Create Home : residential floor plan

Showing posts with label residential floor plan. Show all posts

Kitchen: Vertical Storage Option Series Part one -pullout drawer storage

<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Welcome to my vertical storage option series!  Instead of the traditional way of storing kitchen items stacked on a shelf or stacked in a drawer, let’s think outside the box and look at vertical  storage options.  </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">When I ran across this photo a few years back, I was instantly drawn to the unique and functional idea for storing kitchen items vertically in a pullout drawer instead of horizontally on a shelf. What I like about it is you can see what you are looking for and the ease in which you can remove an item. Traditionally, these types of items are stacked on top of each other on a shelf or in a pantry. Many times there is a small cabinet under the double ovens which requires you to get on your hands and knees to find what you are looking for and to remove it. The photo below is a great idea for vertical storage. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibKN44KayCxtT_ktGkNrgd1Wss9QLnEOzFW0Gzvcg-N2z_xw5FoWZDwZUbwdNk7FfBqX1zikP84-C4kacxM3PLyvUEm7sHnCDFq9gbnDi0l4rtM4oA9LrU2E8sZJlKqaZSKMkp_pgzjMIC/s1600-h/IMG_0004%5B4%5D.jpg"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG_0004" border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRu1dZyp_Q1SRCWCIV-TIycz4lRldsGU3OIF-twyvVhlH4YBb_KcqpNI7utSVwDFOEqOEuQeSM_d4bA2Y_ONtA-v55MPsZqwqsQt8HKUoPMH1zXuSHM7c1-paXjIIuH3bhmGwz2LhgoBQk/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0004" width="400" /></span></a><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">As I study this photo, it looks like on the right side there is one solid divider creating two compartments equal in size. The rest of the drawer has wooden dowel rods used as dividers within the drawer. In the front right compartment it appears something is hanging over the dowel, perhaps pastry bags. I see a muffin tin, roasting pan, rectangular pyrex baking dish, cooling racks, cookie sheets, and a broiling pan.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">A note of caution, depending on the size of the drawer and the weight of the items you might need heavy duty drawer runners. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">If I were designing my dream kitchen, I would want to have several vertical storage drawers. One would be designated for baking items such as cookie sheets, muffin tins, cooling racks, cake pans, pastry bags, and maybe even have an area to be able vertically stand a rolling pin.  Another drawer would be designated for cutting boards and platters. Another could be for glass bakeware such as pyrex dishes which  would not have to be as tall as those for cookie sheets and cutting boards.  I really do like the idea of vertical storage in a drawer vs horizontal storage on a shelf! Leave me a comment and tell me what do you think of vertical storage in a drawer? What would you want to store vertically in a drawer?  Blessings.  …susan</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Source of the photo is unknown. If you know the source please contact me and I will note it. </span></span></span></div>

Kitchen: Vertical Storage Option Series Part one -pullout drawer storage

Welcome to my vertical storage option series! Instead of the traditional way of storing kitchen items stacked on a shelf or stacked in a d...

7:02:00 AM

Bathroom Towel Storage Options Series Part Three-Open Shelves

<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Welcome back to my Bathroom Towel Storage Option Series! This time we will look at various options for storing towels on open shelves in a bathroom.  Enjoy the very diverse designs shown in the photos below.  Blessings.  …susan</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img alt="IMG_0017" border="0" height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M7IgZb5VqlaOr7TkMzws9kYgj-hbJ8sttCgMrDrel8DuctYnQr6sgqav2sB4G5e2kgkFv4XfCw1EeGjVwRz2g1o94hlX4EPgBZR8_B4WifG32UW0wT0TBtuQmRGjrs1wh3V18catYbrg/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0017" width="390" /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span></span>  </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Source: Bathrooms by Chris Casson Madden</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">^The built-in shelves seen in the photo above serves many functions including a shelf for a television, audio controls, books, <u>towel storage</u>, and toiletries. I like how they used different colors of towels to enhance the shelves. I am not sure how functional and safe it is to have a lamp on the vanity counter. I do like the wall mount of the faucet instead of it being mounted on the vanity counter. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG_0002" border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiestgUP5knQe05Ap1xLiPd1oN6qFhXDwyP7UJ2aCOol9dVOD6a7Pms1WOMakf-Gbl6C5XgJAUk2VWotdxlXL3aeVznoMb3UTA3MFBsYqvAENrXUw8sqlf4MWiVdyYxiTIjVcyLchckB4kF/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0002" width="390" /></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span>  </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Source: Timber Homes Illustrated</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">^I am assuming on the opposite end of the vanity which is not seen is the same medicine cabinet with open shelf for towels as shown above. This will provide a generous amount of space for towel storage. Note on the left side of the photo is the bath tub and there is a basket with wash cloths.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG_0004" border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFKTSR5y-GzGgCvyhLggw9rD5Vo35vbmpFI5q68rK7XAtDBogIIjHOQXdNRXIFLJYx1T9aQPovWaxDCceMXfW-dcqtwLqQsQUTrAmdn8KJdArD2zeCT2jiAaOHPUTJZKhbP6GrbG_RECN/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0004" width="390" /></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Source: The Bathroom Idea Book by Andrew Wormer</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">^I like the thickness of the glass shelves shown above though I tend to shy away from glass shelves due to the fact the dust they collect is usually quite noticeable. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG_0001" border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbq0zC9oJ4WTPJkXkSHe31OYIxaxx49Z5UVJ79wNFdhcwS9Y78b6J0rCvASWNPezYPuBW4S6IZlzP80gO1shPj9_oQNxnJJwbILgjqgjWb9bjEdJ5sah9HkNd32yoAQvfmcLMmBAqeAt1/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0001" width="390" /></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">^Source Unknown-if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">I like these cubby holes created in the stone. Also not the side wall above the vanity is on an angle.  I like the long hardware handles used on the cabinets. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG_0005" border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisWf_f9K9443B9bGsB7Djn2CCpV4M1w2xTeC-14fxulq9ss1D2Odn1968mHyhfkOp_q7VUfMvOpVlsE884QzCv1kxHsSAWf0n0jzXZZpudl6ds-a4-SwOrIekJWNG6JlIlakIp449z_NK/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0005" width="390" /></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Source: The Bathroom Idea Book by Andrew Wormer</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">^An interesting design using an aquarium instead of a fireplace. Note there are more towels in the chest on the shelf above the aquarium which I assume are the wash cloths and hand towels. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG_0006" border="0" height="529" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PTpAsJ3BONj-7XDqXgU12jSESuYNc-R5u5HwOhlyvs8JqdvihH4wtQsaU0hfFYs1RhdielhbzpWaFS70xcY1OmKXnROU2Q4jpWwQfoQWIq4HyOZJPAj4IDsGFsvZx8U9TRSI-Uh_vtGl/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0006" width="390" /></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Source: Bathrooms by Chris Casson Madden</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">^The glass shelves filled with floral printed towels shown above is a bit too busy for my taste though it offers another option for bathroom towel storage. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG_0003" border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiev5GwBlFMl4DKNGI4gKy52x9pnof0kyEb83ZcUQcvHNdFYH36kIoL5fuAmqbURE_FFXbknZXEX6r19JsJm4VwqutAMx6dBqq7F-KcKmSg_PWAggNtmAHCTJV1ekn2qH9wSkCA3LK7_8At/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0003" width="390" /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Source:  Bathrooms by House Beautiful</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">^An interesting and different kind of bathroom design that on first look appeared to me to be a his and her side with the towels and seated area dividing the two sides. Upon further inspection the wall behind the seated make-up area is a mirror. Note how the drawers are on an upward diagonal. Those look like some powerful lights mounted on the mirror above the make-up table. </span></span></div>

