Modern Home Tour-Austin 2012 Part 2

As a follow up to yesterday's post, I thought I would share a couple more trends we noticed at the tour.

Kitchens-Contrast is still in, though in a much cleaner and simpler way. Finishes are lighter (mostly white) countertops with simple medium to darker medium cabinetry were the leader. As far as materials go, solid surface/quartz seems to have nudged granite out of the lead. I believe this is in large part due to the desire for greener finishes. Back-splashes ranged from glass tiles, to penny rounds, or very subtle tonal ceramic tiles that blend seamlessly into the countertops. I am not a huge fan of the blonder wood, but apparently its making a come-back.

Above images courtesy of modernaustinhometour.com

One of the leaders in these types of countertops is Caesarstone. I have a love affair with Carrera marble and they happen to have a very similar look called Misty Carrera,that I am hoping to use in my house one day. All the beauty and none of the high-maintenance care that comes with marble.

Caesarstone-Misty Carrera, as from their website

Carrera Marble-Typical

Part 3-Bathroom Trends....tomorrow!

Modern Home Tour-Austin 2012

It's ironic that the last posting was this time last year, and we mentioned last year's Modern Home Tour. Well, this is our first post of 2012 and definitely not the last. As you can imagine with over 15 homes to tour, there was a lot to see.

You can follow this link to see more information about the houses we toured.

One of the trends that stood out to me was the bookcase. Not just one bookcase, but several built in's, in more than one room, and they were not only showcases for books, but for prized collections of arts/artifacts, and in one home, vintage children's toys that I remember playing with myself.

Above images courtesy of austinmodernhometour.com

So, the book is not dead!!! One home even utilized the Ikea Expedit Shelving Units along a 10' wall. Each was recessed into the wall, and looked like a custom built-in.A custom look for less than $200.00 a piece.

Photo courtesy of www.ikea.com

More coming tomorrow......

How the time flies....

Resolution to Blog more...so far not so good...so I thought I would post a quick update of where we are so far..

2011 began in the midst of an install, we finished our 2nd retirement project for Canyon Creek technically last week...but spent the week after Christmas trying to install a building that was currently still being built(this is not the best time to install art on the wall or try to breathe when inhaling various fumes)..we will have the spaces photographed in 2 weeks and will post some then.

a+ has set a wedding date...this summer and thus the planning begins,I am super excited as for me, it will probably be a long while before I personally get to plan my own wedding, as I don't even have my prince charming, though hers is more like a mad scientist prince...mad in so many ways, not the least of which is wicked humor and mad brain skills...
so with that..

a+ made it back from India in one piece and had an amazing time, she has yet to show me her 2000 pictures, but she will be blogging about this at some point, she even has a topic..it will probably be after I blog about my trip to Asia, but hey, its a start. Speaking of a start, yesterday began my series of bank breaking, and neck aching travel boosters, I was sure I would come out with less money spent than a+ on these shots, but nope, I win again and will now be protected from Typhoid for 5 years and Japanese Encephalitis for 2...thanks Ange!!
I have spent the last month finishing a bedroom and bath redesign, its amazing what one can do in a month, hope to post pics of those soon.

Now for the fun stuff...its the beginning of a new month and 2 new editions of my favorite shelter emags have been published...
Rue Magazine and Adore Magazine can be read by clicking on the links...there are so many great designed spaces and sources for amazing art, accessories and more. ENJOY!

If you are in the Austin area next week the Austin Modern Home Tour is going on, I am totally there.

Below...a picture of a place +k will visit this year...who doesn't love a beach vacation!!

courtesy of the mandersons via flickr

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!!

I wanted to wish everyone that follows us(though I bet its just a handful of people and we thank you) a very happy holiday! 2010 has been a year of change, happy change and have seen wonderful firsts for myself and Ava(this time last year she got engaged...2011 should mark their start as a real married couple) we can hope!! We thank our families and friends for all the love, support and help though the year and I can say I have never been happier to be doing what I was born to do and am ever so thankful.

photo-unknown

We end the year being very busy, installing our next retirement project and hoping to get new clients and more projects. So, take some time over the next week to think of those things you have put off doing, and make a plan to do them. Thank those around you for all they do and all they are, and maybe if you can either take the time or spare the money, donate your time or money to a worthwhile cause.

We promise to post more next year, with one of the 1st posts by a+, herself about her trip to India. I myself have an adventure or 2 to come, Asia in March and the ICFF show in NYC in May.(in between a visit from my aunt and uncle,too) So we leave you with an image of one of my favorite places this time of year, and my hope for a visit again in 2011.

Accent walls

The debate continues on whether or not accent walls work. We believe that accent walls are a way to take a bolder color that one would not be comfortable in painting in a whole room. As designers we have a vision sometimes within seconds of seeing a space, and its taking that vision and marrying it to the clients style/taste/comfort. I cannot sing the praises of this practice more.
Today I recieved the latest issue of Stir from Sherwin Williams. There was an article that spoke to this continued debate.
People should not be afraid of color, accent walls bring a pop of color and dramatic flair in small doses. The colors do not have to "match" items, just be cohesive with whats going on in the space. People need to think outside the box of cookie cutter schemes.

And if you ever get bored, you can always repaint...

Late...

I realized its been over a month since I last posted...Shame on me!! We have had lots going on, not to mentione a+ being away in India for the last 2 weeks.
We have quite a lot going on, we just had a client move into their home that we have been helping do renovations on over the last 2 months, and we have another friend/client that we helped with a new paint scheme and redesign of her master bedroom. We will post some pictures in the next month or so. We have 2 new models being installed we hope at the end of this week and a major install happening the week after Christmas. So...I will probably not be posting for a bit, or here and there..
Hope all had a great Thanksgiving holiday!

Tardy

I have been BUSY....so no posts of late, I am sorry about that. I just wanted to give a few shout outs to the fabulous restaurants of the Yountville area. If you ever have the chance to go or are in the area, please stop by REDD, Bouchon, and Bottega.

REDD is Richard Reddington's interpretation of the California wine country's cuisine with various European and Spanish influences. For our lunch, we feasted on prosciutto pizza with fontina and arugala, crispy calamari, bread salad and one of the best desserts I have ever had a dark chocolate pot de creme, beurre noisette, and warm beignets.

Bottega is Michael Chiarrello italian resteraunt. He is known for his shows on Food Network and his Napa Style store. I again, had some of the best food ever. His crispy gnocchi and angry prawns were amazing, as well as his panna cotta. We were impressed enough to get his just released cookbook of the same name.

Have a super weekend, and more posts to come about color trends through 2012, and next month, Ava will blog about her trip to India(I am so excited to hear about that adventure).