stored away after a challenging afternoon of selling vegetables to the locals.

Paperpod

The Den – GBP 34.95

You’re able to play peekaboo during the adorable cutout peepholes at The Den.

UrbanBaby

Funny Paper Cubby House – AUD 109.95

With its curved roof which slots neatly to the cardboard framework, this cozy playhouse makes you want to snuggle up indoors and read a book.

2Modern

Magis – Metoo Kids Villa Julia – $274

This mid-century is the perfect crash pad for your kids.

SandyPants

Villa Carton Cardboard Playhouse Castle – $73.51

It is stated that one’s (drama )house is one’s castle, and this is no exception. Decorative details are published inside, which means that your kid can envision greeting their royal topics in their throne room.

Kidsonroof

Casa Cabana – EUR 29.90

Kidsonroof retains their playhouse contemporary and trendy by means of curved windows and trendy graphics. It is great for the contemporary interior.

Kohl’s

Discovery Kids Cardboard Playhouse – $49.99

The Discovery Kids Cardboard Playhouse has ornamental touches added to the outside just waiting for your kids to make their own.

Paperpod

Cardboard Play House – GBP 29.95

This adorable cardboard playhouse could be recycled after a youth of playing house.

Chasing Fireflies

Cardboard Playhouse – $68

Rather than painting or coloring with markers, this playhouse comes complete with reusable decals so that you can decorate it and change it about as much as you would like.

Totslots

Kid-Eco Cardboard Playhouse, Pink – GBP 36.99

Think pink with this particular über adorable playhouse. Little girls and boys will love to knock that adorable door!

notonthehighstreet.com

Coloured Cardboard Playhouses – GBP 37.50

These smart boxes can be whatever your child dreams up. Each box has a booklet of ideas for what to flip the box as well as letter and number decals, sheets of pictures to cut and sheets of coloured paper. Sticky-back Velcro strips to attach the pictures mean the box can change as often as the child’s mood.

Modern Kids Toys & Games – $52.50

When researching in the arctic, it is always nice to come home to your warm and cozy igloo.

Modern Playhouse

Circle Playhouse – $1,299

Set up shop in the Circle Playhouse. Produced from sustainable wood, it takes its inspiration from Scandinavian fishing cottages.

PlayHouses

Dexton Fengi Princess Cloth Playhouse – $270

Complete with ruffled curtain entry and candy-striped roof, this pink fabric playhouse looks good enough to eat.

Eclectic Garden Playhouses – GBP 50

Blast into space for this rocket-themed cardboard playhouse!

Modern Playhouse

Puzzle Playhouse – $650

The Puzzle Playhouse would look stylish in any home. With big window and door openings, it invites kids to explore and play in and about it.

Pea Green Matters

Cardboard Play House – GBP 30.65

All homes should have rounded windows. This playhouse clearly understands this important philosophy. Paint and decorate this playhouse, and recycle it if it’s been thoroughly enjoyed.

My Favorite Playhouse

My Favorite Playhouse – $38

To mepersonally, this pre-printed cardboard playhouse looks like a coloring book come to life. I only need to get my mark and color it in!

Etsy

Mermaid Manor Card Table Playhouse by Miss Pretty Pretty – $230

Who says a playhouse can’t be an underwater retreat? I’d like to be under the sea in this little fabric version that fits closely over a standard card table. It is so easy to fold and store when not in use.

Next: 14 Picture-Perfect Playhouses

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Kitchen Design: Baking Stations Make Cooking More Enjoyable

As soon as Halloween is over, it seems Thanksgiving and Christmas are instantly upon us. The weather warms and the scents of sweet and salty treats fill the kitchen. However, it may be a struggle to separate holiday baking from the day-to-day meal preparation and entertaining needs. Setting up a separate baking channel is a great solution which can be surprisingly inexpensive and effortless.

