• About GH&P
  • Contact Us

Garden, Home & Party

~ My love of gardening, making home comfortable and entertaining friends and family.

Garden, Home & Party

Category Archives: Architectural elements

Walls with a “Wow” Factor

07 Wednesday Sep 2016

Posted by Karen B. in Architectural elements, House and Home

≈ 30 Comments

Tags

walls

Hi friends, happy Wednesday!

Today I’d like to talk about walls.  Whether you live in an apartment or a house, you have walls.  Painted walls can be wonderful, and comparatively economical, a benefit I always appreciate.

Garden, Home and Party: Walls

They can also add drama to a room.

Garden, Home and Party: Walls

I’ve had walls on my mind lately since I’m seeing lots more wallpaper ideas online providing options for texture and color.  You know how tempting a concept, like wallpaper, can become when you see a gorgeous room!

Wallpaper today is manufactured in so many patterns, including some with great texture. I’m happy wallpaper is back in the design spotlight.

Garden, Home and Party: Walls

This textured wallpaper [below] (grasscloth?) gives depth to the wall while providing a similar contrast to the trim, as paint would.

Garden, Home and Party: Walls

Custom paneling, whether more formal or informal, can be the wow factor for any room.

Garden, Home and Party: Walls

The knotty pine tongue in groove in the bedroom below is ideal for the room’s decor and the pitch of the ceiling.

Garden, Home and Party: Walls

Reclaimed wood, whether man made or actually aged, adds character.

Garden, Home and Party: Walls

Then there’s the unexpected.  The walls in this room [below] convince me it could be a lodge in England as easily as America. Love this room!

Garden, Home and Party: Walls

The talented Amy Meier brought warmth to this kitchen with the addition of brick on the wall.

Garden, Home and Party: Walls

Stone walls are a favorite of mine, maybe because they are not often seen unless the home is custom. A custom home isn’t in my immediate future, but I love the look.

Garden, Home and Party: Walls

This stone wall with the farm apron sink set in an antique cupboard gives the room a historic feel.

Garden, Home and Party: Walls

The materials available to those building a custom home can create authenticity in any room.

Using aged, or distressed beams, stone on the wall and floor gives me the feel of an old farmhouse kitchen even though this may be a newer home.

Garden, Home and Party: Walls

Garden, Home and Party: Walls

Actual age is hard to fake.  That’s a good thing for some of us—but we’re talking about homes.  Oh to live in an old house in Europe!

Garden, Home and Party: Walls

If these walls could talk.  My imagination runs away with me when I’m in a room such as this.

Garden, Home and Party: Walls

Living in a tract house, our walls in most rooms are painted and we have beadboard in a couple of the rooms.  No stone walls in our little cottage.  I’ll have to get my stone wall fix from the beautiful homes I find online. 🙂

♥ Karen

 

{Garden, Home and Party} Front Doors, a curbside welcome

04 Wednesday Jun 2014

Posted by Karen B. in Architectural elements, House and Home

≈ 46 Comments

Tags

front doors

Garden, Home and Party: Front Doors

{source}

Is there anything as inviting as a great front door?  I use the word great because to my way of thinking it doesn’t have to be a grand door to be welcoming.  A simple door to a country home holds as much appeal for me as an European, hand carved beauty {almost}.  Still, I find that when I pass a home with a pretty front door, I begin to imagine a welcoming interior.  I realize this may be a complete fantasy, but it works for me.  {According to my husband (who I met while working at Disneyland) I live in Fantasyland all of the time, he’s right}

Garden, Home and Party: Front Doors

{source}

I love the idea of a screen door to let the cool breeze of summer in, but this screen door is one of the first I’ve seen that looks like it was custom made to enhance this beautiful entry.   In our home we installed a Dutch door to allow the westerly breezes in, fortunately we don’t get too many bugs!

Garden, Home and Party: Front Doors

{unknown}

A stone facade would be pretty terrific.  Unfortunately, here in Southern California, unless you build a custom home, most of the tract homes, even when semi-customized, don’t have stone surrounds.  The other feature I find noteworthy on this pair of doors is the centered door pulls.  The symmetry of the pulls and panels remind me of the doors you see in London.

