Saving space up for cloths

Shape up three problem zones

1. The Linen Closet                                                                                                                                It can go from orderly to out of sorts fast

• Start at the top. Put out-of-season covers out of sight on the top shelf. But don't stash them in their original plastic packaging--it prevents the fabric from "breathing" and can lead to mildew. Just fold, or cinch in a cotton or mesh draw string laundry bag to keep them tidy without trapping moisture.
• Straighten out the shelves. Try clip-on shelf dividers, to keep stacks from toppling; bins to hold overflow toiletries or toilet paper; and adhesive labels for shelf edges. To make linen piles even less jumble-prone, here's how to fold: Towel linen fold into thirds because they fit better in the closet and look nicer when put out. Organize by set rather than by type, so they'll be grab-and-go. (Place washcloths flat on top or folded in a bin to the side so they won't get lost). Sheets Place the flat and fitted ones, folded, inside the pillowcases to save space. TO keep set's sizes straight, color-code the tags with a permanent-marker dot and group accordingly as they come out of the wash.
2. The Broom Closet                                                                                                                       A.k.a " the junk closet," it could use more method, less madness
• Tame long-handled mop-sand brooms. Use a holder, or hang them between the pegs in a peg rack. Another idea: Re-purpose a tall, narrow hamper or trash can
• Corral cleaning Products. Use a milk crate, a storage cube, or an empty bucket and a caddy nest together for storage.
• Don't loose your tools. Put hammers ad the like in an inexpensive toolbox, or use shoe boxes or a plastic bins. Clear containers can hold spare lightbulbs, extension cords, so you can more easily spot what you've got.
• Leave the vacuum for last. Be sure to allow enough space for it, but wheel it in the area at the end for easier access.
3. The Coat Closet                                                                                                                            Storage is often lacking, and weather-wet items can't just be stuck back in
• Change how you hang. For space savings and less hanger slippage, try slim-yet-sturdy flocked.
• Don't waste door space. Install a shoe rack, screw-on model on the door to hold wet, muddy pairs. Over- door hooks handle hats, scarves, guests' coats. The rule: Make your most-used items easy to get.

What to Purge

• Towels and Sheets. On laundry day, take a hard look at what's left in the linen closet. Then reused it as rags or press cloths, stash in the car for padding cargo or cleaning spills, or donate to an animal shelter for use as pet bedding
• Housewares. Consider whether space hogs (the ironing board) should really be in the broom closet. Combustibles(like propane) or potential noxious-gas emitters (like paints or solvents) shouldn't even be in the house. As you use tools and cleaners, donate or properly dispose of superfluous multiples.
• Coats. Two coats per person stay in the entryway closet. All other should go to respective bedrooms or the "overflow" closet (usually the guest rooms) or be donated.

Credits:How to Organize Closets- How to free Up Closet Space-Good Housekeeping

Organizing Tips for your Dresser Tops

Dresser Tops


There are certain items best suited for the top of the dresses. Cosmetics may be essential if you do your makeup in a mirror over the dresser. An heirloom jewelry box is lovely displayed on the dresser, and provides a place for your accessories. Whatever is on top of the dresser should be self-contained. Jewelry should be kept in a jewelry box. Cosmetics should be placed on a decorative tray or i a box or cosmetics bag to prevent them from migrating. Every dresser top should have some sort of valet and a change keeper.












Credits: Andrew Mccaul-Good Housekeeping

Organizing Tips for your Drawer

Drawers

All the clothes you keep in the dresser should be neatly grouped by type. With some of your clothing, this is easy: It's a simple matter to fold men's underwear and place it in rows. Women's undergarments are a little more of an organizational challenge, and should be kept to one section of the drawer using a divider, a box, or a see through bag. If much of what you want to store is loose goods, turn to a drawer inserts. Specialized inserts are available for everything from earnings and necklaces to rolled ties and folded handkerchiefs. You can also mixed and match independent plastic or wood compartments. Some plastic or wood compartment

Credits: How to Get Organized - Ways to Organized Your Home - Good Housekeeping

Do it yourself-"ROCK YOUR SPACE"

Tips to make your room more uniquely you

·         Cover the basics

o   Think of what you want your room to look like then develop a theme. Make sure you do something that represents who you are.

o   Change your wall color. Try fun stencils, patterns or stripes, Have fun with it by trying unconventional prints like paisley, retro, plaid or polka dots. When using a bold print, balance it out with something more neutral.

o   Divide your room into nooks where you can study, talk on the phone, write in your journal, and relax separately. Your room is your sanctuary, so make sure there’s a corner for every activity.

