A Bar in SketchUp

I have been trying to find a good drafting program that is affordable.  SketchUp meets all my requirements, but I just couldn't grasp the program itself.  This week, one of my last two weeks before returning to work after maternity leave, I decided to sit down and actually try.  Between bottle feedings, diaper changes, cleaning, and during nap time, I decided to work on something a little smaller than a kitchen, and chose to do a simple bar.

The Rendering (via Renditioner)

This simple bar features Kraftmaid Harrington Maple cabinets in Onyx, with a simple marble counter top and mosaic tile splash.  I am still learning the program, but I was pretty happy with how it turned out.  I explored the 3D Warehouse to find the cabinets, back splash, and accessories.  I drew the glass shelf and counter top on my own, and the crown moulding was a combination of the 3D Warehouse and my own drawing.

The Story Board
Copyright © 2012 Sarah George

All in all, I think that SketchUp is a great tool, it just needs some getting familiar with.  For the whopping price of FREE (!?!?!) the program itself is great.  I am excited with what I was able to do for my first serious attempt, and can't wait to keep going and find more.  Next will be to creating custom finishes and materials, and learn the crown molding better.

Upholstered Headboards

 I have been wanting to make an upholstered headboard, and thought it would be a great idea for a blog post, on how to make one.  But upon researching how to make one, I found a million online tutorials, and decided that there were just too many, why add one more.  I also found an excellent tutorial, that I would never be able to top, so I figured I would share it with some photographs for inspiration.

Do-It-Yourself Simple Tufted Headboard on Centsational Girl  

Her tutorial is complete with photographs and by far one of the best tutorials on the web.  Now that you have the resource to making your own amazing tufted headboard, here are some great inspirational photo's of some headboards you can easily make.  Also, be sure to check out Houzz.com's 13 Designs for Upholstered Headboards.  This article discusses purchasing an upholstered headboard, but it gives some great idea's and inspiration for the D-I-Yer.

Source: Centsationalgirl.com via Pinterest

Via Design Sponge Spaces on Houzz.com

This contemporary Headboard is designed by
Los Angeles Interior Designer Annette English 

One of my favorite designs, by
Dallas Interior Designer Emily Johnston Larkin

This amazingly whimsical headboard was designed by
New York Interior Designer Tara Seawright

This unique design was created by
Richmond Interior Designer Kirsten Nease Designs. 

This traditional design features a fun printed bed upholstery with solid bedding.
This design is by: Pacific Family Homes in Los Angeles. 

Eclectic Modern Elegance

Copyright © 2012 Sarah George

I was browsing through my Sherwin Williams fan deck, and came across a great color, SW 6214 Underseas. This bold color is my inspiration for this mood board.  I have been in love with the Modern Elegant style, and thought this color would be perfect, and this mood board proves to be inspiration for a great space.  The purple and orange floral arrangements by Distinctive Designs International add accent colors that can also be included through artwork, accessories, and more.  Two colors in the Sherwin Williams line would include: SW 6564 Red Clover (A Purple/Red) and SW 6648 Kumquat (A Dark Orange).  

This wallpaper, which greatly shows the color of the pallet, is available by
Graham and Brown, in their Superfresco Delight Collection, $55

The Tess Cocktail Table in Nickel Plate with a Mirrored Top is a great accent piece to the room.
Available by Worlds Away, this table starts at $298.00

This mosaic accent tile can be used in a variety of installations, from walls, to fireplaces, floor accents, and more.
Available by Hakatai, this Mosaic is available on a mesh-backed sheet 

The Brentwood Chandelier by Crystorama Lighting, Starting at $906.00
is a great and elegant way to add lighting to any formal, elegant, or eclectic space. 

These fun chairs, by Paul Tuttle at $6,750.00 for the Pair, are
a great way to add a little bit of Mid Century Modern Flair. 

Great Outdoor Spaces and Must Have Products

With summer in full swing, let's celebrate with great outdoor spaces, and some of the products that are must-haves for entertaining outside.  while of course a bar-b-q is a necessity for any backyard oasis, there are other products that you should know about before planning that big party. From materials to entertainment, cooking to dining, these spaces are exceptional and these products make it happen.

Correct poor growth areas, no more weeds, mud, and no mowing.
A play space, a show place, a quality artificial lawn.
HeavenlyGreens.com

Maintenance is key, some people love getting their hands dirty and love spending time working in their yard. Then there are the people like me, those who want a pristine yard but don't want to spend a minute working to get it that way. One thing that is important to me in my dream back yard, is maintenance free grass.  When I think of my lawn, I want no watering (not only green in color, but environmentally green as well), no mowing, and best of all, no weeds!  Now, while researching for this particular article, I was sceptical to recommend artificial turf because of my dog, and where she goes potty.  Well, I did find Heavenly Greens Artificial Turf, which has built in drainage and a sand infill which provides a playable and functional space for dogs.

