By Deb Villeneuve
Filed under: 2013 Trends, Aging in place, Asian Influence, Breakfast nook, Calming Interiors, Contemporary House Plans, Curb Appeal, Daylight, Drummond House Plans, Foyer, Home, House plans, Kitchen islands, Modern House Plans, Natural light, Plan of the Week, Single family dwelling, Style, two bedroom house plans, Zen
Inspired by plan 2192, model 3128 offers a modern style and almost 175 sq. ft. of extra space in a contemporary interior that has even more conveniences.
Upon entering the main foyer, with its split level to the living area and large closet, the open feeling of this home invites us in to discover the abundantly fenestrated living/dining area that leads to a modern kitchen featuring a large 8’ x 7’ island.
The secondary bedroom is large enough to fit a double bed and the master bedroom features his and hers closets. There is a separate
5’ x 3’ shower in a bathroom that is complete with a laundry area.
Read the rest of this entry (No Comments »)By Deb Villeneuve
Filed under: Asian Influence, Contemporary House Plans, House Plan of the Week, House plan with attached garage, Natural light, One-storey house plan, Open concept, Plan of the Week, Single family dwelling, Single storey house plans, Trends, two bedroom house plans, walk in closet, with mezzanine
Inspired by the popular 3281 model, this version is even roomier with its 9’ ceiling throughout the main level and 2 additional feet of depth to create a home that measures 38’ wide x 50’ deep with a 14’ x 21’ garage.
The increase in size permits several changes that include a washer/dryer on the main floor and a walk-in pantry with an enlarged kitchen island. The main activities area is well placed with its rear orientation and the walk-in closet that has been added to the master bedroom is sure to be appreciated.
The higher foundation permits larger basement windows with no window wells and the 14’ x 7’ mezzanine/storage area in the garage will increase the space available for seasonal items. The large window above the garage door enhances the natural lighting to the extra space in the garage of plan 3281-V1
By Deb Villeneuve
When a new house or apartment is made the big furniture is as important as the decorations and the small details, because nothing will look finished without these small things. It is also true that you may give a completely new look to the space when you change the small stuff inside it, instead of refurnishing the whole home from the floor to the ceiling.
With the coming of the spring, people get very enthusiastic for changes and would love to have something new and interesting in their houses. If you are doing the scheduled cleaning and you are preparing for the new season, use the chance and add special touches to your place.
In case you find your old cabinets very boring, but you have not planned to change them all just now, you can at least replace some of the doors with glass-front. They will completely change the look of the kitchen and will fresh it up. When you can see through the glass-doors, you will be more motivated to keep the things inside well ordered and thus you will have two positive effects from this change.
When there are many items, spread all over the room, this can never look good. The kitchen is once more the place that will catch the attention with the most stuff that needs to be organized. The stores offer many containers to hold things inside. They do not have to be grey and simple. You can buy very attractive containers, which will make the room look brighter and nicer.
Of course if you want to buy new stuff and change the old ones, feel free to do so. Keep in mind that you do not need to buy huge things. Your living room will look different and beautiful, if you put one small new lamp for example and donate the old to someone.
You can pick some new covers for some of the sofas and chairs in the room. Also add several new pillows in bright colors, which will make your old furniture even more comfortable.
Your walls may look perfectly painted and all, but they still can seem a little empty. This is easy to change with one or two paintings or special souvenirs that will liven up your walls.
In the bedroom you can paint the inside of the lampshades in light pink, thus making the light from the florescent bulbs, that is so annoying, milder and more welcoming. If your bed is situated in the middle of the room, you can add curtains to its sides, to make it more private and cozy.
Read more by visiting http://www.movingservicesremovals.co.uk/man-and-van/BT66-moving-van-lurgan.html
By Deb Villeneuve
Inspired by the basic 2133 model, this beautiful home has retained the curb appeal, the inviting porch and the symmetrical gable design of the original but the added projection to the right side not only enhances the dining area with well fenestrated square footage it also adds enough space to accommodate three bedrooms on the main floor.
