Boston Magazine Dream Home 2014

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/logo-dh2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="http://cdn1.bostonmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/logo-dh2014.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />The 2014 <a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/designhome/" target="_blank">Boston Magazine Dream Home </a>will be open for public tours starting on September 10th. For the last ten years, the magazine has been teaming with a local builder, architect, designer and a charity to build a house that focuses on a specific kind of living style. This year's house, located in Salisbury, MA, is a single family house that feature's "net-zero" energy living.<br /><br />The design/build team this year is Ridgeview Construction, Kaplan Thompson Architects, and the design coordinator is Lisa Wasserman Sivan. Boston Children's Hospital is the non-profit beneficiary.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSZhr3NrxbFD3UkkXI6D0EpKQWNeUHccMoTuhRT3EHcgHmaYWCoyjellxjGIAZ6HdVIu9jPC0SoktjaWiQDsD7W3qaPWLHoXPjDAmzS4DWeOmgxVXpSoEFFXrUqQqzzfB0jOLJPnK7Bo/s1600/Back+Exterior_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSZhr3NrxbFD3UkkXI6D0EpKQWNeUHccMoTuhRT3EHcgHmaYWCoyjellxjGIAZ6HdVIu9jPC0SoktjaWiQDsD7W3qaPWLHoXPjDAmzS4DWeOmgxVXpSoEFFXrUqQqzzfB0jOLJPnK7Bo/s1600/Back+Exterior_1.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><br />The roof on the back of the house is covered with solar panels.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujptpUZjMNe6gC3zXctJEVykRpj86-bNTO3ddXs7tDdeHo7_tZx_Srw9__UIMXdp91L98b4RHBb2gRUs-5Myw_jTZaLcwrm1pizKAkCDowpY-Ra2O6GFVSjfXz61Len7AukJwu3elf6w/s1600/Dining+Room_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjujptpUZjMNe6gC3zXctJEVykRpj86-bNTO3ddXs7tDdeHo7_tZx_Srw9__UIMXdp91L98b4RHBb2gRUs-5Myw_jTZaLcwrm1pizKAkCDowpY-Ra2O6GFVSjfXz61Len7AukJwu3elf6w/s1600/Dining+Room_4.jpg" width="486" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-OOH9jHVWLP4NXIQkYlExnZ-hKqKKyiYBz_v_6_00OGGbaSxVibXaOnDp7gRgvauvnrkLf5h-wFbwWMHD2JEBsuY_700HzZti8rqQly-y4Tl1wO5_UFRT8PtzGwAQ0n1CvPTRKuaass/s1600/Entry_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-OOH9jHVWLP4NXIQkYlExnZ-hKqKKyiYBz_v_6_00OGGbaSxVibXaOnDp7gRgvauvnrkLf5h-wFbwWMHD2JEBsuY_700HzZti8rqQly-y4Tl1wO5_UFRT8PtzGwAQ0n1CvPTRKuaass/s1600/Entry_1.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>The amazing console table above was made by my friend Ray Bachand of <a href="http://www.60nobscot.com/" target="_blank">60Nobscot</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kQe2LYyljaEPCpvzKaYTTBM6aOPWAUe21m8hYD_WV_WXw-V-nXqG9U5ckaoVkQ47zz-EPSLHk_oQTRJ6SB8kO1cb1qJgGFfjeRkkAnaXVQ9q9TRvaygwxAD9qpJZZ2o0DisjMfExTs8/s1600/Kids+Bedroom_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kQe2LYyljaEPCpvzKaYTTBM6aOPWAUe21m8hYD_WV_WXw-V-nXqG9U5ckaoVkQ47zz-EPSLHk_oQTRJ6SB8kO1cb1qJgGFfjeRkkAnaXVQ9q9TRvaygwxAD9qpJZZ2o0DisjMfExTs8/s1600/Kids+Bedroom_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFosks3c6jz1lPhPMB7iAJQUaD9j9ehA9LbMnuOztya4Iq11rlYt7pVEIXQXREfcX-rGDZXpATxt1yCK-n8vgr7KpPxN9HMRzluxAFw68C_9NF8LoIroscoaUyFhdrdY0_37igETugqU/s1600/Loft_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFosks3c6jz1lPhPMB7iAJQUaD9j9ehA9LbMnuOztya4Iq11rlYt7pVEIXQXREfcX-rGDZXpATxt1yCK-n8vgr7KpPxN9HMRzluxAFw68C_9NF8LoIroscoaUyFhdrdY0_37igETugqU/s1600/Loft_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G7bAsKW0TJJkyBL8Tca6rbzwdEC-cHsid1-YqOJGxbniVoj9k6HomwekwJAe-YLss2pycXTXOF8EcPevFvtG7UoBMB16VY-iD8vJ5pJcQa-8di0zOs1DDRQJU1HeKcBaNtzhSQPwrww/s1600/Master+Bedroom_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8G7bAsKW0TJJkyBL8Tca6rbzwdEC-cHsid1-YqOJGxbniVoj9k6HomwekwJAe-YLss2pycXTXOF8EcPevFvtG7UoBMB16VY-iD8vJ5pJcQa-8di0zOs1DDRQJU1HeKcBaNtzhSQPwrww/s1600/Master+Bedroom_2.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;">All photos by Michael J. Lee</div><br />Here is a time-lapse video of the contraction of this modular home:<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0" height="270" id="flashObj" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=3570544092001&playerID=2653835856001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAACaZLRSXk~,UlZGdzs6RCrzZuKvbQ6su-ctxIAoHqT8&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=3570544092001&playerID=2653835856001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAACaZLRSXk~,UlZGdzs6RCrzZuKvbQ6su-ctxIAoHqT8&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="480" height="270" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object><br /><br />Tickets are $25 with 100% of the ticket price going to Children's Hospital. For more information and to purchase tickets, <a href="http://www.bostonmagazine.com/designhome/" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-DQn-N9w56WCtzz4s5QI-4Gh69TSCCU5k94pEYyDH_Rr9O5oxheO7CnHi2JuHIZVxQFZvqwwLqjEGGCw8KCRoAe3Zc0KmpPGPBbrI9xhinBNPa6M6VD3xVqp9SPZp0raYsZYJtm_PL4/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-DQn-N9w56WCtzz4s5QI-4Gh69TSCCU5k94pEYyDH_Rr9O5oxheO7CnHi2JuHIZVxQFZvqwwLqjEGGCw8KCRoAe3Zc0KmpPGPBbrI9xhinBNPa6M6VD3xVqp9SPZp0raYsZYJtm_PL4/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br />

