the musings and desires of a Bay Area interior designer....

Exciting News..

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:17:00 +0000

Stop by for a visit!

Jonathan Adler designs for Kravet Fabrics

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 15:14:00 +0000

Iconic Designer, Jonathan Adler, has just introduced a new line of fabrics available exclusively through Kravet.

The colors are bold and the patterns are beautiful Adler style.

Here's a preview of what's to come.

A Few of My Favorite Benjamin Moore Colors..

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 19:43:00 +0000

Benjamin Moore 2122-40 Smoke

A perfect gray - blue

Sets the mood, acts a great neutral.

Looks beautiful with creamy white cabinets and trim.

Beguiling Blue Entry

Smoke looks great used in both a contemporary home

and it's beautiful in a traditional home

HC 30 Philadelphia Cream

Luminous, neutral, Yellow
(yes neutral!)

This color never ceases to amaze me.
It gives a perfect luminosity to almost any space
and it has more of a beige-tone, than yellow.

OC 5 Maritime White

Warm White
If you want your walls to be white,
but still have warmth and not feel too stark..
Maritime White is the perfect choice.

Smart, Small Kitchen Design

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 17:48:00 +0000

Really love this idea!

My love affair with Yellow..

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 19:46:00 +0000

Continues..

I think I'm preparing myself for Spring

Re-use, Recycle can be beautiful!

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Wed, 09 Jan 2013 23:51:00 +0000

Love when my clients are happy!

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 22:35:00 +0000

From Concept to Installation!

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 22:14:00 +0000

My client wanted a 'unique' wall unit for their loft,
I quickly drafted this idea and gave it to their carpenter.

A few onsite tweaks.. and voila!

A guest post..

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 00:53:00 +0000

Hi all,
I'm excited to have been asked by Arcadian Lighting do a guest post on lighting. Lighting is that final detail that can make or break a space. Luckily there are tons of options to choose from in whatever style you desire. Mari shows us what's available in a Moroccan theme.
Enjoy!
Lydia

Hello, everyone! It's Mari here for Arcadian Lighting, a wonderful online place to find lighting inspiration and light fixtures of all sorts. I'm so excited to be visiting with you today at Color Design Art to share a guest post about magical Moroccan style. For many years, interior designers have been fascinated by the vibrancy of this exotic style, often bringing elements of it into their designs. Today, I've brought along several images that show the many faces of magical Moroccan style. Please enjoy!

This traditional bedroom is transformed by refined Moroccan elements. A stunning painted ceiling and colorful feminine light fixture create a lovely focal point for the room.

Vibrant and colorful, this living room is filled with Moroccan style from floor to ceiling. Architectural detailing is stunning, as is the brilliant design of the area rug. Of course, the dramatic green sofa simply can't be ignored.

What a lovely surprise that this stunningly pale kitchen is in California not Morocco. Also, unexpected is the refined lack of color that we so often associate with Moroccan style. This kitchen is one of my favorites.

Moroccan style goes contemporary in this stylish bath. A deep jewel-tone color palette brings a sense of elegance to the design, while the glitzy tiles add a touch of glam. Sleek contemporary wall sconces were chosen instead of those with a more expected lantern design.

Much more casual, this bedroom still has a vibrant Moroccan feel, with a brilliant color palette and piles of lovely pillows on the bed. I wish we could see more of that interesting hanging light.

This lovely bedroom is a perfect example of what might today be called Moroccan chic—a lovely mix of contemporary with the Moroccan patterns, shapes and colors.

The boutique guesthouse, Peacock Pavilions, in Marrakesh offers this traditional Moroccan style bedroom as one of its guest accommodations. I love the gorgeous Moroccan wedding blankets and colorful glass pendant lights.

This inviting oasis reminds me of how truly magical Moroccan style can be. Sumptuous furnishings come together with cool water and a tangle of luxuriant plants and vines to create a dream-like retreat from the desert heat. Dream on… Images 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Recently, it seems design enthusiasts everywhere can't get enough of Moroccan style, along with its furnishings and lighting. Which Moroccan accessory is your favorite? Comment below and make sure to check out our lovely ceiling lights at Arcadian Lighting.

Recycled Glass Tile that glows in the dark!

