Friday, July 27, 2018

Use Art as an Anchor

Use Art as an Anchor Online lifestyle editor Briana and her boyfriend Buzz, a cell developer, intended for your bedroom in their Brooklyn attic to have an airy, calm, Palm Springs-inspired feeling. Nevertheless the expansive wall behind their mattress seemed impossible to fill and they knew small pieces would just make the room feel cluttered or jammed. By opting for one big piece of art hung right above the bed, they discovered their sleeping place was instantly anchored. The key to using art successfully in small spaces is to opt for large, over-scaled pieces. Art pieces like this instantly add a graphic focal point and offer one source of color to inspire accessories and paint which customize the room.



Bedroom Before Determined to make the most of their little area, Briana and Buzz searched an efficient space and light strategy for their bedroom. To keep the surface of the nightstands clear for novels and regular things, the couple needed a way to light the bedside place without taking up precious tabletop space. Additionally, they had a solution for creating a temporary worktop surface for their notebooks, one that would allow them to work from bed and to store their laptops on a surface rather than setting them down on the ground.



Plug It In To add ample light to their sleeping area, Briana and Buzz opted for wall-mounted, plug-in sconces that don't require permanent difficult wiring. Simply by screwing the attachment to the wall, then plugging the cord into a nearby outlet, the look of custom, permanent lighting is reached without long-term commitment or the steep cost of hiring an electrician. Another benefit of wall-mounted sconces is that dining room is freed up, allowing surfaces to be utilized for different purposes.



Table It Whether working late on web-based projects or watching DVDs, Briana and Buzz desired space for their laptops in their bedroom. To include instant workspace without creating clutter, the couple added a C-table into both sides of the bed that keeps their laptops perfectly within reach. The bottom of the table has a C-shaped frame that tucks beneath the bed, keeping it firmly supported and from the way.



Sneaky Storage Briana and Buzz keep their notebooks inside the C-table, which has a top that lifts up to reveal concealed storage. The table doubles as a small serving surface for breakfast and beverages in bed.



Floating Photo as a Focal Point To provide the illusion of space to their 10-by-11-foot bedroom, Briana and Buzz stuck using a light, airy color scheme and picked pieces with sufficient visual weight to anchor the room. An initial, framed piece of photography provided a powerful focal point and tiny bursts of orange were used as accents.



Hanging Out The inspiration bit for Briana and the bedroom of Buzz was a original photograph Buzz took in Palm Springs of a palm tree. With no clear wall space as a focal point, the couple decided to suspend the photo before the window. The art was installed with heavy-gauge picture wire attached by an L-bracket into the drywall above the window.



Workspace Before Before establishing a good space plan to create a workspace for Buzz, plus offer extra space for visitors to sleep on air mattresses, the region was littered by big storage items such as boxes, shelves and bicycles.



A Multi-Purpose Workspace Briana and Buzz like to utilize the 8-by-10-foot upstairs landing in their attic primarily as Buzz's workspace; however, it needs to allow room for guests to sleep on the ground with air mattresses. By maintaining the distance utilitarian and mobile, Buzz can operate in a clutter-free space that can readily be altered up to accommodate up to three overnight guests at one time.



Wallpaper for Renters Briana had always desired graphic, 1970s-era wallpaper somewhere in the loft; however, hanging permanent wallpaper at a rental seemed impractical. After searching online, she found temporary background called Tempaper that adheres to walls like a massive sticker or decal. Once one roster is in place, the next is lined up so the repeating pattern matches upward, developing a constant look throughout the space. Although the area is tight on space, the pattern on the wall takes the attention off its lack of square footage.



Keep Clutter Tucked Away Buzz possessed his classic desk before going into the attic. It is equipped with a concealed shelf that slides out from beneath the background and holds things which may otherwise produce the desk feel cluttered. By simply sliding back the shelf under, things such as keyboards, envelopes, passports and cell phones are kept tucked away while remaining easily accessible.



Roll With It In order for the upstairs area of Briana and Buzz's attic to function as a temporary place for guests along with some full-time workspace for Buzz, it was significant that each piece of furniture be as simple to move as possible. Casters at the bottom of his desk let it easily roll from the middle of this space to a wall, opening up sufficient floor space to house around three air mattresses.



Stay Wired One thing to remember while placing desks in the middle of a room is cable management. Most modern desks have 2-inch holes that allow wiring to be tucked through the top, then under the desk where they stay hidden from view. To retroactively add this attribute to an older desk, use a two-inch paddle bit to drill a hole where required.



