Decorating for myself: Nook Cottage

So, progress is being made selling my parent's house. Things are moving fast! Since my Mom passed away, I've been scouring real estate listings for properties to rent or to buy. I felt more like renting at this stage in my life versus all the issues associated with owning, but then renting isn't always a bed of roses either. A big issue with renting of course is the inability to make big decorative changes to the space. Plus, bringing RoyRoy into my life cut out at least 50% of the rental market. I was beginning to have a little panic, but I tried very hard to believe that when the need presented itself, the right place would come along.<br /><br />And it did. Within twenty four hours of getting an offer on my parents place, this cute little {dog friendly!} was listed on Craigslist.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSdEPZV5X-OUGHi1EnCRUL1_dhomo7tZ9jVcIIu5notBlAmIBFG4vw4uOYDpV4ZKTqeyyLUOjXcISUQWhxLtfdfZwD79_Q1-WmMlSkXnLzMfvl7cNDo3MLv9q0HcWhyphenhyphenrVG_b5aJYTP8o/s1600/IMG_4831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrSdEPZV5X-OUGHi1EnCRUL1_dhomo7tZ9jVcIIu5notBlAmIBFG4vw4uOYDpV4ZKTqeyyLUOjXcISUQWhxLtfdfZwD79_Q1-WmMlSkXnLzMfvl7cNDo3MLv9q0HcWhyphenhyphenrVG_b5aJYTP8o/s1600/IMG_4831.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Cute, well maintained, perfect location, and size of about 950 sq. ft. Plus, working fireplace, water views, washer/dryer and ac. Yay! I've dubbed it "Nook Cottage" due to its location.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyM6EHH0m76GTV6eGomArQa_1V9Cp8_GR5DAiNdlzXOc_Y8YAeEaxyiyLWhoDNSyBV3kZiHr9-PhczS9MZTuzJVeIHWyEvTTCt5ZSuvnXUCf5oSGqbxusRBcD7h9Sk488pZL5Hs3szCmc/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyM6EHH0m76GTV6eGomArQa_1V9Cp8_GR5DAiNdlzXOc_Y8YAeEaxyiyLWhoDNSyBV3kZiHr9-PhczS9MZTuzJVeIHWyEvTTCt5ZSuvnXUCf5oSGqbxusRBcD7h9Sk488pZL5Hs3szCmc/s1600/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This is the front door. The fireplace works, though is narrow so there's no chance of putting a sofa or chairs there.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqXCIMT08vYcCXVolskvenT0ge5i-IDiXvuLRjyyve0rtQ0mP7NyP7h8e-lzWFtIMO5t1ca0lMNIBHzFkvqJXXSICFZL03n07gwCDjwwkMtj3xM6LRiyQ9WIFIdVNEQthwPR4NCE_VHA/s1600/Dining+to+entry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqXCIMT08vYcCXVolskvenT0ge5i-IDiXvuLRjyyve0rtQ0mP7NyP7h8e-lzWFtIMO5t1ca0lMNIBHzFkvqJXXSICFZL03n07gwCDjwwkMtj3xM6LRiyQ9WIFIdVNEQthwPR4NCE_VHA/s1600/Dining+to+entry.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />So, I've decided to keep it as an entry that moves right into the dining space.  Naturally, I have the whole place decorated already. I wanted to do complete design plans before I move in next month so I could be assured that everything I bring to the house will fit and have a place. The owner (my new landlord) is fine with me painting and said he's excited to see what I will do with it. Not sure what he'll think about the pink walls! I'm going to keep most of the open spaces the existing beige, but add in some pink accent walls. The cabinet by the door across from the fireplace is the stereo cabinet that I'm turing into a bar cabinet - <a href="http://www.chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2014/05/bar-cabinet-makeover-plans.html" target="_blank">discussed here</a>. I am pretty sure that the armoire will fit next to the fireplace (was my parents) which will hold my china and silver.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt68SjnzlUngvToT3UUpe-wPFOUqQYEKiPWWNxN2pB8jgR1lo_1Dy8DNWFMgjPTR3qZlPyn_of6da82aBnXs3287Jh5JDh_MdwJqMasvPLLmOQfvo9Y11KE_FRmz32m0nHbsCOPkSSLmM/s1600/Entry+to+dr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt68SjnzlUngvToT3UUpe-wPFOUqQYEKiPWWNxN2pB8jgR1lo_1Dy8DNWFMgjPTR3qZlPyn_of6da82aBnXs3287Jh5JDh_MdwJqMasvPLLmOQfvo9Y11KE_FRmz32m0nHbsCOPkSSLmM/s1600/Entry+to+dr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I already have two slipcovered parsons chairs in a cotton velvet and have ordered two more with casters for my office, and use in the dining room when I have guests. The pedestal table will have a leaf for dinners with guests. The settee will be this one I recovered a few years ago seen in the photo below.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Duxbury-Condo_Kitchen_Remodel_4-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_files/KitchentoDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Duxbury-Condo_Kitchen_Remodel_4-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_files/KitchentoDR.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;">photo by Michael J. Lee</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6q3D1Qxt-bXFox6XZhI2kxwx-TkmUadc50PRvZt9I2_0IEzD-UqvlSGFDBnIYeaWJchuin5HJYrgfUf1IFhBa-8dY10VB42mU9KidbCMb9xvgE4RYC5LjPTr3U9UyC50fCKK2o0QrV4/s1600/dr+to+middle+space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6q3D1Qxt-bXFox6XZhI2kxwx-TkmUadc50PRvZt9I2_0IEzD-UqvlSGFDBnIYeaWJchuin5HJYrgfUf1IFhBa-8dY10VB42mU9KidbCMb9xvgE4RYC5LjPTr3U9UyC50fCKK2o0QrV4/s1600/dr+to+middle+space.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The house is a little oddly configured inside, but I really like that about it - it's not cookie cutter.  