Mama Home Decor - Specialist Home Decor

March 6, 2023

West U Realtor’s bathroom redesign grows into second floor renovation

Heidi Dugan is on her mobile phone early in the morning, responding to e-mail and texts and tending to very last-moment aspects of her real estate perform. She could sit and sip coffee in a wonderful courtyard outdoors or any just one of the cozy rooms in her dwelling, but it is not strange to discover her in her newly renovated principal toilet, where by she can hold court docket with good friends, co-personnel and shoppers — electronically — for hrs.

Dugan, a Realtor for Greenwood King who has lived and worked in West U for 40 several years, sees what she feels is the very best of what is out there in Houston place households, regardless of whether it really is renovations in loos, kitchens or even out of doors spaces. While she bought her property some 20 several years back and cherished it then, she’s performed a quantity of renovations as new matters in residence structure grabbed her awareness.

For the previous handful of yrs she’s renovated a person home or an additional with the help of inside designer Elizabeth Donnelly of Elizabeth Donnelly Interiors, updating furnishings and bringing in antiques and artwork and even sprucing up out of doors areas. A huge section of the most recent spherical of updates was gutting and reworking her principal lavatory upstairs, and refreshing the relaxation of the upstairs of her property. The challenge began as a redo of the key bathroom and closet, but grew from there.

Before, her main rest room was octagonal in shape — a not-so-effective ground plan with awkward corners and doors mounted on the angles, a crafted-in spa tub and an angled shower. Dugan realized that she wanted antique tile, beautiful marble and a wonderful chandelier.

“I sit at my self-importance for a truly lengthy time every day. It’s not because I’m vain it is simply because I’m there with my cell phone and responding to texts and emails. My get the job done never ever stops,” claimed Dugan, a indigenous of Miami Seashore who arrived to Houston in her early 20s. “It’s very peaceful in this article. I don’t have a 9 to 5 work I work 24/7. I begin answering messages when I get up and I can go to 11 p.m.”

Donnelly brought in interiors architect Nadia Palacios Lauterbach of Nadia Palacios Residential Design to to style and design a custom self-importance and function on the fantastic facts of the space. Erin Stetzer of Stetzer Builders was the contractor.

“The thought was to choose a standard builder dwelling with his-and-hers vanities on opposite walls and reconfigure the room. It truly is not more space, but it is laid out differently, and what we completed was an open up, streamlined room with resources that are light-weight and ethereal,” Donnelly claimed. “We took absent uncomfortable angles and put together two closets, which gave Heidi her stunning, extremely big closet.”

The reimagining of that toilet put a no cost-standing tub about wherever the designed-in version was. Then, the shower was moved subsequent to it with 1 facet “bumped out” with a pony wall and sheets of glass to make it sense even even bigger. Within that shower, a pair of shampoo niches and a bench that feels like a tiny piece of furnishings are covered in the similar Calacatta you will find on the vanity counters.

Dugan fell in enjoy with the Aged Earth truly feel of antique tile and other architectural antiques stocked at Ruth Gay’s Chateau Domingue store in the Heights area. She located some stunning tile there, obtained on Gay’s last acquiring trip to France ahead of the COVID shutdown. The marble experienced been employed as flooring in an 18th century chapel at a monastery on the grounds of the Basilic Saint Aphrodise in Beziers in southern France.

The chapel was about to be torn down, so Gay bought the tile and a number of columns in advance of it was demolished, she reported.

When the tile arrived at Dugan’s home, she, Donnelly and Lauterbach acquired it out, hand washed it and cautiously made a decision the placement of every single tile.

Other European decorations contain the new Murano glass chandelier, created in Italy, and an antique Murano-framed mirror that hangs over Dugan’s custom-created makeup self-importance. That piece of furniture was created by Lauterbach, a vintage fashion with Art Deco touches made with walnut wooden.

“We preferred the vanity to sense glamorous, while its first priority was to be useful considering the fact that it serves as a next desk for Heidi,” Donnelly claimed. “She receives ready there in the early morning, but she can plug in her notebook, way too. It has concealed plugs and chargers all over the place, and the drawers are made to property her products she uses to get ready each individual day.”

She also keeps her terrific-grandmother’s vanity established there, a very tray and antique perfume bottles.

