Haus and Home

May 6, 2011

Home Alone

I remember going to the movies with my parents to see Home Alone when I was younger and still love the movies today. How could you not adore the house and neighborhood of the McAllister's House? For the low (?) price of $2.4 million, this piece of movie history could be yours. The Coldwell Banker listing agent even created a website for this house: www.HomeAloneHome.com.

This 1920s-era Georgian property includes 14 rooms, 4,250 square feet, is located in the Chicago suburb Winnetka, Illinois, which is around 30 miles from Chicago. Winnetka was named number 4 on CNN Money's list of America's "top earning cities" and "one of the best places to live". Not only was Home Alone filmed in Winnetka, but Oceans 12, Breakfast Club, National Lampoons Vacation, Sixteen Candles, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Planes, Trains & Automobiles, and Uncle Buck.

Check out the movie stills below and the current style of the house, which are dramatically different. Since the movie was filmed in 1990, it does make sense that the house has been updated since then.

Film Still

Current Style

Film Still

Current Style

Film Still

Current Style

Kevin's Battle Plans

Home's Floor Plans

Would you like to live in a house that is this famous?

May 5, 2011

Hacienda Style

Happy Cinco De Mayo! I wanted to feature some amazing Mexican design, and architecture which showcases some amazing styles and color! Karen Witynski Carr and Joe P. Carr of Hacienda Style features everything you need for an amazing Hacienda from Mexican Antiques, old doors, iron lighting and they have published around 8 coffee table inspiration books each of which I picked my favorite picture below from each. Sip on a margarita and enjoy these inspirations!

Amazing Mexican antique door

I love the colors and intricate details on this tile, and not to mention the bold hood from Casa Yucatán Book

Love the green interiors against the outdoor beauty from Hacienda Style Book

Such a beautiful cactus in the courtyard Hacienda Courtyards Book

Beautiful antique crosses from Mexican Detail Book

I loved the arches throughout the doorways Casa Adobe Book

Adobe Details Book

Now this is where you would find me with a margarita reading The New Hacienda Book

Mexican Country Book

Colonial Style Bench

Antique "Tamalero" Pots-once used to steam tamales

One of the many antique doors for sell

May 3, 2011

Dreamy Laundry Rooms

The first interiors pictures I ever started saving were based on some laundry rooms that I found amazing and thought I could use as a reference one day when designing mine (so a few of these pictures don't have a source). Now, I do not enjoy laundry like some people, but maybe a dreamy laundry room, would make it easier, and if not just easier on the eyes. So what makes a great laundry room? Based upon these pictures, a room designated for laundry, multiple washers/dryers, great cabinetry for storage, nice counter tops with plenty of space, a sink, and decorative elements. Which one is your favorite, or what would your dreamy laundry room include?

I love the light floors, table in the middle to fold, crafts, etc. I love the decorative elements with the apothecary jars, rosemary topiary and the cabinets.

The wood floors with green cabinets look nice. I have a feeling the refrigerator is a back-up, which I would love. The lighting in here is great as well. I wonder what's through the door, vacuum/mop storage?

Harrison Design

This laundry room is another favorite of mine with luxury finishes. Marble countertops and table, subway tile walls, and great porcelain sink. This looks so clean.

Smaller laundry room space

This could be a retreat for some. J. Hirsch Interiors

Modern style laundry room. Amy D Morris

I always fold laundry in front of the TV, so why not just have a TV in your laundry room?

HGTV

This is aesthetically pleasing on the eyes. Don't you just want to do laundry and make floral arrangements? HGTV

Fresh flowers and colorful runner in the laundry room will cheer up your day.

Brighten up your laundry room with this Amy Butler ironing board cover from City Chic Country Mouse on Etsy.

You know you are supposed to air dry delicates, but yet its so easy to toss them in the dryer. Not anymore with this nifty hanging drying rack from Ballards Designs.

Ruffled laundry bag that looks good enough to hang in closet or door from Layla Grace.

Organize your laundry room shelves with matching baskets that can be labeled and clip with a clothes pick. Check out Home Goods or World Market for discount baskets.

Swahili style Laundry Hamper

For great gift items, specialty cleaners, laundry accessories and lots of great laundry tips check out The Laundress.

Various sized glass canisters from Container Store can store powder detergent, dryer sheets/balls, or starfish as decoration (or cookies, haha) in your laundry room.

And 2 of my favorite things to make laundry easier: Shout Wipes (always a must for little mishaps when I travel and in the office) and Shout Color Catcher (because yes sometimes I mix darks and whites).

May 2, 2011

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Pierre-Joseph Redoute, a 19th century botanist and painter was given access to the gardens of Versailles by Marie-Antoinette to pursue his passion for flowers and has illustrated many botanical books. Other inspiring botanical artists include Basilius Besler, James Bateman, Abbe Laurent Berlese, Priscilla Susan Bury, Robert Furber, and Clara Maria Pope. Many of these books and prints can be found online, at antique stores or shows, I know Scott's Antique show in Atlanta has a few vendors. Check out some of the framed floral prints below and a few floral fabric inspirations.