One man's trash...

Ok, so you're immediately thinking this is a post about flea marketing or attic diving, and yet, it's not. One man's trash is a reason to build a trash bin. That man, you ask? My dad.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aCbKoLhb2XGuinf_3YSxOhMxNnc1QxwzsjFG2sjM0F1kAPfC4Rp1lAidma5WZUw-nod7hm61NS_oTMtOBMCaYo8WeC6eotSr3fip_oRHFv0AVBk4AFz-vtMhxuI-5JqGbC_BQErFMRY/s1600/kit1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aCbKoLhb2XGuinf_3YSxOhMxNnc1QxwzsjFG2sjM0F1kAPfC4Rp1lAidma5WZUw-nod7hm61NS_oTMtOBMCaYo8WeC6eotSr3fip_oRHFv0AVBk4AFz-vtMhxuI-5JqGbC_BQErFMRY/s1600/kit1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Many years ago, my Dad built the trash bin you see in the above pic that's at the end of the kitchen peninsula. Rather than tuck it under the sink, which is most common, this bin was used for standard, non-garbage, trash. I think he made it from a kit sometime in the late 70's/early 80's, and it resembles an antique grain bin.<br /><br />Similar to this found on<a href="http://www.rubylane.com/item/574500-B1850/Antique-Grain-Bin-Blue-Paint" target="_blank"> Ruby Lane</a>. Isn't the color spectacular?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3e/87/d6/3e87d67f1af4718bb07b5e8cfe8e8949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3e/87/d6/3e87d67f1af4718bb07b5e8cfe8e8949.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Or this, on <a href="http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/1639394" target="_blank">Live Auctioneers</a> - another beautiful color too!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://p2.la-img.com/68/8735/1639394_1_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://p2.la-img.com/68/8735/1639394_1_l.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />And here is one from <a href="http://beehavenacres.blogspot.com/2009/07/laundry-day.html" target="_blank">Bee Haven Acres</a> that is very much like my Dad's, this one used as a laundry hamper:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLWK7EdmgLiGQdL0qkFcQRe_ftK77mcxQns7JxtEhAb7aAKDZ1-3fOKDRn5QQXQkwev8mtP7zV3XDjLniHR2VPUCuZ9ewkkqpZMC6IXhbNM3RpsR5HJPz9Ba6OXWp3NyGKXwLu2cZ4_ox/s400/IMG_0335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivLWK7EdmgLiGQdL0qkFcQRe_ftK77mcxQns7JxtEhAb7aAKDZ1-3fOKDRn5QQXQkwev8mtP7zV3XDjLniHR2VPUCuZ9ewkkqpZMC6IXhbNM3RpsR5HJPz9Ba6OXWp3NyGKXwLu2cZ4_ox/s400/IMG_0335.jpg" /></a></div><br />When I recently cleaned out my parent's house, I wasn't initially going to take the trash bin - it had seen better days (don't let the pic above fool you, it was a bit worse for wear and needed refinishing). But, as a friend pointed out, my Dad did make it and it would come in handy. So glad I did!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDIKCWrj830KPkpv0DTVtbb70XPkeFu_rf_xdzWg8qUWSZBJ-yoZZfK5IC_f3VnAIung_kYg2Vy7jOfV_ciqW7tTd3Wldvaby49KL-6FS8FmsAAC1baQV7FonqHXs2ZjwVM7csN4wuvc/s1600/IMG_4986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibDIKCWrj830KPkpv0DTVtbb70XPkeFu_rf_xdzWg8qUWSZBJ-yoZZfK5IC_f3VnAIung_kYg2Vy7jOfV_ciqW7tTd3Wldvaby49KL-6FS8FmsAAC1baQV7FonqHXs2ZjwVM7csN4wuvc/s1600/IMG_4986.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> Here is a closeup. Since I have a preference for painted wood, I decided to freshen it up with a coat of paint.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZwPc0j00wmEAKALe5c9uKcTAv6_oqUWr_Fxovenovt_QFcgKbyfHc6PMuy0JthOlqO4iY8ODpFczDHD9yeoXnZoYawV6FmLa6qoGj0WpxJw8_jZ3cCpuULJKxiSMAY9VQoTlUo45p1c/s1600/IMG_4987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZwPc0j00wmEAKALe5c9uKcTAv6_oqUWr_Fxovenovt_QFcgKbyfHc6PMuy0JthOlqO4iY8ODpFczDHD9yeoXnZoYawV6FmLa6qoGj0WpxJw8_jZ3cCpuULJKxiSMAY9VQoTlUo45p1c/s1600/IMG_4987.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> (please ignore the living room in the background. Still waiting for my new sofa in which case the sweet little settee won't be needing blankets to protect the upholstery from RoyRoy!