Atrium

An atrium is an internal courtyard rising vertically through a construction using a glass or open roof. Atriums provide natural light and ventilation whilst producing the visual effects of indoor-outdoor living.

Hufft Projects

Atriums are an effective way to save energy by utilizing daylight.

John Maniscalco Architecture

Like a chimney, atriums take in little air but possess a top outlet, making healthy ventilation.

David Eichler Photography

Most Eichler homes include atriums. Indoor-outdoor living was crucial to Eichler’s goal of contemporary design for the masses. In ancient times the atrium was the most lavishly decorated room in the house.

uttara and adwait

Atriums are usually rectangular and have four walls, but the illusion of this can be made with linear specifics along with a large skylight.

Studio Bergtraun AIA

An atrium can have a garden. With experimentation and research, the proprietor can come across the plant species that will flourish in it.

More: Read hundreds of atrium design photographs

See related

Witch's Hat Roof

A witch’s hat roof is a version of a cone roof. Shaped like its title, it’s a lanky peaked top and flares at the bottom.

Rick Hoge

Start looking for the turret with the witch’s hat roof to the left of the entry and balcony. Placing shingles on a roof like this is extremely labour intensive. Many customized cuts are required if the shingles are to lay flat.

COLECCION ALEXANDRA

This octagonal gazebo has a witch’s hat roof made of curved metal shingles.

Stanford Historical Society

A piled stone turret, complete with a witch’s hat roof along with a weathervane, is the distinctive entry for this home. A metal cap or cupola is required on this type of roof.

See related

Loft Beds Give Rooms a Lift

Getting your bed up in the atmosphere can be space saving and utilitarian, but it could also be fun. There’s something cool and somewhat playful about loft spaces. They feel private and tucked away, even when they are airy and light. And they often have the added benefit of creating an area for sleeping just — no desks, no closets, just a nice big bed and some peace and quiet.

Here are 15 examples of lofts for grown-ups (forget that the bunk beds). Some are modest, space-saving platforms; others are entire bedrooms hanging across the rest of the home. But they all share the exact same dynamic, out-of-the-ordinary feel. They share a sense of fun.

Feldman Architecture, Inc..

This sleeping loft for guests is part of a garage in San Francisco. It overlooks the homeowner’s workplace and a little living room.

Ira Lippke

At a teeny, tiny home, there’s nothing like a loft to make the most of every inch.

Watch the rest of this home

Henry Yorke Mann architect

Another little loft for another little space.

Kia Designs

Lofts don’t have to fling you sky high. This one is just high enough to make good use of space with a built-in dresser and elevate the mattress to a main place.

Lompier Interior Group

Another platform with built-in drawers. Close the simple orange curtain, and also this sleeping system feels like another room.

Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture

If you are going to have stairs leading up to your bed, by all means turn them .

Watch the rest of this home

Butler Armsden Architects

Tucking the sleeping place into a loft is the perfect solution for a small, modern cottage. It keeps the footprint small and also the dwelling cozy.

Susan Teare, Professional Photographer

Another cute cabin loft.

Krannitz Gehl Architects

Everything about this space is designed for optimum efficiency: There’s a built-in desk beneath the stairs and a loft over the hall and the toilet. And check out this ladder — very cool.

FINNE Architects

This is more than a loft mattress. A whole lot more. This entire light-filled bedroom floats above the sitting area below, keeping up a clutter-free sleeping place.

Diego Alejandro Interior Design

This is an actual loft bedroom within an actual loft in Chelsea (Manhattan). It is completely visually private, but its walls are open to the rest of the living room. Everything in white leaves it feel cloudlike.

FABRE/deMARIEN

This very small loft bedroom opens over the tiny kitchen at a converted garage. Its outer walls are cabinets. Looking at the area from below, you would have no idea it was there.

Koch Architects, Inc.. Joanne Koch

A backyard guest cabin. Why just offer them a bed and bath when you’re able to put the bedroom at the rafters and give them a kitchen also?

Stuart Design Studio

A loft doesn’t have to house a mattress. This library in the sky is a gorgeous use of this high ceilings and little floor space.

Because humans aren’t only ones who like a high perch.

See related

Nursery Looks Hang on Mobiles

If you’re trying to put the final touch on your child’s nursery, today’s beautifully designed mobiles in a variety of fashions could please both you and your baby.

The Virginia House

Artisans today are creating beautiful, handmade mobiles that go beyond the typical colorful animal motif. This mobile uses creature shapes in natural tones. Branches and woven orbs enhance the feel and visual interest.

Historical Industries’ Sheep Mobile is another contemporary approach to the creature mobile.

Annalea Hart

This mobile uses a branch for a foundation for the colorful paper cranes hanging gracefully on almost invisible strings. In a legitimate complement to the crib, the colour of the branch brings out the pink at the bedding.

