Before and After

 Before and After

This is a reblog from Houzz that I found very interesting.... Its a before and after renovation.. Please read carefully and see whats possible in today's design culture of Modern-contemporary style and design.,..

Enjoy the pics and post

It was a tall order. This young family wanted to find a home in Santa Monica, California, that embodied the historic homes of Boston, where the husband grew up, and the outdoors of Oregon, where the wife is from. They lucked out with a well-kept historic cottage that just needed some tweaking to support their active family life.

They tapped architect Lewin Wertheimer from nearby Venice to refresh much of the house, turning a jumble of rooms at the rear into a kitchen, breakfast room, laundry and powder room, and adding a master bath and closet upstairs. 
 

Houzz at a Glance

 

Who lives here: He’s in the entertainment-management industry; after a career in environmental policy, she’s now a stay-at-home mom to 2 young boys
 

Location: Santa Monica, California 

 

Size: 2,820 square feet (262 square meters); 3 bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms

BEFORE: The 1905 cottage was in good shape. “Most of the home’s original details, which I would call post-Victorian and pre-Craftsman, were still intact,” Wertheimer says. “Although the house is historic, it didn’t have landmark status, so we were able to update it without restrictions.”

The home’s original magenta exterior inspired its name, Villa Rosa, which is written on a sign hanging on the entry arbor. “Even though we changed the color of the house,” says Wertheimer, “we kept the arbor and the sign.”

 

 

Lewin Wertheimer

“After” photos by Douglas Hill

AFTER: Landscape designer Mary Effron refreshed the home’s front yard with new plantings and a brick walkway. Wertheimer rebuilt the porch steps and railing. He also chose the new exterior color for its chameleon-like quality. “It’s a grayed blue-green that changes color during the day,” he says.

Exterior paint: Sea Pine, Benjamin Moore; trim paint: Whisper, Dunn-Edwards

 

BEFORE: In the entry and throughout the house, most of the home’s original millwork was intact and well maintained, and appealed to both the homeowners and the architect.

 

 

Lewin Wertheimer

 

 

AFTER: The original Douglas fir floors throughout the house were refinished. And on the stairs, the original newel post lamp was restored.

Interior designer Sasha Emerson warmed the interior with a mix of the couple’s existing furnishings, new traditional-style pieces and vintage finds, all done in finishes and fabrics that could withstand the rigors of childhood. For example, a sisal runner on the steps is durable and provides traction for little feet.

Table: Nickey Kehoe; cushions: Acapillow Home Furnishings; wallpaper: Galbraith & Paul

 

 

Lewin Wertheimer

 

 

In the entry hall, the stairs lead up to the bedrooms, while the doorways lead to the small living room on the right and the dining room to the left. The ceiling light is an antique find.

Basket: HomeGoods

 

 

 

BEFORE: Just off the entry hall, built-in cabinets separate the cozy study from the small sunroom that overlooks the front yard.

 

 

Lewin Wertheimer

 

 

AFTER: The study was updated with a new built-in bookcase to the left of the fireplace, which was repainted a charcoal gray (it was originally white) for visual punch. The light fixture is a vintage find. “The original cove ceilings and built-ins give this house so much architectural character,” Wertheimer says. “Everything new was inspired by what was there.”

Sunroom chairs: HD Buttercup; shade fabric: Hollywood at Home; cushions: Acapillow Home Furnishings

 

 

 

BEFORE: The dining room included a bay window and window seat, but the doorway led to a porch that was too small for any use.

 

 

Lewin Wertheimer

 

 

 

Lewin Wertheimer

 

 

AFTER: The refreshed dining room now opens to a new breakfast room that’s part of the kitchen expansion at the back of the house. The owners’ original chairs were updated with red leather upholstery.

The original small porch was enclosed to become part of the new breakfast room that opens to the back yard. New custom windows and doors work with the home’s 1905 architecture, while the vintage pendants and painted pale turquoise floor are playful touches.

Table: Big Daddy’s Antiques; shade fabric: Raoul Textiles; cushions: Acapillow Home Furnishings

 

 

 

BEFORE: The old kitchen, while obviously updated in recent decades, was inefficient and part of a warren of small rooms at the back of the house that included a full bath and laundry.

 

 

Lewin Wertheimer

 

 

AFTER: Working within the home’s footprint, Wertheimer reorganized the floor plan to create a more expansive kitchen, a new breakfast room, a laundry and a powder room instead of the full bath. He also opened the back of the house to the garden through the use of windows and doors. “This couple loves to cook, so the kitchen had to be the center of the universe,” he says.

Shaker-style custom cabinetry, honed basaltina and marble countertops, and vintage-style pendants add the comfortable patina of age to the new kitchen. The furniture-style island keeps the narrow kitchen from looking cramped.

