Cooling Off with Ceiling Fans

The ceiling fan has come a long way over the years, seeming to go from blah to WOW (thankfully so)!  There are many beautiful styles available, along with the possibility for customization, you too can be sitting under a fabulous fan feeling the breeze as it heats up for the summer.

Image via Houzz    Shelter Island beach house by Wettling Architects

 When the right one is chosen, it can add dimension & style to a room just as a fabulous piece of art or interesting accessory can.  Truth be told besides the simplicity and sexiness of this ceiling fan (shown above), I am also flipping out over how gorgeous this home is (not far from where I grew up).

Image via Houzz   Emerald Coast Real Estate Photography

In large spaces, having more than one provides double the pleasure. Not only can they help with cooling costs in the summer, they can look cool too!

 Interior by Amy Morris Image by Atlanta Homes as seen on Savor Home Blog

With many manufacturers offering an array of styles, sizes, multiple blade options, finishes and much more, this allows for designing and customizing one to be perfect for whichever space you choose.

 Image Via Houzz The Beach House by Anderson Studio Architecture & Design 

 Image Via Houzz The Beach House by Anderson Studio Architecture & Design 

Stylish even in a relaxing bedroom (doesn't hurt to have that incredible view)!

Image Via Houzz  Paradise at the Pier HOUZZ by Stofft Cooney Architects

In more contemporary rooms, the ceiling fan can blend into it's surroundings in having it be similar to the ceiling color and possessing a sleek design helps minimize it's presence.

Image Via Houzz  Paradise at the Pier HOUZZ by Stofft Cooney Architects

 Not only do they provide function they also help lower heating & cooling costs all year round when in the proper setting.

 

Image source

In the Summer have the fan go in a counter clock-wise (forward) direction to provide a wind chill effect helping the room feel cooler. 

In the Winter have the fan run at a low speed in a clock-wise (reverse) direction to help with drawing cooler air from below blowing it upwards as the warmer air will be pushed down.

Have you been swayed into believing that ceiling fans really can be stylish?
Let me know what you think.

xo




Laura

Tuesday Tip: Gardening & Attracting Hummingbirds

In keeping with the beautiful time of year, let's continue to have many reasons to get outside…
admiring the impressive Hummingbird.

Ruby Throated Hummingbird  Male

Some interior designers love to use their gift they have for designing interiors in the same way for outdoors too by creating gorgeous gardens.  By layering textures, colors and adding depth/scale in using these similar techniques applied indoors, a garden can possess an attraction for homeowners in the say way and be a space to enjoy for many years to come…and if done right, grabbing the eye of hummingbirds too!

Hummingbird in the Garden Photo: Jim White 

Besides providing a natural way to feed them (feeder), they feed by sight on routes that they regular follow.

Hummingbird feeder

Why not consider ways in which to attract them to you?  Hummingbirds are inquisitive by nature, so providing them with a possible new food source, you maybe lucky enough to have them linger longer in your yard.

 

Male Ruby Throated Hummingbird

photo by Terry Sohl

Because they are also very visual creatures (most birds do not have a sense of smell), consider creating a hummingbird habitat that provides an abundance of nectar/food that they will visually be attracted to.

Images from Pinterest  storyboard created using PSE

Plants, Trees & Shrubs  

 (just a few suggestions): 

Azaleas

Butterfly Bush 

Cape Honeysuckle

Flowering Quince 

Lantana

Morning Glory

Columbine

Coral Bells 

Foxglove 

Hosta

Trumpet Creeper

Fuchsia

Impatiens 

Petunia 

Salvia 

Additional Features  Hummingbirds Will Enjoy

Water (ideally mist, fountain) 

Gazing Ball (blue or red) 

Perches (small to grasp onto in an open area to keep an eye out) 

  I couldn't help but share a few stylish Hummingbird Feeders nice enough perhaps even for the pickiest  peeps (designer approved) that may want to add a little pizazz to their gardens while having an additional feeding source for the hummingbirds.

Images/sources found on Pinterest

Note:  Ruby-throated Hummingbirds found in the Eastern part of the US, are very territorial and tend to defend their flowers and feeders.  So, you may want to consider putting up several feeders out of sight from each other.

Feeders in North America should be put up early enough as the hummingbirds are in their migratory pattern (timing will vary greatly depending on where you are located, can be as early as January in Florida).

Hummingbird Food Recipe (re-fresh every 3-4 days)

1 Part Sugar

4 Parts Water 

Boil water 1-2 minutes, add sugar till dissolved. 

Cool & Store in Refrigerator 

Sometimes seeing something void of color can be just as beautiful. 

A rare site to behold: an Albino Hummingbird.  Photo by Kevin Shank 

Time to get busy!  Don't forget to let us know how your new garden turns out. 

Friday Furniture Find: Outdoor Time with Kingsley Bate

It's here already, Spring has arrived.  I am not sure how it happened so quickly, but, it's here now and it's the absolute perfect time to go outside and enjoy all the beautiful surroundings.

Outdoor spaces are an extension of your interiors, they should feel like a continuous flow from one to the other.  Enticing you…drawing you outdoors.  Just like this stunning covered patio area does.

Stocker Hoesterey Montengro Architects & Designers   Image from Houzz

From enjoying a delicious prepared (grilled of course) meal sitting in a stylish comfortable chair in the dining area (pool is a nice added bonus/treat too).

by Kingsley Bates

To fabulous sitting areas on a stunning patio for conversation.  Enjoyed by both the warmth of friends and a fire.

Joel Kelly Designs   Image from Houzz

To a relaxing space for a little solitude with a great book and a glass of wine.  Imagine yourself…here.  Can you do it?

Elegant outdoor furniture. Known for their exceptional teak by Kingsley Bates

 
Outdoor furniture is key to designing the exterior living space to create that continuous flow from the interior space.  How do you envision yourself enjoying your outdoor space?

Happy Spring!
Now go throw open those doors and get out there!