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ6P8d2tbe-5V2yO7gHMWSiKDQz7Y9IPRVk0YU9r8urXTfFfm0QLGWrhf07rlqGjrlEFCa3CQDFupO_NV1FusjLK6FbDplo_n_c-9iy5hG72kKZKANHTUGbtbMTXcBV5O7COmLjmG48U/s1600/IMG_3014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJ6P8d2tbe-5V2yO7gHMWSiKDQz7Y9IPRVk0YU9r8urXTfFfm0QLGWrhf07rlqGjrlEFCa3CQDFupO_NV1FusjLK6FbDplo_n_c-9iy5hG72kKZKANHTUGbtbMTXcBV5O7COmLjmG48U/s1600/IMG_3014.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I decided to paint it black since my kitchen table will also be black (when it comes - hopefully next week!). I used <a href="https://decoart.com/chalkyfinish/colors" target="_blank">Americana Decor chalk paint</a> which is available at Home Depot, finished with their liquid créme wax. The black chalk paint on it's own is so matte that it looks like a dead void.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf6xc8IJWTZRQgZmTXXKSt57G92zDxCpUcE-OY2ZtHFyF3Q4a73XYcnISIXjJnUGiKtqvlqGZYkSGdUqtGVUq0D-dqQOOME1EWJQu9Q19hXc54-401fKzTKRoQqEk9E4InVlXQK3MP2k/s1600/IMG_4999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisf6xc8IJWTZRQgZmTXXKSt57G92zDxCpUcE-OY2ZtHFyF3Q4a73XYcnISIXjJnUGiKtqvlqGZYkSGdUqtGVUq0D-dqQOOME1EWJQu9Q19hXc54-401fKzTKRoQqEk9E4InVlXQK3MP2k/s1600/IMG_4999.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />I only used one coat, with one coat of wax for a low lustre. I was going to faux antique it more, but decided to let time take care of that. It'll get banged up a bit over time so will seem more natural aging and use.  Everyone raves about the ease of using chalk paint, and it's certainly true. No smell, easy clean up, no prep needed, quick drying. Pretty much by favorite kind of project. I also found out that you can make your own chalk paint by mixing one part water to one part plaster of paris (mix till smooth) and mix into 3 parts flat latex paint. Of course, you'll want a low VOC paint to retain that quality of pre-mixed chalk paints, but you can create a pain of any color you want relatively inexpensively.<br /><br />This is my new dining table, the Avalon extension table from Crate and Barrel. As I said, hopefully coming next week!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.c-b.co/is/image/Crate/AvalonExtTblBlkS8/$web_zoom$&/1308302308/avalon-45-black-extension-dining-table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.c-b.co/is/image/Crate/AvalonExtTblBlkS8/$web_zoom$&/1308302308/avalon-45-black-extension-dining-table.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />And this is coming too from C&B, the Serene apartment size slipcovered sofa in a natural linen. I can't tell you how happy I will be to finally have a comfy sofa. My little settee is beautiful, but not meant for lounging!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.c-b.co/is/image/Crate/SereneSlpAptSfBoneS14/$web_zoom$&/1311260914/serene-slipcovered-apt-sofa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i.c-b.co/is/image/Crate/SereneSlpAptSfBoneS14/$web_zoom$&/1311260914/serene-slipcovered-apt-sofa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />How do you hide your trash? Specialty bins? Under the sink?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCaniX-Y-qzUwmG9hyphenhyphenXnnqSdmJfdQvE0_H1T7AFR2XfRuchwJKGWuIpOWwLbfN2VGD3yGjzNVVul7jXYvZlstSMP5UWbwDJbNCdm-inmPf608iuVcDH4CyhfeMOrsRrUs22-2oK98i2I/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCaniX-Y-qzUwmG9hyphenhyphenXnnqSdmJfdQvE0_H1T7AFR2XfRuchwJKGWuIpOWwLbfN2VGD3yGjzNVVul7jXYvZlstSMP5UWbwDJbNCdm-inmPf608iuVcDH4CyhfeMOrsRrUs22-2oK98i2I/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: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6162px; 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: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6162px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>

One man's trash...

