Katherine Hepburn's family vacation home on the block

<div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">No matter what year you were born, you can't grow up in New England without hearing about the horror that was the hurricane of 1938. The Category 5 hurricane was in September and its fury was felt across the region. Katherine Hepburn's family vacation home in Old Saybrook, Connecticut was completely destroyed. It's spectacular waterfront property was nearly surrounded by water and didn't stand a chance. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9157389126/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="888" id="blogsy-1372396133371.2224" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/9157389126_77264fdc99_b.jpg" width="629"></a></div> <p> "My God. It was something devastating--and unreal--like the beginning of the world--or the end of it--and I slogged and sloshed, crawled through ditches and hung on to keep going somehow--got drenched and bruised and scratched--completely bedraggled--finally got to where there was a working phone and called Dad." ~Katharine Hepburn, recalling the September 21, 1938 hurricane</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9155165147/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="780" id="blogsy-1372396133374.3906" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/9155165147_6d170f01f9_z.jpg" width="462"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">It's hard to imagine too many celebrities today who would be quite so hands on in the same circumstances. She really was an amazing woman. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9155165567/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="780" id="blogsy-1372396133450.3367" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/9155165567_88132743fc_z.jpg" width="461"></a></div> <p> </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9157390426/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="685" id="blogsy-1372396133375.6448" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/9157390426_9c4e674145_z.jpg" width="546"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">The house was rebuilt in 1939 and that house in currently <a href="http://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/sales/detail/180-l-660-4323474/katharine-hepburn-former-estate-old-saybrook-ct-06475" target="_blank" title="">on the marke</a>t for a cool $30mil. It was last on the market two years ago for $28mil. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9157391086/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1372396133422.006" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/9157391086_4722a9c235.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">The house as it stand now.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9157391652/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="476" id="blogsy-1372396133388.8105" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/9157391652_e9438af473.jpg" width="635"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9157392098/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="695" id="blogsy-1372396133442.269" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/9157392098_64333207c8_z.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "> The 1939 house was a typical summer rambler that probably had no heat other than fireplaces. It would have had lots of small, cozy rooms. <span style="text-align: center; "></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9155168245/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="561" id="blogsy-1372396133384.2793" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/9155168245_8f219f54f1.jpg" width="653"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">While I'm sure it was sorely in need of updating, Sadly the 2005 renovations have turned this fabulous, historic home, into a bland, lifeless place.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9155168657/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="486" id="blogsy-1372396133409.693" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/9155168657_8c20862da3.jpg" width="648"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Walls have been taken down and the small cozy rooms are gone. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9155168991/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="442" id="blogsy-1372396133453.209" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/9155168991_ba9c412045.jpg" width="635"></a></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/9155169443/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="479" id="blogsy-1372396133418.4668" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5500/9155169443_3445e49600.jpg" width="639"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I'm assuming its staged for sale which adds to the lifelessness. But boy, those views! </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9157394116/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="472" id="blogsy-1372396133439.1318" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/9157394116_cd597a629f.jpg" width="630"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9155170313/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="467" id="blogsy-1372396133370.4019" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/9155170313_4c72d0babf.jpg" width="623"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9157394966/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="462" id="blogsy-1372396133449.487" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3725/9157394966_2b0a579ed6.jpg" width="616"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Wile this is a beautiful kitchen, it's hard to imagine big, loud family dinners that last till long after dark. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9155171231/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="646" id="blogsy-1372396133391.9495" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7290/9155171231_5b5f749209_z.jpg" width="495"></a></div> <p> The pantry - which is pretty cute - is my favorite place. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9155171597/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="663" id="blogsy-1372396133386.66" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/9155171597_0f77febb1a_z.jpg" width="496"></a></div> <p> I might become a morning person if I woke up to this view every day!</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9157396266/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1372396133415.2222" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/9157396266_a67066464e.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9157396672/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1372396133435.497" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/9157396672_c694e62ebb.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9155172881/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1372396133388.951" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3720/9155172881_7623a15e5e.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> This bathroom could not be any more disappointingly boring.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9157397470/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="525" id="blogsy-1372396133478.5264" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/9157397470_7b730177f3.jpg" width="701"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Stars on the carpet and birds flying overhead...of course. And what's up with the origami style ceiling! Those angles are crazy!</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9157397932/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="533" id="blogsy-1372396133468.4844" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3686/9157397932_2ccb89fa67.jpg" width="712"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9155174209/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="529" id="blogsy-1372396133471.9507" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/9155174209_25b3a8b273.jpg" width="706"></a></div> <p> $30Million dollar view! </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9155174927/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="500" id="blogsy-1372396133393.2476" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/9155174927_38086b6bfe.jpg" width="667"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9155175435/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1372396133481.6943" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/9155175435_bc341e840d.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> From the <a href="http://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/sales/detail/180-l-660-4323474/katharine-hepburn-former-estate-old-saybrook-ct-06475" target="_blank" title="">Sotheby's real estate listing:</a></p> <p>"This isn't a dream, it's Fenwick. or is it paradise?" Katharine Hepburn FAMILY COMPOUND The historic Katharine Hepburn home is the centerpiece of a family compound with three deeded waterfront lots, each with its own sandy beach. THE RENOVATION In 2005, New York Builder Frank Sciame embarked on a complete renovation of the property. Bringing to bear his experience restoring some of New York City's greatest landmarks including the New York Public Library and St. Patrick's Cathedral, he oversaw the project which included raising the structure five feet to protect it from the Long Island Sound. All new systems were installed, and the historic structure was seamlessly augmented to create light-filled rooms while preserving the historical integrity of the structure. THE NEW GATEHOUSE RESIDENCE The elite Borough of Fenwick does not allow Accessory Dwellings or Guest Homes on a single property. Therefore, a subdivision of the property was completed to create three separately deeded parcels. On the eastern portion of the property, a 2750 square foot gatehouse residence will be built which includes 3 bedrooms, 3 ½ bathrooms and numerous covered terraces and patios. The dormers and upper story porches echo design elements of the renovated, original estate. The home was designed to compliment its historic surroundings while meeting the most modern expectations by providing open floor plans. Sciame is also exploring the possibility of a third house, on the legally deeded parcel to the west of the existing house THE HISTORIC HOME The main residence includes over 8000 square feet of living space on three floors. There are six bedrooms, each with private bath. The cook's kitchen features an AGA stove and Sub Zero refrigerator and is adjacent to the living room and dining room, both of which overlook the Long Island Sound, a pond and a private dock. A Den, Chart Room, Potting Room, Pantry, Laundry Room, and 2-car garage complete the estate. In the 1930s and 1940s, Howard Hughes landed his seaplane directly in front of the home. Today, the same opportunity is available to the owner. Additionally, launching your boat from the private dock can have you in the Hamptons in about an hour.</p> <p> Future buyer: If you'd like my help bringing life back to this magnificent home - call me! </p> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Katherine Hepburn's family vacation home on the block