The dining space opens up to this middle space from which the kitchen goes off to the left, between the two walls (center of the image) is a small living room and the bathroom is back there as well. The closet on the right is substantial and will probably make a great pantry closet. There is a hall leading to the back of the house with a laundry closet and out to a deck. </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/AVvXsEjb-Tx_rhczCdEGHgwSiZtN5-GplOPCcRcQE-AXBlHGSW2LBu5KmGIXqs68H0QTijWSx6VOkCIFHS0uh4lUVQiNHzJ8VwS-Ir-yb62Bmtp2ckD8nUX3CEquQcvdvDBDl0vFMiC7cyfAsM4/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/AVvXsEjb-Tx_rhczCdEGHgwSiZtN5-GplOPCcRcQE-AXBlHGSW2LBu5KmGIXqs68H0QTijWSx6VOkCIFHS0uh4lUVQiNHzJ8VwS-Ir-yb62Bmtp2ckD8nUX3CEquQcvdvDBDl0vFMiC7cyfAsM4/s1600/photo+4.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></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/AVvXsEjo_j2AfVPFNvEY0MyE5wp9dlAefldWllMcFd5Pd1aseytJ_8eaMMq40N3fcx9TYOIYzBK6luwmXfWLYjzpLLh1AeFRZ6xa3QT-tatb6mXh1zm2uRMNa1LlebhGvrQdlSDNSH7sIoiri9E/s1600/kitchen+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo_j2AfVPFNvEY0MyE5wp9dlAefldWllMcFd5Pd1aseytJ_8eaMMq40N3fcx9TYOIYzBK6luwmXfWLYjzpLLh1AeFRZ6xa3QT-tatb6mXh1zm2uRMNa1LlebhGvrQdlSDNSH7sIoiri9E/s1600/kitchen+view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am hoping I can lay a custom cut sisal in the middle section of this space because it will get cold in the winter!We'll see about that. The green blob on the left is meant to be my antique desk that my Dad refinished for me when I was young. I'll be able to use it for keeping my bills, stationary and maybe linens in the drawers. And it's so pretty. </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/AVvXsEjfZOutEoq-kEgL78D5f6xuSf0CfDhoh1fftD8-OY7ja1njRqBISj4Flybc3LUG2MAsEJyltt8SkGvszkl2hkzPj9LgfFQBsbJH5mgxCKpWTjxwnEAJui6z3rQTjvKD5gwDAq3YS_mg21V-/s400/100_3530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZOutEoq-kEgL78D5f6xuSf0CfDhoh1fftD8-OY7ja1njRqBISj4Flybc3LUG2MAsEJyltt8SkGvszkl2hkzPj9LgfFQBsbJH5mgxCKpWTjxwnEAJui6z3rQTjvKD5gwDAq3YS_mg21V-/s400/100_3530.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></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/AVvXsEhakKa43022H9Aw4L2FQxvoqdUjCfaSwfQCTq_7JzUa30kTWogAnYv15ovK1yGoNxIInefP2Er4Es0w06vFPaN4sIMMMMtcvLjOD7HLntjqIEaON6lwWFINk_O_mlNtlXmuFUufWPvOX18/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakKa43022H9Aw4L2FQxvoqdUjCfaSwfQCTq_7JzUa30kTWogAnYv15ovK1yGoNxIInefP2Er4Es0w06vFPaN4sIMMMMtcvLjOD7HLntjqIEaON6lwWFINk_O_mlNtlXmuFUufWPvOX18/s1600/photo+3.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The kitchen is basic, but has all the important things and I can pretty it up. </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/AVvXsEhWJL-tiBqmRQSzv0k_9ALdlQgXOrQlPjqh_6WOSB7dkV9AfgV5kAsu8mXKPTGmtAKn9ITulhcE0Yjnn8F7fFaIYHMu8hPTsdPUuiZY6DPM0R3AdB9v1ZjX4PwPZNaEgLdG-Z4x-PycKBs/s1600/IMG_4841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWJL-tiBqmRQSzv0k_9ALdlQgXOrQlPjqh_6WOSB7dkV9AfgV5kAsu8mXKPTGmtAKn9ITulhcE0Yjnn8F7fFaIYHMu8hPTsdPUuiZY6DPM0R3AdB9v1ZjX4PwPZNaEgLdG-Z4x-PycKBs/s1600/IMG_4841.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The bedrooms are fairly small. This one will be my bedroom and is in the front of the house. It's the larger of the two and I still won't be able to fit a dresser. Oh well. The closet is quite large so I will trick something out in there. Meanwhile...</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/AVvXsEjYplBhH0lC3s24Qlfcy60JUsamjJZmLeIddTvE3JOhFnxWldbWDkbo9oyPbeN8qSZoa4qT1dTRwUBDT-yPTDkObFuUXPNBG-wvt1bfN_GREXhBlbutTSxeYkFcYVJYDVhlZ_d__1JQKMA/s1600/Bedroom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYplBhH0lC3s24Qlfcy60JUsamjJZmLeIddTvE3JOhFnxWldbWDkbo9oyPbeN8qSZoa4qT1dTRwUBDT-yPTDkObFuUXPNBG-wvt1bfN_GREXhBlbutTSxeYkFcYVJYDVhlZ_d__1JQKMA/s1600/Bedroom+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is my plan. A big repaint job to green. Custom upholstered headboard covered in Aerin for Lee Jofa's Watersedge velvet. I've been drooling over it since I first saw it. All white bedding, artwork on the walls. The side tables are from my parent's living room. I have new crystal lamps ready to go. </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/AVvXsEjfhmBXzGJoN0JZQe4aTPS5fJHPe7HWbCOIa4pymLcm2q-zkTGL6n6mxrR5NFVJ-TWk7LtiXKphn29AK3CT6tGAE6Bg2EWKj7ZS9YMt_pgZEUnS2tvcfQ_UQrnSkP2FwIpkhsMBoIADhNw/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/AVvXsEjfhmBXzGJoN0JZQe4aTPS5fJHPe7HWbCOIa4pymLcm2q-zkTGL6n6mxrR5NFVJ-TWk7LtiXKphn29AK3CT6tGAE6Bg2EWKj7ZS9YMt_pgZEUnS2tvcfQ_UQrnSkP2FwIpkhsMBoIADhNw/s1600/Bedroom.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The arm chair on the left is from my parents. It's currently covered in a green striped velvet but  I will recover it to match the headboard. The oriental rug is antique from my grandparents.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRc4hT505lK0yW-ZMdljXOCilmrEfHMPby5dTccR574wjxQOaE3fCWCAdSDqb5Gd7LhwZgX_xK86ZFeTp9gnNo29pmKDsTLIaWGNE4DEJ5JDr3QciVAFjBO_QoOUqGwewYxkSMR4dTHw/s1600/Bedroom+RoyRoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDRc4hT505lK0yW-ZMdljXOCilmrEfHMPby5dTccR574wjxQOaE3fCWCAdSDqb5Gd7LhwZgX_xK86ZFeTp9gnNo29pmKDsTLIaWGNE4DEJ5JDr3QciVAFjBO_QoOUqGwewYxkSMR4dTHw/s1600/Bedroom+RoyRoy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And, of course, there's got to be a little place for RoyRoy!</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/AVvXsEh4-IhgIstySj_iAYXmtcjHkNllao9TTXYFHr0d0nVULO-F2zB8tWI5uFKkQPz-EweNGmN5pPyYAeZl9GYpV4nvtv6FHNw_w_6oJajL1v98633xBosj9KMMOgp6WSCfIshOKtAClGwQcqU/s1600/IMG_4835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-IhgIstySj_iAYXmtcjHkNllao9TTXYFHr0d0nVULO-F2zB8tWI5uFKkQPz-EweNGmN5pPyYAeZl9GYpV4nvtv6FHNw_w_6oJajL1v98633xBosj9KMMOgp6WSCfIshOKtAClGwQcqU/s1600/IMG_4835.