I just had to share this article with you! The space in this loft and the unique architectural details are just great! Click on the link below to see the other photos. ~Julianna

desire to inspire – desiretoinspire.net – It’s only 110 days till Christmas.

Good Morning! I am aware that it is Tuesday but I felt the need for something cute to start the day! Enjoy the pets on furniture, they are extra adorable this week!! Click on the link below to see the other pets (its worth it!!!). I am also really enjoying the interiors in the background, especially that orange couch with the bright bouquet of flowers on the coffee table. Yummie! ~Julianna

desire to inspire – desiretoinspire.net – Monday’s pets on furniture – part 2.

Now this house has some great architectural details!! Look closely at the photos to see the details and the design is beautiful too… Click on the link below to see the rest of this cool house! ~ Julianna

desire to inspire – desiretoinspire.net – Dragging my feet stalking.

As I was browsing through my favorite interior design blogs, I came across this article.  I think it is very helpful in explaining different colors and the vibe they give.  Click on the link below to read the article an find out what colors match your personality.  Leave me a comment about your colors! ~Julianna

How to Choose Interior Colors that Match Your Style.

COSMOWORLDS | Light+Building presents Trends for the Home in 2010/2011 – Interior Design Trends, Light Design Trends, for specialist dealers, architects and designers.

I came across this article as I was just casually searching for new design information.  It’s an article from an International Interior Design website that keeps watch on what’s going on in the design world, around the world.  I thought it was interesting how they have created new design styles based on the ones we are already familiar with, like, “Gentle Ease”, “Contemporary Classic”, “Creative Verve” and “Advanced Purism”.  Take a look the article and browse the website as well. Have a great day! ~Julianna

desire to inspire – desiretoinspire.net – Monday’s pets on furniture – part 1.

I just LOVE this dining room! Black and white are so classic and sharp, and then throw in a bright color and it looks great.  The pop of color comes from the sideboard in a pretty grassy, lime green and the bowl of pears.  I really like the simplicity of the drum shade light fixture with an asymmetrical design on the fabric.  And the plates, oh the plates! And the unique animal shaped items (bowls, salt and pepper shaker) They are so fun!  This picture is from www.livingetc.com

Below is another black and white dining room.  This has a little more black and  makes it feel balanced.  Again, I really like this light fixture and the touches of black.  This picture is also from www.livingetc.com

Only borrow money to pay for things that increase in value.

It’s a short list: your business, your house and your education, mostly. Stocks if you’re smarter than me. That’s pretty much it.

But you say wait a minute – my house isn’t going up in value – in fact most of the news reports that the majority of americans owe more on their house than what it is worth. So houses are no longer an investment they are an expense! Not true.

Here’s the truth:

Invest in a well designed house that is priced right for your market.

Make your house not a commodity. It’s simple laws of supply and demand – right now there are way more houses on the market than there is demand, therefore the price falls. A house has become a commodity. When you invest in a house make sure yours stands out by having a good location, unique lot, interesting architectural features, a floorplan designed for todays family, and tie it all together with good style. BAM! – Now you have a house that will be sought after – a house that people drive by and they say I want to buy that house when it goes for sale. Your home is no longer a commodity – It is a highly valued Gem in the rough.  Buying a cookie cutter house that is mass produced may get you the most Square Feet for your money but does it get you the best return on your investment?

Secondly, don’t over spend for your market just because you want the coolest house. A great designed house doesn’t have to be big or expensive it just takes the right designer and builder to put thought into the design to make a unique house for you.

If you make smart decisions building or buying the right home now will not only be a great lifestyle move for your family, but will also turn out to be a great investment.

This is one of our latest design modifications we did for a client. This plan is a larger version of our Maison Elegante plan.

My favorite feature of this home is that around every corner there are unique architectural details that are always going to wow your guests but more importantly it is going to be home that you will always be excited to come home to. It packs a lot of features into 2900 SF and will feel much larger when inside because of the open entertaining area between the Great Room, Kitchen, Breakfast nook, and Veranda.

Key Features:

• 12 foot timber beamed ceilings in front foyer which leads to a second Groin Vault Foyer which is the transistion point between the Great Room and Master Bedroom Suite.
• First Floor Study with 12 foot ceilings, panelled walls, and built in bookcases.
• Large Open entertaining space between Great Room and Kitchen. Great Room to have timber beam ceiling with wrought Iron door leading to wine cellar.
• Large Breakfast nook off of kitchen which is functional for everyday family meals but large enough to seat 8 people.
• Covered Veranda with outdoor fireplace. The perfect place to spend fall evenings.
• Private Hallway leads to the secluded master bedroom suite. Master Bedroom is the perfect size and has a vaulted ceiling.
• Upstairs is two bedroom suites with a jack and Jill bath. Functional use of the space and perfect for the empty nester or family with teenagers.

This home starts on your lot from $341,000.

Give us your feedback on the plan. We would love to hear your comments. We will update the site with more plans shortly.

Here is a master bathroom with older style octagon and dot tile in black and white with a black distressed vanity paired with 2 contemporary pendants above the sinks. The slate blue paint color has a contemporary feel and contrasts beautifully with all the black in this bathroom.

A kitchen, again having a contemporary light fixture (which is one of my favorite pieces and it comes in a darker bonze color as well!). As you can see most of the elements in this kitchen are old world, but we are not afraid to throw in the stainless steel appliances, interesting lighting, and the 1×1 glass tiles in a nice mocha brown shade on the wall behind the stove, which all have a contemporary feel.