There is a surprisingly large closet in the angled, brightly lit entrance foyer. The open activities area is functional, with its large lunch island, and well lit because of the many windows throughout the living/dining space.
The three bedrooms are arranged around a well appointed bathroom with separate bath and corner shower. A laundry area on the main floor is another convenient feature which is sure to please the occupants.
By Deb Villeneuve
Filed under: Blended Family House Plans, Building innovation, by popular demand, Casual floorplans, Cathedral ceiling, Children, Curb Appeal, Declutter, Design Ideas, Drummond House Plans, Efficient, Extended family house designs, Family, Garage, Gas fireplace, House plans, Housing, Inspiration, kid-friendly, Kitchen islands, Laundry, Master Suite, Media Room, Modern House Plans, Mudroom, Narrow Lot, Narrow lot house plans, Open concept, Organization, patio, Perfect home, Porch, powder room, practical features, Rightsizing, separate laundry area, Single family dwelling, terrace, Two-storey house plans, Value, walk in closet, Walk-in Pantry
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Inside the home, the logistics of shared space is of utmost importance. As little as possible must be left to chance in order to maintain harmony within the shared space that answers to the occupants’ needs.
Common living areas must take into consideration the diverse activities that will take place such as reading, talking, listening to music, playing games, and doing homework. Mealtime should ideally bring everyone together to share the day’s events and build the bonds so crucial to a family unit.
Children need their own space in which to interact with each other on their own terms. Although it is not always possible to give each child a separate bedroom, the use of color can help to define each child’s personal space.
A BEAUTIFUL AND SPACIOUS CRAFTSMAN STYLE CHALET
For larger families, how about this craftsman style home that is the perfect place to enjoy family life in the country, on the lakefront or slope side.
This charming chalet offers 6 beautiful bedrooms, 4 of which are in the basement and 2 bathrooms with each a shower. There is a powder room on the main level and a full bathroom complete with a separate shower and double vanity to accommodate the two upstairs bedrooms.
Abundant fenestration, a large kitchen with central island along with a dining room that has enough space to seat 12 and a cathedral ceiling in the fireplace equipped family room enhance the livability of this home. The double entrances offer a large closet for the main foyer and enough room to store skis and sports accessories along with a washer and dryer at the other.
Another pleasing feature of this home is the second living room in the basement and the large covered terrace.
A BUNGALOW WITH EUROPEAN STYLE
If you are looking for an original, 4 bedroom plan that offers abundant fenestration and the ability to fit on a narrow lot – look no further!
Outside, the striking curb appeal of this home is enhanced by the unique window style with its vertical orientation.
Once inside, the large family room is bright yet cozy with its central fire place and room for seating in whichever configuration suits your family’s needs.
In the basement, the two 11′x10′ bedrooms, shower room, laundry area and bright, workshop/storage area are features that are sure to be appreciated by the occupants.
The main level offers a kitchen/dining/living area that is bathed in natural light along with a bathroom with separate shower and two good sized bedrooms with a walk-in closet in the master bedroom where a fireplace could be installed into the existing chimney.
CONTEMPORARY STYLE FOR THE NEW FAMILY
With contemporary style, this large home offers a much sought after look with 3-4 bedrooms and a split level design with a garage the fits a relatively narrow lot
This home has a rear orientation for the well fenestrated kitchen/dining/living room area with patio doors that open onto a beautiful 19′ x 10′ covered terrace.
Inspired by plan 3407 with its more European styling, Aldana has a comfortable entrance foyer which includes a spacious closet and space for a home office. The large island in the kitchen and walk-in pantry are features that are sure to please and the fireplace built ins in the family area are extra touches that add a special feeling to this home.
Just 4 steps from the main level is a separate laundry area/powder room and the stairwell, open to the second floor, enhances the natural lighting and creates an open ambiance.