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The second bedroom is a bright blue and is very pretty, but not me. It's also very small - 8x11 and a few inches. It will be my office. </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/AVvXsEidcho_KBpPCVM5B8v_EohyphenhyphenqcD0d5Vm5VlCW99desjRK76xQFprORqz1A51qjushWxXYN7D_dRdoLHdQb-wqd7Q6wyuT6fbegOCHAgnURX_CpwYs4LPNrDtbBhHlPAcjbCYqQsSTf6jjnI/s1600/Office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidcho_KBpPCVM5B8v_EohyphenhyphenqcD0d5Vm5VlCW99desjRK76xQFprORqz1A51qjushWxXYN7D_dRdoLHdQb-wqd7Q6wyuT6fbegOCHAgnURX_CpwYs4LPNrDtbBhHlPAcjbCYqQsSTf6jjnI/s1600/Office.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The planning is still a work in progress.  I think I'm going to paint it beige (I know, the other room is beige why not just use that, but this room is better for an office). The armoire is coming from a friend and has beautiful wood on the outside and is painted pink on the inside. While it's probably too big for the room, it's so beautiful I have to have it!! And, it will provide a lot of storage. My desk will be in front of the window which has a water view. </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/AVvXsEgKrrCv5IbTVmOmwtqtEqOAt5J4r9a4l9kSaO8CLU3vR0ojFAdYqwHH7tAT1sMEW3XdHigdLCsyapenWVF9rVP6DCIuWjPf_Fy4sk-G8LaTED9nh6Ovi8gIujJ14iSak421WrPrHu6Q0Dg/s1600/Office+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKrrCv5IbTVmOmwtqtEqOAt5J4r9a4l9kSaO8CLU3vR0ojFAdYqwHH7tAT1sMEW3XdHigdLCsyapenWVF9rVP6DCIuWjPf_Fy4sk-G8LaTED9nh6Ovi8gIujJ14iSak421WrPrHu6Q0Dg/s1600/Office+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm going to take the doors off the closet and put in shelving to hold samples and whatever else I need to be holding. I'll bring in the pink by painting the closet. </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/AVvXsEi9-MMM070TzM-aRG4MMl_kQapiCq26JjAFg8BbJmWfRxwj58dbMQRC4SoXTBn7YLHk61ldVYv6IFEn2sSan7aqkCfif7dhdGA0MfSiXuE7a2d7S2eSdTezTa2NYjrCMgZ_mXwHNv_Cuzg/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-MMM070TzM-aRG4MMl_kQapiCq26JjAFg8BbJmWfRxwj58dbMQRC4SoXTBn7YLHk61ldVYv6IFEn2sSan7aqkCfif7dhdGA0MfSiXuE7a2d7S2eSdTezTa2NYjrCMgZ_mXwHNv_Cuzg/s1600/photo+5.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The living room is teeny tiny. I'll be putting a sofa in the nook in the back facing my green upholstered settee and a small cocktail table. Still figuring out where the tv will go. The saving grace of this space is that the ceiling is vaulted. </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/AVvXsEjzaV313cBOBNetLp5WfA5w2fOXR3KgnvFQ-fJxwgV2NjxAsvKPV6jZ_PEEpALjvumX2ipSqD-YIpGyTTJqou4SdSpxhBcQiUuUxmGeSgk_UaU4VTy2-p39eay94K8aynpheee80PuivZc/s1600/Middle+space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzaV313cBOBNetLp5WfA5w2fOXR3KgnvFQ-fJxwgV2NjxAsvKPV6jZ_PEEpALjvumX2ipSqD-YIpGyTTJqou4SdSpxhBcQiUuUxmGeSgk_UaU4VTy2-p39eay94K8aynpheee80PuivZc/s1600/Middle+space.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is another approximate view. You can see the back hall, which has a large closet and the stacking washer/dryer. Out the door is a small deck and cute back yard. </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/AVvXsEilTPo5J4osFlLOntM5tDvGA-ykqZ2-kyKEGvCcKXDKx7PMFHMYFXwhph4HFDdFKauInlOV_P_qTx2lHHerYuRbOOwSlS2AbPg1oH9Xrgkf2N0_figARpykA9k4cfvjEFZkQpLY0B7HBDQ/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilTPo5J4osFlLOntM5tDvGA-ykqZ2-kyKEGvCcKXDKx7PMFHMYFXwhph4HFDdFKauInlOV_P_qTx2lHHerYuRbOOwSlS2AbPg1oH9Xrgkf2N0_figARpykA9k4cfvjEFZkQpLY0B7HBDQ/s1600/photo+5.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And, did I mention the water views? This is the picture window in the front room/entry/dining space. It's the Jones River that empties out into the ocean. </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/AVvXsEj7RALneCf4kYc1P8a1R0EPmOBLLgQ8vD0XSBCS0LwBalshAX31ekfb3_4gQU31bi93pbRkzFKv2NjpQrshmLzEllzXpff9imzZw1AfWOcNDhRhILUgVRiCPxXf7CpuBM5Os6k813BfGGY/s1600/IMG_4830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RALneCf4kYc1P8a1R0EPmOBLLgQ8vD0XSBCS0LwBalshAX31ekfb3_4gQU31bi93pbRkzFKv2NjpQrshmLzEllzXpff9imzZw1AfWOcNDhRhILUgVRiCPxXf7CpuBM5Os6k813BfGGY/s1600/IMG_4830.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And a closeup.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSHqXWBVFqJST00bw5UQGj4TdTl5ISlSWUPZ5YvyyZV8KYTE3Chcc1ai_HMat540dKBxabWsWr9j-JLyqLh5DNHfpaiW0ppHiFcNzw_QJN5l0zz3C46rwrPmhA8ekYxcCBqvP69EAbwY/s1600/IMG_4840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSHqXWBVFqJST00bw5UQGj4TdTl5ISlSWUPZ5YvyyZV8KYTE3Chcc1ai_HMat540dKBxabWsWr9j-JLyqLh5DNHfpaiW0ppHiFcNzw_QJN5l0zz3C46rwrPmhA8ekYxcCBqvP69EAbwY/s1600/IMG_4840.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, that's my intro to Nook Cottage. More to come! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile, I have a house to sell and a book deadline. Yes, that's right. I have a book deal. It's not a true author deal, I'm doing the 6th edition revision of a business of design business book while working from home. More to come on that. Meanwhile, I have a strict July 15th deadline!!!</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/AVvXsEhbdcDiHj9thEi_go5w_WjaZguUuO8WiiIVCUjKZolJHcf9YMQtoRBUplxRgFMb7dWLxqw0GFZZE-iKxOqevAbOqg6hMk7fgvNZbWiTl830D2ku3cjfC-uzRRPGbNXDAVHwYDlsSOaPP48/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbdcDiHj9thEi_go5w_WjaZguUuO8WiiIVCUjKZolJHcf9YMQtoRBUplxRgFMb7dWLxqw0GFZZE-iKxOqevAbOqg6hMk7fgvNZbWiTl830D2ku3cjfC-uzRRPGbNXDAVHwYDlsSOaPP48/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>