No matter what year you were born, you can't grow up in New England without hearing about the horror that was the hurricane of 1938. The Category 5 hurricane was in September and its fury was felt across the region. Katherine Hepburn's family vacation home in Old Saybrook, Connecticut was completely…

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Keeping cool!

<p> It's going to be another scorcher today and I still don't have the air conditioner in my office yet. Yikes! Anyway, I was staring at the lawn sprinkler the other day thinking about how calming and memorizing it was. Much like a fire in a fireplace, a sprinkler or fountain really just draws you in. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9135864206/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="960" id="blogsy-1372169261173.6812" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5520/9135864206_67d7404144_c.jpg" width="718"></a></div> <p style="text-align: center;"> Sources for all images <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/water-features/" target="_blank" title="">here</a>. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9135865250/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="521" id="blogsy-1372169261179.8223" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/9135865250_7f4eda9cca.jpg" width="696"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9133644347/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="525" id="blogsy-1372169261162.0132" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/9133644347_65e0218c2c.jpg" width="701"></a></div> <p> The above two pics are from the gardens at The Mount, Edith Wharton's home in the Berkshires. Gorgeous. </p> <p> </p> <p>I hope you're staying cool today!</p> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Keeping cool!

It's going to be another scorcher today and I still don't have the air conditioner in my office yet. Yikes! Anyway, I was staring at the lawn sprinkler the other day thinking about how calming and memorizing it was. Much like a fire in a fireplace, a sprinkler or fountain really just draws you in. …

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Linda's Dream House: Now, I'm Feeling the Buzz

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgluAAvsUOoHgBb0IIJkRJG9oTRAwfi2VcDxPcu1QDj9xTsW94bL5MsLXNw8_pNsfEYGrLfpMvtyG3ab1-Mczf_9dVhXSpWFYaAf7qbFnQ8BNuG7oIybk0JQY12mHslZpz6Shl8vxaF8/s1600/Porch4+061813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzgluAAvsUOoHgBb0IIJkRJG9oTRAwfi2VcDxPcu1QDj9xTsW94bL5MsLXNw8_pNsfEYGrLfpMvtyG3ab1-Mczf_9dVhXSpWFYaAf7qbFnQ8BNuG7oIybk0JQY12mHslZpz6Shl8vxaF8/s640/Porch4+061813.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />So, <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2013/06/linda-dream-home-three-season-porch.html" target="_blank">the other day</a> I decorated the porch in my "virtual" dream house. I thought I'd try something a little bit different for me. And I think it came out pretty nice - except that it just wasn't me. I didn't feel the buzz. Do you know what the buzz is? For me, it's that feeling I get when I look at a space that just speaks to me on a really sub-conscious level. It's the colors, the textures, the overall feel. It's a kind of low-level vibration.  So, while this Chinese red and blue/white pottery design was ok, it's just not my room. So I packed it off (virtually of course), and started over.<br /><br />First, I had looked at my<a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/lindas-dream-house/" target="_blank"> Pinterest board</a> for my Dream House and created a mood board to remind me of what I find buzzy:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/c9/2d/48/c92d486e3a17723e1c13aece17cc35f7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://media-cache-ec3.pinimg.com/736x/c9/2d/48/c92d486e3a17723e1c13aece17cc35f7.