1. This is elegant interior design with a simple and sleek double sided concrete fireplace neatly creating an intimate conversation area between the raised planters and fireplace wall.
2. Fire and Water - This fabulous patio has not only a real fireplace but also a fire pit and spa.
3. Fireplaces can be very contemporary like this concrete and metal one. Notice that is is elevated to viewing height so it is inviting as well as warming.
4. With this outdoor patio fireplace you don't have to give up your favorite TV show while you lounge by the outdoor fire - it's hidden behind doors and ready to go at a moment's notice.
5. Here is an inviting and dramatic open pit stone fireplace which is built right into the concrete retaining wall and also has built in uplights.
Now that the weather has warmed up and the days are longer, it's a perfect time to start enjoying that outdoor patio and if it has a fireplace you can enjoy it at night too!
Link to previous blogs here.
Please call me if I can be of any service!
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Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NKBA, NCIDQ, IDG
Now that summer is officially here it's time for dining outside and enjoying all the splendors of Mother Nature.
1. I would love to be invited to an intimate dinner for two at the beach, wouldn't you? The lighting will be just right with the candles and stick lights and they've even thought of a flower "chandelier".
2. Here is another outdoor romantic setting. Love the "chandelier" of Christmas lights and the stumps for chairs. What a fairytale setting!
3. Here is a beautiful setting for outdoor dining nestled between two amazing trees. A quiet and peaceful setting - Dinner is served!
4. This inviting dining setting was designed by Jon Saladino and uses a natural stone table and wooden chairs to harmonize with the environment.
5. This garden hideaway is perfect no matter what the weather. It has protection from the sun and elements but perfect views of the garden through the vine covered arches. You could be dining somewhere in Europe - just let your imagination take you away.
6. This covered patio also protects from the elements and is located close to the kitchen for easy service and clean up. I love the antique buffet chests and the plants both indoor and out to blur the boundaries.
7. If you have a view like this from your balcony, either at home or on vacation, you should take advantage of it as much as possible! I would eat all my meals entranced by that view.
8. And finally if you have a boat, it is a perfect place to entertain and serve meals. How about that - a dining room with the view constantly changing!
Now go entertain and dine outdoors!
Link to previous blogs here
Please call me if I can be of any service!
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Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NKBA, 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 more definitions beginning with the letter "R".
Reveal
A reveal is most commonly referred to in interior design as a recessed space where two edges meet, as in just below a countertop or a recessed box pleat (that is revealed as it opens). It is a way of transitioning from one part to the other in a decorative way. It is the visual gap between two surfaces, however it is a finished gap.
Rheostat
A rheostat is actually a dimmer switch with variable controls. Today most are sliding or toggling switches.
Rococco or Rococo
Rococco stying is elaborate and intricate with its abundant use of ornamentation. This style is not common today except in very traditional European antique styling. It uses fluid organic and nature inspired designs and overlays often in gilt or ormolu finishes.
Rosette
Rosettes are found everywhere in design today. Any round floral or circular motif decoration is referred to as a rosette and they are seen in ceiling medallions for light fixtures, corners where door and window casings come together, floor drains, appliqués, etc.
Rough Opening
A rough opening refers to the space allowed for the insertion of an object such as a door, window, cabinet, etc. It is the space before it is trimmed out and is slightly larger than what is going into it to allow for ease of installation. On construction plans it is often noted as R.O.
Running Bond
A running bond pattern is used in brick work and tile work and is very typical for both. The joints for each row alternate with the second row joint usually placed in the center of the brick or tile above it. The entire project is installed with the same joint pattern.
Next week I will give you the definitions of words beginning with "S"
Like to previous blogs here.
Plese call me if I can be of any service!
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Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, IDG, NKBA, NCIDQ
Every member of the family spends a lot of time in the bathroom each day. Don't overlook how important it is to have a beautiful bathroom to start or end each day!
1. This bathroom designed by Jennifer Brower shows off dark wood cabinets and elegant reflective wallpaper. I wouldn't mind getting ready here in the morning.