Bathroom Towel Storage Options Series Part Three-Open Shelves

Welcome back to my Bathroom Towel Storage Option Series! This time we will look at various options for storing towels on open shelves in a ...

5:24:00 PM

Bathroom Towel Storage Options Series Part Two-Furniture

<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Tunga; font-size: medium;">Continuing my Bathroom Towel Storage Options Series, this post will focus on storing towels in a piece of furniture in your bathroom. I hope the photos shown below give you ideas for your bathroom.  Blessings.  </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Tunga; font-size: medium;">…susan</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="IMG_0003" border="0" height="541" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTo8d_31MojDjxlK3Hh7eMHkjzprV27M3MHFlAl_yDcAZ4MzekxkSlbKHf6QJTq5VbK_q3UQMTjnACfaD9tfiGT7N0Y81dEiC2quGn71L3SPxfgqbCQ6csBUBw4nVqzha8SsXp5zmjWcMr/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0003" width="390" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
^Source: Great Baths Collection</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="IMG_0002" border="0" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1M6FxJFvXJAOdSEXRiEEfSFPtkD6BZ_w5LZGOWXw01MjQqklr0RLIkqqtu5vxWbzzkpEPDymFOZfn_n014C0mLjfimcxbPPFXyu6gzjUSN4afhe2Z-Zfia6MWtN5_xK9JXm5o0AXVQCN/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0002" width="390" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
^Source: Villa Decor by Betty Lou Phillips</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="IMG_0018" border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQCxb2vDY30tWz0-vX3xhYzJ3gB11w8ZDUHDCOBE8VVmzrRuAMBIFp6yP0EbsmwCUb9cpVC50z3HGcNt1VroeaM1QlSZI-UBsREjxSphumvQIn7QnhWgBZGTgObeH4Nwei2DFePQlvzDi/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0018" width="390" /><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
^Source: Villa Decor by Betty Lou Phillips</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="IMG_0005" border="0" height="637" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0KKsYOQMXerjLo-akOAN9t3xTYZsUrcYt_jmxdIYn0_rTdtQcc8yZ1oshSR9aS-HN3M_1ueRRUa4AgNNzOB0ci_dQANuEMpkwZB_YTH1DhW9beHZQLmJTWRNqeYJZqHj6TTgzYICeds0/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0005" width="390" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
^Source Unknown- if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="IMG_0001" border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-om2wweK8AvEUleI_1bbUBD9YDJeUoXklqQ4kreag5yLP0I7MfyaN0oinAIxtWi3VvWDSOBGiPxdChkdDBOiwhXAZP11yr8K8WNlWwSzMifUNJTHc2n2EE7RFY2VGoW9CRio0k-rbXllY/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0001" width="390" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
^Source: Beautiful Baths 2009</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Tunga; font-size: medium;">More posts to come so please check back!</span></div>

Bathroom Towel Storage Options Series Part Two-Furniture

Continuing my Bathroom Towel Storage Options Series, this post will focus on storing towels in a piece of furniture in your bathroom. I hop...