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />And I came up with this:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD18D2eqHqvvP_0TlLYhjGq6NIgiNM-I98jYec2rvtuN2p4LZ2XQds-OSSl-Fhd2RrnvRTdFq1oJMUl6L4RsvljRhHDZfTywDhQEGOHQm9SgX1pme0B9LQPboJf3KAlV42jg9DPJHAeik/s1600/Porch2+062013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD18D2eqHqvvP_0TlLYhjGq6NIgiNM-I98jYec2rvtuN2p4LZ2XQds-OSSl-Fhd2RrnvRTdFq1oJMUl6L4RsvljRhHDZfTywDhQEGOHQm9SgX1pme0B9LQPboJf3KAlV42jg9DPJHAeik/s640/Porch2+062013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgYSDIzuAuCZCXRfuhi-j8VZg1_ADLQg5UWGCtc6xQXChfLbFp8LB3qMjHLZXNJBatR_ydXohVVAfBw3Bz-21sVJLDWidORy0EvWsFyTYctsHsIikQArRlOVLefsTqDsNmvUOq7FKOeY/s1600/Porch3+062013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgYSDIzuAuCZCXRfuhi-j8VZg1_ADLQg5UWGCtc6xQXChfLbFp8LB3qMjHLZXNJBatR_ydXohVVAfBw3Bz-21sVJLDWidORy0EvWsFyTYctsHsIikQArRlOVLefsTqDsNmvUOq7FKOeY/s640/Porch3+062013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdZHEeThMq2tQkmYC1B7TdNck9ypWFbpjDpGo0PpOTa66pgnMTADKalyFmlXQrVh0SW476piMgWC2HM5i5j1l3bkvQzG1d1g9FPh6TbOY8dS0LNARh7-Hlp1gY5G9X0MH2-a8s1gkL9w/s1600/Porch4+062013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdZHEeThMq2tQkmYC1B7TdNck9ypWFbpjDpGo0PpOTa66pgnMTADKalyFmlXQrVh0SW476piMgWC2HM5i5j1l3bkvQzG1d1g9FPh6TbOY8dS0LNARh7-Hlp1gY5G9X0MH2-a8s1gkL9w/s640/Porch4+062013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIXVcah7pUWCyEnj9vA0PFz8WAjM2pqRt7ZBYKUYElPsH_S7p2AxxdJd3ztQHvS9DiyF5xM5HHYwkK0hygjVHsKfHW2TG7xKzvtqptRPoy6Jgv4d4jiKym0lPhy3R6NR7r4s-RWw2kYM/s1600/Porch5+062013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIXVcah7pUWCyEnj9vA0PFz8WAjM2pqRt7ZBYKUYElPsH_S7p2AxxdJd3ztQHvS9DiyF5xM5HHYwkK0hygjVHsKfHW2TG7xKzvtqptRPoy6Jgv4d4jiKym0lPhy3R6NR7r4s-RWw2kYM/s640/Porch5+062013.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/AVvXsEgOkTT7C9XwT-BLH8kDPhPTIhkYCFrDwdnKZWI6Kz7fkPtOfOq9iVjkGynKv4waRjfem7kBlP4GKCdyvfBmtiJl0W9tlTpFTi7llgkCfAe49_yEZGD4Qb7Epwa103bbov0L70_V2VRkVbE/s1600/Porch7+062013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkTT7C9XwT-BLH8kDPhPTIhkYCFrDwdnKZWI6Kz7fkPtOfOq9iVjkGynKv4waRjfem7kBlP4GKCdyvfBmtiJl0W9tlTpFTi7llgkCfAe49_yEZGD4Qb7Epwa103bbov0L70_V2VRkVbE/s640/Porch7+062013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Below is the view into the porch from the family room (French door is hidden).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ConLdMEvtmXR_eC7UjZWUJ2CpvVJnWOBUevy8OgDyxThoWgo-b2FLZ-cy9d8o2tFaozSBPn_ytwalcCftFoeWFn1pcl2Wqp_u9wzDQ_vWlC9wbJb_gK1HFeEMc_LaQth9Sm6qOYWr8s/s1600/Porch6+062013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ConLdMEvtmXR_eC7UjZWUJ2CpvVJnWOBUevy8OgDyxThoWgo-b2FLZ-cy9d8o2tFaozSBPn_ytwalcCftFoeWFn1pcl2Wqp_u9wzDQ_vWlC9wbJb_gK1HFeEMc_LaQth9Sm6qOYWr8s/s640/Porch6+062013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />So much more "me". bzzzz...<br /><br />Okay, now that the sunroom is taken care of - I STILL have the entire 2nd floor to "build"!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig63sXdUrwVZSbpNuiEKvtzi52wIuEtCLuMAcuuxyakfzkxIKsjsqf6cGHCVpVG0AZG7eoWmLP7HsOsXzihlyEuws2bVHwT6ANODHT5ZYJMynqe8gXPP2Lofd7Jxds4qfCT8N1J03jJGc/s1600/Linda's+house+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig63sXdUrwVZSbpNuiEKvtzi52wIuEtCLuMAcuuxyakfzkxIKsjsqf6cGHCVpVG0AZG7eoWmLP7HsOsXzihlyEuws2bVHwT6ANODHT5ZYJMynqe8gXPP2Lofd7Jxds4qfCT8N1J03jJGc/s640/Linda's+house+16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Stay tuned!<br /><br />If you would like my help creating your "buzz" worth 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>