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 17:09:00 +0000

Vidrepur, a recycled glass tile manufacture from Spain, uses recycled glass from old bottles, auto windshields and other glass products;

from their website:

Vidrepur buys old glass bottles, car windows and other previously used colorless glass. The raw reclaimed glass is cleaned and crushed into small pieces then pulverized into a fine powder by special machinery. Pigment is added either before or after the powder is pressed in molds at a pressure of 6000 tons. These molds are placed in ovens at extremely high temperatures then when cool the mesh is added.

They have just introduced a luminescent tile that absorbs daylight and glows in the dark for 6-8 hours.

Brilliant and I can't wait to use it.

Perfect in outdoor patio and swimming pool applications

but can also be used in bathrooms and in rooms that get good light

Beautiful by day..

Glowing by night..

This would be perfect in a kids bath and in lieu of a night light

The website gives you installation instruction

and it looks very easy to install for the DIY'ers

Be on the lookout for this tile in some of my upcoming projects!

So Your Style Is: Coastal..

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 16:19:00 +0000

Add a little Summer coastal to your home..

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Barclay Butera does beautiful coastal design

Book to Know: 'Barclay Butera: Living on the Coast'

Houzz- Kitchen Remodel, Bathroom Remodel and More »

Browse Kids Products on Houzz- For Example:

Baby Swings And Bouncers · Baby Toys · Children Lighting · Cribs · Kids Dressers · Kids Tables · Mobiles · Nursery Decor ·

Browse Outdoor Products on Houzz- For Example:

Gardening Tools · Greenhouses · Birdhouses · Doormats · Outdoor Pillows · Outdoor Chaise Lounges · Sheds · Swimming Pools And Spas ·

Summer Travels ... Boulder, Colorado

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sat, 09 Jun 2012 23:22:00 +0000

stroll through the neighborhood and you'll find lots of artistic, personal touches to each home.

Boulder has a great, sophisticated, laid-back, hippy-vibe to it.

I've enjoyed exploring the neighborhoods, shops and restaurants.

A bit of what I'm seeing....

The garden of the apartment we rented.
Once a single family home, it has now been divided into 3 apartments.
Each featuring their own balcony, deck or backyard space.

I love strolling the neighborhoods..

almost every home you pass has some personal touch.

We are staying in an area known as the Mapleton-Spruce district

off of Pine and 17th Street.

a zen rock garden..

a chicken coup.. with a bit of info about the girls inside..

a porch poster of Jean Harlow..

I saw many side yard vegetable gardens ... perfect use of space

Typical architectural style in the Mapleton - Spruce Street area..

Recognize this house?

Right around the corner from us is the home that was used in The Mork and Mindy television series..

Pearl Street...

Loved this shop, Fabricate, they give sewing lessons and had lots of fun fabrics to choose from..

Owned by Corey Strohmeyer and Linda Spillmann

Fabricate offers a great range of classes from learning about fabric basics, to classes on how to make totes, curtains and children's clothing

The West End Gardner ,

is a shop that offers the perfect combination of garden necessities

plants & flowers, unique gifts and garden art

These birdhouses would add an instant artistic touch to any yard.

These glass terrariums are awesome for both interior and exterior spaces

right?

These candles made from honey smelled so lovely!

Great mirror! : )

Colorful hand painted plates

Other West End sightings..

Beautiful succulents available at the Farmers Market

would make a great, lasting table arrangement

Local dining..

most of the restaurants in Boulder pride themselves on offering local farm to table food.

Pastavino, located on the West end of town..

Wonderful interior design at PastaVino

The combination of strips of neon lights and the warmth of the wood is brilliant..

Needless to say we have really enjoyed our visit to Boulder and will definitely be back again soon..till we meet again..

Spring @ the San Francisco Design Center!

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 18:06:00 +0000

Benjamin Moore 357 Yellow Hibiscus and lots of bright pink were the featured at the Kravet Showroom

Love Gray + Yellow

A bold, modern look to an otherwise traditional chair

I want a pink chair!

I might just have to run right out and get this outfit..

as usual these fabric trends are following what the fashion world is showing us too.

Happy Spring!

The 2012 Bucket List..

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 23:05:00 +0000

This morning I woke up and started reflecting on this year

and all the things I didn't do...

I didn't find that one client that would allow me

to spec shiny black bathroom walls...

Or glossy painted black mill work...

(beautiful!!)

and I never really did wear all those great mixed prints

that I fell in love with during fashion week...

be still my heart..

and I didn't go to that really perfect eco-resort

in that really exotic location with the really cool interior design..

I never did get to Morocco..

bummer, I really wanted to..

