Inspiring nature photos that Eric took himself.
Eric B. “The Blind Photographer”
November 23rd, 2009September ‘09 France & Italy Trip
November 23rd, 2009Inspirational art and architecture.
 
How to Maximize a Small Area and Create Multi-Functional Living Quarters.
July 16th, 2009Originally this space was a garage and I transformed it into a basic guest house with a living room, bedroom and bathroom. The client needed this guest house to become a rental property and therefore needed it to be fully equipped for a renter.
We needed to add a kitchen, an eating area, office space and better storage solutions.
The client wanted to go for a more contemporary and sleek look. I decided to use a combination of white lacquer, stainless steel, and chose lime green as an accent color.
To better utilize the space and maximize the seating area, I picked out a comfortable L-Shaped sofa in a soft grey textured fabric. I added white pillows for comfort and to carry the white theme with an additional punch of green. I also placed small white trays on the arms of the sofa, so one could rest a drink close by.
I decided not to crowd the room with a coffee table. Instead I used two nesting tables which were placed at the end of the chaise. These could be moved easily as needed.
I decided to keep the original red-orange wall for a contrasting color to break the monochromatic theme I was going with. I hung a flat screen TV over the fireplace on a movable arm so it could be viewed from any place in the room. Boxes were built under the hearth of the fireplace that to hold the cable box and a DVD player.
I added a nice sized desk in what looked like a dead corner of the room, and allowed an area in the closet to keep a white leather file cabinet with wheels. It could also be used to hold a wireless printer. This way it could be stored out of the way and easily pulled out when working.
I maximized the walk in closet by doing a combination of bars and shelves. I used a basic dresser that was left from the previous furniture and cut down the legs. It is now a drawer unit within the organized closet.
The logical place to put the kitchenette for plumbing practicality was on the wall near the bathroom. I then separated the kitchen from the living area with a white lacquer bar, which serves as the eating area.
To increase storage space I found a tall narrow white lacquer cabinet that I placed in the opposite dead corner. This could function as a pantry since it is near the kitchen as well additional living space storage.
Another great find was a CD/DVD storage shelf that was placed behind the sofa overhead. That is where I placed a small sound system. It leaves plenty of room for picture frames, candles and other accessories.
To increase the storage space in the bedroom loft, I found two very wide and low drawer units that fit in space under the low pitched roof. I used a light wood finish that ties together the woven sea grass flooring. I attached the bed side lights onto the wall, to keep the surfaces open and clean.
I placed a smaller TV with DVD player upstairs, and set in on a small Balinese trunk to add a touch of interest to the room. Hung across the way are Balinese shadow puppets that can be view from the upstairs loft.
I finished the new home by using a double curtain rod in brushed nickel, to hang sheers as well as privacy curtains. All in white to continue the theme. By adding brushed nickel curtain rings it gave the drapes a more elegant and sophisticated look.
The client was able to rent this house the first day it was advertised for top dollar. This long term investment did not only increase his property value but it helped subsidize his mortgage payment.
Total cost: $10,531
Total income for one year: $19, 200
Add electrical for kitchen appliances, and TV. Additional tile work = $1,975
Closet=$1,356
Kitchen Cabinets +additional storage cabinets=$925
Kitchen counter and faucet=$350
Kitchen Appliances=$325
Counter & Bar Stools=$665
Desk, Chair, File cabinet=$850
Sofa=$1,185
Nightstands=$445
Electronics=$1,600
Curtains= $865
We needed to add a kitchen, an eating area, office space and better storage solutions.
The client wanted to go for a more contemporary and sleek look. I decided to use a combination of white lacquer, stainless steel, and chose lime green as an accent color.
To better utilize the space and maximize the seating area, I picked out a comfortable L-Shaped sofa in a soft grey textured fabric. I added white pillows for comfort and to carry the white theme with an additional punch of green. I also placed small white trays on the arms of the sofa, so one could rest a drink close by.
I decided not to crowd the room with a coffee table. Instead I used two nesting tables which were placed at the end of the chaise. These could be moved easily as needed.
I decided to keep the original red-orange wall for a contrasting color to break the monochromatic theme I was going with. I hung a flat screen TV over the fireplace on a movable arm so it could be viewed from any place in the room. Boxes were built under the hearth of the fireplace that to hold the cable box and a DVD player.