Boston Magazine Dream Home 2014

The 2014 Boston Magazine Dream Home will be open for public tours starting on September 10th. For the last ten years, the magazine has been ...

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Nook Cottage: Hanging Art

As I'm waiting for my sofa and dining table to be delivered next week (finally!) I've started planning in ernest where I'll be hanging my art. I have between 25-30 pieces ranging from fairly large (30x40) to teeny (5x5). Half of my collection just came out of my parent's house including several watercolors by my late aunt Bette Wasserboehr, who was a noted New England water colorist, teacher, gallery owner and mentor to many painters. There is no real theme to what I have. I like photography so I have several framed photographs, some I've taken, other's by better photographers! I have a lot of framed prints of varying subjects. It's just a matter of making them all work together and showing them off well.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/db/18/c7/db18c78be043933aa31b2159a3f22dc5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/db/18/c7/db18c78be043933aa31b2159a3f22dc5.jpg" /></a></div><br />This Charlotte Moss space has long been my inspiration - I just love everything about it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kWN-Np89j59AO6TLOcQGXkPd79B97AwhL-wmilVulDgotHIZfA4BcRY8oTeirm77FU2BfpvYR3j6LbAqj4NJZr-egpYG3MDdXymMTBm_j6oUsTXhbkY_3tQaakepiAH6BQbEHfJWg3U/s1600/charlotte+moss+bedroom.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kWN-Np89j59AO6TLOcQGXkPd79B97AwhL-wmilVulDgotHIZfA4BcRY8oTeirm77FU2BfpvYR3j6LbAqj4NJZr-egpYG3MDdXymMTBm_j6oUsTXhbkY_3tQaakepiAH6BQbEHfJWg3U/s1600/charlotte+moss+bedroom.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I've also always been inspired by this famous Hubert Robert "Grande Galerie du Louvre" (1796).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Hubert_Robert_-_Projet_d'am%C3%A9nagement_de_la_Grande_Galerie_du_Louvre_(1796).JPG/1024px-Hubert_Robert_-_Projet_d'am%C3%A9nagement_de_la_Grande_Galerie_du_Louvre_(1796).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Hubert_Robert_-_Projet_d'am%C3%A9nagement_de_la_Grande_Galerie_du_Louvre_(1796).JPG/1024px-Hubert_Robert_-_Projet_d'am%C3%A9nagement_de_la_Grande_Galerie_du_Louvre_(1796).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMHSWsaOHhJPCpaZoPPYpHrFxPj7eCv_-nh9A8Zws86cgarc4UPCACU4ssY-sCc9vQDTcvr5Ok7WJC5LUNKNLv-MgkHGtxH-YhFMclazb9-vibd-S4YFrqQY7LruY_6pezTpqPHNlVMU/s1600/Bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMHSWsaOHhJPCpaZoPPYpHrFxPj7eCv_-nh9A8Zws86cgarc4UPCACU4ssY-sCc9vQDTcvr5Ok7WJC5LUNKNLv-MgkHGtxH-YhFMclazb9-vibd-S4YFrqQY7LruY_6pezTpqPHNlVMU/s1600/Bedroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Here is a rendering of my new bedroom. Just this week I got in the custom headboard and re-upholstered chair in a cut velvet called Watersedge from Lee Jofa and I am so thrilled with how they came out!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXKSMUgjeyWp6WjvlnfgSmPspXbttkrje6ukkZqabTO-AXUHTLFEGFm5JiKuoGe55uDEVL_oThRzaaZNE-DtqTseoBTypDtT1eND9CyaFvHJOw6V_vwkq_HgdfZDcO47FKCrwI-uP-ck/s1600/Headboard+and+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXKSMUgjeyWp6WjvlnfgSmPspXbttkrje6ukkZqabTO-AXUHTLFEGFm5JiKuoGe55uDEVL_oThRzaaZNE-DtqTseoBTypDtT1eND9CyaFvHJOw6V_vwkq_HgdfZDcO47FKCrwI-uP-ck/s1600/Headboard+and+chair.jpg" /></a></div><br />The chair is currently in my living room since all I have in there at the moment is a little settee - which isn't too comfortable. But when the sofa comes, the chair will be moved back to the bedroom.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fw09D_W3vFnSShUf2MqkCklol_5_PzRZ2-V6bEGIM90jhejsNcZyYSAdb4HJUKdggsCnxAj7aR2ZVQ2m9DyEPb3RRkDmqqs8VJ-q1wKpc3WwMcHJa7sP5WHG2WYYd-ZEmGMXgPtewi0/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fw09D_W3vFnSShUf2MqkCklol_5_PzRZ2-V6bEGIM90jhejsNcZyYSAdb4HJUKdggsCnxAj7aR2ZVQ2m9DyEPb3RRkDmqqs8VJ-q1wKpc3WwMcHJa7sP5WHG2WYYd-ZEmGMXgPtewi0/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />(Note: the wall color isn't nearly so lime green as it appears here, but it is a very strong green, which I love.)