Additional Maintenance relieving products include drip systems, and sprinkler systems that relieve watering tasks.  While yes, plants flowers and trees will need to be maintained, including trimming, cutting, and pruning, but at least it isn't a multiple times a week job.

TrueBright TV Outdoor Television 

Entertainment is always a must have. So what does the entertaining include?  Ever families idea of outdoor entertainment is different.  So what does your family want?  A giant TV to enjoy the game while Bar-B-Qing some burgers?  A pool table, or perhaps table tennis and air hockey?  How about a pool in general?  All of this can be done outdoors.  With a growing trend in outdoor entertaining, technology is leading the way.  For example, the television pictured here is 100% waterproof and designed to be outdoors, in the elements of the sun, rain, and so much more.  Now you can watch the game while soaking up the rays in the pool, or cook up some killer steaks during the Super Bowl, without missing a play (or commercial!)  There are also quick and easy ways of making your own big screen to be used with a projector.  Simply a white wall, or a large white sheet can be used for a movie night among the stars.

Other entertaining products for outdoors include a variety of gaming tables, including billiards tables, Foosball tables, table tennis, and air hockey.  You can also get items like dart boards and more.  Each family has their own idea of what is fun and entertaining.  Chances are, what ever you want is made for the outdoors.  Be sure to invest in products that will stand the test of time.

This infinity edge pool and spacious pool side living area's are
what so many of us dream about in our outdoor space.
Design by Austin Architect Cornerstone Architects

This outdoor kitchen is a culinary masterpiece featuring
many outdoor entertaining appliances fit for any party or chef.
Design by Sacramento Architect, Debbie R. Gualco

Appliances are key for any outdoor chef.  A Bar-B-Que isn't the only appliance that can fill your outdoor kitchen.  Refrigerators, pizza ovens, beverage centers, ice makers, warming drawers, and ventilation are only a few of the outdoor appliances that can fill your outdoor kitchen.  While there are many appliance manufacturers, be sure you get appliances specified for outdoor use, even if the appliance will be under an overhang and protected by the elements.  High heat and low freezing temperatures can damage any appliance not intended for outdoor use. Some manufacturers of outdoor appliances include KitchenAid, Viking, DCS Appliances, and many more.


Ambient enhancements also create an enjoyable outdoor living space.  Things like misters, ceiling fans, heaters, and creative lighting. It is suggested to work with a landscape architect or designer to create the best outdoor space for not only your family, but also your climate and even the soil you have in your yard.  Landscape Architects and Designers are great resources when planning outdoor living spaces.

Design by Atlanta Architect Kemp Hall Studio

This contemporary exterior space designed by
Denver Lighting Designer, 186 Lighting Design Group

This Modern Patio features creative lighting and a great entertaining space.
Design by Dallas Landscape Architect, Harold Leidner Landscape Architects

This pool and outdoor living space is great for pool parties and more.
Design by Orange County Landscape Designer, AMS Landscape Design Studios, Inc. 

  

The Man's Cave

Who will deny that typically, the wife is the boss in most households, especially when it comes to the decor and interior design of the spaces throughout the home.  Well, where women are typically the boss in the majority of the home, men are now getting their own space.  A space where sports take the center stage of decor, and the TV's are large.  These spaces are called the Man Caves.  Most men want these spaces in their home, and space permitting, more and more of these spaces are popping up, including basement renovations.  So where would you go for inspiration on these spaces, surely not a dive bar?  No, these spaces are rich with design and features, well beyond that of a bar in a scuzzy neighborhood.  Here is just a collection of some of these great rooms.

This basement design features lovely cabinetry, lighting features
a billiards table, and an entertaining bar space.
Design by Chicago Architect dSPACE Studio Ltd. 

This Swim Through Grotto is a swimming pool version of the man cave.  This
space features waterfalls, a swim up bar, kitchen, patio, and large television
complete with sound system as well as a custom light show.
This amazing design by Oklahoma City Contractors, CAVINESS LANDSCAPE DESIGN, INC. 

This is a Media Room Inspired design
By Detroit Kitchen and Bath Designer, designtechonline.com

This basement design features a large media area, bar, and billiards table.
Design by Washington DC area Contractor, A&A Design Build Remodeling, Inc. 

This Garage-Turned-Diner is a fun take on the man cave

No Man Cave is complete without the Man Bathroom.
This half bath is complete with two sinks, and two urinals.
Design by San Francisco Architect, Winder Gibson Architects

This Trophy Room is a great Man Cave for the hunter in your family.
Design by Interior Designer Heather DeMoras