·         Keep it organized

o   Organized your closet and take out unnecessary junk. Fix the stuff inside those drawers and under your bed. Organize your accessories, bags, and shoes. Stuff your books and school materials neatly on the shelves.

o   Storage boxes and organizing kits come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Find those that suit your room’s theme and label them to make it easier to find stuff you need

·         Jazz it up with accessories

o   Look for a cozy or romantic light by visiting hardware stores with unique lighting pieces. You’ll need mood lighting for when you want to relax. Want to try something retro? Lava lamps definitely add attitude.

o   Stay away from the usual floral and pastel-colored bed sheets by choosing bolder patterns and colors that best fit your personality.

o   Decorate your bed’s headboard. Try covering it with new fabric or painting it with a bold color. You can even add jewels or accessories.

o   Grab those vases in your house that aren’t being used and fill them with colorful beads, stones, or shells.

o   Visit Club Princess at Bonifacio High Street for more fab room finds.

·         Make a statement

o   Find a photo or poster that best defines you. Frame it and hang it up to add instant oomph to your room!

o   Digicam photos of your friends and family aren’t reserved for Multiply or your iphoto. Have the best ones printed and framed. Find a special place to display them.

CREDITS: pearl ganzon and pia dedace-candy magazine(may 2008)

                

Your OUTDOOR SPACE made perfect this 2012

Make your house looks lively, exciting and inviting from the outside so that every person attention who will pass by from your house will not stop looking and admiring to have their house just like yours or have at least your outdoor space comfortable ad refreshing when you have much visitor to accommodate inside your house.

 

 

Building a deck or a patio allows homeowners to take advantage of outdoor space. Decks are able to be as elaborate of simple as the homes they're attached to. They provide deck room for outdoor gatherings, casual seating, fire pits or even outdoor kitchens. Taking advantage of this space is a growing trend in 2012. Landscaping is all about low maintenance lawns, plats, and flowers. Planting greenery that requires less water will save time and money, and has a better impact on the environment. Gardens that support wild life are also important in 2012. 

Credits: Erie Constructions 

Living Rooms and Bedrooms trends of 2012

Hardwood, bamboo, reclaimed wood floors are on trend in 2012. These surfaces are easily cleaned and maintained. Bamboo flooring is highly sustainable, and has the looks of brand new hardwood. Homeowners looking for something more unique should opt for reclaimed wood floors. These floors are recycled form dismantled buildings and like bamboo floors, are a better choice for the environment. For 2012 any hard flooring option is a solid choice. 

Eco-friendly and nature inspired materials are going to be popular choices for homeowners in 2012. Natural wood finishes on tables, dressers and furniture will be reminiscent of the outdoors. Colors that reflect nature, sky blues, forest green and neutrals are on trend. Take it a step further and use low VOC paints and stains

living room

one of bathroom design trend for 2012

bedroom

Credits: Erie Construction

TRENDING KITCHEN DESIGN in 2012

Bored and tired of your old kitchen design which is dull and dark?, well, better change your house and look for your designer to change your kitchen into a more energetic and change your kitchen ambiance into an inviting place where you and other would love to stay and lively in cooking your favorite and daily menu. They also say that kitchen is a perfect place where one person will also be describe. So choose any of these trending designs for your kitchen and start loving it.

Sleek, shiny, stainless steel appliances are still on trend for 2012. However, aesthetics have little to do with it. Stainless is practical in the kitchen. Because it is nonporous, germs and bacteria can be wiped away easily. Easy maintenance stainless is a great option for homeowners looking to update their kitchen appliances. Considering energy efficient appliances is also a factor as more homeowners are looking to do their part by going green. 

Opening up the kitchen space and integrating it with the living room i s becoming more and more popular. Homeowners want a space that is functional and inviting. Creating a modern great room by opening the space between the two allows easy and relaxed entertaining.

Island bars in the kitchen are a common trend. Islands create additional prep and cooking space. They also serve as a gathering space. Bar stools transform the island into casual dining or socializing space, all while keeping an open floor plan.

Credits: Erie Construction

2009 Designer's Choice

Michael's Table by Alli Tayar/Parallel Design, Finalist.

The 2009 National Design Awards showcase industry innovations

The event featured public education programs, panel discussions and workshops. It also publicized National Design Week, which will take place in New York’s Cooper-Hewitt Museum from October 18 to 24, when the museum will launch an exhibit featuring National Design Award winners from the past 10 years. Titled “Design USA: Contemporary Innovation,” it will be on view through April 4, 2010. Flatware Collections by Boym Partners, Winner. JEFFREY CROSS; DAVIES + STARR  4th--OXO Good Grips by Smart Design, Finalist. SMART DESIGN; LIZ DESCHENES

School of Architecture, Princeton University by Architecture Research Office, Finalist.

PAUL WARCHOL; 

2011 Winners of GALA Awards

Brambleton Town Center, winner of the Award of Merit for Community of the Year.