Garden, Home and Party: Front Doors

{source}

I like the contrast of the pretty orange door with the white trim and side lights.  I also love the door knocker.  Notice the boot scraper to the right of the front door?  The side lights and dormer are leaded glass, pretty spectacular, don’t you think?

Garden, Home and Party: Front Doors

{source}

If you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you know I lean more towards a cottage over a mansion.  Not that I don’t appreciate a good ol’ historic mansion and would take the opportunity to live in one if offered, preferably in England, please .   The arched door and stone fireplace insist on a cozy interior…could this be Bilbo Baggins home?  I love the roof line.

Garden, Home and Party: Front Doors

{source}

This door has the “wow factor” in spades.  From the fresh apple green paint to the pillars flanking the door, highly polished brass essentials, and the arched frame set in a brick facade…yes, please!

Garden, Home and Party: Front Doors

{source}

If I had a beach house, this is what the door would look like.  It’s a Dutch door, but I love that it has a doggie door in it as well as great looking door hardware. No doorbell needed, just ring the string of bells tied to the right of the frame.

Garden, Home and Party: Front Doors

{source}

Isn’t this amazing?  I imagine this door, and the house mansion attached is located in some incredible, estate-strewn area.  I love the door surround and the subtly of green and white plants.  Curb appeal is taken to an entirely different level in this neighborhood.

Garden, Home and Party: Front Doors{source}

To prove my point about cottage vs. mansion.  I could be content in this Southern Living Cottage of the Year.  I’d have to remove that palm, which doesn’t belong in this yard {in my humble landscape preferences opinion}.

Garden, Home and Party: Front Doors

{tumblr}

Pretty vibrant color but I like the details on the surround that ties it all together.  I don’t remember which tumblr I got this image from but I suspect the door is on a home in another country.  I like the address, painted into the stone crest above the beautifully carved doors.

Garden, Home and Party: Front Doors

This is the front door to our home, photographed in the winter.  I’m thinking there might be a dark blue or black door in our future.  Should I leave the side lights white or paint the doors and side panels, if and when we paint?

 

 

 

{Home} Were you born in a barn?…

19 Wednesday Feb 2014

Posted by Karen B. in Architects & Builders, Architectural elements, House and Home

≈ 25 Comments

Tags

barns

…no, but maybe I wish I were.  Did that comment ever come up in your childhood, when you’d leave the door open and you ran outside to play?  In my family “born in a barn” was always mentioned when doors were left open.  Sorry, I digress.  This post was inspired by a friend’s son and his fiance who originally thought they wanted to have their 2014 wedding in a barn.

They choose a different venue but the seed of inspiration was planted…I started looking at barn images.  There are some incredible barns.  Working barns, as well as barns that have been converted into amazing homes.

Most of these barns reeled me in.

Granted, this barn would make for an enormous home, I love the main entrance of the barn and could imagine the upstairs being a grand master suite with a few extra bedrooms thrown in for guests.

Garden, Home and Party: Barns

{via}

This is one of my favorites, I love the barn doors and the cupola.  I’m also fond of the weathered wood finish on the planked walls of the barn.

Garden, Home and Party: Barns

{via}

Architectural Digest has several articles featuring barns.  As expected, each one is spectacular and very livable, if not luxurious.

Garden, Home and Party: Barns

{AD Gil Shafer; photo Billy Cunningham}

Garden, Home and Party: Barns

{via}

Garden, Home and Party: Barns

{via}

Garden, Home and Party: Barns

{Photo – Mary E. Nichols}

Garden, Home and Party: Barns

{Photo – Matt Wargo}

Garden, Home and Party: Barns

Garden, Home and Party: Barns

{Photo – John M. Hall}

Garden, Home and Party: Barns

I love the looks of this 2-story beauty, built in 1895 in Connecticut, orininally to house horses.

Garden, Home and Party: Barns

{via}

Garden, Home and Party: Barns

{Lonny Magazine}

Garden, Home and Party: Barns

{New England Barn Company Homes}

I’ve saved the best for last…I love the inside of this barn…

Garden, Home and Party: Barns

Could you live in a barn?  I think I could.  I love this final picture.  The dining chairs, antler candlestick, even the horse sharing the space is so appealing to me.

