Before & After

Everyone loves a good before & after session....check out the one below from Canadian House & Home (aka my new favorite Domino Magazine replacement)

Goodbye Dull & Dark


Hello Contrast...

The Transformation: The cabinets were lacquered in a high gloss white to pop off the dark wood floors. Stainless steel counter tops where added & 2"x8" white subway tiles were applied to the back splash. The over the stove microwave was replaced with a contemporary hood drawing your eye up to the ceiling and giving the small space a break from the cabinetry. Color is brought it with your useful everyday accessories

Want The Look for Less: Check out IKEA's high gloss kitchen cabinets & stainless steel counter tops.

Side Note: Stainless Steel can leave lots a little finger prints! As an alternative I would suggest Caesar Stone's Cinder for a soft grey look.

Summer is for Sun Porches

I've been slacking...I know! Maybe its just the summer season that puts everything into slow motion...or maybe its that so far this summer we've only had a handful of "true summer whether"! Either way it looks like summer may have finally found its way....pour the Sangria, kick back & relax....

All In A Days Work...

From hand crafted custom furniture, to beautiful interior & exterior renovations...we "ohhh" & "awww" at the beauty of the craftsmanship...but really, we should be swooning over the talented individuals who put there creative efforts into a beautiful end result. It certainly takes time & a lot of practice to get there...but below are the top 5 power tools all inspiring craftsmen/women should have.

The Power Drill
With so many to choose from here's a key list of What to Look For:

1.Chuck Jaws (what the hell are those you ask?) Answer:The part that holds the bit. Maximum capacity of most drills is 3/8". Some 14.4v & 18 volt drills can handle a 1/2"

2.Clutch: Its basically a safety! The clutch disengages the drive shaft of the drill, making a clicking sound when a preset level of resistance is reached, essentially the motor is still running but the screwdriver bit isn't. This prevents you from stripping your screw or overdriving it once its snug. The number of clutch settings depend on the drill - better ones have up to 24 settings. The lowest number is for smaller screws and the highest number for largest screws. Most clutches also have a "Drill Setting" which allows the motor to drive the bit at full power
3.Speed Range Switch: High is for drilling & low is for driving screws - look for a drill with the widest range between them.

4.Foward/Reverse Switch: Should be in a location easily operated by your thumb & index finger.

5.Hand Grip: Texture & contour aid should aid your grip - Try Before You Buy
6.Voltage: More voltage means more power, but also added weight. A 9.6 volt drills weighs 3.5 lbs an 18 volt model weighs up to 10lbs
7.Battery: Look for a drill with the new Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Batteries. They are smaller and run longer than the typical Nickel Cadmium battery. They also pose less of a hazard when it comes to disposal as they don't contain any Cadmium which is highly toxic

8.Trigger: Make sure your index finger fits around it comfortably. A trigger with variable speed offers the greatest control


Reciprocating Saw

What it is:

The saw that can cut through anything! From landscaping projects to interior construction & demolition. Major issue to be aware of: They offer both portable & cordless models which can be much lighter than the traditional contractors version.

Circular Saw:

"The most versatile of power saws" offering a range of applications from rip & cross cutting to cutting slats for fences & decks while being lightweight & portable. Most circular saws are meant for cutting wood but many offer adapters for cutting metal or plastic.

Miter Saw:
A must have for cutting angles on anything from crown moldings to picture frames. They come with a "miter index" which allows you to cut at any angle by changing the cut angle in one degree increments.

Finishing Sander:

For use on refinishing an old table top, or smoothing out a rough patch in your hardwood floors a finishing sander is lightweight & easy to use. The finishing sander is the most delicate in the sander family removing only a tiny bit of the surface with each pass. Many now come with an adapter that collects the dust as you go for dustless sanding - genius!

Red, White & Blue...

Have a GREAT 4th of July Weekend!

Flirting With Fuschia

We need something BRIGHT these days....why not paint your foyer walls in Benjamin Moore's "Razzle Dazzle" add in a zebra patterned stair runner...and you've got the ultimate chic pad :)











Of course we need SOME relief from this pink paradise. The master bedroom introduces a great yellow stripe on a gorgeous custom designed 4 post antique mirrored bed.


Antique mirror on the kitchen cabinet doors help make this tight kitchen appear larger. And I LOVE THE chocolate accent wall in the dining room paired with the soft blue chairs (notice the pink patterned fabric on the chair backs) Rather than adding a piece of art for the rooms focal point, Berger created a large bulletin board for this family of 6 to display everything from there children's art pieces, to work schedules.

Interior Design By: Jonathan Berger

What I'm Loving...

Nina Campbell EVERYTHING....




Wallcoverings....



Fabrics...

Tabletop...

Cowboy Boots Welcome...

Something about an old farmhouse gets me every time...maybe its 180 acres of land, or the rustic architecture of the 1850's, or the beautiful serene landscape...whatever it is this Round Top Texas home has it all...

A winding path leads you to the front porch of the main house -set back on the property is a small guest cottage loaded with charm

A rustic gazebo acts as the only real dining room for the both the main house & the guest cottage. With Janues Et Cie wicker chairs and an antique pine table the space invites guest from both houses to gather for family meals



In the master bedroom of the main house, crisp white linens sit against the white washed walls & an antique dresser is topped with a bundle of wheat - playing off of the bales of hay outside



The walls in the main house were covered with reclaimed white washed creating a light textured background to layer upon. Upper cabinets of the kitchen were removed to drawer your sight line out the windows to the landscape beyond.

The floors in the guest cottage were stained chocolate brown & white creating an amazing graphic on the floor without being overbearing. In keeping with the comfortable feel of the the main house and the cottage - most of the upholstery is slip covered....cowboys: stroll on in with your muddy boots, kick back, & relax...if it gets dirty it can simply be thrown in the wash :)

In the bathroom of the guest cottage the crisp white vessel sinks are balanced by the white washed walls, worn zinc countertop, vintage console and rustic baskets.

Another great floor graphic, a soft painted checkerboard pattern makes the floor space appear larger than it is.

And at the end of the day...it all ends here looking out into the landscape & watching the sunset on the hanging swing, feet up on the rattan ottoman, in the enclosed sun porch of the guest house...

Designed by:Ginger Barber

Photographs: Curtosity of House Beautiful July 2009