Range: Wolf; pendant lighting: One Kings Lane; ceiling lights: Rejuvenation

 

Lewin Wertheimer

 

 

Windows overlook the backyard, which now includes vegetable beds, fruit trees and a chicken coop.

Sink: Franke; faucet: Rohl; tile: Classic Tile & Flooring; cabinetry hardware: Crown City Hardware

 

 

Lewin Wertheimer

 

 

A glass panel in the door keeps the new laundry visually connected to the adjacent kitchen. The small sink handles both hand washables and cut flowers. The Sheila Maid drying rack goes up and down from the ceiling via rope and a pulley.

Sink: Franke; faucet: Rohl; light fixture: Olde Good Things; shade fabric: Hollywood at Home

 

 

Lewin Wertheimer

 

 

The new powder room sports a narrow, V-groove ceiling treatment and wainscoting, echoing the home’s turn-of-the-century cottage detailing.

Sink pedestal: Restoration Hardware; copper sink and faucet: Waterworks; lighting: Olde Good Things; wallpaper: Schumacher

 

BEFORE: The master bedroom had two small closets that ate up floor space and low ceilings that added to a sense of confinement

 

 

Lewin Wertheimer

 

 

AFTER: Wertheimer raised the ceilings in all three bedrooms, adding a much-needed sense of volume. In the master bedroom, he also removed the two small closets, creating space for a sitting area. The bed and sofa are custom designs.

Chair: HD Buttercup; coffee table: Big Daddy’s Antiques; rug: Serena & Lily; shade fabric: Hollywood at Home; sconces: Olde Good Things; pendant light: Design Mix Furniture

 

 

Lewin Wertheimer

 

 

One bathroom originally served the three upstairs bedrooms. The architect persuaded the homeowners to add a master bath and closet, building out above the kitchen.

Period plumbing fixtures, Shaker-style custom cabinetry, marble countertops and blue limestone flooring with a sandblasted finish work together to create a harmonious retreat that overlooks the backyard. The pendants are a vintage find.

Tub: Sunrise Specialty; sink: Kallista Plumbing; faucets: Newport Brass; medicine cabinet: Barbara Barry; wall-mounted light fixtures: Olde Good Things; flooring: Classic Tile & Flooring

 

 

Lewin Wertheimer

 

 

A walk-in shower anchors one end of the new master bath.

Shower door: Met-Tec Shower Enclosures; subway tile: Heath Ceramics

 

 

Lewin Wertheimer

 

 

In one of the boys’ bedrooms, raising the ceiling line exposed the rafters, adding volume and architectural interest.

Pendant light: Design Within Reach; rug: Overstock.com; shade fabric: Hollywood at Home

 

 

Lewin Wertheimer

 

 

A new gable at the back of the house matches the home’s original architecture and houses the newly built master bath and closet. The pergola and brick patio are also new additions, creating outdoor living and dining areas off the kitchen.

How it hurts to loose a dog...

This past week I thought I was going to die.. While taking a trip to northern Florida I left my friend in charge of my place. When I got back and I dont know who it was; weather it was my friend watching the place or the two I got back with when I returned from my trip of one day to Northern Florida but my 8 year old beautiful dog MIA, had vanished. 

Later that night I reralized that my precious little dog was missing and I was a wreck for the next week. I looked for her everywhere, posted flyers of her all over the neighborhood, would go out everyday, morning, afternoion, and evening around the area she had been spotted. And all my searches seemed to be in vain as I simply could not find her. Everyday for 5 days I returned heartbroken from my search.

Then one afternoon I got a call from a couple claiming they had her and I was so ecstatic that I almost urinated in my pants.. At last I would get my 8 year old small dog, which is like my daughter back. I was shocked to find out that this was not my dog and again went out and looked for her.. Oh my god I was begining to get desperate and just wonder if I ever would see her again..

I continued my search another day and I got a call from a humane society official and she wanted a picture and wanted me to post on Craig list. She was very helpful and within one day I got a call from the humane society that they had what appeared to be my dog so I ran down to the Humane society and to my delight and just emotional reuniting with my dog, I couldn't believe it.. I was in tears and even the paper wrote something on me and took a picture..

Unfortunately she had beet hit by a car, nothing major but she had some bruises and a bruised eye, although she is now ok, has a microchip attached to herself so that she never gets lost again, and has updated tags around her collar, given graciously by the Humane society which I totally have found new love for.

This organization is top notch, the way care for the animals, paid the three dollar operation on  Mia, and got her safely back to me which in the end was a miracle. After countless nights of searching I finally had my dog back home safe and sound. Its amazing how close we become to our pets and how much they become a part of our lives. I also have a Yorkie, which is always happy and they grew up together so the separation must of been hard on him as well..