Linda's Dream House: Now, I'm Feeling the Buzz

So, the other day I decorated the porch in my "virtual" dream house. I thought I'd try something a little bit different for me. And I think it came out pretty nice - except that it just wasn't me. I didn't feel the buzz. Do you know what the buzz is? For me, it's that feeling I get when I look at a …

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Linda's Dream Home: the Three-Season Porch

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9081591902/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="438" id="blogsy-1371603756065.182" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/9081591902_2d14021041.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">So, after a bit of a hiatus I'm back to working on my (virtual) dream house. I have spent some time working on the library, trying to figure out how to best lay out the shelving, but I took a break from that to focus on the three season sun porch, which is situated to the left of the front of the house, next to the driveway and the back patio area.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9079370595/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1371603756120.0305" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5463/9079370595_1559afc9b7.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; "> I found this picture on Pinterest (source unknown) and I realized it was exactly the layout and style of the porch that I had already started to design. I love the pale slate floors and rustic stone fireplace. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9081594230/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="438" id="blogsy-1371603756096.6892" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/9081594230_a0489dc5e3.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> So, here is the staring point. I experimented with a color palette that is not very me but thought it would be fun to try something new. Only a small part of the porch is visible from the rest of the house, so I don't really have to worry about clashing. Since this fictitious house is located in Newburyport, MA, a center of 18th and 19th century shipping, I though a China Trade theme might be interesting. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9079373747/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="438" id="blogsy-1371603756032.2532" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/9079373747_00cbcf0eae.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">Chinese red and pale blue, punctuated with blue and white pottery provides a cheery palette. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9079375407/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="438" id="blogsy-1371603756089.065" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/9079375407_e919ac418d.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <div class="separator" style="text-align: left;clear: both; ">I would use sheer indoor/outdoor curtains for privacy and light control. The steel windows would have screens in the summer. Specific windows TBD. </div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9079377143/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="438" id="blogsy-1371603756114.1562" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/9079377143_3d848f2c86.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> The floors would have radiant heating and the fireplace would heat up the room nicely on cold New England days. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9081601024/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="438" id="blogsy-1371603756053.6118" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2893/9081601024_b5d25f7723.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> I like the idea of some kind of antique chest that would be fitted with a drinks refrigerator lie this one from sub zero. Continuing with the semi-nautical theme, I'm using the brass portholes that have been made into mirrors over the bar cabinet. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9081601500/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="319" id="blogsy-1371603756054.0986" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/9081601500_0d5fa6411d.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> So, the beverages are taken care of. And the layout. But now that I see it all together, it's just not me. I think it's pretty and right for someone else though. </p> <p>I don't feel the buzz. Do you know what the buzz is?<br></p> <p>For me, this is pretty buzz-worthy:</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9081603632/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1371603756049.3147" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3686/9081603632_80d26f59c1_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p>If you'd like my help creating your buzz-worthy space, please be in touch! </p> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Linda's Dream Home: the Three-Season Porch

So, after a bit of a hiatus I'm back to working on my (virtual) dream house. I have spent some time working on the library, trying to figure out how to best lay out the shelving, but I took a break from that to focus on the three season sun porch, which is situated to the left of the front of the h…

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Not your Grannie's Wall-Stencils

<p> I have to say that I am just loving <a href="http://www.royaldesignstudio.com/" target="_self" title="">Royal Design Studios</a>' collection of wall stencils. Modern, budget friendly and completely customizable - the sky's the limit for color palette and application technique. Particularly notable is their <a href="http://www.royaldesignstudio.com/blogs/how-to-stencil/8000811-stencil-how-to-ikat-fabric-effect" target="_blank" title="">tutorial</a> for creating an Ikat fabric effect on the wall. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9063376020/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="867" id="blogsy-1371428283108.9902" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/9063376020_71a6df63be_c.jpg" width="650"></a></div> <p> Readers of <a href="http://purestylehome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="">Lauren Liess' Pure Style Home</a> blog will surely recognize the painter's drop cloth panel she hung in one of her son's rooms a couple of years ago. Using the <a href="http://www.royaldesignstudio.com/products/indian-paisley-wall-stencil" target="_blank" title="">Indian Paisley Wall Stencil</a>, Lauren created a one of a kind fabric. </p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chameleon-interiors/9061148795/" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="719" id="blogsy-1371428283133.1794" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/9061148795_79cf8c355c_c.jpg" width="543"></a></div> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Posted with Blogsy" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>

Not your Grannie's Wall-Stencils

I have to say that I am just loving Royal Design Studios' collection of wall stencils. Modern, budget friendly and completely customizable - the sky's the limit for color palette and application technique. Particularly notable is their tutorial for creating an Ikat fabric effect on the wall. Re…

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