<br /><br />Since the bedroom is nearly complete (draperies to come) I started selecting what looked nice with the very green walls and did a sketch of an approximate layout. One of the issues is that due to the different sized side tables, the bed itself is not centered on the wall, so the layout of the art needs to mitigate this issue and not end up looking off-center.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCJo_N8mwa7edevgjpZpqw6cfcCabPwd2Im2pIIVHhleJ8HxmOzLlGIctLLVMOss7JyNa_ILqAt9wRsO5VQGhWTYuw-mhjoBzZcgSAawRmcfQqKoEUR2YJvQb8oke4wSYj4nSQn-SR_U/s1600/IMG_3041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCJo_N8mwa7edevgjpZpqw6cfcCabPwd2Im2pIIVHhleJ8HxmOzLlGIctLLVMOss7JyNa_ILqAt9wRsO5VQGhWTYuw-mhjoBzZcgSAawRmcfQqKoEUR2YJvQb8oke4wSYj4nSQn-SR_U/s1600/IMG_3041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'm striving for a more casual placement of the art around my house - not so formal. Sort of a planned, unplanned look.<br /><br />I love how designer Lauren Liess places art in her spaces. She has such an ability to create truly organic looking layouts, even though everything is very well-planned. These from her own house:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/king/bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/king/bedroom.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><br />And Lauren's method of planning her art placement:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/king/gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/king/gallery.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><br />And this from Lauren's kitchen, so fantastic!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/Kitchen/Norman_13033LL_087_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.laurenliess.com/blog/Kitchen/Norman_13033LL_087_web.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br />I'm also hugely inspired by Miles Redd's use of art in his interiors. This from his house:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ce/fc/44/cefc442975470f2b214e0d029f0cb45a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ce/fc/44/cefc442975470f2b214e0d029f0cb45a.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />And this is another Miles space:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c7/9b/38/c79b381d0c1d7436b42def97e964fc09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c7/9b/38/c79b381d0c1d7436b42def97e964fc09.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><br />Hopefully by the end of the weekend I'll have the bedroom done. And then I can finish up the rest when the sofa and dining table come. More photos to come!<br /><br />How do you like to handle your art? Do you have a mixed group, or do you prefer more classic gallery spaces with coordinating framing and white walls?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF37vILWIzyFzLouS89L5PEPVHv0-GuSW4-54yMmYwYM5JWZIzeTq5U5AGYU0HreZfrne9Do2lkX3J7_51X2kxA1GcwS4KPSaHcsL2qaaQsPiYq72qybEB4Oft1FIKzNNqhPf1NHus4Pc/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF37vILWIzyFzLouS89L5PEPVHv0-GuSW4-54yMmYwYM5JWZIzeTq5U5AGYU0HreZfrne9Do2lkX3J7_51X2kxA1GcwS4KPSaHcsL2qaaQsPiYq72qybEB4Oft1FIKzNNqhPf1NHus4Pc/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 86px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7550px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 86px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7550px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 86px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7550px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 86px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 7550px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>

Nook Cottage: Hanging Art

As I'm waiting for my sofa and dining table to be delivered next week (finally!) I've started planning in ernest where I'll be h...

