Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Multitasking never tasted so good!

Food TV

This is a great cohesive design for someone who enjoys having a TV in the kitchen. Follow along with a cooking show, catch up on the news, or keep the kids entertained for a few while you are finishing up cooking. This hood also has a DVD input and RCA Cable outlet with touch screen commands.

Marco Valerio Agretti is the accomplished Italian designer behind this fantastic VELA Rangehood design from ILVE. Born in Perugia in Italy, Marco graduated from the University of Venice in 1991 and is recognised for his cutting edge designs. VELA is a perfect example of his creative genius. With its sleek and attention-grabbing design, the VELA Rangehood has the power to remove all cooking fumes, including indoor barbecuing and the most intense grilling or stir-frying cooking with its fantastic 4 speed touch control extraction. It also has an optional automatic switch-on and speed regulation.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Tabrasa!

We wanted to share this fabulous product with you! It's whiteboard paint and it can be applied in numerous applications! Tabrasa by MDC Wallcoverings is paint that transforms any smooth surface into a seamless high-performance dry-erase writing surface. It has been used in education, healthcare, hospitality, corporate, retail, and government locations.
It is applied in the same way you would paint a wall but they recommend that you have a professional install tabrasa. Here are a few ideas for installation:



This paint is available in white as well as four new neutral colors. tabrasa™ complements any interior design while transforming any working environment into a collaborative space, increasing functionality, and evoking creativity and impromptu teamwork. Here are some highlights from MDC Wallcoverings:

Aesthetics & Style
tabrasa™ can create various shapes for dry-erase writing surfaces including: a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall writing surface; a strip in a hallway or around an entire room; a rectangle or variety of shapes scattered across a large wall; or a design element placed over a colored surface. No other dry-erase surface offers the aesthetic options of tabrasa™.

Environmental Sustainability
tabrasa™ is the most environmentally friendly dry-erase product available due to raw material utilization, energy and fossil fuel use and air quality impact.

As tabrasa™ is applied directly to the wall surface, it doesn't require wood, steel or resin typically used with other dry-erase products. It's also produced through a stirring process requiring very little energy compared to the baking and curing processes used by other dry-erase products.

Shipping tabrasa™ requires considerably less material and fossil fuel because a single quart of tabrasa™, is capable of covering 50 square feet of space, weighs less than four pounds and ships in a very small box.

tabrasa™ conforms to all U.S. EPA regulations (including California) and is formaldehyde-free and, once dry, produces no off-gassing.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Judi Kieffer receives accreditation for Green Globe!

We at KDG are pleased to announce that Judi Kieffer has received her accreditation as a certified Auditor and Consultant for Green Globe International. Green Globe is an organization that offers certification and other sustainable programs for the Lodging and Travel industry.

She joins 59 other consultants throughout the world, representing over 187 countries. She is the only professional Consultant for Green Globe in Idaho, and the Intermountain States, although able to certify properties nationally and internationally.

Green Globe Certification (GGC) is the premier internationally recognized brand for sustainable tourism, lodging, and entertainment industries, as well as related green businesses. Green Globe is also the only certification that is endorsed by the UNWTO (United Nations World Travel Organization) and the WTTC (World Travel and Tourism Council) certifying properties through a 3rd party audit. Environmental, Conservation and Social responsibilities are benchmarked, completely online, against 248 standards.

The benefits for a certified business or property are:

*Lower operational & energy costs

*Higher employee retention and job ownership

*Immediate industry recognition and promotion locally, nationally and internationally through AAA and other medias.

*Social and Environmental responsibilities are enhanced

We are currently completing the certification process for our own building!