Note:  If you have an extra minute, would you visit Apartment Therapy and vote for my site (if you think it worthy) for the Homies Awards?  Here’s the link, I’d be thrilled if you would!  

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/nominate-your-favorite-home-design-inspiration-blogs-for-the-homies-awards-the-homies-2014-200251

{GHP} Timothy Corrigan book signing

20 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Antiques, Architectural elements, Designer, House and Home

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

Timothy Corrigan designs

I had the good fortune of attending a book signing party held at my local Pottery Barn last week for the talented Timothy Corrigan.  His new book chronicles the restoration of his French Château du Grand-Lucé, located in the Loire Valley, just outside Paris.

Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan

Those of you who are kind enough to read my posts will know that I’m not necessarily drawn to château living, I typically prefer smaller spaces, more cottage than castle.  I’m drawn to Timothy Corrigan designs in part because his core philosophy in design  is basic to comfort and livability where rooms are concerned.

Even the most beautifully decorated room is not a total success unless you, your family and your guests feel that they can really live and use the room. A well-designed room is one that is both comfortable and elegant. – Timothy Corrigan

As I read a bit about him prior to the book signing I wondered if being raised in California might have something to do with his determination to create rooms that are comfortable.  His early profession as an advertising executive took him to Paris, and other regions of the world, where he decorated his apartment.  After seeing his work a friend asked him to design his apartment and a new career was born.

Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan

Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan

For a video tour of his apartment visit HERE

Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan

In his interview in November of 2010 with Diane Dorrans Seaks of Architectural Digest he addresses his view on comfort and practicality.  While most of us strive for those two essentials, it’s easy to miss the mark sometimes.  We all get caught making design decisions that are more about form than function.  Mr. Corrigan believes you can have both, and proves it in the rooms he puts his stamp on.

The gardens of his château were another draw.  The formal design is breathtaking in the photographs shown in the book.  Part of his agreement with the French government when buying the historic chateau was that he would open the grounds to visitors 6 days a week.  A tour will be high on my list my next visit.

Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan

Photo by Eric Piasecki via Tiimothy Corrigan Blog

Garden, Home and Party; Timothy Corrigan

{via Architectural Digest}

The book shares details of the work involved in the restoration of  this historic landmark.  For its size it is such a warm, inviting and livable country home.  The initial major restoration took approximately 5 years and Timothy says it’s a work in progress—aren’t all homes?!

Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan

Garden, Home and Party
In a October 5, 2013 Los Angeles Times article by David A. Keeps on the book, Corrigan explained some of his decorating ideas,  “If you want people to feel that a room is bright and light, use yellow, not white, as people often think…your eye unconsciously translates yellow as sunlight.”
Garden, Home and Party
Corrigan talked about choosing linen for the upholstery and unfussy curtains to keep the room feeling less formal.  He also used sea grass carpeting, he explained that it’s softer on the feet and it brought a “more casual California feel” which translates to relaxed comfort.  Oh, and the stools are from Pottery Barn—I love this man.
Garden, Home and Party
Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan
The Château is 45,000 square feet sitting on 80 manicured acres.  {Maybe that’s why I might be intimidated by a castle}
Timothy Corrigan’s Los Angeles home, as featured in Architectural Digest [April 2012] is more appealing to me.  Have a look.
Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan
Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan
Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan
Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan
Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan
Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan
Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan
Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan
Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan
Like his Château, the grounds are lovely in the Los Angeles home…
Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan
Garden, Home and Party: Timothy Corrigan
It was such a pleasure briefly meeting Timothy Corrigan, the take away for me was that this is a designer that is so engaging and fun.  His high energy and genuine enthusiasm is contagious.  I hope you enjoyed this brief tour of some of his work.  His book is really lovely and would make a great gift for a Francophile (Christmas is around the corner).  Do you like château living or prefer the comfort of something a little more modest in size? 😀

{Home} Rx for holiday stress, a long, hot bath

13 Wednesday Nov 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Architects & Builders, Architectural elements, Bathroom, Decorating, House and Home

≈ 24 Comments

Tags

bath

Garden, Home and Party: Rx for holiday stress

{Velvet & Linen}

As we’re on that fast moving train towards the holidays, I thought I’d offer one of my personal remedies for stress removal (even if temporary).  It’s not going to be news to anyone, but more a reminder that we all need me-time now and then.  Especially when there’s a ‘to do’ list a mile long and only 24 hours in a day, 8 of which are designated sleep hours, if we know what’s good for us.

