Window…Life!!!!!

Tags

coverings, decor, design, drapes, inside, interior, light, outside, room, rooms, window

Light Up…The Room!!!

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

These interiors bring the outdoors inside with floor to ceiling windows. One look at these amazing interiors and you can see how the best of the outside is used as art on the inside.  By using floor to ceiling windows it gives the room or space a grander feel as well as allows natural sun light to come in which improves by giving the illusion of a larger scaled space.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Horizontal and vertical lines depict the masculine line of this elegant dining room. The ice-cold floors and accent pieces are joined with the natural warmth of the beauty of the trees both inside and out. By combining these diverse elements, one can create incredible force and allow the viewer to imagine the room as they want to see it.  The natural beauty of the outside, combined with man created beauty of the inside, frame a perfect picture and present a victory for the designer and an incredible dining room for the home owner. It is the classic example of designing for the view and natural elements.

This room is illuminated by the elongated windows and enhanced by the white walls and floors.  The natural light makes this white boxed room shine with a pure and natural reflection.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Please note how the designer has elected to highlight the draperies rather than try to have them drop and disappear. By bringing you to the power of the window treatments, the occupant and or viewer has no choice but to be enthralled by the natural beauty of the outside elements. The room smells of both warmth and excitement, as the outside hypnotize us to the tranquility, but at night the excitement of the enclosure can show off the boldness of the design. A great example of how you can design for day and night.

The drapery used gives geometric shape to the décor.  By using the circles or dots on the window treatments it becomes a visual delight.  Another usage of these blinds was to give an optical illusion of the height and pronounced tones of highlighted design.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

True design is the ability to orient the room so that the line of sight of the inhabitants is always directed as the designer has viewed the room in their creative stage.  Here you have a square box of a room that is clearly directed to the natural beauty of the outside. Notice the careful placement of the sculpture and light fixture to quickly grab you attention and slowly lead you to the peaceful setting outside. The perfect room, for the owners or guests to relax in, and enjoy Florida’s beauty.

The sky blue carpet brings the blue skies inside and the floors the color of clouds.  It is as if you are walking on air and dreaming on clouds.  Ambient light is accomplished by using the clear glass panes with no film or tint to reflect interior light at a more powerful level.  By hanging the whimsical drapes above the window sills adds length and illusion of the size of the windows, adding strength to the room.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Overall the usage of floor to ceiling windows makes any room seem larger and more spacious.  The perspective to the eye creates the feeling and physical reaction of enhanced space.  These windows really are like a well-tailored article of clothing, they fit just right as well as enhance whatever space they occupy.

 Style & Design,

Sabrina Alexis

The Foundation….of Décor!!!!!

Tags

decor, design, floor, floors, granite, marble, material, materials, mosaic, room, rooms, talent, walls

Artistically Floored!!!

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Flooring is a very important element in the décor of your home.  Most do not realize the value it has and how it really is the foundation of a residence.  Floors add personality to your house; they deliver you from room to room and are what the walls are built from.

This multi-talented surface serves as a dual acting foundation both structurally and decoratively speaking.  The floors are a ‘statement’ when an individual steps in through your doors.  Another words, they can either “work for you or against you”.  With this in mind it’s no wonder people say, “I’m floored”.

The Ground Floor:

Mosaics date back over 4,000 years in history.  Using different colored stones, shells, glass, pottery, and or other materials this technique of patterns through placement is still a decorative delight.  The actual term for the individual pieces used is: Tessera or tesserae.  The spaces between or the grout is called: interstices.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Dating in the second half of the third millennium BC, is the temple in Arbra, Mesopotamia which contained the earliest known place where mosaics were made of different materials: ivory and shells.

The first glass tiles making a mosaic was from around 1500 BC.