An informational webinar on the Green Globe Certification programs is being held at 10:30am, Tuesday, Dec. 1st, 2009 for interested properties in the travel and lodging industry. If you are interested and would like to sign up, call us at 208-344-2680 or you can email judi@kiefferdesigngroup.com

-Kieffer Design Group

www.kiefferdesigngroup.com

National Philanthropy Day - Nov. 15th

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
- Theodore Roosevelt


I think deep down inside, everyone wants to make a difference in their community in one way or another. Yet, many times opportunities come up that are missed, whether it is due to being too busy, not enough funds to hand out, forgetfulness, or the belief that your ‘little’ amount or limited time will not make a difference anyway. Although these are real feelings and thoughts, they are part of our ‘limiting beliefs’ that hinder us from finding some real joyous moments and heartfelt feelings you get when you make that effort and give back.


Here are some suggestions for welcoming this 2009 National Philanthropy Day (Nov 15th) and in return you will receive a “real return on your investment” with warm feelings and a happiness that money can’t buy!


  • Decide this year to create your own charity savings. You can do this with the change in your pocket! Throw it into the jar and at the end of the month or annually, choose a deserving group that is related to something near and dear to you. Like women and children, conservation efforts, animals, homeless, hunger, the list goes on. (Just keep your fingers out of it for incidentals and keep it for its purpose. Then you will have funds when you want to give.) Here is a link to Idaho Charities for a quick reference: US City – Idaho Organizations or Idaho Non-Profits.

Here are my favorites:

Happy Giving!

-Kieffer Design Group

http://www.kiefferdesigngroup.com/

Friday, November 6, 2009

Biomimicry

Photo from the Biomimicry Institute

This term has been floating around now for a while in this era of sustainability. What does it really mean and why is it important? The Biomimicry Institute defines the term as:

“The science and art of emulating natures best biological ideas to solve human problems.”

Established by biologist Janine Benyus in 1990, it looks to the natural world for ideas and inspiration for all kinds of opportunities. The goal is to create sustainable products, processes and policies, and new ways of living that are able to endure just as nature does on its own. There are over 2100 amazing case studies and products that have been created by incorporating biomimicry. The Olympic swimsuit emulating a shark's skin, a sunscreen resembling the high UV protection as hippos do, and the lotus leaf that resulted in amazing fabric protection. Here are some examples:

“How to Clean with out Cleaners” –Learning from the lotus plant!

The crevices of the rough texture (I bet you thought it was smooth!) of the lotus leaf traps air in which the water rolls off naturally cleaning the dirt off the surface. Biologists have learned from this phenomenon and created GreenShield, a protective fabric finish made by G3i. This consumer product is 8 times less harmful then other chemical treatments and provides excellent stain repellency. How wonderful is this!!

For more information on biomimicry and other case studies, go to the Biomimicry Institute.

-Kieffer Design Group

http://www.kiefferdesigngroup.com/

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Color Trends 2010

Well, here it is, fall again. Yet another exciting time of year is the introduction to the color trends for 2010!

Sherwin Williams has done a great job presenting the Color Trends for 2010 and these schemes are featured in their magazine STIR. Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing at Sherwin Williams shares:

"Our color yearnings are now part of a deeper desire: to get back to basics, to re-evaluate and simplify complex lives, embrace what is important to us and let go of the rest."

You can get more details on why those chose the specific colors they did here.

So, without further adiue...

1. Rooted (mystery, enduring, natural) - Re-exploring the world's cultures: African, Aboriginal, and Native American.

Elements:

  • Animal prints and skins
  • Bone, feather and fringe accents
  • Hammered finishes and aged metals
  • Ombre, tie-dye and ethnic patterns

2. Simplified (transluscent, Sophisticated, Structure) - Artful; well tailored lines with clarity and integrity. Hues are calm and subtle with undertones as flexible as the space.

Elements:

  • Tailored upholstery
  • Translucent & transparent materials
  • Soft matte & glazed finishes
  • Mid-century modern, Scandanavian


3. Treasured (aged, layers, artisan) - From flea market finds to artisan pieces with imperfect character. The palette reflects weathered finishes and heirlooms, discovering untold stories in layers.

