A Whole Different Spin on Pot Planting

There have been very few opportunities for even the most avid of gardeners to plant bright red geraniums in an old, gray washing machine tub, so pay attention to this one.

The story begins almost 45 years ago as Bob and Janet Hill, garden neophytes whose possessions included two small children, hefty monthly payments on a Volkswagen Squareback and the address of the local laundromat, received an income tax return for $444.

This itself was a financial miracle since that figure was equal to about two weeks take-home pay. The other miracle was that on the very same day the check arrived Bob and Janet saw an ad in the local newspaper for a washer AND dryer on sale for please lean forward in anticipation here$444.

Yes, of course we did. With free delivery and appropriate hoses. The Washer & Dryer Gods had spoken. We Grateful Listeners were so proud of the purchase we gave our new appliances personal names Max and Edna Hill Whirlpool. The couple served us faithfully and well for a long time and when we finally lost Edna, Bob wrote her obituary in the local paper:

Edna Hill Whirlpool, a model LTA554 washing machine, died in her basement recently after a long illness. She was 15.

Those who knew and loved her were not surprised by the death. Edna had been suffering from loose belts for years and showed increasing signs of spin-cycle failure. She died quietly in her sleep following a load of blue jeans. Survivors include Max Hill Whirlpool, a model LVE570 clothes dryer and Edna’s constant companion for 15 years. Burial will be in the Clark-Floyd County landfill.

Janet Hill who, in truth, spent a lot more time with Edna than Bob added her remembrances to the obit:

In retrospect, I think we all took Edna for granted. Toward the end, when her gears groaned or she would fall off her support blocks and dance around the basement, it was tough on all of us.

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A Whole Different Spin on Pot Planting

Black Framed Glass Walls Separate The Bedroom In This Kiev Apartment

 

MARTINarchitects have recently completed this small 484 square foot (45 sqm) apartment in Kiev, Ukraine, for a client that wanted to use it as a rental apartment. The architects were tasked with creating a contemporary apartment that would be functional, visually attractive, and versatile, as well as suit peoples different tastes and needs.

Stepping into the apartment, you quickly realize that it’s bright and open, with large windows flooding the interior with natural light.

A black brick wall draws your eye to the living area and kitchen. A white floating shelf in the living room doubles as a desk, and the white continues in the kitchen, where white cabinetry provides storage and conceals the refrigerator. A glass backsplash in the kitchen protects the brick and adds to the seamless look.

On the wall opposite the kitchen is the dining area. A deep teal blue accent wall ties in with the front door and storage closet, while the wood furniture adds a natural touch and the black chairs compliment the black brick wall.

Beside the dining area and behind the living room is the bedroom. Black framed glass walls have been used to separate the bedroom from the rest of the apartment.

The deep teal wall from the dining room continues through to the bedroom, and the glass walls allow the light from the windows to travel throughout the apartment. At night, blinds and curtains can be drawn to provide privacy.

In the bathroom, floor-to-ceiling light green tiles add a soft touch of color to the otherwise black, white and wood interior. In the black framed glass enclosed shower, there’s hidden lighting to add a calming glow to the bathroom.

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Black Framed Glass Walls Separate The Bedroom In This Kiev Apartment

6 Ideas for Landscaping With Natural Elements

The last thing any homeowner wants is an ugly lawn standing out like a sore thumb in the front or backyard. It’s rather unfortunate some of the components that complete a home usually end up distorting it. For example, drainage pipes and ditches that divert water from the foundations of a house usually end up making it look unsightly and mar the beauty of the house. Fortunately, meticulous landscaping can conceal or lessen the impact of any drainage ditch or unsightly pipes. The beauty of it all is that you don’t need to spend too much money on enhancing the elegance your home because these could be projects that you personally undertake in your spare time.

The following six landscaping techniques can ensure that you retain all the drainage pipes and ditches which your house needs while having a beautiful lawn all around your property. Beauty and functionality can go hand in hand and make your home into a green haven of joy not only for you and your family but to those visitors who see it as well. And they are so easy to do.

