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5 White Modern Farmhouse Favorites

15 Tuesday Jun 2021

Posted by marthawolford in Architecture, Entertaining, home building, Home Maintenance, Interior Design, Luxury Homes, New Building Trends, Remodeling, Uncategorized

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I am grateful to be back with a new “Top 5” post today especially because we will be seeing some incredible white modern farmhouse exteriors. This is, without doubt, the most popular exterior style we are seeing at the moment and it’s easy to see why so many homeowners are choosing this type of home.

You can get the modern farmhouse look on the exterior of a home by adding white siding, black accents such as front door, trim and, of course, the popular black windows. These elements are often combined with board and batten, brick and metal roof.

Now, go ahead and find a comfy place to sit and get ready to see some beautiful modern farmhouses. Make sure to click the links provided under each photo so you can see the full house tours and know all details and sources.

1: Off-white Modern Farmhouse Exterior

This off-white modern farmhouse features current and yet timeless architectural details. Siding is a combination of James Hardie, board and batten, and lap siding. Paint color is Valspar Cream Delight. Design: @plankandpillow

2: Small Lot White Modern Farmhouse

You certainly don’t need to live in the country to have the modern farmhouse of your dreams. This “small lot modern farmhouse” is a great example that an urban farmhouse can fit in any type of neighborhood! Builder: @mhousedevelopment : @stofferphotographyinteriors

See Full Details: Small Lot Modern Farmhouse.

3: White Modern Farmhouse with Front Porch

What can be better than a white modern farmhouse with wrap-around porch? This home is stunning from every angle! The white siding paint color is Paint color is Sherwin Williams Snowbound. Builder: wilson_design_construction : Laurey Glenn Photography.

See Full Details: Modern Farmhouse with Front Porch.

4: White Modern Farmhouse with Painted Brick Exterior

This home is what dreams are made of! If you haven’t seen the complete house tour, you really need to! The painted brick siding paint color is “Extra White by Sherwin Williams Extra White”. Design: @chrissymarieblog

See Full Details: Beautiful Homes of Instagram: Coastal Farmhouse Design.

5: Board and Batten Modern Farmhouse

This modern farmhouse not only features a gorgeous white exterior with black accents but the interiors are also incredibly fresh and inspiring. The board and batten siding is James Hardie Arctic White. Builder: @timbertrailshomes : @stofferphotographyinteriors

Biggest Home Trends for 2021

25 Sunday Apr 2021

Posted by marthawolford in Uncategorized

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Home Trends for 2021: Maximizing Multifunctional Spaces Sustainably

Who isn’t ready to leave 2020 behind? After all the challenges we’ve faced and continue to confront, we’re pumped for a fresh start in 2021. Still, the difficulties posed by 2020 have also presented us with possibilities and opportunities to change how we work, relax, and play—changes that benefit ourselves and our communities, and the planet.

What Are the Biggest Home Trends for 2021?

Being forced to stay home made us increasingly aware of our impact on the earth. Not only are we ditching single-use plastic, toxic cleaning supplies, and chemical lawn and garden fertilizers, we’ve also been decluttering like mad. This summer saw the return of the “victory garden” as homeowners supplemented their pantries with homegrown and organic fruits and vegetables.

Our homes also became much more than places to gather with family or hang our hats after a long day. The house was suddenly the workplace, school, gym, yoga studio, and more. Perhaps no other room got more use, or become more multifunctional, than the living room. So, as we enter a new year, let’s talk about how to maximize our hybrid living spaces sustainably.

Family Handyman Multifunctional Furniture

Multifunctional Furniture. Photo Credit: Family Handyman

Multifunctional Spaces, Dual-Purpose Furniture 

During the first COVID lockdown, living rooms, kitchen islands, and dining tables were deployed as places for virtual learning, Zoom meetings, and workspaces. Family members vied for quiet spots in which to take care of business. Designers figured out how to create peaceful work zones using sound-absorbing fabric. Earbuds and headphones became necessary, as did carving out places to take a meeting, unfurl the yoga mat, or study for class.

Taking cues from minimalism and tiny homes and how furnishings serve multiple purposes in these places is critical as we move into 2021. Ideas include:

  • A small work table that pulls down from a wall
  • A dining table that folds into a bench or desk, and 
  • Storage that hides office or art supplies 

All of these can ease the strain of using a single room for different purposes. Some furniture can be folded into compact shapes when not in use. You can then slip it underneath a bed or behind a couch. When shopping for multipurpose sustainable furniture, consider materials like bamboo, cork, and FSC-certified wood. If you’re buying upholstered furniture, select sustainable textiles to eliminate off-gassing, chemical residue. Some companies, like Steelcase, even offset the carbon associated with their manufacturing.

Designers are also predicting that furniture styles will trend toward the soft, rounded, and overstuffed once again, as families continue to spend most of their time safely at home. Alessandra Wood, vice president of style at Modsy, told Insider that people want to add layers of comfort while maintaining functionality to their spaces.

Vintage Dresser

Vintage Dresser. Photo Credit: Post Design Co

Reuse, Recycle 

Several trend forecasters in the interior design industry are advocating that homeowners look to vintage, antique, salvage, and consignment shops for one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect their personality and style. Hooray for upcycling! According to Sampleboard, for instance, sustainability in the home now taps into the domain of paints, objects, and materials. They go on to say that the industry is exploring different production technologies and promoting recycling. That the growing popularity of vintage furniture and decor with Millennials is helping move the needle forward.

Used furnishings also often come with provenance, or a story, that makes them unique. They add authenticity and a sense of history to your home décor while allowing for personalization and experimentation. Alessandra Wood told Insider that this style is called “Grandmillenial” and described it as “eco-friendly” as well as affordable. 

