chameleon interiors

How to Ask For (and Use) Client Design References

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSuGbZtSmUQdoOkX8qdk0ykBrBSbZbCm7FJMc_th4_QKENRrQYsZyLM52XQMZYV3runnGeinw_AA44h_yZa1IhmWPW0v4HXC_WGamzCvRpaW1UvpbMWYDrZJCe-mSJsa5YdQX2c9rIFw/s1600/RO'C+referal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="553" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSuGbZtSmUQdoOkX8qdk0ykBrBSbZbCm7FJMc_th4_QKENRrQYsZyLM52XQMZYV3runnGeinw_AA44h_yZa1IhmWPW0v4HXC_WGamzCvRpaW1UvpbMWYDrZJCe-mSJsa5YdQX2c9rIFw/s640/RO'C+referal.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />A very smart business woman, who was also a client, told me once that  the best time to ask for a reference or referral is in the middle of a  project, or business deal, while the client is still happy with the  process and before anything major can go wrong. And, as we all know,  something always goes wrong.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wsiforyourbusiness.com/content/designer/Design_Blog/2013/09/how_to_ask_for_and/_jcr_content/par/textimagewrapper.img.image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.wsiforyourbusiness.com/content/designer/Design_Blog/2013/09/how_to_ask_for_and/_jcr_content/par/textimagewrapper.img.image.png" /></a></div><br /><br /> For some of us, asking for references is easy and yet for others it's  a terrifying prospect. It's important to keep in mind that your current  client may have checked out your references before hiring you and they  probably won’t be surprised to be asked to provide one as long as they  are happy with the job you're doing.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wsiforyourbusiness.com/content/designer/Design_Blog/2013/09/how_to_ask_for_and.html" target="_blank">Click to read on...</a> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKUWimL39eXtFowYI7EQEfqsEOXTeVuixYh81A7JIxWtb2L5LUoPIRRSTuOpAYDxxmZwXfQKgBTXl5bh2NhDD9WC-lwjnLO7T-PW03za6cxRXf0kvLd3hNu1EPPvdoVD6qNbfKgXmfjc/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKUWimL39eXtFowYI7EQEfqsEOXTeVuixYh81A7JIxWtb2L5LUoPIRRSTuOpAYDxxmZwXfQKgBTXl5bh2NhDD9WC-lwjnLO7T-PW03za6cxRXf0kvLd3hNu1EPPvdoVD6qNbfKgXmfjc/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" /></a></div>If you're looking for help making your home beautiful, <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com" target="_blank">contact me</a> to learn about the possibilities. <br /><br />

How to Ask For (and Use) Client Design References

A very smart business woman, who was also a client, told me once that the best time to ask for a reference or referral is in the middle of a project, or business deal, while the client is still happy with the process and before anything major can go wrong. And, as we all know, something always g…

30Sep2013

Window Treatment Mistakes Even Experienced Designers Make – And How to Avoid Them

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Boston-Townhouse_Living_Room_2-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_files/LindaMerrillLRPrints_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Boston-Townhouse_Living_Room_2-Interior_Design-Massachusetts_files/LindaMerrillLRPrints_1.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.lindamerrill.com/Linda_Merrill/Portfolio-Boston-Townhouse_Living_Room_2-Interior_Design-Massachusetts.html" target="_blank">Linda Merrill Decorative Surroundings</a> | Photo ©Michael J. Lee</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>A few years ago, I worked for an upholstery workroom doing marketing and  helping retail customers select fabrics for upholstery projects. Along  with homeowner clients, the workroom also catered to interior decorators  and designers. One of the most important things I learned on the job  was the importance of communication between designers and fabricators -  and how often little details could cause delays and mistakes in the  workroom.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfztKP26Rykw-ukayOgHqoU6zoc7mnqi-xFyhPSI4aAMIG5FR3oX_nme41EqXZdLEAev_I_ytqbMZg0h3IRX3vkZDG9C1ROVzG-XoBKVFzu9GTqF1lz5RjMnsc9x3s39ZjY5Lxie_2is/s1600/IMG_2753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfztKP26Rykw-ukayOgHqoU6zoc7mnqi-xFyhPSI4aAMIG5FR3oX_nme41EqXZdLEAev_I_ytqbMZg0h3IRX3vkZDG9C1ROVzG-XoBKVFzu9GTqF1lz5RjMnsc9x3s39ZjY5Lxie_2is/s640/IMG_2753.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Window treatments and cushions made by Sarah O'Neil, Storibook Designs for Linda Merrill Decorative Surroundings</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.wsiforyourbusiness.com/content/designer/Design_Blog/2013/09/window_treatmentmis.html" target="_blank">Click to read on... </a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLY2lOOUi_AmB7SQq6T_Fd_fmTL-gScOoDkHzEpX15GsclrBkFnmZw6PXZLhSaasjluhyphenhyphenmtfmc9qEF5DcxgjA83mfwxPL4kaGkLnp8eFwuKSYDnpBG15RYgc27ch6TOe-gwR7IYldPTg/s1600/Kanner+kitch+091713+rend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVLY2lOOUi_AmB7SQq6T_Fd_fmTL-gScOoDkHzEpX15GsclrBkFnmZw6PXZLhSaasjluhyphenhyphenmtfmc9qEF5DcxgjA83mfwxPL4kaGkLnp8eFwuKSYDnpBG15RYgc27ch6TOe-gwR7IYldPTg/s640/Kanner+kitch+091713+rend.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Client rendering of window treatment design by Linda Merrill Decorative Surroundings</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnryyaXMMU27awOXnA9GmwK-RkKMAm8mNbh0_MKjEfSKhhneL0ildvqQAiiOT77h3bEk8obU6J1NpHdUHoamNL7LvgCPuGe7jc7APtFhUqkfmSUW7qL2vSajArIed90WY3kl10BNwCZQk/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnryyaXMMU27awOXnA9GmwK-RkKMAm8mNbh0_MKjEfSKhhneL0ildvqQAiiOT77h3bEk8obU6J1NpHdUHoamNL7LvgCPuGe7jc7APtFhUqkfmSUW7qL2vSajArIed90WY3kl10BNwCZQk/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" /></a></div>If you're looking to make your home beautiful, <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com" target="_blank">contact me</a> to learn about the possibilities. <br /><br />

Window Treatment Mistakes Even Experienced Designers Make – And How to Avoid Them

Linda Merrill Decorative Surroundings | Photo ©Michael J. LeeA few years ago, I worked for an upholstery workroom doing marketing and helping retail customers select fabrics for upholstery projects. Along with homeowner clients, the workroom also catered to interior decorators and designers. One …