More: How to Set Up Your Kitchen

PARADISE INTERIOR DESIGN

1. Strategy for purpose. Ideally, your baking channel ought to be a little lower than your typical countertop, which makes it a lot easier to roll dough out or knead bread. A setup similar to this one separates the baking area from the rest of the island. This little baking corner also has an wonderful mixer elevator, which keeps the owner’s KitchenAid from the way, nevertheless ready to work with at a minute’s notice.

Design Studio -Teri Koss

Look for a surface designed for baking. Traditionally, the marble has become the baker’s choice. The hard surface is easy to clean and stays cool, a bonus when working with pastry doughs.

Al Williams

2. Decide how much space you want. Before determining where you need to tuck a baking area into your kitchen, figure out exactly how much space you’ll need. Pull out all of your baking supplies and place them into 1 area. Odds are you have more than you think.

Superior Woodcraft, Inc..

If you don’t have sufficient space for everything on your baking room, split your supplies into those you use frequently and those that you simply use occasionally. The latter can be stored elsewhere.

Mascheroni Construction

3. Consider your options. Attempt a roll-around cupboard that tucks underneath your countertop. It can be moved to where it is needed, then hidden away when not being used. Drawers and shelves offer storage for baking utensils and pans.

Shannon Cabinetry

Find a side table to use as a temporary baking center. Place it next to your oven for easy access or place it at the conclusion of the island so it is possible to roll dough out and cut biscuits while entertaining guests. Like the roll-around cupboard, another table can be easily moved out of the way when it isn’t needed.

Colmar Kitchen Studio

Turn a massive cabinet, buffet or dinning table into a baking channel. Insert a marble countertop, be sure that an outlet is nearby and you are all set.

Bluebell Kitchens

4. Designate a room. Keep your baking channel close to the kitchen work triangle of oven, sink and refrigerator. Not only is this amazingly convenient, it helps split your kitchen into separate regions for cooking and also for entertaining and dining.

5. Keep things organized and easy. Maintaining all of your baking supplies in 1 place means that you can grab anything you want at a minute’s notice. Open cabinetry is a bonus if you are searchng for that last ingredient.

Nicole Lanteri Design

Create a space for everything and keep everything in its proper spot. Flours, grains and sugars belong in airtight containers. Organize spices onto a rack or tray — and keep them away from direct heat from the stove.

Divine Design+Build

Find a location nearby for cookbooks and recipe cards. Should you refer to recipes on the internet, you may also conserve shelf space with a rack for your laptop or iPad.

More: How to Set Up Your Own Kitchen

The Four Keys to Great Kitchens for Baking

Kitchen Remedy: The Open Island

24 Hot Suggestions for Stashing Spices

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Plant Containers Head Into Quirky Territory

Decorating that drops on the side of style is definitely my pace. I currently have a little love affair with quirky sculptural vessels. You may discover many variations of head planters, and all types of fun creature – and – automobile-shaped vessels for flowers and plants, too. Here is a peek in the more quirky side of houseplants.

More: Produce a Mobile Container Garden

Etsy

Porcelain baby doll head planter – $55

There is something a bit creepy but completely cool about these dollface head planters. I love the option in plants, too.

My mother has always had a green thumb, so last Christmas I treated her to a special planter for her kitchen. The woman head sculpture has space up top for a couple little succulents. The green sprouts appear to be a funky headpiece.

TIP: For a chic alternative to a plastic spray bottle, try a vintage perfume bottle to spritz your crops with water. My mother regularly spritzes that the succulents in her lady head — it’s an easy way to wash the crops without over-watering their little root system.

Add a little whimsy to your backyard garden with a pair of head planters that are mounted. Succulents, cacti and air plants are great options for thanks for their headdress-like shapes and very low water needs.

stonefacecreations.homestead.com

Lady head planter – $95

Here’s a traditional example of the woman head sculpture. It’s fun to select plants which spill over the edges, mimicking the look of hair.

In my home office, I’ve a scupltural clay head planter (I call Mr. Brain), that I graduated from the local shop Graceful Gardens. I love how the implanted cactus interior looks so much like a brain.