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Nook Cottage: Mud Room Plans

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2BI06ZXSTMQUFwxTINzTj4a6BSCYBSoxmbpgQ3rQXo7E5GAwVyfLlgzzIx3imqSlAvH5qUylWr6GJOpcD_mUk60usDAuKzkPcexFP_txHKmer4yjI2kYs6c0qq7Z4FnppmvgNdsYhhY/s1600/IMG_4871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2BI06ZXSTMQUFwxTINzTj4a6BSCYBSoxmbpgQ3rQXo7E5GAwVyfLlgzzIx3imqSlAvH5qUylWr6GJOpcD_mUk60usDAuKzkPcexFP_txHKmer4yjI2kYs6c0qq7Z4FnppmvgNdsYhhY/s1600/IMG_4871.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />My new little Nook Cottage home has a small back hall which leads out to a deck and the backyard. The stacking washer and dryer are in a large closet on the left of the door.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jumWrIAMADOOM4LJMAl_8G6V_al8L0OQsQn8Q1ZB77xNiypsQGNHKb6rdsDkC4r2wDTt-sfJ-gzj0zYAInmKrH768IY5Zfo2VIsx0QlnFVbBQYARwsRztJER5X_FFd09pKnEQ4qyPLY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jumWrIAMADOOM4LJMAl_8G6V_al8L0OQsQn8Q1ZB77xNiypsQGNHKb6rdsDkC4r2wDTt-sfJ-gzj0zYAInmKrH768IY5Zfo2VIsx0QlnFVbBQYARwsRztJER5X_FFd09pKnEQ4qyPLY/s1600/photo+4.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><br />Oddly, the washer/dryer were kind of sticking out into the hall and the closet doors were stuck open. I asked the landlord if it could be pushed back and the doors taken off, which luckily they could be.  It's great to have this space and that it's out of sight from the main area of the house. My plan has been to create a multi-functional mudroom/laundry room/storage closet/ coat closet.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/26/7f/b2/267fb29f1dc8a95464a2cfa61f627eaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/26/7f/b2/267fb29f1dc8a95464a2cfa61f627eaf.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fa/4f/42/fa4f42468fe4ea578340fb9587b9579f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fa/4f/42/fa4f42468fe4ea578340fb9587b9579f.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/57/d9/4f/57d94f5564fa0dc5f7e433fff6b15efe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/57/d9/4f/57d94f5564fa0dc5f7e433fff6b15efe.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/94/43/b0/9443b0e03ea9ce4302c88dc480d5dfbf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/94/43/b0/9443b0e03ea9ce4302c88dc480d5dfbf.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/bd/99/99/bd9999f02932154ebd421a9826a0ab8e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/bd/99/99/bd9999f02932154ebd421a9826a0ab8e.jpg" /></a></div><br />There are some really great ideas out there. Of course, adding built-ins isn't really the best use of the budget when it's a rental property, but small customizations and things that can be moved down the road are definite considerations.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2BI06ZXSTMQUFwxTINzTj4a6BSCYBSoxmbpgQ3rQXo7E5GAwVyfLlgzzIx3imqSlAvH5qUylWr6GJOpcD_mUk60usDAuKzkPcexFP_txHKmer4yjI2kYs6c0qq7Z4FnppmvgNdsYhhY/s1600/IMG_4871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv2BI06ZXSTMQUFwxTINzTj4a6BSCYBSoxmbpgQ3rQXo7E5GAwVyfLlgzzIx3imqSlAvH5qUylWr6GJOpcD_mUk60usDAuKzkPcexFP_txHKmer4yjI2kYs6c0qq7Z4FnppmvgNdsYhhY/s1600/IMG_4871.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br />As you can see in this picture, there is a closet on the left in the foreground that will come in very handy for storage. Currently, it's filled with unpacked boxes, but I'm hoping to get it to the point where I can at least store my vacuum, Swiffer and brooms - in other words, my taller items. This way, I can get some nice shelving going in the back hall for cleaning supplies and a recycling center. A small surface to fold laundry would be great too, if possible. It's a lot of cramming into a small space.<br /><br />These are my plans so far:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrGsv3d_UwVFaflash1tMxdFj58bU914VcP4NdCfSUd9y1ywM2D0JaTCLqS2Wqlp-sP38GoAuSKSA_j8ILngg23yRgrhtcKK06ot5RLTUrnw2niAeC5wsJzig2BIsp2454C2dLYwdEOc/s1600/Mudroom+2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrGsv3d_UwVFaflash1tMxdFj58bU914VcP4NdCfSUd9y1ywM2D0JaTCLqS2Wqlp-sP38GoAuSKSA_j8ILngg23yRgrhtcKK06ot5RLTUrnw2niAeC5wsJzig2BIsp2454C2dLYwdEOc/s1600/Mudroom+2.tiff" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OiGtDpxpTV7hfHcStvTz-svArydwraVUBLuy8eywWRyzqKvsHE9nYa_Pm1v-MwkGWuOOExYHCm-xI8eIT7swjHqjxOApWMnQsc3Rf9BCMeDD2Izm1jGWPb3hvbMBWwlYWkKMSuZn6bg/s1600/Laundry+room2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2OiGtDpxpTV7hfHcStvTz-svArydwraVUBLuy8eywWRyzqKvsHE9nYa_Pm1v-MwkGWuOOExYHCm-xI8eIT7swjHqjxOApWMnQsc3Rf9BCMeDD2Izm1jGWPb3hvbMBWwlYWkKMSuZn6bg/s1600/Laundry+room2.tiff" width="572" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQLIqKPQzeLji7-PwQVku8BtKIrbZCUa3p_hYYeeA6VI1I7Vpm_4D1JXR5_8NQF5WuVQDoN0xtvXwDGXckwip12vWconxr_8YpCJNdNYi2fq0JwAVP6JsOeOK-ArYBF8FPkW5LJyXzEI/s1600/Mudroom+ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQLIqKPQzeLji7-PwQVku8BtKIrbZCUa3p_hYYeeA6VI1I7Vpm_4D1JXR5_8NQF5WuVQDoN0xtvXwDGXckwip12vWconxr_8YpCJNdNYi2fq0JwAVP6JsOeOK-ArYBF8FPkW5LJyXzEI/s1600/Mudroom+ideas.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><br /><br />It's still a work in progress, but I do have the rugs, boot tray, dog leash holder and wrought iron coat hooks - so, it's just a matter of getting it organized and all installed. I take RoyRoy out for walks via this back door which keeps dirt or wet from shoes and paws in one spot and keeps the front door entrance cleaner as a result.<br /><br />I'd love to hear your mudroom/laundry room ideas - so please share!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQy6jl_HxyHCGoRN86IKPJf3yTgYUwU_oVLh_saB2qE_3uvNVuJzVhiASyBBjv1ib-feOl2B7LjqcgKEmdE4aaK8VLoEebkJyq9G_EW0vt6DSkUf87VKOSUjnAvm-2SI5SrMeVOeNkqo/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQy6jl_HxyHCGoRN86IKPJf3yTgYUwU_oVLh_saB2qE_3uvNVuJzVhiASyBBjv1ib-feOl2B7LjqcgKEmdE4aaK8VLoEebkJyq9G_EW0vt6DSkUf87VKOSUjnAvm-2SI5SrMeVOeNkqo/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br /><br />