The late 4^th century Christian Churches began to have the interiors and exteriors full of mosaics from the walls to the ceilings.  The Santa Constanza and Santa Pudenziana are from the 4th century and still exist presently.  The Church of Nativity in Bethlehem floor is partly the original mosaics with influence of Roman geometric motifs.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

A coastal Ionian town of Sarada, Albania is where in 2003 the remains of an early synagogue had been found, the excavation was a huge find in history as it was the first time that archeologist were actually able to explore and do research on the site.  Due to the Communist rule prevented it in previous years.  Discovered were mosaics of a menorah, citron tree, ram’s horn, and other biblical symbols; depicting the Jewish holidays.  The researchers believe that this synagogue was actually last used as a Church in the 6^th century.

Girih are intricate patterned mosaics, it’s most known as architectural art in many Muslim cultures.

There are three main methods of mosaics, they are: direct method, indirect method, and the double indirect method.  In addition to this, there are different styles or techniques of mosaics:  Opus reglatum, opus vermiculatum, opus musivum, opus tessellatum, opus palladianum, opus classicum, opus circumatcum, opus sectile, and micromosaic.  Opus origin is Latin and when translated to English it means “work”.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

As you can see in the pictures, these floors are considered Mosaics however each one is made of different materials.  The granite blended with marble, gives a Victorian feel to the floor.  The Saturnia marble mixed with travertine, limestone, Amtico Florentine blue marble gives the floor an Italian or Greek impression.  Finally, the wood design could be considered a mosaic as it is a design made of other types of woods inlayed.  In return, these wood floors a traditional or colonial foundation to the room.

Overall, floors can be as simple and basic or as elaborate and detailed as you style.  Design just doesn’t rest around or on the floors…it starts with the floor!

Style and Design,

Sabrina Alexis

The “Heeling”…. Purple!!!!

Tags

bathroom, decor, design, fashion, heels, painting, purple, room, rooms, throw

Purple Fashion!!!!!!

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN 

Purple Wonders:

Purple is a combination of two primary colors on the color wheel: blue and red.  This is unique because the two colors actually are opposites yet when mixed they blend into a beautiful radiant color that is actually considered artificial in nature, as it is very rare.  Only a few flowers contain the color purple naturally.

 The association to this color falls under the categories of: royalty, wisdom, mystery, magic, creativity, dignity, and independence.  This spiritual color symbolizes: power, nobility, luxury, ambition, and conveys wealth.  There’s no doubt this color is a powerful blend.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Purple uses the cooling attributes of blue and the energy of red to make itself a color that is always noticed.  When worn, purple stands out the most compared to other colors, again, this could be related back to the fact that it was considered artificial.

Throughout history, nobles of the past and the wealthy wore purple robes and or clothed themselves and their beds with purple.  Origination of the word to describe this color came from Tyrian purple or sometimes known as imperial purple.  Which was derived from mollusc , an animal with no backbone and a shell that lived on the coast of Tyre located in ancient Phoenicia we know this as Lebanon today.

Did you know that there is actually a phobia that purple is associated with?  There is, it is called porphyrophobia.  This is a fear of the color purple.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN 

Purple brings fashion to the bedroom with this fabulous room.  The fashion silhouette dances on the walls in a purple toned dress kicking up her heels.  The espresso brown background of the painting ties together the décor of the room.

This bedroom brings purple to all different hues accented with darker browns.  The plum suede walls behind the bed set the perfect backdrop for the lighter grey toned purple bed.  The faux mink throw blanket adds to the fashion and wild side.  Looking at the window drapes you can clearly see the illusion that the white stripe brings.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN 

Changing it up the purple doesn’t stop here; this tailoring bathroom has modern sophistication that does the jive.  The purple glass bowl stands on the vanity under the faucet.  Shelves built into the bath tub storage for towels and more.  Tiles of rich purple line the walls of the shower; a glass door opens the room and reflects the light.  The fan that hangs is a smart touch, eliminating humidity and heat after the shower.

Fashion incorporated in design paints this purple picture.