Holly Marder

Who can suppress a laugh when seeing a bassinet accessorized with a hat along with mustaches?

Mr. Moustache Special Edition Mobile in Gold – $36

Following is a closer look at the item, created by German firm Jäll & Tofta.

Consider how your mobile will fit in the bigger picture of your nursery’s decor. This delicate, flowing mobile fits seamlessly with the flying-bird decals in the background, and its orange colour ties in with the room’s color scheme.

Feldman Architecture, Inc..

This butterfly mobile is a gentle accent in this nursery. It appears like falling snowflakes.

Pottery Barn Kids

Pink Paper Butterfly Mobile – $45

Desire a look for your nursery? Try this butterfly mobile from Pottery Barn Kids.

MJ Lanphier

In case you have a fidgety baby, the distraction may be more useful over the changing table. This mobile offers a modern punch.

Lauren Liess Interiors

The right mobile makes a toddlers feel whole — and the baby will love it as well. This distinctive mobile adds the perfect eclectic touch for this pattern-filled space.

See more beautiful and lively mobiles, next:

Amazon

Flensted Mobiles Viking Five Ship Mobile – $59.99

Flensted makes all kinds of pleasure, unexpected mobiles, such as this Viking ship version.

Sugar and Spice Decor

Flensted Mobiles Panda Mobile – $28.50

Here is another simple Flensted mobile with panda bears.

Baby Jives Fabric Bird Mobile – $162

This Baby Jives layout stands outside, although birds are utilized in mobiles.

Artecnica Themis Mobile – $40.70

In case you have a contemporary aesthetic, then the Artecnica Themis mobile by Emmo Home will complete the appearance.

See related

Guest Groups: Dreaming of Spring

All these chilly days are getting long and gray. Including a couple touches of green in your décor may help combat those seasonal blues and usher in character’s freshest season. — Danyelle from Dandee Designs

Anthropologie

Fringed Clematis Shade, Green – $98

Switching an present lampshade for this green fringed style will add colour, texture and a great deal of character.

Anthropologie

Appellation Utensil Jar, Green – $28

I adore the idea of freshening up the most utilitarian items in our houses, like a utensil jar.

Anthropologie

Green Leaves Framed Art – $2,200

Just a little artwork goes a very long way, especially one with such a lovely color scheme.

West Elm

Little Rectangle Lacquer Tray, Sprout – $29

A simple lacquer tray packs a large punch.

Anthropologie

In Clouds Wallpaper – $198

This pretty background looks like clouds but turns into something completely different upon further identification. I adore small bits of surprise in house decoration.

West Elm

Allegra Hicks Printed Harlequin Jute Rug – $39

This carpet would assist freshen up a house with a neutral colour palette.

Crate&Barrel

Bexley Pear Throw – $69.95

When it comes to freshening up a space, nothing is easier than throwing a throw in a fun hue over a chair.

CB2

Hanging Glass Terrarium – $6.95

I adore the idea of adding real plant into a space with these amazing hanging terrariums.

Modern Pillows – $49

Sometimes all you need is a simple stripe.

Crate&Barrel

Ming Green Side Chair – $199

This is the best shade of green to my eye. The lines of this chair also make it a showstopper.

The Land of Nod

Crow’s Feet Rug, Green – $179

Even modern spaces can be elastic with this geometric area rug.

Qing

Ceramic Stool, Green – GBP 130

I’m imagining my favorite magazines placed on the top of this ceramic stool beside a bright window. Sounds perfect, right?

Etsy

Owl Pillow Case Apple Green Owl Silhouette by Classic by Nature – $32

This small owl is so sweet and would look fantastic in a nursery or child’s room.

Etsy

Pale Green Polaroid Photography Neutral Ocean Art Print by Bomobob – $30

Why don’t you bring the outdoors in? This picture will help you do exactly that.

Etsy

Live What You Love Letterpress Print, Yellow by Heartfish Press – $12.50

Positive reinforcements never hurt anyone.

Design Public

Produzione Privata Acquamiki Pendant Lamp, Transparent Green – $590

This translucent pendant lighting is your best find! The shape is lovely and the colour has me green with envy.

Terrain

Bayberry Candle – $20

Adding a pretty candle to some space goes a very long way. They can add colour, play and sweet scents. Throw in excellent packaging, and I can not resist!

Terrain

2012 Purchase Local Towel – $20

This tea towel could be a nice touch in any kitchen.

Amazon

Greendale Home Fashions Toss Pillows, Zig Zag, Village Green – $32.99

I don’t believe the favorite zigzag pattern is going anywhere soon. Pump up the throw pillows on your bed by incorporating this pop of colour.

West Elm

Café Mugs, Lime Green – $4

Why don’t you try substituting your old dull coffee mug with one in a pretty color?