Not only did they switch two smaller sized closets into just one larger sized space, but they finished it out with exquisite detail with fumed French oak. Lighted, glass-front cabinets show off her assortment of purses and superior-heeled shoes, and locking drawers are lined with suede to display screen her jewelry.

Donnelly explained that lots of of her shoppers want boutique-design and style closets that function as a dressing area, with clothing, footwear and equipment properly structured and displayed. Valet rods, in addition pullout rods for scarves, belts or neckties are hand and can be house savers, much too. Lights is vital, so homeowners can see what they have, and glass shelving allows the mild filter as a result of, creating it all come to feel additional open up, Donnelly claimed.

In the relaxation of the most important bedroom suite, they extra lovely Gracie wallpaper to a vestibule and a Venetian plaster finish on the walls and ceiling of the bed room. A smaller visitor place with a complete tub turned her new household gym, and the lavatory bought a refresh of its own.

The upstairs game home is Dugan’s Tv area, and it acquired a makeover with a constructed-in console cabinet built of fumed French oak changing flooring-to ceiling cupboards that experienced louvered doorways. The room is stuffed with more contemporary furnishings, which include a soft sectional couch with an acrylic coffee table, moreover a curvy chair with ottoman and a little Saarinen Tulip desk paired with modern-day chairs. A new brass chandelier lights up the space, and a large Michael von Helms summary portray fills a side wall.

Dugan raised her two sons, Alex Dugan, now 31, and Harrison Willett, now 40, in this residence, and while Alex life and works in Los Angeles — he’s a songwriter and lead singer of the band Society Wars — he insists that his bed room and rest room stay exactly as they have been when he was in higher university. Harrison, 40, life in Houston and is the father of four young children.

Her sons utilized to carry their friends here when they had been youthful, and some even now visit. She was regarded for acquiring a large Xmas bash with 200 or extra individuals, though COVID pressured a pause on this kind of massive gatherings. Now, she’s extra probable to have a dinner social gathering for 12 in her fairly dining space.

“This is my sanctuary, surely. It is incredibly personalized and really considerably a reflection of who I am,” Dugan stated. “I have an art record degree, so for me, when I sit in this article and seem at everything, I see the two the attractiveness and the operate.”

diane.cowen@houstonchronicle.com

March 6, 2023

A Quintessential Santa Barbara, California Home

In the hills of Santa Barbara County, California, this 3,000-sq.-foot home is all about the sights. With nods to the Mid-Century Present day aesthetic, a former professional soccer player and his spouse dependable inside designer Corinne Mathern—at the helm of her eponymous studio—to shape a tranquil refuge from which they could love the sunshine all yr extended.

“One of the inspirations that the homeowner arrived to the desk with was of Aman Kyoto in Japan,” remembers Mathern, noting that the pair recently moved from Dallas, Texas. “I derive a good deal of inspiration for tranquil spaces from the Aman Resorts, so I knew it would be a superior suit.”

Inside the residence, a combine of pigmented blues, greens, and yellows echoes the natural surroundings, as do earthy supplies like wooden, clay, stone, and plaster.

“We required to produce a retreat for the property owners, exactly where they could get pleasure from the all-natural landscape and really feel the calmness of the mountains,” states Mathern. “If we strayed from natural components, it wouldn’t have had the identical result.”

Mathern also took inspiration from is effective by Mies van der Rohe for the open concept area with ground-to-ceiling doorways and home windows Eileen Grey for the Mid-Century Modern-day affect and Alvar Aalto for the feeling of calmness in the course of the area.

“We produced a seamless connection amongst the indoor spaces and the exterior areas that invite you to practical experience them as 1 and the same,” suggests Mathern.

Correctly balanced, the end result is an ode to nature that invites the house owners to gradual down and ponder the elegance of their setting in an ambiance where anything falls into position.

a dining room table beneath a honey colored pendant light and artwork by Gala Porras Kim — A custom made table anchors the eating area beneath a portray by Gala Porras Kim.

a primary bedroom in a southern California home — Peace and tranquility await in the key bedroom with its beautiful SoCal sights.

a seating area in a bedroom with sofa and arm chairs — A seating space in the most important bed room consists of Mid-Century model arm chairs, also by Nickey Kehoe.

a primary bathroom in neutral colors with views of natural vegetation — The bathroom’s add-ons stick to the home’s neutral palette.

a kitchen in a neutral color palette — Oak bar stools in darkish green Maharam leather by Nickey Kehoe line the kitchen island.

a dark green sofa in a media room — The dark inexperienced couch by Dwelling Divani adds a touch of cozy to the media space.

a roof deck with views of Southern California — The roof deck features household furniture from Restoration Hardware for having fun with the sights.