7:42:00 PM

Kitchen: Vertical Storage Option Series Part Three- Storing Dish Towels

<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Welcome to Part Three of my Vertical Storage Option Series. To see Part</span> <span style="color: black;">One, click <span style="color: red;">here</span> and for Part Two <span style="color: red;">here</span>.  In this post, I want to share some photos I have collected showing dish towel storage options for you to consider when designing your dream kitchen. </span><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG_0001" border="0" height="589" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXkKAhwbZPzSreWnhGlfYmTJgdQ3oNwnDgqVbTDNVpeIEByaaDIu2sEZG7USic3l2QHjueKV0sr1bi9KLt4PgJWxLWF3626NMHIo3HpiRzgHIWSSzzndMoGDnj7lhVgRyoUF_tIqcX6Xsi/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0001" width="390" /></span><span style="color: black;">  </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^In the photo above, attached to the inside of the pull out cabinet front, is a metal dish for holding a sponge or other type of soap pad.  Next to it are some metal rods for hanging dish towels. There appears to be a shelf at the bottom which would be a great  place for dish detergent and dishwasher detergent.  It looks like a fixed panel above which leads me to believe this very functional pull out cabinet front is located directly under the kitchen sink. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source: Beautiful Kitchens Summer 2009</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG_0004" border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmTDqbIoZiwBOkglGVhP_wFDAEfRtVNAhsvW2Z02xhONaH8gEXA9xucl4ekwe4kX-ld9iIwbrOvHLIMNkqax_MCjfNusd0FkBMHx-OoZhHMmZPBPS4YSWFIsk9VRHttO9bm99GLZSFkk7/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0004" width="390" /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^The pull out cabinet front shown above has the capacity to store numerous folded dish towels. It also includes several wooden bars which give you the option to fold dish towels over these bars.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source: Great Kitchen Ideas</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG" border="0" height="509" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWep5I8TPX7otL0xlogYFPEFZtIaezICrUBXNfTShMT-DIQCvumj7HO2utJJM39toQs4EIm9TEKYVau9ZjVKlHVrMCXdOnLkE6UrhKQoOukGUix9twSzUblH2vvtm3UIkzFYUm3EpNRhjO/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG" width="390" /></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^Similar to the previous cabinet front pull out, this one has three shelves to place folded dish towels. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source: Kitchen Ideas That Work by Beth Veillette</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG_0005" border="0" height="624" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdK33IG-5l0E6HBcX7F1GPJdcjry8-XULosbzxEwSNXqgnfm40Sjtuq-WzKw66tkSJ8WFAxnLrwpOGwTG2L-BoL8kQwLTbzrOZULjiIU07BofrY4ksGewIXPhf_HQ-BWCKHoTiqqqWuMh0/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0005" width="390" /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^My first inclination after looking at this photo is to say the opening to this cabinet front pull out should be facing the other direction; towards the kitchen sink. Upon further review,  I realize there is a sink to the right of the drawer.  Still, I am thinking one would need a towel at the kitchen sink more than one at the second sink. Perhaps a master craftsman could figure out a design which would eliminate the side wall which would make this pull out functional from both directions. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source: The Smart Approach to Kitchen Design</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG_0002" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljNdSNwc3hqKIn7psEYx1y7zxBAhijGJSkFCr3MmZZsG4-_pgeJmJ4Mt4yHM6QXsY8t_thCx1lBSJ9zNGgMKMWq9R5Dq3OnWbVjkC3LdKWTkdnV0xCdmu8k7zd54LStcJZIrnuCSPFuXb/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0002" width="390" /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^ Above is a convenient option for a towel bar, however, make sure your towel bar does not protrude too far out from the cabinet. If it protrudes too far out you might find it is uncomfortable in your belly or hip region.  </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source unknown: if you know the source of this photo, please contact me and I will note it.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG_0007" border="0" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_k8ts0ckAiXD8EWaDp18IgEZSMIxa2QcQZAk6Lbn7vjSIYw_OUWLWY8cfo1pERsRyyePjhMGfM-xQRKb9xU9qk1bkKW5bQDRQ0yoshlSjpIDTjFxREDok9Xu8x-VviTolYsQuPcp6MGyq/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0007" width="390" /></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^For some reason, I am having trouble wrapping my mind around the above photo. There appears to be high end beautiful cabinetry, yet this opening and plastic coated rods look cheap.  I am not seeing any kind of door to cover the opening when the rods are pushed back into the cabinet.  What do you think?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source: Kitchen Ideas That Work by Beth Veillette</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG_0008" border="0" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DgH8KIDAPINA5p22oeSHHko9wC6Tvbqts4zGn-WZmrEdc641ZTWuOa2X3SwxK7LcfvCXOFM_9B1_PwVEQPoHyopgJAZ8m-UqH2HC2vZOqbqH_rYtwUvl9A0Q662_SX9qqlXYZNnqxER6/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0008" width="390" /></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^An interesting built in towel hook. As I study this photo, it appears to me that these hooks are on the low side. What do you think? </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source: Taunton’s Home Storage Idea Book by Joanne Kellar Bouknight</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG_0003" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS4k0MC61-oLa6T8iuY3q3fS45YrdyVlQ3Dx5ZBUw7KPDlu4P9onDIZibZmOF8hq7NfA0eZq-oUF3L3pQ6gr2_kx7CVqXWDzLhpWYFXppDfBHfXOfV3jLOdvYdo6Fi7y2u0dmnna-zSUo8/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0003" width="390" /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^The dish towels hanging on the island in the photo above are both functional and decorative. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source unknown: If you know the source of this photo, please contact me and I will note it. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><img alt="IMG_0006" border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhblZg9In8h1rx76H37l-IgcW2OlZK7KQtoCcQiHSPdf1uieJQ1WABqMXsLZ5DRd0nis6W7FZTr28Q7s4wx_xaP9v-vi7XdODrcQ_Mp_FhWQlVXCrHXW9Fu7u1RtHyGIaOG9sox-pstAY8-/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0006" width="390" /></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^This island design gives you a decorative area to hang your dish towel. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source: Tauton’s Home Storage Idea Book by Joanne Kellar Bouknight</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Please check back for more posts in my Kitchen: Vertical Storage Option Series. Blessings.  …susan</span></span></span></div>

Kitchen: Vertical Storage Option Series Part Three- Storing Dish Towels

Welcome to Part Three of my Vertical Storage Option Series. To see Part One, click here and for Part Two here . In this post, I want to ...