Ok, so you're immediately thinking this is a post about flea marketing or attic diving, and yet, it's not. One man's trash is a ...

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Newburyport Kitchen Tour 2013

<br />(So, I had started writing up this post, then managed to lose all the text and I just don't have time to re-create it. Oy. )<br /><br />So, here are photo montages of my trip up to the Newburyport Kitchen tour on Saturday, with proceeds benefiting the Newburyport Elementary schools. Of all the house tours I've been on over the years, the one's in N-port are always the best and never disappoint. The town offers such a wide variety of architectural styles and environments - from woodsy camp like locations along the Merrimack River to in-town city dwellings nestled cheek by jowl. I am biased because I lived there for a few years, but it's really the best city in New England as far as I'm concerned.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9387320769/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="920" id="blogsy-1375112362787.7744" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2851/9387320769_292f3f5f97_c.jpg" width="690" /></a></div>This is the first house we visited and it was truly my favorite. The gorgeous river setting in an out of the way location was calm and tranquil and the color palette and furnishings were that and more. The current owners purchased the abandoned bungalow house in 2004 and renovated in 2012. Design and Construction by True Company (whose house is also on the tour) with cabinets by R. J. Kitchens. Note to the homeowners - take your clothes, leave everything else behind and I'll be happy!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9387324079/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="901" id="blogsy-1375112362814.2065" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5515/9387324079_126e8c798a_c.jpg" width="676" /></a></div><br />This next house is a new construction Federal style reproduction on High Street. I lived in a Federal era house on High Street just a few blocks away and was dying to get a closer look here. The builder was Mark DiPiero. Above is the exterior detail, below the interiors. How cute is the carriage house style garage out back? The interiors featured period appropriate architectural detailing with a light and bright kitchen. The counters are all carrera marble, the backsplash glass tile and the island features a curved seating counter with a contrasting black base. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9390100698/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="943" id="blogsy-1375112362840.6453" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/9390100698_6d24a8ca29_c.jpg" width="707" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9387329507/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="967" id="blogsy-1375112362837.0317" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3670/9387329507_521a2656c4_c.jpg" width="726" /></a></div>The next house is one half of a mirror side-by-side two-family that was originally a carriage house, built in 1890, to a long-gone mansion. The house is pretty small, but Joppa Designs, Inc. did a wonderful job of maximizing the space. It was pretty crowded when I was there, so I couldn't get really good photos of the kitchen, other than some detail shots. The counters are Persia Avorio, the breakfast bar countertop is a custom cherry, the sink is Blanco Silgranit. The best feature is the coffered ceiling with the coffer painted a lovely mid-toned pearlescent blue in Ben Moore's Brushed Radiance paint. A glamorous detail that also added a spacious feel to the small space. The mudroom leading out to the deck was painted in BM Hale Navy with white accents. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9394568036/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="949" id="blogsy-1375112362850.554" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/9394568036_c98141b074_c.jpg" width="711" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This next house features several innovative green technologies such as geothermal heat, air and hot water. The roof is solar panel ready and is integrated with Powerhouse shingle technology. The original portion of this charming house dates to 1756 and has had several additions. The old section of the house maintains many original elements such as gorgeous original pine floors. The main feature of the new kitchen is the enormous - and I do mean enormous - center island that is 5-1/2' wide by maybe 10' long. It took 5 very strong men to wheel it in and place it on the cabinetry below. My last two kitchens were smaller than that island! The granite, from Gerrity Stone in Woburn, is Colonial Cream. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9391800895/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="955" id="blogsy-1375112362792.0352" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3688/9391800895_3e8cdf8db5_c.jpg" width="716" /></a></div>This next house dates to the 1790's and was the servants quarters for another local house. The owners, Adam and Lauren True,  are the design build firm The True Company who did the first house I visited at the top of this post. The first floor of the house is the home based office on the left and a family room/kitchen on the right, with a back hall connecting the two spaces in addition to the front hall. Thibaut's Trellis wallpaper is in the front hall and looks fantastic from the walkway enterting the house. The kitchen counter is Supreme White Quartzite and the green pendants are from Ballard Designs. There is a cute little eating nook on the far side of kitchen, the pendant is West Elm.