DEMYSTIFYING DESIGN

Here's an amazing metal scalloped awning with tiny tassels that I spotted in the heart of West Hollywood, California. So simple, and yet so chic. I would have added light fixtures with more impact and maybe potted tree ferns on either side of the front door, but that's just me, n'est-ce pas? And I would have painted the front door emerald green with black detailing.

Gang:

Happy weekend! I am down in Tampa, Florida to visit my family, and, ooh-la-la, the weather couldn’t been more awful. Of course, it’s my luck that I drive down to sunny Florida in the middle of Tropical Storm Debby. So much for being outside, for hitting the beach… Of course, I hightailed to to fabulous St. Petersburg, FL yesterday despite the atrocious weather to do some antiquing on Central Avenue, but I was drenched after carrying my sundry purchases back to the trusty Subaru.

But enough about my weather-driven woes.

What’s on my design-minded mind today, you ask?

Well, two things.

First off, I am so tired of the whole polished nickel hardware phase that we all went through a few years back. I am talking about polished nickel pulls on kitchen cabinets, for instance. I have removed anything polished nickel in my life and replaced it with oil-rubbed bronze, my new default. Oil-rubbed bronze goes with absolutely everything, and I love its dark and moody hue.

Second on my list? Awnings! I am just crazy for a good awning: An awning can add so much impact to a facade that lacks verve. Think bright colors, stripes, scalloping, whimsical struts… Have fun with your awnings… Make a statement, and take your home from ho-hum to home run.

Here are a few images of awnings to inspire you.

Here are the green-and-white awnings at our Madcap Cottage in upstate New York. I took this shot before I gave the awnings their annual scrub: They are now looking extra fresh and fabulous. We ordered these awnings from the Special Order department at our local Lowe's.

Check out these jaunty awnings in London's Notting Hill neighborhood. I love a bold stripe. Life is so short, so why not make a big impact...

Tags: Awnings, Front Door, Jason Oliver Nixon, John Loecke, Madcap Cottage, Paint, Weekend warrior

This entry was posted on Sunday, June 24th, 2012 at 8:37 am and is filed under Before and After, Color, Curb appeal, Demystifying Design, Design, Design Guru, DIY, Gardens, Interior Design, Landscaping, New York Interior Designer, Paint, Paint a front door, Tastemaker, Tips for Design Small Spaces, Weekend warrior. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.