30Sep2013

Take a Fresh Look

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/18/a1/95/18a195769bc937f4cbba896f3ee38288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/18/a1/95/18a195769bc937f4cbba896f3ee38288.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Shaker Barn that houses the classic car collection at <a href="http://heritagemuseumsandgardens.org/about-us/" target="_blank">Heritage Museums & Gardens </a>in Sandwich, MA - photo <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/29906784995647838/" target="_blank">via </a></span></div><br />As designers, especially those of us involved in social media, we are  inundated with visual images all day, every day. Sometimes, I feel like  there is nothing I haven't seen already, read already, or done already.  Burnout can hit anyone in any career. No matter how much we love it any  one of us can get to a point where we stop "seeing" what's in front of  us, or coming up with fresh new ideas. More than any other design  medium, interior design is one for all the senses and so it makes sense  to me that when we’re in need of a recharge and fresh inspiration, we  engage all our senses in the process.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/30/b5/88/30b58843ab2685d6ab1d38725d47fe56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/30/b5/88/30b58843ab2685d6ab1d38725d47fe56.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lily pond  - </span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">photo <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/553942822886134149/" target="_blank">via</a></span></div><br /><br /><b>Museums:</b> When asked, most designers respond that travel is  their number one valued method of gaining design inspiration. This is  certainly true - a trip to Paris or Tahiti will certainly do the job and  travel of any kind can't be overlooked when developing a broad design  sensibility. But when time and budget gets in the way of big travel  plans, try a "staycation" and play tourist in your own town or region.  Museums of all kinds offer great ideas and stimulating new experiences.<br /><br /> Historical house museums and art museums are obvious choices, but  don't forget science museums which can boast wonderful modern  architecture, or an aquarium which showcases natural beauty along with  interesting exhibits and lighting displays. Single genre museums  (automobiles, airplanes, dolls) are often housed in interesting  buildings that may be historic or modern. Inspiration can come from  anywhere and learning about historical design styles and their color  combinations, or geometric patterns that speak to a specific time period  can become wonderful inspirations for our modern designs. In the end,  just being steeped in the creative genius of others is inspiring in and  of itself.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/75/57/b8/7557b85ed02b397acae7b4d6747bc8b0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/75/57/b8/7557b85ed02b397acae7b4d6747bc8b0.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Antique Carousel - photo <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/218565388135701611/" target="_blank">via</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.wsiforyourbusiness.com/content/designer/Design_Blog/2013/09/fresh_sources_ofdes.html" target="_blank">Click to read on</a>...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2a/82/e5/2a82e53dd84d37f2a09b505292cc8fca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2a/82/e5/2a82e53dd84d37f2a09b505292cc8fca.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Flume- photo <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/447897125411769425/" target="_blank">via</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">All images taken at <a href="http://heritagemuseumsandgardens.org/" target="_blank">Heritage Museums & Gardens</a>, Sandwich, MA </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Book reviews will continue next week. Meanwhile, have a nice weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghDH-D-N3nFSxmGfFlODd0hNgfxplUSId-weFFCh2toxcFAv0yDtkMLX1BEcMvWeCtqt6OKC3Lh99SfvN_ZrCRvsWYvqnY2E7hWC-4IJ1T3tLdwxrGYVVuOtv361Q_lxgxHWD0HB1Zzo/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghDH-D-N3nFSxmGfFlODd0hNgfxplUSId-weFFCh2toxcFAv0yDtkMLX1BEcMvWeCtqt6OKC3Lh99SfvN_ZrCRvsWYvqnY2E7hWC-4IJ1T3tLdwxrGYVVuOtv361Q_lxgxHWD0HB1Zzo/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Take a Fresh Look

Shaker Barn that houses the classic car collection at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, MA - photo via As designers, especially those of us involved in social media, we are inundated with visual images all day, every day. Sometimes, I feel like there is nothing I haven't seen already, read a…

27Sep2013

Book Review: Martyn Thompson's WORKING SPACE