2. I designed this bathroom with a broken edge slab on the back wall that is backlit to highlight the edges. The frameless shower shows off the rest of the beautiful Daino Real marble.
3. What an elegant statement is made by putting the tub in the middle of the room and surrounding it with an pool that goes right through the wall to the outside! The view continues right on to the Ocean. It's like living in a tree house and being a part of nature.
4. This gorgeous glass bowl is a work of art and centerpiece for the bathroom. The round cabinet base and rich colored walls add to the the drama of this very special bathroom.
5. Here is another tub in the center of a large bathroom. Look at that gorgeous circular shower with columns and the soft lighting in the coved ceiling.
6. Have you thought of putting a fabulous rug in your bathroom? As you can see it will make a lot of difference!
7. If your style is French add some furniture that reflects it like this vanity. The wallpaper and polished tub add to the romance.
8. For the ultimate bathroom, add an infinity tub with colored lights, candlelight and a shimmering blue glass tile shower!
Link to previous blogs here
Please call me if I can be of any service!
408-369-9801 or email me
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Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NKBA, NCIDQ,IDG
Who wouldn't want a fabulous kitchen? It's the heart of the home and not just for Mom these days. It's a gathering place as well as a place to prepare and eat meals. The kitchen is the hub of the house so the kitchen design has to be functional and beautiful.
1. I love this one with the granite counters and raised glass eating bar. The wood standoffs perfectly unify the kitchen.
2. The warmth and casualness conveyed by this plaster hood, wooden corbels and wrought iron hardware is very inviting.
3. Clean and contemporary says it all. I love the stainless edged floating shelves.
4. This inspired kitchen has it all - warmth and elegance!
5. Cherry cabinets anchor this kitchen and the light weight wire bar stools add the art and texture needed to make it exciting.
6. An Old World kitchen at it's best is shown here. The swivel stools have enough visual weight to balance the heavy stone wall behind the stove. Limestone flooring is the perfect finishing touch.
7. Here is an elegant black and white kitchen. What more can I say - the contrast is stunning and the nail heads on the chairs finish it off nicely.
8. With so many straight lines in a kitchen it's great to see a round table for eating. It's incorporated right into the end of the counter on a steel post.
9. A wrap around raised counter adds some new geometry to this island and provides additional counter space.
Happy kitchen planning!
Link to previous blogs here.
Please call or email me if I can be of any service!
408-369-9801 or email me
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Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NKBA, 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 "R"
Railroad
Railroading fabric is a common practice for designers when the fabric application would require fabric wider that what comes off the bold in order to avoid seams. This is common on slab bench seats for sofas. Railroading refers to having the fabric run sideways off bolt in a continuous run, like a railroad. The striped fabrics in these pictures are good illustrations, but the fabric does not necessarily have to be striped.
Rebar
Rebar is a nickname for reinforcing bar, which is used to strengthen concrete. It is seen in concrete slabs, as illustrated above, to add tensile strength the same way it is used in pre-tension slabs used for tilt up construction. It is recognizable by its ridges all along the rods.
Reeding
Reeding is common on furniture and columns to add textural detail. Each "reed" is rounded and they are grouped closely together to look like a bundle of reeds. They are not separate reeds but look like they could be.
Reflected Ceiling Plan
A reflected ceiling plan is just what it sounds like. It is a drawing of the ceiling if you were looking at it being reflected in a mirror placed on the floor beneath it. It is used to indicate placement of ceiling fixtures and architectural details like skylights, moldings and coffers.
Relief
Relief is a word used to describe something that stands forward from the background so it is not on the same level. Relief is found in matlasse fabric, as a decorative element in moldings, in carved wood, stone and tile, in wallcoverings and in artwork where some of the surface projects forward from the canvas. In high relief it projects further forward creating deep shadows. It can be created by impression, surface application or carving.
Link to previous blogs here
Please call me if I can be of any service!