So to encourage you all, and me, lets fantasize about luxuriating in a whirlpool shower baths at BC from time to time, here are some bathrooms that I dream about…

Garden, Home and Party: Rx for holiday stress, bath

{Inspired Design}

I used to take a bath every evening.  Sometime between the birth of our second child and moving into a house with a bathtub in the guest bathroom exclusively, not the master (who plans these tract houses?), the heavenly practice was nipped in the bud, rarely to be picked up again.  I have time for that delightful hour today, but somehow haven’t resumed the practice in earnest.  This time of year I’m reminded that it used to be the calming influence in a busy schedule.

Garden, Home and Party: Rx for holiday stress, bath

{House Beautiful}

Not a very good picture…when we renovated our guest bath we installed a tub about 6″ taller than the standard.  It makes a good soak a little better.  There’s a shower curtain for now, until Olivia (granddaughter + any other possible grand babies) grow, its easier to bathe them.

Garden, Home and Party: Rx for holiday stress, bath.

Isn’t this a glorious bathroom (below), light filled, lots of room.  I think I could definitely relax in this room.

Garden, Home and Party: Rx for holiday stress, bath

{unknown source}

Beautifully detailed stone-surround bath with mirror.  This is the definition of luxury, right?

Garden, Home and Party: Rx for holiday stres

{The Enchanted Home}

I’m beginning to notice a recurring bathtub style in my file.  I love the freestanding tubs…

Garden, Home and Party: Rx for holiday stress, bath

{Home Bunch}

Garden, Home and Party: Rx for holiday stress, bath{Ferguson & Shamamian via Design Chic}

Garden, Home and Party: Rx for holiday stress, bath

{for the love of a house}

Garden, Home and Party: Rx for holiday stress, bath

{Mary Watkins via T&G Interiors}

And for the showstopper favorite, in my humble opinion, a bath designed by the talented Gil Shafer…the wood and beamed ceiling offers warmth to the room and yet there’s plenty of natural light.  A bath in this room has the potential to lower one’s blood pressure!

Garden, Home and Party: Rx for holiday stress, bath

{Gil Shafer via Design Chic}

To maximize a bath’s full effectiveness we must have some wonderful smelling bath products…here are a few of my favorites…

I love the smell of pomegranate and the Crabtree & Evelyn line feel heavenly on your skin

Garden, Home and Party: Rx for holiday stress, bath

~or~

If you’ve never tried any of the Jo Malone products let me just say, they are so incredible, stop by the Jo Malone counter or visit their store, they are always helpful and generous with their time and test sprays.  I like the more natural scent of most of their products and while I’ve never bought the bath oil, the pump hand soap and the Lavender Amber cologne is a favorite.  The pump soap in the guest bath always draws comments.

Garden, Home and Party: Rx for holiday stress, Bath

~or~

Let’s face it, some of us L  O  V  E this season so why not bathe in the scent of the season with this Homemade Pumpkin Pie bubble bath by Philosophy?

Garden, Home and Party: Rx for holiday stress, bath

So tell me, do you already indulge in this simple stress reducer?  I do have a few good friends that wouldn’t think of skipping their evenings in the bath, some with a good book!  Don’t you just love this time of year?

I’m linking to Stone Gable: Tutorials & Tidbits & Southern Savvy Style: Wow us Wednesday

{Garden, Home} Backyard buildings

09 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Architectural elements, Cottages, House and Home

≈ 29 Comments

Tags

Backyard buildings

Backyard buildings, cottages, potting sheds, play houses and the like have always held great appeal for me.

Maybe a small brick structure to house the croquet set. 😀

Garden, Home and Party: Backyard buildings

Some years ago I worked for a home builder who participated in an annual event held for a charitable cause, where 5-6 home builders would volunteer their services to build “play houses” for auction.  The builders were so creative and often these houses would auction for several thousand dollars.  Below is an example…you can see why they were popular, there was no detail left undone.