7:07:00 AM

Bathroom Towel Storage Option Series Part One-Vanity

<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Welcome to my Bathroom Towel Storage Option Series. Over the next two weeks I will publish several posts showing options for bathroom towel storage. This first post will give you ideas for storing your bathroom towels in the bathroom vanity.  You will find some towels are folded while others are rolled. Enjoy!</span>  </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="IMG_0010" border="0" height="551" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTdHDMKbCOn56Q17oprttrvXDiHDfx-B4eEhCzNxzVyavSaeAZJn9LEbLqUPvXSu4peuVbfxpj8vq-dw8vo81vvMSwWWcZcLbxSgy7nlKMvuITxvZxGsUZDaEpRtcAPlkBFkOd8n-2qu8J/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0010" width="390" /></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source: Beautiful Baths 2008</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^The white towels perfectly folded in the photo above add to the elegance of this vanity.  I think they would also look elegant if rolled.</span>  <span style="color: black;">Another option would have been a glass cabinet door.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="IMG_0001" border="0" height="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQVaaAn7PXOj2zSdARd-RGbnJAQiramqL0J2o3da1y7jq9Qz78_nE3tmdsD88SdwP_uvDTWaCZUWs0R4JrkYA6FlhnGO2qWPVCgdMgUp1ne62isNw_cBS79ynOG5jrogGayNJGLNAUk00/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0001" width="390" /></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source Unknown-if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^Don’t you think these open shelves add to the design of this vanity?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="IMG" border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtLj7BE68-0lu15ck6vzR7OxCCwS33aWg7HJmnyvzRr_mPt5T84vuT93a3pdV48GErh472rCSiHM-9Yunu4BWOAAkTMbUYt0WrjPZf5X42FaYobTqEyVSatBDSzMqTerV7uxBJNJk72Eo/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG" width="390" /></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source: Villa Decor by Betty Lou Phillips</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^The blue towels stored in the open shelves above serve as an accent color for this blue and white bathroom.</span>  </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="IMG_0009" border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xWLrDmU8cuctQ88BXQk0tIvwSb3GDAH7oNDfLwJAZI-tE74JeRCNmnaBTeJGa5F5InlSaYX2gKZcIrOO9C5ir-iyS7pk7IVDeRdN7UXICduEw_UR1J7-791XbL1FzmSnyihnDew4wcQF/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0009" width="390" /></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="color: black;">Source Unknown-if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^The double row of open shelves in the photo above is very spacious and provides many options for towel storage as well as other storage. There is plenty of space for folded or rolled towels. The baskets actually replace drawers. They could hold hand and wash cloths. The rest of the baskets could hold hair products, with another one holding make up, another hair dryers/curling irons/ flattening irons, etc.  </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="IMG_0001" border="0" height="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCG8LxU1rmQv_4YvBsS2hyphenhyphentReTk4nXbvPV-ffi8V_6u7rRCbEJlJyT7O28S8TXp-KYHSDlN9kHSDZP_ALtnMGyBDcAk31I7oWzXQYKoiKO5ljQR7c6lzHLdzxtjcPUZSofH3p_SulH4KPS/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0001" width="385" /></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source: Bathrooms by House Beautiful</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^A large open shelf as shown above gives you lots of towel storage options. They have rolled the large bath sheets, made a stack of bath towels with wash cloths on top, and then made a stack of hand towels. One could add a small basket and put rolled wash cloths in it to offset the basket of bath brushes. Another interesting detail in the photo above is the towel bar located under what appears to be a medicine cabinet. Take a moment and think about how you would store towels on this vanity shelf.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="IMG_0002" border="0" height="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOsGUX9lKf7oQhPmK1JaQLVQC40c7dGaS9dDuK8VEx-hgURDPBQTDF5TGkjKNyl3orTejTG6lPBQzcawnUBPS72ffDXIokeaMAGQRmXS3usWn8f5yreOqnMXhujg4RiyklXd48gDrrFPY/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0002" width="390" /></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source Unknown- if you know the source and contact me I will note it.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^When I was looking for photos for this post, I ran across this one showing four cubby holes to store folded or rolled towels. An attractive option for storing towels. As I was studying this photo for this post, what caught my attention were the interesting sconces, the three-way mounted magnifying mirror and the shutter to cover the windows.</span> <span style="color: black;">Sometimes I find interesting elements in a photo I have chosen to support my post!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="IMG_0003" border="0" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-acJ-eODlzo_VFySqtCd2_M5JH313-C_wyaDZ9et5152uSpM4zhB66VJARdWAS9GYwsF7HgN9sba9xXpZYAjnd4aqm8HZiIZwiLoNWD8y80W0Fbw9IAH9kq6fupHNz5NnSAsTfsDuWYOb/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0003" width="387" /></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source: Bathrooms by House Beautiful</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Above is another option- this time it is storing towels on a rounded corner shelf.  The monogram adds a design element.</span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="IMG_0004" border="0" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9NRyyNBBsPwaHfkix0THJUd2StGb4HyO1vu91SBXsVP5VWznWsMzcKy__KBqW-FrDGGv8KA_gQGqZzZQENAM_dbwTvU1hdHFELuP35DPUn2_SF1PAZFvlVsC3KKjoV1nyXovuygVis3C4/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="IMG_0004" width="390" /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Source: Dream Baths</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">^Storing towels on an opens shelf under the sink in this photo is a great way to hide the plumbing. Additionally, I am wild about the drawer under the towels!</span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Of course you can always store towels behind a vanity cabinet door or in a vanity drawer.  Check back for Part Two of this series.  Blessings.  …susan</span></span></span></div>

Bathroom Towel Storage Option Series Part One-Vanity

Welcome to my Bathroom Towel Storage Option Series. Over the next two weeks I will publish several posts showing options for bathroom towel...

