Displaying posts from December, 2008

Aris emailed us and I had to share. “My name is Aris and I come from Greece. Decorating interiors is one of my favourite hobbies. I bought an apartment last year, in the center of Athens city (Greece), very close to Acropolis, and I started decorating it on my own. My budget is very low, so I use a lot of paint! The concept behind this decoration is to create a holiday style apartment right in the city center.” The colours chosen work so well together and bring the apartment to life. Just goes to show how much of an effect paint can have. See the full apartment set on Flickr here. Well done Aris!

This blog chronicles my entire kitchen renovation from start to finish. Greentea Design has provided me with their solid wood kitchen cabinets, and I’m taking care of the rest.

If you’d like to be brought up to date, check out my kitchen remodel blog for an archive of previous posts. I posted recently about the completed lighting, and now for the countertop installation.

Choosing a countertop was quite an adventure. I had a particular idea of the look in mind and was searching for something that wasn’t going to break the bank. I ended up going with a quartz called specchio white that is exactly what I wanted and for a great price. I am so happy that I went with a light coloured counter because it brightens up the space so much. I think it looks incredible against the cabinets. The material I chose has lots of grey and silver flecks in it that sparkles. SO PRETTY. As usual, I took many photos and in this case I took some during the installation process as well because I found it fascinating.

To start the installation, my contractor had to cut a hole for the sink. I found this to be too painful to watch so I quickly snapped a couple photos and proceeded to stare out the window whilst cringing in agony.

This next photo is the first piece (there are 3) simply set down on the cabinet. Looking good already!

To see the completed countertop with sink and faucet in place, click HERE.

I find the work of architectural firm Hugh Newell Jacobsen fascinating. I am not used to this style of architecture. It references the vernacular of the area of the States from which it comes, the simple colonial and coastal buildings, themselves influenced by simple classical lines. Throw in a dash of post-modernism and exceptional locations and it’s done. I think what speaks to me, a child of a harsh sunny tropical climate is the cool white light loving interiors that invite in the soft light. The deliberately sparse lines enhance the interior and exterior. I’ve concentrated mainly on Jacobsen’s interiors here but don’t miss the exteriors on the website. Inspiring.

We’d like to welcome Paula Lofton with her shop Neutral Dwelling who just joined us as a sponsor. The shop is full of wonderful products, carrying home decor, furniture and tabletop items. I’ve got my eye on a few things…and she offers free shipping to the continental US for those of you in that neck of the woods. My favourite pieces are below, but you must go have a look at her shop to see much more.

Alan Kaplanas can make a simple photograph speak volumes. Love his portfolio. Based in Vancouver, he is surrounded by a stunning landscape and tons of inspiration.