In last month’s excerpt of the Introduction to Linda Applewhite's Architectural Interiors: Transforming Your Home with Decorative Structural Elements, Linda told the story of finding her little house on a street called Clorinda, and of beginning the home’s transformation from tract house to treasured home. The following except is from Chapter One.

 

Book Excerpt 2: Chapter One - "Openings of All Kinds"

At the time I remodeled Clorinda, I had owned my design business for four years but had worked primarily with the furnishing of interiors and not with the actual structure of homes. The remodel of Clorinda introduced me to the creative opportunities that open to you when you can actually change a home’s structure and, yes, the power in that as well—true interior design. The ability to pitch ceilings, knock down walls, and cut openings for windows and doors was thrilling, and I was hooked.

 

In my first professional construction project, I learned that as soon as a building plan is completed and approved, one of the first decisions to make is what type of windows and doors to use. This is due to the long lead time required to manufacture them. A home’s openings are among its most significant architectural “bones” and will dictate the tone and feeling of a structure. Little affects a structure’s presence and feel like the quality and style of its openings. The style of the windows, doors, and even skylights should echo the style of the house.

 

The style you choose for your windows and doors deserves considerable time, research, and deliberation. Remember, good design repeats itself. If you are remodeling and your home has some original windows or doors that are attractive and complement your home’s architecture, simply order windows that match them. Don’t be talked into a more modern and cheaper style of window by your contractor. The right windows are worth the investment in terms of functionality and resale value.

 

Openings in your walls and ceilings can expand and light up your living space, help your home work with rather than against the weather, connect you to nature and fresh air, and enhance your architectural statement. Finding the right windows, doors and skylights and placing them appropriately is one way to incorporate great bones or architectural character into your home.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Waters run deep outside this

contemporary yet traditional window

overlooking boats and a bay. The presence

and placement of the horizontal band keep

the window from being too contemporary and create a pane sized for opening, yet

don’t interfere with the view. The window’s

rich mahogany detail complements

the elegant old world furnishings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patrick Jackson, of JDA Architects & Planners

in Portland, Oregon, designed the wonderful

arched skylight over a hallway in this

contemporary home. We bathed the walls

and floors in warm, earthy colors to reflect

the light and produce a radiant glow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This relatively small dining room, dominated by the large table and chairs, is expanded and amplified by the opening to the sea. Doors swing open to a deck that extends the space, beckoning guests outdoors.

 

 

Patterns on Pillows in the Paper

The San Francisco Chronicle recently interviewed Linda for an article by Jerry Gagnon on the role patterns play in interior design. The article, which will feature a photo of Linda’s exquisite new pillows, will appear in the Home and Garden Section of the Chronicle in late December or early January. Look for it in print or at sfgate.com.

 

Linda’s Designs in Wine Spectator

The November 30 issue of the Wine Spectator Taste page spotlights the cozy Napa Valley Cottages Linda designed last year. You can see the article on our website, and find details and more photos about the Cottages at www.napacottages.com.

 

One-Stop Holiday Decorating

If you are stressed out about how to bring the season into your home and get it ready for holiday entertaining, Linda has a solution for you. One visit to our website’s store can provide you with all the Appleglow candles you will need to add warmth and sparkle to every corner of your house. Most of our customers buy a few extra to have on hand for hostess gifts or give to teachers. Then, visit our pillows page, and select the perfect finishing touch for a sofa, chair, bench or other furniture. To choose just the right pillow, start by visualizing the room the pillow will be placed in. Pick out one or more colors that are represented in a small way in a fabric or accessory, then select a pillow that contains shades of that color. Our pillows were designed with beautiful colors and textures, and add just the right touch of whimsy, elegance or sophistication to your home or the home of anyone on your gift list. Check out the store and see which of these exquisite hand made creations would work for you!

Individually or in a set of five, Appleglow candles make an impressive and thoughtful gift, and can be delivered with a card to the address of your choice. To order, visit our online store.

An eclectic mix of pillows in holiday colors brightens

a corner bench beside the hearth.

 

 

HGTV Dates for December

Sensible Chic 

Rustic and Colorful Living Room #607 December 13, 1:30 PM ET/PT

Contemporary Country Bedroom #505 December 14, 1:30 PM ET/PT

(Check HGTV.com's website for additional dates as they are added throughout the month. Just search for "Applewhite.")

 

HGTV.com has also included 14 photos of Linda's indoor and outdoor designs in their Designers' Portfolio

Happy Holidays, love and blessings to all!

Linda and the LA&A team.