Garden, Home and Party: Backyard structures

Garden, Home and Party: Backyard structure project playhouse

I suspect Project Playhouse planted the seed but  I’m not even particular about whether its a decked out playhouse or a chicken coop (which our city doesn’t allow, they allow the coop, not the chickens).  I just love the idea of a structure in the backyard where I could sit and read, store a few small garden tools and Olivia and I could play tea party.

As I’m sure you are aware, chicken coops have hit the mainstream.  Williams Sonoma even offers one.

Garden, Home and Party, Backyard buildings

{source}

Garden, Home and Party : Backyard buildings

{source}

This coop rivals some homes I’ve seen…maybe my fair city would allow this one.

Garden, Home and Party: Backyard buildings{source}

Garden, Home and Party: Backyard buildings{source}

There isn’t any room in our back yard for a structure, not really.  This is Southern California, many yards are the size of a postage stamp.  But since I’ve always liked the idea, I’ve done what I usually do…set up a folder and saved images I find on the internet and blog sites.  It’s like tearing pages from a magazine, only less clutter.

Wouldn’t you love a place where you could sleep in the backyard, in cool comfort during warm summer nights, yet feel like you are surrounded by nature?

There are coyotes in our area that are not shy about jumping fences, but with doors on my backyard retreat I think I’d be safe.

Garden, Home and Party: Backyard buildings{source}

This cottage structure looks like it may have been built finding salvaged items…I love the idea of building a little garden shed using old windows, hinges and doors.

Garden, Home and Party: Backyard buildings

{Inside Story}

Our Austin son build a structure in the ample backyard of their first home.  He used to work from home so this offered the quiet of an off-site office with the convenience of close proximity to the main house.  I don’t have a picture of the structure but this (below) reminds me of it…

Garden, Home and Party: Backyard buildings

Now, if I lived on a lake or some other body of water, this would be the “backyard” structure I’d be longing for…

Garden, Home and Party: Backyard Structures{tumblr – That Inspirational Girl}

This simple structure is probably more my speed…doesn’t it look cute?

Garden, Home and Party: Backyard structure

{Inspiring Interiors}

…or even something as small and simple as this…

Garden, Home and Party: Backyard structures{source}

I’d probably only need enough room for a chair and a box of Olivia’s toys where we could pretend to cook and enjoy a snack.

Garden, Home and Party: Backyard building

When there is room for more, this is what I lean towards…my fellow garden enthusiasts will agree, wouldn’t this be wonderful?

Garden, Home and Party: Backyard building

{Photo by: Joseph De Sciose via Southern Living}

The truth is, it isn’t so much the structure as it is who happens to reside (pretends to reside, in this case) there…

Garden, Home and Party: Backyard buildings

Do you have a playhouse, garden shed, backyard cottage?  

I’m joining in the fun at Art @ Home with my post…it makes me happy so it should qualify as My Happy List.

{Home} Stairs, exercise or hindrance?

28 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Architectural elements

≈ 19 Comments

Tags

stairs

I love two-story homes.  I like the way they look architecturally and when done right they make a statement and command a presence on any street.

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise and hindrance

{Stan Dixon Architects}

Oddly, I have lived in exactly two 2-story homes.  One that my mother and step-father purchased just before I moved out on my own, and one since I’ve been married.

Mr. B and I have owned 4 houses, only one was a two-story.  As I’ve “matured” I’ve noticed many of our closest friends, similar in age, will often say, “you are so lucky to be living in a one-story house”.  When I ask why it’s always the same answer, as we age mature stairs can pose a problem for some.  Knees are usually the first thing mentioned.

Garden, Home and Party: exercise or hindrance

I believe, possibly without scientific back-up, that if we are forced to climb a flight of stairs we will probably be in better shape than those that get no other form of exercise.

Since I truly love stairs and the endless styles they come in I thought I’d share some that have captured my attention and my imagination…

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance

{Catalano Architects}

How clever is this for the dog enthusiast?

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance{Catalano Architects}

The staircase in this home is only one of many features that I love about this house (below).

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance{Catalano Architects}

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance{Barnes Vanze Architects}

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance{source}

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance

{source}

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance

{Wendy Possard & Associates}

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance

{Linda McDougald Design; Photo by Ranchel Boling}

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance{Mercer Hill Farm / PA Archer & Buchanan Architecture}

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance

{source}

Is it just me or does this look like you might imagine ‘stairway to heaven’ looks?