I added a nice sized desk in what looked like a dead corner of the room, and allowed an area in the closet to keep a white leather file cabinet with wheels. It could also be used to hold a wireless printer. This way it could be stored out of the way and easily pulled out when working.
I maximized the walk in closet by doing a combination of bars and shelves. I used a basic dresser that was left from the previous furniture and cut down the legs. It is now a drawer unit within the organized closet.
The logical place to put the kitchenette for plumbing practicality was on the wall near the bathroom. I then separated the kitchen from the living area with a white lacquer bar, which serves as the eating area.
To increase storage space I found a tall narrow white lacquer cabinet that I placed in the opposite dead corner. This could function as a pantry since it is near the kitchen as well additional living space storage.
Another great find was a CD/DVD storage shelf that was placed behind the sofa overhead. That is where I placed a small sound system. It leaves plenty of room for picture frames, candles and other accessories.
To increase the storage space in the bedroom loft, I found two very wide and low drawer units that fit in space under the low pitched roof. I used a light wood finish that ties together the woven sea grass flooring. I attached the bed side lights onto the wall, to keep the surfaces open and clean.
I placed a smaller TV with DVD player upstairs, and set in on a small Balinese trunk to add a touch of interest to the room. Hung across the way are Balinese shadow puppets that can be view from the upstairs loft.
I finished the new home by using a double curtain rod in brushed nickel, to hang sheers as well as privacy curtains. All in white to continue the theme. By adding brushed nickel curtain rings it gave the drapes a more elegant and sophisticated look.
The client was able to rent this house the first day it was advertised for top dollar. This long term investment did not only increase his property value but it helped subsidize his mortgage payment.
Total cost: $10,531
Total income for one year: $19, 200
Add electrical for kitchen appliances, and TV. Additional tile work = $1,975
Closet=$1,356
Kitchen Cabinets +additional storage cabinets=$925
Kitchen counter and faucet=$350
Kitchen Appliances=$325
Counter & Bar Stools=$665
Desk, Chair, File cabinet=$850
Sofa=$1,185
Nightstands=$445
Electronics=$1,600
Curtains= $865
Before Remodel
Â
During Renovation
 
In with the New
March 30th, 2009Spring cleaning is traditionally a way to welcome a new season-one in which we open our doors and windows to let visitors and the sunshine in. It is also a way to remove stagnant energy from our homes in order to prepare our personal space for the positive, verdant energy of spring and summer. As you sweep away the dust and clutter that has blocked the flow of energy in your home, you inevitably sweep away some of the issues that may have been blocking you in your life. Intention is important, so before you begin cleaning, ask yourself what needs to be cleansed, what can be discarded, and how you can make your home a reflection of your best self. Then, gather your tools and supplies around you-vinegar mixed with water makes a wonderful natural cleanser, and putting everything you need in a bucket with a handle will make it easier to move your supplies around your home. Once you’ve begun spring cleaning, you may find that with each piece of clutter you discard and each item t!
hat you clean you begin feel increasingly energized. Divesting yourself of unnecessary possessions can help you regain clarity of mind while cleaning your windows can help you refocus your vision. As you clean, invite healing and vital energy into your home and heart.
When you’ve cleaned your home from top to bottom, create a floral arrangement with flowers from your garden, or buy a new plant at a farmer’s market. You may notice that your home feels newer, and brighter and full of new fresh energy. You also feel reawakened, rejuvenated, and alive. By cleansing your home, you can harness the vivacity and vigor of spring.
Check Out www.kiva.org
March 9th, 2009I received this e-mail from my friend Rich and thought it was a great idea and wanted to share it with you. During these difficult times, it’s an inexpensive investment with a positive return which is certainly not the case when investing in the stock market these days. Remember what comes around goes around and good attracts good. So check it out, and feel free to pass the word around.
-Eric BÂ
Hey my friends!Â
I just made a loan to someone in the developing world using a revolutionary new website called Kiva (www.kiva.org).