Decorating for myself: Nook Cottage

So, progress is being made selling my parent's house. Things are moving fast! Since my Mom passed away, I've been scouring real esta...

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Real Estate: My parent's cozy cape on the Cape

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeWIgtQHPmbo0u-ZoKRbz64gQthDdECM0kzYEniP6CNo5hgHjjn9jKmRc9sAh4Nh9KvGEuCFU3Iyh96azFUOGzXg2PM-UQpkII4V6rgGL2IddkMkVa0Q3RUt8QZiZNlQ1CM22SCF0Pck/s1600/DSCN7438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeWIgtQHPmbo0u-ZoKRbz64gQthDdECM0kzYEniP6CNo5hgHjjn9jKmRc9sAh4Nh9KvGEuCFU3Iyh96azFUOGzXg2PM-UQpkII4V6rgGL2IddkMkVa0Q3RUt8QZiZNlQ1CM22SCF0Pck/s1600/DSCN7438.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />As I've written before, I've spent the last couple of months getting my parent's house ready to put on the market. It's a bitter sweet experience because while it does signify that they really are gone, I am so proud of the beautiful home that they created - truly created - themselves. When they bought it thirty years ago, it was a depressing, dated looking place - even though it was only five years old. My Dad wanted a big project and he sure got it!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4N5YlLzgjdHilx5U-e5vh6GkWDNSmHo8JELVrZK9wEoN1hwmvV22pFDKYbjHb_6MRpQlubmrfHOMVsT24ShJFodLwLgsscteSnb1SjxmI4eoUOGUjiMySwGJirUahzHZoCIXELVP7no/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4N5YlLzgjdHilx5U-e5vh6GkWDNSmHo8JELVrZK9wEoN1hwmvV22pFDKYbjHb_6MRpQlubmrfHOMVsT24ShJFodLwLgsscteSnb1SjxmI4eoUOGUjiMySwGJirUahzHZoCIXELVP7no/s1600/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This was sort of drab and depressing back in 1986 when they took this photo. I took the top photo a few weeks ago to show off the gorgeous cherry tree in its full glory as I knew the professional photographer wouldn't be here in time to capture it. As you'll see in the second shot, the cherry tree wasn't even there. My parents planted it themselves and my Mom would look out at how huge it was remembering that they'd brought it home in the back of their station wagon. It's hard to tell, but I'm pretty sure that scraggly sad looking thing in the law is not the cherry tree (wrong spot).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMRPybrGkKwfvFGRGvwkhJanMLnuBjifTkCC8qdTRbjqQetd9LfMF0lAN9IppTnMa7ol1V9ee_yqovYWlx4z1mhTV2-jcSmCaShC7828dS7lWVbyLenw0VrGB0MXMG8eMoA6EFwdCzaI/s1600/exteriorfront1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMRPybrGkKwfvFGRGvwkhJanMLnuBjifTkCC8qdTRbjqQetd9LfMF0lAN9IppTnMa7ol1V9ee_yqovYWlx4z1mhTV2-jcSmCaShC7828dS7lWVbyLenw0VrGB0MXMG8eMoA6EFwdCzaI/s1600/exteriorfront1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />My realtor, <a href="http://www.beverlycomeau.com/home.asp" target="_blank">Beverly Comeau</a> of Jack Conway here in Sandwich, brought in a company called <a href="http://www.planomatic.com/" target="_blank">Planomatic</a> who shoots the property, creates a floor plan and creates an interactive "vision" of the house.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWgf4iz3bkGgKPN88G6Bcm11PecsoS7QJRb8-hYPeRdlB2UF0k3ZhAqvY293HzOdBrdX_38Scb1y7e_f_5BmaYFk1FbJpA3UKVQycNRE3P6Rk8gI2LcGUJX2LTEblU5doEhVjrzdeQDs/s1600/planomatic+page.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWgf4iz3bkGgKPN88G6Bcm11PecsoS7QJRb8-hYPeRdlB2UF0k3ZhAqvY293HzOdBrdX_38Scb1y7e_f_5BmaYFk1FbJpA3UKVQycNRE3P6Rk8gI2LcGUJX2LTEblU5doEhVjrzdeQDs/s1600/planomatic+page.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br />They published 22 photos and they rotate in and out on the page. You can see the one for my parent's house <a href="http://www.planomatic.com/mls29890" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXGC6GjZ_MRtMG4whOZaqDkWiqhBrjsPVYP5HGIxIK_bnBuuguDWkmf5pm4ARPsC7yvJSzdjZdjZnExb_Euof0DSzGfZ-yS7rr_33NgHm9DbfEnTXLP9Slm2OIx56N-v7nyGgrTPjjds/s1600/plan+w+photo.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXGC6GjZ_MRtMG4whOZaqDkWiqhBrjsPVYP5HGIxIK_bnBuuguDWkmf5pm4ARPsC7yvJSzdjZdjZnExb_Euof0DSzGfZ-yS7rr_33NgHm9DbfEnTXLP9Slm2OIx56N-v7nyGgrTPjjds/s1600/plan+w+photo.tiff" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />When the floor plan is clicked, it brings up a larger version and you can select different views within each room. A great way to get a sense of how a house flows together.<br /><br />One of the reasons I selected the realtor that I did was because she said she'd be using a professional photographer and it really makes such a huge difference! I'm always shocked at the crappy real estate photos that are so prevalent even on luxury properties. I have done a lot of work getting things looking great for the listing and the team that came to shoot the space also made some little tweaks here and there. Always good to have another set of eyeballs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GNxibbSlsxw8Cs9ChspyBBVHBH6s7ZJSGz2PQuI6kT_bOC0iEtvLSEe2lHcnClI-WeEfkRuv8NVbnxUeRccWLhPMkDKveUtxFYed7XQM-I36FyuGCHLYiF5uqvsDOhsk9LQaeqjpCvs/s1600/fr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GNxibbSlsxw8Cs9ChspyBBVHBH6s7ZJSGz2PQuI6kT_bOC0iEtvLSEe2lHcnClI-WeEfkRuv8NVbnxUeRccWLhPMkDKveUtxFYed7XQM-I36FyuGCHLYiF5uqvsDOhsk9LQaeqjpCvs/s1600/fr2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />So, I wanted to share the photos and brag a bit about all the personal touches and family memories they represent. These are of course the family room looking in to the kitchen. (stay tuned for the original kitchen photos - yuck!). My Dad made the grandfather clock and my Aunt and Uncle painted the clock face (he did the hand lettering and numbers, she everything else). I made the draperies for them a few years ago.