Stack It Up Mobilized cable shelving is a great alternative for smaller spaces. With so many distinct uses, it's an investment that could grow with the homeowner. Although Buzz currently uses his configuration simply to home his printer and other office components he could add onto it later --vertically or horizontally -- to serve new needs that may emerge.



Something for Everybody

Something for Everybody When cooking for a crowd, in the smallest dinners to guests who follow special diets, it is very important to please everyone's palate. Make sure to ask family and friends in advance if they have any menu requests, or allow visitors to bring their favorite dishes potluck-style, so everyone leaves the meal satisfied.



Roast Turkey With Lemon and Sage Experienced with fresh sage, white wine and lemon, this turkey recipe provides a succulent, citrus twist to the star of your Thanksgiving dinner. Get the recipe



Curried Butternut Squash Soup With Fried Sage Leaves Warm up your autumn guests with this creamy and oh-so-satisfying soup. Great as a first-course or as a wholesome, light meal when served with rustic bread and artisanal cheeses. Get the recipe



Pumpkin Fettuccine With Sausage and Sage This hearty homemade pumpkin fettuccine is so gratifying. Whip it up as a flavorful fall accompaniment to traditional Thanksgiving fare or as a yummy way to start a new tradition.   Get the recipe.



Poultry Prep Tips A tasty Thanksgiving dinner is about choosing the best ingredients and cooking them nicely. Follow these seven hints for a totally cooked bird.



Golden Raisin and Cranberry Chutney Forget canned cranberry sauce; rather whip up this not-too-sweet relish to complement your Thanksgiving turkey, ham, duck or perhaps roast beef. Get the recipe



Parmesan Cheddar Chive Biscuits Fresh chives and Cheddar and Parmesan cheese give them tender, flaky biscuits a savory bite your guests will adore. Get the recipe



Sage-Roasted Turkey With Crunchy Maple Crust Fresh sage and pure maple syrup give this Thanksgiving turkey a savory-meets-sweet flavor that's a cut above the rest. Forget about post-turkey-day leftovers, family and friends will gobble this up bird. Get the recipe



Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash This vegetarian side dish is a tasty addition to your Thanksgiving table. Fiber-rich and packed with vitamins, health-conscious guests may dig right in. Get the recipe



Individual Maple Sweet Potato Souffles Maple syrup provides just the correct quantity of sweetness to these light-and-airy fall dishes. Top with toasted pecans for a earthy pinch. Get the recipe



Honey Roast Ham This savory, honey roast ham is perfect as an alternative to fish on Thanksgiving Day or served hot or cold to family and friends anytime throughout the holiday season. Get the recipe



Cornbread Stuffing With Dried Fruit and Pecans Dried apricots, apples, pears, cranberries and golden raisins combine with toasted pecans and fresh herbs to create a sweet, savory and crispy cornbread stuffing. Get the recipe



Lobster Mac-and-Cheese Take everybody's favorite comfort food up a notch using savory lobster and not one -- but three -- types of cheese. Get the recipe



MediterraneanChickenand Quinoa Salad To get a lighter spin, give this toaster salad a try. The chicken and quinoa supply plenty of nourishment power while the encouraging fresh ingredients include a strong backdrop without adding unwanted calories and fat. Get the recipe.



Citrus and Herb-Roasted Turkey and Gravy Having a sweet-meets-tangy citrus flavor plus a healthy serving of herbs, this savory and moist turkey is destined to be the star of your Thanksgiving table. Get the recipe



Sauteed Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries and Pine Nuts Treat your Thanksgiving guests into a side dish that is both tasty -- and -- healthy. The inclusion of cranberries and pine nuts lend the earthy Brussels sprouts a little sweetness and crunch. Get the recipe



Pumpkin Soup Shooter This rich, creamy soup is guaranteed to reach the spot. Top with toasted pumpkin seeds and serve in tall shot glasses for a 5-star-restaurant-worthy presentation. Get the recipe.



