Design

We love, love modern designs at Inside Avenue. We especially like modern designs that are organic, warm and livable. In our opinion, no one does it better than Kelly Hoppen, an internationally well-known designer from the UK. Here is a sample of her work from the latest issue of Metropolitan Magazine , using our favorite color scheme, black and white. A wonderful color combination (note the yellow chair). How about this for a dining room? Check out the cool chandelier, and again, the use of yellow as an accent color... This is what makes Kelly Hoppen so good, the creative mixing of furniture style... How about this for a modern bathroom? If you like Kelly Hoppen's work, check out her design books at Amazon. They are a great source of inspirations. She also designed a furniture collection for Century Furniture, China for Wedgewood and a bedding line for Sferra.

The trend toward loft living is increasing. We see more lofts being built than ever. Traditionally, lofts were conversions from old factory and warehouses. Recently, however, more builders are building loft-style developments throughout the country from coast to coast. Lofts are cool, but they are difficult to decorate. Here is a sample of a great loft design from Metropolitan Home Magazine. Notice the clever use of all neutral colors.... We love the use of yellow as punctuation. Very clever... See the use of hallway as a functional space... The kitchen warms up with accessories... Here are a few lessons we've learned from looking at these photos: 1)Make use of awkward spaces by using built-in bookcases and desks. 2)Use neutral colors if that is your thing, but pump it up with splashes of colors. 3)Use accessories to warm up the space. 4)Don't stick to one type of furniture. Mix it up.

A winter wonderland greeted me as I peeked in on the work at the new home. Today the workers had applied a top finish to the basement's stained concrete floor ... next step is a nice polishing ... looking good! We have part of the siding up ... the entire back side is done ... now they're working around to the front. Photos top to bottom: Front with partial siding up ... taken a few days ago; dining room, new garage doors; evening time; neighbor's cabin (across the street from me).

T his past week all of the drywall was installed and the litter strewn floors were cleaned. No more peeking through the wall studs :) Both garage doors were also installed. Dh's "barn"(garage) is nearly complete! Next week work begins on the outside with the installation of our siding; ceiling insullation is to be "blown" in the attic; carpet and other flooring materials are to be measured; rock for the hearth ordered; tile for the masterbath shower and kitchen backsplash ordered; drywall to be taped ... bullnose corners installed ... and skip troweling the texture on the wall and ceiling surface; and the interior doors and hardware need to be ordered. It will be a busy week to say the least. Photos (top to bottom) Bonus room (guest/office) above garage; storage area (with tub) in basement; sunny day; basement family room showing fireplace; Ann's bedroom bay window with newly installed cedar shingles.

Y esterday, DH and I popped on over to the new home. It was an exciting day as quite a bit of the dry-wall had been put up on the walls. Now the interior is taking shape and the rooms are being defined. Hubby has dubbed his garage, The Barn, as it's about the size of one (1150 sq feet) with a 13 foot ceiling. He really liked the surprise of finding a gas heater/fireplace down in the basement. This was his Christmas present from me to him. Tomorrow, we're off to select the exterior rock trim and rock for behind the great room stove and the front of basement fireplace. What am I doing?? Posting and my daughter is getting married in two more hours???? Better run.

I actually found a few moments to drive out to our new home. The wall insullation is in and the latest round of county inspections has been completed. Next ... the front door and interior French doors need to be stained and finished along with installing the drywall. Dh will be here to help select the stain colors which will be a big help. Another week closer to our move-in countdown. Things are really coming along. I'm so glad we got the driveway gravel down before all of the snow! The Lord is opening little windows and slots of time to get work done in and around the weather He dishes out. Oh, how thrilled dh is to finally be up and inspecting the progress. He has not seen or walked through the house yet.