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. 

• Janet Hobbs's blog
• Add new comment
• Read more

Related terms: Accessories, Architects, Beds & Bedding, Builders, Designers, Furniture, Kitchens, Outdoor Living, Specialized Service, Remodeler, Moving and Storage, Ornamental Iron, Architects and Building Designers, Doors and Windows, Cabinetry

by: Janet Hobbs

Now that the show has aired, Design Guide can finally say how proud they are of one of its partners: Archadeck of Austin! Last year, Archadeck was offered a chance to be featured in a HGTV special and jumped at the opportunity. Archadeck was featured for their work on a complete backyard remodel in the Circle C area in south Austin. The complete remodel added a 1,000-square-foot deck with seating, eating area, fire pit, shade structure, children’s play area, hot tub and grilling equipment. It was an incredibly impressive remodel and we could not be any prouder than to share the wonderful news with you all!

• 's blog
• Add new comment
• Read more

Related terms: Architects, Architects and Building Designers, Fencing & Gates, Outdoor Living, Specialized Service

by: anonymous

“Green living.” It’s a popular movement these days in design circles. And depending on whom you’re talking to, it has multiple connotations. Whether the context is furnishings or flooring, windows or water features, everyone in residential or commercial design has had to define and interpret how that phrase plays out in their little slice of it. Design Guide expert Richard Lentz, of Lentz Landscape Lighting, elaborates on the lighting trend in landscape design through Victoria Larroca- Lentz Landscape Lighting's copywriter.

• Victoria Larroca's blog
• Add new comment
• Read more

Related terms: Lighting, Outdoor Living

by: Victoria Larroca

(SOURCE)

While it is not the typical time of year to think about outdoor furnishings, it is always the time to consider the use of outdoor fabrics indoors. Thanks to textile industry advances in the last few years, fabrics manufactured to withstand the exterior elements are now stylish enough to withstand the indoor family and entertaining “elements”, such as kids, pets, and the occasional less-than-fastidious dinner guest.

• LaurieWoods's blog
• Add new comment
• Read more

Related terms: Accessories, Fabrics, Outdoor Living

by: LaurieWoods

Design Guide Partner Lambert’s has been elevating the industry standard for close to a century. With its 90th anniversary in 2009, Lambert’s is the oldest design/build landscape architectural firm in Dallas and are the winners of the prestigious Landscape Architecture John Staub Award. The Texas Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America’s John Staub Award is one of the highest honors that demonstrate design excellence.

• 's blog
• Add new comment
• Read more

Related terms: Architects, Architects and Building Designers, Builders, Fencing & Gates, Ornamental Iron, Outdoor Living, Remodeler, Specialized Service, Stone

by: anonymous