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Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NKBA, NCIDQ, IDG
If you are going to start an Interior Design project there are a few things to bear in mind first that will make the whole process easier and more fun.
1. Budgets - they are essential in planning the project. None of the people you hire can do a good job unless you have a realistic budget in mind. If you don't know what things cost, discuss it with them and they will help you work out the budget. Only you know what you are comfortable spending and they aren't mind readers. Projects can vary widely in price but can be tailored to your budget if you are open and honest about it.
2. Building Codes are an area you may not have thought about but your Architect, Interior Designer and Contractor all are familiar with them and the constraints they may impose on your project. By discussing your ideas with them in the beginning they can help you understand if there will be any code problems involved and come up with solutions before they are problems.
3. Make binders with ideas and products for each part or room of the design. As you progress through the project you may want several for different aspects such as budget, ideas, specs, etc. I wrote an in depth post earlier that will help you in organizing your binders.
4. Interview and hire interior designers, architects and contractors. It's best to work with a team and go over your ideas and wishes so everyone is on the same page right from the beginning. If the team members already know each other and work together that is a plus. I have a free download on "How to Find a Good Contractor" on my home page that will help you with the interview process.
5. Be realistic about cost, quality and quantity. You can have two out of three - take you pick! Of course you want it all but you will have to make some compromises.
6. Develop a "Master Plan" instead of a "design and pay as you go plan" - it will keep you on target and on budget. It will help you avoid any big surprises and allow you to attack the project in stages if necessary.
7. Get organized so you know what to expect and when. That means getting rid of things you are not keeping and packing up those things that will be in the way during the process. If you have to move out for part of the time - do it!
8. Hold regular meetings with your team members. The job will go much smoother is everyone is aware of what is happening and when.
9. Be flexible. Problems arise and substitutions may have to be made. If you are not rigid you will have a much better experience and usually end up with a better project anyway!
10. Celebrate when you are done and enjoy your new home!
Link to previous blogs here
Please call if I can be of any service!
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Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, IDG, NKBA, NCIDQ
1. Who wouldn't love that face? Pets are part of our families and we need to incorporate them into our Interior Design plans too.
2. Well, food is certainly one of our animal's first requirements so find ways to tastefully incorporate pet feeding stations into the home. Most dogs and cats hang out where we do and that's the kitchen so this solution is perfect.
3. Bathing our pets is also a necessity but can be pretty messy so having a pet washing station with a hand held shower head for rinsing in the laundry room or garage is a great way to solve that problem. No more just hosing off the dog outside.
4. If your pet needs to be caged or put to bed when you are not at home, how about making it serve double duty as an end table too? There are several manufacturers who make end tables as cages so they are inconspicuous.
5. Here is another tastefully designed end table for your pet.
6. There is no reason a pet bed has to be ugly - check out these adorable pet beds by Mackenzie-Childs.
7. If you are remodeling, you can incorporate a pet bed right into the cabinets so it isn't an after thought. This should keep the pet bed area neat but right where the rest of the family is congregated. Now your pets can rest in style!
8. Love these dog beds built right into the cabinets do you don't even know the dogs are there.
9. If your dog wants to sleep with you at night but you don't want him on the bed - this is a great solution. There are even a drawer for your things and steps for the dog to climb into his bed.
10. Let's not forget cats need a place of their own too - even if they do think the whole house is all theirs! It's not your neck - it his bed!
11. A little privacy please! Isn't this litter box cut out adorable? Cats do not like to do their business in front of others so respect them and offer them privacy.
12. Here is a very clever way to disguise a cat litter box. It has a side entrance and front access to change the litter and clean the box. When closed it looks like an ordinary cabinet.
13. Can you find a way to build some ledges for your cat? They love to roam around in high places and perch above and look down on us.
14. Most cats don't like to be bathed, but mine loves a bath and especially the blow dryer afterward. You are on your own on how to bathe a cat!
Love your pets and make sure they know they are part of the family. Usually they are the masters and we are their slaves.