Upcycled Headboards Reloved Home Designs

Upcycled Headboards. Photo Credit: Reloved Home Designs

Searching for the perfect piece at a local antique or consignment shop also provides a sense of adventure and discovery. And, this purchase supports the community in which you live. Similarly, finding a multifunctional table or bench handcrafted by a local maker from recycled materials infuses your living room with a whole new level of creativity.

Under Stairs

Double Workspace Under Stairs. Photo Credit: Moretti Interior Designs

Renewing and Renovating 

The pandemic lockdown also inspired homeowners to take on renovation projects that may have been long overdue. Basements became home offices, gyms, even extra bedrooms. Homeowners connected and moved living areas outdoors, creating kitchens, dining areas, play spaces, living and gathering, and even offices outdoors. Homeowners also transformed underused spaces under the stairs, next to laundry areas, even pantries into a home office or study area. 

To keep these innovative spaces sustainable—while keeping the family healthy and happy, and utility bills to a minimum—requires an environmental mindset. For example, if starting a new project in 2021, insist on local and low-carbon-footprint and energy-efficient construction materials, as well as options for recycling construction waste. Bring the outdoors and natural daylight in by replacing windows and doors with energy-efficient alternatives. Use LEDs in light fixtures that provide supplemental illumination for such tasks as reading, studying, or working.

Natural Rug Organic Weave

Natural Rug. Photo Credit: Organic Weave

Choose sustainable flooring and rugs made from non-toxic materials. If walls need painting, or you’re thinking of changing a wall color to highlight a specific area in your living space, choose low- or no-VOC paints. Milk paint is another sustainable option. Paint companies are also addressing homeowners’ desires for non-toxic paints and colors that reflect the warmth and grounded-ness of nature. Color palettes for 2021 include earth-toned pigments, bright floral hues, and calm, quiet tones.

Fishbone Cactus

Fishbone Cactus. Photo Credit: Tonic Blooms

Bring the Outside In 

Bringing nature inside the living room, especially in cold climates where the winter days can be long and dreary, is a great strategy. It not only benefits our mental health but helps keep our indoor air clean and fresh. After spending so much of 2020 isolated from others in our homes, the benefits of bringing nature inside have become quite obvious. 

Jason Chongue, from The Plant Society, commented that plants transform the atmosphere of our indoor spaces effortlessly and inexpensively. According to House Beautiful, house plants trending in 2021 include Fishbone Cactus, Velvet Calathea, and Snake Plant.

BloomingTables

Photo Credit: BloomingTables

Consider finding a spot near a window for an indoor garden. Research the best indoor plants for purifying indoor air—such as spider plants, chrysanthemums, and areca palms. Succulents are still popular and low-maintenance. BloomingTables is a multifunctional, space-saving option for growing succulents, and you can use the glass top to display décor.

Incorporating biophilic design into your living areas not only brings you closer to nature. Plants create a natural habitat-like sanctuary in the privacy of your homes. Indoor plants can also provide a green “fence” or “wall” between a home-office space and the kids’ study or school space.

Samsung TV Amazon

Samsung TV. Photo Credit: Amazon

Energy-Efficient Televisions

Bingeing via our screens has never been as popular as in 2020. TVs are an essential component of many living spaces, and they do wear out. Homeowners in the market for a new TV should look for LEDs and OLEDs, which run electrically for as little as $9.06 and $17.87 per year, respectively. Also, make sure to look for ENERGY STAR Certified options. If every homeowner in the United States used an ENERGY STAR TV, annual greenhouse gas emissions would decrease by an astounding 9 billion pounds.

Living Room

Hybrid and Healthy Living Spaces

In 2021, our living areas will continue to function as multipurpose, hybrid spaces. The living room is where we gather with our COVID safe-bubbles, help the kids with online learning, work from home, practice yoga or lift weights, and entertain ourselves. Keeping happy and healthy and our living spaces fresh and clean and comfortable will help us enter the new year with eyes firmly looking toward a more sustainable future.

Thank you to Camille LeFevre and Rise magazine for the great information

Call me if I can help! Martha 502.387.5935

2020 Kitchen Trends

10 Sunday Nov 2019

Posted by marthawolford in Architecture, Entertaining, home building, Interior Design, Luxury Homes, New Building Trends, Uncategorized

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When it comes to kitchen design, we have seen so many trends come and go in the last few years, but one that has been going strong for some time now (and will continue to be seen in 2020) is a combination of painted (or in this case, sprayed) cabinets accentuated with natural wood. In fact, natural wood cabinets should be the hottest trend in the new year and that goes for all spaces in the house, not only kitchens

2020 Kitchen Design Ideaskitchen 2020

How I love the feel of this kitchen! It feels spacious and BRIGHT, which is so important in any kitchen.

Walls are “Benjamin Moore Graytint 1611”.

Cabinet Paint Color

2020

The perimeter cabinets are “Benjamin Moore OC-17 White Dove”. “BM White Dove” is a classic and timeless white paint color, often recommended by cabinet makers and interior designers. The kitchen island and hood are Natural Oak.

The countertops are Calcutta Quartzite.

Range: 48” Wolf range

Cabinet Door Style

Kitchen 2020 4

Kitchen Cabinet Door Style: Flat panel, shaker style with inner panel slight round-over detail.

Backsplash tile is by Waterworks

Hardware – Restoration Hardware Ephram (Egg Knob) – Polished Nickel 

Cabinetry: Shelves are made of Natural Oak.

Counterstools

kitchen 2020 stools 5

These are one of my favorites counterstools because they’re timeless, and especially because they’re easy to clean.

Counterstools: Serena & Lily.

Inspired by this Look:

(Scroll to see more)

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Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is 5” Natural Quarter Sawn White Oak with Bona Finish and great for dogs! (Hides scratches!) Did I mention I have the 2 cutest dogs in the world??