Elements:
  • Loose threads
  • Distressed textures
  • Vintage patinas
  • Weathered woods
  • Oxidized metal

Photobucket

4. Refreshed (exuberant, fresh, optimism) - Happy spaces, bright colors and fresh florals bring a global twist. Cultural influences and motifs are used to create a bohemian like mosaic.
Elements:
  • Nature inspired
  • Floral patterns and prints
  • High gloss finishes
  • Light wood tones
Whichever palette speaks to you, be open to exploring your horizons. Paint is relatively inexpensive and can change a space incredibly fast. There is instantanious satisfaction!

We look forward to exploring with you in creating new re-freshed spaces this coming 2010!

-Kieffer Design Group

http://www.kiefferdesigngroup.com/


Sustainable Efforts

One of the prime actions that the interior design industry has been embracing is improving sustainable efforts. It is our job to be knowledgeable about new products and procedures so that when we are creating environments, we are specifying products and suggesting processes that will make less of a carbon footprint. Not only as designers, but as a community we can ALL do something for the environment.

Here are three major elements to consider when talking about sustainable design:

1. Environment/Energy - It doesn't require any degree or special training to start being energy efficient and environmentally respectful. There are several free online assistance websites that can get you started in the right direction. For example, you can use specific products to do your part:

*Ecomates - This company makes both ethosFR+ fuel treatment and ethosFR oil treatment for not only vehicles but any type of gasoline or diesel fuel machines (for example: lawn mowers, generators, atv's, etc.) This product increases overall gas mileage by 7-19%, reduces emissions by over 33%, and extends oil life by at least 200%. Check out these great products!

*Planet Green: How to Go Green - This site has a great 8 page informative tutorial that has everything to do with cleaners, ways to clean, and helpful links for further reading.

*US EPA - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - This is a government site that tells you about the benefits of recycling and tips on how to recycle. It also give you information on topics like composting and where to recycle your old computer or electronics.

*Green Peace - Energy Efficiency - This website is a "how to" on energy efficiency and clever ways to save energy, money and the planet. It is concentrated on residences.

*Visit the Carbon Offset website for a simple, fun and free calculation on your very own carbon footprint and opportunities for offsetting those 'terrible tons' of waste.

2. Social Responsibility - There are so many opportunities to give and to choose something can be overwhelming at times. Look at the following for ideas of events and activities to help our environment and community.

*Ecotourism - The International Ecotourism Society is a non-profit dedicated to promoting ecotourism. TIES has been in the forefront of the development of ecotourism, providing guidelines and standards, training, technical assistance, research, and publications. Their mission is to support "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well being of local people."

*Start small or go big - Volunteer Match strengthens communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. It is a great tool to find local places to volunteer your time and efforts.

*10 ways to help your community in 30 minutes or less - This is an awesome list that might get your mind running on all sorts of things you can help to improve your community and surroundings.

3. Conservation

*Recycle, watch your water use, your food intake and what you eat and throw away.

*Those darn plastic bags! There are some really great reusable ones out there. Try and find a local company to purchase them through. There are some local ones here in Boise from
Shop Wise Bags.


*Deny the 79 of the 80 phone books they love to leave at your office or home... or refuse them all and get your information online. If you really need them, you can look here to find some great suggestions for reuse or recycling -
Green Eco Services.

*Tread lightly on back roads - Seriously stay on the trail...

*Join a local conservation group. Here in Idaho we have the Idaho Conservation League or one of the Idaho Master Naturalist programs put on by the Idaho Fish and Game Department – you can learn some great things outdoors, and volunteer at the same time! Click here.

-Kieffer Design Group

www.kiefferdesigngroup.com

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Color & Design in a Glass

These drinks are full of amazing colors and design! After reading about these fabulous cocktails in the Sherwin Williams magazine 'STIR' we could not resist sharing some of the recipes with you! Scott Beattie, the bar manager for Cyrus Restaurant in California's Sonoma Valley, literally prepares artwork in a glass... and any type of glass for that matter. Not only does he create new concoctions of his own but also takes classic cocktails and adds a dramatic twist. How fun would it be to serve some of these at one of your upcoming holiday parties! Note: These can all be made non-alcoholic - just exclude the alcohol out of all recipes!


