interior design ideas: August 2011

Renovation Architecture

We had the opportunity to complete a home renovation design for a 1970’s lake cottage with the intent of using it as a primary residence.

Whole House Renovation

Old-style wood paneling was replaced with attractive wainscoting to lighten the space. Carpeting was ripped up, and the existing wood floors were refinished, and windows and doors were replaced with energy efficient modern units. Beams and T&G decking on the ceiling were kept exposed and refinished.

The architects redesigned the small kitchen from a galley-style to U-shaped to create a spacious workspace and maximize the limited space. A large island placed between the kitchen and the dining area provides working space to the kitchen while providing an informal seating area for breakfast or tea.

Side-by-side sliding doors were replaced with Eagle French doors, and glazing above the doors was changed to half rounds instead of triangular to create a modern look.

A custom wet bar by Vermont Custom Cabinetry is handy for entertaining and providing a nice transition between the dining and living rooms.

A Walk on the Dark Side

I've had so much fun creating pendant necklaces for my new jewelry line, Ophelia's After Dark! Here are two new goth girls and my fallen angel necklace. View them here

Schachlo - Russian Gypsy Dance

Don Juan DeMarco - Movie Trailer

Encouragement

Your identity is not equivalent to your biography. There is a place in you where you have never been wounded, where there's a seamlessness in you, and where there is a confidence and tranquility.

- John O'Donohue -

Musings...

“I must down to the seas again to the vagrant gypsy life,To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife; And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover, And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.”

~John Masefield

For Strange Women

Combining my love of fragrance with a neo-Victorian aesthetic, For Strange Women offers naturally scented products that not only smell amazing, but are beautifully packaged. The brainchild of the talented Jill McKeever, she has succeeded in creating a line of artisan perfumes for...well...strange women. :) Check out her shop here and her blog here.

Three Reasons to Use an Architect

Thinking of building or remodeling? Consider using an architect. Why?

Reason #1: Architects save money.

An architect's services are a wise investment because a well-conceived and designed project can be built more efficiently and economically. As ideas evolve, changes can be made on a computer screen or paper much less expensively than when construction is under way. Other ways architect-designed projects save money include:

Designs that take full advantage of solar heat and natural lighting to save on energy needs.

Flexible design solutions that accommodate future growth and usage needs.

Accurate construction costs based on detailed drawings and specifications that result in quality materials and workmanship at a fair market price.

Materials, finishes, and design solutions that reduce maintenance and replacement costs.

Homes that sell faster and increase in value at resale.

Reason #2: Architects solve problems.

The architect is the one professional who has the education, training, experience, and vision to guide the design and construction process. This broad knowledge helps architects focus individual home owners' needs to maximize their investment in livable square footage on time and within budget.
Architects stay abreast of advances in roofing, brickwork, floor tile, paint finishes, and other building materials to ensure a smooth and cost-effective building process.

Reason #3: Architects see the big picture.

Few people realize how complicated it is to build until they find themselves lost in a maze of design options, building codes, zoning laws, and contractors. Architects don't just design four walls and a roof; they create total environments, interiors and exteriors that satisfy specific needs and functions. If a project requires engineering or other construction services, an architect can coordinate the team of experts.

An architect sorts out complex building codes and zoning laws and can locate qualified contractors, visiting the construction site to ensure that the project is built according to plans and specifications.

Source: www.aia.org

Sale at Ophelia's Adornments!

Offering an end of summer sale on select jewelry on my website through August 26th! New customers also receive a free gift! Click on the link below:

Sara Bareilles-Many The Miles (Acoustic)

Refreshing Creativity

Sooner or later, it hits all of us creative folks...the dreaded slump. During that time, we're either tired and stressed from every day "stuff", or we're just not feeling very inspired. I'm not there right now, but have been in the past (and know I will be again!), so I was wondering...what do you do to refresh your creative spirit? Whether simple of elaborate, I'd like to hear what speaks to your soul and allows you to reawaken that spark of inspiration....thanks for sharing!

Girl With A Pearl Earring

One of my favorite fine art paintings - Vermeer's Girl With A Pearl Earring - is featured in my latest art pendant necklace. I also just listed some really pretty vintage baroque glass pearl earrings...yes, there's a theme going. :) Click on the images for the link to my shop. Hope you had a wonderful weekend! xx

Adele - Set Fire To The Rain (Live On The Graham Norton Show) 29/04/11

Gypsy Parties!

There are two great gypsy blog parties happening in September! Click on the links and join the fun!

Birthday Cake!

My birthday was last month, and I had to share with you this fabulous cake my mom made me! The way she decorated it is just so fun, and the cake itself was chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate...and chocolate ganache! Yummo.

I love to bake (though I don't have much time for it any more!), and I think baking for someone is such a special gesture. Any of you have any special dessert/birthday cake memories?

Let them eat cake!

The Art of Mae Chevrette

Boston-based mixed media artist Mae Chevrette's work is, to me, inspirational. I can really see and feel her heart and soul in her pieces. At only 25, she's one to watch! Purchase her work at her Etsy shop (you can buy both prints and originals - she's also running a sale until Aug. 14!), and check out her blog.

Ophelia's After Dark ~ coming soon!

I'm very excited to announce my new jewelry line ~ Ophelia's After Dark. With a more sensuous, darkly romantic edge than my current line, I'm having so much fun sinking my teeth into these new designs. Of course, I'll continue to develop my current vintage brass pieces, but this gives me an opportunity to explore...well...my inner vixen! Available on my current website, pieces will be up for sale by late August. Visit the preliminary link here.

xx,

Barbara

Childhood Memories ~ Tasha Tudor

My passion for books began at a very young age. My mother said I would follow her around the house with an armful of books as soon as I could walk, begging her to read to me (and she did - tirelessly!). My favorite stories featured animals and had beautiful illustrations, and I especially adored the work of fellow New Englander, Tasha Tudor. Her gentle world never failed to soothe my soul. She also inspired my love of corgis; I've had two (very much missed!) of the little darlings. She was an interesting woman, choosing to live a simple, often solitary life in the country with her beloved animals and gardens. Though Tasha is no longer with us, her spirit will always live on in my heart. Thank you, Tasha!

Which children's books or authors still hold a place in your heart?