Orangina's Profile

I have a strong opinion, that of the first three photos, only the first feels like what I envision a modern craftsman would look like (from the architectural standpoint- not decor). However, when I try and comment on 2 and 3, I note that I see them as a Mc Mansion form and an ideal modern gable form respectively, wrapped in craftsman skin or details. In saying this, I've indirectly asserted that "contemporary craftsman" must maintain a craftsman form (low pitched roofs, horizontal lines, deep eaves, the front porch...) Architecture is not soley defined by form-- should one instead take principles of craftsman design: "locally handcrafted wood, glass, and metal work creating objects that were both simple and elegant" (wikipedia)? Or maybe it is inspired by comfort for the family and house life? Or a combo? I'd look to modern artisans in wood, glass and metal (mostly wood) to see their forms and how that might be reinterpreted in a home.

Go for a bright saturated blue- either glossy cobalt or a flatter turquoise if you want something to pop. Glossy Black is more traditional-- with brass hardware. A red door on a red brick house is tough unless you have a substantial amount of trim around the door (paint it white if using red door). I'd keep the shutters, otherwise you'll lose the only "architectural" interest you have. Note you should work the trim into your color scheme-- as well as your roof.

We actually started keeping a guest book when my roommates and I got our new apartment. We felt our home looked a bit like a library and went searching for an old fashioned looking bound book. Eventually we found a lovely hardcover journal on etsy with an old map of San Francisco as the cover. It's been great writing our favorite quotes and having guests leave a message. My vote is that any book with blank pages will do!

In defense of the chopper-
(a) great for arthritis ppl (not like I have it but I get it)
(b) it will chop most anything into tiny bits- kinda like a (shock!) food processor for dry stuff (so if you don't have a good processor (which are quite cumbersome and use electricity) this is a great option-- nuts are typically what i use it for (find it perfect for nuts for coating cookies)
(c) Ever not want your hands to smell like garlic or onion- this is a nice option
(d) Imagine you have to cook for around 20 ppl, or have lots of stuffing during the holidays to make- getting one of these or the alligator style onion chopper that shoves and onion through a great is worth the time it takes to chop a ton of stuff. You'll eat up less time and be more relaxed socializing.

And the spoon rest is kinda nice- usually a fun artistic statement.

It's about an inspiring use of color! Not style, of which color is a part, but about using color! In new a different ways, combos, etc. The fireplace in #5 won me over: I never would have thought to put a blue strip along the bottom! It totally changes the weight and feeling of the fireplace!

Addressing "pulled-together" get a theme going! It doesn't have to be cheesy, it doesn't have to cost a lot! If you picked a signature drink like sangria, instead of serving chips and dip, try the Spanish tomato bread (a crostini rubbed with tomato, instead of topped with). If you keep a theme in mind, you won't have any overtly disparate elements (decor, food, events, what have you)

Entertainment that lets people interact keeps it memorable. Better yet, have your peeps bring the entertainment: your friend who plays guitar? Another plays? Introduce 'em and tell them to bring their instruments? You have another who's wild about his croquet set? Invite people to bring activities.

Since to me, it's the people that really keep it memorable, the party's and hostess's job is to make sure those people are happy and can relax and mingle. The party just facilitates a good time (it isn't the good time)! (Hence why alcohol is so important- it facilitates relaxation and social interaction) Think about food, drink, and entertainment- but also about trash receptacles and layout! Don't put one table in the center of a site- it forces those without a seat to reach over others to get to your chili dip! Smaller groupings work well for large groups, force ppl to move around and interact while still providing a place for people to set down anchor. Good luck!