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9394574890/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="977" id="blogsy-1375112362847.0603" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/9394574890_8745d86aaf_c.jpg" width="733" /></a></div>The next home is known as the Toppans Dodge House. The original saltbox dates to 1670 was a basic two up/two down structure. The carriage house and barn, which were separate are now joined and are the family room and garage, respectively. The house was expanded out the back to accomodate a larger kitchen and dining area. The exterior of the house is fantastic, but like any home that grew and evolved over centuries, the interiors are a bit more jumbled as rooms grow and change to accommodate modern living. However, there is a lot of original detailing that is fabulous such as the barn doors on the rustic family room which was once a carriage house. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9391812037/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="997" id="blogsy-1375112362817.061" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7394/9391812037_0be5be8248_c.jpg" width="748" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The final property I saw was this gorgeous restoration of a Georgian house built in 1777. The front hall and stairs is truly amazing. The faux marble painted floor in a tumbling block pattern is to die for. The historically accurate wallpaper befits the grandness of the entry. The front to back staircase meets under an arch and continues up to the second floor. The side front parlors have matching custom rugs and wallpaper, which are historically accurate. Behind the rear facing stairs to the right is the original kitchen complete with walk-in fireplace, baking oven and a built-in cupboard. Behind the original kitchen was an added summer kitchen that is now the new kitchen, complete with chef quality appliances and cabinetry finished to match the original built-in cupboard in the old kitchen. Beyond the new kitchen is a tv room with views of a spacious back yard. <br /><br />Here are some additional details around this house. I can't really explain why, but I love how close this house is to it's neighbor, and the beautiful brick facades with original period details. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYZEuR9coOj-Pv0G2SW8cbqN1ZVH4SLuoCREz3URcK-tnijmD5hVZ9xn3U2xDeVGTdL4gKai06By6kbxze8cWliYJXry2FMfxVTJRz5FpGBnXUBx7RzXP6Y6Mx_m5sng4anIkscnGE6A/s1600/IMG_3760.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYZEuR9coOj-Pv0G2SW8cbqN1ZVH4SLuoCREz3URcK-tnijmD5hVZ9xn3U2xDeVGTdL4gKai06By6kbxze8cWliYJXry2FMfxVTJRz5FpGBnXUBx7RzXP6Y6Mx_m5sng4anIkscnGE6A/s640/IMG_3760.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRkJVQRpt9r7sXsuUw3gx_f8EcntWHv-ussVMj-QDJy-8lj4dZm_MSeYjuR2JDNxpLzIM0GfLq1Y3aif8G7fgDt110jnJDuBR3PrGRuE7PDekqpBVWMwjHKztWcLWHd3L6RP8DQ9O2dg/s1600/IMG_3761.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMRkJVQRpt9r7sXsuUw3gx_f8EcntWHv-ussVMj-QDJy-8lj4dZm_MSeYjuR2JDNxpLzIM0GfLq1Y3aif8G7fgDt110jnJDuBR3PrGRuE7PDekqpBVWMwjHKztWcLWHd3L6RP8DQ9O2dg/s640/IMG_3761.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhgoguxoUnEIA9Rej6YY3l5saCe32E8CRAUJ2lHCxTff-Wca95QCN9ghpK7zOFPq-ecmGDORiUDlULE-g2dWRbnyxL6aPpjxF1VGKdV3aWfVkAFA3RpcYVZjkElibCNrXzz7Zu15O-v8/s1600/IMG_3762.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzhgoguxoUnEIA9Rej6YY3l5saCe32E8CRAUJ2lHCxTff-Wca95QCN9ghpK7zOFPq-ecmGDORiUDlULE-g2dWRbnyxL6aPpjxF1VGKdV3aWfVkAFA3RpcYVZjkElibCNrXzz7Zu15O-v8/s640/IMG_3762.jpg" width="478" /></a></div> Swoon...<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIAI1UMhJpL_0zHGECCnXSZIqdTUnNvavMgrt8CHYqLkGA3txhDkJDvbZUiXmeqq8athoAvDErCb9wwbJVaG5K8x7Zd83JwGXbV7MIQA1Z8h2Kr7OQkykbh9pZhyYCfg8n6W8ygEHQbA/s1600/IMG_3763.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOIAI1UMhJpL_0zHGECCnXSZIqdTUnNvavMgrt8CHYqLkGA3txhDkJDvbZUiXmeqq8athoAvDErCb9wwbJVaG5K8x7Zd83JwGXbV7MIQA1Z8h2Kr7OQkykbh9pZhyYCfg8n6W8ygEHQbA/s640/IMG_3763.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br />Here are some additional photos by photographer <a href="http://laurenpoussard.zenfolio.com/nportkitchentour#h6dbd5d3e" target="_blank">Lauren Poussard</a>.<br /><br />I hope you enjoyed the tour!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjk6j8pHtUOTqRVAc-xqWddcuKzs1CuDEkDoiR_rBNAAuyyUYMbYGjxJ3WaIu3PsrQrpikmltbF8yncNuGv7o4FMYxT5e47zd01PHwu_GTuVuOLkXPApCKIUXlKxWpNYvETyGYfTrhgI/s1600/Linda+Sig.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjk6j8pHtUOTqRVAc-xqWddcuKzs1CuDEkDoiR_rBNAAuyyUYMbYGjxJ3WaIu3PsrQrpikmltbF8yncNuGv7o4FMYxT5e47zd01PHwu_GTuVuOLkXPApCKIUXlKxWpNYvETyGYfTrhgI/s1600/Linda+Sig.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br />If you would like help designing your dream house, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Newburyport Kitchen Tour 2013