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcj8YW4vm_dLw0p65NMcCNeVAVGDL4P4WGonoN5G7ECJObk7vlbWdyUj4ol1ZqlhB-t7oL2xDwNdLGvjIEpFj50sT9L1K5UuRelVSqvbjOnGgkEe3urIMZT9d5GzYEEgeDnrRiDgbNnQ/s1600/fr1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcj8YW4vm_dLw0p65NMcCNeVAVGDL4P4WGonoN5G7ECJObk7vlbWdyUj4ol1ZqlhB-t7oL2xDwNdLGvjIEpFj50sT9L1K5UuRelVSqvbjOnGgkEe3urIMZT9d5GzYEEgeDnrRiDgbNnQ/s1600/fr1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The big leather wing chair was my Dad's chair. It has always been next to the sofa, back to the table for conversation. But they moved it away from the center of the room and while it's not good for conversation or even tv watching, it sure opened up the space!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUAOdPLmuTlwNKD5rKsGzhKIl7BXYgCevzbVJXOMwAQWQw5qYNDKAbPWJwU6L2Kv0AZL48pCvx1hRF4AHapsWa9q5EE1r4GHWKCgTR19s32kDorfbL2rO7W5feuWsRjFcEx-307VAWpo/s1600/fr3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUAOdPLmuTlwNKD5rKsGzhKIl7BXYgCevzbVJXOMwAQWQw5qYNDKAbPWJwU6L2Kv0AZL48pCvx1hRF4AHapsWa9q5EE1r4GHWKCgTR19s32kDorfbL2rO7W5feuWsRjFcEx-307VAWpo/s1600/fr3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Ok, so, the kitchen.<br /><br />Before:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHZIZ-C2Bvkc0bLRMadV2r8omzQJObbSB_mKHZaBjnY3M9ko6K9csXbKyco_p6_MNWeGP1lK43yKxwI-md1wSua_ZbONVNjFOz5kgfOrhLod0Yh0H6B15TC9r3Nn8KxiY_aFZ0jaZFKg/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHZIZ-C2Bvkc0bLRMadV2r8omzQJObbSB_mKHZaBjnY3M9ko6K9csXbKyco_p6_MNWeGP1lK43yKxwI-md1wSua_ZbONVNjFOz5kgfOrhLod0Yh0H6B15TC9r3Nn8KxiY_aFZ0jaZFKg/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Horrifying, no? My mother must have been ill having to use this kitchen until they replaced it. She hated orange and the laminate faux wood cabinets were just too awful. When my Dad built the new kitchen (which he did by himself), he thriftily kept some of the cabinets and counters to be used for storage in the garage and basement.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENpe10STtfSyDPVK0x7wplC0MsXhpShvQ4EFnw3kk2AdFMbVRxX84Q_TMTKtTA57Tgoud8mUsvOZ92fHxPbIyPzUV1UrLcvzCacCoBZ5hdGeSa9loXm1tAPpJ-Q3VpEP_E91s51I_z3M/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENpe10STtfSyDPVK0x7wplC0MsXhpShvQ4EFnw3kk2AdFMbVRxX84Q_TMTKtTA57Tgoud8mUsvOZ92fHxPbIyPzUV1UrLcvzCacCoBZ5hdGeSa9loXm1tAPpJ-Q3VpEP_E91s51I_z3M/s1600/photo+3.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/AVvXsEixoNnHOA_8BlXMLvMK4V9roiITijYDMMcogbrcpd9o9mTlxfzNhI4FdvBqe80oHBJd1AksR49fAl9V3uVbXwAbokRRBQ2klej2rveVefr2gPh5vOvWdmkMp1JMPSdz-1A_wcD46gzFUjc/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/AVvXsEixoNnHOA_8BlXMLvMK4V9roiITijYDMMcogbrcpd9o9mTlxfzNhI4FdvBqe80oHBJd1AksR49fAl9V3uVbXwAbokRRBQ2klej2rveVefr2gPh5vOvWdmkMp1JMPSdz-1A_wcD46gzFUjc/s1600/kit1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />My Dad bought the stock cabinets raw and finished them all himself and then installed them. He also planned and layed the tile countertops, and installed the beams on the family room ceiling. The lantern is actually an oil lamp, which they thought would be useful in a power outage except that it turned the ceiling black, so that was that. The bin at the end of the counter is for trash. Dad probably made that from a kit in the 1970's.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRv7jGz3wLi_qQfM0XtC0Pug2dqfzqlD2iS1ukul6FgoVWNWzRYiNTI6fv-JJXZDbqOxDtOxDRNcqUavy5fC-l6Rtfy6tHQj-lIBfn-tyobdzu5LIDJjKa5mCW1K8BesEQTLA4_PXg6V4/s1600/kit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRv7jGz3wLi_qQfM0XtC0Pug2dqfzqlD2iS1ukul6FgoVWNWzRYiNTI6fv-JJXZDbqOxDtOxDRNcqUavy5fC-l6Rtfy6tHQj-lIBfn-tyobdzu5LIDJjKa5mCW1K8BesEQTLA4_PXg6V4/s1600/kit2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Just to see the same view as above. The door to the dining room was framed in and there is a small pair of doors that open into the dining room to separate the two rooms. (you can't see them in this photo).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHZIZ-C2Bvkc0bLRMadV2r8omzQJObbSB_mKHZaBjnY3M9ko6K9csXbKyco_p6_MNWeGP1lK43yKxwI-md1wSua_ZbONVNjFOz5kgfOrhLod0Yh0H6B15TC9r3Nn8KxiY_aFZ0jaZFKg/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="457" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHZIZ-C2Bvkc0bLRMadV2r8omzQJObbSB_mKHZaBjnY3M9ko6K9csXbKyco_p6_MNWeGP1lK43yKxwI-md1wSua_ZbONVNjFOz5kgfOrhLod0Yh0H6B15TC9r3Nn8KxiY_aFZ0jaZFKg/s1600/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpfv6_KqcPPkjhsDhN8tQ6XOJt3R0dne4Yxgb8DVfFXwFZRvaowvaPAaL4JRDs7VIHyxOqr1nBwaUvoghvVuma-LJto0-UGqquZOS5lwMlIMwWNpSrhShKDnWeQNuKXxeyQZ_1jnwlGw/s1600/dr1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpfv6_KqcPPkjhsDhN8tQ6XOJt3R0dne4Yxgb8DVfFXwFZRvaowvaPAaL4JRDs7VIHyxOqr1nBwaUvoghvVuma-LJto0-UGqquZOS5lwMlIMwWNpSrhShKDnWeQNuKXxeyQZ_1jnwlGw/s1600/dr1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I've shared the dining room before when Michael J. Lee shot it for my holiday issue of ::Surroundings:: magazine.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF1hxBKn-jfi7fTrj_C88ru_qEp2vGvIjHIDTN9j2XQoKRYZz_ffUPvWkzR0Zj5y79IE1v09QHezSg4u8atootX6hM9dJ6hFAk9rj1-ApElk-zICg6FHXHuM6wq4xiHH-qMlbyYIGnNbh/s640/Surroundings+Nov%253ADec+2011cov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWF1hxBKn-jfi7fTrj_C88ru_qEp2vGvIjHIDTN9j2XQoKRYZz_ffUPvWkzR0Zj5y79IE1v09QHezSg4u8atootX6hM9dJ6hFAk9rj1-ApElk-zICg6FHXHuM6wq4xiHH-qMlbyYIGnNbh/s640/Surroundings+Nov%253ADec+2011cov.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><br />The rug is antique and was my grandparents. My Dad papered the walls with this Schumacher (we believe) paper. He and Mom spent a year looking for the right shade of blue fabric for the window treatments. These real estate photos are a tad washed out and they are a beautiful shade of blue/green. Apparently the sales people kept suggesting off white since they couldn't find the blue, but they stuck to their guns and finally found it. That treatment has been there for twenty years at least and still looks perfect in person. It's pretty amazing. The furniture was bought with some of their wedding money sixty years ago. Every Sunday dinner and family holiday was spent around this table for my entire life. My Mom was a great cook so there have been a lot of great wines and crumbs spilled on this table, not to mention all the wonderful family memories.