Home. Design. The Beauty of Both.
Painting the front door of your home a different color than the rest of your home makes a statement and draws attention to your entry. Here’s a Cape Cod style home in Minnetonka.
I’ve tweaked the front door with Photoshop to show the difference with a door painted another color. An actual paint job would retain the depth of the panels on the door. See how the eye is drawn to the front door?
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The other day I was at The Galleria shopping mall in Edina. As I strolled down the hallway, my attention was caught by a large, spherical fountain. I immediately went to see it up close. It was beautiful. It was located within/outside Lili Salon – Spa.
I asked Andrea, a massage therapist at the salon, about the fountain. She told me it was created by Allison Armour. I had suspected as much since I had written about her fountains and garden art some time ago. That post is titled Art in the Garden. It was such a pleasure to see her work in person.
If you’re equally enchanted by this sculpture and fountain (known as an Aqualens), make a point of stopping by to see it. Clever Lili Salon – Spa placed their doors so that the fountain remains outside the salon, allowing visitors to get an up close view any time. I didn’t have my camera to take a photo so here’s one from the original post I wrote about Allison’s work.
A lot of people find the holidays stressful. If you find yourself in need of pampering, perhaps an appointment for services at Lili Salon – Spa will bring needed relief.
Lili Salon – Spa
3464 Galleria
Edina MN 55436
952-935-5000
salonlili.com
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is currently underway in England. It marks the 60th year of Elizabeth serving as Queen of England. Pretty impressive.
The Queen always looks great. She wears wonderful clothes in colors that always suit her, along with fabulous and beautiful hats. Her knack for being stylist is evident from a young age. (Princess Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, is already following in her footsteps in this regard.) Just look at these photos of Queen Elizabeth to see her stylish self at this link to the 2012 Diamond Jubilee site. (I’m not sure how long it will remain online.) I enjoyed reading the Queen’s special Diamond Jubilee message.
And here are photos of the rose created for her:
These photos were taken at the Lake Harriet Rose Gardens in Minneapolis. Here’s more information on this popular, award-winning rose:
Parentage: Charlotte Armstrong x Floradora
Fragrance: Mild
ARS Color: Medium Pink
Bloom Size: Large
Awards: Portland Gold Medal 1954, National Rose Society President’s International Trophy 1955, AARS Winner 1955, American Rose Society Gold Medal 1957, Golden Rose Of The Hague 1968, World’s Favorite Rose 1979
Queen Elizabeth Grandiflora Rose History
How does your (royal) garden grow?
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There are plenty of good tips in this article from The Associated Press. If you want tips specific to your home and getting it ready for selling, give us a call. Our background in antiques and interior design has paid off for our sellers with faster than average sale times.
When times are tough, women who can’t afford a new dress often purchase a new accessory or lipstick to recharge their wardrobes. Known as the “lipstick effect,” the tendency applies to homeowners too.
Barry Culkin, CEO of Questech Corp., a tile manufacturer in Rutland, Vt., noticed sales of his $5 cast stone and marble switch plate covers rose whenever the economy faltered. Last year, sales of their covers at major retailers were up 15 to 20 percent.
As homeowners rein in spending, more opt for small indulgences and postpone major renovations. Whether the goal is a new look for a worn kitchen or simply an injection of color in a room, here’s a list of some of the best ways to give a space a quick uplift. Many cost much less than a designer lipstick and a few don’t require any financial outlay.
“I am seeing quite a bit of Yankee ingenuity in my customers. They are getting pretty smart about using and repurposing items to add some zip to their living spaces,” says Shirley Walsh, owner of Kalembar Dune, a vintage home decor shop in Boston.
Simply moving furniture and accessories around and borrowing from other areas of the home can give a room a whole new look. If you want to splurge, consider hiring a designer who specializes in redesign.
The instant gratification of having it all accomplished in a day is hard to resist but “it’s also low stress because it uses familiar furnishings,” observes Pam Faulkner, owner of Faulkner House Redesign in Oak Hill, Va. The cost to have Faulkner make over a room ranges from $400 and $700 depending on the space.
A little elbow grease also can go a long way. Sparkling windows bring in light and make the entire house shine. Often, all carpets and rugs need is a thorough cleaning and they will feel almost new. The same holds true for wood floors and trim.