March 5, 2023

For sale: 3 unique homes in downtown Annapolis

Annapolis is a great city, filled with historic homes, charming shops and restaurants and beautiful water views. It also has plenty of notable sites, including the Maryland State House and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Here are three recent real estate listings, ranging from about $1.2 million-$3.85 million. The listings were selected by Historic Homes of Baltimore creator Jason Freeman, though one of the homes is now under contract.

Sleek converted firehouse condo in the Historic District

(RECreative Visual)

Built in 1913 as the Waterwitch Hook & Ladder No. 1, this former firehouse has been beautifully converted into a one-of-a-kind condo. Inside, the home opens to a foyer and an open concept living and dining area. High ceilings and a large skylight create a bright and inviting shared space. The kitchen has been newly renovated, with custom walnut cabinetry and top-of-the-line appliances. Off the kitchen is a half bathroom and an office/den. There’s also two bedrooms, each with their own en suite bathroom. The primary bedroom has a newly updated bathroom and a walk-in closet.

[A political reporter’s best tips for visiting the State House]

Besides the stunning interior, the home has a one-car garage with storage and an outdoor patio. It’s also perfectly located in the downtown Annapolis Historic District, just around the corner from City Dock and Main Street, and nestled between the State House and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Beautiful historic home remodeled from top to bottom in the Historic District

(Anice Hoachlander)

This absolutely stunning home, built in 1920, has recently undergone a top-to-bottom renovation. The home’s original charm has been preserved, while luxurious updates and fresh interiors have been added. Inside, you’ll find a spacious floor plan, with a first floor living room, dining room, family room and kitchen. The kitchen, an addition, is stunning; it has marble countertops, navy custom cabinets and a large eat-in area. French doors lead to the outdoor patio. A beautiful staircase (with a medallion of the Naval Academy insignia embedded in the first-floor banister) in the foyer leads upstairs, to the second and third floors. There are four bedrooms and four full bathrooms on the upper levels. The bathrooms have been beautifully updated, with heated floors, marble countertops and custom marble and tile showers. The primary bedroom has custom closets, an upper-level living room, a gas fireplace and access to the balcony. A finished lower level includes a second kitchen, an additional bedroom, a full bathroom and a walk-out mudroom and laundry room.

The home has a massive second story balcony and a private brick patio and driveway. The exterior of the home has also been updated with a new slate roof, copper flashing and gutters and upgraded windows. You can’t beat the location, just around the corner from the State House, Main Street, City Dock and the U.S. Naval Academy.

Get notified of need-to-know
info from The Banner

Newly updated home with yard in Murray Hill

(Michele Sheiko/Real Patience)

This Murray Hill home, built in 2001, recently underwent an impressive renovation. Inside, you’ll find a small foyer and an open living and dining room. The house is bright and open, with large windows, recessed lighting and new hardwood flooring. The dining area has unique cabinetry with a window into the kitchen. A beautiful kitchen features custom white cabinetry, quartz countertops and a large island. Off of the kitchen is a family room with a gas fireplace. Upstairs, you’ll find four bedrooms and two full bathrooms. The primary bedroom has cathedral ceilings, a walk-in closet and an updated bathroom. A finished lower level has a media/recreation room and a home gym.

An inviting covered porch is located at the front of the house. A rear deck off the kitchen overlooks a flat, fenced yard with room for gardening and play. Both the front porch and rear deck were recently upgraded with Trex decking. The home is an easy walk to West Street Arts District, waterfront parks and Main Street shops and restaurants.

March 5, 2023

The Case for the Water Closet

As the bidet attachment maintains its grip on homes across the US, bathrooms have develop into flush with an additional new craze: the h2o closet. Connect with it an enclosed rest room, a commode cave, or a personal lav—this goal-constructed space is a divided space within the rest room itself devoted entirely to one’s time put in on the porcelain throne.

