I saw this on Houzz and wanted to share these designer funnies with you...ok some of it maybe true! Traditional Other by Durham Architect Coffee with an Architect Other by Durham Architect Coffee with an Architect Other by Durham Architect Coffee with an Architect

Marble is such a beautiful counter top material...classic, timeless and sophisticated!  But with this beauty comes maintenance. Traditional Kitchen by Newport Beach Home Builders Spinnaker Development A lot of replicas look like a replica and not the real thing, but this porcelain is beautiful and low maintenance!

"Most interior experts will agree that a well-designed chair can transform a room.  Fabulous yet functional, a good chair makes the perfect investment," says Luxdeco Magazine. I could agree more or said it better myself.

Good curb appeal is in the details!  Those details don't have to cost a ton of money or take a ton of time either. This tip seems simple, but make sure you house and yard are clean.

With summer fast approaching, the weather is warming up.  I am definitely get inspired by new pool designs! Source: google.com via Jamie on Pinterest Source: cdn.home-designing.com via Jamie on Pinterest Source: s-media-cache-ec7.pinimg.com via Jamie on Pinterest I love entertaining...

Life can get really busy and sometimes a little crazy, having a place to sit - if even just for a minute - in the morning to have breakfast or a cup of coffee can start your day off right! Eclectic Kitchen design by Providence Interior Designer Kate Jackson Design The booth gives an intimate place to sit, and also creates a partition that hides clutter. Traditional Kitchen design by Minneapolis General Contractor Schrader & Companies I can imagine myself sitting here in the morning while mor...

Collecting sophisticated and authentic artwork for your home can be a bit pricy and overwhelming.  But, I found a great article by Laura Gaskill on Houzz that has some great tips. Before buying artwork, decide what kind of artwork "speaks to you".

And the winner for 2013 color of the year is... Emerald Eclectic Family Room design by Atlanta Interior Designer Cristi Holcombe "Green is the most abundant hue in nature - the human eye sees more green than any other color in the spectrum, said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute."Symbolically, Emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal and rejuvenation and easily translates to fashion and home interiors," as quoted by Resource Partners. Modern Bathroom desi...

Lighting can drastically transform a space.  The possibilities are endless for bathroom lighting, you just have to think outside the box. Modern Bathroom by Vancouver Interior Designer holger hoos design

Creating a richer experience in your home this year doesn't have to cost more. Design is about what your like, not what is hot this year!  Trends come and go.

Step 5: Schematic design Schematic design is the looking at all your options and getting them on paper.  It doesn't have to be perfect, designing is a process...it's your starting point.  Here you start to think about layout, color, finishes, etc.

As a designer I go through each one of the following steps with my each of my clients.  But, for those not in the design profession I think it is very helpful to see all the steps that goes into getting that picture perfect kitchen in the end! Step 1: Inspiration Look through magazines, friends houses, the internet...and find what really speaks to you.

It's time for Christmas cards once again.  Hopefully this will give you some inspiration to get them done!

Being a parent is a really special thing.  But, I don't think that means you have to give up your stylish home, to have kids. Laura Gaskill from Lolalina has some great tips find the balance in your life...like this beautiful chairs.  By selection great furniture forms and durable fabric its both sylish and kid friendly. Dark fabrics and leathers are also a good choice.

Color Inspiration I know there are people out there that would like to do something different with their house but are just not sure where to start-find an inspiration to jump start your reno.  Color can be a great inspiration.        Your inspiration can come from a great piece of artwork, magazine clipping, fabulous fabric, etc....there is no wrong inspiration as long as you love it and it "speaks to you".

I think Traditional Home put this best, "Our aesthetic instincts are based on proportion, line, balance and craftsmanship." Designers use their talents to create classic design  - whether taking inspiration from earlier time periods or following the newest trends.  

"While a master bath may serve as an escape from ringing phones and demanding family members, it can also offer all the best indulgences of the modern world," says Traditional Homes.  Today you can find heated floors, sound systems, televisions, coffee bar, towel warmer, chromatherapy tubs and showers, mood light...the possibilities are endless.               As put by Traditional Home, "Mood lights, soft music and warm towels - technology has ne...

Today's clients want spaces that are uniquely theres.  I great way to provide that feeling is by using monograms. This is a project I did of home that was featured in Texas Home & Living and Houston Design Resource.  We customized the dining room chairs with monogramming.        Pillows, bedding and curtains are also things that can be customized.

It's great if you remodel your home to be more accessible.  It means you are planning for the future and reducing unnecessary future expenses.  But if you can't get into your house with a wheelchair than it doesn't matter how well you designed the inside.

Unfortunately sometimes in life things happen...someone in the family breaks a leg, or has surgery - maybe a hip replacement -  that would require them to be in a wheelchair.  If your lucky and nothing like that happens to your family you will still age and with age brings decreased mobility.  Plan ahead and account for these things while doing a remodeling project or building a home.

Staging your house to sell is so important.  It will sell your house faster and for more money.  The trick is to think about what a potential buyer might think about your house.