Category: french doors

  • Beautiful homes in shades of blue

    Beautiful homes in shades of blue

    Rooms in shades of blue are popular for a reason – the color works in every room

    Most of our house is painted in a light aqua blue.  It’s soothing, airy, and doesn’t clash with anything.  It just works.  It doesn’t try to make too much of a statement or chase the latest trend.

    Below are other examples to serve as inspiration for blue rooms in every shade – from dark and dusky to light and bright.

    Even different shades of blue as accent colors work when mixed together.  And how about those french doors in the bedroom!
    via BHG

    Chango & Co, one of my favorite interior design firms and based in Brooklyn, created this amazing girl’s bedroom with a cheerful blue on the walls.
    via Chango & Co

    A textrured indigo on the wall ties together the bolder blues in the bedding and the settee.  I love the blue and white patterned bedspread!!
    via BHG

    More indigo blue on textured walls.  So clean and airy, but also cozy and intimate
    via BHG

    Blue can be glamorous also, expecially when used in a glossy finish and on upscale details like wainscoting.

    Dark and dusky blue makes this dining room an intimate place to catch up with family.
    via Coastal Creative

    Do you use blue in your home?  If so, in what shades and what room?

  • Tips for Choosing the Best Patio Doors for Your Space

    Tips for Choosing the Best Patio Doors for Your Space

    Patio Doors

    Amazing patio doors can have the ability to create a focal point in your room that truly makes the space.  Also, as any of you who follow Decorology know, nothing can really beat or replace natural light – which a patio door can provide in abundance.  A great patio door can provide both amazing style, and give you the best design element of all – beautiful light!  That being said, there are many options these days when selecting patio doors, so you want put careful consideration into your selection so it fits your lifestyle, decor, and personal aesthetic.  I’ve compiled some tips to spice up your patio doors below from a design standpoint.

    Consider your home’s aesthetics when choosing material.

    Whether you want your patio door to blend in or serve as a fun accent, the doors material and finish is going to affect your home’s look. For example, if your home is wood shingle, don’t select a vinyl door – select one in a complementary wood frame or other high-end material.   One thing I love about high quality manufacturers like Milgard, for example, is the array of materials one can choose from.  If you love the warmth that only real wood and solid wood grain provides, you’ll love their Essence Series® patio doors.  They may require a bit more maintenance on the inside, over time, but you can also paint and stain them to your tastes or your decor. They even have a fiberglass exterior for exceptional durability. If you want a sleek modern look, consider fiberglass, aluminum or vinyl frames that can provide an almost seamless view of your yard.
    patio doors

    patio doors

    How do you want the door to connect to your outdoor living space?

    A wider door, besides literally providing you with greater access to your outdoor space, is also going to provide you with the feeling of having a greater connection with the world outside your home.  If you live on a serene lakefront, this could be a welcome connection, if you live closer to a road, busy pedestrian area, or nosy neighbors, you might want to go with a narrower door so you and your family won’t feel too exposed.

    patio doors

    Glass type means more than just energy efficiency

    Believe it or not – certain glass types not only lower your energy bills, put also help prevent your wood floors and upholstery from UV damage!  Patio doors are also available in an array of privacy finishes and styles based on your taste. I personally don’t care for glass that has a pebbled effect or anything like that, but I DO care about my oriental rugs fading!

    patio doors

    Consider your furniture arrangement

    This may seem obvious, but keep in mind that French doors and swinging doors require space to open.  If you have a more compact living space, you will need to find a panel door or sliding door. If you have a roomy wide-open concept arrangement, you can use French doors or even an entire accordion glass wall!

    patio doors

    In closing, your patio door shouldn’t be an impulse decision.  A quality door will provide years of reliable and beautiful access to your outdoor space, and fantastic natural light in your interior.  Take time to select a finish, style, and glass type that provides the aesthetic complement to your interior and exterior that you will be happy with for the lifespan of the door.

    disclosure: this post in sponsorship with Milgard

  • Perfectly polished transitional interiors

    Perfectly polished transitional interiors

    Traditional interiors with modern appeal

    Since earlier in the week we shared some bohemian design inspiration, I thought we’d contrast that with sharing inspiration from my favorite style, transitional. What I love so much about transitional interiors is the focus on line – usually clean elegant lines that aren’t busy or ornate. I also NEED a clutter-free space, and transitional interiors are always well curated and clutter-free.

