Check this out; Slovenia appliance manufacturer Gorenje just introduced a refrigerator/freezer with a built-in speaker and an iPod docking station. Its sleek design was unveiled this weekend at Berlin’s IFA 2008 consumer electronics fair. You can listen to music and watch cooking videos all in the comfort of your own sacred kitchen space. I don’t know about you, but I keep my iPod and Bose portable docking station in my kitchen already but would love to combine fridge and iPod. One thing I love about European design is the built-in environmentally friendly aspect. It’s not really talked about (or marketed) in the same way that US manufacturers do. After doing some research, I found out that by law, European appliance manufacturers are required to use up to 50% of recycled steel in the making of a product. That makes perfect sense to me.

I have no idea on the price. It’s probably a bit spendy, however, worth it, I bet. Currently Gorenje has no distribution in the U.S. I have a feeling, though, that the U.S. will soon be on their map. We’re big on our iPods here. For moe info on Gorenje visit their website at www.gorenje.com.

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.

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

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.

Question: Is there something special that you should see when you open up your front door? A mirror or a flower vase or something else?

G.L. –Portland, Oregon

C.J.: Ahhh, I love this question. Thank-you for asking it. Entryways serve as greeters each time we walk into our front door. It’s such an important area as it sets the tone for our experience inside, sending us secret messages. If the area is cluttered and ugly, well you can imagine how that will affect how we feel and contribute to lower energy levels. However, if the area is beautiful, for example set up with a beautiful vase of flowers on a special table or our favorite bold print is hanging on the wall, that will bring joy to our hearts even on the most challenging of days. For many of us, the entryway is an area where we leave our ’stuff’ like our purses, keys, umbrellas, etc. and can get cluttered. If this is the case, first get organized. Keep what you don’t need and get rid of the rest. Think of this area as your personal welcoming station where you have that special bowl for your keys and a sweet mood light that draws you into the area. Whatever you decide to place in your entryway, make it something you love, or a collection of things that bring peace and love into your heart. Keep me posted!