FOXNews.com: Design solutions for 11 tricky spaces

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Design solutions for 11 tricky spaces Aug 30th 2012, 14:21 From long and narrow "railroad car" apartments to teensy studios and rooms that seem to be all doors and windows, every home has its own design challenges. If you've hit a roadblock (where in the world can I put that sofa?) or just feel there must be a better way of arranging your space, read on -- we're covering solutions for 11 of the most common space-planning dilemmas. Spaces design by Architect a+b kasha designs Getting started. As with the beginning of any design project, it helps to look at your space with fresh eyes. Go out, grab a cup of coffee and come back for another look once you feel refreshed. Better yet, bring a design-savvy friend along with you and ask what he or she would do with the space. Sometimes just hearing others' ideas can help get your own creative juices flowing and lead to your best ideas. If the room is really giving you trouble, I recommend taking every scrap of furniture out and looking at it completely bare. When layers of stuff are clogging up your view, it can be hard to imagine setting up the room in any other way. Move the stuff, and you may be able to move the mental roadblocks too. Modern Hall design by Kansas City Design-build Hufft Projects Tricky space 1: Long, narrow hall The solution: Think art gallery. Fresh white walls are the classic choice, though textured grasscloth or a coat of rich color would work equally well. Go sleek and simple with all black and white pieces, or create a quirky gallery with eclectic, colorful artwork hung in a line, with some frames left intentionally empty. Finish the space with proper lighting. Try overhead track lighting and/or small wall-mounted lights to illuminate the art. Modern Hall design by New York Architect moment design + productions, llc Tricky space 2: Small home, long hall The solution: Rather than let precious space go unused, put your hallway to work by installing floating cabinets and shelves. Floating the storage pieces off the floor keeps the area from feeling too heavy or cluttered. Just be sure to measure carefully, choosing cabinets that are narrow enough to allow ample room to walk by. Make a point of keeping the floors clean and surfaces carefully curated -- clutter will become noticeable quickly in a tight space like this. Living Room design by New York Architect Workshop/apd Tricky space 3: Small space, no entryway The solution: Don't bother trying to squeeze a teensy table behind the door. It will only bug you, and it won't be big enough to hold much. Instead, look for the first available open wall and place a larger desk or storage piece there, letting it do double duty as an entertainment center or workspace. If there is literally nowhere to put a table, try using a few small, sleek wall-mounted pieces instead. A few hooks for keys, coats and bags and a floating shelf or sorter for mail are all you really need to manage the essentials. Traditional Kitchen design by New York Architect Fivecat Studio | Architecture Tricky space 4: Eat-in kitchen with too many doors and openings The solution: In places where a square or rectangular table would stick out like a sore thumb, go round instead. Curved shapes generally fit better into awkward spaces, softening the hard edges in a room. Try to pull your round table near a wall, even if it's only as small a section of wall as in the room shown here; it looks more natural than placing the table dead-center. Contemporary Living Room design by Austin Architect Tim Cuppett Architects Tricky space 5: Living room with multiple doors and windows The solution: If your living room has an element (door, window, fireplace, radiator) that prevents you from placing furniture near the walls, try pulling the arrangement toward the center of the room instead. Use the symmetry of a matching pair of sofas to counteract the chaos of the entries and exits, and add a cozy area rug to anchor the conversation area. Dining Room design by Denver Interior Designer Danielle Wallinger Tricky space 6: Living room with very little available wall space The solution: If your living room is driving you nuts, take a look at your dining room instead. Could you make a swap? Multiple windows and doors don't really matter in a dining room, as furniture needs are minimal (table, chairs, maybe a sideboard). And what is more romantic than dinners by the fire? Eclectic Living Room design by Kansas City Interior Designer Nichole Loiacono Design Tricky space 7: Tiny studio apartment The solution: Small-scale furniture and careful planning are key in a tiny space that must serve many purposes. Round tables and furniture with curvy shapes make navigating tight quarters easier, while glass or Lucite tables create more visual space. Ample storage will make your life much easier, so look for smart designs that sneak in extra space. You could use storage ottomans instead of a coffee table or an antique dresser instead of an entertainment center, or even hide an entire wall of shelving behind attractive curtains on ceiling-mounted rods. Contemporary Family Room design by Architect a+b kasha designs Tricky space 8: Slanted ceiling the under stairs The solution: If you can afford to make the investment, custom built-in cabinets, shelving or desk space is a wonderful way to make use of every last square inch. Otherwise, low-profile furniture such as a small daybed (with no headboard or footboard) or chaise can turn an awkward nook into a cozy hideaway. Contemporary Living Room design by Orange County Interior Designer Domicile Interior Design Tricky space 9: Small living room The solution: It's a bit counterintuitive, but too many itty-bitty pieces can make a room feel cluttered and cramped. Strike a balance by choosing pieces that look substantial but have sleek lines (no rolled arms!). Substituting an upholstered ottoman for the usual coffee table is an easy way to sneak in extra seating, and a pair of petite armchairs can fit in the space of a single overstuffed version. Finally, be sure to place lighting all the way into the back corners of a space -- nothing shrinks a room faster than poor lighting. Modern Living Room design by New York Interior Designer Andrew Flesher Interiors Tricky space 10: Long, narrow room The solution: When it comes to decorating a long, narrow space, you will want to build in a few breaks in the sight line, which visually divide the space and provide areas for different uses. Rather than push the sofa against the wall, try using a smaller-scale loveseat placed perpendicular to the wall as one of your room breaks. You also can use a low cabinet or table behind the sofa to define the line between two main zones; just be sure that the cabinet is level with, or a few inches shorter than, your sofa. Contemporary Living Room design by Baltimore Architect Ziger/Snead Architects Tricky space 11: High ceilings, big open space The solution: Accent pieces with height (such as the arc lamp featured here) will visually fill the vertical space. Supersize rooms can handle larger-scale furniture, so don't be afraid to go big. A massive dining table made from a natural wood slab with an eye-catching pendant light hung over it would make a dramatic focal point for the room. Create a comfy seating area in another spot by using two facing sofas pulled perpendicular to a wall, and finish the arrangement with a big rug (or even two rugs layered together) to add softness. Related: Photos: Browse thousands of modern interiors Help: Find an interior designer in your area Ideas: Find the right living room product for your home You can find Laura Gaskill on her blog Lolalina, where she shares inspiring interiors, design finds, cute baby pictures, and updates on her own progress in decorating her first house. Click to view original post.