    Transitional interiors can be warm and inviting through the use of meaningful objects or art and photographs.

    via HGTV

    Transitional interiors don’t have to be all white, I just happen to be drawn to ones that are.  I’m also a fan of a pop of color like these accent pillows.

    via Chango & Co

    A great transitional interiors is adorned with objects that have meaning to the occupant or are functional.
    via Chango & Co

    I like the emphasis on quality materials over quantity of stuff. Everything was created and selected with care.
    via Chango & Co

    This space is a little mid century mod but I think it could also go transitional.  I love the mix of textures and simple patterns. It’s elegant but doesn’t take itself too seriously.
    via Domino

    You don’t have to hide your possessions – group collections together, like books or architectural prints, ceramics, etc.

    via Lonny

  • Beautiful homes in shades of blue

    Beautiful homes in shades of blue

    Rooms in shades of blue are popular for a reason – the color works in every room

    Most of our house is painted in a light aqua blue.  It’s soothing, airy, and doesn’t clash with anything.  It just works.  It doesn’t try to make too much of a statement or chase the latest trend.

    Below are other examples to serve as inspiration for blue rooms in every shade – from dark and dusky to light and bright.

    Even different shades of blue as accent colors work when mixed together.  And how about those french doors in the bedroom!
    via BHG

    Chango & Co, one of my favorite interior design firms and based in Brooklyn, created this amazing girl’s bedroom with a cheerful blue on the walls.
    via Chango & Co

    A textrured indigo on the wall ties together the bolder blues in the bedding and the settee.  I love the blue and white patterned bedspread!!
    via BHG

    More indigo blue on textured walls.  So clean and airy, but also cozy and intimate
    via BHG

    Blue can be glamorous also, expecially when used in a glossy finish and on upscale details like wainscoting.

    Dark and dusky blue makes this dining room an intimate place to catch up with family.
    via Coastal Creative

    Do you use blue in your home?  If so, in what shades and what room?

  • Blog Love: What I’m loving from other blogs

    I love blogs and bloggers.  Today I’m paying a little homage to my fellow partners in helping to keep the web inspiring.

    From Rdeco

    From Coco & Kelley

  • Interiors for a light heart

    Interiors for a light heart

    With our new little man in our life, our hearts are about as full and light as can be. I thought I’d try to share those feelings with interiors for a light heart. Enjoy!

     Bedroom via Joss & Main

    Bedroom with sunroom via Mike Kelley http://mikekelley.squarespace.com/blog/tag/architectural-photography

  • In my dreams – Timber Windows

    In my dreams – Timber Windows

    So, just recently I was told about timber windows, I’ve bee admiring them all along, I just didn’t know they were called timber windows, which I blame on my lack of an interior design education. I have a feeling that now that I know what they are called, I will be noticing them a whole lot more. My new found discovery also poses a BIG problem. Like all things of great beauty and quality…and therefore, expense – I want them!

    via blackthornetimber.com
    via dreambookdesign.com
    I imagine that well made and maintained timber windows can outlast (and out-beautify!), any PVC window.  Depending on the architecture of the rest of your home, they can add an old-world charm, or a clean and strong contemporary feel.

    via idealtimber.co.uk

     Even on an old home, brand new timber windows don’t take away from the charm.
    via er-joinery.com

    Check out the scalloped roof!!! Okay, focusing…
    via elwyns.com
    via vithouse.com

    After a little reading, it looks like your biggest concern is the fact that wood contracts and expands, so managing humidity in the interior is important.  Also, maintaining the windows’ exteriors with the proper sealants and finishes will ensure they enjoy a long life.

  • Dear Boston,

    Dear Boston,

    You’re tough and beautiful…you’re in our prayers.

    Some house tours from Boston, a city of some of the best bones in the country.

    via Apartment Therapy