However a powder place is nicely and fantastic, designers say that an growing number of clients in the US are now requesting isolated bathroom rooms within just their primary and, often, secondary loos. Famous people like David Harbour and Lily Allen, whose Brooklyn townhouse characteristics this kind of separated rooms for plumbing fixtures, appear to be to concur. As do luxury developers and their architects: Rest room rooms are regular in the condominium interiors of new household buildings like 111 West 57th Road by Shop Architects and Studio Sofield, and Central Park Tower by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the two in New York. “At current, we never have a solitary household project in progress that does not have a drinking water closet in, at the very least, the main rest room,” states designer Rafael Kalichstein of Los Angeles–based studio Citizen Artist, who adds that some partners choose to every have their own enclosed commode. “We are programming different bathroom rooms for some visitor suites way too,” Citizen Artist cofounder Joshua Rose says.

The factors are inherently personal—and the purpose is to continue to keep it that way. To point out the evident, a drinking water closet has the sights, seems, and smells of rest room-similar functions to a specified home, encouraging retain a spa-like sense in other places. For individuals not keen to even see the utilitarian bathroom, a walled-off place makes it possible for a doorway to be pretty much closed in its facial area. “Toilet layout has not adjusted a lot in approximately 250 several years, so we are not so amazed by the innovation,” Rose states. “It’s ‘just’ a rest room to most of our eyes.”

Having said that, when it is not, it’s basically an crucial component of the total bathroom structure. At KBIS this calendar year, Kohler reintroduced two heritage colors, Spring Green (1927) and Peachblow (1934), from its archives, which will be accessible for a number of rest room, tub, and sink types occur summer months. A short while ago done private houses by Advertisement100 designers like Billy Cotton, Oliver M. Furth, and Virginia Tupker have all featured boldly hued plumbing fixtures, which built a splash in the bathroom—separated or not. San Francisco–based designer Jessica Jubelirer claims that shopper requests for aged-school stylings in washrooms are also on the increase.

“Bold vintage fixtures are undoubtedly owning a minute when paired with large impact colour and sample,” Jubelirer points out. “Tailored and understated types are often a common go-to.” Kalichstein and Rose have also recognized a “shift away from the nondescript, modern designs that have dominated the industry for a long time and toward both finely crafted modern plumbing coming out of Italy or Germany or additional common fixtures that we traditionally see from England, France, or Belgium.” Crafted-in toilet seat bidets are however producing their mark for their hygienic and eco-acutely aware results, although shade-matching is a bit additional at the rear of as most are provided only in typical white, off-white, and occasionally black tones. But for designers, this openness to interaction in between old and new will allow an even bigger option to generate individualized spaces that concentrate on properly-being—an amplified priority in home style in the publish-COVID period, overall. “Clients answer to a distinctive point of watch in their plumbing fixtures,” Kalichstein suggests.

In common, coming up with or renovating for a rest room area has its have technological difficulties. International making codes have to have a water closet to measure at the very least 30 by 60 inches, for instance in a smaller apartment or household, it might not be possible to present this sort of floor space to a lavatory luxurious. For lots of owners, however, it is worth each individual square foot.

Considering that the pandemic began, “clients are searching for bathrooms that increase their lives,” Jubelirer says. And when you have obtained to go, a tiny comfort goes a extensive way.

March 4, 2023

Denver’s luxury real estate market surged 700{61deb032f2f3cf43cd91e0a97f017aab274ddbb67b74a5b085bd003b9ac3cd96} from 2013 to 2022

The Denver metro area’s luxurious true estate market place expert remarkable expansion about the earlier decade. In 2022, 876 homes offered for at minimum $2 million— a 700{61deb032f2f3cf43cd91e0a97f017aab274ddbb67b74a5b085bd003b9ac3cd96} surge considering the fact that 2013.

The common value for all homes in the Denver metro improved by 121 {61deb032f2f3cf43cd91e0a97f017aab274ddbb67b74a5b085bd003b9ac3cd96} from $306,00 to $678,000 in that ten years and redefined what is viewed as a luxurious home.