To get these vibrant colors he says to create natural staining using beet juice, turmeric, yellow beets, and blueberries. He also likes to use ginger and then stain it with beet juice to get a vibrant color.

Here are a few recipes to try this holiday season:

Pelo De Perro (Hair of the Dog) - a beautiful pink and red drink with sweet, salty and tangy flavors woven through silky grapefruit foam. (First image above on left)

  • Chilled grapefruit foam for garnish (See below)
  • 1/2 grapefruit or blood orange
  • 1 tbsp. pink sea salt
  • 5 tbsp. sugar
  • 500 micrograms B12 powder (optional)
  • 1/2 oz. vodka
  • 1/2 oz. 100% agave silver (plata) tequila
  • 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
  • 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/4 oz. agave nectar
  • Dianthus or other edible flower petals for garnish

Place a V-shaped glass in the freezer to chill. Rub the grapefruit around the rim of the frozen glass and shake off any excess juice. Dip the glass into the sea salt and sugar to coat the rim. Toss the B12 powder in a measuring glass and add the liquors, juices and agave nectar. Stir will and add enough ice to fill the glass. Shake hard for 7 seconds and strain into the salt-rimmed glass. Add a thin layer of grapefruit foam on top. Garnish with flower petals to serve.

Grapefruit Foam:

  • 1-1/4 leaves gelatin
  • 4 cups of cold water
  • 9 oz. strained grapefruit juice
  • 3 oz. simple syrup
  • 1/3 cup Thai coconut milk
1. In a metal bowl, bloom the gelatin in the water for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the fruit juice and simple syrup in a small saucepan and heat over medium-high heat just until it boils. Remove from heat.
2. Remove the gelatin from the water and squeeze out most of the excess water. Discard the water and place the gelatin back in the bowl.
3. Fill a large bowl with ice and set the bowl with the gelatin on top of the ice. Pour the hot juice mixture over the gelatin slowly. With a whisk, beat the gelatin until frothy, about 30 seconds.
4. Allow the gelatin mixture to cool to at least 45O F, then whisk in the coconut milk.
5. Pour the mixture into a whipped cream canister and seal it tight. Invert the canister and charge it with a cartridge.
6. Shake the canister vigorously for 15 seconds, then place it in the refrigerator to cool. The foam can be used after about 10 minutes, but will be even more stable after 24 hours.

Recipe from Sherwin-Williams Stir Magazine

Pomiranian - Perfect for Autumn (Second image above from left)

  • 10 to 15 peppermint leaves
  • 3/4 oz. Hangar One mandarin orange blossom vodka
  • 3/4 oz. vodka
  • 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 3/4 oz. spiced pomegranate juice (See below)
  • 1/4 oz. simple syrup
  • Black-eyed Susan petals, cut into chiffonade
  • Peppermint sprig for garnish
  • Amaranth spear for garnish
Place the peppermint in the bottom of a mixing glass and tap a few times with a muddler. Add the vodkas, juices and simple syrup and stir well. Add a small pinch of black-eyed susan threads and enough ice to fill the mixing glass, cover, and shake a few times. Pour into a tall Collins glass and garnish with the peppermint sprig, amaranth spear and a few more threads of black-eyed susan.

Spiced Pomegranate Juice (Makes enough for about 14 cocktails)

  • 4 large, ripe pomegranates or 1-1/3 cups 100% pomegranate juice
  • 1 drop essential oil of cardamom
  • 1 drop essential oil of nutmeg
  • 1 drop essential oil of black pepper
Juice the pomegranates using a manual or electric juicer. Strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove any solids. Place the juice and the essential oils in an airtight container and shake well to combine. The juice will keep for up to one week refrigerated in the airtight container.

