Dream Home

Happy Monday, today I wanted to feature a home designed by architect Tom Kundig, FAIA of Olson Kundig Architects. This home is in Portland, Oregon and it is absolutely stunning! I had the pleasure of meeting Tom Kundig at the gallery opening for the amazing artist and sculptor Harold Balazs (my namesake!) and I have a signed copy of his book, Tom Kundig: Houses. What can I say I am a total fan!

Here are a few words from the man himself:

"The simple, long bar plan and the rhythmical spacing of floor-to-ceiling windows provide a rigorous proportion and rhythm in this Portland house. Views across the main axis – from the courtyard to the south-facing balconies – provide a strong connection to the outdoors.
A lantern-like entry vestibule welcomes visitors to the house from the motor court. The main level includes living areas, an office, and a master suite. From the main level, the landscape slopes down to expose a lower level with a media room, pool room, and guest quarters, as well as a 100-foot library stretching along the entire north wall. The master suite angles away from the rest of the house, taking in the best views and seemingly hanging in the trees."

The views through this house are exquisite, the lines between indoor and out seem to simply disappear.

I love the floor to ceiling windows and creative exterior illumination!

What spectacular views...

Kundig's use of raw metal and wood materials is simple and authentic. 

I love the wall of doors that open from the kitchen to the deck, again drawing a strong connection to the outdoors.

If you like these doors you should check out some of his other projects Here and Here where he plays with scale and came up with a creative new design for a door. I think it's part of his signature style.

This platform bed looks as if it's floating in air. The neutral colors are calming and do not distract from the views out...

The floor to ceiling windows continue into the bathroom. The bench that extends through the shower glass is so cool, I love it.

All photos are from the website of Olson Kundig Architects.

Thank you for checking out this amazing dream home. This home reminds me of the famous quote "Form Follows Function". It brings together form and function and is beautiful in its simplicity and functionality. 

His work is very inspiring to me and I am sure I will feature more of it another day. I would love to hear what you think of it as well!

Top 5 Tips To Choose Paint Color

Tip 1. Think about color psychology, or the "mood" you would like to achieve. For a restful calming space choose soft, cool colors. To energize a space choose dramatic, warm colors.

By using neutral colors you can create a soothing atmosphere, 
add pops of color and mix smooth and rough textures to create intrigue!

Pinterest

Tip 2. Select a color scheme using inspiration from fabrics, photographs or nature. The 3 main color schemes are Monochromatic, Analogous and Complimentary: A Monochromatic color scheme is achieved when using different values (light or dark) of a single hue (color). You can create a calming atmosphere by using different shades from the same color family.

Monochromatic Color Scheme

An Analogous color scheme is created when you use an array of colors found directly next to each other on the color wheel (i.e. green, blue, purple) this color scheme is most commonly found in nature and is said to be intuitive and soothing.

Analogous Color Scheme

Complimentary color schemes are created when colors found directly opposite each other on the color wheel are combined (i.e. red and green). The effect is active and lively. 

Complimentary Color Scheme

Tip 3. Consider lighting: Think about the daylight that enters the room. Do you have incandescent or fluorescent light fixtures? Incandescent lights give off a warmer glow where as fluorescent lights give a space a cool blue. The type of lighting can be very deceiving and affect the way we perceive paint colors. Use the appropriate light boxes provided at the paint store when looking at paint samples to choose the correct colors. When painting the exterior don't forget to look at paint swatches in the daylight!!!


Tip 4. Do you want the space to feel bigger or smaller? Ceiling to feel shorter or taller? 
Light colors make a space feel larger. Dark colors do the opposite! Consider adjoining spaces and coordinate paint colors so the rooms flow from one into the next. If you are painting the exterior, look at your neighbors homes and try to coordinate your paint color with the existing street scape.

Dark walls give a dramatic and intimate feel. 

These green drapes add a beautiful burst of color!

Verdigris Vie

Tip 5. Test the colors in the room: Choose 2-3 colors from the small paint swatches and paint directly on a large portion of the wall or paint sample boards that you can lean up against the wall. Observe for a several days in the changing light conditions.
Last but not least: Think about the paint sheen, do you want flat or glossy? Glossy bounces light around the room whereas flat paint tends to holds light still. Light paint colors with a glossy sheen make a small space feel expansive. Glossy paint in a dark color adds major drama! Typically I use a hi-gloss finish on furniture, semi-gloss on trim and cabinets and satin or eggshell on the walls. Always remember that it is just paint and it is the simplest and least expensive change you can make to the design of space.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Entryway Inspiration...