5:08:00 AM

Kitchen Office/Desk Area

<p><font color="#000000" size="4">If you are like me, I always tend to gather in the kitchen whether it is in my home or at a friend’s. In fact, as I type this post, I am sitting at my kitchen island. The kitchen is where the action is and I tend to like action.  The kitchen is appropriately called “Grand Central Station” or “Mission Control” because someone always seems to be coming or going to and from the kitchen or hanging out in the kitchen. Hmm, could it be because there’s food and beverage in there?</font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">We all lead busy lives and those with children still at home are even busier. In order to get it all done, or almost all of it (does anyone ever get it ALL done?), we know what multi-taskers women have become…therefore, with a desk in your kitchen you can pay bills, answer emails, or make lists in between cooking and doing laundry. Makes sense to me! </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">Using the photos below, I am sharing with you ideas regarding the design of your kitchen office/desk area as well as pointing out various functional components. Although these photos are of a kitchen office/desk the same design and function ideas could be incorporated in a desk in your child’s room, a desk in the playroom, or a built-in desk in a separate room in your home used for an office. </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000"><font size="4">I am joining Julia’s Hooked on Friday blog party because I am Hooked on Kitchen Office/Desks. Click </font><a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/2009/06/18/hooked-on-victory-gardens/"><font color="#ff0000" size="4">here</font></a><font size="4"> to check out her party.</font></font></p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiajzH4DjcvITSlYjxQ2Zoseg-ie9R5DBJvd9Nz8HO51ioEvsB3ZTxOXSjg3hvyerOj6rPNVXs7JtJM2Zprl-cBtnYJoXVpoWzH4T21-C7A-w_xmV41RXK-y8C81ouKuZO0qJt4n3rbZmA/s1600-h/IMG_00063.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img alt="IMG_0006" border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnS2bXsmh4bBkHfXbBP6Ws_0YDje5bWUDVgsbGDAfe3WHmCvktkzFUqT4JT9SdNpIl8qS3KhBbBLYL7ykX6N3ROJiw8NX_mZLxlWk1XfZzLeGttruLu0h5aq3ACe4VB_D763ZY0kwfyg7/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0006" width="380" /></font></a></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^Notice in the photo above is a file drawer on the far left of the knee hole with two narrow drawers above. There is a vertical cabinet for the hard drive to left of the knee hole, a drawer or what could be a keyboard pullout above the knee hole, and a pair of cabinet doors to the right of the knee hole. There is one wide shallow drawer above the cabinet doors which would be a good place for pens, pencils, paper clips, stapler, three-hole punch, etc.  Based on looking at the photo,  I would incorporate the design shown below in the area where the two cabinet doors are located to the right of the knee hole to hold the printer.  I like using a fake cabinet door front on a pullout shelf as shown in the photo below instead of having cabinet doors because the doors become cumbersome for the person sitting at the desk trying to reach around the cabinet door to use the printer. There is a blackboard on the wall above the desk for messages. The fact that the knee hole is wide enough for the chair to fit as well as a waste paper basket is good. A common mistake is having no place for a waste paper basket.</font></p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_kCiha29Y9xlhby48EnCPyxBxcdQ0w0_EYA_7n2PRT2CXckeijWsdjiqkMXGTgAfKvoo0IAlLZVX0gejMiEwOrNMH9DV4bpffS2aOgOBklZCqifssFy8GjjcH5HD5n7FTObqpHMDiRdTT/s1600-h/IMG_0014%5B4%5D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img alt="IMG_0014" border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefJzoGWRmHShwdVe2CJUnYD2yYlLMtlc6qJ4PWWuunDbFlqn6IEqnRY1jJ8wQWNYJO_3vb7azqhNk7okoOqla6NxGejtq0dxuGcLXH20M1rnPtC_VBn1w2rMZ5fk6X3jwClZBYPWjitkS/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0014" width="380" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^Southern Living July 2009</font></p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDN5tLRZzpWi2Nat6y35VAk0n6RCSGohgwB2thwS4wL1zJg0GWQvm1PIXWy5UWgA5AndSqG9JFvnlp3FynthKom67YRa5Qz47UTaQnC4Rs6g1Xi13GGVioQNYIBa7JYLRpMWgu3XSdLKx/s1600-h/IMG_00081.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img alt="IMG_0008" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZvOBBYkmkPJDXVqRucUX7KttzTLDrUylIGcE7Bkzr1l3bEfod1hRoyLdtZU-RDIEG7UXL_FQH5bD1381yb47W3BtzFF25FY9FIGapfd15C9ziV-MPMYGGm4za8ulnX_oYgkaW-teSEaK/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0008" width="408" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^Though the look of this desk is attractive, the seven small drawers on the left are too small to be very functional in the overall scheme of things. So much of the space is taken up by the rails and styles that form the drawers. I like the vertical cubby holes for mail and such, blackboard for messages, pencil drawer above the knee hole, two smaller drawers above the knee hole, having a lamp, and the bottom drawer to left of knee hole which appears to be a file drawer. </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^Source of photo unknown</font></p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkpwpcrEmLt8ESUl6bkXg0w6Kj9l5kMEV8T3sJLptTQYRWZJ_7KJA7alNs397WoHLkil_KEshhyiu2MPObeQnyQmPvuqzlOou49WiNZT54IY2066b6CH-9FHEdFp7-swORd-QtL_dOAU0/s1600-h/IMG_00051.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img alt="IMG_0005" border="0" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2lEI2or5sTJEx0OmtBANPBwO4qEqETmggBgh2HSfeHrJRGsnW7F8AFHeDbBUHmbmEbmsSuFtqHseZ6B53P1mP9GzYFfomSDBteRpuwLrcIPbQUiTgg1F3dp1OuMMYF9L67VRpWD-0pM5h/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0005" width="380" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="4">^In this photo is an interesting desk area tucked away in the corner of the kitchen with a great window. From what is shown in this photo, there is not much file storage or a computer.  Though this post is not about floors, don’t you think that is an unusual design and choice for a floor in front of the stove?