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FOXNews.com: Runaway electric garbage truck kills U.S. tourist in Denmark

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Runaway electric garbage truck kills U.S. tourist in Denmark Aug 30th 2012, 12:14 Published August 30, 2012 Associated Press Firemen at the scene after a garbage truck went out of control and killed an American tourist and wounded several others in an incident on Copenhagen's pedestrian street Stroeget, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. (AP Photo / Camilla Cornelius/POLFOTO) DENMARK OUT COPENHAGEN, Denmark –  Police in Denmark say an American tourist was killed and four people were slightly injured when hit by a runaway electric vehicle on a Copenhagen pedestrian street. Police spokeswoman Mette Lindskov says the small garbage collecting vehicle started rolling by itself after the driver had stepped out to empty a trash basket on Stroeget, the 50-year-old shopping artery that cuts through downtown Copenhagen. Witnesses told Danish media the tourist, whose identity wasn't released, was hit by the vehicle and dragged for several yards. She declined to comment on media reports that a short-circuit could have prompted the vehicle to start rolling. Four other people sustained minor injuries Wednesday.

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FOXNews.com: Take an international road trip across the US

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Take an international road trip across the US Aug 29th 2012, 21:00 Are you sick of your friends bragging about their international vacations? We here at Movoto Real Estate have come up with a strategy by which you can trick everyone into thinking you've been to Europe and more, without technically lying. With our American International Road Trip, you can see Paris, Athens, Berlin, Moscow, and Prague, all without having to deal with grabby TSA agents, iceless beverages, and people who refuse to speak English. So fill up the gas tank, strap your luggage to the top of your car, and prepare for the long haul. These five towns with Old World names might be more modest than their namesakes, but that doesn't mean they don't have a certain unique appeal -- one that only you are clever enough to discover. Who knows? Maybe you'll be a convert and decide to buy a home in one of the biggest little cities in the country. Visit the Old World for Half the Price Paris, Texas Located in the northeast corner of Texas, Paris is the seat of Lamar County, home to 25,000 people. Locals call it "The Second Largest Paris in the World." A replica of the Eiffel Tower was built there in 1993. At 65 feet, it's only the world's 17th largest Eiffel Tower replica -- but it might be the only one wearing a cowboy hat. If you fall in love with Paris, Texas and decide to stay, you'll be amazed by the real estate deals. This cute three bedroom house with a wraparound porch is located just 1.5 miles away from the Eiffel Tower, and is selling for only $36,000. Try finding a deal like that located 2.5 km from the original Eiffel Tower. The 1984 Wim Wenders movie, Paris, Texas, put this little town on the cultural map, though the story isn't actually set in Paris. Other states with towns called Paris: AR, GA, IL, IN, ID, KY, MI, MO, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX, WI Athens, Ohio Next up is the city of Athens, home to Ohio University. While Athens, Greece, is commonly regarded as the birthplace of democracy, its namesake in Ohio is built around the ideals of universal education and freedom of ideas. Founded in 1804, Ohio University is the ninth oldest public university in the country. Athens is considered one of the most haunted cities in the US. This is due largely to the the legacy of the Athens Lunatic Asylum. The hospital, originally called The Athens Hospital For The Insane, was founded in 1874. Over the nearly 120 years of its operation, the asylum treated everyone from kids to deranged criminals to Civil War veterans. Lobotomies were performed there. Nearly 2,000 former patients are buried in the cemeteries immediately surrounding the decommissioned hospital. This area is now called The Ridges, and is known for spooky activity. In 2010, it was featured on