I have spent an enjoyable morning drooling over the work of New York City architectural firm Peter Pennoyer Architects. I love his kitchens and found so many inspiring ideas.
I have always dreamed of a rolling library ladder in my kitchen. Although, considering our kitchen’s small size, that might not be practical.
Martha, Martha, Martha. I LOVE this kitchen! The grayish taupe walls, the expanses of white marble and the beautiful cabinetry…I am drooling. Ms. Stewart recently posted new pictures of this kitchen on her blog.
Look at this display case. Glass on 3 sides gives it an open, airy feeling. I also like all the little touches of metal throughout the room; from the clock, to the warming drawers and the little metal knobs on the cupboards.
One benefit of owning several homes is being able to design completely different kitchens.
I love the look and beautiful simplicity of these unfitted kitchens designed by British companies deVOL Kitchens and Plain English.
I have been drooling over these kitchens for the past 6 years, just waiting for the day when we remodel our kitchen.
Unfitted kitchens feature freestanding cabinetry. The cabinets are constructed of hardwoods and high quality materials. The quality of the construction often resembles a piece of furniture.
I love to imagine cooking in a kitchen like this. Well, in my fantasies, I love to imagine watching my husband, David, cooking in a kitchen like this while I sip a glass of wine and flip through the latest issue of “Food & Wine” magazine.
One of my favorite spots in all of Hong Kong is Nan Lian Garden. David and I spent 2 weeks in Hong Kong last December. Visiting Nan Lian Garden was my favorite part of our trip. Nestled inside bustling Kowloon is this beautiful, tranquil garden paradise.
Nan Lian Garden was completed in 2006. It was built to offer a quiet place for reflection and to experience the ancient culture of China. The entire garden is surrounded with 260 sound proof panels to maintain a peaceful environment.
There are a variety of garden structures and architectural elements of classical Chinese design. The garden is built in the style of the Tang Dynasty (618 AD to 907 AD).
Rocks from all over China were incorporated with rocks from the local site. They were arranged in groups to enhance the landscape and to form visual focal points.
The guiding philosophy of the garden’s design is based on the ancient Chinese principle of “man in harmony with nature.”
Developers built around an 86 year old woman’s property, engulfing her tiny home.
Edith Macefield, 86 years old, refused to sell her house to developers even when they offered $1 million dollars. She died this past week in her tiny two-bedroom, two-story house built in 1900, as was her wish.
“I don’t want to move. I don’t need the money. Money doesn’t mean anything,” Macefield said.
“Edith Macefield, 1921-2008: Ballard woman held her ground as change closed in around her…”
Bathroom designed by Nate Berkus Associates
The other day I stumbled across a bathroom designed by Nate Berkus. I find this bathroom so peaceful and serene. I have been looking at it every day and wishing it was my bathroom.
Nate’s decorating philosophy can be summed up with the tagline, “Love the Way You Live.” I find that so seductive…I want to love the way I live!
Sadly, I think our tagline is more along the lines of “Bought a very RUNDOWN House. Living in the house while restoring it For 5+ years. Ran out of patience and money. Wonder if we will EVER get this house finished?” or just the short and sweet “NOT Loving the Way I Live.”
The photo doesn’t do our bathroom justice. It is much worse in real life. It is hard to see the paint peeling off the plaster, the sink that still doesn’t work, or the lack of a shower. Three years ago “brushing our teeth in the bath tub” still seemed funny…now, not so much.
I really hope 2008 is the year we can afford to tackle our bathroom. I am getting desperate!
I love these colors. They are from around 1910.
Aren’t the colors on the paint sample card above absolutely beautiful? Those colors have been, and continue to be so helpful during our restoration.
Early 1900 paint and stain color offerings from Aladdin Homes
Exterior paint color swatches from 1915
Sani-Flat paint sample card from around 1918
We are lucky enough to live in a neighborhood with many beautiful older homes. I often drive by the Perrine House which has been declared a Historical-Cultural Monument by the city of Los Angeles. I have always been struck by how nice their front door looks.
The screen door has been modified by adding a metal grill. While this has the benefit of providing security, an issue in our neighborhood, it looks much more attractive than the metal beast of a security door gracing the front of our house.
If you look closely, you’ll see that the decorative flourishes of the metal grill work mimick the pattern found in the stained glass windows in the door and side lights.
The door has a beautiful entry set and matching lock.
This security door is our inspiration but we would like to do something a little more humble for our bungalow. We would also want to insert a screen behind the grill so that we could keep the door open.
Well, we’ve found our next project!
If I had $4000 burning a hole in my pocket I know what I’d be tempted to spend it on!
These are beautifully handcrafted oak, maple, cherry or hickory wood refrigerator cases. The craftsmanship is amazing and would look right at home in an old fashioned kitchen.