Soaking in a tub with soft music and candlelight is the ultimate luxury and I have some beauties to show you today.
1. Sleek and simple - this tub is very elegant! Notice how they installed the faucet in the niche behind the tub.
2. This is a beautiful marble topped tub I had installed for a client. Notice the back lit broken edge slabs of marble on the back wall that continues to become the shower wall! We even added marble crown in the shower.
3. How fun is this? The playful red colored tub with silver painted feet adds just the right amount of pizazz to a plain bathroom.
4. If your taste runs more to nature and the outdoors, then this sexy copper tub might be just what you are looking for.
5. Here is another metallic tub - maybe this is the new rage.
6. If metal isn't your thing, how about a tub of hand carved stone? Love the setting too that looks out to a private courtyard!
7. This bathtub gets center stage with plenty of breathing space.
8. If you are a cowboy or cowgirl at heart you will love this cowhide covered tub. It sure makes a statement! I think the tub itself is concrete but I'm not sure.
9. Round tubs add a new dimension and plenty of room for two!
10. Handcarved marble tubs are expensive but the ultimate luxury.
11. This tub may be a little strange looking with it's organic shape but looks like it might give the ultimate massage. It could certainly be the focal point in a contemporary bathroom.
12. A Japanese soaking tub might be just what you are looking for to get that full body immersion experience.
13. OK - with this fabulous tub you can even watch TV in the mirrored wall behind it! You might be a bit wrinkled when you get out but you would also be completely relaxed.
14. And the final tub has a spout from the ceiling and a wall of stone with candles. It doesn't get much better than that!!
I hope these tubs have inspired you to remodel your bathroom by thinking outside the box and creating a place for true relaxation - just for you after a hectic day.
Link to previous blogs here.
Please call if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NCIDQ, IDG
Every profession has it's own special language and Interior Design, Architecture and Construction are no different.
Each week I will be giving you definitions for different letters of the alphabet and will continue through the alphabet until we are done with all of the letters.
Here are some definitions beginning with the letter "D"
DADO
A dado is a type of joint in woodworking where a groove is cut out for another piece of perpendicular wood to be inserted such as in drawer construction or in shelving.
As mentioned above it is also used to describe what is commonly known as wainscoting. (not wainscoating)
DAMASK
Damask weaving began in Damascus, Syria but today refers to either the flat satin weave where the fabric has the the opposite design on the back side of the fabric or it refers to the design which is often tone on tone. It can be found in many different fabrics including silks, cotton and blends.
DELAMINATE
Delamination is not desirable. It is a defect in the finish of a product that has been fused together and is now coming apart. De-laminate as in Un-laminate! This is not easy to fix because the laminating process is done commercially with high heat. Delaminating occurs where there is lamination that has been infiltrated by water, air or some other substance. The culprit is often water infiltration.
DEMILUNE TABLE
Demilune tables are easy to spot because they are "half- circles". The back side is flat and goes against a wall or other flat surface. Demi mean "half" and "lune" mean moon in French.
DENTIL MOLDING
Dentil molding is commonly used in traditional and classical architecture and furnishings. It is comprised of a continuous rhythm of small blocks evenly spaced that are reminicent of teeth - therefore "dentil".
DIFFUSER
A diffuser in Architectural and Contruction terms refers to the way air is directed by means of levers or slats. Diffusers are used on HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) units to control the flow of air into and out of the system.
DOUBLE STUD WALL
Although most walls are made of single stud framing, double stud framing is used to create a sound barrier and trap a void between the two suds which helps with insulation. Obviously, is is also more structurally sound but will require custom trimming out at doors and windows because it is not the standard size.
DUVET
The French word "Duvet" refers to the outer covering of a down or synthetic comforter. Duvet covers are popular because they can be laundered and don't require a lot of fuss when making a bed. They are not as long as a bedspread so they usually reaquire a bed skirt to hide the box springs.
DOVETAIL
You've probably heard the term "dovetail" but may not know exactly what it refers to. These pictures show how drawers are finished with dovetail joints to make them strong. Dovetails are composed of a mortise and tenon, which fit tightly together and do not loosen easily because of the flared shape of the "dovetail". The word comes from the shape of the tenon - a dove's tail.
DUPIONI
Dupioni silk has a specific look to it with visable slubs (soft nubs or twists in the yarn) showing randomly. This occurs when the silk is woven because of the uneven thickness of the threads used to weave this fabric that happens when the yarn is spun.
Next week I will define terms beginning with the letter "E".