I didn't update my blog as much as I should have

or write about the 'Pink' trend I was was seeing in furniture and fabrics...

but I kept seeing it everywhere..

and I kept meaning to write about it..

All of these things will have to remain on my bucket list for 2012...

and I can reflect and be grateful for all the things

I did accomplish in 2011...

I hugged most of the people I love..

I completed the design of a really modern home

located on a bluff overlooking the ocean

and I did...

design my first custom made bed

I traveled to Chicago, Seattle, Santa Fe, San Jose del Cabo, Mexico,

and many places in California.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

I spent an amazing week in the Desert

with about 50,000 really lovely, creative people..

And a few close friends..

saw some amazing art..

danced until the sun came up...

and rode my bike everywhere..

I am in L O V E

Me + the amazing LOVE sculpture

"LOVE" by Laura Kimpton and Jeff Schomberg

Each letter is 12 foot by 10 foot and made of rusted steel.

I walked across the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time

added 133 new friends to Facebook (!)

got lost on a Desert road in Mexico looking for a hot springs pool

Modelo's + GPS a must in Mexico

we found it..

I taught my daughter how to drive

watched both my sister & my brother get married

celebrated a milestone birthday with a lovely group of friends..

watched many Sunsets..

and an amazing sunrise from a beach in Mexico..

December + Sunrise + Cabo Surf Hotel + Coffee = Bliss

I found a new favorite poem..

Ten thousand flowers in springtime

A cool breeze in summer
The moon in autumn
Snow in winter
If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things
This is the best season of your life.
-Poet Wu Men —

It's been amazing year

Happy New Year

my friends..

love, light &

peace

to you in 2012

2012 Tangerine is the Color of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 21:27:00 +0000

Love this color!

"Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

Great color in your home or on your body..

Recently completed home on Seacliff Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:49:00 +0000

Welcome.. very happy to share some of the photos from a recently completed project in Aptos, CA.

The 22ft entry foyer give the house a remarkable drama from the start.

Custom Master bed 'floats' in the room facing the picture window and views of the Ocean.

I added a stainless detail to the stair risers to add a modern twist to the Walnut wood, glass & stainless steel staircase

Wrap-around Macasar Ebony bar and dining room buffet

Love the entry chandelier!

I wanted it to highlight the wonderful architectural detail in the 22ft tall Foyer

A Macasar Ebony Dining table custom made for this space.

The home has incredible views from Monterey Bay to Pleasure Point, Santa Cruz.

Floating Vanity with Walnut veneer and a mineral glass sink and countertop

I worked closely with the architect, Tom Thatcher, Thatcher Thompson Architects, to select the exterior materials and colors.

Bench seat and mantle at fireplace made from polished Concrete

Views to the kitchen

Dining Room Buffet

Stainless tile, hood detail

Boys surf theme bathroom.

Ceasarstone countertop and glass backsplash for the laundry room

Thanks for visiting! See my portfolio for more updates

Notes: Builder: DeMattei Construction, Cabinets - Lackey Woodworking, Plumbing by Plumbed Elegance

I found my dream home...

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 18:12:00 +0000

I fall in love with details in the homes I see all the time.. but I can't say I've ever found THE perfect home or the home that I think 'hmmm, I could just pack a suitcase and move in', until now....

Located in the Santa Lucia Preserve and designed by Feldman Architects, this house is a masterpiece. It gives a wonderful contemporary twist to the Ranch Home and has a great sustainable design story to it.

Of course the best feature is the connection to the indoor-outdoor space, a trademark of the California Ranch. The home also features rammed earth walls, which means the site was excavated and the re-purposed soil was used to build the walls.

Can you see the rich color and the sediment layers in the walls?

Its art, in and of itself...

Large, South-facing walls frame in the main living areas and open up to several covered patios, that feature roll down shades for use during the hottest part of the day.

The home also features several water tanks, for capturing rainwater used for irrigation and photovoltaic panels help provide all the homes energy needs...

I really don't think I would change one thing about it...

Bravo to Feldman Architects and to their client for creating a really lovely, completely livable, beautiful home

photos by Joe Fletcher Photography

The New York Times Design & Living Spring / Summer Magazine is here!

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 05:18:00 +0000

The new T Magazine Design & Living Spring/Summer issue is available and I'm very happy to see that following in the steps of Lonny and Rue, there is a digital version available. Although, I have to admit, its not very green of me, but I still like having the print version. It never disappoints in the eye candy & resource department.