Next: Mix and Match Greens in Design

See related

Guest Groups: Rainy-Day Reading Spaces

When the weather is dreary, be it raining or snowing, the first thing comes to mind is curling up with a good novel. I believe every home should have a particular place to sit, relax and read. Whether you fancy a house library or a reading nook, these 20 items will ensure that your space will feel a little more like your new preferred escape. — Trina from La La Lovely

Anthropologie

Stacked Paperback Wallpaper – $198

If you’ve got a reading nook or corner, I believe this background is beyond fun. It will play up the”library” feel when space is tight.

Etsy

Read by Carmyn Joy Photography – $20

This photograph of a genuine library in Sweden is magnificent. It is going to surely add any drama your small reading corner may lack.

Graham and Green

The Jester Armchair – GBP 895

It’s hard to locate a furniture piece that’s both friendly and formal. This velvet chair would definitely be quite convenient, in both style and comfort, for a library or dining room.

Amazon

Fiddleleaf Fig Tree – $12

Just a small greenery in a dark reading corner always adds an excess touch of life, especially when it’s cold or rainy out. I’ve been needing a Fiddleleaf Fig like this one for quite some time.

Graham and Green

Lighting totally sets the ambiance for a space, and what actually creates a reading room into a library is the best sconce. Mount these straight onto a bookshelf for a small extra drama.

Gift Republic

First Class Bone China Mug – GBP 9.99

After reading, a cup of tea or coffee is obviously in order. I would love to sip milky tea from this bright mug while reading a classic.

Terrain

Burlap Backed Bookcase – $2,998

Aside from books, a library or reading room requires a bookshelf the most. I am in love with this one, as it looks like it just jumped out of an old English manor.

Anthropologie

Embroidered Penguin Classics, Black Beauty – $11.20

Of course you will need your favourite books to fulfill your bookshelves, however you will want to displayfront and centre, a couple books that are equally as pretty on the outside as the words printed inside.

Serena & Lily

Hammered Metal Tray Table – $225

This tiny table would be just right in a library or reading corner. It would be absolutely comfy next to a table or window seat and pleased to maintain your cup of java.

Jayson Home

6-Foot Field Bench – $3,650

This stunning bench could make a window seat in a moment’s time. I believe that it would also be just as happy tucked into a small corner or corner. Curling up on this bench with a book in hand would be pure bliss.

West Elm

Seagrass Basket, Oversized – $129

Baskets are excellent catchalls for publications, books and papers. This basket will work good in both conventional and contemporary reading rooms.

West Elm

Alphabet Candles – $10

Reading by candlelight — what could be more relaxing? I love the design and quirk these candles would add to a home library. Their letters set well with the books.

Utility Canvas

Printed Throw Blanket – $145

Getting lost in a book on a snowy or rainy day asks a blanket. This blanket would do just fine. It’s neither overly stuffy nor overly casual.

Etsy

Brass Coated Shell Bookends by Vintage Lancaster – $18

Bookends are like the icing on the cake so far as books are concerned. I love these metal seashells. They are shiny and take my thoughts adrift to sunny days.

Anthropologie

Twin Beacons Lamp – $798

A reading lamp is a must for a house library, reading corner or even just a chair in quiet corner. I adore the style of the twin lamp; it’s double the fun.

Jayson Home

Vintage Oushak Rug – $2,095

This classic rug are the very best thing to produce a rather ordinary room into a house library. The dark colours are so rich and the routine is perfection.

Etsy

Vintage Brass Bamboo Tray from Vandrey Industries – $26

A menu which sits on your bench or shelf and holds your cup of tea or coffee is a must. This gold bamboo tray is so interesting.

RedinFred

Sage Decorative Pillow – $117

This routine would add just the ideal amount of interest to a reading chair or bench.

Traditional Armchairs & Accent Chairs – GBP 950

Leather chairs are almost a must in a house library. I believe the worn feel of the chair, particularly, fits the bill. I’ll take two, please.

Nursery Works

Tree Bookcase – $850

This is 1 way to think beyond the box when it comes to saving your books. If you are likely to make a reading nook, why not make it inviting for small ones while also incorporating some interest for adult eyes? I would love to have these bookshelves for my children.

Next: Get Ideas for Cozy Library Spaces
Great books for your home library or reading nook

See related

Ecofriendly Kitchen: Healthier Kitchen Cabinets

Ecofriendly cabinets aren’t just for tree huggers. Anyone wanting to boost their home’s indoor air quality or reduce the toxins that they and their families are exposed to must pay careful attention to the makeup of their kitchen cabinets. Here are a few handsome eco-friendly cabinet options, together with explanations of what makes them healthier.