Nothing is a better quick-change artist than paint. But you don’t have to go all out. Rather than entire room, paint an accent wall, trim or piece of furniture. “Never underestimate the power of paint and pillows, always the best lipstick for your home in any shade,” advises Marcia Richards, a Phoenix, Ariz., interior designer.
Give a living room or bedroom a facelift by shifting the color scheme. Pillows add instant color, but to complete the look, mix in color keyed accessories, such as a throw and new lamp or lampshade. If your budget allows, go a step further and add a rug and/or slipcovers.
Orders for fabric by the yard are up, says David Petersen owner of Maine Cottage Furniture in Yarmouth, Maine. He notes that more consumers are re-covering rather than replacing worn furnishings.
Small luxuries can have a big impact on our moods and our homes. Flowers and new plants inject new life and color to any space. Try replacing regular light bulbs with full spectrum bulbs which are more like sunlight.
Sometimes all it takes to spark up an entire room is a unique accessory or piece of individual art.
New hardware is traditionally a quick fix for dated kitchen cabinets. But elsewhere, exchanging old doorknobs for polished bronze or nickel can give an entire house an up-to-date look. Using levered handles also increases a home’s universal design quotient.
And maybe you can’t afford to change the tub or the tiles, but a dated bath can get a quick uplift simply by altering a few elements. Instead of remodeling, Michelle Samuels spent about $150 to give a bath in her Mill Valley, Calif., home an update. She replaced her antique gold towel racks and faucets with updated brushed silver versions. She painted the frame around the mirror a soft silver with craft paint and completed the effect with new door handles.
Removing old fluorescent lights and replacing them with pendants or a more contemporary fixture also has a big impact.
Don’t wait until you can renovate to give your kitchen a new look. Sometimes changing only one facet can refocus the entire space. New hardware and light fixtures are quick and inexpensive. Don’t forget refacing or painting cabinets if new is beyond your budget. If the countertops are in good shape, consider tiling the backsplash. Reorganize cabinets so the space works better. Add new accessories or update countertop appliances so they coordinate.
Increasing curb appeal is traditional advice for anyone selling their home. But nothing is more akin to applying lipstick than revamping the entry. Replace a worn front door if the budget permits. Otherwise give the old door a new look with paint. Seasonal plants, new house numbers, a new doormat and trimmed walkway will make you feel like you are coming to a new house.
Shop thrift and consignment stores for some unique finds; then polish and paint. Also think about creating your own artwork in colors that will make a room pop. You will save a bundle and possibly discover an inner artist you didn’t know existed.
© 2010 Camilla McLaughlin, Associated Press
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The other day I wrote a post about getting inspired and adding color to your home. One way to do this is to add colorful pillows. Here are some that are not only colorful, but artistic.
Some of these pillows can be found at Three Rooms at the Galleria in Edina, Minnesota. Here’s information on the shop Three Rooms:
“A gallery devoted to the ingenuity of American artists and craftsmen, Three Rooms, with its 38-year history, is an art institution in the Twin Cities where you’ll find fine art, unique lighting, furniture, decorative accessories and hand-crafted jewelry.”
Three Rooms is one of my favorite shops in the Twin Cities. It appeals to the artist in me. Here is a link to the hours and directions to Galleria.
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It’s been beautifully foggy for a few days this week. No sunshine though. I miss the sun. This photo reminds me of sunny, colorful days.
If your home is beginning to feel a bit dull and uninspired, try adding color. It can be as simple as pillows, artwork, a rug, towels, or the like. Use your imagination. Find something you love. Sometimes small changes make a big difference.
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This property is now pending and is no longer available for showings.
This charming cottage is coming on the market later this week. The home is set back from the street for greater privacy. The front and side yards have beautiful perennial gardens and raised beds for annuals and herbs. This home is within walking distance to the river, Grand Avenue shops and restaurants, Macalester College, and the University of St. Thomas.
One Bedroom + Sun Room, Office or 2nd Bedroom
Living Room
Formal Dining Room
Eat-in Kitchen
Upper Level Loft/Studio
Screened Porch
Hardwood Floors
Garage
Central Air
Walk Score = 85 / Very Walkable
Read about the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood.
Call or email us if you’d like more information. A more complete post, with additional photos, will be posted here later this week.