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKh5E4NUPtsSe4IDHQx2e14nsGkPEpY0ssIq-nMq_PyYizr5GhF20IBff5pjr5_D3CplXSYkCNUfm52hUKpGL537Zs9KMqZRywjQ4j68Qe1G6EFVWOwUhfinc6Sae1t-tHTaJLWBRGEdc/s1600/Working+Space_FINAL.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKh5E4NUPtsSe4IDHQx2e14nsGkPEpY0ssIq-nMq_PyYizr5GhF20IBff5pjr5_D3CplXSYkCNUfm52hUKpGL537Zs9KMqZRywjQ4j68Qe1G6EFVWOwUhfinc6Sae1t-tHTaJLWBRGEdc/s640/Working+Space_FINAL.JPG" width="486" /></a></div><br /><br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1742706126/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1742706126&linkCode=am2&tag=chameleoninte-20">Working Space: An Insight into the Creative Heart</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chameleoninte-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1742706126" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> Hardie Grant, 2013), takes a journalistic approach to showcasing the work spaces of 24 creatives from different fields of endeavor. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijW77e2DnMscTj24lxTVY5pu1qEvpObgz9ahxyZXjIVPzlBZqxhrAddfLXRkfudP-dwWPpHUw2Hk7060UTHidtFYvncZ7iKZnKA3vCwQF-nPJpxW6-WJbrRMJo8snibbTrrj2UKy-mV2I/s1600/Martyn++Thompson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijW77e2DnMscTj24lxTVY5pu1qEvpObgz9ahxyZXjIVPzlBZqxhrAddfLXRkfudP-dwWPpHUw2Hk7060UTHidtFYvncZ7iKZnKA3vCwQF-nPJpxW6-WJbrRMJo8snibbTrrj2UKy-mV2I/s640/Martyn++Thompson.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />Martyn Thompson, who hails from Australia with stop-overs in Paris and London, has been in the States for 14 years. His photography has been seen in Arch Digest, W, The New York Times and Vogue. His clients have included Hermes, MAC Cosmetics, Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co. among others. His lens has captured the true nature of a working environment, clutter and computer cords and all. Work is work, it's not always pretty. We on blogs, and in shelter publications, often showcase beautiful and organized work spaces. But, as Albert Einstein famously asked "If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?" Probably not a creative or productive one. (says the girl with the perpetually cluttered office...)<br /><br />But having said that, I'm going to start with photos of the most beautiful (and tidy) working space in the book. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnngi5DH3AECr0iTg3if5J6hfcPNEnIRUWnQFQI1v-mLXFptojuSiMkfODUqMm419nyqKhmWpeyuVxlhlLNASNL_PkI2K6BSA-hnqAK8G0FyMPvqpQ-VrvUn63TCXNvAdCXCKHSC9jzg/s1600/Page+85.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGnngi5DH3AECr0iTg3if5J6hfcPNEnIRUWnQFQI1v-mLXFptojuSiMkfODUqMm419nyqKhmWpeyuVxlhlLNASNL_PkI2K6BSA-hnqAK8G0FyMPvqpQ-VrvUn63TCXNvAdCXCKHSC9jzg/s640/Page+85.jpg" width="479" /></a></div><br />Killer, right? This is the Paris apartment/home office of Capucine Geagea an editor who launched her online magazine <a href="http://www.plumevoyage.fr/en/" target="_blank">Plume Voyage</a> from this room.  Le sigh... The French just know how to mix modern with classic, minimal with maximal.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCq1DQaT3F-zNDDXrtHzu521VcnR_gcWrFpSYbjk3Fecr1v6Ov3J_5UNm3rRHmygK-sdTF3DR9zedSOVDpdq1NtVwDT6BtnUE8vtFVhStjnBht7LNaNn2IOYw1aN_ww3gxkAl35Z1Oks/s1600/Page+89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCq1DQaT3F-zNDDXrtHzu521VcnR_gcWrFpSYbjk3Fecr1v6Ov3J_5UNm3rRHmygK-sdTF3DR9zedSOVDpdq1NtVwDT6BtnUE8vtFVhStjnBht7LNaNn2IOYw1aN_ww3gxkAl35Z1Oks/s640/Page+89.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />And another amazing space - less fancy but no less dreamy in its way - the work space of The Gaabs, a creative consultancy run by husband Marcus, a photographer, and wife Christiane, an art director. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWUQ-tP0nZ4J-LTejz7drymoGJy7x7sgPkfwMOpI2ESWEySCdzD7S351jFPxd5PMie9UjVsBUrApyu-OyTEUF-9sy9ICKQ0S5jDvrulRlm0kkyYJDUb8ZB1QyoeciSVs4n-8vl_rqbl4/s1600/Page+107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOWUQ-tP0nZ4J-LTejz7drymoGJy7x7sgPkfwMOpI2ESWEySCdzD7S351jFPxd5PMie9UjVsBUrApyu-OyTEUF-9sy9ICKQ0S5jDvrulRlm0kkyYJDUb8ZB1QyoeciSVs4n-8vl_rqbl4/s640/Page+107.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><br />I'd kill for a decent place to store all my books!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF25MFnriIPto4vQqGyCBAP6mGbLEMFl7ShO5xS74gyew49BggjOhDQdPcFQVVKsrCyIt1aiB3cZXutUm9FlWj2KSOjRVvQ13cByCb4X6Ny2ur2JDjtuw1LoSdzY4EWIputU_pe0IKblE/s1600/Page+106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF25MFnriIPto4vQqGyCBAP6mGbLEMFl7ShO5xS74gyew49BggjOhDQdPcFQVVKsrCyIt1aiB3cZXutUm9FlWj2KSOjRVvQ13cByCb4X6Ny2ur2JDjtuw1LoSdzY4EWIputU_pe0IKblE/s640/Page+106.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlg9-lfZ8LvIKNZacykhbIJykYl17_AwaGGlKuwo6qrxygkjjS6di3iX_NaJxaoGGGnfait4tF9xrfHfgvVoWVdUh_EajSeC0TNTo6IBnesH9Sgvzk_q_T-3UU4rzKCCoTbI2fvFiL95I/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlg9-lfZ8LvIKNZacykhbIJykYl17_AwaGGlKuwo6qrxygkjjS6di3iX_NaJxaoGGGnfait4tF9xrfHfgvVoWVdUh_EajSeC0TNTo6IBnesH9Sgvzk_q_T-3UU4rzKCCoTbI2fvFiL95I/s1600/Linda+sig2.jpg" /></a></div><br />