At the top of the stairs is a superbly appointed master suite complete with corner shower and walk-in closet. Two other bedrooms and a separate bathroom share the second floor and a full basement is ready to be finished to suit the owners’ needs.
By Deb Villeneuve
Filed under: 2013 Trends, Accessories, Botanicals, Carbon footprint, Composting, Curb Appeal, Decor, Dry garden, Eco-friendly, Ecological, Environmental, Focal Point, Garden Tips, Green thumb, Green Tips, Guest post, Horticulture, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Rainwater Collection System, Recreation, Vegetation
Another helpful guest post from Grace Bailey
The eco-friendly garden is not something that exists only in the magazines or on TV. It is so easy to have one, especially when you are starting from the beginning, probably after you have moved to a new house.
If once you have grown a garden, you are aware of the main principles and the needs of the plants, so it will be easy for you to understand, that the eco-friendly style will not harm your future plant growing in any way.So if you are inpatient to start creating your new garden, here is what to keep in mind, when you want to do it both beautiful and harmless for the environment and your health.
The protection of the planet is mostly connected with the wise organizing and usage of the sources. Besides the power of the soil, the flowers need much water to grow and to live. So be sure you have found the best way to collect and use water, as you not only count on the pipes of the house
.
Here is what you can do to make this aspect better for the environment. First try to install gallons to collect rain water if your garden is so big and you can put them in a way they do not make it look ugly or it is not uncomfortable for you to work there. Try to pick the flowers very carefully. You can combine some that need less water with those which have to have it daily. Having only some of the second type will increase your costs and will not be good for the environment. It is also essential to have plants that can live best with the conditions of your garden. Otherwise you will put too many efforts to changing the type of the soil, watering and others.
To keep it rational you have to make groups of flowers with similar needs of sun and water. Thus you will organize the water supply better and will take care of them easier.
As you organize your garden do not underestimate the influence of the compost. Choose only an organic one that will let you retain a great quantity of water in the soil, which is very good for the plants. It will also reduce the water that evaporates from the ground, so be sure you will only have benefits of the use of this compost. Mulch will also fight the weeds and help with the nutrition of the soil for your garden. Read more tips on eco living and cleaning by visiting http://www.cleanershouse.co.uk/house-cleaning/EC4-home-cleaners-temple.html
By Deb Villeneuve
Filed under: Accessible House Plan, Country Style Homes, Craftsman, Craftsman House Plans, Daylight, De-Clutter, Declutter, Drummond House Plans, Family, Fireplaces, Foyer, Garage, Gas fireplace, House Plan of the Week, House plans, Kitchen islands, linen closet, Plan of the Week, powder room, Residential, Stairs, Three-bedroom house plans, timeless, Two-storey house plans
With its unique ‘Craftsman’ style and the use of stone, imitation cedar and angled columns to enhance the simple lines, the warm and inviting design of Marlowe 2 is hard to resist.
Once inside we are pleasantly surprised by the size of the entrance foyer closet and a conveniently located washroom/laundry area. The open, brightly lit living/dining area has a three sided fireplace which adds to the cozy feeling of this home. The kitchen with its ample storage space boasts a large island that is sure to be a favorite gathering place for family members and visitors alike.
Upstairs, a service door from the garage is perfectly aligned with the stairs to the basement.
The bedrooms are surprising not only because of their generous size but for the abundant closet space, which includes a walk-in for the master bedroom and a linen closet off of the two secondary bedrooms. The well appointed bathroom on the upper level boasts a separate 54” x 40” shower that is a much sought after feature by today’s owners.
By Deb Villeneuve
The budget conscious construction of this home combined with its ample spaces both inside and out offer exceptional value
The depth of the garage permits outside access to the basement stairs and the “L” shaped, covered veranda adds balance. The inside of the home is arranged around a strategically located staircase to maximize the square footage of living space. The result is a first floor whose entrance foyer and kitchen/living/dining areas are bathed in natural light to create a truly beautiful floor plan. The addition of a shower to the first floor bathroom/laundry area is sure to please.