</font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^Source of photo unknown</font></p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghU0UbAR07pNbZ6cSp4S2mRKXDB-iGWoeMp4j2q0r6KLqGMvD8PYfjIR3KfPj6GNtvycn7F1E7AmjMLk9YN5HdrIRWbG6zsRIAJhsLxyreMNSax4aAvP2_vqUg2MLNe0ZJ3KEuS1ifNBPK/s1600-h/IMG_00042.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img alt="IMG_0004" border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpRpDJMzoGMoAXqRcN_tY6Mqpz2Rt4t3ZOoUlT4nhtDfvdNok3hGXZfn3iNSzk29tfoXQD2NAH4aZ-ntTePIJtxiGOgrlrrTDe64UhIyJZMkYZiwy4oj-aSGCJtBrH1GxvBCqf0ifbqld/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0004" width="381" /></font></a></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^There are four file drawers in this compact desk area in this kitchen. Also a keyboard pullout, cabinets above and bookcases to the right. No smaller drawers for pens, pencils, paper clips, etc.  I imagine in this particular home or condominium there is a lot of depth which is why this kitchen counter is so long. I can see the box of Cook’s Illustrated magazines which is one of my favorites. </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^Source of photo unknown</font></p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DotYQjZwxSh9gYxKBad11-lrDfCfOq8nwqqb_wtLI6rj11p-a3401mz9GM97U6LJkPxm1kGYbz8-IXJno3ymuYnEpp-f-aawpXXnC0NDCcLgMjPGPo64h6Aa0LalMBX0oQOY5mtNiBv4/s1600-h/IMG_00111.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img alt="IMG_0011" border="0" height="523" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9evq0WWGLvCwcZyfUjOQm6ed2B5VVyjZaOjrFcnyWuLzF1tdnfjZEqMbFsocgHi_ZJT5z_yq3NGpifgiPvgSvHlx0ZToPEL-oMQpoMHICcIyJ6q0pQBXlQioUYsgU0XpButuudNQeIF8/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0011" width="380" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">This built-in desk is a great look with great potential but I immediately see some problems. Where would you put the hard drive for your computer?  If the wide drawer above the knee hole is for a keyboard, you still need a pencil drawer. It could be the angel of the photograph, but it seems the upper cabinets are too low. I find the upper cabinet door pulls located in the lower center of the door to be awkward. When is the waste paper basket? </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">What I do like are what appears to be four file drawers. I like the blackboard for messages. I like the large monthly calendar and bulletin boards on the wall between the desk top and the upper cabinets. I like the fact that phone cords and electrical cords and outlets are hidden from sight. </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^Traditional Home  March 2008</font></p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaNLua0IvzMfE1H5uWz0BepAO43eVpx8e1hXKEic1s6E2OmNE27AOtMOccs7mRSZP2S1CncIQyVQE9l2vvWLBM2viljXb_b9vjRFjkoMButBrTJ9DMkQCLhJY8tC3d_3hBhW4mgOO0dPx/s1600-h/IMG_00031.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img alt="IMG_0003" border="0" height="658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKw6qnXqIk3tOhR8HfTFPnNCG3EQ1lJ81RLQjFucOljP3pslJU9tlXPKKdt2GaOQ84ylVYeWvzxW9RnzDnVuOiXKj2lICTYarwXvclgA1QLxQb4Yhbkwp6Nau60XP1qfy5mgo9_jSVEMru/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0003" width="380" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^In this photo, I like the upper cabinet components having cubby holes, open bookcase, and cabinet doors. I like the file drawer and two smaller drawers above. I don’t like seeing the phone, electric, or internet cable connections in the knee hole.  </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^Source of photo unknown</font></p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkVRTL6CzBH_-SHm6hXcOEWurtyuuAEbY8F33bBIlfVl7ni1n6XvkeV5KMOZRy9ydT5zTsvhiS_e2oJtd6HKpnQS53QnIC1HIiuVXHTGaducaJrLueNgUxW5cJMNVZ78w_8H_zRWLcOGE/s1600-h/IMG_00021.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img alt="IMG_0002" border="0" height="543" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNW5m8z_u6j2rMG6NFLlRWdGWxbcv0s4oW86Hi8696TLtHbeHrziul-Ry4KS97nQTk2jdhF3NRoGIIG6AKpSfkuQHHPQOPBh_Ry4FFedbt3YxreEt9-7mn20xlWUW1QsGduzCbV0cHGgv/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0002" width="380" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^This desk area blends nicely with the kitchen. However, according to Murphy’s Law, with the refrigerator right next to the desk, someone will place a beverage or food and it will spill on the laptop or important papers. important. No file drawers which I think are a must for a kitchen desk area to hold warranties, instructions, etc. </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^Source of photo unknown</font></p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXca0uspOHdp1JwDcUtmLlZOuCEUhgwN_CEBvo7TcAAS0FZuxluklt-zu5UiHlY0ja1DxS8jkpsmjnAweBw1rnSr2qDP2xLI0ef39gWoD1UvYF1rvYv3QNQZxL1dDMb0MLFXl9XIdUunzn/s1600-h/IMG_00016.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img alt="IMG_0001" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-HSqqsdFAhPhNwMkVrdmUT5ZkEHcfvVxES78oiIKEshbNIBq9NpP1rLbpLBdYT40UeZM3hRkwcUcr3Jxr-qfGUrHJ8PlVns9KJ870J0Eq8wrS0pX9GTPf10hbJXBV_CaoOEJXWhLU8d5O/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0001" width="414" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^Though unable to tell in this photo, because of the ladder, I think it is correct to assume the ceilings are quite high and there are at least two rows of shelves or cabinets above the desk.  I like what appears to be a framed burlap bulletin board on the wall in front of the desk. I like the size of it.  File drawers to the right of the knee hole make me smile. However, no keyboard pullout or pencil drawers is a negative. The two drawers on the desk top directly in front of the knee hole look nice but are not functional as to open them, you have to clear whatever is on the desk.  Nice looking desk chair don’t you think?</font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^Source of photo unknown </font></p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQnvvCvgEG776UXGxVgbdcspPDRAFlNRBIHbCOjTk2DwBGWHBzhOhjY6mm1c5NG9xmO2G815-L3NQK2RZeq3KF7klq9u153ZF_xbBUCC2yIw9vgVnLZfCNjfNx4CHqENLWDsG6Yj_-QzV5/s1600-h/IMG_00091.