Book Review: Martyn Thompson's WORKING SPACE

Working Space: An Insight into the Creative Heart Hardie Grant, 2013), takes a journalistic approach to showcasing the work spaces of 24 creatives from different fields of endeavor. Martyn Thompson, who hails from Australia with stop-overs in Paris and London, has been in the States for 14 years. H…

26Sep2013

Book Review: Candice Olson FAVORITE DESIGN CHALLENGES

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDkLaERx1PpG-kL0RlukKWRsdXrRAbNcjrVlt_vGtJPTRROF9zTcUqh3C7AXBe7ac-B7wcsh9VEiHuh5s_mxjgwpfuJiesa_Bcp1lxL4zb-kcRHUEp7SV8dZ2A519V-MBJuLBAwnFyA4/s1600/Design+Challenges+Jacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPDkLaERx1PpG-kL0RlukKWRsdXrRAbNcjrVlt_vGtJPTRROF9zTcUqh3C7AXBe7ac-B7wcsh9VEiHuh5s_mxjgwpfuJiesa_Bcp1lxL4zb-kcRHUEp7SV8dZ2A519V-MBJuLBAwnFyA4/s640/Design+Challenges+Jacket.jpg" width="528" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/1118504461/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1118504461&linkCode=am2&tag=chameleoninte-20">Candice Olson Favorite Design Challenges</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chameleoninte-20&l=am2&o=1&a=1118504461" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013). </div><br />Fans of HGTV's Divine Design will love this 200+ page book featuring 24 projects that faced particularly difficult challenges of space, multi-use needs and more. <br /><br />Each project includes "before" photos, a materials board, Candice's had renderings and beautiful large "after" photos, along with Candice's signature upbeat personality. <br /><br />Here's an example of a project Before:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRKCwcbfNJn1kkcOj9Qerf2P890ckq4N09aT8A6XnGfEnFgkfKH4ylPIM6flxz0m9ORjKMAkDqk3EE-Tnu3pLYWXg2Idks81eLUsB97E3e2WRfWactfc4BzQGA9QPQQdw9Zd9zHTbxj0/s1600/pg.186_before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRKCwcbfNJn1kkcOj9Qerf2P890ckq4N09aT8A6XnGfEnFgkfKH4ylPIM6flxz0m9ORjKMAkDqk3EE-Tnu3pLYWXg2Idks81eLUsB97E3e2WRfWactfc4BzQGA9QPQQdw9Zd9zHTbxj0/s640/pg.186_before.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And After:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTXQP5_V0b64K_tpuTM0qx1hQacTmYC7aOGzGkfNScDfVvzdOZM5Li4qO_smAOsEvaStZczstj_txTLjiRvrPHLwo6dWnE3JVUqoGGITjRBHlE6WIo-xWB36ameqbZZBezLEpt9COAys/s1600/pg.188_after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTXQP5_V0b64K_tpuTM0qx1hQacTmYC7aOGzGkfNScDfVvzdOZM5Li4qO_smAOsEvaStZczstj_txTLjiRvrPHLwo6dWnE3JVUqoGGITjRBHlE6WIo-xWB36ameqbZZBezLEpt9COAys/s1600/pg.188_after.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZV5pyF-mn89FciHzUWS9-jZfgrVLrvzZDRyRXxwfQPzDZ4KDvnquY7loR2BBdfa8pyMJTKoW3CR-vrnNxEyeKXDdUP4-OBWk-Djwo6CHEdWQl5uv0x_uqwgxCG4FQ-IgDNEdsIeFA8c/s1600/pg.189_after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZV5pyF-mn89FciHzUWS9-jZfgrVLrvzZDRyRXxwfQPzDZ4KDvnquY7loR2BBdfa8pyMJTKoW3CR-vrnNxEyeKXDdUP4-OBWk-Djwo6CHEdWQl5uv0x_uqwgxCG4FQ-IgDNEdsIeFA8c/s640/pg.189_after.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />

Book Review: Candice Olson FAVORITE DESIGN CHALLENGES

Candice Olson Favorite Design Challenges (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013). Fans of HGTV's Divine Design will love this 200+ page book featuring 24 projects that faced particularly difficult challenges of space, multi-use needs and more. Each project includes "before" photos, a materials board, Cand…

