Family paint gate rainbow colours to give neighbours hope during lockdown

This article details the transformation of a 100-year-old Craftsman home in Los Angeles by Anna and Doug Lodder, who sought to create a more expansive and family-friendly retreat. The house, initially overlooked on the market, possessed solid construction and a converted attic with a turret offering distant views of palm trees, alongside a large, unkempt backyard. The family, including children Lucy and Winston, had previously resided in a smaller bungalow, which became strained when accommodating extended family and rescue dogs. Their previous solution, converting a one-car garage into a multi-use guesthouse, proved insufficient for their desire for a more open and communal living space. The remodel aimed to infuse the Craftsman with elements of Anna's English heritage, drawing inspiration from her childhood memories of relaxed, well-tended gardens in the south of England and photographs of her family's kitchens in the U.K. This approach resulted in a unique California-British blend, evident in subtle details throughout the home. Examples include a pulley-operated wooden laundry drying rack in the children's bathroom and a scaled-up scullery featuring her grandmother’s antique copper tea kettle. The cabinetry was designed to emulate the bespoke look of Plain English built-ins, achieving a sophisticated aesthetic without the associated premium cost. This intentional design choice ensured that the British influence was present without being overly decorative or sentimental. The most significant changes were made to the backyard, which became a focal point for both nostalgia and modern Los Angeles living. A swimming pool was installed, alongside a new guest house equipped with a kitchen and a sleeping loft, designed to comfortably accommodate more visitors. For the landscaping, Anna collaborated with English-born designer Nick Dean, envisioning a garden that combined the charm of her aunt's British garden with the sun-drenched ambiance of the south of France. This vision materialized in features like lavender-ringed benches around the pool, designed to attract pollinators and provide fragrant seating. The home’s transformation was timely, as the family found themselves relying on its expanded spaces during the pandemic-induced lockdowns. For two years prior, the house had been a hub for exchange students, parents, and friends. During quarantine, the added amenities, such as the outdoor spaces and the converted turret office, facilitated remote work and homeschooling, with the sound of a babbling fountain harmonizing with children's play in the pool. The remodel successfully created a vibrant living environment that accommodated a bustling family life, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the city's backdrop, blending century-old craftsmanship with a personalized, Anglo-Californian aesthetic. #CraftsmanRemodel #EnglishAccents #FamilyFriendlyDesign #HomeRenovation #CaliforniaBritishStyle #OutdoorLiving #GuestHouse #InteriorDesign

Soldani Projects, a Sydney-based family business, specializes in premium Venetian plaster wall finishes, microcement, and feature walls, offering bespoke and eco-friendly artistry for sophisticated interiors. The owner, Alfonso Soldani, brings a wealth of experience from his native Italy, emphasizing the use of genuine, low-VOC Italian lime in their materials, ensuring durability and an authentic finish that distinguishes their work from competitors. The process begins with a collaborative approach, where Alfonso and his wife and business partner, Teresa, meet clients on-site to understand their vision and tailor solutions. During these consultations, they discuss color palettes, often referencing Dulux-accredited options, and create sample boards to demonstrate how different finishes will appear in the specific space. This detailed approach ensures that each project is customized to the client's preferences and the architectural context of their home. Soldani Projects offers a diverse range of finishes and textures, blending traditional Italian craftsmanship with Australian aesthetic sensibilities. Their offerings include the highly reflective Classic Venetian plaster, which imparts a luxurious sheen; the traditional decorative Travertino, known for its earthy, textured appearance; and the subtle matt Marmorino, which provides a sophisticated, understated elegance. A new addition to their collection is Volterra, a coarse-grain Marmorino designed to mimic the rough stone texture often seen in terrazzo, offering a contemporary yet timeless appeal. Beyond plaster, the company also specializes in microcement applications, which are increasingly popular for various surfaces such as bathrooms, alfresco areas, stairs, and even custom-made dining tables, due to its seamless and durable properties. Feature walls are another area of expertise, with Alfonso noting their capacity to dramatically alter the mood and character of a room. The creation of these exquisite wall finishes is a meticulous, hand-crafted process. Alfonso emphasizes that each application is done by hand with a trowel, requiring not only skill but also a deep passion for the craft. As an Italian, Alfonso embodies this passion, continuously striving for uniqueness and refining his techniques to achieve flawless, lustrous results. This dedication to artistry and quality is evident in every project, transforming ordinary walls into captivating works of art that tell a story of tradition, precision, and artistic commitment. The company prides itself on delivering high-end interior solutions that combine aesthetic appeal with environmental consciousness, using materials that are both beautiful and sustainable. #VenetianPlaster #InteriorDesign #WallFinishes #Microcement #LuxuryInteriors #EcoFriendlyMaterials #HomeDecor #ArtisanCraftsmanship