 

Style & Design,

Sabrina Alexis

 

The Princesses Suite!!!!!

Tags

castle, children, children's, decor, design, play, princesses, room, stage

Castle made for two!!!

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Enter the castle:

No need to go to Disney, it’s been brought to you through this adorable room.  Bring fairytale’s to life with this Castle fit for two Princesses.  Follow the pink carpet through the passage way in the suite, greeted by Disney’s classic characters.  A suite full of enchantment delivers sweetness at every corner.  Designed with castles in mind, contains archways and everything divine.

The dolls stand in the tower on display.  Each little princess has their chamber to sleep and play.  The arches separate the suite from the stage.  Bookcases house the stuffed animals for easy access; storing each of them gracefully and out-of-the-way.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Around the bend and bow is the fantasy of play.  A raised platform with stationery paneling curtains gives the illusion of a real life stage.  Perfect for make-believe, presented with expression.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Drawers under the platform are storage for props.  Sitting with applause are some friends The Seven Dwarfs.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

The ‘wishing well’ painted on the wall, brings wishes to life.  Sheer and soft valance swags over the window lets in the sunlight.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

This suite serves all the elements that are important for children: security, imagination, play, learning, sleep, and self-expression.  Children often associate their room as “THEIR” room.  Simply put, it is the one place that is in their minds… theirs.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

It is the first place in which the child develops identity with security.  Attention to the child’s interests assists in the development of the child’s emotional state.  Themes as a style of décor, engages the child’s creativity and security, as they can relate to what’s around them.  This allows them to be themselves and discover who they are.

The fairytale suite, cute, sweet, and everything adorable is made for two.  Castle of dreams for little girls do come true!

Style and Design,

Sabrina Alexis

In the…BUFF!!!

Tags

beige, black, couch, cream, decor, design, grey, ice, interior, ocean, table, wood

Zoned…Neutral

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN 

So NOT Vanilla or bland:

Beige and tones of creamy white clothes are often accessorized the same way that sofas and sitting places are. The usage of plants adds accent bringing life to the living areas.  By using neutral  color sofas it opens the opportunity to possibility to transforms the interior with the times.  Your interior designer can always update with inspiration changes when you have a neutral canvas.

One way to think of the creamy color sofa is like an ice cream cone.  You get to put all the toppings you want on it.  The toppings can be colorful like sprinkles, simple like chocolate chips, either way; the color is always on top.

No longer considered drab, grey has become a new trend in the pallet of design.  This color brings contemporary, chic, relaxing vibrations to any room.  With calming attributes this room brings sophistication with stainless steel accents on the lamp, bar stools, sconces, as well as the wall art sculpture.  The rhythm of the room makes it fresh, inviting, and gives a spirit of infinity.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

The striking window drapery adds a dramatic touch along with tying in the pattern on the silk and wool area rug.  The squares don’t stop here; they continue to be the main focus of the room, from the coffee tables, the chairs, shape of the couch, the wall décor, and the outline of the windows.  The trees that stand on either side of the wall table, brings the outdoors in and shows the relationship to the plants on the other side of the window.

Marble that matches the color of the sofas is another way of using this neutral base.  The espresso brown end tables, coffee tables, sculpture, and planter contrasting in color brings scale and balance to the room.  The ying and yang of décor.  This room displays a warm contemporary style with a touch of tradition.  The exotic zebra wood used at the back of the room brings your eye to the TV placed on wall.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN 

The candle sticks add height to the room drawing your eye up to the T & G ceiling.  The leather reclining chairs almost give you a nautical feeling on a yacht just setting sail off Palm Beach. The throw pillows tie this room ties together every element of color.

Electronic automated window coverings bring shade when need be but maintains the nature of the space.

Beige or other tones of white represent eloquence and hidden harmony.  Why this color is special, simple, because it consists of undertones of every color on the color wheel pending the shades you select to go with it.