          For Your Dream Kitchen call me, Martha Wolford@ 502.387.5935!

Thank you to Home Bunch for the ideas!!

 

 

 

What’s Popular in Kitchens Now

24 Monday Jun 2019

Posted by marthawolford in Architecture, Entertaining, home building, Home Maintenance, Interior Design, Luxury Homes, New Building Trends, Uncategorized

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Working the Room:

We break down 9 kitchen design ideas that are making people happy — and show how to make them work for you

Whether it’s a splash of color in the cabinets, a champagne-brass drawer pull or a wall of open shelving, the kitchen ideas homeowners and designers are loving now can elevate everybody’s favorite gathering space to home showpiece status.

Kitchens remain the most popular room for homeowners to renovate, and it’s no wonder why — thanks to the array of popular and practical countertop, cabinet and lighting styles out there, an updated kitchen can make a house feel fresh again in a way other rooms can’t. Here are the kitchen design ideas that pros, homeowners and Houzz photos say are taking off or still going strong.

Transitional Kitchen by Cedarglen Homes

Trend No. 1: Colorful Cabinets

What the pros say. “Painted cabinets are having a bit of a moment,” says designer and decorator Nancy Harper of Washington, D.C.-based Studio Miel. Harper and other pros agreed that blues and greens are the go-to non-neutral colors of choice now, but Harper says she could see other bold hues — emeralds, darker shades — also take hold soon.

What popular Houzz photos say. Seven of the 10 most-saved kitchen photos uploaded in the last three months feature cabinets with some color, including four examples of blue cabinets, one example of green and two black. Even if gray and white are still more common in most remodels, many Houzz users are drawn to brighter pops of personality.

Getting the low-key look. Paul McAlary, of Pennsylvania-based kitchen and cabinet design firm Main Line Kitchen Design, says more colorful cabinets, particularly bolder shades like navy blue, can cost more. He doesn’t recommend painting them yourself as it can damage the quality of the cabinets. Instead, he suggests homeowners get their color fix through the easier-to-update walls or backsplash. Still, painting your cabinets yourself is definitely the affordable option if you want to get the look for less.“They’ll never look quite like they actually should, but it’ll be [an updated] color and they’ll be OK for a few years,” McAlary says.

Getting the full-out look. Incorporate vibrant cabinetry in just the island or base cabinets, or create dimension and visual interest by pairing all-around colorful cabinets with contrasting countertops and on-trend brass or gold hardware.

Find kitchen designers and see their projects | Browse gold and brass hardware

by AUREA STONE
AUREA STONE
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Trend No. 2: Marbled Quartz

What the pros say. Homeowners looking to make a more dramatic, organic statement with their kitchen countertops used to gravitate toward natural stones such as granite for the unique speckling and veins. But pros say more natural-looking quartz — an engineered product that contains mostly quartz mineral, as well as resins, pigments and polymers — is showing up in more kitchens.

Designers are seeing more and more higher-end remodelers opting for quartz countertops that are designed to look like marble. Mary Kathryn Reese of Dallas-based Kitchen Design Concepts says slabs of these types of quartz, such as the popular Aurea Stone shown here, also are available in larger slabs now, making it easier to create seamless countertops.

Granite, still pricey but available in more affordable varieties than quartz, still reigns in some areas.

What homeowners say. Engineered quartz overall beat out granite 43 to 34 percent among homeowners updating countertops in the 2018 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. (Countertops, homeowners said, were the kitchen feature they were most likely to splurge on.)

Quartz’s expanding pattern palette may be contributing to its growing popularity, along with other pluses like its stain resistance and durability. Homeowner Jennifer Dabbs, who worked with Studio Miel’s Harper to renovate her 1894 Washington, D.C.-area kitchen, says quartz’s reputation for being a more contemporary style initially gave her pause. “I was afraid it would look too modern in our home,” Dabbs says. “However, we chose a stone that replicates a marble and turns out to be exactly what we wanted in terms of functionality — low maintenance — and look.”

What saved Houzz photos say. Favorite kitchen photos from the previous three months feature a number of white and white marbleized quartz countertops, including Cambria’s Brittanicca and Walker Zanger’s Calacatta 981 Quartz, which can be striking against a wood butcher-block island or countertop extension.

Battle of the Countertops: Granite vs. Quartz

Contemporary Kitchen by Studio Miel
Studio Miel
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Trend No. 3: Open Shelving

What the pros say. Open shelving can make a kitchen look taller and airier. As this look gets more popular, Luke Owen of Kansas City-based Owen Homessays his team has seen a corresponding spike in requests for hideaway places for smaller appliances, outlets and other clutter.

Dishes, plants and knickknacks displayed on open shelves need thoughtful curation to avoid a cluttered look, so having spaces to tuck away less-attractive counter-crowders can keep things balanced and tidy. Having fewer pieces on the shelves also minimizes the risk of your favorite platter crashing down. (Open shelves typically aren’t made to withstand the weight cabinets are.)

What homeowners say. Though it can work with a number of styles, the sometimes minimalist, sometimes rustic vibe of wood and metal open shelving fits right in with transitional, contemporary and farmhouse kitchen styles — the first, second and third most-popular new kitchen styles that renovating homeowners chose when updating their kitchens, according to the Houzz 2018 Kitchen Trends Study.

What saved Houzz photos say. Natural wood open shelving seems to come up the most in recent popular photos, though white and black examples also appear.

Getting the low-key look. Even just a few shelves can draw the eye up and make a small space look bigger.

Getting the full-out look. 
More shelves mean more styling and maintenance to keep your kitchen from looking too busy. To create that sleek, intentional feeling with more shelves, group items by color, leave some shelf space open and carve out plenty of sturdier, hidden space for bulky appliances and mismatched dishware.