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance{tumblr}

The detailing on this banister is swoon worthy (in my humble opinion)

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance

{tumblr}

Simple and understated, but oh, so pretty.

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance

{source}

Garden, Home and Party: Stairs, exercise or hindrance

{source}

So, what’s your thoughts on the subject?  Drop by, we’ll chat. ♥

{Home} Dark trim

07 Wednesday Aug 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Architectural elements, House and Home, Trends

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

paint, windows

When we moved into our 1968 tract house 31 years ago, my vision for replacement of the aluminum sliding windows and doors was FRENCH, MULTI-PANE AND WOOD.   I set about having these installed with a clarity of purpose and determination. I believe it took us close to 10 years to trade out all of the aluminum windows and sliding glass doors that had been installed by the builder.

Garden, Home and PartyThis picture was taken last summer when Olivia was visiting (child latches in place)…you can see the French doors off the atrium, and Winnie~keeping an eye on things.

At the time, in Southern California, screens were out of favor.  Back in the day, if you were going to install French doors,  the trend was to skip the screens.  As a young wife I followed the trend, and probably still do to some small extent.  Another preference/trend was to paint the French windows and doors in a high gloss enamel in some shade of white.  Guilty as charged.  We love(d) the look, and I still lean toward the fresh appeal of some form of white paint on windows and doors.  That is until I started seeing dark trim (black) on windows and doors.

I know that in some cases the dark mullions you see in pictures are actually steel doors, another new-to-me trend.  I have seen steel doors in a couple of homes and absolutely would have them installed without delay if it wouldn’t be certain to cause divorce in my otherwise great marriage.

So, typical of me and my daydreams where my house is concerned, I compiled a group of images of dark painted (or steel) doors and windows, that I think of as swoon-worthy.  I hope you enjoy!

Dark Trim ~ Garden, Home and PartyDark Trim ~ GHP{source}

GHP Dark TrimGarden, Home and Party Dark Trim{Traditional Home}

GHP Dark Trim{Design Chic}

Garden, Home and Party{Haus Design}

Garden, Home and Party{Marianne Simon}

Garden Home and PartyGarden, Home and PartyGHPGHPGarden, Home and PartyGarden, Home and PartyI’d love to be able to tell you that this final image is a reflection of my widow on a rainy day!

Do  you like this look, do you have it in your home?  Would you installed steel windows in any part of your home? 

{Oh, and on the screen issue, I wish I had screens on every door, I do have them on all of the windows and we have installed an invisible screen on the French door going out to the back yard}

{Home} Study, Library, Den…a name for a cozy corner?

24 Wednesday Apr 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Architectural elements, House and Home, Study/Office

≈ 12 Comments

Tags

den, library, study

Things that Inspire recently did a post about studies and libraries and what the technical differences are.  It was fun to read and to see the architectural detailing and furnishings that technically define each room as a den, library, study, etc.  Be sure to visit Holly’s site, you will find plenty of beauty and inspiration.

Since a study, library or den, by most definitions, would be what I describe as my favorite room in the house, I thought I’d share some rooms that I’ve recently pinned and consider cozy and inviting.

Kelly, over at Talk of the House recently shared this room, furnished with black and white checked everything.  I love this room because by using one pattern it feels like a ‘neutral’.  It’s a relaxing room because of the black and white check.

library ideaslibrary, den stylesThe above room could be considered the ‘den’ since it screams cozy to me.  The books, overstuffed sofa and Jack Russell terrier invite me in.  But, since there are bookcases, I suppose I could accept a descriptive of ‘library’ just as easily and family room or den.

The room below would qualify as a study were it not for the fact that it might be a spot within a larger room, maybe a living room.  I see an upholstered chair or sofa just to the right of the desk.  I like the wall gallery above the desk, it gives definition to the space and adds interest, don’t you think?

studyMark D. Sikes deisgnThe warm wood, antique books, hunt scene painting, fireplace and Persian rug are ingredients I consider essential components of a wonderful library and/or den.  There’s a TV so I believe this would most probably qualify as a den. (Mark D. Sikes)

The room below is a favorite because I love being able to see what’s going on outside when I’m reading or working on the computer.  The windows at ceiling level create a tree house ambiance.  I could envision a nap in the alcove, after my work is finished, of course!

library or den(Eric Taylor Photography}

Now this is a study!  I love the French doors and and built-in bookcase.

great library via Cote de Texas{source}

wonderful study{Jennings & Gates: Notes from a Virginia Country House}

library{Splendid Sass}

Splendid Willow 4.16.13{source}

Pottery Barn called this command center.  Looks efficient, doesn’t it?

study{source}

A study with focus.  I know I’d probably not get very much done here…I’d be daydreaming out the window a majority of the time, but I like the simplicity of the space.

