green design

Barkitecture

Each year, Austin does an event that combines two of my favorite things in life: architecture/design + dogs. It’s a called Barkitecture, and local builders and design/architecture firms create little home’s for man’s best friend to raise awareness and money for local animal shelters. Truly there are some amazing, one of a kind creations! Submissions are judged by a panel and prizes are awarded for categories such as Most Unusual and Best in Show. Take a peek at some of the interesting buildings and contest winners from 2012:

I can’t wait to go this fall!

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A Doggie Farmhouse
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Dog Cube Condo by Gensler
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Rex Box – Greenest Design
greenest design dog home barkitecture 2012
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The Woof Stream
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The Barkelow – Best Fundraiser
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Doggone Vault – Best in Show
doggone vault - best in show Barkitecture 2012.

Photos from Kara Mosher for Houzz and Barkitecture’s website.

See this other site for more pix from the event!

bringing the outdoors inside

One of the best ways to breathe life into a room is to bring what’s outdoors, in.  Earthy inspired spaces are all the buzz right now.  More than just a trend, embracing the beauty of nature creates a timeless feel.  Freshening up your space has never been so easy.

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Tip #1:  Use natural materials as architectural elements.

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Wood beams or floors. Stone fireplaces. River Rock surfaces.  All so beautiful.  And they create such a focal point.

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Tip #2: Accessorize with plants, rocks, and trees.

(Source: Apartment Therapy)

Items like potted plants, fresh flowers, tree stumps or branches, and stones add a little something to a space.

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Indoor plants done tastefully can bring a great pop of color to your space, and also promote healthy, breathable environments by improving indoor air quality.

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Tip #3:  Incorporate furniture and fabrics made from natural materials

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  Furniture made from rustic wood or woven grass is eye-catching.  Using fabrics like linen or cotton have a more refreshing effect then those like nylon or polyester.

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Tip #4:  Implementing green products and sustainable practices into the design

The above picture shows a piece of wall art made from live succulents.

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Close up

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A canopy made from renewable willow.  Other popular rapidly renewable materials include bamboo, cork, and wool.

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Tip #5:  Use a crisp, neutral earthy color palette

Using whites and earth tones can make a space feel light and airy.  This can open up an entire room, making it seem larger.

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How have you brought the outdoors into your home?