25Sep2013

Book Review: HEIRLOOM MODERN by Hollister Hovey, photos by Porter Hovey

I'm very lucky to be on the press list for some of our favorite publishers of shelter books, but sometimes I get a little backlogged in my reading and reviewing. So, welcome to Book Week on ::Surroundings::!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkNAZ6u8cLW3UgcEimGnPfW04EgTUyhABVqrjGakmzZZnLLR8_UFmsoko46cyFkvI2X8rFy2IYHZKQ-MI1-huQ5vfslcVWh14EeH1E4LVEQvn6wg391qNW-MJFabRVTItYljTzTZh5F6g/s400/Heirloom+Modern+-+First+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghkNAZ6u8cLW3UgcEimGnPfW04EgTUyhABVqrjGakmzZZnLLR8_UFmsoko46cyFkvI2X8rFy2IYHZKQ-MI1-huQ5vfslcVWh14EeH1E4LVEQvn6wg391qNW-MJFabRVTItYljTzTZh5F6g/s640/Heirloom+Modern+-+First+Copy.JPG" width="513" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">photo via <a href="http://hollisterhovey.blogspot.com/2013/01/heirloom-modern-its-real.html" target="_blank">Hollister Hovey</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0847839591/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0847839591&linkCode=am2&tag=chameleoninte-20">Heirloom Modern: Homes filled with objects bought, bequeathed, beloved, and worth handing down</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chameleoninte-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0847839591" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> written by Hollister Hovey, photography by Porter Hovey, Rizzoli, New York, 2013</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Long-time blog-celebs/sisters Hollister and Porter Hovey published their first book earlier this year. The Hovey sisters are well-known for their quirky "antiquarian" style (including a feature <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/30/garden/30prewar.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0" target="_blank">The New Antiquarians</a> in The New York Times). While much of their postings are a little dark and foreboding for my tastes (just cannot with the taxidermy!), HEIRLOOM MODERN hits the right tone of mixing the old with the new, honoring and savoring the past while living in the present. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rizzoliusa.com/files/2013/03/HeirloomModern_p104-105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="498" src="http://www.rizzoliusa.com/files/2013/03/HeirloomModern_p104-105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by Porter Hovey, via Rizzoli</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/v_91R3lg2PA" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What I do love about this book is the honor they pay to their late mother, Lana, and how incorporating many of her prized possessions (such as the Hermes scarf pictured above) into their own home (a shared apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn) keeps her with them at all times. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I share this view as well and have many items that belonged to generations of family members. The trick, in design, is to showcase it without letting it all take over. This book features an eclectic mix of homes and is sure to inspire anyone who's tastes run to the traditional, lived in and well-loved. </div>

Book Review: HEIRLOOM MODERN by Hollister Hovey, photos by Porter Hovey

24Sep2013

Book Review: Love Where You Live: At Home in the Country

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O6OEhk8Wm_vwjHNXd90SA9RTHB36SmCeybF-GubdowUlw-eyHgmn36ULVVNIiX1DBuTGh9wjFbhyphenhyphenFJtIHrUtU4zvkV2s0hxzsgI0s2ENFMeE0yPLmtAtHj4Rz6YkinNF1XeYkYYxoB4/s1600/LoveWhereYouLive_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8O6OEhk8Wm_vwjHNXd90SA9RTHB36SmCeybF-GubdowUlw-eyHgmn36ULVVNIiX1DBuTGh9wjFbhyphenhyphenFJtIHrUtU4zvkV2s0hxzsgI0s2ENFMeE0yPLmtAtHj4Rz6YkinNF1XeYkYYxoB4/s640/LoveWhereYouLive_cover.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0847840069/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0847840069&linkCode=am2&tag=chameleoninte-20">Love Where You Live: At Home in the Country</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=chameleoninte-20&l=am2&o=1&a=0847840069" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> by Joan Osofsky & Abby Adams, Rizzoli, New York, 2013.<br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>"I've learned that the best homes - the ones that are beautiful comfortable and that weather the years - are those that truly reflect their owners' passions"</i> - Joan Osofsky<br /><br />This is definitely NOT a book about "K"ountry style. Joan Osofsky is the owner of <a href="http://www.hammertown.com/" target="_blank">Hammertown Barn</a>, the popular lifestyle stores located in New York and western Massachusetts. The book features eighteen homes that embody a relaxed, country lifestyle filled with antiques, flea-market finds and off beat elements. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FhPlOVDFt-0ofWFEZGaJXajdT4uzzi1PxWcduddYTRTDzLNrsMFXsaJGMzhwxp-RUAb56Sd9CBqOHYTXEXS4gI3wmAbJ6-c4nByTZrIGbMb-YPcHkmfAskHDhwoHjlLNna-UtWBxgBw/s1600/Love+Where+You+Live+page+86.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FhPlOVDFt-0ofWFEZGaJXajdT4uzzi1PxWcduddYTRTDzLNrsMFXsaJGMzhwxp-RUAb56Sd9CBqOHYTXEXS4gI3wmAbJ6-c4nByTZrIGbMb-YPcHkmfAskHDhwoHjlLNna-UtWBxgBw/s640/Love+Where+You+Live+page+86.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> The photography by John Gruen is beautiful and really captures the essence of chic, country living. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpf0Wrw-0pTbdS04EWWBIutOmhlAtlQjoGJtyH7ZN1U9cONZmYHUtiUpdzKpCFnmzEnRNpXeAdZ9Kc5UgET1W5e8FNnKnedTxRZ0Zk6xZuvhvyMQO0WKANrSSO4jHqTwrjs-obB2tZ0Y/s1600/LoveWhereYouLive_p002-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpf0Wrw-0pTbdS04EWWBIutOmhlAtlQjoGJtyH7ZN1U9cONZmYHUtiUpdzKpCFnmzEnRNpXeAdZ9Kc5UgET1W5e8FNnKnedTxRZ0Zk6xZuvhvyMQO0WKANrSSO4jHqTwrjs-obB2tZ0Y/s640/LoveWhereYouLive_p002-003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GV_Or44S-WaWoCkx-rN7G9gPXiB05wX8WQwrlkQa7KX92dAmUL5S9t4kMm1jA2t9_bKQ_vOCK_o-VyMHaj7fDUZf9oxIR4jTXkxQo59BOXfxZTM8wkUazi6fd-s9X1QZ7nhS1qDGlpU/s1600/LoveWhereYouLive_p013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GV_Or44S-WaWoCkx-rN7G9gPXiB05wX8WQwrlkQa7KX92dAmUL5S9t4kMm1jA2t9_bKQ_vOCK_o-VyMHaj7fDUZf9oxIR4jTXkxQo59BOXfxZTM8wkUazi6fd-s9X1QZ7nhS1qDGlpU/s640/LoveWhereYouLive_p013.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEIytPMJ2jV1cO9drkJKfIMBMgSfbhKvYnp0Jp_rbkIp6XxMX-yu46FDx7h2vmgCVaKe7NFbK5uyGjriZyf6UVCTIeP0RYY7NFujri6orQ7cWGAcfK79pTkq1HiNobdKfZud1hCvr6lo/s1600/LoveWhereYouLive_p057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEIytPMJ2jV1cO9drkJKfIMBMgSfbhKvYnp0Jp_rbkIp6XxMX-yu46FDx7h2vmgCVaKe7NFbK5uyGjriZyf6UVCTIeP0RYY7NFujri6orQ7cWGAcfK79pTkq1HiNobdKfZud1hCvr6lo/s640/LoveWhereYouLive_p057.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEp_l3_HFbjYAN-2uacFuva1nkkimwF7JtRKeAR4qKoCHg9ujECQomHcr2ZvUoSKcIDq9BI3g1mTpbcdA4o9MiLYF1s9mjiMuAlNzYmTqU0CVm4Z5cgLk5esFYhBsr1IH3oyxObmCnw0/s1600/LoveWhereYouLive_p142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieEp_l3_HFbjYAN-2uacFuva1nkkimwF7JtRKeAR4qKoCHg9ujECQomHcr2ZvUoSKcIDq9BI3g1mTpbcdA4o9MiLYF1s9mjiMuAlNzYmTqU0CVm4Z5cgLk5esFYhBsr1IH3oyxObmCnw0/s640/LoveWhereYouLive_p142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Images copyright John Gruen, used with permission.