the FOX show, The Scariest Places on Earth. Other states with towns named Athens: AL, GA, IL, IN, LA, MI, ME, OH, PA, TX, WI, WV Prague, Oklahoma With the plucky motto, "Prague, Oklahoma: Czech Us Out," this town combines the best of Central European heritage and central American optimism. Located in Lincoln County, Prague has a population of about 2,100 people. If you're there on the first Saturday in May, you can check out the Kolache festival, a celebration of the town's Czech heritage that includes dancing, music, costumes, and carnival rides– along with plenty of Kolache, a traditional Central European pastry with fruit filling. Prague's current civic preoccupation is the transport of Jim Thorpe's body back to its native land. Jim Thorpe is Prague's most famous citizen. Born on Sac and Fox territory, Thorpe's ancestry was a mix of French, English, and Native American. Thorpe won the Decathlon and the Pentathlon at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, becoming the first athlete in history to win both events. He went on to play professional baseball and football, and is considered by some to be the greatest athlete of the 20th century. After Thorpe died in 1953 of a heart attack, his body was forcibly removed from Oklahoma–during the funeral!– by some greedy Pennsylvanians who'd named a town after him. Other states with towns named Prague: None. New Prague, MN Moscow, Idaho This small town in Idaho is home to about 24,000 people. In Moscow, you can visit the Appaloosa Horse Museum, which aims to preserve and celebrate the history of these magnificent spotted horses. You can also go "glamping" at MaryJanesfarm, a Bed and Breakfast with a uniquely rustic twist. Nylon tents and sleeping bags are ditched in favor of permanent canvas tents, fully furnished with a bed, wood stove, and wood floors. There's even a heated, outdoor clawfoot tub -- the "farm" version of a hot tub. The town was originally called "Hog Heaven," because the area was rich in camas bulbs, a favorite food of pigs. In 1872, the town's name was briefly changed to Paradise Valley. Legend has it that five men gathered to decide on a name for the town, but couldn't come to an agreement. Finally, they ran up against a posting deadline, and the postmaster, Samuel Keff, wrote in "Moscow." It's possible that Keff didn't realize towns could be named anything other than Moscow: born near Moscow, Pennsylvania, Keff would later move to Moscow, Iowa. Cold Warriors be damned -- there are twenty-seven states in the US with the name Moscow. Other states with towns named Moscow: AL AR FL ID IL IA KS KY ME MD MI MN MO NY ND OH OK PA RI TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI Berlin, New Hampshire Berlin is called "The City that Trees Built." Though named for a German city, the majority of Berlin's population is of French ancestry. This is due to the town's proximity to the Canadian border --  it's estimated that 65 percent of its 10,051 inhabitants speak a variant of New England French, dubbed "Berlin French." Skiing is popular here: in 1872, some Scandinavian men founded the nation's first ski club, which they called the North American Ski Club. The club is still in operation today, though it's now called the Nansen Club, in honor of the famous Norwegian explorer (and skier) Fridtjof Nansen. Perhaps of greater importance, the modern casserole was invented here, by a French Canadian immigrant named Elmire Jolicoeur. We're still not sure if we should laud Jolicoeur or not. Another famously named town -- Milan, New Hampshire -- is a mere eight miles away. Other states with towns named Berlin: ND, WI. Time for a Road Trip? Though their histories aren't quite as auspicious as those of their namesakes, these US towns have their own share of charm and intrigue. An added bonus is that you won't have to contend with hordes of fellow tourists -- and almost everyone you encounter will speak English. You can calculate how much your gas will cost here. Related Posts Is Instagram Real Estate's Next Frontier? What You Secretly Wanted to Know About Nudist House Hunting But Were Afraid to Ask Click to view original post.

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FOXNews.com: V8 muscle cars as "rare as white flies" by 2025?