Brussels Sprouts With Red Onions and Hazelnuts Topped with sauteed onions and crunchy hazelnuts, these Brussels sprouts are so yummy that your family members won't realize they are gobbling down a good-for-you roasted veggie. Get the recipe



Cranberry Sauce This sour, fruity preserve is not just the perfect accompaniment to turkey on Thanksgiving afternoon, but it also complements pork, chicken and duck you serve during the holiday season. Get the recipe



Southwestern-Style Poblano Cornbread Stuffing Forget storebought mix -- with toasted pumpkin seeds, sweet potatoes and just the ideal amount of kick from roasted poblano peppers -- this homemade stuffing will become your family's new favorite. Get the recipe



Mashed Potatoes, 3 Ways HGTV's John Colaneri, host of Kitchen Cousins, stocks a household Thanksgiving favorite: a trio of creamy mashed potato recipes from his brother, Casey Colaneri. Get the recipes



Pistachio Soup Shallots, pureed pistachios, olive oil and and fresh garlic give this soul-warming soup its creamy texture as a sprinkling of chopped nuts adds a hearty crunch. Get the recipe



Traditional Candied Yams Sweet and gooey, this recipe is a fall favorite for children and adults alike. Whip up a big batch; those are certain to disappear quickly. Get the recipe



Sourdough Stuffing With Parmesan and Leeks This sourdough stuffing is really a tasty break from the standard. Made with fresh leeks, onions, butter, olive oil and Parmesan cheese -- it is a savory addition to your Thanksgiving table. Get the recipe



Thyme-Roasted Carrots and Parsnips Roasted root vegetables are a significant seasonal staple of many tables in the fall. Experienced with olive oil, thyme and citrus, this fresh take is guaranteed to become one of your family's favorite dishes. Get the recipe



Easy Stuffing Whether you prefer your stuffing in or outside of this bird; this easy recipe is the perfect complement to Thanksgiving's main event. Get the recipe



Herb-Roasted Turkey and Gravy Fresh parsley, rosemary and thyme provide this turkey a flavorful taste your family and Thanksgiving guests are certain to love. Twist the pan drippings to a thick gravy that is the ideal complement to your bird. Get the recipe



Wild Mushroom, Herb and Pecan Stuffing Fresh chanterelle, oyster and shiitake mushrooms give this homemade cornbread stuffing an earthy, rich taste while toasted pecans add just the ideal amount of crunch. Get the recipe



Roasted Butternut Squash With Sage and Pumpkin Seeds Savory and flavorful, butternut squash tops the list of favourite fall side dishes. As a tasty twist, best this healthy comfort food with toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch. Get the recipe



Creamy Macaroni and Cheese A combination of three yummy cheeses -- white Cheddar, Gruyre and Swiss -- create this mac 'n' cheese a creamy comfort food that's destined to be a go-to indulgence. Get the recipe



Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts With Toasted Walnuts Roasted in olive oil and maple syrup, this wholesome side dish will earn a thumbs-up (and requests for seconds) From even the most finicky of Thanksgiving guests. Get the recipe



Rosemary, Walnut and Olive Bread Guests will love this easy yeast bread that is studded with olives, walnuts and fresh rosemary. Serve hot from the oven with your dinner or bake a huge batch and send a loaf home with every guest. Get the recipe



Tarragon Green Beans With Almonds Take everyone's favorite green veggie -- green beans -- a notch with this flavorful recipe which features fresh herbs along with a crunchy nut topping. Get the recipe



Old-Fashioned Homemade Gravy Skip the packaged mix this year and make gravy from scratch which can complement the rest of your Thanksgiving meal. Garlic, chicken stock and red wine blend to make a rich, full flavor your friends and family will adore. Get the recipe



Roasted Asparagus Consistently a crowd-pleaser, this healthy dish is particularly tasty with fresh asparagus. To create: Wash and trim 1 pound of asparagus spears. Pour 2 teaspoons olive oil into a baking dish, add asparagus and toss in oil. Sprinkle spears with kosher salt and shaved Parmesan cheese then bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees Farenheit.



Sage, Onion and Smoked Bacon Stuffing Smoked bacon, olive oil and freshly chopped vegetables give this filling stuffing a rich, hearty flavor. Get the recipe



Thyme and Parsley Stuffing Mild and salty, this herbal stuffing pairs well with turkey, ham or perhaps roast beef or pork -- or function this meat-free recipe as a holiday main route to vegetarian friends and family. Get the recipe



Tasty Chicken Stock As a base for homemade soup or as an ingredient in comfort food favorites like Thanksgiving stuffing, starting with a high-quality stock will make all the difference. Get the recipe



Homemade Walnut Bread A hearty addition to your Thanksgiving meal, this yummy, rustic nut bread will quickly become a household favorite. Get the recipe