Garden, Home and Party cozy corner{source}

Another Mark D. Sikes design.  I love the beams, the book cases, the view and the fireplace…this room seems to have it all (except a television, which might be a good thing).

Mark D. Sikescozy rooms, via slim paley{source}

antique books{source}

Garden, Home and Party, reading roomDo you have a favorite cozy corner in your home?  What do you call it?

{Home} Walk-in beauty and organization

17 Wednesday Apr 2013

Posted by Karen B. in Architectural elements, House and Home

≈ 32 Comments

Tags

walk-in closets, walk-in pantry

I have had a walk-in pantry and a walk-in closet, once in my life, not in the same place.  I would say that besides a breakfast room, a walk in closet is second on my dream house wish list.  Would it be greedy to wish for a walk-in closet, walk-in pantry and a breakfast room? {As a very good friend used to say, “If you’re going to dream, dream big!”}

So while perusing the ultimate resource for stimulating ideas, Pinterest, I re-pinned a few and thought I share those that had me at the door to their splendor…

I might as well start with the most elaborate of the lot…I’m not sure I have that many pairs of shoes but it would be so nice to see all of your shoe choices with one glance.

black-closet-432x500 via pinterestI would definitely want a chest of drawers in the walk in closet…

2-closet reasons to breathe via design chic{Design Chic}

This is small but I like the quasi vanity at the back of the closet.

3-walk in closet via dream-house - pinterest{Dream House via Pinterest}

Lighting would be crucial, I love the idea of the glass doors keeping things orderly.

4-walk in closet via pinterst via home is where the kelli czakowski{Pinterest}

I know this is a man’s closet, but I like the layout and it would be nice to have my favorite design books at my fingertips.

5-closet 8 via design chic{Design Chic}

A jewelry drawer would be fabulous!

6-drawer for walk in closet, bhg{Better Homes and Gardens}

and finally, to decorate any blank wall in your walk-in closet you could do this…note:  I think I have a Tiffany Bag hanging around, I’d have to ask Chanel and Hermes for a bag! lol

7-walk in closet ideas via If I were a sim with en sarah mcgregor{Pinterest}

There is equal interest in a walk-in pantry for my kitchen, again, it doesn’t have to be huge, but boy, would it be nice…

I love the way this door looks like cabinetry in the kitchen but serves as the door to the walk-in pantry!

8-better homes and gdns.  walk in pantry{Better Homes and Gardens}

A pantry behind a sliding door is very cool, it looks like the ‘fridge is in the pantry, not sure about that feature, wouldn’t that be inconvenient?  Maybe its the back-up refrigerator.

9-organization amy vermillion blog design chic 1.1.13{Design Chic}

This is something we didn’t add when we remodeled our kitchen, and I realize it’s a little off topic as far as walk-in pantries go, but maybe you can imagine this drawer would be located inside a walk-in pantry…10-organization greige via design chic 1.1.13{Griege}

Again, sliding doors, and as you can see this walk-in pantry doesn’t take much space…maybe if we add the breakfast room we can incorporate a space like this.

pinterest{Pinterest}

I’m not sure you can see it well in this image, but there’s a really great door on this pantry with leaded glass.  The pantry is waiting for me to load it with all my stuff.

12-walk in pantry, pinterest{Pinterest}

This one is so well accessorized, it almost looks like a small butler’s pantry.

13-walk in pantry, pinterest 1{Pinterest}

Maybe if I had a bank of cupboards like this I wouldn’t need a walk-in pantry, although there would have to be solid doors, my pantry never seems view-worthy!

