Judge A Book By Its Cover

I love receiving my weekly Houzz updates, because they are a little treat waiting for me in my email. This weekend I especially loved the photos of a little house with a modern soul. If I were walking down the street and came across this place, I would wish that I could run inside. Funny enough, I have seen the inside because it is the home of Morgan of The Brick House. (Some time ago I mentioned this blog here).

The Brick House is all about modern design on a budget, which is an idea that is close to my heart. It frustrates me that we tend to associate modern with large expense! Don't get me wrong I love reading Dwell or Architectural Digest as much as the next person, but that isn't really practical for most of us, right? Fortunately, Morgan doesn't let a small budget hold her back and I LOVE this amazing detail on the front of the house. I have to confess that I'm including this photo in hopes that it might inspire all you modern lovers who think your house could never express your ideas. Just think a little out of the box...ha, ha!

Wow! Check out the before pic.

The backyard is fantastic!

Finally, I couldn't resist this photo because the simplicity of it is so wonderful. I envy Morgan's ability to live with very few items. I try to do this myself but often fail:( Having so many blank spaces allow your mind to wander and reflect. (Said the hard-core introvert!).

Feeling Tipsy

Hello, all! I had to share this video of an unbelievable house that is now on the market. It is space-age fabulous!!! Designed by Richard T. Foster in 1968, the Rotating House is ingenious. Once inside, you can rotate the house to face any view of the beautiful property it sits on. Love it! 

P.S.  Monday's post didn't appear here because of problems with Blogger. I did post a link on my Twitter and Facebook sites. Be sure and check out another amazing home there. As for the explanation of where I've been...still to come, I promise.

On The Quirky Side

Hello everyone! For those of you who may wonder where I've been, I apologize for the long silence. Life's been kind of crazy lately and my blogging has been paying the price. Well, I did want to post this unique and quirky loft in New York. Designed by Bohl Architects, it uses plenty of fun and off-beat details.

Ha, ha! This detail really cracks me up. I mean, if you want a random blue eye staring at you; why not have one, right?
(I have a feeling this photo may cause some controversy amongst readers)

As a designer, I've always found it frustrating that so many people will only live with things that others approve of! I can't say how many times I've heard the words, "I need to know if my sister likes it" or "My mother", "My neighbors"...etc. Why?! If its your home and your place to live and rest, why can't it just mean something to you? I look as a home as a sanctuary and as a place that feeds your inner self. So shouldn't it be a true representation of yourself? Ahhh, this has been my soapbox for many years. I hope at least a few people will stop and consider my words and take true ownership of their environment.
Don't know why I seem so bossy today.

What Would You Do?

Hypothetical situation...Lets say one day someone walked up to you and said, "Hello, I'm going to give you your dream home. Just tell me what you want." Would you know what to say? I mean we often think we know what we want, but do we really know? (Yes, I do believe this might happen to me someday; so I think about it a lot). Well, I think I found a very good blueprint for what I would like to have. Check out this gorgeous Dallas home!

They say a kitchen is the most important room in a house, but I find its usually my least favorite. For one, I'm not much of a cook but also because kitchens are usually too fussy or too frumpy. This kitchen on the other hand...nice! Its so chic and clean.

Perhaps, I would not want my house to be this White! I like more color. So, do you know what you want. Another question, can we really get what we want if we're not even clear what that is?! Hmmm, sorry to be so philosophical the day after the Super Bowl:)
P.S. Some of you long time readers may remember my "Dream Home" series, but newer readers may not. Click here for some more inspiration.

Look Up!

(Found via Yatzer)

Commercial spaces are such a great place to get design inspiration. They are often very bold and adventurous. One of my favorite things in commercial spaces is the attention given to ceilings. No boring white planes of emptiness!
This beautiful Spanish restaurant does an amazing job of making the most of the large expanse above. Its interesting how subtle the rest of the decor is. The intricate angles of the ceiling are such a focal point, the space doesn't need much else. Love it!

I realize most of us can't tear down our ceilings and build an entire new shape, but there can still be a lot done. How about at least painting them a more interesting color than white? Also, add details like antique looking medallions coupled with modern light fixtures. That's a personal favorite!

One more thing! I'm crazy about the hand drawn pictures on the restroom doors. Doors as art? Who knew?

Favorite Portfolio: Blacksheep Architecture and Design

Hello all! I wanted to share two of my new obsessions. First, a very cool site called Houzz. Have you seen it? Its a blogger's dream come true. Basically, its a site where you can bookmark your favorite images, or post photos of your own work. Also, you can create your Idea books from all their images. Its so fabulous and inspiring!!