Link to previous blogs here
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, AISD, CKD, CID, NKBA, 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 the final definitions of words beginning with the letter "P"
PORTICO
A portico is really just a porch but is generally quite grand with columns and defines the entrance to a building. Porticos are common in Classical architecture and may be at several different entrances to a building as pictured above. They differ from a Porte Cochere in that they do not extend over the driveway.
POWDER COAT
Powder Coating is a way of applying a finished layer of paint to a metal object. It is very durable and can be used outdoors as well as indoors. The paint is actually a very fine powder and is electronically charged and then sprayed onto the object being painted where it evenly adheres and creates a very durable finish coat. It is available in many colors and metallic finishes.
PRE-TENSION AND POST-TENSION
Pre-tension and post-tension concrete are processes used in the construction of large areas of concrete that are subject to tensile stress in order to make the structure much more strong. Commercial structures like parking garages are a perfect example of places where they are used. Of course "pre" refers to the steel within the concrete being stressed before the structure is built and "post" refers to it being done on site during the construction process. In pre-tension concrete the concrete panels are assembled in a factory and transported to the site.
PUNCH LIST
I'm not quite sure where the term "Punch list" came from but it brings to mind that you'd like to punch someone until they finish the job! It is actually just a "to do" list near the end of a construction project where the general contractor usually goes through a list provided by the project manager/ and or the homeowner of items that still need attention. There may need to be some paint touch up or small trim items to be completed and this list lets the contractor know what needs to be finished so the owner can take possession of the property. It is often gone through with both parties at a "walk-through" meeting.
Next week I will give you the definitions of words beginning with "R"
Like to previous blogs here.
Please call me if I can be of any service!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson,
ASID, CKD, CID, NKBA, NCIDQ, IDG
1. Curves in a kitchen design can be beautiful if used properly. Curved surfaces are considerably more expensive than straight lines so you will need to factor that into the budget. This beautiful kitchen is an expensive room with the large island which has curved cabinets, countertop and curved footrest. The curves are repeated at the hood and niche above it and even in the dining chairs.
2. This round eating table at the end of the island is very cozy and inviting and offers a welcoming entrance to the room.
3. In this kitchen the curved counter creates a gentle transition to the kitchen and provides a deeper eating area. The cabinets are not curved - only the countertop , which minimizes the extra costs.
4. Here is another curved eating counter neatly tucked in a corner leading to the outdoors. Since the cabinet below it is also curved it would cost more than the previous picture to create.
5. This beautiful hood from Best is a great example of using a curve as a functional sculpture and focal point in the kitchen!
6. Here is another focal point hood with curves but it is totally different from the last one. It is much more at home in a traditional or transitional kitchen. Athough this one is plaster, there are metal hoods with shapes similar to this available in the marketplace too.
7. Curves in a kitchen can also come in the form of tables or in this case a curved banquette and round table. Usually one area with curves is enough or else they lose their impact.
8. Maybe you don't need any curves in the actual kitchen itself and can introduce the shape in the architecture instead, as shown here.
Link to previous blogs here
Please call if I can be of any service!
408-369-9801 or email me
accentondesign@yahoo.com
Lila Levinson, AISD, CKD, CID, IDG, NKBA, NCIDQ
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 words beginning with different letters of the alphabet and will continue through the alphabet until we are done with all the letters.
Here are some more words beginning with "P".
PLINTH
A Plinth or Plinth Block is a base. It is larger that what is sitting upon it and creates a base for the object (column, sculpture, door trim, etc.). They are often classical is style and shape.
PLYWOOD
Plywood is a common type of wood used in construction, fabrication of furniture and buildings and is structurally strong because it is made of several "Plys" or levels of wood with the grain going the opposite way on each layer. Plywood can have a few plys or many plys and the more there are the stronger it is. The top ply or layer is often of a decorative wood and is used where a finished surface is desired, such as plywood furniture, cabinets or walls. You can see the number of plys in a piece of plywood by looking at the end. Some plywood is made with exterior grade glue so it can be used outdoors and not be damaged by water. It is also used over the framing of a builidng to provide shear strength and is call a shear wall.
