At the Intersection of Art, Architecture & Design

Design Solutions – using design to solve undesirable conditions

When I suggested a very deep purple as an accent wall they were quite skeptical. I suggested the color as a perfect near-complement to the grayed sage greens. And also to accent the architecture.

In this kitchen project, all lighting – ambient, task and accent — use exclusively fluorescent or LED lamps.

All rooms should have 3 types of lighting – ambient, task, and accent.

I often use a single horizontal line – molding, tile, window sills or other elements – to bring unity to a design.

Many of us love the “charm” of an older home – one built before 1930. For the most part what we’re responding to is the architectural detailing that comes from building without stock parts and without a production mentality. In today’s home, such detailing is no less desirable – whether it’s funky, traditional, or rustic.

Decorating with Family Photos: Sometimes all you need to do is rearrange the pictures on your wall to improve your home’s style.

The kitchen in this 1950′s split level in Washington, DC had been updated once in the 1980′s. It was overdue for another update — this time, a more modern style central to the house and with better connection to the outdoors.

Thoughts about ways to keep kitchen remodeling costs down.

Another nice design idea from the house I visited in California recently — entertainment components that disappear when not in use.

Remodeling is expensive! There’s just no getting around it. There are 3 main factors that drive price: Size, Complexity & Finish Level. We’ll look at each briefly and then also look at ways to minimize the effect of each.