The 2011 GALA Awards

An annual competition recognizes the best in home design and community planning in Maryland, DC and Virginia  had been nominated for the annual Great American Living (GALA) Awards. Sponsored by the Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association (MNCBIA), the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA) and the Washington Metropolitan Sales & Marketing Council (WMSMC), the GALA Awards—formerly Monument Awards—honor excellence in new home architecture, interior design, sales and marketing in the region.

Five of the award winners---------------------------------------------------------------

The Award of Merit, Home of the Year, Attached, went to Pierrepont at Brownstones of Brambleton

The Indigo Model at Brambleton, which was named Winner in the Home of the Year, Attached, category

.

A rendering of North Bethesda Market, which won the Award of Merit for Community of the Year.

Channcellor's Row, which was named Winner in the Community of the Year Category

Wedderburn Estates won Home of the Year, Detached.

Go WHITE and CLASSIC with your HOME

Lori Graham integrated the tub and shower for efficient use of available space

Graham reconfigured the bath, creating a modern yet welcoming space with a luxurious tub and glass-enclosed shower, generous windows and a separate water closet. “An exposed toilet,” she says, “is a cardinal sin in a master suite.”

---------------------------------------

Integrating the tub and shower not only makes efficient use of available space, but the “wet room” approach allows the homeowners to bathe their young children “without splattering water in every direction,” says the designer, principal of Lori Graham Design. Amenities include a rain shower, a standard shower and a handheld showerhead in the tub that also reaches the shower. 

Soft colors create a relaxing vibe, from the Waterworks honed limestone tiles on the walls to the French Blue stone floors from Ann Sacks. A custom vanity in high-gloss pewter is topped with a thick poured-concrete surface. A mirrored wall behind the vanity makes the space feel larger.

“The backsplash, the seamless look of the tile and the natural light,” says Graham, “all create glam in a simple, understated way.”

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Credits: Home and Design Magazine, BATH DESIGN: LORI GRAHAM,  Lori Graham Design, Washington, DC.

Experience Venice in the Philippines

Venice.Who wouldn't want to go to the one of the romantic place in the world. While drifting slowly with a boat through their grand canal in the middle of the city with a romantic song of the gondolier and contemplate the charming cafes across the water.Be serenaded by your gondolier as he steers beneath the Rialto Bridge . :) But why do we have to go far away and be 2times costly just to visit the place, if there was already Venice on the Philippines. The very own Venice, with The Venice Condominium at McKinley Hill. Although it might also expensive to live in this kind of place, I think it is worth it because even though I haven't been there in person I already feel like if I would be there in that place I would feel like I'm really in Venice.

Map to The Venice Conduminium

The Venice, Man-made Canal

Top view of The Venice

FENG SHUI TIPS for your HOUSE this 2012

What is a missing piece of your house ?
This has to do with the shape of your house.

Ideal shapes of houses are rectangle or square shapes in feng shui. But most of houses and apartments are made with some missing corner, when looking at it based on feng shui arrangement shape. 

L-shape floor plan

If you are living in a house which has rectangle or square shape, there are no missing pieces in your house.

But a dark place, dirty place, or place having bad smell are not good feng shui for health at all.

If you have difficulty finding out your health problem even after going to see your doctor, and you have been having the same health problem, it’s good to recheck your house’s missing pieces and bad feng shui for health.

* Missing piece in East corner of your house ( or room ), may affect the following, 

Liver , throat, legs, especially for oldest son. 
*Missing piece in Southeast corner of your house ( or room ), 
Stomach problem, nervous disease ,neuralgia, chronic fatigue, especially for oldest daughter.

* Missing piece in South corner of your house ( or room ),
Eyes, blood, heart, ears, breast, especially for second daughter.


* Missing piece in Southwest corner of your house ( or room ),
Digestive organs, stomach, the spleen, the abdomen, especially for mother.

* Missing piece in West corner of your house ( or room ),
Lung, the respiratory organs, teeth, the chest, especially for the third daughter.

* Missing piece in Northwest corner of your house ( or room ), 
Head, face, neck, bone, lung, especially for father. 

* Missing piece in North corner of your house ( or room), Sexual organs, the bladder, the kidneys, the urethra, especially for second son.

* Missing piece in Northeast corner of your house ( or room ),
Lower back, a joint, arthritis, nose, especially for third son. 

In the missing piece of your house or your room, good to place or display plant, crystal, mirror in the corner of the missing piece area to cover the bad feng shui.
In the dark place, good to display sunshine painting or photo image in the area. 

Posted by miho

North American Style Cottage

 

I am a fan of shows that featured different houses designs and architecture siply because I am dreaming that I was one of the person behind those beautiful houses. I just dreamt of being an architecture and one of the shows that I love watching before was rhe show of Sharlene Gonzales "At Home Ka Dito" in ABS-CBN and now that it was gone the other show was Urban Zone although I haven't watch it always.