Recipe from the Sherwin-Williams Stir Magazine (Volume 6 - Issue 2 2009)

Painful Punch - Another fall favorite is a rather traditional punch that is a cross between mulled wine and Sangria. (Makes about 3 gallons)

  • 3 tbsp. whole allspice
  • 3 tbsp. crumbled cinnamon sticks
  • 3 tbsp. whole nutmeg
  • 64 oz. pineapple juice
  • 64 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
  • 64 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 liter of dark rum
  • 1 liter of cognac
  • 12 bottles (750 ml.) of Shiraz or syrah
  • Orange slices, apple slices, and strawberries
  • Ice (as needed)

Coarsely crush allspice, cinnamon and nutmeg in a towel; reserve. Bring pineapple, grapefruit and orange juices to a boil. Add spices and simmer 20 minutes and remove from heat. Strain out spices. Add rum, cognac and wine. Cool in a container inside of ice bath. Move to large container and refrigerate. For service, add orange and apple slices and strawberries. Fill Tom Collins glasses with ice and add punch.

Recipe from Restaurants & Institutions

You can find more recipes in Scott's book, Artisanal Cocktails (Ten Speed Press). Also, watch him show us how to make an Artisinal Cocktail!




-Kieffer Design Group
http://www.kiefferdesigngroup.com/

**Images are from: Stir Magazine, San Francisco Magazine, Food Gal - Carolyn Jung, and Liqurious

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Thursday, October 1, 2009

KDG turns 19!

As KDG approaches the start of our 20th year (October 16th) of sharing our passion for Interior Design with our clients and the community there are 2 feelings, heartfelt gratitude and exhilaration!

I think back to all the clients who have entrusted their projects to us and believed in our creativity and enthusiasm. We have benefited greatly from these experiences not only by the opportunities to expand our creative mindset but mostly by the friendships that have evolved. This is truly what keeps me jazzed and passionate on a daily basis.

To our clients and friends who have enough confidence to say, ‘you can show me the options but we will pick what you think is best.” – I am grateful for your trust and confidence!

For those of you who shared understanding when we made honest mistakes but let us mend the problem – Thank you for your patience!

For the amazing and talented employees over the years who shared their lives and who were good teachers as well. – I share my gratitude!

To all the silent supporters of our company and who recommended us over the years – You are appreciated!

And to all those in the future whom we get the pleasure of the bringing your dreams into reality, we look forward to building the friendship. – Thank you in advance!


In the last 19 years we have experienced many exciting events, some worked out great and others were questionable…

  • We have moved seven times! (Lucky seven was into our renovated building we bought and reside in now)
  • Design Archives – a resource library for the trade opened in 2004. Due to other pre-established commitments and other unforeseen elements, this endeavor came before its time. (Keep
    posted for something better in the future!)
  • Most recently, with deep passion for the environment and sustainability, I took the leap to
    become an accredited auditor and advisor for Green Globe International for the hospitality and related industry. I am now in the process of completing two other related industry certifications so we are able to give more to our clients in assisting with their sustainable goals.
  • The Sanchita Charitable Foundation was created so that we could make a positive difference in the lives of others and our environments. We are very blessed to share this support with our community.
  • We started a company blog and newsletter, which if like anyone else, has been on the back burner for way too long. (Hey, we need to embrace the little things too!)
  • We constructed a company Vision Board as a constant reminder of our commitments and dreams.
So, as we jump into this 20th year, we are arriving with more clarity in our purpose for our future at KDG. I am a firm believer that by sharing dreams and desires with many, you have a better opportunity to achieve them. You just never know how, who, or when someone else may share the same dreams.

Here are some of our dreams for the years to come:

  • Be a co-creator in Idaho’s first luxury ‘glamping’ experience! A sustainable Eco Retreat committed to solving the worlds ‘Nature Deficit Disorder’ and empowering individual’s souls.
  • Design a Boutique Hotel
  • Create a Spa /Wellness Center preferably within a Resort
  • Create a Signature line of holistic lifestyle products
  • Continue our Social Responsibility by annually giving back to the community
  • Developing more Sustainable Procurement & Advisor services for our clientele
  • To design a sustainable home using shipping containers. Sounds crazy and intriguing… http://bit.ly/3dpq5c

So, here we are leaping forward with our helmets on toward that big ‘piece of cheese’ ready for the new years ahead!

