Design for a Beautiful Life

Accomplishing Your Dreams Requires Balance

Achieving balance in our lives is accomplished by saying no when we need to and learning to set priorities. And we cannot achieve balance without understanding what our particular needs are. Balance is different for everyone. It means that you have identified your priorities and have not overextended yourself. Balance means you are aware of the dangers of burnout. Balance means that when asked the question, “Are you happy?” you can answer yes.

Ina Garten’s Kitchen of the Year

I’ve been a fan of Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa for a long time and have all of her cookbooks. She’s shown me and others how to entertain easily and serve simple food that bursts with flavor. Now her latest kitchen in East Hampton has been replicated by designer, Robert Stilin for House Beautiful’s Kitchen of the Year 2009.

Kitchen With A Walk-In Pantry

Here’s a beautiful kitchen out of Traditional Home that you’ll love! The two levels of the kitchen island is a great idea, letting guests sit and talk with the cook while dinner is being prepared. The white scheme of the kitchen is also peaceful and calming.

The walk-in pantry is a 9’ x 8’ space off the kitchen. The mirrored doors make the kitchen seem bigger, while adding sparkle. Also, all the breakfast appliances are in there, such as the toaster, coffeemaker, etc. so they’re out of the way of the main kitchen. Great idea!

Misters Cool Down the Heat

by Marcia Blake

I am spending a few days in Phoenix, while my mother recovers from surgery. It is hot outside, the temperature hovers near 107 degrees. The weather report warns of a heat wave coming this weekend, the prediction is 111 to 115 degrees. This is not the type of heat that encourages outdoor living, however, a strategically positioned misting system will cool the temperature by ten to twenty degrees. Enough to make spending time outdoors more comfortable, desirable and realistic in the hot dry heat of the desert.

The misters spray a cloud of tiny water droplets which lay suspended in the air. Before any moisture reaches you, it evaporates, yet cools the surrounding area.