One of the biggest benefits of the design blog world is exposure to thousands of inspirational images from homes all over the world. Reading design blogs has certainly expanded my knowledge of designers and the principles of design, and has had an undeniable influence on how I would like my own home to look.
Last year, on January 1st, I posted my Virtual Home 2008, as a way to capture my current taste in architecture and design. I resolved to create this post every January in order help document how my taste has changed over the year. My first post for the New Year is my Virtual Home 2009.
The entryway:
I love well defined entryways that enable a nice welcoming scene, and I have dozens of pictures of entryways in my computer files. This is a picture from the entry to one of my favorite stores in Atlanta, Mrs. Howard.The living room:
Two views of the same room (styled a bit differently) - William Hefner Architect
This room is currently one of my favorite living room pictures on file. My own living room is mostly used for piano practice and Christmas, so it does not have to be very large (but it needs to be big enough for a grand piano). I would like for my living room to have two doors so it flows a well (I don't like rooms that are dead ends). This living room looks like it has a small door between the bookshelves.
The dining room:
Perhaps it is the influence of living in the South, but I love having a formal dining room despite the fact that I only use it a few times a year. My dining room must be a decent size due to the fact that I have an enormous dining room table (120" without leaves). I picked this image because the table and chairs are similar to mine, and the designer made them look a little less stodgy by using patterned slipcovers. I also like the crystal chandelier, silk curtains, and sconces.The kitchen:
Without exception, every kitchen in my image file has white or cream cabinets and lots of light streaming in through the windows. I particularly admire this beautiful kitchen by Lindy Weaver.
Breakfast room:
This is a new category this year, but I came across these two rooms (one in person, one on a blog) and I had to include them. I love the idea of a breakfast room that is surrounded with windows and French doors. (Top image:Atlanta Christmas showhouse, design by Liz Williams Interiors; bottom image, Frank Babb Randolph)
The master bedroom:
This was a very easy pick. The image is from an Atlanta real estate listing from 2008 (the house has since been taken off the market due to the weak real estate conditions), and I love everything about it: the color scheme, the bed, the pillows, the contemporary art, the chandelier.
Master bathroom:
This is the only room that remains the same as last year. Perhaps I like this picture so much because the layout and color scheme is very similar to my current bathroom, which I remodeled a few years ago to my exact specifications. Guest room:
This guest room, designed by My home office:
This is definitely my favorite image of a home office, by Lindy Weaver. Given that the kitchen is the nerve center of my home, it seems appropriate to have a nice work area there.
But, I also like this idea, from an old real estate listing in Atlanta. To the right of the stove is an office nook - close to the kitchen, yet separate too. Much easier for hiding the office clutter!
So, that is my virtual home, circa 1/09. Stylistically, it is not too different from the virtual home 2008, although it might be a little more on the traditional side than last year. Upon closer inspection, the color scheme is even more neutral than last year. I clearly like tall ceilings, light filled interiors, neutral/light color scheme. The big change in my style is my preference for the exterior of the house. Last year it was classic Georgian. My choice for 2009? Coming soon.
Please visit Quatrefoil Design for more inspirational images.
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