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I don’t really know of the historical figure Silas Dean. I know there is a museum in his home but I don’t personally know about him.

What I do know is that a customer has asked me to copy the balusters in the Silas Dean Home. The Silas Dean Stairway has spiral balusters which we are making. The spirals alternate though the baluster profile is the same on all. Another image can be seen here.

My customer has asked to alternate two spirals with tapered baluster shown below.

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The balusters will be made of soft maple. One twist will be a large barley twist. The other is a cove twist and the third will be as above.

These stair newels, called double bell, for obvious reasons, I think, were made for a contractor in the Atlanta area. They are one of my favorite patterns (seems like I’ve written about these already). They were made popular by a local Architect who became quite a legend in South Louisiana and the South East. These particular newels are an over-the-post style though I’ve made them post-to-post as well. You do know the difference? Yes I think so.

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They are constructed of red oak and will ultimately be used with these paint grade balusters.

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I thought I would show off my mahogany spiral columns just finished for a project in sunny California. These are hollow columns made of 8 “staves” each. The staves are beveled at 22 1/2 deg. to make a hollow octogan which is then turned on the lathe and then milled with a custom router cutter.

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Another view below shows the spirals. There were seven in all mostly supporting the roof of a Cabana on an existing home on Santa Catalina Island off thew coast of Calif.

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The columns will be capped top and bottom with these pieces shown below.

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A few of the originals are pictured below.

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and also

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Modern interior design style works on the theory that “less is more”. Unlike frilly Victorian interiors, modern interior decorating focuses on paring down. For those who like simplicity, are fashion forward and appreciate the uniqueness of contemporary decorating, this interior design style may be for you.

Modern interior decorating focuses on simplicity and functionality. Home decoration and design principles utilize clean lines and shapes rather than intricate patterns and designs and keeping the interior decor clutter free.

If you prefer contemporary interior design, modern home furnishings should feature bold geometric lines: use area carpets with simple color, pattern or bold textures. Furniture generally has exposed legs rather than skirts found in traditional sofas.

Sleek, smooth surfaces such as glass, and metals such as stainless steel are materials of choice for modern interior decorating. Wood, tile and even concrete for floors complete the modern theme. Contemporary interiors have a slightly commercial flavor and by incorporating progressive designs and quality North American furnishings such as Knoll you can achieve that look.

The latest Danish and Italian style designs and contemporary objects d’art will make a bold statement in rooms. Use elaborate decoration sparingly; use detail in artwork instead to accent and balance more spare room designs. Asymmetrical furniture arrangements will add dynamism to the room decor.

Modern interiors can be comfortable and welcoming and not cold as perceived by many; by balancing warm colors with bold forms you can achieve comfortable and welcoming rooms that are less “office like” and more residential in feeling.

You can find the latest ‘cool’, ‘funky’ home decoration and trendy furnishings online to help you finish creating that clean, bold, uncluttered design style.

If you dream of the Hollywood glamour lifestyle of the 1920’s and 1930’s maybe art deco style would suit your home design. How is the look of art deco decorating achieved? By identifying design elements and motifs and incorporating them in the materials, furnishings and decoration you can achieve this theatrical, luxurious retro interior design style.

Interior decorating in art deco style was an eclectic mix of the exotic Far Eastern and African influences combined with classical and machine age designs. For example, furniture in an art deco home should have strong, sleek clean lines and decoration in geometric angular or circular shapes.

Paint color schemes include beiges creams and grays with bolder colors such as teals, reds and oranges accented with chrome and black. High gloss materials and finishes are the norm in home decoration: A chevron or fan shaped mirror reflecting light adds a feeling of spaciousness and elegance.

Choose fabrics such as silks, satins, velvets and fur to exude sensuality. Keep fabric patterns bold with simple geometric or curvilinear designs. Rich, exotic dark woods for flooring and furniture will create an elegant, formal ambiance to interiors.

For more great retro home decorating ideas, fabulous examples of art deco inspired interiors and home decoration are to be found in books as well as museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum to inspire home designs.

Run out of decorating and design ideas for your outdated dining room decor? Do you have dinner party blues when your friends stop by and you have no idea how to accommodate them all? You can keep the wine pouring and food sizzling with the latest trends in dining room design ideas to be found online.

Dining room designs combines both style and function. Choosing a decorating style that suits your tastes is also very important to helping you create the right ambiance, an essential in dining rooms. Determine if the interior decor will be formal or informal look then browse through the numerous articles on interior design styles and take a decorating quiz to narrow down your style choices.

The dining room is a place not only to entertain and relax with friends but it should also accommodate all parties. Measure the dining room and draw up a floor plan to scale. Shop online for the dining table designs that will suit your interior decor best. A dining table with extra leaves is always handy for accommodating extra people.

Some dining tables also have storage in the table base or handy drawers on the sides. Buffet units add extra storage. Highlight the rooms with home decor accents such as mirrors to add sparkle and candles for romantic dinners. A great idea for dining room designs is adjustable lighting on dimmers. This will help to set the right mood for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Another decor idea and interior design trend is the use of the color red. Said to stimulate conversations and the appetite. Choose deep rich colors that will go with your theme.