Here is a sample of what you'll find:

Beautiful new mosque-inspired lighting from up and coming designer Marco Dessí.

Also, nice to see a feature on our local coffee roaster Blue Bottle Coffee (click here to read about them)

getting a fix in Hayes Valley always requires standing in a long line.. but its worth the wait.. and my favorite Moroccan import store Tazi Design is right next door.. (not to be missed if you've never been)

Their coffee is not for the faint of heart or the already jittery, but if you are a connoisseur, I can guarantee that once you have a cup you will be forever ruined and shudder at the thought of Starbucks.

My fave is the Bella Donovan..

The Bella is the wool sweater of our blends - warm, comforting, familiar. Wild and citrusy organic Ethiopian paired with earthy organic Sumatran makes for a vivid and fairly complex Mokka/Java blend. It seems to weather the rigors of the automatic drip machine as well. This is, perhaps, why it's our most popular blend. It is also on the darker side: nice and thick without being inelegant. Bella stands up to milk or cream well, and is easily enjoyed black.

Dominant Attributes: Heavy, Comforting, Deeply-Fruited
Growing Regions: Aceh, Sumatra; Sidama region Ethiopia
Processing Methods: Sumatra, Wet hulled; Ethiopia, Dry Processed
Certifications: Certified Organic by CCOF
Preparation Methods: French Press, Moka, Pour Over

Not your Mommas patio set..
A round up of whats new for Spring..

Looking around for some new patio furniture and wow.. I came across some really beautiful, modern, affordable designs from Pottery Barn, West Elm and the new Home by Sunset Collection featured at Orchard Supply..

From West Elm

The Wood Slat Collection

L O V E these Wire Lanterns

and the gorgeous collection of outdoor pillows..

and cannot miss mentioning that Sunset Magazine, the bible for those of us living in the West, has just partnered with Orchard Supply Hardware and launched Home by Sunset a very affordable and great looking collection of outdoor furniture..

Santa Barbara Collection

Laguna Collection

But, by far my absolutely favorite outdoor accessory is this from Pottery Barn..

Isn't it P E R F E C T ? ?

Wrought iron is formed into the shape of a vintage bicycle, offering an unexpected showcase for plants. Looped wire baskets on the handlebars, seat and over the sturdy, old-fashioned kickstand provide space for up to six small plants.

I also love these so affordable, planters from West Elm

Happy Spring!

In the Spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.

~Margaret Atwood~

I was lucky enough to visit the Desert this month (the Coachella Music Festival!) and took this photo.. there is absolutely nothing more brilliant than a sunset & the Desert sky...

can you count the many different shades of orange, blue and pink there are?

smiles,

lydia

Rainy day blogging... Tips for displaying art..

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 19:32:00 +0000

the many ways to display art and personalize your home

How and where to display art and photographs is one of the questions I get most often from clients. It's that extra touch that finishes off a room. Some people have a natural knack for it...but for those who don't, here are a few tips..

eclectic..


dramatic art makes the room.. this art is essentially the room design

bold..

questions to ask when you are deciding to hang art:

will you mainly be standing or sitting in the room? if you are mainly standing in the room, a height of 60-65" is good starting point. If for the most part you will be viewing the art from a sitting position, then place the art at eye level or just a little higher.

a good example of hanging art a little lower in a sitting area

Grouping art..

pictures, paintings & mementos.. a great way to group art

When grouping art think of it as one large picture or composition...a couple of tricks are to cut out paper templates and tape them to the wall to help you visually layout your arrangement before making permanent holes in the wall.

Another trick I use.. is to layout it out on the floor as I would on the wall. Then I can move things around and stand back and get a good visual of how it will translate on the wall.

don't be afraid to group large art pieces. If you have the ceiling height go for it!

Photography is a wonderful way to personalize your home and to show off your creativity and family adventures..

stairways make a great gallery wall.. shows off a well lived life..

Bookcases and shelves also make it very easy to display your photos and art..

this black and white display adds a sophisticated touch

Art is a great way to express yourself in your home. Always make sure you relate it to the furnishings in your room and have fun with it. You'll quickly see how it can transform your room.

Don't hesitate to email me if you have any questions..

lydia

Summer travels..

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:24:00 +0000

Planning my summer get-away.. which will include a little of this..


Luxury camping... the best of both worlds..

"Glam-ping".. (glam-camping) the new word for eco-luxury-camping.. love it!