Armourcoat, a surfaces brand, has introduced a new collection of textured and eco-friendly paints called Limewash, designed for both residential and commercial interiors. This range aims to replicate the distinctive aesthetic and tactile qualities of traditional limewash while offering enhanced durability and a less chalky finish. The collection features 45 shades, each crafted from a blend of slaked lime, kaolinite clay mineral, water, mineral pigments, and natural plant additives. This specific composition ensures that the paints are free from solvents and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), aligning with stringent environmental and health standards within the architectural industry. Armourcoat asserts that its Limewash collection is unique in possessing both Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and Health Product Declaration (HPD) documentation. This makes the product particularly suitable for construction projects seeking to achieve sustainability certifications such as BREEAM and LEED. Duncan MacKellar, Armourcoat's creative director, emphasized the company's commitment to material transparency, viewing it as crucial for designing aesthetically pleasing interiors that also minimize ecological impact. He stated that the brand's objective as manufacturers is to decrease both embodied carbon and environmental toxins, thereby fostering sustainable innovation in the built environment. MacKellar reassured architects and designers that all Armourcoat finishes, including the new Limewash range, support the creation of environmentally responsible and healthy indoor spaces, backed by their EPD and HPD documentation. A key benefit of the Limewash collection is its naturally high alkalinity, derived from its slaked lime content. This inherent property provides resistance against bacteria and mould growth, contributing to healthier indoor environments. Additionally, the paint is non-combustible, adding a safety dimension to its list of advantages. The introduction of Limewash represents the latest expansion of Armourcoat's portfolio of surface finishes. The brand consistently aims to deliver sustainable luxury finishes to the global community of architects and designers. This product launch underscores Armourcoat's dedication to providing innovative solutions that cater to the increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance interior materials. #Armourcoat #LimewashPaint #EcoFriendlyInteriors #SustainableDesign #InteriorFinishes #GreenBuilding #MaterialTransparency #VOCFreePaint

The front door of a home serves as a crucial aesthetic element, significantly contributing to its curb appeal and offering an initial glimpse into the homeowner's personality and interior style. Beyond its visual impact, the color chosen for a front door can carry deeper spiritual significance, potentially influencing luck and fortune. While many opt for conventional colors like black, brown, or white, spiritual experts suggest exploring alternative hues that align with specific beliefs for enhanced good fortune. The selection of a 'lucky' color for a front door is largely dependent on two primary factors: individual spiritual beliefs and the geographical orientation of the door. Different spiritual traditions, such as Vastu shastra and Feng Shui, offer distinct guidelines for auspicious front door colors. According to Feng Shui principles, the ideal front door color is determined by its directional facing. A north-facing door is advised to be painted aqua blue or navy blue, while an orange or red hue is recommended for south-facing doors. For east-facing doors, green or blue colors are considered appropriate, and white or grey are deemed ideal for west-facing front doors. In cases where homeowners may not prefer the color dictated by their door's direction, red is presented as a universally prosperous alternative. Red is widely associated with power, creativity, and good fortune across various cultures. Within Feng Shui, red, linked to the element of fire, is believed to unleash new life, vitality, and positivity, transforming negative energy into warmth, passion, inspiration, and protection. This color holds particular prominence in Eastern cultures, symbolizing royalty, power, and financial prosperity. Conversely, Vastu shastra, an ancient Indian architectural system, also provides specific color recommendations based on door orientation. South and southeast-facing doors should ideally be silver and orange, while yellow is suggested for southwest-facing doors. Northeast doors are best painted blue, and western doors should be blue and white. It is notable that Vastu shastra generally advises against south-facing entrances, although a southeast orientation is considered a viable alternative. For northern-facing front doors, Vastu shastra encourages the use of green, while north-western doors are best in white and cream, and eastern doors in white or light blue. Red remains a popular choice for front doors due to its widespread association with power, creativity, and good fortune, particularly for those who adhere to Feng Shui practices. In the United States, red also conveys a welcoming atmosphere. Black front doors, while signifying power and authority in some cultures, are viewed with caution by some spiritual experts who associate the color with 'secrets and lies,' considering it potentially unlucky and advising against its use, regardless of the house's orientation. Therefore, understanding these spiritual and cultural associations can help homeowners choose a front door color that not only enhances curb appeal but also aligns with their beliefs in fostering good luck and positive energy within their home. #FengShui #VastuShastra #FrontDoorColors #HomeDesign #SpiritualBeliefs #GoodLuck #ColorPsychology #CurbAppeal #InteriorDesign

