Steel Cased Windows

Posted on August 12, 2013 by Simply Styled

I am so beyond obsessed with steel windows and doors. With this awful weather in SF, and what has been one extended bad hair day for the past month, I’ve been daydreaming of leaving the city for warmer weather, and more space. I downloaded the Zillow app recently to browse house listings in the bay area (you know… just to see…), and it has become a huge time suck as I indulge in reality TV each night…

Let’s be completely honest with each other ok? Ok… the bay area is expensive… really expensive… so most of the houses in our price range feature lovely Formica counter-tops, fluorescent overhead lighting (always super flattering), shag carpet, lots of yellowed linoleum, and horrid faux finishes galore.

Let me paint the picture… this is what $950K gets you:

WOOF!

Luckily for me, I see past all the hideousness, and imagine all the things I’d do to transform these homes from the Nightmare on Elm Street… and yes, it does take A LOT of imagination…

One of my favorite architectural details that I would absolutely LOVE to incorporate into our future home is steel framed windows and doors. They are super clean and simple, a little industrial, and yet still seamlessly fit in almost any style space, from contemporary, to Spanish, to classic.

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Um… OMG those wood beams paired with the steel cased windows are TO DIE FOR. Double-threat! I also love the overhead industrial sconces, and the simple black and white color palate. I really think the thin steel frames on these windows and doors let the outside in, and don’t detract from anything!

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If this isn’t an entryway… I don’t know what it. Sooo simple, but so pretty.

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And a wall of these windows just let’s so much light into this dark tone kitchen.

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Everything. Love. The black lacquered tile floors, the french bistro chairs, corner bench seating, black and white galore, that pretty blue and white chinoiserie vase (with tea roses)… and of course those windows.

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And of course, they are right at home in this industrial work space…

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And as natural as they looked in an industrial space, the steel cased windows are as at home in this earthy living room…

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And this arched steel cased window is amazing. So pretty in an all white, simple room.

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I mean… this is the stuff dreams are made of right???

Coffered Ceilings

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Simply Styled

Coffered ceilings are an absolutely gorgeous detail that goes completely un-talked about – that has to change!

One of my best friends is on the hunt for a new house, and just saw a beautiful home that boasts coffered ceilings – JEALOUS!

I can hardly think of a better use of high ceilings – I absolutely love the glamour and drama they bring to a space… I love how ornate they look, even with a tone on tone color combo with the ceiling…

Traditional Bedroom by Millbrook Architects & Designers Crisp Architects

Traditional Kitchen by Oakland General Contractors Mueller Nicholls Cabinets and Construction

Living Room by Charleston General Contractors Structures Building Company

Traditional Kitchen by Boston Kitchen & Bath Designers Dalia Kitchen Design

But look how dramatic it can be when the ceiling is painted in a different color!

Mediterranean Bedroom by Bellevue Architects & Designers Gelotte Hommas Architecture

Traditional Living Room by Point Pleasant Beach Architects & Designers Richard Bubnowski Design LLC

Eclectic Dining Room

Traditional Family Room by Charlotte General Contractors Grainda Builders, Inc.

Traditional Living Room by Charleston General Contractors Jamison Howard

So gorgeous! I think I have a new obsession with coffered ceilings!

Ceiling Beams

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Simply Styled

I’ve always loved the look of beams on a ceiling, and one day would love to live in a home where we had this extra detail. I’ve often watched home improvement shows where they’ve added beams to a high ceiling, and it instantly makes the room seem special. Whether they are a part of the structure, actually helping to hold up the building, or if they are just there for aesthetics, there are core reasons I absolutely love exposed beams on the ceiling…

1. Exposed beams give a room a Spanish flair – if you are going for a “Mediterranean” look in your home, exposed beams are a surefire way to do that!

Mediterranean Living Room design by Phoenix Architect Carson Poetzl, Inc.

Mediterranean Living Room design by San Francisco General Contractor Conrado – Home Builders

2. Ceiling beams make a house feel rustic – like a hunting lodge or remote cabin in the mountains – and create a cozy space in a room with vastly high ceilings

Traditional Living Room design by Santa Barbara Interior Designer Maraya Droney Design

Traditional Living Room design by Minneapolis Architect Murphy & Co. Design

3. Beams instantly create architectural interest in a room, enhance existing architectural details, and can add character to an otherwise ordinary space

Eclectic Bedroom design by Chicago Design-build Orren Pickell Building Group

Contemporary Dining Room design by Architect a+b kasha designs

Modern Living Room design by Austin Architect Cornerstone Architects

Knock Knock

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Simply Styled

Nope, this post is not about a terrible joke, but about my love of front doors. Having lived in city apartments for the last five years, I’ve never had my own front door, but I dream all the time how I’d like it to look.

I actually think that front doors say a lot about who you are, and what to expect on the inside of your home. Don’t they add a ton of personality to a building??

I am LOVING the roughed up rustic doors with old bronze pulls, crooked slats, dings, cracks and character, but I also love a good colorful door. It says, “this home is happy… come on in”! (how fabulous is the pink door above??)

I love the yellow against the grey brick – it doesn’t need a lot of additional decor around it since it makes such a strong statement.

How awesome is this bubblegum pink door – with the white walls, and modern cacti, I picture the owners living their lives in the poolside cabana, cool cocktails in hand.

This red door brightens up a dark stone stairway… it looks damp and cold, but I imagine a warm cozy living room with a steaming cup of tea waiting in there…

Look at that iron scroll work on both of these – the doors on the left say “french bourgeois”, while the doors on the right say “hot Havana nights”, but both scream “fabulous.”

A simple red door on a dark farmhouse – the lack of detail here is what makes the most impact. My favorite part? The old iron pull on the door.

I could go on and on forever… will someone make a coffee table book of JUST doorways??