Saturday, April 16, 2011

Furniture-style cabinetry continues to be a desireable amenity in new custom homes. In the kitchen, the simple touch of adding barley-twist engaged posts to the corners give this island a furniture feel. Across the room, the usual built-in media cabinet is abandoned to be replaced by a custom-sized armoire that just fits into the alcove. Changing to stain grade wood for some pieces adds interest and builds on the furniture theme. Read more!


Many architectural styles share the same lines and features, with the materials, colors, and details making the difference. These photos are of the same house and show a "Hill Country" update of a formerly Colonial-styled ranch house. The "bones" of the house stayed the same, but by updating the finishes--Austin stone instead of red brick, rustic cedar posts instead of smooth columns, Knotty Alder and iron front door instead of white metal, bronze full-lite windows instead of white divided lite, and a standing seam metal roof replacing the asphalt shingle roof--the result is an amazing home makeover.
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This armoire was custom-made by my cabinet man from a wood called Pecky Cypress. The goal was to create a new piece that looked 100 years old. The interior of the armoire has new smooth maple wood lining it to protect the clothing stored inside. The side units have a stained glass inserts based on an old time window pane.

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Dallas artist Carol Pankratz created this wall design, using the decorative accessory for inspiration. Special custom touches like this can take your room to the next level of design. Read more!