Treasure Hill Cottage

When designing the bathroom, it’s important to mix function and fashion.  There are numerous benefits to having extra storage and space in the bathroom, which is why it’s best to start with the cabinets.  While a stand alone sink can be fashionable, a sink with a cabinet is much better for storage.  You might also consider installing a wall cabinet or an old fashioned mirror cabinet.  Having a bathroom linen cabinet is also a great idea; there’s nothing worse than having to run down the hall to get a towel or washcloth while you’re taking a shower!  Once you have the cabinetry picked out, the rest of the bathroom will fall into place much easier.  Select a color of paint or wallpaper to compliment the cabinetry, and use bright lighting to illuminate the space.

The most functional bathrooms should be bereft of a lot of accessories that clutter up countertop space.  Pictures and portraits can be a nice addition in the bathroom, but keep photographs out unless you want your guests to feel weird! 

My last article spoke of some of the different patio surfaces that are available. This article will touch upon multi level designs.

The higher your door is above the ground and the topography of your landscape will govern how high your patio will be and if multi levels are needed. If there is a four inch to eight inch difference, you can plan on just stepping onto the patio. However, if your doorway is higher, some creative design work must be done. Many times a nice sized landing to step onto, then a few steps down to the patio. This provides a comfortable area to step onto, rather than just a narrow step. If your door is very high, you can also add some steps off the patio. The idea is to create a gradual transition to ground level.

Seat walls are a nice addition to patios. They not only provide something attractive and vertical to look at, but also offer additional seating and a nice place for conversation. Seat walls should be eighteen to twenty four inches high and a minimum of twelve inches deep. The top of the wall should be flat. For example, if the seat wall is to be made of natural stone, a bluestone cap provides a comfortable seat and also a resting place for food or drinks.

Think about some nice features to add to your patio. The sound of water from a natural or formal pond or fountain at the edge or nearby is both beautiful and peaceful. Perhaps a special sculpture works well in the design. If your patio is in a hot and sunny area, consider a pergola or trellis for shade.  

Considering all of these design elements will lead to a patio project that is aesthetic, functional and enjoyable.

Thinking about an outdoor patio design can be both fun and confusing. You might be imagining entertaining your family and friends. Perhaps relaxing quietly enjoying the peace and quiet is a nice thought or even listening to some trickling water. Yet, how do you go about creating a patio design that you will really be happy with? Where do you start? There are many design aspects to consider.

How large do you need your patio to be? As a guide, a sixty inch round table and chairs would need about fifteen feet of space. This allows for chairs to be maneuvered and also allows for access around the furniture. A lounge needs approximately ten feet of space. A patio about 300 square feet is a decent size. (15ft. x 20ft. = 300 sq. ft.)

Work with a design that compliments the architecture of your home. Sometimes the simplicity of interesting geometric shapes and paving patterns look elegant. In other situations, arched design might blend in better with natural surroundings.Are you looking for an inexpensive solution?

Are you looking for an inexpensive solution? If you have a large area to do and a small budget to work with colored concrete may be the way to go.  There are many design patterns to choose from or create one of your own by setting decorative stepping stones into the concrete.  Use Travertine pavers for the natural stone look.  They are actual stone but are cut into regular shapes for an easy, dry laid installation. Bluestone is always beautiful whether it is laid in mortar or dry laid. You can choose irregular shapes for an informal look or regular shapes for a more formal area.

When it comes to decorating the home, there are thousands of different options in terms of paint, furniture, and accessories, and it can seem a little overwhelming.  When decorating, it’s important to have a theme in mind for the space.  You might apply a theme to the entire home, or just to one specific room, but having a theme in mind will help to select the right home décor.  Some of the most common themes include rustic, classic, and Asian.  Rustic home décor includes soft earth tones for the paint, as well as rustic Southwestern style furniture and accessories.  The classic look is one of refinement; including rich wood, plush leather, and colors like dark blue, black, and crimson.  Asian home décor is becoming more popular in the West, with wooden screen doors, tatami mats, and accessories ranging from dragons to wall scrolls featuring Chinese characters. 

Once you’ve selected a theme for the home décor in a room, finding the right pieces to complete the motif becomes much easier.  Don’t be afraid to use your imagination, the more there is of you in the room, the better!