making home inspirations achievable
If you find fascination, beauty, or enjoyment in the creative experiences of design, especially as it relates to things, people, and places found in the greater Lehigh Valley region, then check out exploreDesign on Facebook. Hosted by the Lehigh Valley DESIGN guide, this unique site highlights design-inspired wonders that will catch your attention and provide added enjoyment to living in the Valley.
Take a look and be inspired today!
facebook.com/exploreDesign
Lehigh Valley designer Jill Jarrett, of Jarret Designs LLC, was announced the winner of the Inspire My Kitchen Design Contest, professional category, sponsored by innovative range hood manufacturer Zephyr. Helping beautifully transform an eclectic farm home outside Quakertown, Jill’s project beat out several other stunning nationwide entries incorporating Zephyr’s design forward kitchen products. Here’s a link to project highlights and photographs. PHOTOGRAPHS
Jarret Designs
www.JarrettDesignLLC.com
Ever wonder what the Spring Home Show at Stabler is like? Beginning Friday evening, videos highlighting some of the exhibits from the show floor will be available for viewing online. Just a sprinkling of videos on Friday, with a full selection on Saturday.
Take a peek, and then consider attending for the complete experience.
Here’s the link: Spring Home Show at Stabler
If over the years you’ve outgrown your initial Chiminea and the little outdoor space that you called home every evening during the summer, then maybe you’re ready for an upgrade. Here’s an option that is sure to enhance your fireside chats as well as draw in a few added guests. Longer burns, more leg room, and you’ll be the envy of your chiminea neighbors.
And hey, you can pass along all those little twigs for them to burn.
Home Professional:
Merkle’s Landscape
Allentown, PA
610.360-5968
While some might not find the dreamy aesthetics of this project coming from the heart, the owners of this home certainly find it in their wallets and in their monthly energy bills. With energy costs on a seemly upward climb, it’s alternative energy projects like these that are gaining added attention and interest.
Home Professional:
Renu Building & Energy Solutions
Orefield, PA
610.391.0100
The 2012 SOTA Designer Showhouse & Gardens will be held April 28-May 20, at a beautiful Victorian farmhouse on picturesque Three Chimneys Farm near Coopersburg, PA. Refurbished by 22 local interior designers and landscapers, you can tour the house and gardens, shop in the boutique, and enjoy lunch catered by Sagra Catering in the café. Don’t miss it!
For information call 610-432-4333, ext. 145, or visit our Facebook page.
Okay, we could say a lot here, pointing out the glass doors across the front that slide completely open, or how relaxing you could be with some Bailey’s Irish Cream in hand, but not today. Let’s just sit back and quietly take it all in.
Sitting back…
Home Professional:
Silver Creek Construction
Center Valley, PA
610.838.1170
With energy costs and efficiency a top-of-mind priority on many peoples minds, one avenue of consideration is zone heating. While typically this involves electronic control of thermostats and dampers, there are creative alternatives.
Here, a stone fireplace with gas insert provides not only direct heat to the most active space in a home [the kitchen], but also adds a visually distinctive interior design element. Other decorative heating options include utilizing free standing fireplaces and stoves, placed strategically within a home to maximize efficiency. This route also offers options on fuel choices and refueling requirements.
Serving both function and form, decorative zone heating can be your answer to both efficiency and beauty. Talk with your building or fireplace professional to learn more.
Home Professional:
Curtis E. Schneck, Inc.
Schnecksville, PA
610.767.5018
Aiming for a fresh and distinctive look to your kitchen makeover? Then consider alternative options and materials, like this white cabinetry. Today, there are countless choices to traditional wood stained cabinetry, giving you colors and finishes that can match or compliment other colors and materials.
And don’t stop with the cabinets. Alternative flooring materials such as Bamboo, as well as nonstandard countertop and faucet choices can help you define and shape your personal style.
Home Professional:
Brader’s Woodcraft, Inc.
5440 Route 145
Laurys Station, PA
610.262.3452
Sometimes you just need to consider alternative options to turn a home detail, improvement, or repair into an eye catching enhancement. Often the best and most pleasing discoveries are found in the smallest of ideas. Here, what could of easily been an everyday, traditional wooden stairway, really shines and looks up-to-date with the installation of metal balusters.
So when your home calls, or begs for attention, take a mental walk down your alternative options aisle. You may end up wondering why you did not think of it sooner.
Home Professional:
Ruhmel Contracting, Inc.
9905 Old Route 22
Breinigsville, PA
610.366.0910
Guided by innovations in green technology and changes in lifestyle values, a growing interest in smaller, more efficient new construction floor plans is now the norm.
Designed as a single floor at 1,600 sf., these homes from Anthony Construction/Anthony Builders provide all the amenities of those earlier larger square foot homes by utilizing vaulted ceilings, columns, and arches throughout the design. Expandability is kept in mind, allowing numerous options to enlarge the floor plan as living needs change. Immediately available for on-your-lot construction. Model: Sacramento
Home Professional:
Anthony Builders / Anthony Construction
434 Clearfield Street
Freemansburg PA 18017
610.865.9314
reThink is a refreshing consumer event that “rethinks” elements of design throughout the home in a fun, thought provoking, participative, and discussion worthy experience. Attendees will see and find inspiration in ideas, products, and applications that stimulate fresh perspectives and thinking on design in and around the home.
Ideal for those who appreciate all levels of design or are seeking alternatives to everyday choices. Featured reThink inspirations include:
• Unbounded Designs in Furniture
• Outdoor Social & Experiential Design
• Design Sensations in Remodeling
• Home Media: So Much | Made Simple
• Textures in Exotic Wood
• Multimedia: A Day Made of Glass
• Activity: Design Warm up
• The Classic/Modern Window
When: Friday, April 29, 5:00-9:30 PM, Saturday, April 30, 9:00 AM -4:00 PM
Where: The Banana Factory | Crayola Gallery | Bethlehem, PA
Tickets: Available at the door. $3 & $5 admission.