I can't believe it's Wednesday already! Today I am in search of entryway inspiration. After painting our house over the summer we now need to: paint the door, add a kick plate and knocker, find unique house numbers and a new nickle doorbell.

After months of planning, the house color still turned out a deep navy blue rather than the charcoal gray that I had in mind (I will be posting ideas and tips on choosing paint colors later in the week). When searching for design inspiration I like to walk through beautiful neighborhoods to get ideas for my design. I take bits and pieces from many sources and mold them into my own creative design. Here are some of my inspiration photos, mostly found on Pinterest for my front entry and door. I love feedback and suggestions so please comment on any of the posts or email me at Blaiseadkisondesign@gmail.com anytime!

This house has beautiful symmetry, I really like the color choice for this cottage style architecture.
Great landscape architecture with the rock pathway and wood trellis on either sides.
I love the lantern style entry lights!

Entry 1

This front entry is very well composed. Cool vintage mailbox and a very unique light.
I love the painted wood decking and those cool rocking chairs.

Entry 2

Yellow Door...

Check out these huge house numbers, interesting and modern choice for this cute bungalow cottage. 

The color is nearly the same as mine. Maybe I should paint our door yellow!?!

Entry 3

I love everything about this entry: the light fixture, the knocker and the numbers work so well together.
Design tip: Potted plants always look best in groupings of three!

Entry 4

Turquoise Door...

The chevron pattern and color of the door are so refreshing. Great knocker, latch and house numbers!
The lights need to be different style and definitely a larger scale with a dark bronze finish.

Entry 5

Black Door...

This entry is amazing! The lights are perfect. They are simple and remind me of yacht club / dock light fixtures.

The lanterns on the stairs are so cool...

 

Entry 6

Red Door...

I have always loved the idea of a red front door. It seems so welcoming.

Entry 7

How about this red door? The color of this home is similar to ours.

 I think this is beautiful and it really makes me want some snow!!!

Entry 8

What do you think? I promise to post my photos as soon as I make some design updates. I will also post some before photos so you can see where we started.

Have a happy Wednesday!

 

Dream Home

 I hope you all had a great weekend. I was busy joining Pinterest  (finally, it is an online pin board) and landscaping our front garden beds. I planted hydrangeas, Winter green shrubs and a few different types of grasses and nearly 100 tulip, iris and narcissus bulbs. I will be photographing the progress through the seasons to see how they all work together.

Today I wanted to share a home designed by Tiek Built Homes. They specialize in restoring traditional style homes that are absolutely amazing. Their passion for design, architecture and quality craftsmanship is evident and I am absolutely obsessed with the design of this home. The interior design was done by Caitlin Creer and suits the Cape Cod style architecture of the home very nicely. Enjoy the photos and be sure to check out Tiek Built Homes Blog or their Pinterest for more information and inspirational photos.

I grew up vising my family in Connecticut and have always loved the Cape Cod Style homes that line the shore. This cottage style greatly influences my personal designs and I am inspired by life near the sea. In this home the lantern lights hint to a nautical theme without being overly "themey" and the yellow door is perfectly charming! This is my Dream Home...

 Tiek Built Homes

 I love the gray paint color with the bright white trim. The roof line is detailed and compliments the Cape Cod style architecture very well.

Tiek Built Homes

Check out all of the windows and natural light. They really succeeded in bringing the outdoors in! That is a great ceiling fan, very simple and understated and the paint color is soft and serene.

Tiek Built Homes

The architectural details are classic traditional design. The detailed chevron brick pattern inside the fireplace is so creative and the small glass tiles add a bit of sparkle.

Tiek Built Homes

This window seat is genius, I am a huge fan of natural light and who doesn't enjoy an afternoon nap in the sun? These pillows are so cute too...

Tiek Built Homes
 On to the Kitchen...and it just gets better...I am in love with the high ceilings, the light fixtures and the farm house sink. These are all perfect components for a cottage style home.

Tiek Built Homes
I love using free standing furniture in unexpected ways, a vanity made from an antique dresser or cabinet or an armoire used as a shoe closet. In this home the kitchen island has been designed to be free floating, giving an airy and open feel. I think it is a perfect choice!

