Kitchen islands are so functional and fun to design!  They can be so different from kitchen to kitchen depending on the client and what they need on a daily basis in their kitchen.   Click on the link below to see the other neat ideas for islands in this article. ~ Julianna

desire to inspire – desiretoinspire.net – Reader request – kitchen islands.

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.

I just really loved some of the Old world details in this house, for example, the subway tile and the small hexagon tiles in black and white in the bathroom.  Some of the furniture has some old charm as well.  And like we like to do at OWC, the light fixtures have more of a modern feel, giving the home an overall eclectic feel, my favorite!!! Click on the link below to view the rest of the article and photos of this home.  Happy Monday ~Julianna

desire to inspire – desiretoinspire.net – A milk & honey home.

Dana Wolter, what an inspiration! I love her designs… Click on the link below to see the rest of her interiors. ~ Julianna

desire to inspire – desiretoinspire.net – Dana Wolter.

This article caught my eye because of the kitchen with the black subway tile backsplash.  Love it! It still has that classic feel but more of a modern look because it is black.  As I scrolled through this article I noticed all of the fabulous tile designs in black and white~ Click on the blog site below and read the rest of the article and take a look at the great tile! ~Julianna

Black and White Tile Article:

Okay, I am obsessed with interesting mosaic tile floors. I do not have any interesting mosaic tile floors in my tiny home so that is probably why I am obsessed with interesting mosaic tile floors. I wonder…if I ever had an interesting mosaic tile floor whether I would still be obsessed with interesting mosaic tile floors? Hmmmm….huh…hmmmm. Again, more non-dilemma dilemmas Cococozy style…realize though the cultural relevance of these musings is equal to zero…but can't help the way my mind wanders…stars, bubbles, exclamation points, asterisks, question mark, open parentheses…lah dee dah…toot toot…bling bling…dah dah dah…ooohhh…hee hee…haha…ding dong…niddle diddle…hoo hoo (the preceding was an actual log of 10 seconds of my thoughts…fascinating right?)

via COCOCOZY: Interior design blog – Decorate, remodel, renovate, furniture, lighting, architecture ideas for the home.

Take a minute to read through the trends and let me know what you think or tell me about where you have seen these trends…

2010 DESIGN TRENDS

Ask a group of interior designers to talk about the latest decorating trends and, chances are, they’ll wince just a little. Here’s the problem: Trends are often considered the pieces you buy one year and throw out the next, when they’re no longer gracing the pages of your favorite shelter magazine.

However, not every trend is fleeting. A few years ago, going green was hailed as one of the hottest trends. Now it is becoming a standard throughout the design industry.

So we asked around and pulled together a list of 10 trends for 2010 that have some staying power.

1. Texture

If West Elm’s spring collection, which launches this week, is any indication, texture will be big in 2010. “We are spending a lot of time researching new natural materials and unusual techniques with a lot of rich, textural interest,” said Alex Bates, creative director for the retailer. New products include a woven natural bamboo headboard, a crocheted floor cushion, recycled glass candleholders and storage made of kooboo.

2. Keeping it real

Forget faux. (No more fake antlers, please!) In 2010, we want to see a movement toward the natural patina of woods, metals and other materials. We don’t even mind a water mark or a hint of rust. After all, those imperfections may be the result of generations of wear and come with a good story or two.

3. Layered flooring

According to Marilyn Incerty, trend director for Cost Plus World Market, layering floor coverings adds richness and warmth. She suggested “overlapping several smaller, lightweight rugs with patterns and colors that are complementary – a striped runner on top of a larger geometric rug – or overlapping multiples of the same rug in a variety of colors.” Those with wall-to-wall carpeting can still get in on this trend. Place “a rug over existing carpet for an instant splash of color or pattern,” said Incerty. “This is a great trick for avoiding the hassle and expense of ripping out existing carpeting when you want an update.”

4. Bolder design decisions

“In the last year, people were looking to be calmed and comforted by interiors,” said Melanie Coddington, right, who was recently named one of House Beautiful’s 20 interior designers to watch. “I hope the burgeoning sense of optimism will translate into sparkle, glamour and lots of risk-taking in design. In with color!”

5. Old is new again

“Antiques and vintage pieces add soul to any space,” explained interior designer Jay Jeffers, “and these types of items are negotiable and plentiful in today’s markets, so our clients are able to invest in key pieces for their home.” From sites like 1stdibs.com to consignment and thrift stores, there are indeed sources out there for any budget.

6. Wallpapered ceilings

We’ve all seen the wallpapered accent wall. In 2010, look for wallpapered ceilings as an increasingly popular option for creating visual impact in a room.

7. Artisanal goods

Just as artisanal foods have taken off, expect the same for home furnishings and accessories. “Artisanal work will continue to be strong,” said interior designer Benjamin Dhong. “Even modernists want to see natural materials or the hand of the craftsman brought into their homes.”

8. The well-traveled look

The Sundance Channel series “Man Shops Globe” follows Anthropologie buyer-at-large Keith Johnson as he visits country after country, looking for special pieces and inspiration for the company’s 135 stores worldwide. Whether you’re scouring the stalls in Paris or browsing shops during a quick weekend getaway, incorporating souvenirs in a space can give it a bit of personality.

9. Palette

Speaking of color, Melanie Coddington is “having a purple moment that will continue into 2010,” she noted. “Gray also continues to figure largely as well – in particular purple and gray, yellow and gray, and matte and shiny gray together are great combinations.” Fellow interior designer Kimberly Ayres concurred: “Gray is the new beige,” she said, adding that she anticipates “rich and unexpected combinations – like gray with teal or magenta or tangerine. It’s a very mercurial color.”

10. Mix it up

“In general, I see a trend to a carefully edited ‘anything goes’ approach,” said Ayres. “Going forward in 2010, it’s all about the mix and how you combine individual, disparate elements. The right classic 19th century piece will mix with certain vintage finds from the ’70s and ’80s and with pieces designed this year.” She added, “Graphic modern print textiles work with traditional chairs and sofas.”

7 trends we’d love to see go

Interior decorator Albert Hadley may have said it best: “The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live.” Indeed, personal taste and decor that meets your needs are always in style.

That said, there are some trends we’ve come across in the past few years that we wish hadn’t been so widely adopted.

1. Homes that look like taxidermy shops. Enough with the wall of antlers and animal skins all over the floor!

2. Flat-screen TVs mounted so high above the fireplace mantel, you get a neck cramp before the first commercial break.

3. Home makeover shows that set unrealistic expectations about decorating a space. There are usually scores of people working behind the scenes whom you never see on screen. Plus, we’re firm believers that good design takes time.

4. Shallow sink basins that result in water splashing everywhere.

5. Outfitting a room top to bottom with reproduction designer furniture. We’ve seen too many homes filled with so much Eames, Bertoia and Saarinen they look like soulless showrooms.

6. The phrase “man cave.”

7. Watch any house-hunting program on HGTV and, chances are, granite countertops are on the buyer’s wish list. But with so many options now available – including recycled paper and glass products – our wish for 2010 is for anyone embarking on a remodel to think beyond the ubiquitous granite and stainless steel combination.

This house is coming along nicely! I love the drywall phase because the rooms are all defined and you get a real sense of size and detail.  I have to mention the arches again! They look great drywalled! And take a look at the barreled ceiling in the Gallery Hall~Just beautiful!

Foyer/Front Door

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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.