(So, I had started writing up this post, then managed to lose all the text and I just don't have time to re-create it. Oy. ) So, here ar...

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St. Jude Children's Research Hospitals Dream Homes

<br />This time next week, I'll be in the hot (literally) summertime destination of Memphis, TN. Unlike millions of others, it won't be to visit Graceland (though Elvis did die on my birthday...)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.brizo.com/" target="_blank">Brizo Faucet</a> has convened a reunion of all the #Blogger19 for wining and dining, a factory tour, and a tour of St. Jude's, the amazing children's cancer research hospital. For those unaware, twice a year, Brizo Faucet invites a group of 19 interior and kitchen designers and design bloggers for NY Fashion week during which time they showcase their upcoming products and get feedback from design professionals, wine and dine us, and attend the Jason Wu fashion show. Brizo has a long established relationship with Mr. Wu. They have been doing this for 3-4 years, so the Blogger 19 is up around 200 people from across the US and Canada. They are flying us all in next week and putting us up at the famed Peobody Hotel (where the ducks parade through the lobby twice a day to cavort in the fountain). Our itinerary includes a factory tour (made in America!), a tour of St. Jude's, and some kind of design project with some of the children of St. Jude's (tissues are already packed!).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.stjude.org/SJFile/alsac-dream-home-fresno-prize-image-brizo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://www.stjude.org/SJFile/alsac-dream-home-fresno-prize-image-brizo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rbioBL-rNRE" width="853"></iframe> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.stjude.org/SJFile/dhHeader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://www.stjude.org/SJFile/dhHeader.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Houses for the St. Jude <em>Dream Home</em>^® Giveaway are now being constructed across America using donated land, labor, materials and fixtures - including Brizo faucets and accessories for the kitchen and bath. This campaign will give thousands a chance to win a new home. More importantly, the money raised will help fund research and treatment efforts for St. Jude - and help countless children live out their dreams.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stjude.org/SJFile/alsac-dh-main-slide-home-kansas-city-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.stjude.org/SJFile/alsac-dh-main-slide-home-kansas-city-2012.jpg" /></a></div><br />The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway was created in 1991 by Dr. Donald Mack, a pediatric physician from Shreveport, Louisiana. Dr. Mack has relied on St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to treat young patients with catastrophic diseases and was the first doctor to send an out-of-state patient to St. Jude.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.stjude.org/SJFile/alsac-event-dream-home-rendering-denver-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://www.stjude.org/SJFile/alsac-event-dream-home-rendering-denver-2011.jpg" /></a></div><br /> The first St. Jude Dream Home was constructed in Shreveport, Louisiana, and raised $160,000 for the hospital. Since that first giveaway, the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway in Shreveport has become an annual fundraiser, raising more than $23 million for the hospital.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.stjude.org/SJFile/alsac-dh-hampton-dream-home-rendering-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://www.stjude.org/SJFile/alsac-dh-hampton-dream-home-rendering-2013.jpg" /></a></div><br /> Today, the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is one of the largest single-event fundraisers for St. Jude nationwide and has raised more than $260 million.<br /> This year, the program will include more than 30 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaways and will continue to grow.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.stjude.org/SJFile/alsac-dh-new-orleans-house-2013-v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://www.stjude.org/SJFile/alsac-dh-new-orleans-house-2013-v2.jpg" /></a></div><br /> Thanks to all of the sponsors involved with the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway program. Your continuous support helps raise money for St. Jude where no family ever receives a bill from St. Jude for their child’s care.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.stjude.org/SJFile/alsac-dh-memphis-house-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://www.stjude.org/SJFile/alsac-dh-memphis-house-photo.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stjude.org/SJFile/alsac-dh-main-slide-home-biloxi-2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.stjude.org/SJFile/alsac-dh-main-slide-home-biloxi-2012.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/1016533_10151661977665186_1584094480_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/1016533_10151661977665186_1584094480_n.png" /></a></div><br />Learn more about <a href="http://www.brizo.com/stjude/#.Ud10BVNOT-V" target="_blank">Brizo Faucet's involvement</a> and <a href="http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=f87d4c2a71fca210VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD" target="_blank">St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  </a><br /><br />I'm honored to be invited to attend this special event. In 2013 alone, I've lost 5 friends and acquaintances to cancer - not just social media friends, but people I had real-life dealings with. All were in their middle years - way too young to die. When one imagines a child going through what my five brave friends went through - well, it's really unimaginable. Since St. Jude was founded by actor/philanthropist Danny Thomas in 1962, their research as helped improve <a href="http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=5b25e64c5b470110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD&vgnextchannel=4bbafe08dc835110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD" target="_blank">children's survival rates </a>enormously - but they will not be satisfied until all childhood cancers are eradicated. <br /><br /><br />Thanks to places like St. Jude's and companies like Brizo to help out, the dream of a cancer free childhood for all children will come true some day!