Floral Art

Head vases – $300

Jonathan Adler knows how to perform fun. These female and male white ceramic head vases would look amazing with a vivid mixture of blossoms from the market or a couple green succulents.

Paige Russell

Camper vase – $65

I would love to present this camper vessel to a couple old college friends to remember our glory days of roadtripping together.

TIP: To maintain fresh cut flowers looking living longer, alter the boat’s water on a daily basis and cut the stems on an angle.

Etsy

Air plant in giraffe planter – $15

How cute do this giraffe planter be in a child’s room? This plastic toy giraffe has the perfect place to cultivate an air plant or mini succulent.

Etsy

Upcycled blue elephant toy planter – $14.95

While this elephant would be right at home in your own kiddo’s room, I know a few grownups who would love this funky planter, too.

j.mendicino

Bird vases – $48

Modern meets whimsical when blossoms pop out of these penguins’ heads.

More: Window Boxes and Container Gardens

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DIY: Paint Your Floor To Get a Fresh Update

You eliminate dirty old carpeting hoping to reveal stunning hardwood floors below, but rather are frustrated by worn out and sad looking planks. Don’t worry. A fabulous and inexpensive (yet labor intensive) way to refresh Engineered hardwood floors would be to paint them. There are many creative ways to add your own personal pizzazz with colour and pattern. You will be awed by the results as long as you follow the right steps and are patient in between every step.

More: Are You Gutsy Enough to Paint Your Floor White?

Jeanette Lunde

The first step would be to sand your floor lightly and then wash it nicely. Once you do so, use primer to put a base and wait 24 hours for it dry completely. Then, for maximum durability, paint your primed floor with oil-based exterior-grade paint. Work from the back of the room and paint your way out to the door. Simple white floors are getting to be very popular; you can stop with only that one colour if you like.

Stern McCafferty

Even if you’re performing just one colour — a light coat to allow the wood grain show through or a thick, glossy coating for maximum sleekness — you’ll have to add another coat or 2 24 hours after your first coat dries. Sand, clean and completely dry between each coat.

Holly Marder

White, black, gray are safe floor color options. But what about red? It’s an electrifying jolt of color paired with white walls and offers the opportunity to create a consistent colour narrative, complemented by red accessories in every single room.

See the rest of this Home

Frederick + Frederick Architects

A charming toffee yellow and sky blue diamond pattern onto a classic hardwood flooring creates an inviting cabin feel in this sitting room. A pattern such as this needs you use the lighter colour as the base. When it’s dry, you are able to lay out your routine using careful measuring and blue painter’s tape.

This gingham plaid pattern is so inventive to get a painted floor. As long as the paint coats are kept lean, this pattern seems relatively simple to realize.

Elad Gonen

Another plaid pattern in colors of grey is perfectly coordinated to the painted millwork cabinetery on the far wall.

Chris Kauffman

A cute idea would be to paint alternating stripes using the timber planks as your manual. No measuring, no painters tape. So simple.

The Painted Home

In my view, painted wood floors start to look their best after some wear. When the paint has chipped and developed thin in spots, it appears to have been a part of the house for a very long time.

Envision living

Personally, I am drawn to the look of the same paint colour extending from the ground to the wall. The wall paneling along with chevron pattern floor adds enough visual interest and texture to the space so that it does not feel flat and boring. Having some spectacular furniture and colorful fabric pop in the room’s center would produce a memorable effect in this space.

Battle Associates, Architects

If you’re painting a bathroom floor, look at using marine paint (the same as used on ships ) to handle the moisture that’s especially rough on timber.

Elad Gonen

If you’ve got a steady hand and loads of time, think about a custom- painted checkerboard floor. Let your artistic flair glow.

Zhush LLC

Continuing the paint up the stairs offers more property on which to flex your creative muscle.

More: Ways to Eliminate Your Old Carpet

13 Alternatives for Checkered Floors

Are You Gutsy Enough to Paint Your Floor White?

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