Nook Cottage: Mud Room Plans

My new little Nook Cottage home has a small back hall which leads out to a deck and the backyard. The stacking washer and dryer are in a lar...

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A great shower: It's the little things that make a big difference

Last summer, the kind folks at Brizo Faucet Company flew nearly 200 designers and bloggers to Memphis for a reunion of the various "Blogger 19" groups. For 3 or 4 years prior, they had been bringing together small groups of 19 to New York for fashion week and to share their newest products lines. So, the opportunity to all get together and take a tour of the huge Delta/Brizo faucet factory, be wined and dined, see old friends and make some new ones was a one in a million opportunity. As a generous parting gift, we each received our choice of a beautiful new shower head from their <a href="http://www.brizo.com/bath/baliza/shower-faucets/86200-PC.html?showPhotoGallery=false#.U_Ozi1b-rwJ" target="_blank">Baliza Hydrati 2|1 Shower</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/a7/69/90/a7699021707a26f5092efe004296735d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-cd0.pinimg.com/736x/a7/69/90/a7699021707a26f5092efe004296735d.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />They had demonstrated how their new H20kinetic technology works, which is pretty amazing. You can see it in this video:<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lxWeyd-pnK8" width="640"></iframe><br /><br />The existing handheld faucet in my new little rental cottage was of the very generic plastic variety. The nice thing about shower heads is how easy they are to replace.  In my Mom's house last year, the existing hand held needed replacing (there must have been a lot of built-up deposits inside because the flow was practically non-existent) and I used a Kohler rain shower head that I had kicking around. The difference was amazing. As we all know, a great shower can be both invigorating and relaxing - all for a relatively small amount of money.<br /><br />So, even though I'm in a rental, I didn't hesitate to have my still in the box shower head installed. Not only is it beautiful to look at and immediately upped the look of the shower (good-bye nasty used plastic thing)  but I am also treated with a fantastic shower experience. There are difference water settings on the handheld which are activated with the push of a button - versus having to rotate the head - and it easily docs back into the shower head. The water pressure is amazing and yes, as the video says - it's very warm as well. I actually have to keep lowering the heat setting.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmcpzBo5Q6Uee7c8eA-VGHAMNXyJiN2L2HSlwU_KolJTn7yMD4WfEaEyK_QY1T8SVydUyiha3PY8ivz-PZms4B8ZAUA_0hmllcl9xdLuM6LtSSKQxHP-L1LDbADMykAbx9KZ4SIvB6yk/s1600/IMG_4978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmcpzBo5Q6Uee7c8eA-VGHAMNXyJiN2L2HSlwU_KolJTn7yMD4WfEaEyK_QY1T8SVydUyiha3PY8ivz-PZms4B8ZAUA_0hmllcl9xdLuM6LtSSKQxHP-L1LDbADMykAbx9KZ4SIvB6yk/s1600/IMG_4978.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />Even in a rental or other temporary situation don't hesitate to make some changes that could make a big difference in your daily routine. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSxXPgOnI3FRifPc8iSVsicIxMtm3IrfH4pyTYgtwX1z7FlMZbZM059BIq2CFAM15m8Id_06eG8o6DtO-HUFi9BfG5mu0giF3n8iMF2ZeG5u3nr7C9hLQk-LEKuhOeCIJDOm-XZqpw_s/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguSxXPgOnI3FRifPc8iSVsicIxMtm3IrfH4pyTYgtwX1z7FlMZbZM059BIq2CFAM15m8Id_06eG8o6DtO-HUFi9BfG5mu0giF3n8iMF2ZeG5u3nr7C9hLQk-LEKuhOeCIJDOm-XZqpw_s/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br />