While planning my trip, I had a great time perusing all the great New Zealand modern architecture sites and I spent many hours on this site Hotel Design


Hotel Design, photos from beautiful resorts around the world..

A photo blog devoted to Hotel and Resort design... very inspiring! While surfing around, I found several websites devoted to design and eco travel. They've given me great ideas for the homes I'm currently working on (who doesn't want a little bit of hotel luxury at home?) Can't wait to post my own photos of the places I will visit this summer.

More vacation eye candy....

"All of life is a journey which paths we take, what we look back on and what we look forward to is up to us." c.s. lewis

Looking forward..

Happy Summer Planning!

Ps.. here are some links to help you plan..

Top Ten Romantic Hotels
Best "Glam-Camping"
Best eco-travel recommended by National Geographic
Love music? Top ten music festivals
Best boutique hotels

Fashion Week Trends and Home Design..

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 03:09:00 +0000

Classic, Sophisticated, Sexy, Animal Prints...

The New York, Paris, & Milan fashion shows have all sadly ended. Every morning I was glued to the online version of the New York Times Style section looking at all the gallery slide shows from the fashion shows the day before. Did you see Alexander McQueens last show? Incredible!

There were many lovely clothes and trends to admire, but the trend I saw over and over again was feathers and animal prints.

During Spring market week, Oly Studio gave away faux cow-hide-covered picture frames as a thank you gift for visiting their studio. I made a note to self that a trend alert was ahead.

When attempting to use an animal print accessory or fabric in home design, the one thing I've learned is that a little goes a long way.

Once again following the runway trends, home design is embracing animal prints in all colors.

Animal prints add just the right touch of eclecticism to any room.

I love the classic lines of the furniture and accessories mixed with the leopard print dining chairs.

It can be used in just about any room in the house;
contemporary or traditional design. it seems to go with all..

Did I mention that a little goes a long way?

Here a few items I found to accent any area of your home.

Love these Snakeskin embossed bar accessories!

Happy Fall everyone!

Hope you are enjoying it in your part of the world. And by the way, keep the emails coming. My favorites from last month were from a soldier in Iraq dreaming of when he gets home and will have a home of his own to decorate and one from Holland who loved my post about all things Morocco.

Lydia

Whimsical Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:12:00 +0000

Add a touch of

Whimsy

to life…

Artful wall stickers from Rockett St. George

Life has been busy. I've not had nearly enough time on my bike.

The weather has not been great and we seem to be in that in-between time of year where we get teased with the warmth of Spring and before it gets too comfortable we get hit with a wicked rain storm.

All of this indoor time has made me feel reflective and restless! Can you tell?

on a conference call and I resort to doodling on my hand

It has me seeking design inspiration to lighten my mood. Here is what I found....

Wall Stickers;

not just for kids..

A great way to add a playful element to any room.

They come in all different colors & design and range in price from $8 to over $100. To find them just google 'Wall Stickers', you'll find hundreds of options.

Keeping on the whimsy theme.. here are a few more items I found. All seemed like a great way to add whimsy to your life..

Tea towels from Rocket St George ... who doesn't need a Pride and Prejudice tea towel?

you can buy this Ron Shiers print

Or you can make your own out of Polaroids..

You might need to rob a bank to add this much whimsy to your life..

San Francisco Saks Fifth Avenue store window

Cut-out felt rug and end of the bed throw

Tulips in a large round vase with sea glass, artfully arranged.

Ikat Fabric

Ikat is a type of tie dye fabric, it literally means "to tie" or "to bind" in the Indonesian language. It is so popular right now..

A round-up featured in this months Elle Decor

And of course it's made its way into fashion..

There are so many beautiful ways to incorporate a little bit of this colorful, pattern into your home decor.

From Donghia

I love the bold color

And exotic drama it adds to any room

But then again, I think it must be that it appeals to that whimsy, hippie chick side of me.

Here’s to celebrating the whimsy in our lives!

Lydia

Why green building makes sense in a down economy

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:55:00 +0000

The New York Times published an article recently titled "Upbeat signs revive consumers' mood for spending". Signs of recovery are carefully being watched by those in the building industry and it will be interesting to see how many builders promote building green as a way to help consumers get back into the home improvement market.

As consumers start spending, many see the desire for homeowners to make their homes more healthy and to make the systems that run their homes more efficient, a way to break out of the recession. See the interview I did with Mark DeMattei, of DeMattei Construction for the Sunset Magazine Dream Kitchen website talking about why building green makes sense in a down economy.