-Kieffer Design Group

http://www.kiefferdesigngroup.com/

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Green Meetings

The Green movement in the lodging and convention industry has been a very hot topic of discussion for the last few years. Now, people cannot stop talking about and discussing Green Meetings.

Meetings and events are a big business in the hotel industry, accounting for over 40% of total revenue. Some current highlights from the
Market Metrix Hospitality Index share that anything from the facility layout and quality of food to the attitude of the staff can make or break the success of the event and impact the future business for that location.

According to the Global Hospitality Insights Report by Ernst & Young,


“Green practices will become a requirement to doing business in the hospitality industry particularly as the cost of renewable energy continues to increase, and those companies with the philosophy revolving around green practices will have the strongest opportunity of achieving a ‘sustainable’ competitive edge.”

The trend in business meetings has been to lean more towards local, smaller, and more cost effective. They are searching to find facilities offering the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) philosophy, capabilities for virtual or remote attendance, and assist in sustainable practices.

I think the best description I could find for a description of Green Meetings is defined as “a meeting that incorporates environmental conditions throughout all stages of the meeting in order to minimize the negative impact on the environment.”

Greening an event encompasses all aspects of this planning process. Everything from making choices on sites (whether Hotel or Convention Center) that offer:

  • Condiment servings in bulk containers
  • Minimizing the waste through composting
  • Use of real dish ware and cloth napkins
  • High tech video and media equipment for virtual meetings (especially since meeting attendance will drop considerably in the coming year)
  • Recycling locations within the event space and out in common areas
  • Using product made of recycled content
  • Offering handouts on thumb drives or on a website, or at least print on 2 sides of recycled paper
  • Sites that buy local food and contribute leftovers

Please look forward to another article that is focused on the ‘attendee side” for Green Meetings.

Five quick & easy ways to Green Your Meeting:

  • Reduce Waste
  • Plan to Recycle
  • Conserve Energy - Reduce Traffic
  • Food Service & Lodging
  • Buy Earth-Friendly Products

Click HERE for details on these simple ways to “Green Your Meetings”!

One of the newest websites specifically focusing on this hot topic and industry concern is http://greenmeetings.usfi.com a sister site of
USFI/Greenworks (a company that provides eco-friendly products to the lodging market.

Interesting Green Facts:

  • Americans use 85,000,000 tons of paper a year; or about 680 pounds per person.
  • Paper made with 100% recycled content uses 44% less energy, produces 38% less greenhouse gas emissions, 41% less particulate emissions, 50% less waste water, 49% less solid waste and uses 100% less wood.
  • The United States is not the largest per-capita consumer of energy on the planet, though it does consume 7,794.8 kilograms of oil (or equivalent) per year.

Here are a few links I have found very helpful and full of great ideas on Green Meetings:

Redesign, Refurbish, Recreate!

The new 3 R's:

Redesign, Refurbish, Recreate!

Thinking out of the box in creating refreshed spaces can be a bit challenging these days, especially if your budget is a little bit tighter. If you think about it, there is an abundance of possibilities if you are open to being a little more eclectic and ok with a little wear or history on the items... and yes this is a style!

This craze is basically creating new spaces out of old things. That’s right, flea market finds and consignment store searches! This eclectic or nostalgic style can encourage a true uniqueness in the space and depending on the piece, say an antique, can really encourage conversation. There is one caveat though, its all in how the pieces are put together that pulls it off.

This can work for both residential and commercial spaces. I have seen stunning tables and chairs that are perfect for a small conference table and leather desk chairs that some couldn’t afford brand new, but for pennies on the dollar, they are great finds.

Look for an additional article that will have pictures
of our latest project in McCall using the 3 R's!
Here are a few books we love with more information on this style:

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Inspiring Outdoor Living Spaces

Get Inspired... Outside!

Its August, already! I did NOT want to see this beautiful time of summer pass by without highlighting one of my favorite spaces. I get most inspired in the great outdoors, but sometimes I have to be in doors and just look out! It is so important to create those inspiring spaces where you can do both at the same time - indoor/outdoor living or working.