A great shower: It's the little things that make a big difference

Last summer, the kind folks at Brizo Faucet Company flew nearly 200 designers and bloggers to Memphis for a reunion of the various "Blo...

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Hide the tv?

I'm not a big tv watcher. And by big tv, I mean literally BIG tv. I certainly have my favorite shows, but the television doesn't ever take center stage, nor should it in most rooms. I've never had one in the bedroom or living room if I can help it. My new little house, Nook Cottage, is pretty tiny and one small tv set will do me. The living room is very small - room for a 75" sofa (coming soon!), a small Hepplewhite settee, coffee table, and something to put the tv set on. There's no room for side tables - so I've installed plug in sconces to light up the room.<br /><br />Do you like to hide your tv or just let it hang out there?<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hvtvmounts.com/images/motion%20bnr_Flip%20Around_grey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://www.hvtvmounts.com/images/motion%20bnr_Flip%20Around_grey.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via Hudson Vision</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These flip around tv/art piece installations are interesting, but I seriously doubt that people really flip them back and forth all that often - maybe for company. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img1.southernliving.timeinc.net/sites/default/files/image/2007/01/hide-your-tv/hidden-tv-x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img1.southernliving.timeinc.net/sites/default/files/image/2007/01/hide-your-tv/hidden-tv-x.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/solutions/hide-your-tv-in-style" target="_blank">Southern Living</a></span>  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This set of built-ins with the tv hidden behind are very beautiful. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/0c/3e/66/0c3e667f298ef3b413e7712ebe920d2f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/0c/3e/66/0c3e667f298ef3b413e7712ebe920d2f.jpg" width="617" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Julia Blailock at Pink Ribbon House. Decorative Painting by Segreto </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not a big fan of doors that wouldn't normally be there hiding a tv. The cabinet doors above are beautiful, but they look out of place, just as much as a tv set would, I think. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d1/f6/20/d1f620bb8ba4a54495c5ed40285d8549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/d1/f6/20/d1f620bb8ba4a54495c5ed40285d8549.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1185400_10151795864330240_75226314_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://sphotos-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1185400_10151795864330240_75226314_n.jpg" width="482" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Hiding" a tv amongst a bunch of other stuff is more to my liking. The bottom image is more successful because the dark cabinet balances the tv, which is mounted to the wall along with the rest of the artwork. The top picture with its white cabinet and tv sitting on top isn't bad, but it does nothing to obscure the big black box. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've got a LONG way to go with my organizing and decorating as you can see. It's hard to take a photo because the living room is very dark in the back of the house and it looks towards the dining room which has a big picture window overlooking a river. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6Mn5c-xc786hP3skzWVugMZdvmkZaKcuS4JjmO1ih2vjMLQ-10JVtfS3Jd1JLUXAn8T9VmMHihCWlBuKVwEQAXRBDGvu4b19EBLvjNl-pAOF864J8Y9IrkQob5Dw6mzKFfhHg2ysWVA/s1600/IMG_4965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6Mn5c-xc786hP3skzWVugMZdvmkZaKcuS4JjmO1ih2vjMLQ-10JVtfS3Jd1JLUXAn8T9VmMHihCWlBuKVwEQAXRBDGvu4b19EBLvjNl-pAOF864J8Y9IrkQob5Dw6mzKFfhHg2ysWVA/s1600/IMG_4965.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The top view is from the sitting position on my sofa (well, settee until the comfy new sofa comes!). You can get an idea how small the space is. I toyed with mounting the tv on the wall above some kind of console, but I had the baker's rack and it fit so nicely in that it made sense to use it. I've hidden the cable box in the basket on the shelf right below the tv. I still need to work on taming the wires. The bottom basket holds DVD's, though I don't actually have a DVD player...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi284bOmBK8xfDp5_UK3KOPcvL6d9DN6kUMQ1E8On3yggvCw6nfNOxsM-JPUV0t9ZTwy6a46lZNjBGcmjc7zEIx_V0qOCJc-XYCBcuBYR5w_K6yJFYwnzzRc6lctQPiEA6WEkLSQFHhG-E/s1600/IMG_4975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi284bOmBK8xfDp5_UK3KOPcvL6d9DN6kUMQ1E8On3yggvCw6nfNOxsM-JPUV0t9ZTwy6a46lZNjBGcmjc7zEIx_V0qOCJc-XYCBcuBYR5w_K6yJFYwnzzRc6lctQPiEA6WEkLSQFHhG-E/s1600/IMG_4975.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another angle. Obviously, I'm still working on accessorizing. I need to get glass shelves made so things sit properly. One came with the piece, which is the shelf the tv is on. You can see the horizontal stripes behind the tv, which is another shelf that's not in use to make room for the tv.  </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">How do you handle your tv situation? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgEYfMTrFvN0Mc_drYB7LEiojs8sePPwu1_32_R0gIjv7EAhcuAfU0dRitwrbp3Lw6AjIxDUmlQ20jKq2hmU3JszVsdmt9KPVZvu89QkNbAofnXraD0nD4O1cq5JSg0oJ5vdt4Gx6M6w/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgEYfMTrFvN0Mc_drYB7LEiojs8sePPwu1_32_R0gIjv7EAhcuAfU0dRitwrbp3Lw6AjIxDUmlQ20jKq2hmU3JszVsdmt9KPVZvu89QkNbAofnXraD0nD4O1cq5JSg0oJ5vdt4Gx6M6w/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 114px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3889px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 114px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3889px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>