Understated, but a statement, and noticed by all.  Beige is the new “Black” in interiors full of flavor entices the senses!  BUFF the color of nudity could… possibly be!

Style and Design,

Sabrina Alexis & Susan Lachance

This Round is on….The House!!!!!

Tags

bar, card, cards, design, games, pub, tavern

ALL IN!!!!!

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Place your bets:

The new man cave, the in home tavern or pub has been the latest trend in rooms within the home.  Different from the typical bar area, this room is designated to games as well as alcohol.  A rustic feeling, similar to the old styled gentleman’s cigar clubs, the tavern at home is a place where entertaining leads the game.

Pubs, short for “public house” can be dated back to the Roman Tavern.

Traditionally the taverns or public houses you may visit have frosted glass or colored glass.  This is to obscure the customers from the street view.  Present décor parallels when designing your own “private” house tavern.  Stained glass, multiple mirrors, and masculine wood will attract your vision back to the bar.  The right types of barstools are also important, as comfort and style assists in the length of time that would be spent.

Recently more people are turning their living rooms and or dining rooms into this “social” area.

Deal the cards:

The first playing cards were to have been during the ninth century in China during the Tang dynasty.  The first card game to be on history was called the “leaf game”.  It wasn’t until circa 1369-1644 that faces appeared on the cards.

The deck we are all familiar with “French-suited” deck with English inspired styling contains fifty-two cards which combines the four French suits: spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs; as well as the rankings from King down to the two (deuce) or ace.

In the last twenty-five years of the 14^th Century, the “playing cards” made their debut.  Saracen or Moorish game, also called Naib dates the earliest reference spoken of.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Normally, card games are played where all those participating sit forming a circle and/or a space that can house the cards.  Depending on the part of the world you are in actually plays a part in the direction of play.  For example: Most of Asia and South America play cards in a “counter-clockwise” manner, whereas, North America and Australia follow a “clockwise” direction.

Online card games have become very popular in this day in age, resulting in some in home pubs having electronic/digital online gaming devices.  However, most would agree, there’s nothing like poker night with friends and winning the pot.

Next time it’s your turn to host “game night”, you will be the “Nut Player” with style and design.

Style and Design,

Sabrina Alexis

Work…or…Play!!!!!

Tags

computer, design, desk, home, office, room

Built-in!!!

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

“I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” – Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943.

“There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.” – Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977

Computing the “Home Office“:

Much has changed since 1943 when Watson made his comment regarding computers.  Today, sixty-eight years later, each home may be in the market for five computers at one time.

Ken Olson’s comment in 1977 regarding having the computers in the home has changed a lot, as each home has at least one computer.

The home office has become a room of standard however with the innovations and improvements of portable technology, this room quickly blossomed twenty-five years ago, fast forward, the usage of it has altered.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Once a room that shelved itself with your collection of books, where personal files were kept, where mail was opened, and days were planned.  This room currently has become more of a space for play for adults today as well as the place of business.

E-books fill our E-readers, files can now be scanned and saved on the computer in a way that it can be accessed from wherever, and most mail that used to come in the mail is now sent to your email.  Although, much has changed, this room has become a huge trend.  The home based business or home office wasn’t as popular in years prior, currently it is a trend that is growing fast.  Granted many factors come into play.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

A survey from the IFDA (The International Furnishings and Design Association) members says that 40% of homes will have more than one “home office”.

So what is this space in our homes really used for?  Social media has become a prominent influence in our lives.  It has opened a new way of communication, allowing an individual to find old friends, new friends, businesses, etc, yet it has also enabled a new style of confidence to the person who may have been shy before.  Home offices have also become our home store, through online shopping.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

The décor of the office is always interesting.  The home office seems to motivate and gives the feeling of importance, giving the owner the “power” to be or show success.

Notice in these home offices the detail in the built-in’s, the design of the desks, the materials that surrounds, and the colors chosen.  Each one of these are different; yet give the same answer, successful.