See previous blog posts here
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NCIDQ, IDG
Bar stools are used in both kitchens and at bars and come in two heights - 24" for counter height and 30" for bar height. It is important to build the counter to the correct finished height because most bar stools are not adjustable in height. Here are some pictures of kitchen bar stools.
1. These contemporary bar stools combine stainless steel and wood in a very sleek and stylish shape.
2. These wooden bar stools with rush seats have a casual Country French air to them. Sometimes people tie padded seat covers onto these chairs, which makes the sitting more comfortable but can also introduce some color into the room.
3. In the foreground are barstools mounted on a single pole and upholstered in leather. I think they must swivel too since they are not movable.
4. This a pair of painted wooden counter height stools has upholstered seats and backs. They look perfect for this Country French kitchen.
5. Here are some more counter height stools with upholstered seats and backs but much simpler in their design for this Craftsman style kitchen.
6. These "scoop" seat bar stools add lots of style but not much back support.
7. Upholstered stools serve as counter stools in this sleek kitchen. They don't have backs but can work where there is not a lot of aisle space and they must be fully pushed under the counter when not being used. These are a little bulky so hopefully they have casters hidden underneath that molding at the bottom. If you had a tiny space, these might even serve double duty for storage.
8. These classic metal Navy chairs work in many clean lined homes and are timeless in design.
9. Wire frame chairs like these these mid-century modern stools add some sculptural elements to the kitchen.
When you are selecting your bar stools be sure to take into consideration not only the aesthetics but also the function. Do the swivel? Are they heavy and difficult to move? Can they be easily cleaned if someone spills on them? Do they reflect your personality and that of your kitchen? Are they comfortable? Do they look good with ajoining rooms and do the colors of the woods (if any) work together?
You can see previous blog posts here.
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila levinson, ASID, CKD, CID
Every profession has it's own special language and Interior Design, Architecture and Construction are no different.
Each week I will be giving you definitions for different letters of the alphabet and will continue through the alphabet until we are done with all the letters.
Here are some more definitions beginning with the letter "C" continued from last week.
COFFER
Coffered ceilings are very popular and refer to a recess in the ceiling. Sometimes coffers are a collection of coffers as in these pictures or they can also be just one raised section in the middle of the room with a lower ceiling around the perimeter. Coffers add architectural interest to a room which has none and if the opening is large, tend to make the room look larger.
COLONNADE
Colonnades create a very pleasing pathway by having the columns evenly spaced and continuing on in a rhythmic manner. Originally used in Classical architecture for structural support, they are now common in all types of architecture and outdoors even if they have no structural benefit.
COLORWAY
Your Interior Designer may refer to fabrics and other items by their colorway, which really just means their color. It is a way of distinguishing between colors when the product comes in more than one color. The names of the colors will not be the same between manufacturers but within a group of coordinated products they may be called the same colorway name and look the same, just with different features or designs.
CONSOLE TABLE
Console tables are common today in all styles of furnishings. The Classic ones shown above have shaped legs and intricate carvings and designs but many today are much simpler and even rustic. Console tables are long and narrow and taller than other tables. They add a bit of elegance and help create a sense of entry where there is not a foyer. They can create a focal point in the room and are often topped with a large mirror.
CONSTRUCTION FRAMING
Here is a good drawing showing the parts of a framed house. Common terms you will come across are: ridge beam, rafters, perlin, collar tie, strust, knee brace, top plate and rafters. Although you may have a general idea where these are on a house, this illustration may be able to clear it up for you.
CORINTHIAN CAPITAL
A Corinthian Capital is the top part of a column decorated with carved acanthus leaves. It is the most ornate of the three types of classic capitals and is used not only for columns but also in furniture and accessories. A Corinthian capital is sometimes used by itself as a coffee or end table (without the column below it).
CORNER BEAD
Corner bead protect outside corners of walls from damage and can be found on corners in both sheet rock and plaster homes. The metal or plastic piece has holes to hold the wall compound (joint compound "mud" or plaster) and the final coat completely covers it so it is not visible when the installation is finished.
CORNICE
Interior Cornices are sometimes called crown molding. They are the uppermost piece on the wall before the ceiling. Cornices are referred to in tile moldings as well and serve as an ending point for tile or a place to make a change in the shape or design above it.
Cornices at door and windows are the upper most section above the door and is commonly elaborate or else it would just be called trim or molding.
