ARCHITECT LOVE

I love a great Architect.  Today there are so many great choices for talented Architects.  If I were building a home today, I'm not sure which one I'd pick and even which style of home  because  I adore so many designs.  Wouldn't it be great to live like Barbara Streisand?  She apparently has one compound of different homes in all different styles.

The house pictured above is one of my fave places, and I'll tell you about the Architect further down.


Verdigris Vie recently posted a beautiful house drawn by the talented architectural firm of Backen, Gillam & Kroeger  I loved the pictures in the post

 ...and then the name rang a bell. This is the same firm I've loved for awhile.    I learned of them originally when I spotted this beautiful California home, on another blog,  also created by them:

 
 

So, this got me thinking.....I have a file of so many different Architect loves, and I wanted to share a few of my favorite Architect firms.

The very top picture  is from the San Antonio firm of Michael G. Imber Architects.  They have designed houses all over the US....and here's some fave examples of their work:

Southern Living Idea House Escondido

Alys Beach

Italian facades from Paddle Creek Architects:

European  facades from Claudia Ortiz Design Group:

Cottage design from Crisp Architects:

More cottage style from Arcanum Architecture:

European from Steve Giannetti:

Rustic farmhouse by Austin firm Geshcke Architects:

this is the concept idea one of my clients is currently building (see last post)

Spanish flair by the Austin firm of Hugh Jefferson Randolph Architects:

(notice the beautiful ceiling)

 or maybe something with a modern flair by Hugh:

And last but not least,  Vanguard Studios from Austin:

Both of these pics are computerized drawings of their Showhouse home currently being built in Spanish Oaks Austin.  The home tour will be ready this June! 

 Each one of the Architect firms I mentioned all have amazing portfolios.  I hope you'll take the time to check out their work on the highlighted links. 

Would definitely be a hard choice to choose if I had to build.
Which style would you build if it were your house?


Have a great day ,

Luxe for Less - Lacquered Side Tables

The other day I ran into IKEA for some storage boxes and what did I spy, high gloss side tables.  If you've shopped in IKEA you know that their Lack series of furniture are very popular because of the look and the price.  Well IKEA has put a new spin on the series and have created some lacquered pieces in the Lack line.

 (Sorry - the photo was taken with my phone)

I'm in love with the gray side table and so course the red and white tables are not too shabby either.  The best part is the price $12.99 each piece.  Don't you just love IKEA?

Design Inspiration - Candice Olson

Last year, I did a post on Candice Olson's new series, "Candice Tells All".  Well, Season 3 has started up again.  Yes, Season 3, apparently Season 2 aired on HGTV and they didn't advertise it.  Sometimes, I don't think HGTV has focus groups or even remotely listen to their viewers, it actually should be called the House Hunters channel because the programming is packed up of those shows.  HGTV, if you're listening, more design less house hunting please?

I've set my DVR to record all the repeats of Candice Tells All and I've been catching the shows I've missed. As usual Candice delivered amazing rooms, here's a couple of rooms from the series that I fell in love with.  awww.... pure eye candy.

 After, don't you love the pendants lights?

 

Loving the contrast between the cabinets and counter tops .

 Now this is an office

I'm so feeling the mirrored cabinet, that's some fancy storage

 The ceiling treatment and the grass cloth wallpaper works will together in the room.

Wow, can you say DATED?

The After is so stunning, it makes you want to do a happy dance. 

  It's a timeless living room

TUB AND CHANDY

VAN WICKLEN DESIGN

 One of my projects right now is renovating my client's master bathroom.  The lighting is one of the issues we're updating.  I had recommended a chandelier over the master tub area.  However, the husband wasn't so sure about how a chandy would look in a  bathroom, over a tub.  However, the wife loves the idea.

I thought a few inspiration photos might help .....

VAN WICKLEN DESIGN

 

My clients already have can lights in the ceiling, so the chandelier isn't a must.  However, they just add a decorative touch to such a focal point as the tub.

Some cities prohibit the installation of a chandelier over a tub, so be sure to check the building codes in your area.

I'll share pictures of their remodel soon.  In the meantime I'll share with you the inspiration photo used for their bathroom....

This beautiful bathroom was originally designed by the talented Carla Aston  from the  Woodlands, north of Houston.

So other than bathroom remodels , care to know what else I've been up to?  

We've been still tweeking the new house we moved into last May.  And I'm hoping to start taking pictures this Spring to share with you.  Today we've been slaving away on the outdoors because the weather here is beauuuuutiful .  Hallelujah for sunshine!  In Texas, in the blink of an eye, the weather can change...so we're enjoying today.

My large scale projects at the moment are  2 different homes that are still being built and can't wait to share pictures when they're ready later this summer.    Right now I can only give you a sneak peek.

One is a "Texas Farmhouse mixed with rustic industrial modern details",

(Huge ceilings will have gorgeous beams in this living room)

(Fabulous black steel exterior on the windows)

 and the other is a "rustic French meets Louisiana" style home.  Here's a sneak peek at some elements I love in this project:

(fabulous interior courtyard with fireplace and spa/fountain)

(front entry leading into the courtyard with beautiful wood columns )

(LOVE the herringbone brick pattern in the courtyard)


Both very unique and great house designs that I"m excited to share with you.

 Stick around for the reveal..... I'm so excited to see both of these come to fruition!  (you say sometimes I forget to show those "reveal" photos??  No , I don't... promise!  Sometimes it just takes awhile to get that right photo op).  Take for instance the  lake cottage  Fish Camp  I worked on....I haven't been back to take pictures .  But, I'll be going there this June to finally take  photos of the completed project, and can't wait to share this beautiful and charming place.

(Fish Camp kitchen)

If you have the time,  let  me know your thoughts, do you like a chandy over the tub?  Always LOVE hearing from you!

Have a great day,