Product sales of properties priced at $2 million or far more exploded during the pandemic, claims Collen Covell with Milehighmodern.

“People could perform remotely. They experienced appear in this article for vacation and when they didn’t have to be in the office environment, they could purchase in this article.”

Jill Schafer with Kentwood Real Estate suggests many locations, together with Cherry Hills Village, Greenwood Village, Boulder, Denver, and Castle Pines, deliver the most significant-greenback product sales.

Schafer states limited availability caused by improvement limits triggered Boulder residence charges to explode.

People limitations pushed additional luxurious development north into Longmont, Lafayette, Mead, Niwot, and Water Valley in Windsor, she states.

Who are Denver’s luxurious buyers?

Covell divides Denver’s luxury consumers into two camps.

Half relocate from much more expensive marketplaces on the East or West Coasts and have funds to commit.

The relaxation are Denver area prospective buyers who skilled important lifetime changes, this kind of as retirees who elevated their little ones in the suburbs but now want a lesser, extra lavish house in Cherry Creek or more youthful families with a second or 3rd kid who require a larger dwelling with a large garden.

Schafer suggests that Denver’s financial system remains sturdy and diversified, with oil and fuel, telecommunications, biosciences, and drugs staff earning substantial salaries.

“We have superior charges of faculty educated individuals who tend to make extra money.”

Growing desire costs don’t prevent luxurious consumers

Stuart Crowell with LIV Sotheby’s Global Realty says Denver’s luxury promoting is primarily impervious to mounting interest charges and inflation.

“The times on marketplace has held pretty continuous,” he states. “We haven’t seen much softening at this selling price level. Sellers are keen to wait around for a longer time to get their value.”

Because most luxury potential buyers are income buyers, they aren’t as impacted by fluctuating fascination costs, Schafer says.

“Many of these customers have cash mainly because stocks went up through COVID and purchasers weren’t paying dollars on other items,” she states. “Now they notice they can function any where and are ready to devote much more on next residences.”

What luxurious purchasers want

Like homebuyers at other price tag details, luxurious customers want to obtain properties they can use straight away with out waiting for renovations.

“Luxury property consumers want a go-in completely ready residence. They want all the functions you see in new construction,” Schafer says.

March 4, 2023

Backyard Graduation Party Ideas: Food, Decorations, & Favors

Wow! It seems like so recently, I cradled my baby girl in my arms and now her high school graduation is approaching! As a parent, there are a lot feelings that accompany this monumental event, one of which is pride. She has put in a lot of hard work and now she is choosing which engineering college she will attend. It is still a few months away but I like to plan ahead. I also want to provide all of you with great backyard graduation party inspiration that you can use too! That is why I am so excited to have an incredible party planning professional to share some of her top graduation party ideas today!

Wondering how you are going to pull off the upcoming big event? Don’t worry. I have graduation party tips from expert, Renee Patrone Rhinehart. She is the founder of Party Host Helpers, a national resource that provides extra hands and expertise for any size gathering. “Partying” is Renee’s job 365 days a year! She has so many creative DIY party ideas that are fast and budget-friendly.

The Best Graduation Party Ideas

Are you looking for ideas and tips so you can figure out how to plan a graduation party? You are in the right place! Let’s walk through it from invitations to decorations to graduation party menu ideas, we have you covered. You will love the college and high school graduation party ideas in this blog post. If you prefer video format, many of the ideas are included in Renee Rhinehart’s video segment below:

Where To Have A Graduation Party

First you have to decide where to have your graduation party. I am a huge fan of the backyard graduation party. Not only is this a big money saver on the location fee, it is also a cozy, more personal event space. In addition, a garden party means less hauling and planning. Everything you need is right there! As an added bonus, you have access to your own kitchen and/or backyard grill which can also help save you money.

However, if you have limited space in your home, you can find a local location to host your grad party. Suggestions for popular graduation party venues include local parks (you may be able to reserve an outdoor pavilion), restaurants, country clubs, or a rentable party venue. If you are going to have a party outside of the home, be sure to call around to reserve a space as early as possible.

Graduation Party Invitations

For your graduation party invites, you can go old school on paper or you can go electronic with emailed invitations. Paper graduation party invitations have the benefit of being nice keepsakes for the graduate, family members, and friends. Emailed guest list invitations have the advantageous of being easy and free. A couple of great resources to check out are Greetings Island and Evite.