CREWEL
Crewel work can be found on some elaborate and expensive fabrics. The designs are typically organic and floral. The crewl yarn is thick and usually made of wool. The design is embroidered onto plain fabric instead of printed so it had much more depth and character. It sticks up from the fabric and adds a hand made charm.
CROWN MOLDING
These pictures illustrate the many ways crown molding (moulding - both are correct) is used today. This is the horizontal molding that goes at the joint between the ceiling and wall. Compound crown molding are where some extra pieces of molding have been added so there is a "build-up" of two or three pieces to create a larger and more dramatic crown molding such as that in the middle picture and the bottom right picture at the top of a cabinet.
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson,ASID, CKD, CID
1. Everyone who knows my husband knows his favorite color is blue and polls show that it is the favorite of the majority of people in the United States. There are so many shades and nuances to blue it's hard to decide where to start but I'll give it a try.
2. This picture shows how blue can be used to enhance the outside view of the water and blue sky.
3. Teal blue is used here as a focal point and really enlivens the green in the room. Does it remind you of the avocado and turquoise of the 60's?
4. The jewel tones in this room are anchored by the rich blue walls. Blues, purples and greens make a very inviting combination.
5. Blue is a cool color and very effective in a south or west facing room to balance the color temperature of the room. Here shades of blue create a soothing place to relax.
6. Red, white and blue always works --- and why not? It's our flag colors!
7. A fresh new color combination these days is turquoise and lime green. It is very young, fresh and lively.
8. This aqua blue wall is mixed with lime green and has a touch of yellowish gold at the drapes for a really clean and perky room.
9. Blue and yellow is a timeless combination and they always work well together because they are complimentary colors. It was Monet's favorite color combination which you can see if you ever visit his home in Giverny, France.
Whatever shade of blue you lean towards, you really can't go wrong if you add a dash of another color or neutrals like white and sand.
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NCIDQ, IDG
Every profession has it's own special language and Interior Design, Architecture and Construction are no different.
Each week I will be giving you definitions for different letters of the alphabet and will continue through the alphabet until we are done with all the letters.
Here are some definitions beginning with the letter "C"
CABRIOLE LEGS
Cabriole legs are a style used on Classical furniture. The shape is sinuous and feminine. The bottom of the leg can be a simple club foot or be an ornate ball and claw foot and sometimes other animals are represented as well. A cloved hoof is common also.
CANE WEBBING
Cane webbing is used in many different types of furniture. It is popular for chair seats and backs of furniture because it is strong and gives slightly when sat upon and breathes. Cane webbing can be in many different designs and shapes and is also referred to as rattan sometimes, where the "cane" is bent or woven to create the furniture itself. When it is only bent it has an internal structure of metal to give it strength and maintain it's shape.
CARTOUCHE
Cartouche is commonly used to describe a framed decorative flat carving. The word comes from the Egyptian use of a frame around their hieroglyphics. Some jewelery could be called a cartouche if it is a medallion with some decorative design inside.
CASING
A casing is the trim or molding that goes around windows and doors. It can be many different sizes and shapes but it alway "encases" the object and finishes it off by covering the joint between the door or window and the wall surface (plaster or sheet rock). A baseboard does the same thing except it is used between the wall and floor.
CELTIC KNOT
There are many variations of the Celtic knot as you can see by the examples above, but it always has no beginning and no end. Although the Celtic knot it associated with the Irish it can be found in many decorative items. It is common in jewelery but can also be found on fabrics, in trim for upholstery or clothing, in carved furniture and on decorative items like panels and boxes.
CHAISE
The Chaise Longue or "long chair" is what we commonly call a chaise or chaise lounge. It can be any style from contemporary to classical and is a comfortable place to lay around. Chaises are made of many different materials from plastic to fully upholstered. They are often used as a place to read because you can spread out on them. They are found everywhere including in outdoor furniture where they are often used for sunbathing.
CHEVRON
A chevron pattern is a stripe that goes in a zig zag pattern. It is used in flooring, in furniture and in upholstery and decorative fabrics. It can be found as a weave, such as a Herringbone fabric or as a printed pattern and is common in many things outside of the design and construction industry as well. The flame stitch is a variation of it.
CHINOISERIE
Chinoiserie is a French word meaning decorated in the Chinese style. The French were infatuated with the Chinese designs they imported in the 19th Century and tried to imitate them, which was a faux (false) Chinese. True antique Chinoiserie has some European influences if you look closely because they did not know enough about the Chinese, their culture and their country to be accurate. Today the word is used to describe Chinese characters or scenes used as decorative elements on furniture, fabrics and accessories.