Book Review: Love Where You Live: At Home in the Country

Love Where You Live: At Home in the Country by Joan Osofsky & Abby Adams, Rizzoli, New York, 2013."I've learned that the best homes - the ones that are beautiful comfortable and that weather the years - are those that truly reflect their owners' passions" - Joan OsofskyThis is definitely NOT a book …

24Sep2013

Medallion Rug Gallery

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv60T9uIzqEuWtD5pDH_IzJ_iYBhyYz9Z-jWVhsXZkSaM1wrTcS0oqhpHfH1tNNIxTfvbhLkEbBk-J9ZJFZwYvLqAPUmyBiczJbf0X41dqLDNt4vuw7wxmWiI-g742rgSReJAsrxtd0s/s1600/60575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzv60T9uIzqEuWtD5pDH_IzJ_iYBhyYz9Z-jWVhsXZkSaM1wrTcS0oqhpHfH1tNNIxTfvbhLkEbBk-J9ZJFZwYvLqAPUmyBiczJbf0X41dqLDNt4vuw7wxmWiI-g742rgSReJAsrxtd0s/s640/60575.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Medallion Rug Gallery - New Contemporary Sultanbad Rug, hand knotted <a href="http://www.medallionrug.com/" target="_blank">area rug</a>, total knot count 1.65Million</span></div><br />Buying <a href="http://www.medallionrug.com/" target="_blank">area rugs</a> can be one of the hardest investments to make for many of us. A decent rug - which should be hand knotted for the best quality - is not inexpensive.  However, a good quality rug can last decades even with a lot of wear and tear. My mother has a rug in her dining room that is  at least 75 years old (it was from my grandparent's house) and it shows little wear even though it gets daily use.  A beautiful carpet is a functional work of art and truly sets the stage for a finished room.<br /><br />I was excited when <a href="http://www.medallionrug.com/" target="_blank">Medallion Rug Gallery</a> in Palo Alto, CA contacted me and offered me a rug to test out their services and see the quality of their products. Making a large purchase online can be daunting, particularly when color is so important to the look. After doing a little reconnaissance (I checked online reviews on Yelp, etc, to make sure they are a decent company to work with)  I accepted their offer. Since it's understood that I'd be writing a post about my experience, I didn't want to be in a position of being polite because they sent me a rug, or being negative (my policy is to rarely go negative here on the blog). Anyway, I was happy with the general tone of their reviews, so after searching through their literally thousands and thousands of rugs online, I settled on this pretty Sultanbad style rug with pinks and greens on a cream ground. Pretty much my favorite color combination. The rug arrived very quickly (they offer free shipping - in both directions) - all 67 pounds of it! It was very well wrapped. The rug was actually a bit darker than I expected (the colors are spot on, just darker)  - which is a good lesson to learn. Product photography is usually very well lit and many products look lighter than they may appear in real life. For my purposes, I was okay with it being a bit darker, but I asked the folks at Medallion about how they handle situations like this. For instance, I asked if they send additional photography upon request - which they will do. A digital photo from the showroom or warehouse (vs. professionally lit and shot image) would have probably shown it was darker. If the rug had not been acceptable, they will pay to have it shipped back and a new selection can be made. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Qyx1x6iFspQWKhzXz6StBHeS2JdosQLoIeP4HbE47hJ4X_dztJOoCILyCYW-K4ZI7qrFm8-e1mswrAUFwmOQm5UfiLFZHi1bQnQZ_2ORQOuVb-gyrvJKCe2m0xzenaka0K9i-O-SVPM/s1600/Medallion+Rug+montage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Qyx1x6iFspQWKhzXz6StBHeS2JdosQLoIeP4HbE47hJ4X_dztJOoCILyCYW-K4ZI7qrFm8-e1mswrAUFwmOQm5UfiLFZHi1bQnQZ_2ORQOuVb-gyrvJKCe2m0xzenaka0K9i-O-SVPM/s640/Medallion+Rug+montage.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>My plan is to use the rug in my bedroom with my green painted four-poster, but for varying reasons, I can't get the room re-arranged at the moment to get the rug in. So, for now, I've put it in the living room until I can move it to the bedroom. You can see in the montage how pretty the rug is. I love the pattern and in a brighter room (this is north facing and always dark while my bedroom is always bright (even with mid-toned green walls). Hoping to get that move made soon and will repost when that happens!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLix3_u9tturvT6nzqO4G7emuNe2gnzukJGJ5x5LucSH1w7Mm1HOO-arHptf7yvH6dBXsWtu27KptsaHr7lPNXF4hlbxJwNE9WMTKgSPkGbPvHCORD6FqwkolKupTNfpdTqcY-Iuv04IE/s1600/Office+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLix3_u9tturvT6nzqO4G7emuNe2gnzukJGJ5x5LucSH1w7Mm1HOO-arHptf7yvH6dBXsWtu27KptsaHr7lPNXF4hlbxJwNE9WMTKgSPkGbPvHCORD6FqwkolKupTNfpdTqcY-Iuv04IE/s640/Office+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Meanwhile, I decided to add some of <a href="http://www.medallionrug.com/" target="_blank">Medallion Rug Gallery'</a>s products into my digital <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Linda%27s%20Dream%20House" target="_blank">Dream House</a>. I put my Sultanbad green and pink rug into my design studio/home office and think it works really well. I'm still working on the actual design of the home office, which is in the back of the house, but this is essentially the layout. There is a separate entrance leading right into this room from the side of the house. I would be able to meet with client's here, show them plans, etc. The walls would be used as pin boards. The sliding doors on the right would be pocket doors and have either etched glass or mirrored windows so the room could be a real working space without being visible to the formal library. My thinking is that the adjoining library/dining room will act as additional meeting space as needed and also house all my books and materials.  <span style="font-size: x-small;">(BTW - a big thanks to Yvonne Blacker who shot the photo of a Kravet Fabric's pin board and <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2013/06/kravet-studio-tour-blogfest-2013-part-5.html" target="_blank">posted it to her blog Design Vignettes</a>. I was able to "lift" the image for the board on the left side of this image)</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJzX0pnR-pno4VeAp10I9yn_VboCURpGJtJeLGRom_6E4Tjz7uwE8FXWgyu321Ol8a7KqWsexO4CtOL91Iyv8GwJ9a05wfJ8DQFUaSlkd2Rmjtw0XOIuMwecMrdWoMEnnlFxmuM8r_tU/s1600/My+Medallion+62064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJzX0pnR-pno4VeAp10I9yn_VboCURpGJtJeLGRom_6E4Tjz7uwE8FXWgyu321Ol8a7KqWsexO4CtOL91Iyv8GwJ9a05wfJ8DQFUaSlkd2Rmjtw0XOIuMwecMrdWoMEnnlFxmuM8r_tU/s640/My+Medallion+62064.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">New Contemporary <a href="http://www.medallionrug.com/new-contemporary-persian-tabriz-area-rug-62064" target="_blank">Persian Tabriz handknotted ru</a>g, 6.3Million knots</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I've previously posted about the library/dining room. It's not much further along than before, other than I pushed the office walls in two -feet since the office needed more space.  And I added this gorgeous deep green Persian Tabriz rug. The home office is on the other side of the double doors (pay no attention to the missing window mullions - rendering glitch!) As I said above, the plan is that this room would house all my books and materials in a combination of open and covered storage and double as an intimate dining room. I decided that rather than have a wood burning traditional fireplace, which takes up a lot of room, I'd do a gas fireplace mounted at eye level on the wall. Cozy, but easy to deal with. It's all still a work in progress...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZz2T1p_fac10G-TGBewgMMN9qMwyBo4R7nCtqPKyp7bmpo34n3rkkrY6y35BYzKvsOVGdOl5XE3JCrHTW3Oc3OemPbk9tS7lxWFodvg_o3xafh8OxPmUKuXVWTjNKofAdxT8V4VHUZw/s1600/Library.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZz2T1p_fac10G-TGBewgMMN9qMwyBo4R7nCtqPKyp7bmpo34n3rkkrY6y35BYzKvsOVGdOl5XE3JCrHTW3Oc3OemPbk9tS7lxWFodvg_o3xafh8OxPmUKuXVWTjNKofAdxT8V4VHUZw/s640/Library.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJ_j1H6ToauRjVYpn7Wb_X4_SnEqZTrd2fNMLQGGGr-5TYn6LajZf0JjFxTlotGN8vb8dyE5kOi4fUDZi0eQAnyIc_q1rJpse1r30xqc1wkhtRMwrFYEZCnwQbJY4xsmzmW2n6VMRdAg/s1600/My+Medallion+49371x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgJ_j1H6ToauRjVYpn7Wb_X4_SnEqZTrd2fNMLQGGGr-5TYn6LajZf0JjFxTlotGN8vb8dyE5kOi4fUDZi0eQAnyIc_q1rJpse1r30xqc1wkhtRMwrFYEZCnwQbJY4xsmzmW2n6VMRdAg/s640/My+Medallion+49371x.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Persian Tabriz area rug, handknotted, 1.65M knots</span></div><br /> I selected another Persian Tabriz rug for the front sitting room that is open to the library. I love how the two rugs go together!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOrAfm9SSXFMzHWSoGx2iPWmJNJY1ymcAhlS69oUEGGO8LGLued1EZDjrVucRb6raBcKGwU9aCxDqTDN8094LbdMvjM71LffiOjPHLHaSx6c8XvK9MxLEsWVHFzbJir8_gqc0Di2VBOo/s1600/Sitting+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOrAfm9SSXFMzHWSoGx2iPWmJNJY1ymcAhlS69oUEGGO8LGLued1EZDjrVucRb6raBcKGwU9aCxDqTDN8094LbdMvjM71LffiOjPHLHaSx6c8XvK9MxLEsWVHFzbJir8_gqc0Di2VBOo/s640/Sitting+Room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Thank you to <a href="http://www.medallionrug.com/" target="_blank">Medallion Rug Gallery</a> for offering an<a href="http://www.medallionrug.com/" target="_blank"> area rug</a> for review and for answering all my questions about your services. <br /><br />