St. Jude Children's Research Hospitals Dream Homes

This time next week, I'll be in the hot (literally) summertime destination of Memphis, TN. Unlike millions of others, it won't be to...

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BlogTourNola Sponsor: Poggenpohl Kitchens since 1892

<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91CyiXawUo28Uvhsf-EnDD_r8N702SJ40lu59msyM7iYD1WSMmW15-RyIn0fwhduGAazcYsDWdd_9n_sLaoeUG56XT0pXQdsYA78IXCE_O2VAZvb_7y8_13WEMeN7EH7qKBuzVj9mOtM/s1600/IMG_2643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91CyiXawUo28Uvhsf-EnDD_r8N702SJ40lu59msyM7iYD1WSMmW15-RyIn0fwhduGAazcYsDWdd_9n_sLaoeUG56XT0pXQdsYA78IXCE_O2VAZvb_7y8_13WEMeN7EH7qKBuzVj9mOtM/s640/IMG_2643.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">Poggenpohl Cabinetry at Nordic Kitchens and Baths - photo by Linda Merrill</span></div><br />Our last BlogTourNola evening in New Orleans was spent in the lovely <a href="http://www.nordickitchens.com/" target="_blank">Nordic Kitchens and Baths </a>showroom in Metairie, LA enjoying some tasty treats for dinner and the beautiful kitchen and bath displays, notably the gorgeous cabinetry by <a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/" target="_blank">Poggenpohl</a>. Founded in 1892 in the heart of Germany, Poggenpohl is the oldest and one of the best-known kitchen brands in the world - present in more than 70 countries around the globe. Since then, they have followed in the footsteps of founder, Friedemir Poggenpohl, with his vision to ‘improve the kitchen’.  For 120 years, Poggenpohl has been reinventing life in the kitchen one idea at a time.  Poggenpohl was the first to introduce many transformative innovations including white lacquer furniture,  the first wooden kitchen, and the first island kitchen. Can you imagine a time when islands weren't done in kitchens?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1892_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1892_01.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1892 Poggenpohl kitchen furniture</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1892_17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1892_17.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1892 - how cute is this? Timeless design is right</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1930_02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1930_02.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1930 - The Poggenpohl 'ten-layer polishing technique' </div><div style="text-align: center;">forms the corner-stone for the brand‘s lacquer expertise.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91CyiXawUo28Uvhsf-EnDD_r8N702SJ40lu59msyM7iYD1WSMmW15-RyIn0fwhduGAazcYsDWdd_9n_sLaoeUG56XT0pXQdsYA78IXCE_O2VAZvb_7y8_13WEMeN7EH7qKBuzVj9mOtM/s1600/IMG_2643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1950_04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1950_04.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">1950 - the first "unit" kitchen. Love the built-in desk - all that seems missing is a laptop</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1962_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1962_01.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1962 - rrowr! Presenting a "fitted" kitchen</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1968_02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1968_02.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1968 - solid wood kitchen</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1982_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1982_01.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1982</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1995_01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/1995_01.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">1995 - which feels like a call back to their 1892 styles</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/2004_14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.poggenpohl.com/uploads/tx_pphistory/2004_14.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">2004</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmQhY2p-JQjkhNjOu8Mmh9KB8ec8s5016WmsHZActlYKoXNx485X1viGLxYNl0xG4WE2Lie3FTtPQ5Jdxg7WKWkBPEEiK6ZgMaUCgFdLZBX-KjnPAceu98luC9SPzaDRQjal6getqVI4/s1600/PoggenpohlTOH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCmQhY2p-JQjkhNjOu8Mmh9KB8ec8s5016WmsHZActlYKoXNx485X1viGLxYNl0xG4WE2Lie3FTtPQ5Jdxg7WKWkBPEEiK6ZgMaUCgFdLZBX-KjnPAceu98luC9SPzaDRQjal6getqVI4/s640/PoggenpohlTOH.