Ciao Interiors is thrilled to have the opportunity to design, project manage, and furnish a new home for the Parade of Homes in September.  The house is a great example of the beauty that comes from using all locally produced stone and wood as well as expert craftsmanship.  Enjoy the images below for a preview of what’s to come in this new construction home.  The masonry rock on the exterior and interior fireplace is currently in the process of being finished, the structural beams are in place, and the next steps is to hand plaster the walls in the rich colors shown below.  This house will be a wonderful addition to the Parade of Homes of interior design from beginning to end and the details that can be achieved with local materials and hand craftsmanship.

For those spring nights when there is still a slight chill in the air, an outdoor fireplace can be a delightful way to use your outdoor space for entertaining and relaxing without freezing.  Whether you place it by your pool, on your porch, or on the patio, an outdoor fireplaces extends the season during which you can use your outdoor living spaces.

Below are some beautiful examples of stone and brick outdoor fireplaces.

If you are building a new house or just renovating your kitchen, one of the big decisions to be made is what type of flooring to put in your kitchen.   Tile, wood, vinyl, and stone are all appropriate choices for different people.  How do you know which is the right one for your home?

While it will not last for generations, vinyl is  a good option for those looking for an option that will be inexpensive and easy to install yourself.  Vinyl can be tricky around the edges and at seams of a pattern.  You will have to take great care to cut very carefully and match the repeat of the pattern perfectly.  Vinyl is best for those looking for an interim flooring that will last them until they are ready to make a bigger investment.

Tile comes in a wide variety of looks.  You can get tile to look like almost any type of stone and in any color imaginable.  Make sure to have a professional installer measure so that you buy the exact amount that you need.  Dye lots can vary in color from day to day and if you come up short, it could be difficult to match your tile on a future trip to the supplier.  Tile is extremely durable and if a tile does become chipped or break, it is possible to replace it.  Installation can be expensive but is worth it because of the precise nature of laying tile patterns.  Glazed tile will stand up to stains much better than unglazed, so it is a better option in the kitchen.

Stone is one of your most durable options for the kitchen, and though it can be expensive and installation must be done by a professional, it will last for generations.  It is a beautiful, timeless look, but is not the best option for children or the elderly because when it becomes wet, it becomes extremely slippery.

Wood is a wonderful option because it can often be carried over from the other rooms in the house and contribute to an open flow throughout your home.  Wood is an extremely strong, durable material that will last the life of your home as long as it is kept in good shape and refinished when necessary.  One of the drawbacks is that it will show wear and tear in the finish in high traffic areas.

Each type of flooring has pros and cons, so it is important to make a decision based on your ability to invest at this time and just how durable of a floor you will need in your kitchen.

With the autumn officially upon us, it’s time to turn to the outdoors for enjoying everything from a lazy Sunday afternoon with a book to a Friday evening dinner party.  We’ve collected some of our favorite outdoor rooms that all keep a rustic, earthy vibe in mind.  These rooms feature stone hearths, beautiful neutral color combinations with pops of color, and deep woods that will keep the rooms in constant use from the first nice day of spring through those first cold days of fall when you’re bundled up and gathered around the fireplace.

From: House Beautiful

A great geometric rug provides an interesting contrast against the organic look of wood and stone.

Photo: Southern Accents

A large chandelier is completely unexpected in an outdoor room.

Photo: Southern Accents

Photo: House Beautiful

Classic outdoor pieces like wicker chairs are made modern in dark, dark brown finishes, and ceiling fans both keep us cool on those hot July days and prevent insects from bugging us too much.  Wood beam ceilings are another rustic touch.