Style Your Open Kitchen Shelving Like a Pro

Transitional Kitchen by Owen Homes LLC
Owen Homes LLC
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Trend No. 4: Still Shaker

What the pros say. The versatility of basic Shaker cabinets — defined by their flat center door panels and a generally clean raised-square frame — continues to make them a popular pick for kitchens. “Shaker-style cabinets are very popular because they can look a little bit traditional and they can look a little bit modern,” Harper says. “They have clean lines, so depending on the hardware that you choose and other elements in the kitchen, it can go either way.”

What homeowners say. By choosing Shaker style for her cabinet redo, Dabbs says she was able to give a nod to her traditional house’s history while giving the space a fresh update. It also saved her a significant amount of money, as the inset cabinets she had initially wanted would have cost $20,000 more.

And she’s not alone: Shaker cabinets remain the most popular among all segments of homeowners, according to Houzz research.

What saved Houzz photos say. More than half of the 20 most popular recent kitchen photos featured Shaker-style cabinets.

See more kitchens with Shaker-style cabinets | Find cabinet pros

Transitional Kitchen by Tracey Stephens Interior Design Inc
Tracey Stephens Interior Design Inc
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Trend No. 5: Staying Connected

What the pros say. High-tech touch-screen refrigerators and ovens have yet to really catch on with the typical homeowner, pros say, but smart electronics are appearing in the kitchen in other ways.

The Dallas-area clients that Reese works with can be a little leery of major appliances with too many bells and whistles, Reese says. “They’re a little afraid of that technology,” she says. “Is it going to break? How much will it cost to fix it? How long will it take to fix it? Is it going to be too difficult for me to actually cook even though the whole premise is to enable the whole cooking experience?” Other pros echoed similar sentiments.

Where technology is cropping up more in the kitchen is through wireless speakers, smart lighting and voice-controlled TVs and assistants. Harper says her clients are always looking for more outlets and often a separate charging station in the kitchen for powering their devices, though she’s noticed she’s adding fewer USB connector ports as technology evolves.

What homeowners say. Touchscreen controls or built-in speakers appear in 1 in 4 new appliances that homeowners are choosing as replacements for their old gadgets, the kitchen study found. Wireless and voice-controlled appliances appear in 11 percent of upgraded appliances.

Getting the low-key effect. A voice-controlled or wireless speaker or digital assistant comes in handy in the kitchen when you need a measurement converted or background dinner-making music.

Getting the full-out effect. Homeowners reported their refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves and range hoods were their top updated appliances, so tricking out those major players with touchscreens and smart controls may be the way to go if you’re tech-happy (and have the budget for it).

Future Home: How We’ll Be Living in 10 Years

Transitional Kitchen by Joseph Deats Photography
Joseph Deats Photography
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Trend No. 6: Going Gray

What the pros say. There’s nothing drab about gray these days, and there hasn’t been for quite a while. In fact, a lot of pros consider it the new(ish) neutral.

What homeowners say. While white still holds the lead for most popular cabinet color among homeowners, gray wins for go-to wall color.

What saved Houzz photos say. Gray shows up in Houzzers’ kitchen ideabooks constantly.

Getting the low-key look. A gray island, accent wall or tile can add an element of calm sophistication to a kitchen.

Getting the full-out look. Because gray is so mellow a color, your kitchen may be able to handle gray cabinets, shelving and backsplash, like the kitchen shown here, without feeling overpowering.

When to Go Gray in the Kitchen | Browse gray tile choices

Transitional Kitchen by Haven Design and Construction
Haven Design and Construction
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Trend No. 7: Let There Be Light

What the pros say. Owen says good lighting is the second-biggest kitchen priority he hears from clients behind opening up a kitchen space into a living area. To get it, he might add a picture window above a sink or score more natural light by knocking down a dividing wall. Statement pendants, like the ones shown here, are also popular, as are sconces, which can come in handy in illuminating an open shelf.

What saved Houzz photos say. Dramatic pendant lights and chandeliers, many with gold details, are a repeat sight in the recent most-saved kitchen photos.

Getting the low-key look. Light fixtures can be a great place to test out a trend, as they’re typically easy to replace or upgrade, Harper says.

Getting the full-out look. Statement lights you can control with your voice or a smartphone are all the rage.

Find kitchen light fixtures

Traditional Kitchen by Pickell Architecture
Pickell Architecture
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Trend No. 8: White Everything

What the pros say. The all-white trend doesn’t seem to be going anywhere, to some pros’ dismay. “You’re spending all this money for cabinets and all this money for countertops and everything else, and when everything is white nothing stands out,” McAlary says. Harper says if her clients are leaning toward a white-on-white look, her team will typically suggest adding tile or backsplash that makes the space a little more dynamic and unique — an approach she expects to see more of going forward.

What homeowners say. White still tops remodeling homeowners’ favorites list when it comes to cabinets and backsplashes, and it narrowly trails gray in wall color preference, according to the Kitchen Trends Study.

What saved Houzz photos say. Survey-taking homeowners and pros say all-white everything is still the most common choice in practice, but when Houzz users are planning or daydreaming about their next projects as they’re scrolling through photos on the site, it’s mostly shades of blue and gray they covet. Could that mean white kitchens might get knocked from their popularity throne in the next few years?

Getting the low-key look. White is classic and crisp, and it works with all kinds of kitchen styles. White countertops paired with either white upper or lower cabinets or a white backsplash leave room to break things up with a gray island, black countertops or another colorful accent.

Getting the full-out look. White cabinets, countertops, backsplash, appliances — go to town!