A strong statement speaks the desk.

Style and Design,

Sabrina Alexis

Dressing…. The Table!!!!!

Tags

Candles, decor, design, Dining, Dishes, Flowers, Glasses, Manners, room, rooms, Scenery, Serves, Sets, Setting, Silverware, table, Tables

Table Manners!!!!

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

“The dinner table is the center for the teaching and practicing not just of table manners but of conversation, consideration, tolerance, family feeling, and just about all the other accomplishments of polite society except the minuet.” -Judith Martin

A room set around the table sets the scenery for the “dining room”.  The room that centers around gathering around the table serves: conversation, entertainment, and food.  The usage of the dining room has been a staple in gathering in meals.  Etiquette of dining has a large range from causal to formal.

The table and room themselves involves an infinite design creations partnered with temperament.  The experience when dressing the room is shared from children to adults.  Lessons begin at the table, teaching; responsibility, communication through discussion, manners, and more.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Gather around the table:

Tables, a basic in furniture, can be dated back to a minimum of 7^th Century BCE.  Simple in design, composing of a flat surface resting on les, pillars, and/or trestles.  The original tables were made of metal, stone, glass or wood.  Ancient civilizations have been noted to have used marble.  It wasn’t until the 20^th Century that crystal, plastic, and other different types of materials would be produced.

The word table was derived from the Latin word “tabula” which translated means: board, plank or a flat piece.  The earliest types of tables were made to be transported, having the legs or trestles able to be removed for transit by horse.  History shows that the gathering around the table or eating together at the table came into being in the Medieval period.  Each period in time was marked by the different alterations that the actual design of the table would contain.  For example the “Elizabethan Age” was known for the rounded legs.

In 1155 Wace was the first to describe the table.  From there the symbolism, meaning, and legend of the table started to develop.  The psychological aspect, also have played a huge part in time with King Authur’s Round Table.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

The shapes of tables began as squares or rectangles.  However, we see in the legend of the Round Table the purpose of the circle.  The gift from King Authur’s father-in-law, this table was the first to show equality at the table.  Round in shape this table announced that all whom sit, interact, or participate there are of equal status, making it a clear statement of the chivalry that increased under Authur.

Dining rooms were placed on completely different floors from the kitchens back in the day.  A lot has changed over the years.  Now most homes have the dining room within steps of the kitchen.

The Last Course:

The table-cloth came introduced itself to the dining room in the Victorian Era.  The purpose was because it was considered to be in bad taste to show the legs of the table just like it was in poor taste for a woman to show any part of her legs.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Early tables used to be described as having a masculine design attribute.  This could be due to the influence that men had on the basic furniture.  After meals, women would excuse themselves to go to the drawing-room while men stayed at the dining table for after dinner drinks.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Our social behavioral habits have changed much from the century’s prior.  Many times our meals are eaten at the counter tops or in front of the TVs in our family rooms.  However, when it comes to holidays the dining room houses the family table.

Dining rooms can feed; breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and supper, etc.  Whatever meal it is, this room still attracts all whom dwell in it to sit down together and share.

There is so much that can make this room a feast for the eyes.  Dishes, silverware, glasses, chairs, walls, candles, flowers, etc so much to consider when choosing the décor.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Today, the dining room has evolved into the breakfast room which is a smaller place for meals for immediate family.  The breakfast table or room is an intimate setting that brings us closer together, filling the gap between years.

The rewards of the table are trophies for our families.  The table becomes the place where parents can engage children in speaking about their day or what happens to be on their young minds, resulting in better relationships.  The table supports our society, in all fields.

The statement piece that stands on its own, basic as it may be, is significant in the dining room.

Toast to the TABLE!!

Style and Design,

Sabrina Alexis

Go to…Your Room!!!!

Tags

Bed, Bedrooms, decor, design, room, rooms, Sleep

Get in Bed!!!