On the second floor, the placement of the stairs permits maximization of the space for the three bedrooms and a master bedroom complete with a walk-in closet. The full bathroom boasts a separate bath and shower which is much appreciated by many home owners.
By Deb Villeneuve
Filed under: Bathroom, Carpet, Cleaning, Declutter, Eco-friendly, Flooring, Guest post, Health, House, Incentives, Pollutants, practical tips, Residential, Thrifty ideas, Welcome
A guest post by Grace Bailey
Living in a dirty or untidy house can really get you down in the dumps, without you even realizing it’s your living environment causing the unhappiness.
Cleaning on a regular basis is the best way to not only keep your house in pristine condition but also give you a bit of a physical and mental workout. It is very easy to allow cleaning chores to build, especially if you work long hours. Spending just a few hours every week can really make a huge impact on how presentable your house appears.
Have a cleaning schedule, this will help you keep track of what jobs you’ve completed and what jobs still need doing. Without this process, you may find yourself getting bogged down with ever mounting chores. Having them all laid out in front of you in black and white can assist you manage them and make the whole experience less stressful.
There are always common jobs most people will undertake, these are things like washing up, washing clothes, vacuuming and light dusting. This is fine until you realize most of the other pieces of furniture or carpets or ornaments are getting very grimy. It is a lot harder to clean something once it has months of dirt and dust covering it. If you are a smoker, smooth surfaces can become sticky and coated with fine tar grease and fabrics can absorb unpleasant odors.
When people describe their living conditions as chaotic, they generally mean there are many different items cluttering up their personal space. Having more possessions to make a house pretty is all well and good but it can mean there is more tidying and cleaning to be done. Whenever you use something around your house and get it out from its usual storage place, try to put it back as soon as you are finished with. The more items you forget to put away, the larger the tidying process will be once you decide to undertake it. Spending a couple of minutes storing an item after use can reduce the amount of stress further down the line.
On the market today you will find hundreds of different cleaning products, all offering something better than the last. It can be difficult to decide on what is the best product for your cleaning task. Don’t always assume that the most expensive it the obvious choice, shop around and ask store vendors their opinion on their products. Most vendors will be honest and steer you in the direction of the product which has received good feedback from previous customers. The internet is a good place to find bundle packs for all your cleaning needs at very competitive prices.
Most cleaning product will contain some kind of main ingredient that is responsible for the actual cleaning. For this reason, it is possible to make your own cleaning product using a mixture of water and bleach, or water and bicarbonated soda or baking soda. They help kill bacteria, clean surfaces and remove stains and bad odors Be very careful to follow all manufacturers’ guidelines when diluting products.
It is important to share out household tasks, unless the other household members are too young or old or physically unable, there is no reason why they shouldn’t help. Even if someone is out all hours of the day at work, by doing small jobs when they get home, they can still contribute to the tidying process and ease the stress of others. Get your children involved as early as possible, getting an older child to start helping all of a sudden can be a tricky task but if you teach them as they are growing up to tidy up after themselves, they will grow up more independent and happy to help out.
Visit Grace at :http://www.cleaningservicescleaners.co.uk/house-cleaning/E3-domestic-cleaning-bow.html
By Deb Villeneuve
The impact can be used to add a contemporary feel to bathrooms, bedrooms, foyers, living and dining rooms that marries well with almost any style.
Use the following ideas as inspiration for creating the ambiance that reflects your unique style.
a Black on Black atmosphere creates a statement
For those who want a total look, maximizing black to create backdrop and to avoid a heavy feeling the use of different textures and finishes plays on reflection of light to create subtle yet interesting effects, enhanced with the most subtle touch of color to keep it interesting!
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