1. Dry Stream Beds

Dry Stream Bed17 Best Ideas About Dry Creek Bed on Pinterest

Dry streambeds when properly handled will add beauty to your lawn while providing a drainage passage for any surplus water. They not only hold the soil in place preventing erosion but also take water away from your garden and turn an otherwise eyesore into a beautiful addition to your surroundings. The dry streambed can be enhanced by ground cover plants that absorb moisture when planted at the edges of the stream, and which create a beautiful connection between your lawn and any graveled surface.

2. French Drains

HD Foundation Repair, French Drain

French Drains are another way of dealing with excess water that would otherwise collect and flood your lawn. It is a handy and resourceful construction which is fairly simple to put together. With the right tools and materials, as well as DIY, know how this is an important drainage contraption that will keep your yard dry and plants healthy.

3. Swales

SUDS Net, Swale

Swales not only drain water away from your lawn, they also bring water to your garden bed, keeping it as moist as you need it to be. You could decide to surround your garden with swales and these will enable rainwater to soak into the ground slowly and eventually be distributed evenly throughout the area. Swales are an excellent way of preventing soil erosion and will also reduce the effort and time required to water your lawn manually.

 

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6 Ideas for Landscaping With Natural Elements

In Praise of the Little Black Sink

 

Though it has gone “in” and “out” of style, the white porcelain or enamel farmhouse sink is really a classic element of kitchen design. Sure, it’s roomy and it really does work with a wide variety of styles. But sometimes, you want something a bit more dramatic in your kitchen.

Right now, it doesn’t get any more dramatic than matte black finishes in the kitchen. Though we’re primarily seeing this type of finish in kitchen appliances, tiles and tabletop accessories, matte black turns a sink into a stunning statement.

This small black sink coordinates with the black cabinetry and appliances in the kitchen from Noe. The contrast also helps make the white counters seem even brighter.

Amber Interior Design uses a black sink in a similar way, echoing the black cabinetry and accessories. Here, the matte finish of the sink also contrasts the polished counters.

See full story on apartmenttherapy.com

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In Praise of the Little Black Sink

Inexpensive & Timeless Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

 

White subway tile backsplashes are elegant, they’re classic, and… they’re everywhere. If you’re a little tired of the look, or you just want something different for your kitchen, look no further than this round-up of seven budget-friendly alternatives to subway tile for your backsplash.

In a new shape, those familiar old ceramic tiles feel surprisingly fresh, like in this kitchen featured by Adore Home. Pair with dark grout to really emphasize the honeycomb pattern.

It may seem strange, in an article about backsplashes, that I’m recommending not having a backsplash at all, but if you use a glossy paint, or one that’s designed to be easy to clean, a painted backsplash can be a viable option for a kitchen that doesn’t see a lot of heavy-duty cooking. Plus it’s a great way to add a little color to your kitchen, like in Stephanie and Bob’s L.A. home.

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Inexpensive & Timeless Kitchen Backsplash Ideas

3 Reasons Why This Trend-Resistant Kitchen Works

If I had to categorize where I fall on the design style spectrum, I’d say somewhere between eclectic collector and modern glam (though I love a little modern farmhouse thrown into the mix for good measure). So to declare that this kitchen located in Valencia, Spain, and owned by interior designer/furniture store owner Adela makes me incredibly happy comes as a bit of a personal surprise.

Maybe it’s the fact that it reminds me a bit of my grandmother’s kitchen in Puerto Rico that I spent nearly every summer of my childhood in, or perhaps it’s all the little practical yet pretty moments it shares. Either way, it’s such a great space, and I’m going to break down three reasons why it works.

The kitchen isn’t usually the first spot you think to put up decorative wall coverings, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be. Even just a hint of pattern, like the vintage-looking floral over Adela’s cabinetry, adds instant charm (and looks like it could have been there for decades…in fact, I’m not entirely sure it hasn’t been!).

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3 Reasons Why This Trend-Resistant Kitchen Works