Home Design to Lose Weight & Get Fit

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What if the design of your home could increase your potential for success?
In his book  Slim By Design author and behavioral scientist, Brian Wansink, explains how changes to your environment can change your behavior.
With this approach in mind, we present some of our award-winning homes to demonstrate the best design ideas for a healthy lifestyle.

A well-organized kitchen is your base camp for success. An uncluttered environment is inviting and lets you feel in control. Store food out of sight except for a bowl filled with a variety of fruit on the counter.

A well-organized kitchen is your base camp for success. An uncluttered environment is inviting and lets you feel in control. Store food out of sight except for a bowl filled with a variety of fresh fruit on the counter.


 
Food preparation and clean up is a breeze when you have innovative products to speed things along.

You will be more motivated to prepare healthy meals when cooking and clean up is  a breeze!   Innovative products and appliances will increase your efficiency and decrease the time you spend in the kitchen.


 
Drink more water! Easy to do when a beverage station keeps it icy cold, within reach, and removed from the tempting snacks in the refrigerator.

Drink more water! It’s easy with a beverage station to keep it icy cold, and far away from the tempting snacks in the refrigerator.


 
A dedicated planning desk will help you coordinate nutritional meals and keep track of your progress.

A dedicated planning desk will help you coordinate nutritional meals and keep track of your progress.


 
Take advantage of color psychology, blue is known to promote weight loss because it is not associated with food.

Take advantage of color psychology by using kitchen colors that do not stimulate the appetite.  Blue is known to promote weight loss because it is not associated with food.  But notice how appealing the contrasting bowl of oranges becomes!


 
Sit down and enjoy every bite. Studies show that a relaxed dining area without the distraction of television will increase your satisfaction for every meal.

Sit down and enjoy every bite in a dedicated dining area.  Studies show that eating without  distraction will increase your satisfaction during every meal.


 
Take the stairs! You do not have to dedicate a full hour at the gym, just make a conscious effort to move more and avoid shortcuts.

Take the stairs!  You do not have to commit to a full hour at the gym, just make a conscious effort to move more often and avoid shortcuts.


 
Remind yourself of your commitment by surround yourself with healthy choices. Keep your workout equipment visible and ready to use.

Focus on your commitment by surrounding yourself with active options.  Create a colorful visual display of your workout equipment that is ready to go.


 
Lack of sleep leads to low energy and poor choices throughout the day. A restful bedroom will help you get the sleep you need for success.

Lack of sleep leads to low energy and poor choices throughout the day. A restful bedroom will help you get the sleep you deserve.


 
Reward yourself with treats that are not related to food, like a stress reducing start to every day in a spa bath.

Reward yourself with treats that are not related to food.  A spa bathroom will help you start every day stress-free.


 
Take a moment for inspirational reading or meditation to keep you on track and committed.

Take a moment for inspirational reading or meditation to keep yourself on track for success.


 

2016 Color of the Year for Your Home

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How excited are you about the 2016 Color of the Year?
Even if you have not been breathless with anticipation, there is a value to watching as the 2016 Colors of the Year develop into trends that help you  freshen up the look of your home.
There is not much controversy between the two leading paint companies, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. Both select a version of white consistent with the current cultural desire for calm and simplicity.
bm and sw color of the year 2016
Benjamin Moore Simply White Video      Sherwin Williams Alabaster Video
From the standpoint of architectural integrity and composition, we agree with the importance of the color white in all of its variations.
However, when Pantone pioneered two interacting Colors of the Year 2016, Rose Quartz & Serenity, a new understanding of color direction emerged.

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Pantone Colors of the Year 2016 Video


Interplay or the interaction of color becomes the theme running through the 2016 color predictions.
Interplay is a technique we often use when creating interior and exterior architectural statements.  Here are some of our favorite ideas that will help you update the color impression of your home.
1 subtle layering nuance depth add fitterer millwork

Layer subtle shades of white to create dimension and refined nuance.


defining texture contrast white

Define architecture with white as a brilliant contrast to exterior color and material schemes.


Create restful space by applying the meditative quality of white or a pastel.


contrast with white trim on molding

Energize by contrasting a bold wall color with crisp white trim.


culbertson round staircase copy

Emphasize texture and enhance natural rustic materials with the calming contrast of white.


The Pantone 2016 Colors of the Year were selected with the intention of pairing calm harmonious hues. The specific color is not as significant as the fluidity of the pairing.    Keep balance in mind when applying color to your home and you will be on track for 2016.
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