Exotic Asian Gardens

Hong Kong's awe inspiring Nan Lian Garden

Inspiration, Landscaping

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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The guiding philosophy of the garden’s design is based on the ancient Chinese principle of “man in harmony with nature.”

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Comments { 1 } January 6, 2009

Space Saving Built-Ins

Traditional Arts & Crafts built-in furniture

Built-ins, Inspiration, Storage

builtin_01Built-in closet and drawers

In a small space every inch counts. Built-ins offer clever and functional storage solutions for small spaces.

builtin_02Built-in bookcase and bench with lift-top seat for additional storage flank the fireplace

Bookcases, benches or desks utilize the space next to bungalow fireplaces. Fireplaces were considered the heart of the home and made an ideal spot to curl up with a good book.

builtin_03Built-in writing desks

Hiding a desk in a room divider or a corner is a clever way to maximize areas of the room that would not otherwise be used.

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Comments { 3 } December 30, 2008

Traditional Arts & Crafts Decorative Design

Historical examples of wall treatments and decorative schemes

Inspiration, Wall Treatments

walltreat_01 Wallpaper patterns and borders from 1911

walltreat_02 Sherwin Williams paint and design services advertisement from around 1910

The above Sherwin Williams advertisement was accompanied by the following text:

“This dining-room illustration demonstrates that very dignified and attractive effects can be obtained without over-decoration. Even with its attractive wall effects, beamed ceiling and fine furniture, the general effect is simple.”

walltreat_03Decorative schemes for a dining room or den.

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Comments { 2 } December 19, 2008

Taking A Fresh Look at Bungalow Living Rooms

What can you learn by looking to the past?

Inspiration, Living Spaces

lr_07Bungalow living room anchored by a desk

Looking at these historic photos and illustrations from the early 1900′s, I find it interesting that so many of the living rooms feature a table or desk in the middle of the room. This was the era before coffee tables were popular.

 

lr_051Photo of an upper class home, taken around 1914

 

lr_04Armstrong linoleum advertisement featuring a desk placed behind the sofa.

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Comments { 2 } December 17, 2008

Her Way

Inspiration comes in many forms, but there is nothing more inspiring than an independent spirit

Inspiration

Developers built around an 86 year old woman's property, engulfing her tiny home.
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…”

Comments { 8 } June 20, 2008

Bathroom Dreaming

This is a bathroom I would be happy to get ready in every day

Bathrooms, Inspiration

bathroomdreamingBathroom designed by Nate Berkus Associates

The other day I stumbled across a bathroom designed by Nate Berkus for Billy and Katie Lee Joel. 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 “Purchased 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!

Comments { 15 } October 9, 2007

Paint Colors

Vintage colors inspire our paint color choices

Inspiration, Paint

I love these colors. They are from around 1910.
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
Early 1900 paint and stain color offerings from Aladdin Homes

Exterior paint color swatches from 1915
Exterior paint color swatches from 1915

Sani-Flat paint sample card from around 1918
Sani-Flat paint sample card from around 1918

Comments { 1 } February 7, 2006

Kitchen Ads (1920s)

I love those old cast iron farmhouse sinks

Inspiration, Kitchens

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Comments { 14 } May 22, 2005

Security Door Inspiration

Seeking security solutions that are beautiful

Inspiration, ,

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.

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Comments { 3 } January 26, 2005

Customized Commercial Refrigerator

Inspiration, Kitchens,

Customized Commercial Refrigerator
Custom designed refrigerator from Klondike Case

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 from Klondike Case. The craftsmanship is amazing and would look right at home in an old fashioned kitchen.

Comments { 0 } August 11, 2004