More guides to creating a beautiful white kitchen

Contemporary Kitchen by Sealy Design Inc.
Sealy Design Inc.
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Trend No. 9: Mixing Metals

What the pros say. As cabinet pulls, light fixtures, faucets and other hardware are one of the easiest parts of a kitchen to swap out, they’re a logical place to try something new. And pros say that while oil-rubbed bronze and brass were must-haves recently, people are experimenting with a variety of metal finishes, including champagne brass and charcoal stainless.

“It’s not just about brass anymore. I feel like for a while everybody wanted brass, but there are so many beautiful options out there,” Harper says. “And I think people are a little bit more comfortable mixing metals too.” A client might opt for brass hardware and a different metallic colorin lighting, she says.

What saved Houzz photos say. Saved kitchen photos from the past three months feature a mix of more golden brass hardware and darker bronzes, often set against the glint of stainless steel appliances.

Getting the low-key look. Just one element — a pendant light, stool legs, a faucet — with a different finish can help you avoid any matchy-matchy monotony and give your kitchen a bolder, lived-in edge.

Getting the full-out look. Incorporating too many different finishes in one space can feel busy, but two or three can make things interesting and sophisticated.

Browse kitchen hardware finishes

Tell us: What kitchen trends are you loving? Homeowners and designers, please share your favorite kitchen colors and finishes in the Comments.

More
How to Remodel Your Kitchen
15 Top Countertop Materials
How to Refresh Your Kitchen on Any Budget

THANK YOU TO HOUZZ FOR THE GREAT INFORMATION!

Link

https://www.generalcontractors.org/the-best-general-contractors-in-louisville-kentucky/

06 Sunday Jan 2019

Posted by marthawolford in Uncategorized

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Merry Christmas From Homes on Houzz

23 Friday Dec 2016

Posted by marthawolford in Uncategorized

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Catch a glimpse of homes dressed up to celebrate the yuletide, each in their own individual way

The holiday is here, and you’ve done whatever decorating you were going to do. Now’s the time to sit back and enjoy the day. Join us in the passenger seat on a virtual holiday drive through the extended Houzz neighborhood.
25 Bedecked Entryways by Houzzers
Poinsettias, backyard cedar and holly warm a cottage entry.
Traditional Porch by Rikki Snyder
A dusting of snow turns a classic porch into a postcard.
Contemporary Landscape Luminarias.jpg
Luminarias light the way in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
by The Cavender Diary
A cow skull and garlands made of free scraps from the tree lot transform a Dallas entry.
Traditional Exterior by Rikki Snyder
A Christmas tree on the porch says “Happy Holidays” to the neighborhood.
Traditional Exterior by Cynthia Lynn Photography
Even Frank Lloyd Wright’s house celebrates the day with handmade decorations and greenery.
Traditional Exterior by Cynthia Lynn Photography
See inside Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic house and studio
Traditional Exterior by Rikki Snyder
This New York porch creates its own starry night.
Traditional Porch by Rikki Snyder
A large-scale wreath looks luxe against lilac siding.
Traditional Entry by Julie Ranee Photography
Every welcoming entry needs its greeter.
Traditional Entry by Sarah Greenman
Ribbon-trimmed Christmas trees and a garland create a grand entrance to the historicDeGolyer House in Dallas.
Traditional Exterior by Mary Prince Photography
His work done for the year, Santa takes in a Boston view.
Eclectic Exterior by Mary Prince Photography
Traditional Exterior Jr. League Park Lane House
Each Christmas a California family decorates their trellis gate with a wood plaque printed with words from a popular seasonal song.
Traditional Exterior by Rikki Snyder
Crisp white: the classic background for forest greens.
Traditional Shed by Rikki Snyder
A wreath of dried citrus, berries, pinecones and faux fruits byBattenfeld Christmas Tree Farmgreets visitors at the entry to theWilderstein House in New York
Traditional Exterior by Mary Prince Photography
A pair of skis offers a graphical anchor for greens and a luxurious bow.
Traditional Entry by Barbara Pintozzi
A skate filled with cuttings is one of the simplest high-impact decorations you can make.
Traditional Entry by Rikki Snyder
Symmetrical wreaths and topiaries suit a jewel-toned exterior in Rhinebeck, New York.
Traditional Landscape Junior League Holiday Home Tour
A 100-year-old iron gate adorned with a wreath designed by Marisa Lyssand opens up to a traditional-style home in Atherton, California.
Traditional Entry by Rikki Snyder
A bright bow lights the way to the Village Hall in Millbrook, New York.
Traditional Exterior by Rikki Snyder
A red door definitely has its day on Christmas. The window on this one offers a peek at an indoor tree’s twinkling lights.
Traditional Exterior by Mary Prince Photography
In Boston, oversize pinecones and a red ribbon fill a front window.
Tropical Exterior by Allison Ramsey Architects
Wreaths hung at railing level combine with garlands for an elegantly simple holiday house.
Traditional Entry by Mary Prince Photography
Silver baubles transform a year-round topiary in Boston.
Traditional Entry by Mary Prince Photography
This home’s large pillars create a dramatic look wrapped in lush boughs of evergreens and oversize red ornaments.
Traditional Exterior by Rikki Snyder
Multiple wreaths get the whole home involved.
Traditional Exterior by Rikki Snyder
Greenery involves the whole yard in the festivities.
Traditional Entry by Rikki Snyder
Faux garlands and loads of shine turn black doors into a party.
Traditional Porch by Rikki Snyder
Snowy white architectural details frame an entry decorated with greens, pods and berries.
Traditional Exterior by Greystone Interiors
Oversize real wreaths make an impact in New York.
Traditional Entry by Mary Prince Photography
The perfect pairing of wreath and urn puts a festive flourish on a traditional holiday entry.
Traditional Porch by Rikki Snyder
Apple green and blue bring updated color to a traditional porch.
Traditional Entry by Rikki Snyder
Lush greens and a simple bow are all that’s needed against a door that already has turquoise and lace going for it.
Traditional Exterior by Colleen Brett
Jingle bells on bare trees and oversize ornaments on the porch create a joyful scene at this rehabbed 1870s Victorian in Philadelphia.
Traditional Entry by Rikki Snyder
A wreath and jingle bells wink from a New York porch.
Living Room by Bernacki & Beaudry Design Corp.
Bells, berries and branches deck an entry in Ottawa, Ontario.
Exterior by Rikki Snyder
Silver ornaments on a wreath of greens add sparkle to a classic brick exterior.
by Rikki Snyder
A basket on a traditional picket fence provides a pretty resting place for an armful of pinecones.
Traditional Entry by Rikki Snyder
Two wreaths punctuate a series of doorways.
Traditional Entry by Rikki Snyder
A wreath and eyebrow garland frame an offset peekaboo window.
Traditional Porch by Rikki Snyder
The classic shapes of tree and swag strike a perfect balance in this entryway vignette.
Traditional Landscape by Rikki Snyder
A bare fruit tree in New York dresses up for the holidays.
Traditional Exterior by Rikki Snyder
Garlands and window box–style greens drape a home in cozy.
Traditional Porch by Rikki Snyder
On this traditional porch, wreaths keep the rocking chairs company until it’s time to watch the leaves come back.
Traditional Exterior Jr. League Park Lane House
Classic Christmas style inspired the designer who dressed up this California house for a holiday home tour.
Eclectic Entry Christmas
A clematis vine adds its natural greenery to a 1930s Stratton Blue–painted door in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Traditional Entry by Rikki Snyder
A winter container arrangement helps light up the dormant season.
Traditional Landscape by Rikki Snyder
When the trees go bare, this fence goes green.
Eclectic Exterior by Mary Prince Photography

