HGTV Green Home 2010 in Plymouth, MA - Second Floor & What I would do differently

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEfJO_P5LIGjmk31XkVi4Y3oH2HEh2dJuFKeN7zv7vzBU_Tqn3R2t_B8OAoJP3FiN5Cm8XbiZUcxEHXNyzSDCbsncDrhZSbf_erS04X2akfk2e5dhjj1BZx42VBv6RonzWvHjqts9JXC6/s1600/HGTV+house+ext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEfJO_P5LIGjmk31XkVi4Y3oH2HEh2dJuFKeN7zv7vzBU_Tqn3R2t_B8OAoJP3FiN5Cm8XbiZUcxEHXNyzSDCbsncDrhZSbf_erS04X2akfk2e5dhjj1BZx42VBv6RonzWvHjqts9JXC6/s400/HGTV+house+ext.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Last week I profiled the first floor of the 2010 HGTV Green Home, located in Plymouth, MA. You can read that post <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/06/hgtv-green-home-2010-in-plymouth-ma.html">here</a>.  I had been invited to a brunch and tour with interior designer Linda Woodrum and HGTV House Planner Jack Thomasson by Shaw Industries, who provided the flooring, rugs and other surface materials throughout the home.  <br /><br />In general, I liked the design and styling of the first floor. The open floor plan made it feel bigger than it actually is and the style is fresh and breezy. However, the more I've thought about the second floor, the more I feel that there were several missteps in floor planning that really impact the success of the overall design. The decorating and styling is, like the first floor, bright and fresh. The materials used are very nice and worth taking inspiration from. It's the floor planning that is the problem.<br /><br />So, let's head on up the stairs.  <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4715141672_5093932354_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4715141672_5093932354_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />Filling up the long tall staircase wall is this colorful sculpture by <a href="http://www.carriemcgee.com/">Carrie McGee</a> through <a href="http://www.lanouefineart.com/">Lanoue Fine Art</a>  on Newbury  Street in Boston. I'd blogged about Carrie's work when I saw it in an  art show a couple years ago, so was pleased to see another one of her  fabulous pieces on display. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4715156046_e0eb06060d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4715156046_e0eb06060d_b.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /><br />This is the second floor landing. The flooring is Rosedown Hickory by Shaw, which <span id="body-hook" rel="ton-tour">has 50 percent recycled content and comes  from managed domestic forests. The stairs continue up to a tiny third floor tower room, which I didn't get up into because there was an interview going on. </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4715147542_8db2cefe43_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4715147542_8db2cefe43_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is the sitting area at the top of the stairs, outside the master bedroom. I have a lot of questions about the usefulness of this space, which I'll get to later on. Meanwhile, it's a cute little area most notable for the ceiling treatment which is a continuation of the wall treatment and also conceals the attic access. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4715155076_0716676c6e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4715155076_0716676c6e_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />Below is the master bedroom which is very cheery and bright. The four-poster bed was custom built out of old doors and painted in Sherwin Williams Heartthrob. The bed is mounted on industrial style casters, which Jack Thomasson told us was for ease of movement so the bed could be pulled out and cleaned behind. The bed is snugged in the eves and between a closet on the left and a false closet on the right. This is actually the other side of the en suite bathroom in the second bedroom - another area of confusion for me.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4715149424_af7010e05e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4715149424_af7010e05e_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4715150338_6cc5532ff1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4715150338_6cc5532ff1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />You can see the small closet in the background of this photo. Initially, I thought this was the only closet in the room, however, review of the HGTV website shows that I missed a fairly big walk-in closet in the room. So, I am feeling better about the design plan.  The wall color is Sherwin Williams Windy Blue.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4715150760_bb6f1e3332_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4715150760_bb6f1e3332_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Here is the master bathroom. This isn't a great photograph, but it helps orient the bathroom, which is off the bedroom right behind the chair above. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1303/4714506867_a30fcff691_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1303/4714506867_a30fcff691_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />The double-sink vanity area is very nice. The Caesarstone natural quartz counters are topped with simple white vessel sinks and modern wall mounted faucets. The planked walls are topped by a series of shuttered windows overhead. Lot's of windows and great light with no privacy issues. The Chippendale style mirrors are a nice reminder of the history of the area, although the applied stars are a little hokey. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4715148640_c37a2e9d73_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4715148640_c37a2e9d73_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />I will admit to loving the outdoor shower feel of the shower area behind the soaking tub. A false "roof" complete with shingles, was built around the shower with a rain head faucet mounted above. Living so close to the beach, many of our homes have outdoor showers to help clean off before treading sand through the house. So, this was a nice touch.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4714508081_86037f60d4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4714508081_86037f60d4_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />And now we head into the second "bedroom" of the home. There are only two and unfortunately, this small room doesn't really qualify as a bedroom. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that for a room to be called a bedroom, it must have a closet. This small bedroom, staged like a boys room, has no closet, but does have an ensuite bath room. I think there was a better option for this arrangement, which I will go into below.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4714510443_35c526b4a1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4714510443_35c526b4a1_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />The snappy orange and green (SW Hearts of Palm is the paint) color palette was inspired by the bathroom tile. There is a loft-style bunk bed which is modern and sleek looking. The carpet is Desirable Statement by Shaw.  The mirror is a lot of fun, but ironically (in a "smoke and mirrors" kind of way), the mirror was propped up straight in the back by a wad of what looked like paper towel. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4714512973_c2f472b1a5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4714512973_c2f472b1a5_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />There is no room for a desk or any kind of work space in the room and as I said, there is no closet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4715154346_34c0723e19_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4715154346_34c0723e19_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />The ceiling is painted the same color as the walls, which certainly worked to open up the space. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4715153358_d4197df9a5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4715153358_d4197df9a5_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />The en suite bathroom is also a fun space for a kid - although I would say that the choice of orange for the tile was a bold one that is likely to cause problems for future homeowners. But, as a decorative statement, the glass tiles are beautiful. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4714511925_663546b4c3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4714511925_663546b4c3_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />So, what's my problem? <br /><br />To my mind, it didn't make the best sense to build in a full bathroom as part of the second bedroom. First, there wasn't even room for the sink in the bathroom. If you notice in the photo below, the sink is actually open to the main room in the so-called closet area. The bathroom is to the left. If nothing else, had they installed a stall shower instead of a full bathtub, the sink could have been accommodated inside the bathroom proper. Or they could have done a small linen closet. Instead, you can see the linens are to the right side of the sink.  There is no closet in this room and the tiny area to the right of the sink is not sufficient for anything but baby-sized clothing. And as I mentioned above, a room with no closet is not an acceptable bedroom in Massachusetts. So, the winner may find selling the house down the road as a two bedroom to be a problem as realtor's will generally not list a room as a bedroom without a closet.  And whoever lives in the bedroom will most certainly have issues with storage, unless they remain an infant.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJM7CfQ8Q2pXRCKa8zLoPsJTz_WmqI6IOvr6k5AUcs9kWrvoBRrzNoJWoesmKOX9jSNZZBo_vTsHM8E6yEh-BCIKfw8ueaLdvl07Y96J53YZxa_6bDWE72yaCho_OKqpRPuP7iCXa3GkeX/s1600/HGTV2ndBedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJM7CfQ8Q2pXRCKa8zLoPsJTz_WmqI6IOvr6k5AUcs9kWrvoBRrzNoJWoesmKOX9jSNZZBo_vTsHM8E6yEh-BCIKfw8ueaLdvl07Y96J53YZxa_6bDWE72yaCho_OKqpRPuP7iCXa3GkeX/s640/HGTV2ndBedroom.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is the floor plan as it is (plan courtesy of HGTV.com)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zAnMAzV_O8QaK5avQfV0Me4ehPQS-rPRY6w65eZnhuMP752cCF95revrimZGyb_Wnwt-JHLBjmZ3Ka0L2WxuGw50dX5wUMmAfSAgLTM1HQD53UtGrjxUxYou12GltLjkPgvZUKzjQAQ1/s1600/2nd+Floor+plan+as+is.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="539" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zAnMAzV_O8QaK5avQfV0Me4ehPQS-rPRY6w65eZnhuMP752cCF95revrimZGyb_Wnwt-JHLBjmZ3Ka0L2WxuGw50dX5wUMmAfSAgLTM1HQD53UtGrjxUxYou12GltLjkPgvZUKzjQAQ1/s640/2nd+Floor+plan+as+is.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />And here is what I might have done: <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxYaKSql23HN2Kf9f0QxFC4LZkQlUQv-6yIE11AVdY8TKRtxQhPk2DFBF1ED-7dLUCP8SmmbriUZHI0WneJYkajxEhlRONvU-4K8dWLh4nuC45L2s-LgWqGebN_TQw0CJesikgrlRgOUC/s1600/HGTV+2nd+floor+LM+revised.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxYaKSql23HN2Kf9f0QxFC4LZkQlUQv-6yIE11AVdY8TKRtxQhPk2DFBF1ED-7dLUCP8SmmbriUZHI0WneJYkajxEhlRONvU-4K8dWLh4nuC45L2s-LgWqGebN_TQw0CJesikgrlRgOUC/s640/HGTV+2nd+floor+LM+revised.