14-organization peter callahan caterer design chic 1.13.13{Design Chic}

Do you have a walk-in closet and/or pantry?  Do you consider it one of the major benefits of your home?  [I think I know the answer to that last question, but I’d still love to hear from you]. ♥

I’m visiting the Wow us Wednesday linky party over at Savvy Southern Style.

Victoria is giving away a fabulous trowel for the garden enthusiasts, like me…HERE

← Older posts

Recent Posts: Garden, Home & Party

Homes that welcome the season

A little this and that

The color of autumn

Wall Art Inspiration for our bungalow

Project Design: Outdoor Living Spaces

Enter your email address to subscribe to GH&P and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Instagram




Follow gardenhomeparty on Twitter

Follow on Tumblr

Google Plus

Recent Posts

  • Homes that welcome the season
  • A little this and that
  • The color of autumn
  • Wall Art Inspiration for our bungalow
  • Project Design: Outdoor Living Spaces

Categories

  • Accessories; details
  • Annual WP Report Card
  • Antiques
  • Architects & Builders
  • Architectural elements
  • Autumn
  • Bastille Day
  • Bathroom
  • Bedrooms
  • Christmas
  • Collections & Accessories
  • Cottages
  • Decorating
  • Designer
  • Dessert
  • Dining Room
  • DIY (do it yourself)
  • Drink
  • Easter
  • Entertaining
  • Fall Entertaining and Decorations
  • Family
  • Flowers
  • Food
  • Gardening
  • Gardens
  • Halloween
  • Holiday/Seasonal cooking
  • Holidays
  • House and Home
  • Independence Day
  • Kitchen
  • Maintenance
  • Misc
  • Outdoor living
  • Paint Color
  • Party Planning
  • Personal Information
  • Recipes
  • Renovating
  • Seasons
  • Simple Meals for the Avid Cook
  • Spring
  • St. Patrick's Day
  • Storage/Closets/Pantry
  • Study/Office
  • Summer
  • Thanksgiving
  • Traditions
  • Travel
  • Trends
  • Uncategorized
  • Valentine's Day

Recommended

  • Bastion & Lark
  • Content in a Cottage
  • Cote de Texas
  • French Essence
  • French Kissed
  • Garden, Home and Party
  • Greige Design
  • Heirloom Philosophy
  • Henhurst Interiors
  • In the Fields
  • Jennings & Gates
  • Making Magique
  • Miss Mustard Seed
  • paper{whites}
  • Polished Pebble
  • Providence Ltd Design
  • Restoring our 1890 Victorian
  • Slim Paley
  • Splendid Willow
  • Talk of the House
  • TG Interiors
  • The Adventures of Tartanscot
  • The Enchanted Home
  • The House of Edward
  • The Lady's Life
  • The Pioneer Woman
  • The Polohouse
  • Tone on Tone
  • Trouvais
  • Velvet & Linen

Archives

  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • October 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • October 2007
  • August 2007
  • July 2007
  • June 2007

Top Posts & Pages

  • {Home} Cozy and other adjectives that describe home
  • Living with what you love; age and decorating
  • Knock, knock, who's there?
  • {Home} Adieu Pierre Deux
  • {Home} Mirror, mirror on the wall...
  • {GHP} Summer Heat ~ cool pools
  • Cottage living...Moody cottages
  • About GH&P
  • Homes that welcome the season
  • Toile, my favorite

Subscribe via RSS

  • RSS - Posts
  • RSS - Comments

Topics

4th of July accessories antiques Architects & Builders Austin Autumn Barefoot Contessa bathroom bedrooms birthdays blog favorites Blogging blue & white decor books centerpieces chairs Christmas collections cooking cottage cupboards decorating for fall decorating styles designer details of a home do-it-yourself Dogs dream house Easter easy recipe easy recipes Engagement Party English gardens Entertaining fall Family Father's Day Flowers foyer furniture Garden Gardening Halloween hardwood floors holiday home home accessorizing House Beautiful magazine how-to Independence Day interiors Irish Stew kitchens Kooboo chairs library mirrors Mother's Day neutral color palate New Years Eve Organizing Outdoor living paint color Pets in the home plaid recipe recipes Rogers Gardens Spring summer living Table Settings television Texas Thanksgiving Valentine's Day weddings

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • Garden, Home & Party
    • Join 749 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Garden, Home & Party
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...