Popular Design Trends to Carry Into the New Year

02 Friday Dec 2016

Posted by marthawolford in Uncategorized

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Now that you’ve gotten your feet completely immersed in 2016 and had time to recuperate from the holidays, you might be eager to tackle your New Year’s design resolutions for your home. Whatever those may be, you can start by looking back at trends from the last few years and see which ones are holding up well. As a designer, I’m always trying new things, but I also like to check in with my past clients to find out what’s still working for them. Here are some recent trends I’ve used in clients’ homes that are still making them smile and should continue to for years to come.
Contemporary Powder Room by PM Concepts
Graphic tiles
This is a trend that may pass eventually, but probably not anytime soon. Graphic tiles make a big statement and hearken back to the midcentury, when tiles embraced color and pattern. Try to find something you feel you can live with for a long time, as tiles are quite durable. Think of it as art. It’s an investment that will grace your walls for years to come.
Traditional Family Room by Brian Watford Interiors
Sectional sofas
 This trend is here to stay. Today, people are designing their spaces to be used. The formal living room is mostly a thing of the past in many homes, and creating spaces where you can hang out with friends and family in a comfortable manner as opposed to a formal one seems to be the way to go.
Modern Kitchen by Affecting Spaces
Reclaimed materials
 I really hope this trend sticks around forever. I love that designers are finding ways to minimize waste and turn old, worn materials into things of beauty.
Transitional Bathroom Transitional Bathroom
Black window frames
 What better way to bring attention to one of the most important things in your house than with a dark, bold frame? The natural light coming into your house is essential. If there’s a view that goes along with that natural light, accentuate it with a bold black window frame.
Contemporary Entry by Nash Baker Architects
Statement light fixtures
I view light fixtures as art. It’s one of those items I encourage my clients to splurge on. You can have the most simple space, but if you put an amazing light fixture in it, you automatically boost the room’s atmosphere and presence.

Discover these sensational chandeliers

Contemporary Staircase by By FinesseS
Stairs as a focal point
Stairs take you up or down from one floor to another. But when stairs are transformed into a design focal point, beyond merely a mode of transportation, then you lift your renovation to the next level.
Modern Kitchen by Wanda Ely Architect Inc.
Open and airy
This has to be the No. 1 request I get these days. Every one of my clients asks for their spaces to be opened up. Today’s families tend to be incredibly busy, and multitasking is the norm. Having clear views of what’s going on in your home from anywhere in the house makes sense.
Modern Dining Room by Kohn Shnier architects
No formal dining room
 Just as the formal living room is a thing of the past for many, the formal dining room is also going the way of the dinosaurs. People are starting to realize that pleasures are not experiences that should occur occasionally, but rather should be part of everyday life.
Contemporary Kitchen by Paul Raff Studio
Minimal design
We could have a debate about minimal design for years to come, but at the end of the day, this is a trend that makes sense for healthy living. Creating a space that’s free of clutter and ornate decor means a space that’s easier to focus in, easier to clean and easier to move through.

Jaw-Dropping Media Rooms

25 Friday Nov 2016

Posted by marthawolford in Interior Design, Uncategorized

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Turn a ho-hum movie night into an Oscarworthy event with a dramatic and welcoming media room