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img alt="IMG_0009" border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_ceX-wCj6lxZiwXiImYaQSjq3dlcFWVO7Wfw-T-a6xUgR2h3Ovq-Yl_xTDKrlO9bejiCwH2Iw7wz3fM1M0vazEtccnhg23-SRRtWvz3m-IW5RLPNnAV0cuywl8YwAj2FBm4YIZTy5Aab/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0009" width="380" /></font></a></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^Source of photo unknown</font></p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1E-rGujuMK34lJzJ27nJCLl7PmH0KyXT5_yex4IndCdjsH3pTawKpwtbfyuXtO-cgxi0r0TogkmrRrb2nK8PVKBTmdL7-vcFiREx3P8tpKFowX3Xe2PyeIRvLsLeWuLnLgR4Q0b40kDd1/s1600-h/IMG1.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img alt="IMG" border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvUO4QW_QdJTYOtlzGNQwdxvmWRgaayCczZpPZeRfYy1wJZFbh2_L2eHx7eiejBoKSvGTzYqZ52N1fwOz45hP7-FxufMAHh8r1kA2SJaD5-zp39RiVY9qwhvOZj6IQz_hQGN_LdvXQgRf/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG" width="380" /></font></a></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^Source of  photo unknown </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4"></font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4"></font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4"></font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4"></font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4"></font></p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTf22LzbRzIMRu3SLFXrTOFlTAx9ZjtgfQfwkyLlPKzo8Za5U49urLEhfdDGq0BLBaf3OiWUuJ5qlwUniC1rko5nn7-XQvuU8Ug9jYAZrpwm7G4qpaiwwsc_yXUPy5c5Ommvm-s5UEuS5/s1600-h/IMG_00071.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img alt="IMG_0007" border="0" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bH3Bo1im_hQg5GT79FJyqeYQOyopMzPmGEhzLFh8G4SKAHSXFMYY2AR-kBZdb0-HUOUeCq9sji23C01PgOEfl_xissXF4C0tchCXj6jvh8qtUY6D1Ep-Sk-6yC0BuaRdQEFEgPUAVzUK/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0007" width="380" /></font></a></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^When designing your kitchen office/desk area, one decision you need to make is whether you want it desk high or bar stool high. This is a not A right or wrong decision but a personal preference. Also, is having a window important to you?  Though this desk area does not have a pencil drawer, you can see a pencil carousel on the counter. Some people like a clean counter with minimal items, others like lots of clutter. Both the pencil carousel and the pencil drawer work, it is a personal preference regarding which way to go.  I don’t know about you but I seem to have lots to file so for me the two tiers of horizontal file drawers are a big plus.</font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^Source of photo unknown</font></p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuNZMPByJvEfX0lVuz3cOaSIG2Bf21y4ETsMOcMMC8I0soXEeCrasNg60jq_I_-rOnJG9JPKUp4moGTA0P62UDAC0NCP-uUX4ilzmVSEINykaZOEB7SkHZx1x-0cnKdxvWoDZGMEkx_Vk/s1600-h/IMG_00104.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img alt="IMG_0010" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXsttwuYj78iTknuPzoTYOoduhiDNRiZiw3DzHSPagOqcL7Oty0P-2JL_-VnNTG2UJarHJ3cbIO7OwQcmNX1VCQ7Ep_ngcB1M40eDqzk7YiIBDeJYOciphsZmBABRhSg3w2kkp3NFClRN/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0010" width="359" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="4">^The kitchen/desk area in this kitchen has two functions. It can serve as a desk but when cleared off, it can be used as a kitchen counter.  I like the knee hole extending to cover both counters. I also like the two file drawers. A swivel bar stool would be a better choice. </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^KITCHENS XIX</font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4"></font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4"></font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4"></font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4"></font></p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnW0BzxJGZnTq9Wj4WT5jMhASnbq1PovUO7uyMK7K9jQLMD7GgN1MS1nKLJbpTsuilC06ePiz5h0kb7SA54GW324MO6049G0CULgNfWCQnRulYagfZuDsma-clSZHiDSk-ygn3sLsajZLC/s1600-h/IMG_00121.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img alt="IMG_0012" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxp4W1oZxLjdkmukfzRLtN1bs5oD2RLwx7oraXbMOaKKnSu2U4Ob1RCHz6oeWzgSpyd9i83ov2GI4WlFXNqJ-c1fcprN7YzUEZIvyUj4goe-y-TMrZqOFF8lgvdzNvMO8kiITF2YhY5Gk/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0012" width="380" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">Though the photo does not show it, there are two grooves cut into the wood towards the back of the drawer. There are two metal bar sthat the hanging files are hooked on for 8 1/2 X 11 size files. Towards the back of the drawer which is showing up all white in this photo are two groove cut into the side of the drawer. The back metal bar can be lifted and moved to the back of the drawer and slid into these two grooves which then allows for hanging legal size files.  I worked this design out with my carpenter. </font></p>  <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBa1fatifbPmAjeVprfiDD674UDxhYxEDIvhhoPS2IyndUNBcZPAWUW-usPRPwaNBYDg5PqEI0E3OfcTH1InXiVc2VtHwyq46fN99-vmHEjfN4yTUzCgt9QXFNy4Q-EuH7nKn_ElCIfz_I/s1600-h/IMG_0015%5B4%5D.jpg"><font color="#000000" size="4"><img alt="IMG_0015" border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3Km62J7XUni1OOOImsu-7pFFAzz64vKMuhVpHjCJpBJek8ZrMrNd15AIkcZ4cwm_dZZ0_N70gL-XmBMJrN4dp96u8gPwq3hT8ETDfUX4V03JMQ4QevoaWfEHfSKLx2v8efeWsdWe1DH2/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0015" width="300" /></font></a><font color="#000000" size="4"> </font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4"></font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4"></font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">^Depending on what you might file in your desk drawers, consider adding locks for security.</font></p>  <p><font color="#000000" size="4">Thanks for stopping by my blog. I hope what I have shared regarding kitchen office/desks has been inspiring and educational. Please consider leaving me a comment as hearing from people gives me a sometimes needed boost. In a few days I will be following up this post with my related Mistakes to Avoid post.  Blessings.  …susan</font></p>