That's all the words for today. Next week I will introduce words starting with "D".
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NCIDQ, IDG
In my Interior Design practice, I find that clients are unsure of themselves when it comes to figuring out where and how to display their art - especially groupings.
1. The most common mistake I see is hanging pictures too high. As a general rule, wall art should be hung so it is approximately eye level (approximately 5 feet) even if the homeowner is taller because it will look like it's floating away if hung too high.
2. When hanging art over a sofa or chairs, place it with the bottom about 8"-12" above the back of the sofa or chair. Generally the top of the grouping is about 6 feet to 6 feet 6" from the floor. If you have exceptionally tall walls you might want to make your grouping go higher or stack several pictures on top of each other to draw the eye upward. This unusual grouping incorporates both framed and unframed pieces beautifully.
3. Groupings of pictures can be tied together with uniform frames. Notice also that the spacing between these pieces is the same in all directions. If your images are not all the same size you might try framing them with larger and smaller mats in order to keep the frames the same size.
4. Unifying a grouping, even if the frames are different, can be done by using the same subject matter in all the pieces. It's a good idea to align the top and/ or bottoms of the frames whenever possible.
5. A series of nicely framed botanicals can be a great delight!
6. A family photo gallery is a very functional way to decorate hallways and display all those treasured pictures. This is usually done in the more private areas of the home, like the bedroom wing, but can be used in other rooms as well. These are all black and white with black frames so each picture has equal weight. Notice that the matting varies in size a lot.
7. Another way to display family photos is to set them casually on shelves. Again, these are all framed similarly and I would suggest using museum wax on the backs so they won't move or get broken if bumped.
8. This grouping of two oversized art piecs makes a bold statement that shows off your decorating style.
9. If you have a full wall of collectables like these magazine covers you can fill the room floor to ceiling to show them off. The right wall has a black background and white frames and the left wall is white with black frames - just to add something extra!
I suggest you do a layout on the floor on a large piece of paper and trace the frames when you are satisfied. Then tape (with painter's tape) the paper pattern on the wall for any adjustments needed before you begin. You can actually nail right through your pattern to follow your layout.
I hope that helped.
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NCIDQ, IDG
Every profession has it's own special language and Interior Design, Architecture and Construction are no different.
Each week I will give you definitions and examples and then continue through the entire alphabet.
Here are some definitions beginning with "B".
BALUSTRADE
A balustrade is the continuous part of a staircase with a railing on top. Balusters are typically thought of as the traditional vase shaped upright but can actually be any upright member.
BERGERE
Beregere chairs differ from Fauteuil chairs because they have closed arms. Both style chairs are popular in traditional and transitional decor and even in more contemporary rooms when they are used as an accent and a break from the rest of the room. Finishes can range from gold or silver leaf to very casual painted finishes or natural or lightly stained wood. Driftwood finishes are popular today for a casual look.
BEVEL
Beveled edges are a nice way to finish many surfaces. They are used a lot in mirrors to give unframed mirrors and glass more definition. Bevels are used in all sorts of wood working as well and have a clean, contemporary look.
BISCUIT JOINT
A Biscuit joint is one of several types of joints used in woodworking. It assures tight joints and makes a strong joint because of the glue used on both sides of the "biscuit".
BLEEDING
Bleeding sounds undesirable but in fact is quite effective in decorative fabrics when it's used appropriately. If you want the colors to be unstable and "bleed" from their original edges like in tie dye. If fabric that bleeds is washed, the colors run into each other and also into whatever else is in the washer. Individually hand washing these items is the only solution. If the dye was not properly set when the fabric was manufactured, you may have this problem.
BOMBE
Chests that have a bulging shape are called Bombe Chests (pronounced like Bombay, India).The curvalinear shape definitely comes from the French - Louis XVth furniture era. As you can see from the photos below, the term is also used to describe bulbous shaped desserts.
BROCADE
Brocade fabrics are quite luxurious and formal. They are often made of silk or other shiny threads and can have gold or silver threads woven into them. They have a slightly raised design as though they were embroidered. They were used liberally by Royalty in the past for both clothing and draperies.
BROCATELLE
Brocatelle fabrics is more textural than Brocade with a higher relief of the designs woven into them. They are elegant and heavier weight and stiffer than brocades and more expensive.
BROKEN PEDIMENT
Broken Pediments are found on many traditional homes and furniture. They are designed to not meet in the middle of the triangle they form. In the pictures below you can see several with the more common break at the top but also one with a break at the bottom.