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJczBKkS03AKzEqaNqgercVu0SHd4A3DrZiZtDmga6HUiv6uVp90O7uRTBVWdiZ68_p1qzXZEdwqwUDte-x0a58slVgKDvXWiBY7OuJz5pTvllIuvn1BSWfj03C_ijPsgf1rL1fheqvgc/s1600/dr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJczBKkS03AKzEqaNqgercVu0SHd4A3DrZiZtDmga6HUiv6uVp90O7uRTBVWdiZ68_p1qzXZEdwqwUDte-x0a58slVgKDvXWiBY7OuJz5pTvllIuvn1BSWfj03C_ijPsgf1rL1fheqvgc/s1600/dr2.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/AVvXsEiIPnxNoSiRa3gA0rD_qR0yUthat3NqSttOqu2s30Mno3Mpn8l_T81zxDzf3EKNcuFd8dApGLdPiJ2McJFU5USEEd5Ywa0_HFqSDYL2IXaOusYuIEek6mCbcxSZN9tIIplonBHz23ErraY/s1600/lr3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIPnxNoSiRa3gA0rD_qR0yUthat3NqSttOqu2s30Mno3Mpn8l_T81zxDzf3EKNcuFd8dApGLdPiJ2McJFU5USEEd5Ywa0_HFqSDYL2IXaOusYuIEek6mCbcxSZN9tIIplonBHz23ErraY/s1600/lr3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The living room. They bought the wing chair and cut velvet Hickory Chair camelback sofa in the early 1970's through a department store when we lived in New Jersey. They've both held up amazingly well. The antique desk dates to the 18th century, though the base is a replacement. My Dad refinished it with his Dad.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYyI5npA1Kch6-_TvFC3fH4GfoKa_4CxTCKimmHJy_b2Uax25Ki95hpfmI1oF9Ko8m-092tmuFpqNgFIcBt0ffEPhlPyd4ceW3HNw5xDGn7XeCj9U-1HNek1dBscxT0BBsREev8a9Vxg/s1600/lr2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYyI5npA1Kch6-_TvFC3fH4GfoKa_4CxTCKimmHJy_b2Uax25Ki95hpfmI1oF9Ko8m-092tmuFpqNgFIcBt0ffEPhlPyd4ceW3HNw5xDGn7XeCj9U-1HNek1dBscxT0BBsREev8a9Vxg/s1600/lr2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The stereo cabinet above is the one I am going to turn into a bar cabinet. I've removed all the "guts" and will add a couple of shelves and a glass piece on top. I'm keeping the side table for use as a bed side table as well as the one below next to the sofa. The crystal lamps are new.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHg0FRMGRl3BHXfYinKF0t_pYnChhujiuZp7koYCKKqxe4on2CKbgCDQOrzPNan7_P5UaDoYVTPkv7AbXiMKI_WYu4i1hg2GIGOqEU20Oc9gqEaUu6vgJYrKzRH9WzLOLtamfZzhPwaQ/s1600/lr1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHg0FRMGRl3BHXfYinKF0t_pYnChhujiuZp7koYCKKqxe4on2CKbgCDQOrzPNan7_P5UaDoYVTPkv7AbXiMKI_WYu4i1hg2GIGOqEU20Oc9gqEaUu6vgJYrKzRH9WzLOLtamfZzhPwaQ/s1600/lr1.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/AVvXsEhUff_nNjNisGInNhi2F5Sve_Hj3R3lOKx1dHjzrtV1QnFitUSXb-X7_1OBxir9XtJGeSxs-5W8QVbEkFwN0XOQS7bWoqTU6jy4lQfMT8BLI1AB-v_nuFLYjUoYmkZTSf9a8rCkOzddzjw/s1600/mast1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUff_nNjNisGInNhi2F5Sve_Hj3R3lOKx1dHjzrtV1QnFitUSXb-X7_1OBxir9XtJGeSxs-5W8QVbEkFwN0XOQS7bWoqTU6jy4lQfMT8BLI1AB-v_nuFLYjUoYmkZTSf9a8rCkOzddzjw/s1600/mast1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Bedrooms - not much to say. Master is above. Though the green bedroom below originally had pink flowered wallpaper and a rust rug. Pink and rust - great combination! My Dad painted it white with pale green trim for me when they moved here. They bought this bedroom set for me when I was six - it was used as the guest room when needed so I got a nice set. After my Dad had a stroke in 2000, we had to move his office down from the upstairs so the room got a makeover. I had them paint it a Ben Moore Sherwood Green  and repaint the trim a nice gloss white. There were plaid valances on the windows - very masculine. It's since been turned back into a pretty bedroom.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEaRXPD1_bo68hdYTrAAWcWbBVmgA6ejiq_YBzW_pw6Z8Vbn3Dy9VIjTWQzqUYk9yAstqBvAIgVfVY8lOd2x9-6kR3R9lVMKrU-haahFPHDfS5GLBObJspDPYWIPnGLtfzEXAIcAN_mM/s1600/br1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEaRXPD1_bo68hdYTrAAWcWbBVmgA6ejiq_YBzW_pw6Z8Vbn3Dy9VIjTWQzqUYk9yAstqBvAIgVfVY8lOd2x9-6kR3R9lVMKrU-haahFPHDfS5GLBObJspDPYWIPnGLtfzEXAIcAN_mM/s1600/br1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The backyard has a cute shed (Dad made the cupola) and garden which used to be really spectacular when my Mom could keep up with it - she was a wonderful gardener, a trait I did not inherit. They bought the wrought iron dining set in the 1960's. My Dad would strip and repaint it every few years to keep it looking great.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP01Mn19r7_nUs1qIqcXGfUnx16Ad8B_gw8rzpeyEsgOng-1LWVVpcaaUwi1J3DYISJwvpBufz01vAtJ62A9qCuvEr9KGScZDp7ERC-L6LrV1R14xB675NLvOHZmN9SedKRVVXFucP1oE/s1600/patio2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP01Mn19r7_nUs1qIqcXGfUnx16Ad8B_gw8rzpeyEsgOng-1LWVVpcaaUwi1J3DYISJwvpBufz01vAtJ62A9qCuvEr9KGScZDp7ERC-L6LrV1R14xB675NLvOHZmN9SedKRVVXFucP1oE/s1600/patio2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I did a lot of cleaning things out - all stuff one needs to do when moving - and it paid off greatly for the photos and for showings.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you're planning on selling your house - do not skimp on the clean up and clean out. My parents were great about not being hoarders and I still filled a 16' box truck with junky furniture and stuff from the attic, basement and backs of closets. You are marketing a product and as annoying as it can be at times to pare down and live neat, it's no longer your house - it's a product on the shelf with lots of competition. Finally, make sure to select a realtor who cares about how your place is being marketed. It makes all the difference!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9fS3vqcqnlRqEkQr0VZ-7KEJF3wfqFqRzF04vQ25dW7hyphenhyphenL-uQvMz1DWlTZAxWdtsMG924m2mBkoeLORhsiwRXl8V7aehI9EqkjZyYHdMcJmi-Q__jgnFK9K3OvB7JmMcxHNSxad9KwM/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9fS3vqcqnlRqEkQr0VZ-7KEJF3wfqFqRzF04vQ25dW7hyphenhyphenL-uQvMz1DWlTZAxWdtsMG924m2mBkoeLORhsiwRXl8V7aehI9EqkjZyYHdMcJmi-Q__jgnFK9K3OvB7JmMcxHNSxad9KwM/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Real Estate: My parent's cozy cape on the Cape