The article presents a curated selection of rainbow-themed home decor items designed to celebrate Pride month, which occurs in June, while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. It emphasizes integrating colorful elements into living spaces without resorting to kitschy or juvenile designs. The recommendations range from subtle accents to more prominent pieces, aiming to refresh a home's look with vibrant hues that can be enjoyed throughout the year. The featured products include a QiaoFei Rainbow LED Light, suitable for desks or nightstands, offering a gentle glow. For bathrooms, Anthropologie's Rainbow Towels, a set of six, are highlighted for their broad spectrum of colors rather than an overt rainbow pattern, prioritizing both aesthetics and comfort with their plush and absorbent material. A Williams Sonoma Pride Rainbow Wreath, crafted from naturally air-dried integrifolia leaves, is suggested for front door decoration, allowing for seasonal celebration. For larger areas, the Ruggable Absida Rainbow Premium Rug provides an opportunity to introduce color subtly, described as more mature than typical rainbow rugs and featuring machine-washable properties for practical maintenance. The Artconal Rainbow Vase is recommended for those seeking bolder colors in smaller doses, offering a sophisticated yet playful decorative accent. UniQstiQ's Abstract Multicolor Blob Wall Art, comprising mirrored blobs, is presented as an artistic statement piece for rooms with neutral furnishings, challenging the notion that large rainbow items must be kitschy. The West Elm Rainbow Snow Globe offers a nostalgic, seasonless decorative item. For children's rooms or nurseries, Chasing Paper's Rainbow Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper provides an easy and lasting way to transform a space. Kitchens can be brightened with the Thyme & Table Stainless Steel Slotted Turner, adding a colorful touch to culinary tools. Jonathan Adler's Dripping Rainbow Trinket Tray is showcased as a bold and creative catch-all, often available with discounts. For entertaining, etspolt Colorful Coasters, a set of four with each coaster representing a different rainbow color, are suggested for summer gatherings. The Verloop Albers Checkerboard Throw Blanket, an oversized and sustainably made item, offers year-round comfort and style. A Homary Art Deco Magazine Organizer, designed with a rainbow shape, is presented as a functional yet fun addition to home offices. The Sunday Citizen Rainbow Lumbar Pillow, a full-body memory foam pillow with a microfiber cover, provides comfort with a colorful design. Finally, the Pottery Barn Teen Rainbow Chevron Quilt offers a sophisticated bedding option suitable for various rooms, and the Expedition Subsahara Taya Storage Basket, hand-woven by Senegalese artists from elephant grass and recycled plastic, combines utility with artistic flair and sustainable practices. An AllModern Aloha Outdoor Doormat is presented to ensure a welcoming and stylish entrance, while a Newsely Boho Sun Shower Curtain is suggested as an easy and affordable way to add color to bathrooms. #RainbowDecor #PrideMonth #HomeDesign #InteriorDecoration #ColorfulLiving #AccentPieces #SustainableDecor #GiftIdeas