Hide the tv?

I'm not a big tv watcher. And by big tv, I mean literally BIG tv. I certainly have my favorite shows, but the television doesn't eve...

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Small Spaces: Dark vs. Light

Common thought is that a small space should be painted a light color so as to make it feel bigger. Is this fact or fiction? Well, it depends on the circumstance. As designers, we love a bold and dramatic space, even in a bathroom. As a matter of fact, we often think "especially in a bathroom!" because it's not a space one spends a huge amount of time in, we can afford to go bold. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/1f/c4/14/1fc414ecfcd05c44fd61c88e64a3b775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/1f/c4/14/1fc414ecfcd05c44fd61c88e64a3b775.jpg" /></a></div><br />Of course, dark can be dramatic and sexy. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e0/db/5f/e0db5f07be6188636d8ddd221d7f075c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/e0/db/5f/e0db5f07be6188636d8ddd221d7f075c.jpg" /></a></div><br />Masculine and the perfect background for displaying art. (via <a href="http://www.remodconsult.com/index.php/gallery/bathroom-remodeling#1-Heffernan_master_0012" target="_blank">Remodeling Consultants</a> of Chicago)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/16/1e/55/161e55407b90c1ad60cb3d40e3afeb96.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/16/1e/55/161e55407b90c1ad60cb3d40e3afeb96.jpg" /></a></div><br />Sparkly. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b8/ce/fe/b8cefe383f108fafe5a88d8eae38d4d3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b8/ce/fe/b8cefe383f108fafe5a88d8eae38d4d3.jpg" /></a></div>Or even as just a balance to a big bright window.<br /><br />On the other end of the spectrum, light bathrooms have their own unique qualities: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/3a/25/97/3a25979aba6e248e3caf5a44f00aff63.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/3a/25/97/3a25979aba6e248e3caf5a44f00aff63.jpg" width="441" /></a></div><br />Light, bright and modern cottage. <a href="http://www.styleathome.com/homes/interiors/house-tour-neutral-pale-cottage-retreat/a/56357#ss-9ef32c83-0c08-4fa3-b08d-0ae9d48b5193-slide-11" target="_blank">via Style at Home</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/be/59/78/be59784f6342a82baf378ae27f288431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/be/59/78/be59784f6342a82baf378ae27f288431.jpg" width="417" /></a></div>Clean, bright and beachy. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/97/5a/f6/975af69f368550090ea1cc8e5f39214a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/97/5a/f6/975af69f368550090ea1cc8e5f39214a.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Modern rustic. <a href="http://www.bhg.com/bathroom/remodeling/makeover/bath-makeovers-under-2000/?sssdmh=dm17.742585&esrc=nwdi061614#page=1" target="_blank">Via Better Homes and Gardens</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/0f/ed/2b/0fed2bf3a5f2ebdba8494165f119edba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/0f/ed/2b/0fed2bf3a5f2ebdba8494165f119edba.jpg" width="494" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Light can be soothing and traditional. (design by Patricia Fisher, featured in <a href="http://www.traditionalhome.com/design/beautiful-homes/charming-east-hampton-cottage" target="_blank">Traditional Home</a>) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(All above pic pinned to my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/linda_merrill/bathrooms/" target="_blank">Pinterest bathrooms board</a>. I could not find original sources for several, but if they are yours or you know whose they are, please let me know and I'll attribute!)