Tuesday, October 8, 2013

American Houses - BUNGALOW -

The word “bungalow” comes from the Indian word bangla, which, in the 19th century, referred to houses built in the Bengal style. Bangla were thatched roof cottages that had low roofs and porches built around them. A bungalow style home as people know it today was created when British colonial administrators adapted this classic style of Indian architecture to build their summer retreats, organizing all the typical rooms of a house on one floor around a central parlor. The style became popular in Europe as a form of resort lodging and made its way to America in 1879, when William Gibbons Preston designed a two-story version to be built on Monument Beach in Cape Cod.

The American bungalow style home began during the mass migration to California in the early 1900s. Two architects in California — Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene, known collectively as Greene and Greene — created one and a half story homes whose designs became so quickly and hugely popular that it was soon possible to order mass-produced building sets via the mail. The homes were well suited to the California sun and thousands of them were constructed to accommodate the state’s burgeoning population. Such houses have become particularly linked with California; the versions found there are aptly named “California bungalows.”
The architectural golden period for the homes came during their association with the Arts and Crafts movement. Craftsman style bungalows employ a wide range of materials in their interiors and exteriors and place an emphasis on the happy marriage of materials and quality construction. The movement arose in response to the heavily ornate Victorian style and the homes of this variety reflect a more relaxed attitude. Craftsman homes, with their stone hearths and ample porches, are beloved for the impression they give of simple, comfortable homeliness. Homes in this style were particularly popular in Chicago, where several suburbs are known for their rows of them
































































































































































Pictures: Houzz.com, Pinterest.
Article: wisegeek.org

Monday, October 7, 2013

Decorating with Color - BLACK AND WHITE -

A black and white color scheme is a classic. The timeless decor duo is appropriate for any room in your home, from the master bedroom to a bathroom. As an added bonus, a black and white combination is also gender neutral.
































































































































































































Pictures: Houzz.com, Pinterest, Google.













Thursday, October 3, 2013

American Houses - VICTORIAN -

The Victorian style was architecture used during the reign of Queen Victoria in Great Britain (1837-1901). Victorian architecture originated in Europe as a combination of revivals of older styles (such as Gothic and Italianate). The architects tried to revive the old styles, and also incorporate modern needs and attitudes.
Victorian style houses were often built narrow and tall. That way, they could easily be lined up side to side. They had steep roofs, decorations on the outside, and often multicolored walls. Some common characteristics of Victorian architecture are bay windows, stairs to the front door, and cone shaped turrets. It is also common to have horizontal ridges at the roof line and above each window.










































































































































































































































Monday, September 30, 2013

Decorating with Color - RED -

Start small and introduce red through accents, such as a lamp base or pillow. Use it as a background color on a shelf of collectibles you want to showcase.
Let your house guide you. In a cottage, pair red with blue and white for a nautical look, or soften it to a raspberry pink with pastels.
Use dark tones in a traditional setting and chalky reds in a country-style home. Red stimulates the appetite, so use it in the kitchen or dining room to spice up your entertaining. Try its energy in your home office  and watch your productivity soar". Bhg.com

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Source: Houzz.com - Pinterest

Saturday, September 28, 2013

14 Cute and Inviting Fall Front Entrance Ideas

The color change of the leaves of the trees is something that amaze me every year. It's so beautiful and surely that is why tourists come every year just to enjoy it!  For me fall is special because it is the time for family and friends gatherings and to be grateful for all the good things that happen to us!









































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Source: Pinterest Fall Front Entrance

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