BRUSH FRINGE
Brush fringe is sometimes just called fringe because it is used so commonly. The picture of the plain green and gold one is the most common and inespensive one but today you can find it in many beautiful colors, fibers and a mixture of many different elements. Fringe with ribbons, crystals and feathers can be used in many different ways.
BUTT JOINTS
Butt joints are very simple joints that come together without any extra support being introduced. This joint is not as strong as the biscuit joint mentioned above because it is much easier for the joint to crack and reopen even if it is glued. There is an unfinished edge exposed (as in the illustration below) that needs to be covered or painted.
That's all the "B" words for today .........more next week.
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentonesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson,ASID, CKD, CID, NCIDQ, IDG
Now that the New Year has arrived maybe it's time for a new project at home. Man caves are all the rage these days but I'm here to tell you they don't have to look like a cave man designed them!
Of course the men in our lives need a place they can retreat to and be "manly" even if it's a small space where he can display his interests that the wife doesn't appreciate in the living room (like guns, motorcycles, etc.)
1. Lots of guys want a place where they can play pool and watch "the game" on TV with their buddies. As long as it's done tastefully most women don't mind at all. After all, that way they have space to themselves too.
2. If there is enough room they can even have a "poker room". Ideally, it should be able to close off so the noise can be kept to a minimum in the rest of the house.
3. If there's not enough room in the house, how about converting an outbuilding or adding a small stand alone room for the man in your life?
4. Lots of people don't have any other space available except the garage. This is a really well outfitted garage just for him. It has his tool area, his motorcycle, a built in bar, weight lifting and exercise station, refrigerator, plenty of display area, carpeted floor and a lounge with TV. Notice in the back right corner there is an area curtained off to hide those less attractive things stored in the garage.
5. This must be the perfect refrigerator for that garage man cave!
6. This man's interest are clearly rifles and electronics and it looks like he has state of the art in both. Hunters and fishermen often mount their catches and decorate the walls of their man caves with them.
7. If your guy is an avid golfer, give him an indoor putting green which is functional and decorative at the same time. I love this full wall photo of a beautiful golf course - maybe Pebble Beach?
8. This is a truly beautiful man cave for the football fan. It has comfortable chairs and a locker room style display. I'm sure there is a bar or refrigerator nearby too so they can enjoy the games in real style. They can even watch four different games at once!
9. If race cars are his passion - let it show.
10. I guess the race track can go on the ceiling too and become a light fixture - how creative!
11. This man cave belongs to a man who loves music, a customized car sofa and pinball machines. Looks like a fun room to me!
12. Here is another man cave for a serious sports fan. Be sure to keep the room colors masculine and calm. They will make a perfect backdrop for all the colorful items being displayed. Proper lighting is just as important in this room as any other room in the house.
13. If your man cave is where he and the guys go to smoke cigars, be sure you have a good ventilation system and keep the room as far away from the main house as possible.
14. So figure out how to give the guys plenty of comfortable seating and let them enjoy their special get-a-way. They will really appreciate it.
Please give me a call if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID
The holidays are just past and those credit card bills are coming in now so there's not so much money available to brighten up your home, but here are a few simple ideas to jump start the New Year.
1. Painting a wall or a room is an inexpensive quick fix and if you get tired of it you can always change it again. These broad horizontal stripes are an unexpected surprise.
2. Of course you could just paint one wall for some drama.
3. Here's an eye catching idea - arrange your books by color (not height) or cover them in some bright colored book covers that you make yourself. You could do a wall of jewel tone book covers for instance.
4. Pick a color that is already in your room like these pendant lights and add some colored filters or gels to your cove or skylight lighting.
5. If you have a bookcase or cabinet with little interest, blow up a photocopy of your favorite recipe and paste it to the back wall. Add a clear coat over it to protect it. You could also blow up parts of a book or letter or whatever is personal to you to use in other parts of the house.
6. Chalkboard paint can instantly transform a door (or wall) into a great place for notes, shopping lists, recipes, children's art work, etc.
7. Have you ever hung a mobile in your home? They are unexpected and fun and come in a lot of different sizes, shapes, colors and materials.
8. Don't have a headboard? Make one of a floor screen, gate, some old doors or simply get some plywood, cover it in foam and then upholster it with fabric.
9. You can add some punch to a neutral room by adding throws like these or even some new throw pillows in bright colors.
10. Last, but certain not least, is to always nice have some fresh flowers or colorful branches in the house to give it life!
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID