Thursday, January 7, 2010

How I can help Nadia

I would love to assist Nadia. I also know the joys and vagaries of the Sydney climate intimately!!! Nadia, you have given your renovation a lot of thought and detailed this in your post. Including your architectural plans was a great idea, complementing your photographs to complete the overall picture. By working through your questions and clearing the confusion in a logical and easy to follow process, I can help you find the perfect architectural and decorating solutions for your growing family. Your kitchen / deck goal is so cool, and you will ultimately acheive the 'look' you are after :-) As an architectural designer, draftswomen, interior designer and colour consultant, I offer personalised solutions online, in your time. You can contact me by email and you may like to visit my newly launched blog Archecolour. Look forward to hearing from you. Sue.

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The original post is here http://bit.ly/NadiasDilemma where Nadia has posted photos and architectural drawings of her home.

Nadia needs help


Posted on Thu, 7 Jan 2010 by kim on the desiretoinspire.net

Nadia emailed us just after Christmas looking for some help: "We live in sydney (yay!!!) and our house is elevated about a metre and a half in the back so we will be building an outdoor deck / veranda with a flat roof overhead. So we have council approval and the deck is a simple rectangle 8m w x 5m l, with the right side having some screening. We will be using hardwood and we would have a fence around the entire area with stairs going down (we have 2 kids and plan on adding one more!!). So this is my questions to you ladies. I need help with designing it in terms of fixtures as we plan on building a kitchen later on on the side with the screening but i am so effin confused with the type of fence, lighting, kitchen material, furniture and furnishings to use etc....Our current interior is very modern with plenty of white, black, brown and splashes of colour from paintings and our built-in book shelves. I have attached some photos of our house which consist of the back sunroom. Our home is currently very open plan with the dining living and kitchen all in one section. Then we have bi folds that open up to a sunroom / living space. The proposed decking will obviously continue from the sunroom out. This is how I envisage the deck, open with a kitchen going along one side, since its a kitchen i know we will have to put a screen or back on it and in turn we will leave the rest of the deck open to the view. As for furniture we are thinking of a large outdoor table that would seat up 20 people and some great lighting above the table. We would like some plants etc to make it look 'green' and 'outdoorsy'. So in a way it will be like a dining room with its own kitchen. I would like to keep the sunroon, living room etc as is. However if you have any ideas I am very open to them."

Kim, at desiretoinspire.net replied to Nadia:

As much as I'd love to be of assistance, I am having trouble wrapping my arctic-living brain around the fact that Nadia wants to put a kitchen on a deck. The climate in Sydney is pretty much the exact opposite of that here in Ottawa, so I'm hoping there are folks out there with more of a clue than me that can give Nadia some ideas.

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Archecolour can help Nadia.

Friday, January 1, 2010

All things are inteconnected: energy, matter, animals, plants and humanity. The design of all things matters. The Year of the Tiger describes design energy for 2010. courtesy: http://www.yearofthetiger.net/

Were you born in the Year of the Tiger?

... beyond this ... the energy influences the colour and design decisions you make!

Thoughts & comments on ji-chou mostt welcome!

2010 - The Year of The Tiger!


The Chinese use the lunar calendar for celebratory events which includes the New Year. This falls somewhere between late January and early February. The cycle of twelve animal signs originates from Chinese tradition as a way of naming the years. The animals follow one another in an established order and are replicated every twelve years. The rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig are the twelve animal signs. Every animal has particular characteristics and people born in a specific year are believed to take on these characteristics.


According to the Chinese Zodiac


, the Year of 2010 is the Year of the Tiger, which commences on February 14, 2010 and ends on February 2, 2011. The Tiger is the third sign in the Chinese Zodiac cycle, and it is a sign of bravery. This courageous and fiery fighter is admired by the ancient Chinese as the sign that keeps away the three main tragedies of a household. These are fire, thieves and ghosts.