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V8 muscle cars as "rare as white flies" by 2025? Aug 29th 2012, 20:29 Did the President just kill the muscle car? Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne told the Detroit Free Press that V8-powered cars like his company's Dodge Challenger will become as "rare as white flies" under new fuel efficiency standards announced by the Obama administration yesterday. The new regulations, which will require a fleet wide fuel economy average of 54.5 mpg by the year 2025 will "change the way the industry operates" and means that automakers must deploy significantly new technologies and must change the way cars are designed, according to Marchionne. "We are struggling with some big choices we need to make," he said. Chrysler officially supports the new targets, and Marchionne believes they can be met, but the company currently lacks any high mileage hybrid or battery-powered cars in its lineup while offering four popular vehicles from its SRT high-performance division that are powered by a supercharged Hemi V8 engine and get 17 mpg combined or less. Next year, the Fiat brand will begin selling a low-volume electric version of its 500 microcar, but Chrysler's further efforts in the alternative fuel arena are unclear. Less so is the introduction later this year of the 640 hp V10-powered SRT Viper supercar, which sounds like it could end up being the only thing rarer than a white fly. Get 'em while they last.

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FOXNews.com: Nev. rib cook-off expected to draw 500,000 people

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Nev. rib cook-off expected to draw 500,000 people Aug 29th 2012, 20:00 he smoky, sweet barbeque aroma wafting across U.S. Interstate 80 in northern Nevada this week is the smell of money for Reno and Sparks hotels and casinos trying to rebound from the lingering sour economy. With two dozen of the best rib cookers in the country and more than 120 tons of meat, the 24th annual Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off that kicked off Wednesday is expected to attract nearly a half-million visitors through Labor Day. About 500,000 people helped pump $24.8 million into the local economy last year and local businesses are optimistic this year's event will be as good or better. "It's really an economic driver for the region," said Beth Cooney, executive marketing director for John Ascuaga's Nugget, the founding sponsor of the event that includes music on three stages, crafts and vendors on five blocks of closed-off streets along Victorian Square in downtown Sparks, a stone's throw from I-80. The cook-off has been gaining national attention in recent years, with a television show dedicated to it on the Food Channel and a program on the Travel Channel called "Rib Paradise." This year's competitors come from Texas, Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Michigan, California and Nevada. "For one week each year, this event puts Sparks on the national map," city spokesman Adam Mayberry said. "There's no way to calculate the value this event brings the city." Bone Daddy's BBQ of Midland, Mich., Checkered Pig BBQ of Martinsville, Va., Bourbon Q of Westport, Ky., and Aussom Aussie BBQ of Pittsburgh, Pa., are among the regulars back again this year. "We love coming to Sparks," said Andrew Mackay, a member of the Aussom Aussie team who hails from Sydney, Australia. "It transforms into this enormous, fantastic event with 500,000 people and thousands of pounds of ribs," he said. "This is the largest show in the country, in our opinion, the largest in the world." Cooney estimates attendees are about a 50-50 split between locals and tourists. "The locals really love this event, and it's a big key to our success," she said. "They also have family and friends that come in that weekend, and that's a big piece of the economic impact as well." In 2011, about 50 percent of the out-of-town visitors stayed overnight in commercial lodging, with the Nugget getting about 12 percent of those visits and other hotel properties getting about 29 percent, according to an Infosearch Economic Impact Study. Seventy-nine percent of the out-of-town visitors reported their primary reason for visiting the area was the rib cook-of, according to the study. It broke down visitor spending during the cook-off to include: — $8.5 million on gambling — $8.2 million on food and beverages — $5.5 million in lodging — $1.1 million in shopping — $70,000 in entertainment and sightseeing

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FOXNews.com: Campbell channels Andy Warhol for new cans