Medallion Rug Gallery

Medallion Rug Gallery - New Contemporary Sultanbad Rug, hand knotted area rug, total knot count 1.65MillionBuying area rugs can be one of the hardest investments to make for many of us. A decent rug - which should be hand knotted for the best quality - is not inexpensive. However, a good quality ru…

23Sep2013

Real Estate: A Colonial Surprise

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images3.estately.net/39_71580200_3_1378722287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images3.estately.net/39_71580200_3_1378722287.jpg" /></a></div>Sometimes, you just get a feeling about how a house will look on the inside. This colonial style house (built in 1860) is located in the historic district in Sandwich, MA on Cape Cod. I've been by it a million times since my parents moved to town in the 1980's. It's on a fantastic lot, sitting on a hill overlooking the beautiful Shawme Pond. I've loved the simple detail and the neat little porch out front with the classic white rocking chairs. It seems so homey. But yet, I had the feeling that this simple exterior was hiding a secret. <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Cnul_hL2zjA/UjfNh1CXjYI/AAAAAAAAR0Y/rXWOKfQe8g4/s800/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1379389650681.0273" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Cnul_hL2zjA/UjfNh1CXjYI/AAAAAAAAR0Y/rXWOKfQe8g4/s650/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><br />For instance, there is an unusual "gazebo" structure out back - not a typical style for the area. But because of the way the property is set back and higher than the road, it's impossible to see what's going on back there.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2ugX7e-oHq0/UjfNk_wQdbI/AAAAAAAAR0g/ki-sxToY220/s800/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1379389650710.6445" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2ugX7e-oHq0/UjfNk_wQdbI/AAAAAAAAR0g/ki-sxToY220/s650/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Here's the view of the pond which is lovely at all times of the year. <br /><br /><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9TQ8Kv1TzLc/UjfNWykP_DI/AAAAAAAARz4/xKOrh9-2SaU/s800/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A27%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1379389650689.8418" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9TQ8Kv1TzLc/UjfNWykP_DI/AAAAAAAARz4/xKOrh9-2SaU/s650/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A27%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, I was excited when the "For Sale" sign went up a couple of weeks ago - knowing I'd finally get to see what's happening on the inside. Being of the colonial style, built in the mid-19th century, the house is clearly a center entrance, four over four "box". Staircase running from the front door on up. There's nothing remarkable about this front entrance hall - other than it's clean simplicity - all in white and gray. Most houses in this town, of this era, are pretty heavy and dark. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rYsWJqCcBt4/UjfNmjIHorI/AAAAAAAAR0o/ro7DrMjcfjk/s800/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1379389650666.0913" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rYsWJqCcBt4/UjfNmjIHorI/AAAAAAAAR0o/ro7DrMjcfjk/s650/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And... pow! The image below is taken from the rear of the first floor - dining room area - looking back to the front hall and door. They've removed the walls (leaving only those necessary to hold the second floor up) and made a modern, open floor plan within the colonial envelope. It's pretty fabulous. I particularly love the shiny painted floors. The house has approx. 3,400 sq. ft - though that includes an addition out back. The original house was likely about 2,000-2,500 I guess. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KuNYLMIrRfo/UjfN94bElNI/AAAAAAAAR2Q/3ktKJEk4b4E/s800/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1379389650698.5767" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KuNYLMIrRfo/UjfN94bElNI/AAAAAAAAR2Q/3ktKJEk4b4E/s650/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The red wall block conveniently helps us figure out the floorplan. The sitting room below with the white sofa is on the left side of the front door, as you're facing the house. The fireplace has what looks like an original gas insert - looks very common in late 19th century Victorian style houses. So, possibly there was originally a wood burning fireplace that was retrofitted with gas. I like the original touch - though a more modern gas firebox wouldn't have been out of place given the other changes made. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images1.estately.net/39_71580200_15_1378722288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images1.estately.net/39_71580200_15_1378722288.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Love, love the statue. Clearly, the owners are huge art buffs - their collection is amazing. I'm guessing the furniture is a lot of Roche Bobois.  I love the big windows - which are a change to what was likely the original window sizes. Actually, I have to wonder how they got permission from the town to make some of these changes - this town can be strict! My dad wanted to paint his cute little back yard shed "barn red" and it was a fight - and they don't live in the historic district! And tv-man Tom Ellis famously tried to put double french doors on their antique house and they were rejected - even though that house can't be seen from the street. Perhaps this is why the house is so simple from the front... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tmRYfLYXhvE/UjfN4ombKdI/AAAAAAAAR14/EPI7g6x5vAc/s800/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1379389650674.9954" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tmRYfLYXhvE/UjfN4ombKdI/AAAAAAAAR14/EPI7g6x5vAc/s650/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, back to the rear of the house, we're now looking from left to right (as facing the house). We have the red wall, the opening to the above sitting room, the opening to the front hall, and then the opening to the other sitting room, on the right side of the front door (as facing the house)</div><br /><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5yhaq38YUZE/UjfN8GGTs-I/AAAAAAAAR2I/zS6Kc0z983k/s800/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1379389650709.9097" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5yhaq38YUZE/UjfN8GGTs-I/AAAAAAAAR2I/zS6Kc0z983k/s650/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bFg5nAzo3Ww/UjfNzt8A2WI/AAAAAAAAR1g/uG1p_UcDGU8/s800/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1379389650730.5918" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bFg5nAzo3Ww/UjfNzt8A2WI/AAAAAAAAR1g/uG1p_UcDGU8/s650/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Very much an art gallery feel. Again we have the Victorian looking gas insert. I definately think they should have retrofitted a more modern insert - but perhaps there was a reason it couldn't happen. It is hard to imagine what actually happens in this room. I might have have made it the dining room rather than a 2nd sitting room. Or possibly a music room - something more specific. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CTxdcyTym00/UjfN1dAilhI/AAAAAAAAR1o/1MDtSqdc8Dg/s800/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1379389650695.2239" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CTxdcyTym00/UjfN1dAilhI/AAAAAAAAR1o/1MDtSqdc8Dg/s650/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyhow, the dining area is situated in the back portion of the original structure, where the original kitchen probably stood. Loving the black wall and the art. The far wall shows a picture gallery  and old-timey writing desk, fronting what looks to be a lavatory. I'll admit I don't love the dining table and chairs at all - very hard and cold. I like the idea of the chandelier, but it's too high and just seems out of place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XQ5I8K4T2EQ/UjfN6TY4qTI/AAAAAAAAR2A/m7g_uLqx1zE/s800/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1379389650696.2952" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XQ5I8K4T2EQ/UjfN6TY4qTI/AAAAAAAAR2A/m7g_uLqx1zE/s650/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A26%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, we come to the new addition which houses the kitchen, designed by Alan Clarke (now retired) of <a href="http://www.boston.poggenpohl.com/seite/home.html" target="_blank">Poggenpohl in Boston</a>. </div><br /><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-R0V1BFFkMaQ/UjfOBXQxt2I/AAAAAAAAR2g/sRZAlRKhydo/s800/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1379389650703.2366" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-R0V1BFFkMaQ/UjfOBXQxt2I/AAAAAAAAR2g/sRZAlRKhydo/s650/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a><br /><br />Again, kind of a "pow" moment in the home. The little table and chairs is a bright spot with a great view of the back yard and garden. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LZh14Ha4QM8/UjfODKwrzbI/AAAAAAAAR2o/flVhEZwXQVA/s800/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1379389650723.2031" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LZh14Ha4QM8/UjfODKwrzbI/AAAAAAAAR2o/flVhEZwXQVA/s650/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><br />The tiny spiral staircase leads to a bedroom above, which overlooks the table and red chairs and has a view of the gardens. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZgLIWgSmbiA/UjfOE2VmXFI/AAAAAAAAR2w/N78XI65af1E/s800/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1379389650741.7378" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZgLIWgSmbiA/UjfOE2VmXFI/AAAAAAAAR2w/N78XI65af1E/s650/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A25%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And up the spiral staircase we have this very zen space. I think it must be the master - but then it's awfully exposed to the downstairs, so I'm not sure. The bed looks to be floating in the middle of the floor, with the wall of cabinets behind that acts as a visual backdrop. Certainly stunning. </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/AVvXsEguHpeuuxcnmXCrIqaT8bnNBs_UTG75LvI-Kc33wQa2tK6XpSLa2YgIGvAWKlJJrQpT7PVCpwQxa_hVx8YkdvTHDqJ9um2RgHaLb2rraiW-HjyxdT6X8LHqsDZcVqzYPJp0ugRRAGm2Qkc/s1600/IMG_4056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHpeuuxcnmXCrIqaT8bnNBs_UTG75LvI-Kc33wQa2tK6XpSLa2YgIGvAWKlJJrQpT7PVCpwQxa_hVx8YkdvTHDqJ9um2RgHaLb2rraiW-HjyxdT6X8LHqsDZcVqzYPJp0ugRRAGm2Qkc/s640/IMG_4056.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;">This is the upstairs center hall, where they've added an unusual spiral staircase to the attic - I guess. </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/AVvXsEhkRho5beux2LlEMQzdz-pGeSC4HuBAyO32QI5fQ4qonaP1CrW6E9qy-QpIiwuTUux2_n4qQ6jU1KG428WVYty1__I9ptpFCb_2ZQfMakb7mMga1uxKa6L1vvurdeQnc869_H_VHQMcqbc/s1600/IMG_4055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRho5beux2LlEMQzdz-pGeSC4HuBAyO32QI5fQ4qonaP1CrW6E9qy-QpIiwuTUux2_n4qQ6jU1KG428WVYty1__I9ptpFCb_2ZQfMakb7mMga1uxKa6L1vvurdeQnc869_H_VHQMcqbc/s640/IMG_4055.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a home office, I'm guessing the wall with the single window is overlooking the driveway on the right side of the house and the window is on the front of the house. The shingle house outside the window looks like the house next door. The door to this room would be by that odd spiral staircase shown above. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rKOeyF8_srPjhG-1fA83qoeEynicvcgMSknSsaP4n9tS91aoQPrEFmnhWSqa-CJZGBDbh0pffF8_nbcyXRPSfYvt7_JizddrVHCb7Jm1l8fDmjRLA7Iyszr2Q8H1naY2yLKCltIldN0/s1600/IMG_4054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rKOeyF8_srPjhG-1fA83qoeEynicvcgMSknSsaP4n9tS91aoQPrEFmnhWSqa-CJZGBDbh0pffF8_nbcyXRPSfYvt7_JizddrVHCb7Jm1l8fDmjRLA7Iyszr2Q8H1naY2yLKCltIldN0/s640/IMG_4054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This bedroom is on the left hand side of the house (as you're facing the house). Love the color - so pretty. Very much "in the trees" feeling.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3L5aX0k5ZM32kIEgQz84pftcJhJp3vUOTA9LI1rkA9UQQJeRgtH9HMIPm-UXP9a2KVZRga23bhvHBeNpMW7JjxpRl_gt2-VK31-0PQqYN01YlLoWyxjWhLBUNprUmofRdY7F6INhp7I/s1600/IMG_4057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3L5aX0k5ZM32kIEgQz84pftcJhJp3vUOTA9LI1rkA9UQQJeRgtH9HMIPm-UXP9a2KVZRga23bhvHBeNpMW7JjxpRl_gt2-VK31-0PQqYN01YlLoWyxjWhLBUNprUmofRdY7F6INhp7I/s640/IMG_4057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This looks to be a daughter's bedroom in the rear of the house, behind the home office, overlooking the driveway. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0M_b8Y88LbKfPwvcut8hSRdwVoHycJbAT3QsRfTwg7s88GxI27I16OR0V5NeLrZFVQvg8y-muKaNnPkh0QN70gOraXHc4M2zYjZM7hawfC_YC9ZQQfxW2P0Y933qPQFHtxXokxhPs5LY/s1600/IMG_4058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0M_b8Y88LbKfPwvcut8hSRdwVoHycJbAT3QsRfTwg7s88GxI27I16OR0V5NeLrZFVQvg8y-muKaNnPkh0QN70gOraXHc4M2zYjZM7hawfC_YC9ZQQfxW2P0Y933qPQFHtxXokxhPs5LY/s640/IMG_4058.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The white vanity is sort of an old-fashioned moment in the otherwise very pristine space. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwwpTpxl6C-rtu2FsbVYG_TapCJCDAlmGk9dvm-rzXUMSmR-VjakDZ9ujsCzAW4t7kvuG5cv_aig5buI2icWFOvEjxsqhpMCTlLAxfmhOHLKjGlYm0JVLydyNvphR1y73K8WoYuoWY2g/s1600/IMG_4059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwwpTpxl6C-rtu2FsbVYG_TapCJCDAlmGk9dvm-rzXUMSmR-VjakDZ9ujsCzAW4t7kvuG5cv_aig5buI2icWFOvEjxsqhpMCTlLAxfmhOHLKjGlYm0JVLydyNvphR1y73K8WoYuoWY2g/s640/IMG_4059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And now we get to some real changes - the rear of the house. I'm not sure when the different additions were put on - though I have to say that I'm personally too traditional to love how they handled this addition - it seems out of place.  But it's the back and the landscaping is gorgeous. <br /><br /><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wnsahyp78CY/UjfNcXS1C9I/AAAAAAAAR0I/XGJb4edhkhI/s800/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A27%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1379389650744.1643" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wnsahyp78CY/UjfNcXS1C9I/AAAAAAAAR0I/XGJb4edhkhI/s650/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A27%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And we have the gazebo-type structure that envelopes and outside patio/dining area. It's quite lovely. <br /><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WbFNihpe0fY/UjfNZnS0t7I/AAAAAAAAR0A/nUm5C0DPDG8/s800/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A27%252520PM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="487" id="blogsy-1379389650667.2722" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WbFNihpe0fY/UjfNZnS0t7I/AAAAAAAAR0A/nUm5C0DPDG8/s650/Photo%252520Sep%25252016%25252C%2525202013%25252C%25252011%25253A27%252520PM.jpg" width="650" /></a><br /><br />The house at 15 Water Street in Sandwich, is listed at $990,000 via <a href="http://www.sothebyshomes.com/capecod/sales/0402733" target="_blank">Sotheby's Cape Cod</a>. I think it's a gorgeous property. I love that while they made the interiors super modern, it would be easy to walk that back a bit for those whose tastes are more traditional. The basic structure is untouched and while there are fewer walls the fact is that open floor plans are very popular today. The kitchen will likely be the biggest obstacle for many. On the one hand - it's a first rate, luxury kitchen with all the amenities. But its modern aesthetic will be a stumbling block for some. The exposed master bedroom (as I said, I'm assuming it's the master) is also problematic.<br /><br />If I were hired to decorate this house for the next homeowners (hint, hint) I would probably put on a full glass wall in the master, instead of just the glass balcony, or possibly some kind of retractable wall. I'm not sure if the spiral stair case is the only way to get to that bedroom (lord, I hope not!) and assuming it's not, I'd eighty-six the spiral to gain more light and space.<br /><br />What to do with the kitchen would be the tricky part... Well, all it takes is money. I'd want to soften the palette and add it some more natural materials. Possibly:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/2654717/Newbury-Street-Penthouse-modern-kitchen-boston"><img border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/fe11c70e010994b3_8-0806/modern-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/modern/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Modern Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath/c/Boston--MA" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Boston Kitchen & Bath Designers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/poggenpohlboston/poggenpohl-boston" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Poggenpohl Boston</a></small></div><br /><br />Or just rip it out and start over:<br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/5201611/Chancellor-s-Residence--NC-State-University-transitional-kitchen-raleigh"><img border="0" height="714" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/d0f1702f020ab00e_8-2145/transitional-kitchen.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/transitional/kitchen" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Transitional Kitchen</a> by <a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/photographer/c/Charlotte--NC" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Charlotte Photographers</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/dpphoto/dustinpeckphotographyinc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">dustin.peck.photography.inc</a></small></div><br /><br />My take? If I could, I'd buy it in a heart beat. What do you think?<br /><div id="blogsy_footer" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: right;"><br /></div>

Real Estate: A Colonial Surprise

Sometimes, you just get a feeling about how a house will look on the inside. This colonial style house (built in 1860) is located in the historic district in Sandwich, MA on Cape Cod. I've been by it a million times since my parents moved to town in the 1980's. It's on a fantastic lot, sitting on a …

18Sep2013