Anne Keenan and Alexis Seeley, a couple living in a 3,000-square-foot Brooklyn townhouse with their 5-year-old son, Leon, and two dogs, decided to hire an interior designer after nearly a decade in their home. The 1899 property had undergone a gut renovation in 2009, led by architect Fred Tang, focusing on structural and infrastructural improvements. While the major renovation addressed issues like mechanicals, a bay window, and plasterwork, the interiors were initially handled by the couple themselves. As their family grew, they found their individual furniture pieces didn't create a cohesive and functional family space. Seeking professional help to optimize their living area, particularly the main-floor living space where the sofa, TV, and dining table coexisted awkwardly, they reached out to Tang, who recommended Barbara Reyes, the new director of interior design for his firm. The established relationship with Tang's team, who were already familiar with the house's structure, was a key factor in their decision. The project commenced just as the pandemic began, leading to unconventional collaboration methods like masked stoop drop-offs for samples and Zoom meetings. A pivotal design decision involved relocating the dining table from a bay window nook to the center of the main floor, paired with a custom-built banquette. This change, initially mocked up by Seeley using existing furniture, significantly improved the space's flow and functionality for both everyday meals and entertaining. Reyes focused on practical solutions for a family-friendly home, incorporating performance fabrics for upholstery and replacing fragile glass tabletops with durable, mirrored plexiglass. Addressing the couple's differing aesthetic preferences—Seeley's love for neon colors and Pop Art versus Keenan's desire for traditional elegance—Reyes successfully blended these styles, introducing a sense of playfulness. The design incorporated unique color pairings, with the couple often choosing unexpected, vibrant options. A recurring blue and pink palette was used throughout the house, with varying shades and saturations, balanced by rich contrasting colors like bold blue in Leon's room and a black dining table. Reyes also integrated Keenan's long-standing collection of miniature food figurines into the living room, displaying them as quirky curios. For Leon's bedroom, the design team fulfilled his request for a "rainbow" room with a Flat Vernacular wall mural featuring a gradient of bright colors, complemented by timeless Vitsoe shelving. A strong emphasis was placed on sustainability and budget, with the couple requesting Reyes to reuse as many existing furnishings as possible. This led to reupholstering comfortable chairs instead of replacing them and repurposing old cabinetry in the couple's bedroom with a modern raspberry hue and gold-flecked wallpaper. The final design created a welcoming, flexible, and durable home that perfectly suits the family's dynamic lifestyle. #BrooklynHome #FamilyLiving #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #HomeRenovation #PerformanceFabrics #SustainableDesign #CustomFurniture #KidsRoomDesign

Carole and Don Watanabe have transformed an ordinary 1963 California ranch-style house in Sebastopol into a unique and vibrant living art piece called Chez La Vie. Carole, a multi-talented artist, and Don, an architect, collaborate to create a home that is an ongoing project of artistic expression and precision. The property encompasses multiple structures, including their main residence, an attached apartment for Don's father, an appealing guesthouse known as the Art Chapel, and various utilitarian sheds that are integrated into the artistic landscape. The main house immediately catches the eye with its vibrant ultramarine blue exterior, trimmed with deep turquoise and brick red. A wide berm in front of the property features Carole's "drive-by gallery," where steel frames crowned with corrugated aluminum roofs will display sheet metal paintings by local children, sold to support school art programs. The entrance to their home and Don Sr.'s apartment are adorned with enormous antique Indonesian facades made of intricately carved teak. Tall columns flanking the Watanabe entrance are covered in colorful spirals, created by Carole using abandoned mirrors and broken ceramics, giving them a jewel-box appearance. This use of found and repurposed materials is a hallmark of Carole's work, with a significant portion of the home's materials sourced from salvaged items, often acquired for minimal cost from places like a Santa Rosa Goodwill store. The backyard features a stream circulating water through the Paradiso Pond, which Carole considers her most significant work. The pond, a 4-foot-deep, rubber-lined creation, is landscaped with truckloads of rock and adorned with lilies and other water plants, evoking a Monet painting. On the western edge of the property, an outdoor fireplace, a table under a large tree, painted chairs, tiled tables, carved benches, tiny sculptures, clever mobiles, and painted fences contribute to the whimsical atmosphere. A curving dragon made of random ceramics weaves through the garden, intersected by brick pathways leading to a double-doored gateway to the neighbor's property. Inside, the whimsical aesthetic continues with furniture crafted from discarded wood and an assortment of found objects. Walls are accented with Carole's cursive writing and display her paintings, drawings, and sculptures. Recessed altars and mirrors decorated with colorful tiles are present throughout the interior. The flooring varies from room to room, incorporating area rugs and even a floor covered with squares of fabric and old photographs sealed with Varathane. The master bedroom features a custom-made headboard and Carole's handwriting on the walls, while her studio serves as her creative sanctuary. The Watanabes envision Chez La Vie as an "elder compound" where they can age gracefully amidst their beloved creations. They plan to host art openings in their spacious backyard, with a pizza oven available for guests. Banners of art, much of it created by children, will adorn patios and fences, transforming the home into an interactive gallery open to the public. #HomeTransformation #ArtisticHome #RanchHouseRenovation #SebastopolHomes #CreativeCouple #FoundObjectsArt #GardenDesign #SustainableDesign #SonomaHomes