PONGEE
Pongee is a beautifful fabric with a tight weave that is most often made of silk. It has a nice body to it so it reflects a soft luster and can be used for upholstery and draperies.
PORTE COCHERE
A Porte Cochere was originally a word the French used for Coach door. It is seen in many hotels and large mansions and is a large extended roof from the entrance and continuing over the driveway. The porte cochere protects the guess from the elements as they get out of their cars and enter the building.
Link to previous blogs here
Please call me if I can be of service!
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Lila Levinson, ASID, CKD, CID, NKBA, NCID, IDG
Now that spring is finally here and we are spending more time outdoors swings come to mind. Here are some to spark your imagination and bring out the child in you. Why not incorporate a swing into your outdoor design plan?
1. Wouldn't it be great to swing on these while relaxing on the porch with the surf pounding in the background?
2. Here is a simple homemade porch swing. Add a few colorful pillows and you are ready to go. Maybe a little bit of a back would keep the pillows in place.
3. Wow, this slatted wooden swing is right in the middle of the garden and the dinner table is within easy reach.
4. Swings can be made of many materials and this one is rattan.
5. Here is a hefty porch swing with tons of colorful pillows and an outdoor fan - perfect for hot summer days.
6. This is more of a swinging bed but that works for me too, especially with the ocean nearby an the sound of the waves lulling me to sleep.
Now I'm in the mood to just relax for awhile and enjoy the outdoors. How about you?
Link to previous blogs here
Please call me if I can be of any help!
408-369-9801 or email me
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Lila Levinson, AISD, CKD, CID, NKBA, NCIDQ, IDG
The first impression others get of our home is the foyer so it is important that it be designed to reflect your personality and style.
1. This large foyer is elegance at it's finest with the large scale marble floors and wrought iron staircase.
2. This traditional staircase in the foyer immediately says "welcome to my lovely home" with the wrought iron rails, curved steps and marble floor.
3. The floor mirror here makes a statement by visually reflecting light and making the foyer feel larger than it really is while the zebra striped bench makes a lively and fresh contemporary impression.
4. This relaxed foyer silently implies that you should sit down and take off your shoes before going further into the house. It's a very relaxed room that says "welcome home".
5. This grandiose double staircase tells you immediately that you are entering a formal home. Once the furniture is in with a large round foyer table adored with a gorgeous floral display and some inviting seating you will think you've entered a palace.
6. Here is a large foyer but it is not intimidating. It needs both chests so it won't feel too empty and the casual nature of the furniture is quite inviting.
7. Although this foyer is formal it is definitely contemporary with this gorgeous table by Christopehr Guy and the full wall mirror behind it.
So determine what you want to say as a first impression and be sure your foyer reflects that in your interior design!
Link to previous blogs here
Plese call me if I can be of any help!
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Lila Levinson, ASID CKD, CID, NKBA, NCIDQ, IDG
If you are dreaming of designing a bar in your home you may find some inspiration here. I believe Interior Design should reflect your taste and personality and there are lots of ways to go.
1. If your home is traditional you may want a bar like this with all the built-ins including a TV and the brass foot rest.
2. ...........Or maybe you have a very contemporary home and want something minimal like this for your bar.
3. ............Or here is another extreme bar - a Gothic one! You obviously need the right house for this but what a show stopper!
4. Do you have a basement that needs a game room and man cave bar? Here you go - the stone walls really set the tone.
5. If your home is a little bit County you might prefer this type bar in your home. The beadboard back wall, window panes and shaped legs define the style
6. Here is another stunning contemporary bar with neon back lit walls. It's definitely dramatic. If you use fiber optic lighting you could have the color changing continuously, which says "party, party, party"!
Belly up to the bar.
Link to previous blogs 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, NKBA, NCIDQ, IDG