As I've written before, I've spent the last couple of months getting my parent's house ready to put on the market. It's a bi...

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Family Treasures

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoak7O6bzlAYJcLxCTQXXEgfTTMWytwMLZEUXJh4zYFb_o88FbXeD4bnJqqs0MWcgLeJ8SGZyV64HVdN67N7ysR79rdzUx9ijcDs8-Un3-CiiQk6pWIu4rSqVmMv9fZXW_jSR4ux1X6o/s1600/IMG_4738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoak7O6bzlAYJcLxCTQXXEgfTTMWytwMLZEUXJh4zYFb_o88FbXeD4bnJqqs0MWcgLeJ8SGZyV64HVdN67N7ysR79rdzUx9ijcDs8-Un3-CiiQk6pWIu4rSqVmMv9fZXW_jSR4ux1X6o/s1600/IMG_4738.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>One of the big things going on in my life right now is getting my parents Cape Cod house ready for sale. It's a big, and emotional, task as anyone who has done this knows. Luckily, my parents took great pride in their house of 30 years and were not pack rats. My Mom tended to throw everything out while my Dad was an archivist at heart. If you want the receipt for pretty much every major (and sometimes minor) purchase, it was filed. He has a notebook on the house - everything that was done, photos from when they bought it (it was dated looking then and was only five years old at the time), and how much he spent on the original renovations such as the new kitchen he designed and installed himself. He also had file folders documenting every other house they owned in their married lives. While they lived here for half their married lives, they actually owned five other homes across Massachusetts, upstate New York and New Jersey before returning to Massachusetts.<br /><br />And so, now along with sorting all the personal bits and bobs (I should call them Dots and Bobs because that was their names) of a lifetime, we're also taking care of all the minor cosmetic things that need doing. This house was their pride and joy and I intend to honor my parents by passing it along to the next family in as good condition as possible. I have contractors here repainting the outside, the bathrooms and installing a new stove and microwave - things of that nature. I took the photo above last week on the one nice day we've had yet this spring because I wanted to capture the fleeting beauty of the magnolia tree. By the time the house is ready to be on the market (end of May likely), the blooms will have dropped. But taking over will be the gorgeous cherry tree on the far right of the photo - which right now barely shows any budding.<br /><br />I've also hired a professional Organizer - Sharon Fisher of Come to Order! - to help me sort through the house, packing, donating, tossing, etc. It's a big job and I knew I couldn't handle it myself. Too often, we, especially women, feel we're supposed to be doing everything without help. Pooh on that, I say! I even had Peapod deliver my groceries this week. Sharon got the job done far faster than I would have on my own and kept me focused on making decisions and moving forward. In a couple of weeks I'll have a bunch of my own stuff and furniture not needed to stage the house moved to storage, a junk removal company come take away that stuff, carpet cleaners, etc, etc. It's a busy time, but it takes a lot to dis-assemble a long life of memories. And it reminds me to own less and treasure what I have more.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UhclQcYU_8c3AsX1k5YfTVxC1oN2ieyO5E_ilqNEoi_0OxNEULN-oqnVD-L97p6mM9aFtkqBVjqV_VawY2BcmU3Ihz09jXMI3G4GDmfhqS5HvXuqmWzrizubutcmVO5-fnFIbJKX0r4/s1600/IMG_2609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UhclQcYU_8c3AsX1k5YfTVxC1oN2ieyO5E_ilqNEoi_0OxNEULN-oqnVD-L97p6mM9aFtkqBVjqV_VawY2BcmU3Ihz09jXMI3G4GDmfhqS5HvXuqmWzrizubutcmVO5-fnFIbJKX0r4/s1600/IMG_2609.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Speaking of treasures... in RoyRoy news, he had his neuter operation last week. I was supposed to be keeping him in the cone of shame, but hated doing it, so I've been keeping on top of him, even sleeping on the sofa with him to make sure he didn't chew the stitches. They yesterday morning I noticed they were gone. Oops. Brought him to the vet and they said one remained but all looked good. I also got the side-eye for not keeping him more immobilized. So, I bought this inflatable donut that attaches to his collar. I put it on him after dinner last night and he promptly fell asleep. His own personal pillow, I guess. I finally slept the night in my bed and he did so in his crate (well, most of the night anyway). Two more days and the final stitch can come out!

Family Treasures

One of the big things going on in my life right now is getting my parents Cape Cod house ready for sale. It's a big, and emotional, task...

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A traditional New England style home in a surprising location

