Free Printable 2011 Calendar

Is anyone else out there suddenly feeling disorganized because they don't have a 2011 calendar yet?  I am!  And calendars are expensive, especially because you use them for a year and then they're worthless (unless the calendar photos are good enough to cut out and frame, which is actually an inexpensive way to get 12 new pieces of artwork).

Last year I discovered Blue Dot's free downloadable / printable calendar.  They've created a 2011 calendar this year and I love it even more.  Check it out!

Here are a few of my favorite months:

What's So Cool About This Faucet?

Well, aside from the cool modern style of the Hansa Canyon faucet, Hansa has been a frontliner of the current trend of LED lighting incorporated into everything, including faucets.

We just installed this in a client's bathroom.  It features electronic controls, and temperature-sensitive LED lights.

Red = Hot 

Blue = Cold

And Purple = Somewhere in the middle

I'm excited to post more (and better) photos of this project once it's finished!

Alternatives to Ugly Outlets in Kitchen Islands

In the world of kitchen design, one of my biggest pet peeves is outlets in the island.  I know, code requires you to have at least one outlet, and they can be functional for prep spaces.  So they are a necessary evil.  I say evil because standard outlets can be just plain ugly.  For example, see the photo above.  Maybe it's just me, but when I look at that photo, all I see is that ugly white rectangle on the island.  Once I finally convince myself to look beyond the outlet, then and only then do I see that it's actually a very nice kitchen.  But, that outlet... I just can't get past that outlet!  The sad thing is that there are many device colors available.  So for just a few dollars more (and no extra creativity), they could have used a black outlet and cover plate that would have blended in so much better!  Lutron also has about 20 other colors available.

I'm constantly on a mission to find a better solution for outlets in islands, rather than the standard duplex outlet box.  So far, here's what I've come up with:

1.  Plugmold strips.  These can sometimes be recessed into an end panel, or tucked up underneath the countertop overhang.

via Kitchen Details blog

Plugmold typically comes in black, white, and stainless steel.

via iVillage Garden Web forums

2.  Kitchen Power Grommet by Mockett.

I love this concept, though I haven't actually used it yet.  This pop-up grommet has a seal, supposedly making it safe for wet locations.  When you need an outlet, you simply pop up the unit and you then have all the outlets you need right in front of you.  Beware though, this is a pretty big unit so you need to make sure you have room in the cabinet below the grommet, since it will take up space.  (UPDATE: I have used this outlet since I originally posted, and as long as it's installed properly, it's a great solution.  Though I'll emphasize again that it is a bit bulky and takes up a bit of space below the countertop.)

3.  Sillite.  I'm pretty excited about this one!  In fact, I'm working with an electrician right now to use a Sillite outlet in a kitchen island, and I think it's going to work great.  (Thanks Jayson for being willing to try new things!)

Sillite outlets are part of a product line of electric candles for use in window sills.  Sillite has introduced a round outlet that is flush-mounted in the window sill.  The candlestick plugs directly into the outlet, eliminating the need for any unsightly cords.  Though kitchen islands are not their originally intended purpose, I think it's a great place for a small inconspicuous outlet.  They're available in white or black and come with a matching plastic cover.

If you know of other creative alternatives, please share!

Disclaimer:  I'm not entirely sure if all of these applications will pass code in your area.  Though the websites claim they meet code, it's up to each jurisdiction (and each individual inspector) to confirm.  So please check with local building inspectors before using any of these options.

7/12/12 UPDATE:  I just posted a photo of a Lutron designer color outlet we installed on an island.  The color blends almost perfectly, and the screwless plate has a finished look.  See the full post here.

11/23/2013 UPDATE:  Legrand now has a line of outlets approved for use in the US which use stylish square receptacles with several options for faceplates, including this one I custom-designed for a recent contest (I didn't win, but it was fun anyway).

Recent Project: Cottage Style Home

We are THIS CLOSE to being finished with this beautiful new home.  There are just a few more details to be finished, such as mirrors and miscellaneous cabinet hardware.  I did this project through Arendal Kitchen Design, with Interior Designer Scott Andersen.  Scott does amazing work - I admire his attention to detail in every part of every project.  And I especially admire his taste in light fixtures.  Every light fixture in this house is a "wow" piece that is a work of art in itself and truly MAKES the house.  Of course, the cabinetry is pretty fabulous too (patting myself on my back).  The kitchen is my favorite - the white inset cabinets with custom glass transoms and custom hood are simple yet beautiful.  And they pair so well with the classic marble and limestone tops and subway tile backsplash.

Butler's Pantry

Butler's Pantry

Master Closet

Master Bath

Master Bath

Laundry, unfinished (check out the painted wood floors!)

2nd Floor Bath

Re Store

Have you ever been to a Re Store location?  Re Store is a resale outlet that sells used and donated items to raise money for Habitat for Humanity.  It also helps prevent these items from ending up in landfills.  And considering the large amount of landfill space that is occupied by construction waste, an operation like this is a necessity.

I'm fascinated by what you can find at Re Store.  We've purchased garden tools, seeds, car parts, patio furniture, a humidifier, and much more from the Salt Lake City location.

Today I stopped by because I wanted to see the cabinets that my clients had just donated from their kitchen project.  They used to look like this:

And now they look like this:

These are well-constructed solid wood cabinets with a beautiful veneer. 

My favorite part is the hardware. 

 I can't tell what sort of wood these pulls are (could it be rosewood?) but they are beautiful pulls.  I'm thinking it might be worth buying the cabinets just for the pulls (and then donating the boxes back to Re Store if you don't have a use for them)!

I hope someone recognizes the potential and can give these items a new home!

On another note, I couldn't resist buying this awesome retro office chair for myself!  Whether it fits or not is to be determined, but it was only $10 so I had to do it, right?

If you live near a Re Store, please check it out!  I think you might be surprised.

Quick & Easy Christmas Decoration

I'm definitely not one to go crazy with Christmas decorations, but this year is the first year we will be spending Christmas at our home, so I wanted to add some tasteful holiday flair.  

Over the years we've both received many ornaments from our families, to the point where we actually run out of room on the tree.  So this year we put some of the extra bulbs into a truffle bowl and I love the extra holiday sparkle it adds.

I have to confess, I saw this as a centerpiece somewhere (can't remember where) and totally copied it.  

Sneak Preview

We're getting close to the end of a project I've been working on for a while now!  There is still a lot to be done before I'll be taking final photos, but in the meantime, here is a before and after detail.

We changed the tile (DalTile Panaro Blend.), painted the mantle, and painted the walls (Benjamin Moore Pismo Dunes).  

Big difference, huh?

Stay tuned for more photos in the next few weeks!