</span></div><br /><br />So, when I first saw the photo online of the bathroom in the new house I am renting, I was kind of interested in the dark paint in the bathroom. Hey, for a rental, it showed some flair. I thought the color a little too cobalt blue for my taste, however. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpfo8DBNLxjiO0Dh9hlQBCzYKs43iPBxwPW-KpUreWUblIEFFFb-ogQnK0V80Z31np_1uSScmBURBgJW6qYRSjJQyQNm7XY8GTSI5ihJb3Kf93MYUWy-C-9s7ebowJhTd-B1-e9oVWGU/s1600/IMG_4839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpfo8DBNLxjiO0Dh9hlQBCzYKs43iPBxwPW-KpUreWUblIEFFFb-ogQnK0V80Z31np_1uSScmBURBgJW6qYRSjJQyQNm7XY8GTSI5ihJb3Kf93MYUWy-C-9s7ebowJhTd-B1-e9oVWGU/s1600/IMG_4839.JPG" /></a></div><br />When I first saw it in person, I found that the color was really more of a peacock blue, which I prefer over cobalt. (I'm a green person, not a blue person.) I initially decided to keep the color - it was bold and very different for me, which  I thought would be fun. Plus, bathrooms are a PIA to paint. However, it also made the space feel very small and when I came back to sign the lease and take a better look around, I realized the walls were in rough condition with lots of streaks.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hTb-niYXWDUCxb3PKVNXwNo8UfS2-MqDB6C_tgP3uozX_KGIiVg7xPutYkSOOKi5RgKPWuxpTVG-qdT2Ee3bvRW_q4-aV-MhmoO3Kp9nySWN9NLJ55wUL6Ha_GLYmRQU0ipWypESK0o/s1600/IMG_4876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hTb-niYXWDUCxb3PKVNXwNo8UfS2-MqDB6C_tgP3uozX_KGIiVg7xPutYkSOOKi5RgKPWuxpTVG-qdT2Ee3bvRW_q4-aV-MhmoO3Kp9nySWN9NLJ55wUL6Ha_GLYmRQU0ipWypESK0o/s1600/IMG_4876.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />So, decision made, I decided to paint it. Pink (Ben Moore Pink Hibiscus).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9V4cD8T62-B-QGMoQhI_Ao4q9Ufs3FG34JbsM1C1bLx9HCtHoMMSWgQzssdXnYLfTnE7Ivz8z8kEl9NarlB9m7Qatjw1T-qMpHtDhJQy4PpdhfaWqRPzayOrReNgTt_d1KSdXHfGxqnA/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9V4cD8T62-B-QGMoQhI_Ao4q9Ufs3FG34JbsM1C1bLx9HCtHoMMSWgQzssdXnYLfTnE7Ivz8z8kEl9NarlB9m7Qatjw1T-qMpHtDhJQy4PpdhfaWqRPzayOrReNgTt_d1KSdXHfGxqnA/s1600/photo.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />And it makes it feel so. much. bigger. A friend who came with me the first time I looked at it has since said he thought the bathroom was teeny tiny, but realized it's not so bad. I think it's that the lower corners aren't cloaked in shadow anymore. My color palette throughout is pink, beige and green, with touches of black, so this fits in well. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the window yet - maybe a grass shade hung above for texture. There aren't privacy issues (unless someone wants to get a ladder) and the window lets in lots of light, which is nice. Or, I'll just take of the existing hardware and be done with it.  If I owned I'd definitely replace the light fixture for something more upscale - and maybe I still will at some point. I was going to have my painter relocate the toilet roll holder, but there's not really a better spot. The shower is on the other side of the toilet and there is no available wall space there. Still to come - window treatment (possibly) and a shower curtain. Maybe some more art. <br /><br />So, do you have a preference? Dark or light bathrooms?  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdVfH6GrRSXx9JLYmg9TttVqO5QkfR4HelsVQwFzDtvLP90Gabjwle9BpknWU-pQiaEOx47OEW25tbyAYN1mES6QLeSn7fwROxlLoX0b2JMiKtkSB_KdlfN5Tp8c8ucTjNC_nywWT6zs/s1600/Linda+sig2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdVfH6GrRSXx9JLYmg9TttVqO5QkfR4HelsVQwFzDtvLP90Gabjwle9BpknWU-pQiaEOx47OEW25tbyAYN1mES6QLeSn7fwROxlLoX0b2JMiKtkSB_KdlfN5Tp8c8ucTjNC_nywWT6zs/s1600/Linda+sig2a.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Small Spaces: Dark vs. Light

Common thought is that a small space should be painted a light color so as to make it feel bigger. Is this fact or fiction? Well, it depends...

Read more »