.the latest in LEED: the platinum home.

arlington, virginia is the home of the first certified LEED platinum home designed by kaplan thompson architects. located in the heart of the city, and within walking distance of public transportation, schools, and shopping, this 3 bedroom house, built by metro green, is the perfect mesh of contemporary design and sustainability.  the space incorporates reclaimed wood flooring, fsc certified decking, xeriscaping, a green roof, solar panels (soon to be installed), geothermal hvac, low voc paints and finishes, and a rain water collection system just to name a few of the great features. as a LEED certified designer, i think this is a very exciting time for future home builders! take a look and follow the links to learn more!


xo

      

.what a gem.

it may be strange for some to hear.. but a powder room just might be my favorite room in the whole house.  it's the little hidden treasure of the home... the gem.  it's a room that should have its own character, and a place to have fun and splurge.  go for the glass tiled wall, or the crystal fixtures.. a snazzy sink, or maybe a gilded toilet if you like that kind of thing.. if anything, at least incorporate a bold color or a tone on tone pattern.  you could even go the opposite route and create a minimalist or industrial look.  whatever the style, make it your own.. make it a room you can walk into and smile. :)


p.s. don't forget the ceiling!


xo

           

 

    

.dream backyards.

the nicer the weather gets, the more i think about spending time outdoors with my friends and family.. cool summer nights hanging out under the stars, laying out by the pool, cookouts, parties, small get-togethers with a few drinks on the back porch..  outdoor spaces are a great way to expand your living space, especially if you don't have the sq. footage indoors. they also give you the opportunity to have fun and go wild with colors, textures, and lighting if you're too nervous to explore your creativity indoors.. and don't forget the plants! keep in mind not only what you see, but what you hear and smell as well.. all of these elements will come together to create your very own dream backyard. 


i'll admit, i'm so excited to design my first house with my future hubby, but i'm most excited about having great people over to enjoy the backyard. i've been saving just as many outdoor images that i think are beautiful as indoor images.. here are just a few from my files to get you thinking about your own backyards :)  


xo 

                

.logo design.

i think one of a kind logo designs can be one of the hardest to create.  i found these the other day and thought they were pretty neat.  so simple and clean.. but witty and memorable.  if i only knew who made them.. any thoughts?


xo

     

.bountiful bookshelves.

i have this great open-back wooden bookshelf my mom bought for me back in the day...  it folds flat, which is awesome when it comes time for moving.  unfortunately, its been leaning a bit to the right lately because of the heavy crap i've been storing on it for years! i'm still looking for a new one.. i just can't find one cool enough for its replacement..


anyway.. i found some pretty neat bookshelves in my search and some great built-ins as well!  a little inspiration for my future home..


enjoy!


xo