This article details the transformation of a previously dark and uninspiring kitchen diner into a vibrant, sociable space using a bold palette of green, pink, coral, and mustard. The homeowners, who embrace color and maximalist design, collaborated with Pluck Kitchens, known for their birch plywood kitchens with colored laminate veneers, to achieve this dramatic makeover. The initial space, though not entirely undesirable, lacked light, prompting the owners to engage architects for a rear and side return extension. This structural alteration allowed for the creation of a bright, open-plan kitchen diner, alongside a utility room and playroom. The design process involved exploring numerous color combinations through Pluck Kitchens' jigsaw system, ultimately leading to a sophisticated yet fresh blend of coral and green. Key design choices included painting all woodwork in a dark shade to match the aluminium window frames, creating a cohesive aesthetic. Inner cupboards for the larder and crockery were finished in light pink, adding an unexpected pop of color upon opening. The extension features a side skylight that maximizes natural light, contributing to the overall brightness of the area. Considering the presence of a toddler, the homeowners opted for solid aluminium glazing instead of folding garden doors to address safety concerns, ensuring a robust connection to the outdoors without compromising security. The kitchen also showcases unique mustard yellow wall tiles installed vertically, providing an unconventional and protective splashback. A range cooker, offering gas functionality, was a top priority, along with a sociable island equipped with a sink and ample seating. The renovation, which included both the kitchen transformation and the extension, spanned three months and is documented on Instagram. The owners' preference for natural materials is evident in the choice of a pale wood veneer for some drawer fronts, which harmonizes with the flooring. These well-designed drawers offer highly efficient kitchen storage. A significant feature is the Terrazzo island worktop from Diespeker & Co, which the owner admired even before purchasing the house. This material complements the industrial black doors and contrasts with the natural flooring. Brushed gold fittings, such as the tap, were consistently used throughout the space to unify the various design elements. #KitchenTransformation #ColorfulKitchen #MaximalistDesign #KitchenDiner #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #PluckKitchens #SideReturnExtension #TerrazzoWorktop

This article explores five distinct themes for transforming a front door with color, each providing a unique aesthetic and curb appeal. The first theme, 'Classic Country,' uses pops of red and blue, understated barn light sconces, and chipped elements to create a welcoming entry. It suggests using Bedford Blue by Benjamin Moore for the door color and incorporates items like a bronze horseshoe door knocker, cast-iron house numbers, and vintage food canisters as planters. The 'Natural Beauty' theme emphasizes verdant shades and outdoor elements. It recommends Sherwin-Williams' Artichoke paint and includes a brass woodpecker door knocker, a star pendant, and galvanized barrel planters. This design focuses on bringing the essence of nature to the doorstep. The 'Garden Party' theme offers a romantic, rustic approach with pretty pastels and elegant accents. Glidden's Peach Punch is suggested for the door color, complemented by a brass dragonfly door knocker, copper lanterns, and woven wicker baskets. This theme aims to create an inviting and charming entrance. 'Coastal Country' focuses on a calming blue palette and nautical-inspired touches. Farrow & Ball's Blue Ground is recommended, paired with a polished nickel anchor door knocker, brushed nickel light fixtures, and tailored boxwood topiaries in metal buckets. This design evokes a serene, seaside atmosphere. Finally, 'Tropical Punch' brings vibrant colors and playful elements to the forefront, creating a cheerful and hospitable entrance. Olympic's Canary Yellow is highlighted, along with a brass pineapple knocker, ceramic house numbers, and terra-cotta planters. Each theme offers specific paint recommendations, decorative items, and accessories to help homeowners achieve a desired look for their front door, ultimately enhancing the overall curb appeal of their home. #FrontDoorMakeover #HomeDecor #CurbAppeal #PaintColors #ExteriorDesign #DIYHome