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Campbell channels Andy Warhol for new cans Aug 29th 2012, 17:01 Campbell Soup is tapping Andy Warhol for another 15 minutes of fame. The world's biggest soup maker plans to introduce special-edition cans of its condensed tomato soup bearing labels reminiscent of the pop artist's paintings at Target stores starting Sunday. The 1.2 million cans will cost 75 cents each. The Campbell Soup Co.'s embrace of Warhol's iconic imagery is a switch from its initial reaction, when the company considered taking legal action before deciding to see how the paintings were received by the public. "There's some evidence to show there was a little bit of concern," said Jonathon Thorn, an archivist for Campbell Soup. "But they decided to take a wait-and-see approach." By 1964, however, the company realized the paintings were becoming a phenomenon and embraced the depictions. Campbell's marketing manager even sent Warhol a letter expressing admiration for his work. "I have since learned that you like Tomato Soup," William MacFarland wrote in the letter. "I am taking the liberty of having a couple cases of our Tomato Soup delivered to you." Later that same year, Campbell commissioned Warhol to do a painting of a can of Campbell's tomato soup as a gift for its retiring board chairman, Oliver G. Willits; Warhol was paid $2,000 for the work. Campbell also invited the artist to visit its headquarters in Camden, N.J., although Thorn said there's no indication a visit ever took place. There was no contact after that until 1985, when the company commissioned Warhol to paint packages of its new dry soup mixes for advertisements. Warhol died about two years later. In 1993, the company bought a Warhol painting of one of its tomato soup cans to hang in its boardroom of its headquarters. The company also has a licensing agreement with the Warhol estate to sell clothing, magnets and other gear, mostly overseas, bearing the artist's renditions. Campbell has sold Warhol-inspired cans on two other occasions, although on much smaller scales. In 2004, the company sold 75,000 four-packs of Warhol-inspired cans at Giant Eagle, a Pittsburgh-based supermarket operator. During the holiday season in 2006, the company sold 12,000 units at Barney's in New York. The latest promotion comes as Campbell looks to turn around its struggling soup business after years of declining sales; the company plans to introduce dozens of new products this year. The cans to be sold at Target will come in four color schemes, with famed Warhol quote such as "In the future everybody will be world famous for 15 minutes." The red-and-white Campbell label made its debut in 1898. Significant changes to the front of the can have been made only a handful of times since then.

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FOXNews.com: Man caves of the rich and famous

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Man caves of the rich and famous Aug 29th 2012, 17:13 Man caves -- the last bastion of peace for the modern man. A refuge from a domestic empire of throw pillows, stemware and floral arrangements. After a long, hard day's work, there's nothing better than crawling down into the cave to flip on the game and throw back a few cold ones. Of course, man caves aren't just for regular joes. Rich and famous men also love having a little grotto devoted to manly pursuits. Here are some of the man caves of the rich and famous, and some lessons you can learn to transform your own cave. Snoop Dogg Rapper, family man, and man cave lover, Snoop Dogg (who has, of course, just changed his name to the more manly, "Snoop Lion") has one seriously pimped out room to call his own. Looking to escape the stress of modern celebrity, the Long Beach, Calif., native had the DIY Network build him a custom cave where he could play video games and watch sports in peace. For a comfortable place to kick back, there's a sheared-off trunk of a vintage Cadillac, which has been repurposed as a couch, giving the room a bit of retro-cool flair. Windowless and ringed with security cameras, Snoop's man cave is built to keep celebrity seekers, and uninvited family members, from busting in on his off-time. The cave even has a direct line to Denny's to satisfy any late night snack cravings without ever having to step outside. Takeaway for your own man cave: For lovers of classic cars, a couch fashioned from the classic fins of a vintage Caddy is a nice touch. For your own man cave, try heading over to the local junk yard or scouring the Internet for some classic auto parts -- a grill, headlights, or bench seats -- to adorn your walls and furnish the place. Adam Carolla Sure you want to impress your friends, but mostly you want them to be comfortable when they come over to knock a few back. - Adam Verwymeren Funnyman Adam Carolla co-hosted "The Man Show" for six years, so you'd better believe that he knows a thing or two about man caves. While his epic mansion sports an eight car garage to house his collection of classic race cars, Carolla's basement man cave is a much more subdued affair. With a bar, a jukebox, bench seating and a pool table, the room looks more like a quaint local pub than an over-the-top celebrity man cave. And, of course, that's a big part of the appeal of the man cave. Sure you want to impress your friends, but mostly you want them to be comfortable when they come over to knock a few back. Takeaway for your own man cave:  Playing cards and coasters adorn the ceiling of Carolla's cave. If you're looking for a nice, affordable way to decorate the space while declaring your allegiance to your favorite brews, all you need is a bit of glue and a stack of coasters from your local bar. Jimmie Johnson NASCAR driver and fantastic son, Jimmie Johnson built a man cave for his dad as a Father's Day gift. Decked out in racing memorabilia, a custom pool table clad in stainless steel takes center stage in the room. And while it also features a granite-topped bar and 3D television, the cave maintains its credibility as a functioning garage. A hydraulic lift allows the elder Johnson, a motorcycle enthusiast, to tuck away his Victory bike when it's not in use. Takeaway for your own man cave: The pit stop inspired cabinets are just repurposed tool chests, the perfect way for race fans to keep things organized in their own man caves. And the cave's black and white checkered floor recalls a racing flag, a nice way to make you feel like you're at the track when you're kicking back at home.

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