Draperies enhance a view. Opposed to popular thought, if designed correctly, they do not obscure, but rather frame the windows, highlighting the outside vista. This is accomplished by placing side panels on the outside of the window frames and the rod or valance above...
Read MoreIn terms of FURNITURE PLACEMENT, it is usually best not to align the furniture with the longer direction of the room, thus emphasizing it's disproportion. Instead of making the room look imbalanced and the furniture look even longer than it is - like a tunnel,...
Read MoreIn addition to casting light in a consistent, yet focused stream, SOFFITS create the illusion of an all-over light dispersion. This is because the light looks mostly hidden within the dropped ceiling cavity. This directional downward light is recessed into the ceiling, beaming a light...
Read MoreA most effective space enlarger is the HALF-WALL. While it conveniently defines a space, it simultaneously creates a light airy feeling through its openness. It is a wall that rises up, but not all the way. This typical sheet rock partition, though firmly rooted, seemingly...
Read MoreBig isn't always better. Ask your pet! They know it feels much better to nestle up to a corner or wall. People like points of reference. Large rooms can make a person feel uncomfortable, feeling almost lost in space. The humanist architects had an intuitive...
Read MoreWritten for Art, Antiques and Design (By Gail Green) When DISPLAYING small sized ART works, it is best to gather them into a closely allied grouping. When positioned on the wall as a unit, they resemble a strong composition. Small works, such as prints, are most effectively...
Read MoreThe secrets behind making making HALLWAYS, and / or narrow passageways, look more expansive, are several. Usually this tunnel feeling occurs because hallways tend to be rather narrow, emphasizing the taller ceiling height. By dropping the ceiling, even if not originally very high, it will...
Read MorePerhaps, the most overlooked yet most important room of the home is the Entry Foyer. This oftentimes ignored area sets the feel and flow for the entire residence. It is one's first and lasting impression upon entering and leaving their home. And, it is here...
Read MoreA great MASTER PLAN illustrates "flow," the seductive movement of circulation within and through space. As David Estreich of David Estreich, Architects suggests, "The plan dictates a well-fitting relationship between rooms, incorporating a seamless integration of architecture and decoration." Like the bespoke suit, walking through a...
Read MoreMies Van der Rohe exclaimed, "God is in the Details." This famous architect knew that what separates the sublime from the mundane is the attention to detail that an artisan expresses in their work. Using materials known to function for one purpose and then employed...
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