Sarah Powell, a nursery nurse and mother of one from Nottinghamshire, transformed her hallway with a unique painted feature wall, utilizing leftover grey paint and avoiding the expense of wallpaper. This DIY project, completed in approximately an hour and a half to two hours, cost her nothing, demonstrating how home improvements can be achieved on a zero budget. The inspiration for the design, a diagonal tribal-type pattern, came from browsing home accounts on Instagram and Pinterest. The process involved freehand painting lines with a small rounded-end brush, starting from the top right corner and working across. Sarah acknowledged that some lines were not perfectly straight due to the freehand method but believed this added character and uniqueness to the design. The family had moved into their house in January, and Sarah was eager to redecorate. Her goal was to create a distinctive feature in the hallway without incurring additional costs. The project involved careful application of the leftover grey paint to achieve the desired tribal pattern. Mid-transformation, the bespoke design's potential to significantly alter the hallway's aesthetic was evident. Despite initial doubts during the painting process, Sarah persevered and was ultimately delighted with the outcome, which she described as totally transforming her hallway. She highlighted the affordability of the project, noting that even if she hadn't had leftover paint, a small tester pot would have sufficed. For those seeking a more polished finish, she recommended using tape to mark out lines for greater precision. The article frames this DIY endeavor as a testament to budget-friendly home decoration and a creative outlet, particularly during periods like lockdown. It emphasizes that resourceful use of existing materials can lead to striking and personalized home decor, encouraging others to undertake similar projects. #HomeDecoration #DIYProject #FeatureWall #LeftoverPaint #HallwayDesign #BudgetDecor #CreativeHomeowner #InteriorDesign #PaintingTechnique

This article details the collaborative design process behind a unique and visually striking paracord banister, dubbed the “Rainbow Tornado,” installed in a passive home for a family with four young children in Washington, D.C. The project, a partnership between Cedar Architecture and Treenet Collective, addresses both aesthetic appeal and practical safety concerns within the home's central stairwell. The initial design challenge for architect Deborah Buelow of Cedar Architecture was to orient the passive home to maximize sunlight. Due to privacy concerns about large windows facing public view, Buelow ingeniously turned the house inward, allowing southern sunlight to penetrate deep into the home via a central, open stairwell. This design decision created a bright, unified space that connects all three levels of the house: the basement, the main living area, and the upstairs sleeping quarters. However, the open nature of the stairwell, while excellent for light distribution and spatial flow, raised safety concerns for the homeowners, particularly regarding their small children. The clients expressed psychological unease about the openness of the stairwell, even though the handrails met safety standards. Buelow recognized the importance of ensuring comfort and peace of mind for the family. The homeowners proposed working with Treenet Collective to install a net within the stairwell, initially envisioning it as a fall-breaking feature. Buelow embraced this idea, seeing it as an opportunity to integrate a creative and child-friendly element into the high-end architectural design, ensuring the home felt welcoming and engaging for the kids. Treenet Collective transformed the concept into a vibrant “Rainbow Tornado.” While the homeowners initially considered a climbable net for play, this was ultimately deemed unfeasible. Instead, the net evolved into a sculptural art piece, providing both visual interest and the psychological reassurance the family sought. Constructed from a thinner version of rock-climbing paracord, the Rainbow Tornado spans from the first to the second floor, reaching 11 feet in height, within a 16-foot high and 30-inch wide space. The anchors for the paracord elements are spaced approximately 2.5 inches apart, creating a compact netting that effectively prevents items from falling through. This collaborative approach, where both Cedar Architecture and Treenet Collective adapted their initial ideas, resulted in an innovative solution that transcended mere functionality. The “Rainbow Tornado” not only offers an additional layer of perceived safety for the children and parents but also serves as a dynamic, colorful art installation. While it has yet to catch a human, it has successfully prevented toys from tumbling to the basement, demonstrating its practical benefits. Ultimately, this bespoke design element underscores the belief that a home should provide both physical and emotional security, bringing joy and comfort to its inhabitants. #HomeDesign #StairwellSafety #ParacordArt #CustomDesign #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalInnovation #TreenetCollective #CedarArchitecture #PassiveHome