By Urban Zone Updated over a year ago ·which was taken at Tagaytay Midlands

North American style "cottage" with white picket fence. But inside, it's all about modernity.

By Tuason Designs.

Hand made Miniature-Architecture Student's Perspective

My cousin with his classmate made this cute miniature which was

"Bay East Condo Hotel miniature"

The Very Own Nipa Hut

The Nipa hut was the history of all houses here in our country.

•The nipa hut also known as bahay kubo, is an indigenous house used in the Philippines. The native house has traditionally been constructed with bamboo tied together and covered with a thatched roof using nipa/anahaw leaves.

•Nipa huts were the native houses of the indigenous people of the Philippines before the Spaniards arrived. They are still used today, especially in rural areas. Different architectural designs are present among the different ethnolinguistic groups in the country, although all of them conform to being stilt houses, similar to those found in neighboring countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and other countries of Southeast Asia.

•A nipa hut is an icon of Philippine culture as it represents the Filipino value of bayanihan, which refers to a spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective.

A nipa hut iis made up of Nipa is a type of palm that grows low  to the ground. It has been used  traditionally as the roof of the huts for some time.

The Nipa hut is considered as the national house of the Philippines. It is, as the name implies, a hut, raised a few feet above the ground and constructed out of bamboo tied together, with a thatched roof using dried grass.

It was once the original houses of the Philippines before the Spanish arrived and is still used as a domicile today. , especially in rural areas. The advantage of this sort of architecture is that it provides basic shelter from the most available and inexpensive of materials, and works well as protection against the average wind or rainfall, aside from providing good ventilation. However, the downside to these houses is that they are not stable enought to withstand the gale-force winds during the typhoons that ravage the country every year. The nipa hut is considered as a cozy and pleasurable place to relax and is widely used up to the present. One reason why most of the foreigners who stay here in the Philippines prefer nipa huts as their rooms because they are not expensive and are easy to maintain. These huts are iconic symbols of what a house is in the country, the countryside, and as a part of the most recoognized symbol of the concept of bayanihan. The usage of the nipa hut as a device to refer to bayanihan stems from the fact that moving the hut on two large poles requires a lot of people, includung the neighbors, thus demonstrating the spirit of bayanihan.
Qouted from:Wilkipedia

The White House in Miniature

White House in Miniature was placed at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

The White House has long served not only as the United States of America's president’s home but also as the most enduring symbol of its nation’s capital and of American democracy itself.  Every year, over one million visitors to Washington, DC, tour this stately mansion, marveling at the history contained within its walls and the grandeur displayed in every room.  Yet while the White House remains one of the country’s most popular tourist spots, most Americans will never have the opportunity to visit and experience the thrill of history in the making. 

 

John and Jan Zweifel’s White House replica, hailed by presidents, first ladies, and the general public as a masterpiece in the art of miniature, has brilliantly overcome this dilemma by allowing millions of people a privileged peek into the rooms and grounds of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.  The model is a faithful recreation of the White House in a one-foot-to-one-inch scale – an amazing replica that shows the viewer much more of the White House than most people will ever be able to see in any other manner.  

Using photographs, published drawings, and memories from frequent public tours, John Zweifel and his family have labored since 1962 to ensure that their replica is an exact miniaturized copy of the original, and the result is truly a wonder to behold.  From the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden to the Lincoln Bedroom to the Oval Office, the White House in Miniature impresses the viewer on two levels:  once for the beauty of the White House itself and again for the richness of detail that the Zweifels have so faithfully and lovingly captured.  Tiny, working televisions, hand-carved chairs and tables, crystal chandeliers, portraits exactly like those that grace the White House’s walls, and miniature carpets that reproduce the originals stitch by stitch – every detail exhibits a craftsmanship of exceptional quality, as well as a reverential recognition of the White House’s unique charm and all that the White House represents.

Considered to be one of the world’s greatest miniature houses, the Zweifels’ gift to the nation is the result of several hundred thousand hours of research and construction, at a personal investment of over a million dollars.  Thousands of volunteers and craftspeople gave enthusiastically of their time and effort to help make John Zweifel’s vision a reality.  After touring all fifty states, where it was seen by over 42 million Americans, the replica was exhibited in 1992 and 1993 at the Smithsonian Institution and the Kennedy and Reagan libraries.  The Zweifels’ long and triumphant quest to bring the White House “to the people” will never really end.  There are always rooms to change, details to perfect, and more people to expose to the magical creation that is the White House in Miniature.

Photos by Kathleen Culbert-Aguilar, and caption information from the book by Gail Buckland, The White House in Miniature (W.W.Norton & Co., 1994).

http://www.ford.utexas.edu/museum/exhibits/wh_miniature/main.html

...As I can remember this miniature white house in USA was once featured in the shows Ripley's Believe it or not....