I can always count on Apartment Therapy to spread some design inspiration especially when it comes in a 1000 square foot package. I’m way into smaller spaces and making them functional and beautiful while they minimize our footprint on the planet. This loft space in Austin, TX was designed by Alison Fox who apparently fell in love with this 1946 house at first sight. Girl, you got talent.

That kitchen is so cute. I love the rounded corners of that breakfast table, the warmth of the hardwood floors and spicy red cabinets.

Open cabinet space is one of my favorite designs. I’m very visual and love having everything out in front of me for easy access.

Oh, yes Iceland is a cold place indeed but also (from what I hear and I’ve seen in the Sigur Rós film - ‘Heima’) it’s very special. I just came across this bit of news via Dezeen that architects Arkitema of Denmark and Arkthing of Iceland have won a competition to design the Icelandic Opera House in Reykjavik.  That’s very exciting, Philip don’t you think? Philip is my boyfriend and we are planning a trip to Iceland for summer 2010. Should we take this as a sign. More to look at:

It will be lovely to see an opera here. There’s something about the energy of the space that hints a very deep experience. Anybody been to Reykjavik? I recently read an article that told of a tradition in the city that some people lie naked in the street under the stars to receive the blessings of the heavens. I think I might want to try that. Hmm…

Question: What do you think about painting the ceiling in a room the same color as the walls?

L.D. –Los Angeles, CA

CJ: Thank-you for your question. Here are my thoughts. If you are dealing with a room with angled ceilings (like the one shown to the right) I always suggest painting the entire room the same color. Angles can disrupt energy flow and cause an imbalance in the space. Painting the ceilings and the walls the same color (in this case) assist in creating balance and harmony, making it feel whole. In other words, you don’t want to draw attention to this type of ceiling.  If the room is small and square with lower ceilings and you opt for a darker color on the walls, then I suggest painting the ceiling a lighter color which will lift the energy above you and suggest a higher ceiling. If the room is bigger and has a higher ceiling you might try painting the ceiling a darker color to (energetically) bring down. We humans like to get cozy and big rooms with high ceilings tend to feel more like museums and are a big offputting for cozy living. One last thing. Don’t be afraid to paint your ceilings the same color as your walls. Experiment and see how it feels. Remember you can always contact a professional color consultant in your area who can assist you. Let me know how it goes. –Cheryl

Ooohhh, let’s do the happy dance; Home Depot is finally carrying a line of no voc paints by ICI, called Fresh Air. Remember those volatile organic compounds that smell icky and are really bad for us and the environment? As more of us are saying no to voc’s, manufacturers are responding in healthy ways.

Visit the website to view the 65 colors to choose from. I’ll post back after I try it out.

I’m not normally into ranch style homes, especially from the 1970’s, yet these days their horizontal layouts are slowing creeping into my heart. It could be that I just turned 40 and am thinking about my future personal projects yet what I really feel is that it has something to do with my current desire to grow horizontally and not so much vertically; I’ve got enough of that going on. It’s that expansive energy to the front and all around me that I’m attracted to like when one sees a mountain and takes a deep breath.

More to the point, I recently was browsing Cottage Living and came across this adorable ranch remodel and redesign that captures the essence of what I love in the layout of a ranch combined with a cottage feel. Designed by the residents, Atlanta decorator Tyler Colgan and her architect husband, David who according to Cottage Living, “married a brick rancher to the look of a classic white cottage.” Yes, indeed. The kitchen (shown above) is light and airy with (my favorite) open shelving.

I love what they did with the study creating equal sides for an equal relationship. That’s perfect feng shui. I’m also currently interested in creating smaller, functional and beautiful work environments.  Here’s what Cottage Living had to say: “Instead of tucking an office into an obscure corner, the couple opted for “his and her”nooks in the living room. Shutter doors (found in a salvage shop) slide open on a track and close off the adjoining powder room.” Yum…I love those salvaged doors. There are so many options that we all have these days to be environmentally responsible and stay cute at the same time. How do you feel about working in a smaller space at home? I’m always curious.