<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/35/59/800x600/102-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/35/59/800x600/102-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110242.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Currently on the market is this traditional New England style home designed in 1978 by the famous New England Architecture firm of <a href="http://royalbarrywills.com/" target="_blank">Royal Barry Wills Associates, Inc.</a>. I'll share at the end of the post where this house is located - as I said, it's a surprising location for such a quintessential New England style.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEK-ohjs63mYM2065Eux1gSxyMo9wGZBuBo8ntfnIVzTeDDp2qAmGdvqnt2Xe-vw7d3T5pZbqH7eYhkiNV93ybHrurRZEUTxbYaFkn6ZRmpgyZCZlwS9pLNNo9bW5csjvAyFZaaPFdVa8/s1600/RBW+map.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEK-ohjs63mYM2065Eux1gSxyMo9wGZBuBo8ntfnIVzTeDDp2qAmGdvqnt2Xe-vw7d3T5pZbqH7eYhkiNV93ybHrurRZEUTxbYaFkn6ZRmpgyZCZlwS9pLNNo9bW5csjvAyFZaaPFdVa8/s1600/RBW+map.tiff" width="589" /></a></div><br />From the map on their website, it's clear that the majority of their work is in the Northeast, with a smattering of locations around the country and other parts of the English speaking world. I wonder if the Australia and Virgin Islands locations are American's abroad looking for a feeling of home, or just fans of the style.  RBW has been designing houses since the 1920's and not all the early houses were in the classic New England vernacular - some were quite modern and other's very European storybook looking. Check out their chronology of houses <a href="http://www.royalbarrywills.com/high/large/projects/index.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.  From the start, RBW was sought after for his classic and simple homes, many of which featured classic 1-1/2 story Cape Cod style.<br /><br />Interestingly and incorrectly, the real estate listing and the news story which features this mystery location house I am featuring here as a Cape Cod style house - which it's not, it's a classic symmetrical center entrance Georgian style (1700-1780).<br /><br />Cape Cod style houses were always small, with single story fronts. Below is a row of period Cape homes that are on a main street here on Cape Cod - I took this photos a couple of years ago and featured it in my<a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2009/05/white-houses-of-cape-cod.html" target="_blank"> White Houses of Cape Cod</a> blog post - one of the most viewed posts I've done due to web searches for Cape Houses and White Houses. Cape Cod style houses feature both center and side front doors, with chimney's that run up the center of the house. Historic New England has a wonderful guide to <a href="http://www.historicnewengland.org/preservation/your-older-or-historic-home/architectural-style-guide#colonial-revival-1880-1955" target="_blank">architectural styles here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3564189733_a8ebe16201_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3601/3564189733_a8ebe16201_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />When I first saw this house listing, I wondered if the interiors would match the classic New England exterior, or would it be done in the well-known style of its location (to be revealed later).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/4b/93/800x600/24-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/4b/93/800x600/24-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110320.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />I was happy to see that the insides do indeed match the outsides - though the decor is probably a little "too" for my personal taste. I wouldn't mind a little mixing of styles and periods. The classic front entrance features pine floors and a simple staircase. I'd have loved to see some rugs here - a jaunty stripe on the stairs possibly.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/e7/78/800x600/06-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/e7/78/800x600/06-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The formal living room features beautiful paneling, made by Cliftondale Woodworkers of Saugus, Massachusetts (the story says Maine, but I'm pretty sure that it's MA). The furniture seems to be a bit dated - possibly it as last done in the early '90's. The rug, however, is the perfect worn looking oriental. New Englander's are known for keeping things till totally threadbare, so this fits right in!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/77/e0/800x600/08-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/77/e0/800x600/08-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110548.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The library's paneling and bookshelves are painted in Williamsburg Red.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/b5/e5/800x600/31-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/b5/e5/800x600/31-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110406.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The formal dining room features a fireplace and simple chair rail and wainscot.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/d0/8d/800x600/18-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/d0/8d/800x600/18-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110452.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />By today's standards, this is a pretty small kitchen area, but I like it. The brick floor continues the (Williamsburg) red color theme into the space, which also has gray/blue cabinets in a simple flat panel design. I would have liked the beams to be a little wider and maybe a little less refined looking. It's funny, this color scheme is identical to my parent's open concept kitchen and family room - with the blue wood working, red brick accents and colonial styling including Windsor chairs, blue checked sofa and worn oriental rugs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/47/1b/800x600/On-the-Market-Greenbay_110646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/47/1b/800x600/On-the-Market-Greenbay_110646.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/ec/7e/800x600/22-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/ec/7e/800x600/22-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110508.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/c5/ab/800x600/15-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/c5/ab/800x600/15-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110657.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The large master bedroom features tongue and groove floors and more beautiful panel work. I like the collections of books in the window seats and the angled walls flanking the fireplace.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/88/f3/800x600/12-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/88/f3/800x600/12-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110714.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This bedroom features hand stenciled walls.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/7e/5c/800x600/13-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/7e/5c/800x600/13-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110731.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>This shared bathroom (aka Jack and Jill) is dated and could definitely benefit from an update.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/29/80/800x600/14-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/29/80/800x600/14-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110748.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This is one of the bedrooms off the bathroom. I like that there's a little more color in here than we see in the other bedrooms.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/2e/62/800x600/17-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/2e/62/800x600/17-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110614.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />An upstairs family room just screams '80's/'90's doesn't it?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/33/23/800x600/111-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/33/23/800x600/111-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110848.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The house is listed at over 5,000 sq. ft. - which doesn't look possible given the interiors we've seen - but must include out-buildings and the "wings".<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/5a/21/800x600/On-the-Market-Greenbay-April-2014_121337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/5a/21/800x600/On-the-Market-Greenbay-April-2014_121337.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/9f/9e/800x600/108-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/9f/9e/800x600/108-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110914.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/92/c6/800x600/105-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/92/c6/800x600/105-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_110939.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The prevalence of outdoor seating areas is a real tip-off that we're not in New England here! Not that we don't have outdoor spaces, but our season is so short they aren't as common as other area's of the country.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/16/38/800x600/106-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_111012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/16/38/800x600/106-On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_111012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/07/13/800x600/On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_120217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/07/13/800x600/On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_120217.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/33/11/800x600/On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_120234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media.culturemap.com/crop/33/11/800x600/On-the-Market-11030-Greenbay-St.-April-2014_120234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />So, any idea where in the US this house is situated?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />When I started looking at the photos, I wondered if the interiors would be traditional to the architecture, or showcase the very different style known as the Houston style, as showcased on my friend Joni Webb's blog <a href="http://www.cotedetexas.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cote de Texas</a>. Yes, this New England style house is located at 11030 Greenbay Street in Houston, Texas. It's on the market for $3.5Million - you can see the real estate listing <a href="http://www.johndaugherty.com/4310453//11030-Greenbay-St" target="_blank">here</a> and there are several more photos of the house. All photos except my Cape Cod house photo are by TK Images.<br /><br />So, what do you think? I have to wonder if they know the style isn't "Cape Cod", but feel it's more evocative than "Georgian", or that "Colonial" is mundane and "New England" style is too vague? Marketing is always a factor...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOkEhLMdVcDUmaA8uWpc292OrG8cfLW6z07bs1n5qIRCIlGZxnc-1JdZeS6eUaRxkojVkfVG9RWQksROj-lFATOQYVB9G-Ei_2Z1SqA0ToaOOJzDDPmphuObU51lsEDVg-1JWvQMqqN4/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOkEhLMdVcDUmaA8uWpc292OrG8cfLW6z07bs1n5qIRCIlGZxnc-1JdZeS6eUaRxkojVkfVG9RWQksROj-lFATOQYVB9G-Ei_2Z1SqA0ToaOOJzDDPmphuObU51lsEDVg-1JWvQMqqN4/s1600/Linda+sig2.png" /></a></div><br />

A traditional New England style home in a surprising location

Currently on the market is this traditional New England style home designed in 1978 by the famous New England Architecture firm of Royal Bar...

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