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

The expression “sleep tight” comes from the 16th and 17th centuries when mattresses were placed on top of ropes that needed regular tightening.

A bedtime story:

An oasis within our home’s, sleeps the bedroom.  This room is a place of conversation, from the time you rise up until slumber. The bedroom is intimacy on all levels. Emotionally driven, this room gives a response on all psychological levels.  It is the space in which we express ourselves whether verbally and/or visually, becoming the true center of one’s home.  “Happy wife…happy life”

The design aspect and process of the “Master Bedroom” especially has evolved over the years.  Originally designed by the female and/or wife, has become more of a joint effort including the male/husband.  The room reflects both masculine and feminine attributes.  Even though, this is a sure accomplishment in one area of balance, there are two other areas in the bedroom that have become a source of the tipping scale.

Innovative technology, although convenient have entered the bedroom resulting in sleep deprivation and distraction.  It turns out, because we rely so heavily on the technology, we have made it the biggest part of our lives; resisting the time to turn them off.  Instead we continue to check emails, write emails, send texts, etc.  The issue seriously becoming aware as to when to turn off.  By not turning off our TV’s, cell phones, computers, etc it has translated to our brains resulting in the inability to completely turn off and rest.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

The romance aura in the bedroom has so often been lost in translation resulting in couples either no longer having any physical contact or worse in separate beds.  Research studies have shown that couples that have some sort of physical contact through touch actually have a happier life overall, as it is our “need” as humans to feel, touch, in order to express love, receive love, and support our emotional beings.

The importance of décor in the bedroom plays a big part visually.  The design: an enhancer of a multitude of areas.  Factors everything from the positioning, lighting, functionality, balance distributed by furniture, colors, fabrics, etc that interact with the psychological aspect attached, results setting the mood.

It has been suggested that dim or soft lighting in the bedroom is important in calming the mind.  Another relaxation variable is color.  Despite what studies, research, and theorist, may say, the color of relaxation really is in the body of the individual.  It is believed supple pastels or cooling colors are ones to use in decorating the bedroom; however, everyone’s programmed, conditioned differently, overall it is a personal preference.

In the beginning, history time line:  The “bed” actually dates back to the Neolithic primitive era which is over 10,000 years ago.  Most, when asked would date the bed back to the Egyptians, as they were the first to encumber design detail on the bed frame with jewels, and rare metals in the outer banks of the beds.  The official decoration of the “bedroom” started with the Ancient Assyrians, Medes and Persians.  Famous for its prestige the ‘four poster’ developed in England around the 18^th Century.  Today, we use one bed for either one or two people, however back in the day one single bed would sleep several people as they were grand in size.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

“Make your bed” a common phrase used by parents to their children instills the importance of maintaining, appreciating the place in which our bodies rejuvenate, repair, restore, etc.  Pride and careful planning ones bed can be referred back to the description In Homer’s Odyssey, as a description of how Odysseus made his own bed: “the trunk of an olive tree was cut to the exact shape and planed smooth; after holes had been drilled in the framework, oxhide thongs, dyed crimson, were threaded back and forth to make a pliant web; finally, the wood was embellished with inlay work in gold, silver, and ivory.” (2011) Encyclopedia Britannica

The bedroom serves as a room of many functions for our everyday lives.  From the layout to the mattress this room spares no expense.  Time has value as we spend about eight hours of our twenty-four hour day in this part of our home.  The importance of sleep displays itself through the mattress.  The spring coiled mattress was introduced in the 1820’s.  Today, we have improved on this invention to the bed with: innerspring, latex, memory foam, air bed, water beds, adjustable and dual purpose beds.  There are many different subtypes within the types above, there’s firm, soft, pillow top, etc.