Ellen Walsh
emwalsh@cbburnet.com
612.220.3304
Kate Walsh
info@designhouse9.com
612.220.3309
Coldwell Banker Burnet
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Free 6″ potted mum with the purchase of a 12″ potted patio mum.
Now through Labor Day.
Mum plants are available in a variety of colors, are easy to care for and survive cooler temps well. They’re perfect for increasing the curb appeal of your home at this time of year. Not selling? Enjoy their welcoming cheer at your front door as our days grow shorter.
Sunnyside Gardens
3723 West 44th St
Minneapolis MN 55410
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This property is sold.
List price: $84,900
Sold price: $79,500
Move-in condition unit with wonderful entertaining spaces, formal and informal dining, bedroom/bath suite, closets with organizers, screened porch, tree-top views, and underground garage! The Association amenities include a penthouse party room, library and community space, exercise room, heated outdoor pool, and basic cable TV services.
Living room with access to screened porch.
Formal dining room with mirrored wall and attractive light fixture.
Living room and dining room are open to one another–perfect for entertaining!
Informal dining area off the kitchen.
The kitchen has plenty of cabinets including a pantry.
Generously sized main bedroom.
Two closets, both with mirrored doors to double the views and natural light!
Private en suite bath.
The second bedroom is currently used as a den.
Another view of the den. This could also be used as a home office.
Guest bathroom with neutral decor and ceramic tile.
Private outdoor space in your screened porch.
The front entry walk-in closet has plenty of room.
Three-story, brick building near Hwy 169 and Minnetonka Boulevard.
This condo is conveniently located near the bus line and walking/biking paths.
Transit Service Near 3412 Oak Ridge Road
Hennepin County Bike Map
Ridgedale Shopping Center
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We also sold Unit #314. Click on the link below to see #314:
3412 Oak Ridge Road, Unit #314
Thinking of selling? Let the sister team of Ellen and Kate Walsh
show you a personalized marketing plan to sell your home!
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For more information about this condo or selling your home, please contact us:
Ellen Walsh
612.220.3304
emwalsh@cbburnet.com
Kate Walsh
612.220.3309
info@designhouse9.com
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There’s a great variety of house numbers. Here’s a selection to provide inspiration for creating your own!
Aged and charming!
Elegantly styled in iron.
Fluid iron on solid, weathered brick.
A house number and a shamrock on a pillar.
Simplicity on a post.
Carved into a boulder.
Whimsical on a wall.
Striking in silver.
Golden on a lamp post.
Large and Lit –There’s no missing this one.
North Star Lofts Building in downtown Minneapolis.
The image matches the name: Stone Arch Lofts
The address marker for Washburn Lofts in downtown Minneapolis.
A historical site shown in a modern context.
Cool and contemporary outside a shop.
What does your house number look like? Send your photos!
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The folks over at The Cottage are at it again. They’re opening their doors for their once-a-month sale. Find both vintage and newer items for your home. It may not yet be spring here in Minnesota but one can still be on the hunt for style. Peruse more items and goods at the antique stores and the Mary O’Neal & Co consignment shop on Water Street. Enjoy lunch or a snack at one of the restaurants on the main street.
A sampling of some of the vintage items for sale.
A writing desk that is perfect for a small space.
Meander through two levels of rooms at the Old Maple Inn.
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Sale Dates:
Wednesday, March 9 – Saturday, March 12
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
441 2nd Street, Excelsior, Minnesota
Just one block off Water Street.
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Designhouse9 is now a featured blog in “All Top Home and Garden Blogs” Directory!
A garden can be a sanctuary, a visual and sensory delight, a source of food, a habitat for nature’s various creatures and birds, and a place to satisfactorily work on a hobby or passion. It’s also an appropriate place for art.
I recently read about Allison Armour and her award-winning work. I was immediately struck by the simple beauty and elegance of her pieces. The light-catching metal reflects and enhances the wonderful array of colors in a garden and the sky. The sphere fountain adds a soothing water feature to an already peaceful place.
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Look at the mirror obelisk for more inspiration. It’s mirror surface reflects the flowers and sunlight while it’s pointed and sharp-edged shape offers a striking contrast to the softness of the plantings.
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Here are additional photos of her spherical fountains and sculptures:
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To learn more, visit Allison’s website: www.AllisonArmour.us
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