Why green building makes sense in a down economy

Posted by: Lydia Lyons,

Lydia Lyons: There is much in the news about the state of the building industry and how green building and remodeling is top of mind to consumers. How do you see De Mattei Construction moving into this arena?

Mark De Mattei: It's an arena we've been in for a long time! The public's growing awareness of reduce, reuse, recycle is fantastic. It's top of mind in our day-to-day business and I think it's great that green building and remodeling is becoming top of mind to homeowners and consumers. There are so many innovative materials, products and simple building methods that go a long way to making a home green.

Photo courtesy DeMattei Construction

LL: What are some of your favorite green building materials that you are seeing?

MDM: Products like tankless water heaters, HVAC systems with hepa-filters for better air quality, low or no-VOC paints, insulation made from recycled content and some of the products that the consumer might not even be aware of like concrete foundation made with fly ash and recycled by products, beams and framing material made from FSC-certified wood and recycled wood materials. Not to mention, all the beautiful tiles and countertops made from recycled glass and bamboo, etc. These are all products we have been using for years!

LL: One of the things talked about in the press about this current recession is the fact that a homeowners interest in doing green remodels on their home will lead us out of this housing recession. Your thoughts?

MDM: Right now is a great time to remodel. The downturn in the production housing market has left a lot of trades with a lack of work so the prices have dropped. De Mattei, as a general contractor, can pass that savings right to our customers. We are a LEED-certified builder and we can direct our customers to the best products and design to help our clients in the 'greening' of their existing homes.

Photo courtesy De Mattei Construction

LL: What are some of the ways a homeowner can 'green' their existing home?

MDM: If it's a new custom home, its starts with the design and how the site is located. It then rolls into the specifications and products. In a remodel, using some of the products we discussed: tankless water heaters, upgrading appliances to energy efficient choices, removing carpet and installing hardwood or natural wool carpet in its place, and replacing windows with newer windows that feature Low E glass and offer a tighter insulation of the home. Just making a few of these changes goes a long way to keep the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter, reducing the need for using energy to run the heater or AC.

********************************

New Book Alert..

Architect and author and friend Eric Corey Freed, organicARCHITECT and Kevin Daum just released a book called Green $ense for the Home . The book is a great summary of practical, easy ways a homeowner can make their home more healthy and offers the list in a way that helps the consumer decide which items make the most financial sense. Such a great idea!

you can follow the Eric Corey Freed on Facebook or on Twitter.

TED Does it again..
I'm such a fan of TED. Everything they do is so timely, provocative and smart. I can geek-out on TED videos for hours. If you have 6 minutes to spare watch this video. It's about a scientist that decides to build green. She does a great job of explaining embodied energy and the returns of building green. Very worthwhile!

Happy Spring to all!

Lydia

A sunny-yellow-front-door welcome...

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 01:21:00 +0000

How wonderful yellow is.
It stands for the sun.

Vincent Van Gogh

I took the Front Door test on Blogthings the other day..

I selected yellow and was happy to learn this:
You are social, giving and very community oriented. You feel like you're making a difference in the world. Friendly optimistic, you are a welcoming person. You like to bring people together and you are a perfect host. whew..guess I passed that test!

There are only a few houses in my neighborhood with yellow front doors...

And they always make me smile.

It seems like such a cheery way to welcome a visitor.

I applaud the owners for choosing such a bold color and stepping away from the traditional red, black or white front door

A yellow front door seems to work well with just about any color and almost acts like a neutral.

Here are some of my favorite photos of yellow front doors in my neighborhood

and outside of my neighborhood...

If I were going to select the perfect shade of yellow

I'd choose...

Behr Vibrant or Benjamin Moore 2022-40 Banana Yellow

Or Farrow & Ball Babouche, the clearer, the brighter the better!

But why stop at the front door? These yellow interior doors are also so unexpected and beautiful.

I love the gray-taupe wall color with the yellow.

Enjoy!

Quick, Easy, Inexpensive Ways to Update Your Bedroom...

noreply@blogger.com (Lydia) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 22:41:00 +0000

DwellStudio for Target has some amazing patterns and colors. A simple solution for a quick update to any room.

Love the blue and geometric designs

On Sale at West Elm:

Square Cutout Headboard ~ On sale for $179.00!

Or this one for $329.00

Finish the look with some updated wall accessories for $12.99

Rope Candleholders West Elm $12.99