
An architect from California, Berry Berkus, used to say, “humans love arches.” It’s true, we do. But, we love all special places. We love attic rooms with slanted ceilings, we love window seats, bay windows and clever niches. No one ever walked into a rectangular room with a flat ceiling and gushed, “Oh, I LOVE this space!” (unless it had a special feature like a window wall or something). So, remember to ask your architect or building designer to give you some special places, some special touches. Don’t just build a home that flows well and is attractive from the street. Those things are important, but create something that surprises you and makes your home feel distinctive once you get inside or when you encounter the backyard.

Light wood finishes, chairs upholstered in vintage grain sacks and dark leather in the central seating area contrast with pastel pillows and custom finished armoires at A. Hooper & Co., a Fort Worth fashion boutique, designed by Gibson Gimpel Interior Design. Farrow and Ball "Elephant's Breath" wall and ceiling color creates a soft ground to showcase the colorful spring fashion on display.
The New Year offers an opportunity to breathe new life into tired spaces. With trends toward lighter and softer palettes on the rise, designers are invigorating this new look by pairing these soft palettes with modern, saturated, bright colors. From the 2012 Spring Fashion Runway shows, to fabrics and paint colors, inspiration can be found in novel and unexpected color combinations. High contrast natural tones and textures mix with industrial materials and finishes to add drama to the design.
(items in photo: Cordova Lamp; Formosa Tray Table; Ikat Pillow; Marimeko Napkins; Panton chair; Clairemont Side Table; Draper Stripe Throw; Trina Turk Tiger Leaf Pillow; Thomas Paul Plate; Midnight Stemless Wineglass; Faceted Table)
A new year, and a new attitude, has been officially declared! Pantone has chosen Tangerine Tango to represent 2012. For almost fifty years, industry leaders have relied on the authority to forecast our color culture. Spring lines, within the fashion and cosmetics industry, will boldly introduce this enthusiastic color. The interior design trade has fearlessly embraced the haute hue! Pantone insists the featured shade “provides the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward.”
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Growth. Notoriety. Two key factors in the success of any business. The lingering question: “How do I get more of them?”
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Most will agree that the use of wood products in a design scheme is a good thing, no matter how our style preferences and our building trends are affected by modern times. Whether our taste in furniture or architecture leans toward contemporary or traditional, we will keep a special place in our plans for the look of natural wood. Many homeowners enjoy a delightful blend of stained cabinets, exposed beams, wood furniture, and floors inside their homes. Here is a professional look, through the perspective of Design Guide Expert John Lanford of Architectural Finishing, at the components of wood finishing, which may help you with the understanding and lingo of this varying subject.

The bulky hoarding of pots and pans, the cluttered drawer of utensils found in disarray and the inexplicable absence of things you suddenly need are all scenarios commonly found in kitchens. The kitchen is the area of the home with the most activity. With everyday cooking and cleaning, the kitchen is a constant source of energy and movement; therefore, the possibility of disorganization is plausible. Organization is key when maintaining an efficient and well-designed customized kitchen. KingWood Fine Cabinetry excels in custom design with their innovative perspective on maximizing space.

Lincoln will present The Dallas Chapter of the American Institute of Architects' fourth annual Dallas Tour of Homes, which is open to the public, on November 5th through the 6th from 10 AM to 5 P.M. It's a self-guided tour that will showcase the finest residential architecture in the Dallas-Fort Worth area designed by renown Texas artists. The homes will be open for viewing from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. and tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door for a two day pass or $10 per house.
Award Winning Registered Interior Designer, Cristie Schlosser is a professional member of ASID. She earned her degree in Business Administration, Marketing and Finance at The University of Texas and later studied Interior Design. Cristie’s previous career in the apparel industry working for national retailers and manufactures provided an excellent background and natural transition to the interior design industry.
If you have decided you need to remodel your kitchen and do not know where to start, start with the basics. The first thing you need to consider is how long you are going to be in your home. If you're getting ready to sell, look at quick fixes that will give you the most value. If you're in the 5-10 year range, it will depend on how outdated your kitchen is and what shape your cabinets, flooring, plumbing, lighting, and appliances are in as well. If this is your "forever" house, your pocketbook will determine how far you go!