Oh well all is well that end well.. Both are doing fine and playing as if nothing had happened, this could not have been possible if it were not for the Dade County Humane Society, who took care of my dog, gave her free medical care, and made sure to return her to her rightful owners

If any of you wish to donate to this wonderful organization please get in touch with them, they could use the money and resources to ensure that rescues and reuniting of pets and their rightful owners continue for many years to come. 

http://www.humanesocietymiami.org/

And if you want to donate money to this great organization

http://www.humanesocietymiami.org/donate


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Bathroom designs that will make you go WOW...

Bathroom designs that will make you go WOW... 


Today I am sharing with all of you bathroom designs that will make your mouth drop with excitement. These designs are definitely the latest offerings in the world of modern contemporary bathroom designs.. 


Enjoy the pics and post...

Comfortable Contemporary Freestanding Bathtub from Stone, Simi by Bathco

Here they are contemporary bathtub design that makes your bathroom such as one with nature and provide a pleasant bathing experience. This is a Simi freestanding bathtub designed by Bathco that using stone materials. It is made of natural stone that can retain heat so it is very comfortable when enjoying your bath time. This freestanding bathtub with enhanced therapeutic effect and give some luxury spa in your home. Simi is a collection of the natural series which comes with a light beige or dark gray color that you can choose to match the decor of your bathroom. This will maintain the hot tub on the water and give you a relaxing bath in the bath danrestoratif increases.

The stone against the back of a long hot bath and relax you when you provide hot water in this bathtub. Simple bathtub designs made of natural stone and high-quality options to provide comfort while you shower. It’s nice if you add a few drops of aromatherapy into the tub to make your bath time more comfortable. This freestanding bathtub will be your favorite corner in the house when you tired with your daily activities. Bring some luxury spa in your home with this awesome freestanding bathtub from Bathco.

Trendy and Modern Washbasin with Simple Design, 

Delos by Eoos

The atmosphere is very comfortable and new light to the bathroom has been presented in the design of bathroom furniture designed by Eoos for Duravit. Here they are Delos washbasin with a simple design that exciting enough to complete the modern or contemporary bathroom decor. It washbasin looks elegant that floats on the console does not have support. This is an attractive design that is able to create style of the bathroom decor and invites eternal beauty. The washbasin comes with white and very easy to be adapted to a variety of other bathroom furniture. It’s really an amazing design that is designed from high quality materials and durable.

Delos washbasin is available in a single tap and double taps that you can choose according to tastes of the bathroom interior. Duravit is trying to create a trendsetter for the bathroom to make it look more attractive as a living room. But they have reduced design creates a comfortable atmosphere and light into the bathroom. This washbasin comes in the form of rectangular and oval with a simple design but still look attractive. Visit Duravit soon for more details.

Organic and Ultra-Modern Sink with Simple Design, 

Bowl by Giquardo

The high furniture piece design with a special focus on the quality of trying to be displayed by the Italian company Componendo. They offer a unique design made from high quality materials and can last a long time. It is interesting that the product is suitable to complement the interior decor of your modern bathroom. The bathroom furniture has a simple shape but still look elegant and modern for bathroom decor. This bathroom furniture made from highest quality stainless steel combined with wood, Corian and glass. It was an amazing design that is able to create the style of the bathroom decor and invites eternal beauty.

Componendo is using the best technology in combination with the incomparable Italian craftmanship to produce a perfect design. The collection of furniture comes in various shapes and designs that you can choose according to interior tastes. A stylish design makes your bathroom look more elegant and impressive. You can choose from a double washbasin with a two mirror or single washbasins with a mirror. All of them were able to create beauty in bathroom design and deliver a fresh new look for the interior. Visit Componendo soon for more information.

Practical Washbasin and Water closet in One Unit, W + 

W by Gabriele and Oscar Buratti

Here is an interesting design that was designed by Gabriele and Oscar Buratti to complement your modern bathroom interior. This is the W + W from the Spanish manufacturer Roca bathroom with an amazing design. W + W are a sink that has been combined with a toilet to create a single new product. Washbasin + Water closet are W + W which are an innovative product for your bathroom decor. This unit is very practical for use in homes, offices and even in a public bathroom. It’s really a practical and economical design is easy to use in the bathroom.

An environmentally friendly design reuses waste water from the sink to fill the toilet tanks. Utilization of waste water can reduce total water use in the shower by 25% compared with standard 6/3-litre toilet. This unit is capable of saving space because its design is very practical and innovative. You do not have to worry about quality because Roca received ISH 09 Design Plus and an award in recognition of innovations that go to create this product. There is an interesting unit that combines the functionality and benefits water saving with cool design. I think they are quite creative!

Modern trends in bathroom designs

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