My second obsession is Blacksheep Interior and Architecture, found via Houzz. Their design is so crisp and creative. I had a hard time narrowing down the amount of photos I posted.

I'm developing my own ideabook. If any of you create one, let me know:)

Too Cool For School

This article from the New York Times, caught my eye today. Two New York designers decided to take a simple and clean approach to designing their East Hampton home. Their inspiration was the practical decor of a school building. I love this concept because it combines minimalism, modernism, and practicality. Of course, I never went to a school that looked this fabulous...but you get the picture;)

Outdoor Living, Down Under

Bringing the outdoors, in. I love that phrase, because it conjures up wonderful images in my mind. Images like this Australian home. Having easier access to the nature seems like the only way to live!

This kitchen is KILLER! The lines and those stairs...ahhh!!

Now, I do have to admit that I'm not really sold on the red bath. In concept, its cool but I don't know. That color is kind of throwing me off. How do you guys feel about it?

Despite the bath, I still want this home! Check out more pictures here.

A Quick Stop For Inspiration

On our trip home, we decided to make a quick stop in Austin. I say quick because we weren't even there 24 hrs. That didn't stop me from photo stalking;) (Annie, I hope you like these. Ha!) I've been itching to see the Saint Cecilia Hotel, since I first heard about it. Designed by the developers of the San Jose, I knew it would have to be amazing...and it certainly was!!!
I know many bloggers have written about this place so I hope you all will indulge me. I'm just so excited about it! Also, please excuse Mr. Liam who had to walk through almost EVERY photo I took. Here's a tip: Don't take small boys when taking photos. They don't exactly know how to sit still.

I don't have many photos to share, because I didn't actually stay at the hotel, I was just passing by. Yes, I know...the definition of stalking. Honestly, there is so much inspiration that just a quick walk around supplies more than enough eye candy. One of my favorite details was the black and white tile in a chevron pattern. Oh you all know how much I love stripes!

Yeah, he knows how to pose!

My other favorite part. This hidden courtyard. The design of it isn't complicated, but its just perfection. It occurred to me how simple it would be to find a couple of simple outdoor benches and paint them bright white. This bench is one large L-shape piece but two benches placed caddy corner to one another can have the same effect. The pillows are simply made with black outdoor fabric.

The jewel-tones and the stark lines are so striking. St. Cecilia, hopefully next time I can see you from the inside.
Love ya!

Mas Amor

(Translation: More Love)
I know many of you loved this incredible work space as much as I did. Dezeen posted a more extensive article with additional photos and an interview with the architect...just one problem. The interview is in Spanish, so you might need a translator. Its got great photos though!

SoCal Modern

I could scroll through your site for hours:) And yes I will take this house...as long as the car is included.

You can find more photos of this modern ranch here.

A Woman's Point of View: Carol Isaak Barden

A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Houston developer Carol Barden. It was an interesting series of events that got us in touch. Several weeks ago I posted photos of one of my favorite Houston homes that is on the market. The photos were picked up by several other sites which brought them to the attention of Carol. Why is this significant, you ask. Well, Carol is responsible for saving the home from the scrap heap several years ago. Swamplot wrote an interesting article breaking down the time line. So, we got in touch and I got the opportunity to visit with a fascinating woman with strong convictions on what makes a house a home.

As the developer, Barden conceives of every new project and then infuses her personal touches throughout the space. Several details I like in her homes, are first, the importance of nature. When a new home is ready to be built, existing trees are left standing. This is not something that is done nearly enough in Houston. Also, windows are placed to allow the homeowners to actually enjoy the beautiful greenery. This doesn't sound like an Earth shattering idea and yet many builders never actually do that! Perhaps my favorite details are the natural feeling brought inside via natural materials and textures. For someone who loves texture and earthy colors as much as I do, these homes really entice me:)

Carol believes women have a natural advantage when it comes to building and designing homes because they can visualize all the small details that a home needs. For example, the idea of having natural light in a bathroom for applying makeup. Separate vanities in the master bath, so couples don't have to watch each other spitting into the sink every day. Hey, we gotta keep some of the romance alive somehow! Barden's company is especially known for their beautiful and well thought out kitchens. Of course, designed with real people who cook in mind.

The Wabi Sabi house is one of Barden's most recent projects that garnered a lot of attention. It was based on the ancient Japanese concept of essentially finding beauty in imperfection. Personally, I am a believer in this concept and I'm sure many readers would not be surprised to know that about me;) If you are unfamiliar with the concept of Wabi-sabi, I highly recommend studying it.

This beautiful home was completed so succesfully that Carol already has a second one in the works. It should be scheduled to finish in the fall of '09 and I can't wait to see it! Hope you find these photos as inspiring as I do and have a great weekend, everyone.