You can go to Kiva’s website and lend to someone in the developing world who needs a loan for their business - like raising goats, selling vegetables at market or making bricks. Each loan has a picture of the entrepreneur, a description of their business and how they plan to use the loan so you know exactly how your money is being spent - and you get updates letting you know how the entrepreneur is going.
The best part is, when the entrepreneur pays back their loan you get your money back - and Kiva’s loans are managed by microfinance institutions on the ground who have a lot of experience doing this, so you can trust that your money is being handled responsibly.
Â
I just made a loan to an entrepreneur named Muhabbat Majidova in Tajikistan. They still need another $250.00 to complete their loan request of $875.00 (you can loan as little as $25.00!). Help me get this entrepreneur off the ground by clicking on the link below to make a loan to Muhabbat Majidova too:Â
http://www.kiva.org/app.php?page=businesses&action=about&id=85969
Â
It’s finally easy to actually do something about poverty - using Kiva I know exactly who my money is loaned to and what they’re using it for. And most of all, I know that I’m helping them build a sustainable business that will provide income to feed, clothe, house and educate their family long after my loan is paid back.
Â
Join me in changing the world - one loan at a time.
Â
Thanks!
Â
Rich
I’m In Europe June 2009
February 19th, 2009I will be in Paris June 12-16, Lyon 17-18, Chamonix, Genva, Milan 19-25, Zurich, 27-28.
I will be returing to Europe mid September for the release of my book.Â
Eric B. Guest Speaker: Art Education for the Blind @ NY Met October 16-17, 2009
February 19th, 2009Art Education for the Blind and The Metropolitan Museum of Art are organizing the follow-up to the 2005 and 2007 conference on Multimodal Approaches to Learning. The dates are Friday and Saturday, October 16 and 17, 2009. It will take place at the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
The conference will address multiple modalities in the following disciplines: Art History, Anthropology, Neuroscience, New Media and Universal Design, Architecture and Education. Speakers and panelists will present their diverse perspective on disability, the senses, art and education. The conference will further address the challenges faced by educators, artists, museum professionals, architects and designers to create learning opportunities and inclusive learning environments that better serve all audiences, and meet the needs of learners with sensory impairment or those who use different learning styles.Â
I’ll be in South Beach Miami Apr 10-19
February 19th, 2009I will be in Miami, FL Friday April 10-Sunday April 19, 2009. I would be happy to meet with any potential clients or the media while I am there.
Influencing the Tone of Your Life Through Color
February 19th, 2009| When we enter a room or see an object for the first time, our minds register its color before any other detail. The colors our eyes can perceive are like words that form a subtle language of mood, energy, and insight. Color can exert a gentle effect on the mind and the body, influencing our dispositions and our physical health. Color has the ability to trigger our emotions, affect the way we think and act, and influence our attitudes. You unconsciously respond to the color of the walls in your home, your car, your clothing, and the food you eat based on your body’s natural reactions to certain colors and the psychological associations you have formed around them. The consequences of the decision to paint a room or wear a specific article of clothing therefore goes beyond aesthetics. The colors you encounter throughout your day can make you feel happy or sad, invigorate you or drain your vitality, and even affect your work habits. Throughout history, cultures spread over many different parts of the globe have attributed varying meanings to different colors. In China, blue is associated with immortality, while people in the Middle East view blue as a color of protection. There is also evidence that human beings respond to color in a very visceral way. Red excites us and inflames our passions. Too much red, however, can make us feel over-stimulated and irritated. Pink tends to make people feel loved and protected but also can cause feelings of lethargy. Yellow represents joy or optimism and can energize you and help you think more clearly. Bright orange reduces depression and sadness. Blue and green are known to inspire peaceful feelings, and people are often able to concentrate better and work in rooms painted in soft blues and greens. The darker tones of both colors can make you feel serious and introspective. There are ways to integrate color into your life that go beyond picking the hues of your decor and your wardrobe. You can meditate with color by concentrating on the colors that make you feel peaceful or using a progression of colors to symbolize a descent into a relaxed state. Color breathing involves visualizing certain colors as you in inhale and exhale. Choose to surround yourself with the colors that you are attracted to and make you feel good, and you can create an environment that makes you feel nurtured, peaceful, and uplifted. |
Â
Hello world!
November 18th, 2008Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!