Countless hours are spent around the TV with family and friends. If you are lucky enough to have a home theater or media room, why not make movie night a showstopper? These 10 designer tips will give you the tools to help your media room steal any show.
Traditional Home Theater by Deep River Partners
Meeting of the minds
 Why not have all of your favorite books and movies in the same room? Simply install decorative shelving for that distinguished library feel right inside your media room. Then you can choose a classic book or a classic movie all in one place.
Contemporary Home Theater by Bliss Home Theaters & Automation, Inc
Painted scene 
Channel your inner Michelangelo and paint the perfect illusion of a blue sky on the ceiling of your media room for an ethereal effect. It’s an ingenious approach to creating the perfect outdoor movie night with all the comforts of home.
Eclectic Home Theater by Elad Gonen
Unscripted style
 Replace all of your traditional media seating with with an oversize platform bed that allows viewers to totally relax by laying down. Your friends and family will never want to leave.
Mediterranean Home Theater by Sterling Custom Homes
Behind the scenes
 Add texture and style to your media room by hanging curtains to act as a divider between the game room and movie room. Just draw them shut when either side needs privacy.
Traditional Home Theater by Jennifer Bevan Interiors
Quiet on the set
Cover the walls of your media room with upholstery tufted in your favorite fabric for a wall application that creates the proper acoustics.
Traditional Home Theater by Mayta & Jensen
Movie under the stars
Add an enchanting cosmic delight to any home theater experience by installing fiber optics into the ceiling. Sit under the glowing night sky while watching your favorite movie.
Contemporary Home Theater by DIN Interiorismo
Sound check
 For a commercial-quality surround-sound effect in your theater, try an acoustical ceiling.
Traditional Home Theater by Bliss Home Theaters & Automation, Inc
Hollywood royalty
 Achieve old-time Hollywood extravagance by cladding your entire media room in a plush red palate of shag carpet, velvet walls, fabric-covered ceilings and overstuffed furniture.
Contemporary Home Theater by Jim Tetro
Oscar-winning performance
Help your media room double as a living room when not in use. This contemporary yet comfortable space is perfect for entertaining with or without a movie.
Traditional Home Theater by Macaluso Designs, Inc.
Of stage and screen
 Give your media room’s screen a stage that commands attention. Add lush draperies, dapper moldings and sconces to accentuate the stage and create a full theater effect. Bravo!

Trending Now: Bedrooms We’d Love to Fall Asleep In

21 Friday Oct 2016

Posted by marthawolford in Uncategorized

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Looking for a comfortable and calm space? Consider some of the most popular new bedroom photos

Most of us want a calm, soothing vibe to permeate our bedroom. So it’s no surprise that the 25 most popular bedroom photos uploaded recently to Houzz portray that kind of atmosphere. A quick review of the key elements found in the following photos reveals some recurring design moves that deliver the relaxing look. When in doubt, employ gray and gray-blue tones, wood accents and layers of the most comfortable bedding you can find. Here are 25 ways to sleep tight in style.
Traditional Bedroom by Arthur Rutenberg Homes by American Eagle Builders
Angle Investor

A soaring, cedar-clad ceiling punctuates this picturesque bedroom in South Carolina. Again, gray walls and bedding deliver a soothing, inviting atmosphere that doesn’t distract from the view.

Transitional Bedroom by Set To Sell, LLC
All-Inclusive

This Birmingham, Alabama, bedroom features many of the recurring elements we’ve seen in this article: gray tones, painted wood ceiling, statement light fixture and layered, neutral bedding.

Mediterranean Bedroom by High Res Media, LLC

Keep Calm

A geometric ceiling treatment and light fixture set a polished, contemporary tone in this Orlando, Florida, bedroom, while simple furnishings and decor in organic tones establish a calm and comfortable attitude.

Contemporary Bedroom by John Lewis
Silver Linings

Silvery grays ensconce this London bedroom, while a luxurious collection of bedding gives new meaning to the term beauty sleep.

Farmhouse Bedroom by John Thayer Cabinetmakers, LLC
All the White Moves

A generous dose of soft white paint creates a refreshing atmosphere in this Massachusetts bedroom. Meanwhile, built-in storage below the window seat and on either side of the bed and below it turns a tranquil space into an organization workhorse.

Transitional Bedroom by Element Home Builders
Water World

A watery blue wall paint envelopes this Florida bedroom, which is otherwise anchored in grays.

Transitional Bedroom by LeTricia Wilbanks Design
 
Art Attack

Designer LeTricia Wilbanks did a fantastic job pairing custom pillows with the triptych artwork to create a bedroom full of harmony.

Contemporary Bedroom by Tailored Space Interiors - Interior Design

Pastel Perfect

This bedroom proves that well-chosen colors and textures can transform any simple space into one brimming with character. Pastel colors set a soothing tone while touchy-feely fabrics beckon one to curl up and stay awhile.

Contemporary Bedroom by RDM General Contractors
Glass Act

Why sleep when you live in a dream world? Here, glass walls capture a stunning view of Laguna Beach in Southern California.

Contemporary Bedroom by Architecte d'intérieur - Marion Dériot
Trunk Show

Again, gray tones create a soothing vibe in this Parisian home, but it’s the ropy elephant piece that really sets the room apart.

Farmhouse Bedroom by Crescent Homes
Country Club

Shiplap walls and antique-style bed frames lend a farmhouse vibe to this South Carolina bedroom.

Contemporary Bedroom by Shakuff
Movie Magic

The decor in this bedroom gives the impression of a moment in a movie that’s transitioning from black and white to Technicolor. Cool silvers and grays anchor the look while bursts of pink and turquoise vie for attention.

Transitional Bedroom by Beasley & Henley Interior Design
Pattern Recognition

A thoughtful mix of pattern, fabric and colors elevates this Florida bedroom to the next level.

Beach Style Bedroom by Scenic Sotheby's International Realty
Blue Horizon

This bedroom on the water in Florida employs a blue-gray color scheme, oak floors and wood slat wall cladding for a coastal look that’s anything but boring.

Victorian Bedroom by Виктория Киорсак. Victoria Kiorsak Interior Design
Luxe in London

Glamorous doesn’t begin to describe this London bedroom, which features a custom bed, soothing blue wall color, round metal nightstands and an elegant bench.

Transitional Bedroom by Arena Construction Inc.
Dressed to Impress

This spacious San Francisco bedroom has a lot going for it. A cool gray color scheme, subtle mix of patterns, textured wallcovering on a feature wall, sliding barn door, rich wood floors and a delightful lounge seat (with breakfast) all come together to make this space a difficult one to leave.