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">2013 - This Old House</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>If you're a <i>This Old House </i>viewer, their most recent project, a <a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tv/house-project/overview/0,,20587082,00.html" target="_blank">cottage in rural Essex, Massachusetts</a>, features a <a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/en/startpage.html" target="_blank">Poggenpohl Kitchen</a> designed by friend and kitchen designer extraordinaire Rosemary Porto who is senior designer in their <a href="http://www.boston.poggenpohl.com/seite/home.html" target="_blank">Newbury Street, Boston, showroom</a>. Integrating state-of-the-art technology, the quiet country cottage was transformed into a universally accessible living space for aging parents.The homeowners desired a contemporary look for their kitchen with aging in place details and chose Poggenpohl cabinets for their high quality, timeless design and reputation for German engineering and ergonomics. The high gloss lacquered finish of the sleek cabinets is balanced against a traditional farmhouse soapstone sink and warm wood center island.<br /><br /> And, a few more <a href="http://www.poggenpohl.com/" target="_blank">Poggenpohl</a> kitchens to share:<br /><br /> <div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/3610040/Atlanta-Showroom-contemporary-kitchen-atlanta"><img border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/9b11188501716354_8-5496/contemporary-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-fixtures/c/Fairfield--NJ" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Fairfield Kitchen and Bath</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/poggenpohlus/poggenpohl" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Poggenpohl</a></small></div><br /><br /> <div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/3610016/Atlanta-Showroom-contemporary-family-room-atlanta"><img border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/33816a110171630f_8-5427/contemporary-family-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/family-room" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Family Room</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-fixtures/c/Fairfield--NJ" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Fairfield Kitchen and Bath</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/poggenpohlus/poggenpohl" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Poggenpohl</a></small></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/3610012/Atlanta-Showroom-contemporary-kitchen-atlanta"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/e6a13e1f017162fb_8-5407/contemporary-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-fixtures/c/Fairfield--NJ" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Fairfield Kitchen and Bath</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/poggenpohlus/poggenpohl" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Poggenpohl</a></small></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/3177544/Marks-contemporary-kitchen-philadelphia"><img border="0" height="334" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/c53131b2013e17ff_8-3874/contemporary-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-fixtures/c/Fairfield--NJ" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Fairfield Kitchen and Bath</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/poggenpohlus/poggenpohl" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Poggenpohl</a></small></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/3177539/Marks-contemporary-kitchen-philadelphia"><img border="0" height="576" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/7801093a013e17f3_8-3862/contemporary-kitchen.jpg" width="459" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Contemporary Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-fixtures/c/Fairfield--NJ" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Fairfield Kitchen and Bath</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/poggenpohlus/poggenpohl" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Poggenpohl</a></small></div><br /><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

BlogTourNola Sponsor: Poggenpohl Kitchens since 1892

  Poggenpohl Cabinetry at Nordic Kitchens and Baths - photo by Linda Merrill Our last BlogTourNola evening in New Orleans was spent in the l...

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