Research dining room ideas in the online photo galleries. The formula for a great dinner party starts with an idea, following the basic decorating plan for dining room designs, choosing your style and implementing it. Your romantic dinner awaits you!

Dining room colors affect our moods while we dine. Color also enhances the dining room decor and decorating with a coat of paint can completely transform the ambiance of any dining room design. So which color scheme do you choose?

The kind of colors chosen will depend on how much natural light or artificial light is in your dining room, and the degree of formality you wish to create.

A dining room with many windows and a lot of exposure to natural light lends itself well to warm color schemes such as reds, oranges and yellows. Decorating with deep, muted dark shades of warm colors such as wine or rust will give a feeling of traditional elegance while you dine.

Shades of red are known to stimulate the appetite and enliven conversation. Candlelight and evening light will add richness and romance to the dining room decor. If your interior design style is informal, lighter colors such as muted yellows and beiges create a more casual, relaxed ambiance to room designs.

If your dining room design lacks windows and is lit artificially, bold, bright colors will add excitement while you dine. Create more interesting room designs by accenting one wall. Use a bright color such as lemon yellow on one wall and more muted shades on side walls for balance; vibrant yellow will make you eat faster so use it sparingly in your dining room decorating and avoid appetite suppressing cool blues!

Use incandescent lighting and candlelight to make warm colors glow. Rooms are transformed by color, and the color scheme you choose for your dining room decorating will provide you and your friends with an enriched and fine dining experience.

If you not only enjoy dining room decor that is attractive, and you want to dine fashionably, add stylish interior decoration to your dining room for enhancement. Utilize simple dining room decoration ideas to help you create an atmosphere that will suit a casual lunch with friends to a formal Christmas dinner with family.

Home decor such as mirrors, chandeliers, tabletop decorations and china in the buffet will help create the right atmosphere to suit the formal or casual activity of dining rooms. By decorating the tabletop with fancy linens and dinnerware you can provide added visually excitement to your event.

A Victorian Christmas dinner may have coordinating red and green floral tablecloths with faux jewels and matching glassware and English style dinnerware. Dramatic candelabras will provide focal points to the dinner table as well as romantic lighting.
Light reflection from wall mirrors will add sparkle while you dine. A fancy lampshade with decorative trimmings on the chandelier will add to the atmosphere. Complete the interior decoration with an elaborate Oriental rug that echoes the color scheme in the dining room design.

By the same token, dress dining rooms for lunch in French Country if that is your interior design style. A blue and yellow checkered tablecloth with ceramic tableware, wicker basket accents for bread and a fresh flower arrangement will start to set the tone of the dining room interior design.

Dining rooms are one of the main focal points in the home. By incorporating fashionable home decor when you dine, you can change the mood of your lunch or dinner party with family or friends. Best of all, you can find all your fashionable home decor accessories conveniently online.

You probably have a limited number of bathrooms (or just one) and are considering remodeling but don’t know how to begin the makeover. Don’t be confused: when planning any new bathroom design, renovation or makeover, first remember that bathrooms are a balance of budget, function and aesthetics.

So follow these simple steps for large or small bathroom design plans: Layout the bath fixtures on scaled graph paper. Ensure that that you have allowed the minimal distances required between bath fixtures. Plan for lighting, ventilation and heating.
Then determine your decorating style preference and start choosing bath fixtures and bathroom decor to suit the interior design plan. Get quotes for different designs and hire a contractor next or alternately, hire an interior designer to design the bathroom makeover.

Implement the designs!

When remodeling, consider the durability of the walls, flooring and ceiling when choosing the bathroom decor. Use moisture proof concrete, stone or tiles. For minimal maintenance, bathtubs are now made of light molded fiberglass that go up to the ceiling. Install toilets that have water saving features.

Toilets can now be hung on the wall; this is a great decorating feature and saves cleaning around the toilet as well as gives the bathroom an ultra-modern look. Sinks can now be set on counters for that sculptural look.

Many upscale spa-like bathrooms install heated floors for warmth underfoot. Add more luxury with the latest in towel warming bathroom decor fixtures. Remodeling and decorating small or large bathrooms can be a major undertaking: it is the most expensive project per square foot in your home.

So, plan carefully before undertaking any bathroom makeover or remodeling project. Discuss your interior design plans with qualified interior designers and contractors for your own peace of mind.

Below is a picture that a contractor / customer sent me of the newel I had made for him.  This one is made in poplar (great for paint).  We call this one a double bell because it simulates a bell shape  (please use your imagination).  These were made popular by a well know architect in the Baton Rouge area (at least this is what I am told).  His name is A. Hayes Towne.  He passed away not long ago but his architectural designs will be esteemed for quite some time I’m certain. They were made for high end homes here and typically were made of old long leaf pine. 

This one is painted black and is accompanied by black iron balusters. 

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You can see a larger image at Architectural Turnings.