Graduation Party Food Ideas

Now for the graduation party menu ideas! While you can go with almost any food, it makes sense to go with what you have easy access to or go the extra step for some cute, graduation party themed food. I will include both types of ideas for graduation party food below. Here are party planner, Renee Patrone Rhinehart’s, suggestions for an epic graduation party menu.

Individualize – Serve your guest of honor’s favorites! Favorite cocktail (if the college graduate is old enough to drink!), favorite snack, favorite dessert. After all, it’s a great way to make them feel important on their special day!

Self Serve Is A Great Option — I love a good buffet/station that’s easy! A walking taco bar, a burger and/or hot dog bar, a sandwich bar, even a nacho bar!

Dessert – We LOVE serving diploma cookies – SO easy. Grab a canister of pirouettes and put a ribbon in the color of your school around it – they look just like diplomas! Perfect on the dessert table or the coffee bar.

Candy Bar With Flare: For grad parties I love to really celebrate the high school graduates with some fun play on words! Try a candy bar with vases, mason jars, or buckets and fun individual signs. The sweet treat options are endless. For ideas check pinterest! This candy buffet can also double as favor bar if you put out clear cellophane bags and some ribbons.

Ring Pops – “Class Rings”
Mini Cookies – “One Smart Cookie”
KitKat – “Study Breaks”
Smarties – “Arent Your A Smartie!”
Gummy Worms – “Book Worms”
Tootsie Rolls – “Honor Rolls”
Nerds – “Cool Nerds”
Dum Dums – “You’re No Dum Dum!” or “So Long Suckers”
Hershey’s Kisses – “Goodbye Kisses”
Swedish Fish – “oFISHally Graduating”
Starburst – “Reach For The Stars”

Graduation Party Decorations

Renee Patrone Rhinehart also shared her expert graduation party decoration ideas.

Keep the colors consistent – Decide if you are going to choose high school colors or college colors and run with the school spirit color scheme! Or you can always stick with classic metallic gold and silver! Make sure the graduation party theme color shines through in the graduation banners, some of the food you serve, party favors, table centerpieces, etc.

Champagne graduation cap toppers! The perfect accessory for the first toast after your college student receives their diploma. Construction paper, curling ribbon (or craft graduation tassels), and tape work well for these DIY graduation caps. These drink accessories are so festive! Cheers!

Photo Booth- Set up a photo booth area with a cute backdrop with the graduation year and balloon arch. It is an easy way to capture fond memories of close friends and family. Don’t forget to get a picture of the grad too!

A Memory Jar– In lieu of a guest book, put out a large jar with index cards and have party guests answer a question like such as, “What is your favorite memory with the grad?” Later, add the memories to a scrapbook as a keepsake for the guest of honor!

Graduation Party Favors

Here are a couple of fun ideas for Party Favors with a graduation theme.

Make a cookie tray or place a few cookies in a cellophane bag and tie shut with ribbons. Add labels that say, “Smart Cookie”.

graduation party favors- smart cookie favor

Make the adorable Ferrero Rocher grad favors from the video above. Take a gold Ferrero Rocher and add a little cap and a tassel. Super easy with construction paper squares, glue, and some ribbon for the tassel. Such a crowd pleaser on the dessert table or a favor to go!

What To Do At A Graduation Party

Enjoy. The most important thing is to relax and enjoy yourself. You and your graduate have earned this so enjoy the special occasion! Eat. Drink. Be Merry. If you want you can play some yard games or some graduation party games, but they are totally optional.

Take A Load Off. — When hosting a party, it can sometimes be really difficult to enjoy it yourself! But hosts deserve to have fun too rather than stress. To the rescue are the seasoned professionals from Party Host Helpers. Whether you need someone to serve food and snacks, help you set up or clean up or a professional bartender, a helper can really let the host take a load off and give them the space to enjoy the party they’ve thrown!

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed these fun backyard graduation party ideas. I would love to see how your grad party turns out! Share with us on social media @familyfocusblog!

Related Posts:

Money Management Tips College Students Should Learn

Useful Tips For College Students

Preparing For The Move To College