Veranda’s The House of Windsor

If you are in the Los Angeles area or plan to be there in the next couple weeks, don’t miss a tour through Veranda's design showcase, The House of Windsor. Spearheaded by the very talented Windsor Smith, the house was designed inside and out with the demands of the modern family in mind, while being luxuriously beautiful.

Ten LA-based interior designers were selected to be on the elite roster which included  Candace Barnes, Richard Shapiro, Peter Dunham, Tara Shaw, Richard Hallberg, and the fabulous Million Dollar Decorators, Kathryn Ireland and Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. Martyn’s black and gray game room with kelly green accents is below. Love his daring use of the wallpaper!

And of course, Windsor Smith took a lead role in designing the home. The fabulous kitchen is her design and has a delightful mix of old and new. I just love the open shelving and stunning white marble farm sink.

“We call it a concept house, but it’s really more than that. It’s an intersection of heartfelt ideas and sophisticated execution, with results that are at once soulful, stylish and enlightening.” says Dara Caponigro, Veranda’s Editor-in-Chief.

It’s for a great cause too - all proceeds from The House of Windsor will benefit the Children’s Action Network and P.S. ARTS. Don't delay! Tours run now through July, 17, 2011.

{hmm, I’m thinking of a way to sneak down there! Are you with me?}

*all photos and images via Veranda Magazine

Capital Home & Garden Show!

Next weekend is the bi-annual Capital Home & Garden Show.  Get ready for spring projects by visiting the show at the Dulles Chantilly Expo Center.  The show runs from Thursday February 25th to Sunday February 28th.  You can view the show hours and an exhibitor list at www.capitalhomeshow.com.  Signature WoodCrafters will be exhibiting two booths this year - one in the North Hall, Booth #2709 and one in the South Hall, Booth #1148.  We look forward to meeting and seeing people there!

By the way if anyone wants a free ticket to the show, please contact us at info(@)signaturewoodcrafters.com with your name and we will put your ticket on will call!

What Can I do to my Kitchen for $1000?

Want to make an improvement to your home? Try starting with the kitchen.  Any upgrade made to your kitchen increases the overall value of your home (just try Googling "Kitchen Upgrades Add Value to Home" and see all articles that pop up!).  While upgrading your cabinetry adds the most value, not everyone has $10,000 for new, good quality cabinetry.  So what can you do with a fraction of that amount?  Check out some of these ideas, courtesy of Shine From Yahoo!, on how to update this room inexpensively:


1. Small Change
Instead of everything but the kitchen sink, how about just the kitchen sink? Replacing a dated faucet does wonders for overall style.

2. Surface Value
The whole kitchen will get a lift if you fit the island with a new marble or granite top. It’s far less expensive than refurbishing all the countertops, but adds a very high-end element to the kitchen.

3. Less Is More
Tiling an entire wall or backsplash can be a dollar-draining proposition. Instead, create a fancy medallion with clearance tiles that will pop on the existing wall color.

4. Soft Touch
Cover kitchen windows with basic cafe curtains instead of pricier blinds or layered treatments. A flounce or a valance up top and a half-curtain hung at the middle of the window frame is just enough for a kitchen.

5. Lighten Up
Adding new fixtures above an island or counter not only adds style, it improves lighting over key prep areas. Don’t be afraid to mix and match; just keep pieces unified with one consistent element, like a color or finish.

6. Quick Contemporary
Fake a modern makeover in three steps: Strip down old window treatments and leave windows bare, paint walls and woodwork a fresh trendy hue, and ditch stained wood barstools for plastic or metal seating.

7. Splash of Color
Try a focal wall painted in an unexpected hue to add a modern touch for under $20—you’ll only need a quart of paint! No-cost idea: Ask friends or neighbors if you can dip into their stashes of leftovers from their recent projects.

8. Bits & Pieces
Add color and texture with high-impact accessories. A new table runner, fruit bowl or set of countertop storage canisters can be an instant, low-commitment update.