Tigers are physically powerful, gracious, independent and brave, they are extremely bold animals. They are friendly and loving but can also selfish and short tempered. Tigers seek attention and power; frequently they are envious in a relation. Tigers live dangerously which often leads to trouble. They are intolerant, take risks and are always searching for excitement. Tigers are also instilled with a good dose of courage.


The Tiger has an overpowering attraction and is very kind and always takes on the character as protector. The Tiger flourishes by power and attention and takes advantage of all circumstances it gets itself into. The Tiger is a natural leader and loves to be the centre of attention. As a rebel it goes up against authority and speaks out about wrongs in society, and willingly puts up objections. Even if you don’t agree with the beliefs of the tiger you admire his way to protest.


Just as how their counterparts in the jungle are impulsive, so too are individuals born in the Chinese Year of the Tiger. When people think of tigers, it is their vigor and power that comes to mind first. But it has also been noted that tigers are known to share and are unselfish animals. The reason people admire the tiger is due to the fact that they are ferocious and domineering on the outside, but they are just as noble and distinguished on the inside. These are the same personality attributes that persons will have who are born in the Year of the Tiger.


People that are born in the Year of the Tiger are generally well liked because of their charismatic personalities. Often, failing at a given duty or being unproductive in his personal or professional life can cause a Tiger to experience a deep sense of depression.A Tiger is always at their happiest when they endeavor to climb the ladder of success. Attaining the top spot is his foremost purpose; being in a position of power is her ultimate goal. They are quick learners, need to be challenged and often prefer to work alone. Some Tigers tend to change careers more frequently because they get bored quite easily. They are natural born leaders and perform at their best if working towards positions of power and influence. So once there is no further room for progression, they will often move on to something else.


Anyone that is born in the Year of the Tiger is usually straightforward and outgoing by nature. They will never give up no matter how aggravated they may become. But, they are also full of suspicion and at times will take hasty action. Never lose sight of the fact that Tigers are smart and instinctive.


People born in the Year of the Tiger always take pride in being different from others, and normally demonstrate their originality best in their homes. Their homes are typically filled with exotic possessions. It is no surprise that one of the Tiger’s favorite gemstones is the cat’s eye, but tigers also love the sparkle of rubies and diamonds. They like to spend money, and also to share it. They can be very impulsive spenders because they know they can at all times make more.


The Year of the Tiger is the third year in the cycle of “Heavenly Branches”. Customarily, it is called “Yin”. Those born in the Year of the Tiger are compatible with the horse, dog, and dragons. The year 2010 is another Year of the Tiger. It is the ji-chou year. Jji is the sixth of the Ten Celestial Stems and yin is the third of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches and marks the Year of the Tiger.

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Thursday, December 31, 2009

What is an orb?

As our planet spins and tilts a little, it is quite serendipitous to launch this blog as the earth experiences a blue moon (did I mention colour!).

Occurring every 18-20 years, the blue moon, tonight, also heralds the end of 2009.

In an ever evolving and revolving world ... designs, colours and plans follow suit. Archecolour is here to help you secure the designs, colours and plans that you are most comfortable living in or working with.

Graphics, stories, projects and thoughts will populate each loaded with the intention of sparking inspiration and helping you acheive the comfortable, wakky, slick or chic space you are seeking.

Now, back on topic .... an orb: is
Orb (noun)

1. Sphere: a sphere or spherical object
2. Jewelled sphere of king or queen: a small sphere usually made from a precious metal set with jewels and with a cross fixed to the top of it that forms part of a sovereign's ceremonial regalia.
3. Eye: Eye or eyeball
4. Area of interest: A sphere of interest, influence or activity
5. Concentric planet-holding sphere: Astronomy: one of the concentric spheres that were formerly believed by astronombers to hold the planets in their orbital paths
6. Spherical astronomical object: Astronomy: a spherical astronomical object, especially the Sun, Moon or Earth
Orb (verb): Encircle; Make circular
Ref: Encarta dictionary English (uk) online.

Putting it all together: Archecolour

" is the design eye that transforms your sphere of work, home or play into a jewel that helps you enjoy the colours of our orb, earth"

Happy blue moon ... and I look forward to meeting you in the New Year.