Tiek Built Homes
Master Bedroom - The Paneling behind the headboard is so dramatic and the gable roof gives the ceiling an organic "curved" shape, I love how the scroll bed mirrors the line of the ceiling.

Caitlin Creer Interiors

Tiek Built Homes

Seating nook in the master bedroom. The furniture was custom made and gives a dramatic and cozy feel to the master bedroom.

 

Caitlin Creer Interiors

I hope this cape cod style dream home inspires you as much as it does me! Remember to check back to see photos of the landscaping I did over the weekend! Also find me on Pinterest, where I will be posting even more inspiring designs as well as recipes and travel photos...

House of Fifty - Guest Suite Design

For all of you Domino readers and design lovers alike I am so excited to share with you my favorite new "e-zine" (online magazine) House Of Fifty. I couldn't resist to share this because the Holiday issue was just released this week and it is amazing! I give major props to founding editor Janell Beals from Isabella & Max Rooms for coming up with this concept for an online magazine with tons of great design and lifestyle inspiration. I love everything about it, the layout as well as the content. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!

My favorite design tips from the Holiday issue were about creating a luxurious guest suite. During the Holidays you may find yourself hosting guests for longer periods of time. Here are my top 3 favorite ideas for making their stay even more amazing:

 “Guests rooms should be comfortably chic with equal parts swanky boutique hotel and the creature comforts of home.” - Lori Graham (Interior Designer and Contributor to House of Fifty E-Zine)

1. Provide a luxurious robe & slippers!
2. Layer drapery to create a soothing and dark atmosphere where guests can rest and relax.
3. Provide baskets of tasty snacks & a tray with seasonal teas.

You will have to subscribe (for free!) to House Of Fifty to see the remaining tips to create a luxe guest suite!

A beautiful & bold guestroom. I love the glossy black floors paired with the distressed antique armoire.
Designed by Lori Graham from House of Fifty E-Zine.

A serene guestroom with a pop of brightly colored artwork. I love the unique black & white bed frame.
Designed by interior designer Lori Graham from House of Fifty E-Zine.

I love the idea of making your home feel like a boutique hotel, giving your guests a fab space to vacation.

I am officially joining Pinterest this weekend so be sure to stay tuned!
Thanks for stopping by,

Tourist In Seattle...

I am still unwinding from a long weekend in Seattle. We went to the Seahawks game and enjoyed some fine dining with friends at re:public bar & restaurant in the South Lake Union district as well as a delicious Italian birthday dinner for Bryan at The Pink Door , there is no sign just a lightly colored pink door on Post Alley near the Pike Place Market. I highly recommend both of these to anyone planning a trip to the Seattle area.

Aside from the amazing food and wonderful time with friends I was thinking alot about the architecture in Seattle. Our hotel was across the street from the amazing Public Library, designed by Rem Koolhaas! After watching the sunset over the peninsula from the top floor of the hotel I am even more convinced that the best place to build a house is directly on a body of water. I have always been in love with the idea of living on a house boat. Since I was little I always admired the cozy rustic houseboats on Lake Union and was surprised and excited to find a very modern approach to lakeside living. Check out this Dream Home!

The raw materials (glass, aluminum and wood) not only give this houseboat a sleek and modern look, they are easy to maintain and hold up against any harsh weather conditions from the lake.

I love how the light filters in through the translucent floor to ceiling glass windows.

A view of sail boats from the kitchen? Yes please...

This design flips a traditional home design, putting private spaces on the ground level and the public spaces are on the upper levels allowing the best views for entertaining.

A dock off the master bedroom? Why not...

A very modern approach to living on the water. For more information on this amazing and chic house boat go here:  Lake Union Floating Home, designed by Vandeventer + Carlander Architects, LLC.

 I remember when I was little we were able to walk out and see the house boats up close and personal. Most of these neighborhoods are now private, requiring professional tours to view them. However you can still get down by the water and appreciate them from afar!

Happy November!

I can't believe it is November! The fall is really here, the air is crisp, the leaves are changing and the sun is shining low in the sky. It is time to indulge in some Muller Apple Cider and Apple Cider Doughnuts (I have always wanted to make these!!!) and pull out the recipe books in preparation for Thanksgiving!

 

I hope you all had a lovely Halloween and filled up on your share of candy! I just returned from a long weekend in Seattle and will be posting tomorrow about some cool architecture from this hip Northwest City, thanks for dropping by and don't forget to stop and enjoy the brightly colored leaves!

Cheers,