Red Pepper Cabinetry & Design

Formaldehyde-free options. Cabinets, and especially their inside boxes, are usually constructed of particleboard, fiberboard or plywood — all of which are often made with added urea formaldehyde binders or glues, which release fumes.

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. A recent U.S. Congress bill demands that formadehyde emissions in those substrates be decreased to safer levels by 2013. Until then, err on the safe side with formaldehyde-free and low-VOC options, including FSC-certified plywood, bamboo plywood and agrifiber planks, which make smart utilization of agricultural by-products, an annually renewable resource. Formaldehyde-free cabinets can be trendy, as this kitchen shows.

ZeroEnergy Design

No- and low-VOC finishes. Volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) are chemical fumes emitted from some materials. For improved indoor air quality, pick finishes labeled “no-VOC” or “low-VOC.” Water-based products — with naturally fewer VOCs — are best for a secure and durable cabinet finish.

The standard of water-based endings has improved recently as the demand for safer options has increased. For extra confidence of product security, you are able to seek certifications from Green Seal or even GreenGuard — two industry-independent organizations that give their seal of approval for construction products with reduced chemical emissions.

This airy and light-filled kitchen used no- and low-VOC finishes as part of a whole-house system to sustainability.

SB Architects

FSC-certified timber. Creating a sustainable timber choice is often as easy as seeking certification by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which implies, in part, that timber products come from responsibly harvested woods. This fashionable San Francisco kitchen utilizes FSC-certified cabinet boxes.

microhouse

Salvaged timber. The most sustainable option, salvaged wood delivers richness and character with its history. Look for timber with a story that you will delight in sharing with its admirers. This bright kitchen has been equipped with lockable Douglas fir cabinets built onsite.

West Architecture Studio

Wood veneer. Veneer, only a thin piece of wood adhered to a substrate, gives the feel and look of wood without using an excessive amount of precious wood. The wenge veneer on the kitchen’s cabinets proves that veneer can be equally luxe as strong wood.

FINNE Architects

Renewable timber: bamboo. Granite is a rapidly renewable resource, and it’s naturally stronger and harder than most other hardwoods. In this kitchen, Plyboo, an FSC-certified bamboo product, is set at a darker wood framework for an exotic look.

Melaragno Design Company, LLC

Renewable timber: Lyptus. These cabinets are constructed of Lyptus, a relatively new engineered product from a hybrid eucalyptus species grown on Brazilian plantations. Lyptus touts the beneficial traits of timber and reaches maturity in only 15 years, a quarter of the period needed for average hardwoods. The look is very similar to that of cherry or mahogany, with a fine grain.

Amoroso Design

Durability. Durability is an essential element of eco friendly cabinets. Choose well-built cabinets with strong hardware which can hold up to years of operation, exposure to heat from the range and steam from the dishwasher. When making decisions, do this with the expectation that your kitchen is going to be set up for decades.

Tell us What is your preferred eco friendly cupboard material?

More:
Ecofriendly Materials: Kitchen Countertops
Nontoxic Paint 101

See related

Renovation Detail: The Built-In Corkboard

We have started purchasing the stuff. And by go time, I suggest our renovation’s point in which I request my carpenter husband to create the customizations from my wish list. The built-in corkboard.

I’m a saver: snail mail, paint chips, movie tickets, blue ribbons, fabric swatches. And rather than loading my loft using shoeboxes filled with these sentimental trinkets, I’d rather snare up them to appreciate and display them. The corkboard is the best solution.

By integrating cork into the nooks and crannies of your home, you make a personal museum. On cabinet doors, above desks built-in corkboards tell the story of our own lives. Where in your home can you tell yours?

Shane D. Inman

The wall above your desk is the perfect spot for pinning inspirational photos or reminders up. They key is to custom match the cork to the space.

Gaspar’s Structure

They are sometimes equipped to keep the report screen tradition, while paneled refrigerator doors are not magnetic.

Dayka Robinson Designs

Vibrant white decorative molding and nailhead detailing frame a boudoir-appropriate corkboard.

Fletcher Rhodes

Corkboards are particularly appropriate in children’s spaces, where display is called for by a never-ending cycle of artwork that is imaginative.

Carlyn And Company Interiors + Design

Framed with decorative molding and mounted above a twin bed, fabric and cork create the headboard of the dreams of every girl.

Farinelli Construction, Inc..

As a designer, I’m excited about a habit built-in for pinning samples and swatches which correspond with all the projects I’m currently cooking up corkboard.

Craftsman Design and Renovation

Install cork on the front of your cabinet doors, and you have ample room on what would happen to be an unused surface, for pinning.

Emerick Architects

Use cork.

REFINED LLC

Create a big, built-in corkboard by covering an entire expanse of wall using cork and framing it with decorative moldings.

More:
13 Inspiring Ways to Style Your Own Inspiration Board

See related