Kitchen Office/Desk Area

If you are like me, I always tend to gather in the kitchen whether it is in my home or at a friend’s. In fact, as I type this post, I am sit...

9:28:00 AM

Things That Make Noise

It has taken a year, two, or maybe three to design and build your dream home. Finally, you have moved in and are spending your first week at home. This is a week of truths as you learn how your home functions and how well it allows for peaceful sleep.   <br /><br />What about noise? While designing and building your home, did you think about all of the things in a home that make noise? From where will the noise come, what kind of noise will it be and who will hear it? This is an important step to consider when working with your architect and looking at the architect's floor plans.  <br /><br />On page 264 of my book <em><strong>Designing Your Dream Home</strong></em>, is a checklist of things that make noise. Some of these include <strong>appliances</strong> which are a big contributor of noise, especially ice makers. It starts off with you hearing the ice drop followed by water released to refill the ice making tray. If you have an ice maker in a bar, how close is that bar located to a bedroom? Is the ice maker located near your favorite chair or sofa where you take naps?  Believe me, it will disturb your sleep! <br /><br />What about your laundry room walls? Are they opposite any bedroom walls or media room walls? Would the sound of the washer and dryer or that of a person working in the laundry room disturb you?<br /><br />Don't forget about dishwashers and dishwasher drawers as well as the kitchen exhaust fan.  <br /><br />There is a great deal of noise that is generated from a <strong>bathroom</strong>. The toilet flushing, the shower water running, faucets running, the exhaust fan turned on, and hair dryers blowing are all culprits. Think about what rooms and areas of your home are next to, above, or below all bathrooms. Imagine someone being in one of the bathrooms shown on your floor plans using any of these items listed above. Who might be disturbed by the noise? <br /><br /><strong>Exterior</strong> noise such as cars moving on your driveway, street traffic, and HVAC equipment are major causes of noise. How does the location of all bedrooms relate to the driveway or street. Make sure HVAC equipment is not located under a bedroom window or for that matter outside your dining room window. <br /><br />Another common complaint heard regarding noise is hearing a person walking around on the <strong>floors above</strong> or hearing a person walk up and down the <strong>stairs</strong>. You certainly do not want a bedroom located next to the staircase. <br /><br /><strong>Garage doors</strong> opening are often a welcoming sound as it let's you know your love ones have arrived. However, if your love ones are arriving late at night or departing very early in the morning, perhaps you don't want to know. If there is a bedroom obove the garage, it is almost impossible to silence the sound of the garage door opening and closing.  <br /><br />One of my pet peeves is hearing the chime of the <strong>security alarm</strong> being turned on late at night by the last person home or turned off early in the morning by the first person up. Pay close attention to the electrical plans which will show you where these will be mounted. <br /><br />Lastly, don't forget about the sound coming from a <strong>TV</strong>, especially the media room which usually has a sound system that can produce substantial noise. Again, think of what rooms are above, below or next to the media room. <br /><br />Fortunately, there are various soundproof options on the market that you can discuss with your architect and builder. Some of these include acoustical wall products, sound membrane on the floor, fabric in the ceiling, floor floaters, silent joists, soundboards, and fiberglass insulation. Night Night!

Things That Make Noise

It has taken a year, two, or maybe three to design and build your dream home. Finally, you have moved in and are spending your first week at...

8:35:00 AM

Utility Use Decisions You Need to Make Before Meeting With Your Architect

First, you need to identify which utility companies provide their particular utility to your property and at what cost. Hopefully during the due diligence process before purchasing your land this information was presented. Next, you need to determine how you will use each utitilty in the home you want to build.<br /><br />Will you use natural gas for heating, hot water, stove top/range top, oven, dryer, fireplaces, fire pit, grill, swimming pool, lap pool, hot tub, exterior lanterns, exterior lamp posts, or other.<br /><br />Will you use the cable for your internet connection and television? If so, which rooms or areas in and around your home will need access to the cable?<br /><br />What telephone service will you use? Which rooms or areas in and around your home will need access to the phone line?<br /><br />Will you want to bury the electrical wires on your property? What areas away from your home will need electrical power? Will you need more than one electric meter?<br /><br />Will you need water lines to go to areas on your property other than your home? Will you need a second water meter for your lawn sprinkler system, your swimming pool, or other water feature that does not involve sewer so that you will not be charged the sewer portion of your water bill?<br /><br />Does the size of the home you plan to build require special water features such as a sprinkler system or fire hose hook up required by the codes department?<br /><br />Knowing the answers to the these utility questions before meeting with your architect is a plus!<br /><br />You will find a checklist with some of this information on page 72 in my book, <em><strong>Designing Your Dream Home</strong></em>, plus other related information throughout the book. ...Susan Lang

Utility Use Decisions You Need to Make Before Meeting With Your Architect

First, you need to identify which utility companies provide their particular utility to your property and at what cost. Hopefully during the...

8:28:00 AM

Create Home