The way we use our bedrooms begins with the architect whom designs the layout of this popular room.  The flow and space usage is a key from the position of where the bed is placed, the location of the bathroom and its access, the closet, as well as the size, shape, placement of the windows.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

The bedroom also can play many different personalities to our lives.  As kids, it can be the place of punishment unfortunately at times. However, it can also be a place of imagination, and comfort.  As adults it’s the place where one goes to find peace, quiet, and alone time.  When away from home, we realize that there’s really no place like home, and we miss our beds; a whole new appreciation for what we have, our preference of comfort.

The sanctuary of our dreams we also make the bedroom our temple, church, and/or place of worship when we say our prayers each night.  This room can also be related to the core and beginning of our homes as it is also the potential place in which we procreate.

The bedroom is a place of beauty for sleep.

Sweet Dreams!!!

Style and Design,

Sabrina Alexis

The “Private”….Place!!!!

Tags

bathroom, decor, design, light, place, room, rooms, sink, toilet

Fantastic things come in small spaces!!!!!

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Did you know:  The “Powder Room” also known as, the “half-bath” originally got its name in the late 18^th century as it was a small space for “re-powdering” ones wig.  Even though much has changed since then, one main “usage” remains: it’s a small room used mostly by visitors.

In fashion, an accessory adds “oomph” to your outfit; so does this “petite room” tucked inside your home.  It is the room where you don’t always have to follow the rules or stick to one type of styled design.

A space that is open to creative expression, and where it is okay not to “match” the theme of decor.  “Powder rooms” are a separate entity of their own.

“Good things come in small packages”-(Proverb), is the best way to describe a space of this size.  It is commonly visited more than any other room by your friends.

Small in size as far as square footage goes, this is the one room where you control everything inside.  What your guests sees, relates, etc without having your eyes on them or theirs on you.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Couture describes this best.  Lighting by sconces gives the “powder room” a dramatic effect, enhancing the designs on the mirror.  The marble resting on glass legs distributes elegance that is timeless with a traditional flair.  Chandelier centers the room, textured illusion wall coverings enhances a cozy yet hip notion.

Décor restricts by, the owner‘s digression; letting or giving the visitor only what they want to be viewed.  In addition for the visitor, it is the one place where it registers the creative suggestion with impression.

Frequently used, it’s no wonder why subconsciously we make the “powder room” the jewel of the Nile, delivers a certain feeling to the one inside.

Exuding in specialty, the “half bath” is usually unique in design filled with detail; containing: a commode, a sink, and a mirror.  The “powder room” holds far more value than what’s listed.  A showcase on display contains décor that’s expressive, with a certain message.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Converting furniture into a vanity is another way to make your “half-bath” distinctive.  The dresser marble-topped vanity as displayed here, along with the gold accented faucets impress tradition mixed with titanic proportions.  Unusual pieces placed where you least expect them is always accepted and complimented.  Brocade wall paper in gold hues sets the mood.

The “powder room” is truly the one “private” place that is respected when the door is shut.

Considered the getaway for freshening one’s self, it’s no surprise; it’s where we let our guard down the most.  Customarily used for washing, refreshing, styling, brushing, scrubbing, etc; evolves into the ultimate “personal” place.

INTERIOR DESIGN BY: SUSAN LACHANCE INTERIOR DESIGN

Floral walls dictate the playful mood of this “half-bath”.  The square vessel sink brings contemporary structure to the open sky vibe.

This little space is worth a lot.  A home containing a “half-bath” or “Powder Room” adds value to the investment you made in a home according to National Association of Home Builders.  With this said, it’s no wonder how these “wash rooms” are on display.  The “powder room” is considered stimuli for advertisement and a conversation.

All public bathrooms are essentially “half-baths” as they do not contain a shower, bath etc.  Now with this in mind, how many times have you commented about what the bathroom was like inside?  We all have and remember.  Therefore, the same thought process should be prevalent when designing the “powder room” in your home.

Next time you “powder your nose” you’ll notice how “powder rooms” really are in a design league of their own.

Style and Design,

Sabrina Alexis