Master Bedroom Fireplace Options

Below are five options for a master bedroom fireplace. All fireplaces shown will have a gas fireplace using either a gas unit or gas logs insert with remote control. All options will have a TV mounted above the fireplace. The fireplace wall is across from where the bed is located.

Option 1

 This Option has a southwest look with stucco, wood mantel, and terracotta tile. This option uses a gas log insert. This is what the client originally wanted. Below is the inspiration photo.

Option 2

Option 2  is a European look with Calcutta stone mantel and surround. This option uses log inserts like option 1. This look is more French or Italian.  Below is the photo of the mantel and surround.

Picture from www.oldworldstoneworks.com

Option 3

Option 3 is a classical look with wood surround, mantel, paneling with trim, and tile. This option uses log inserts like options 1 and 2.  This provides a more formal look to the room. Below are two inspiration photos.

Pitcher from www.houzz.com

Picture from mariamillerhanson.typepad.com

Option 4

Option 4 is a modern look and can vary with the use of tile or stone. This option uses a gas fireplace unit. Below are two inspiration photos. This is similar to what the client’s great room fireplace looks like with the stone.

Pitcher from www.houzz.com

Pitcher from www.houzz.com

Option 5

Option 5 is a rustic modern look, with the wood mantel and hand painted tile surrounding the firebox. This option uses a gas fireplace unit.  The client is now leaning towards this option. Below is the inspiration photo.

 Picture from delightbydesign.blogspot.com

As you can see from the above drawings the design of the fireplaces changes the style of the room from Southwest to formal and in between. When choosing a fireplace style keep in mind the style of the house and other rooms. 

Powder Room Options

Below is four wall finish options for one powder room.

Option 1

Tile Band

To break up the walls in this powder we continued the back splash around the room. The top and bottom of the mosaic tile has a chair rail trim. In this option you can have two paint colors one on the top and one on the bottom, or you can use the tile as your accent color and have the same paint color above and below. This option can have a wood or tile base board.

Option 2

Tile wainscot with accent band

This  option has the tile band around the room with the chair rail trim on the top and bottom of the
band of mosaic tile, but has a subway tile below, with a tile base.  Subway tiles can be 3x6 and 4x8. This option is a very classical look.

Option 3

Tile Wainscot

This option has the mosaic tile around the room with chair rail on top and a tile base board. Depending on the mosaic tile this option is more of a modern look.

Option 4

Wood Wainscot

This option has a tile backsplash at the vanity area and wood paneling and/or molding on the surrounding walls with a wood base board. This is option is a very classical look.

Home Office

Home offices
can be permanent, semi-permanent, or freestanding furniture.

Permanent
offices are cabinets or mill work built into a space and secured to the walls or
floors. Usually this type of office utilizes cabinets that are either custom
built or stock kitchen cabinets that may be altered.

 Picture
from www.homedit.com

The
above photo is an example of built-in cabinets in a L-shaped arrangement. It
has upper and lower storage along with leg room. It also has open and closed
storage with accent and task lighting, granite counter top and glass mosaic
back splash.

Picture from
www.houzz.com

Semi-permanent
may have hanging shelves and counter top that are attached to the wall.

Picture from
www.houzz.com

Picture from www.shelterness.com

Free
standing furniture can be moved and rearranged as needs or space changes. Parts
can be added or taken away to suit varying tasks.

Picture from www.potterybarn.com

The above
photo is a module desk system.

 Picture from
www.ballarddesigns.com

The above
photo shows a T-shaped desk containing (2) two drawer filing cabinets, (2)
hutches, a bookcase, a double sided deep desk return.

Home Offices
can be integrated into the kitchen area, mud/laundry, guest room, den,
basement, family room area, etc.

Office/Desk
area in a kitchen

Picture from
www.mydesignchic.com

The above photo
has a desk area that has  two box drawers,
a file unit, and keyboard tray under the work surface area. A fabric covered
bulletin board and closed upper storage complete the office unit next to
kitchen storage. The below photo has filling storage, bulletin board and closed
and open upper storage.

Picture from
www.thingsthatinspire.net

Office/Desk area in Mud/laundry room - with mail
storage 

Picture from www.homebunch.com

Guest room/
Office - Using day beds and Murphy beds helps consolidate space and lets the
room have two functions: guest room when you need the extra bedroom and office
most of the time.

Picture from www.houzz.com

Picture from www.houzz.com

Den -
Usually den’s have built-in bookcases or credenzas on one wall and a desk
42" to 48" away from the built-in bookcases.

Picture from
www.postcardfromparis.com

Family room
-  This room has area for computer/laptop
and studying for the kids along with storage for printers and supplies. 

Picture from
www.theprojectgirl.com

Picture from
http://houseandhome.com

Desk areas
can be set up in strait, L-shaded, U-shaped, etc.

Straight

Picture from
www.houzz.com

U-shaped -
leaving at least 42" for turnaround chair space.

Picture from
www.bhg.com

Picture from
www.houzz.com

(Two person U-shaped
office using cabinet built-ins)

Picture from
www.houzz.com

(Three person
U-shaped office)

Storage

Keyboard
storage, printer hideaway drawer, filing cabinet, pencil notepad drawer and
PC  tower storage.

Picture from
www.houzz.com

Printer
drawer storage.

Picture from www.pbjstories.com

Window seat
Filing cabinet drawers

Picture from
http://storagecom.tumblr.com

Picture from
www.houzz.com

Twin Bed day
bed with filling drawers below for office storage. Great for that multifunction
room of guest room and office.

Picture from
www.bhg.com

Supply
storage - Add a magnetic strip under the upper storage to have jars hang from
to house paper clips, rubber bands, etc. for easy access.

Picture from
www.bhg.com

Standard
measurements to keep in mind.

picture from www.thisoldhouse.com

Kitchen Backplash

Kitchen Backsplash Tile layouts - A couple years ago I wrote about finishes you can use for your backsplash.  A kitchen backsplash adds detail, character and individuality to your kitchen. Below are some common sizes and patterns for kitchen backsplashes. 

2x7 Staggered -  Brick, Stone or Tile 

(Picture from http://www.bhg.com)

 3x6 Straight Layered

(Picture from http://www.subwaytileoutlet.com)

3x6 Staggered - Subway Style

(Picture from https://homes.yahoo.com)

(Pictures from http://www.mrshowardpersonalshopper.com/)

3x6 or 4x8 Herringbone

4x4, 6x6, or 8x8 Straight

(Picture from http://www.homebunch.com)

(Picture from  http://www.houzz.com)

4x4, 6x6, or 8x8 Diagonal

(Picture from http://ceramictec.com)

3x6 or 4x8 Staggered and 6x6 Straight Lay (usually a patterned tile)

3x6 Staggered with Picture Frame Trim and 3x6 Herringbone

(Picture from http://oakridgerevival.blogspot.com/)

4x8 Offset and Picture Frame Trim with Mesh and 4x4 on Diagonal 

(Picture from http://creativetilesc.com)

3x6 Staggered with Picture Frame Trim and 4x4 on Diagonals

(Picture from http://www.houzz.com)