When I acquired our office building in downtown Boise a few years ago, we had a small gravel 2 stall parking area behind the building. It just didn’t make as much sense to maintain that space as parking when there were several other great alternatives. This space seemed to have such high potential for something better! And that it is - we get so much use out of our “zen” courtyard including: employee lunches, staff gatherings, client meetings, etc.

Here are a few photos of our patio I thought you might like:


I especially like the view from my desk in my office:


So... Just imagine the waterfall softly flowing and the birds chirping around the bamboo trees…ahh! And Yes, I do actually get work done in this space... it is my most inspirational spot!

Some materials that I think are mandatory to make a balanced outdoor space are:

  • Natural Stone or Rock
  • Lush Live Plants
  • Metal of some sort
  • Wood Element
  • Water
  • Fire is an Option
  • Easy access to inside and out (preferably large openings)
  • Lighting for Accent (preferably solar or another sustainable source)

    It doesn't always have to be a big space either - you can create a big feel in a little space almost anywhere!

Here are some other outdoor relaxation and inspiring spaces I really like!

photo courtesy of hgtv.com

On this Brooklyn rooftop, beach-style plantings surround informal furniture creating naturalistic boundaries between neighboring buildings.

Photo Courtesy of Western Art & Architecture Magazine


photo courtesy of hgtv.com

The telescoping pocket door that disappears into the wall provides seamless transition from indoor to outdoor. When entertaining bring out some indoor furniture and plants, even some lamps, to give it a cozy feel.

Photo Courtesy of Kieffer Design Group

Photo Courtesy of Western Art & Architecture Magazine

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

New use for the common "twig"

Check out this fabulous idea for making a tree branch chandelier!! During a search for cost effective unique lighting for a rustic restaurant, we came accross this "do it yourself" pendant on the Apartment Therapy San Fransisco Blog. It is made out of fallen limbs or twig. Yes, you will need to have some electrical knowledge or advise from a professional. One could make this as contemporary or rustic as desired and in any size or shape.

I have decided that I will be creating one for my cabin retreat so check back in the next couple of months for photos and a finished product.



Here are the directions to building your next fabulous and very unique chandelier:

  • Choose the branches that you like - feel free to add a little color if you would like!
  • Clean them up by removing all the little twigs that are not attractive and pull off loose bark
  • Place the branches on a long table or dining table that way you can match the table and the bottom will be flat when hung.
  • Screw the branches together - First drill a pilot hole and use small "bullet" head wood screws
  • Buy some lamp cord, small candelabra sockets, some 1/4 IP nipple, and a light canopy at your local hardware store.
  • Drill a shallow hole a little smaller than the 1/4 IP nipple and twist them into the hole.
  • Wire all the candelbra sockets together ("daisy chained") and screw them onto the nipples
  • Cover the sockets with plastic candelabra "candle" covers
  • Suspend the whole thing using thin plastic-coated cable.... the hanging wires were passed through 2 small pulleys and attached to the light in four places so it could be balanced back and forth to get it level.
  • Run the electrical to a canopy that you need to buy ...connected to the "daisy chain" on the lamp with small wire nuts, and hang it up!

The whole thing cost roughly $35 in lamp parts from a local hardware store and about a couple of hours to make!

Monday, August 3, 2009

New Kitchen Remodel in River Run!

We just completed an incredible kitchen remodel for a client in River Run. It was so fun mixing contemporary with traditional, using light and dark cabinet colors, and combining different door styles also!

The biggest highlight of this kitchen was turning an unused closet into a functional butler’s pantry and a convenient hall transition between the dining room and kitchen.

Here are our client's thoughts on their new kitchen:

"Both Bob and I want to thank you again for the beautiful basket! It really does "set off" the new kitchen... Your design for our project was incredible and we know we will enjoy it for many years." -Kris

Please let us know your thoughts!

-Judi Kieffer

“Everything is Possible”


BEFORE & AFTER PHOTOS