Scandinavian Bedroom by Design3 | Дизайн в кубе
From Russia With Love

Built-in bedside cabinetry, a window seat and a gray-blue color scheme create a winning combination in this Russian bedroom.

Tropical Bedroom by Tulip Hardwood Floors
Beam Me Up

Here, gorgeous wood beams and window millwork lead the eye to a picturesque view of San Francisco Bay.

Transitional Bedroom by Decorating Den Interiors - Decorate with Kate
Snug Symmetry

A king-size bed placed against a feature wall with a vinyl wallcovering grabs attention in this bedroom in Calgary, Canada.

Beach Style Bedroom by JMS Architecture LLC
Coastal Comfort

Three built-in beds with drawer storage maximize space in this quaint Nantucket home.

Traditional Bedroom by Legacy Residential Interiors
Pretty in the Past

Traditional patterned draperies and a four-poster bed define this large Atlanta bedroom.

Rustic Bedroom Rustic Bedroom
Heads Up

Hat tip to Meridy King Interiors for combining the casual-meets-rustic elements in this bedroom. And kudos to Greg Busch Architects for incorporating the character-heavy wood beams on the ceiling.

Contemporary Bedroom by carré designs
Let the Light In

A headboard wall and sleek, modern design up the appeal in this Palm Springs, California, bedroom. Meanwhile, a wall-to-wall window section above the bed cleverly frames a piece of sky.

Transitional Bedroom by Debra Somerville Photography
Pop of Pink

A big, fluffy bedspread, elegant chandelier, soothing wall color and eye-catching bench make this New York bedroom by Jan Hiltz Interiors a hit.

Beach Style Bedroom by La Vie: 30A Beach House Rental
Feel the Barn

A cool gray tone sets the stage for this exquisite bedroom, the highlight of which is a large wooden sliding barn door.

Special Thanks to Mitchell Parker Houzz Editorial Staff

10 Elements of a Dream Master Bath

30 Friday Sep 2016

Posted by marthawolford in Uncategorized

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A heavenly bathroom could be just a few features away. Would any of these be must-haves for your renovation?

Dreaming of revamping your master bath? From dual showers and soaking tubs to saunas, live-edge wood and built-in storage, more options abound than ever before. Wolford Built Homes, Louisville, Ky can help you achieve your ultimate master bath.
Contemporary Bathroom by NF interiors

A dual shower. Would you forgo a bathtub altogether in favor of a shower? What if it were a really nice shower? This gorgeous shower has dual showerheads, black slate and built-in storage for towels and soap. Many Wolford Built Homes customers are more focused on a luxurious shower than a tub.

Contemporary Bathroom by Coates Design Architects Seattle
A Japanese soaking tub. If you do go for a tub, consider a Japanese-style soaking tub rather than a full-size version. A soaking tub is ideal for smaller spaces or when you want to devote more real estate to the shower; although it has a smaller footprint, it’s deep enough for bathers to fully submerge.
Modern Bathroom by NB Design Group, Inc
Slightly larger than a traditional Japanese soaking tub, this one is deep enough for someone to have a good, relaxing soak and wide enough for two. The clean lines of the cube-shaped tub pair well with the narrow horizontal wood slats for an organic modern look.
Contemporary Bathroom by Feldman Architecture, Inc.

Wood. Wood in bathrooms has been trending for several years now and shows no signs of slowing — and why not? With marine-grade supplies and specialty finishes, it’s possible to enjoy the warm look and feel of wood in the bathroom. Say goodbye to cold tile!

Contemporary Bedroom by Susanna Cots
The bath in the bedroom. Would you bathe in the bedroom? Combining bath and bed tends to ignite controversy — superluxurious, say some, while others prefer a distinct separation. Where do you stand?
Rustic Bathroom by Birdseye Design
A sauna. Live somewhere cold or just love a good sweat? Embrace the wintertime traditions of Nordic countries with your very own sauna at home. Saunas don’t need to eat up too much space, and having one installed may cost less than you think.
Eclectic Bathroom by Studio Marler

Sneaky storage. If you are redoing the whole bathroom, you may as well give some thought to your storage options — things have evolved since the days when your only choices were pedestal sink or double vanity.

Sneak in pullout shelves, wall cubbies, recessed niches and more to get exactly the right storage for your stuff.

Contemporary Hall by Susanna Cots
What would have been a wasted section of wall space here was transformed into hidden shelving that’s perfect for storing spare toiletries.
Transitional Bathroom by Shirley Meisels
Black and white. You really can’t go wrong with black and white — it’s chic, versatile and always in. Whether you bring the scheme to life with hand-painted floor tiles and horizontal black wall tiles, as in this hip space, or go for the classic subway and hex-tile combo, it’s bound to look good even five or 10 years out.
Contemporary Powder Room by Jodie Rosen Design
Live-edge wood. Well suited for both rustic and modern interiors, a live-edge wood slab makes a great bathroom feature.
Modern Bathroom by John Maniscalco Architecture

A view. Sadly, this won’t work for all of us (at least not those of us with close neighbors), but if you are lucky enough to have a home with some privacy, I say make use of it!

A wall-to-wall window like this one will give you the feeling of soaking right out in nature — and making the bottom of the window level with the top of the tub will keep you from feeling overexposed. You can also always add window shades for privacy and light filtering.

Contemporary Windows And Doors by Quantum Windows & Doors
Open air. If privacy isn’t an issue, consider opening up an entire wall to the outdoors. On cool days you can still enjoy the view, and on warm days you can slide open the glass and let the sun shine in!
The Wolford Built Homes Team can make your Mater Bath dreams a luxurious reality!
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