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />As you can see, I have removed the pretty blue sitting area at the top of the stairs and installed the second bathroom there. It could be a 3/4-bath with a nice stall shower if a bathtub doesn't fit. A tiny two bedroom home does not need two bathtubs and since there is one in the master, then a stall is fine in this bathroom.<br /><br />REVISED TO ADD:<br /><br />An eagle-eyed design friend of mind noticed in my suggested plan above that I was missing a doorway into the master bedroom. See what happens when you rush design? So, here is my revised, revised plan.  In this version, I have added an inset into the newly located second bathroom to accommodate entrance into the master bedroom.  Because of this, I've pushed the second bath into the master closet space and then pushed the master closet into what was the shower/toilet closet space in the master bathroom. Thus, we've had to lose the soaking tub in the master. However, we now have more room for a tub and shower in the second bathroom. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBK6M3nIh6EXfQVwI2c4PgmZ2b9OFj8shwDLXuXfCcUR_vmRiIfROZR2y4NyBBihC5sTxtcDWzLLSNRichznYhyphenhyphenzhCY0d3ulBJd6Lc9amEdxXEpcIYBhLOOqOFMO9bFgAihsgOrF1FMlak/s1600/Revised+v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBK6M3nIh6EXfQVwI2c4PgmZ2b9OFj8shwDLXuXfCcUR_vmRiIfROZR2y4NyBBihC5sTxtcDWzLLSNRichznYhyphenhyphenzhCY0d3ulBJd6Lc9amEdxXEpcIYBhLOOqOFMO9bFgAihsgOrF1FMlak/s640/Revised+v2.jpg" width="523" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4715151142_7d578aa48a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4715151142_7d578aa48a_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />While the sitting area is pretty, it's not a terribly necessary space. The third floor <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/green-home/tower-photos-hgtv-green-home-2010/pictures/index.html">tower room</a> (which is staged as a home office with a day bed) is right up the stairs. So, the result is two semi-private sitting areas in close proximity. Plus, you have the entire downstairs, a covered veranda and yard. There is a lot of private space for the home's inhabitants. By moving the second bath to this space, the loft then becomes a potential guest room with access to a bathroom. The two en suite bathrooms are basically off-limits to guests. Not very pleasant. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4715149424_af7010e05e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4715149424_af7010e05e_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />If you notice, the master bed is recessed between two closets. In fact, the right hand "closet" is actually not a closet- the door opens to a mirror. The second bedroom bath takes up this space. So, in addition to all the reasons I've outlined above for the poor location of the second bath, the final is that it encroaches on the master bedroom, which is already quite small for a master. As there is a nice walk-in closet for the master, there might have been an option to remove both closets flanking the bed, which would have significantly enlarged the space. Or, there could be two closets, or on could have been turned into a built-in book case, vanity space, display cabinets, set of drawers. There are lots of options. <br /><br />Anyway, those are just some thoughts I had about the Green Home. HGTV reports that there were over 17.5M entries and they have actually already selected a winner. The winner will be announced in Boston Monday nite at 8:00PM EST.  Even though I've had some suggestions for changes, this will be a sweet house for some lovely people.  I'll leave you with a little Pinehills prettiness (the Plymouth location of the Green Home):<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4714518915_302c41c376_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4714518915_302c41c376_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a> <br /><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: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

HGTV Green Home 2010 in Plymouth, MA - Second Floor & What I would do differently

Last week I profiled the first floor of the 2010 HGTV Green Home, located in Plymouth, MA. You can read that post here .  I had been invited...

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HGTV Green Home 2010 in Plymouth, MA - First Floor

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4715138932_fedffb712c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4715138932_fedffb712c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Last week, I had the opportunity to take a designers' tour of the <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/green-home/index.html">2010 HGTV Green Home</a> in Plymouth, MA. <a href="http://www.shawinc.com/">Shaw Industries</a>, who provides the majority of the floor and surface materials for the home, along with local Shaw distributor <a href="http://www.idealfloor.com/">Ideal Floor</a> of Cape Cod, hosted a lovely breakfast for local designers and media folks, followed by the house tour.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (click on images for full size view)</span><br /><br />The white shingle house is approximately 2,100 square feet which fits with the green concept. The wrap-around porch with the deep overhang offers protection from the sun's heat, which keeps the inside cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4714496937_56d93da139_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4714496937_56d93da139_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4714498755_3571d73c60_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4714498755_3571d73c60_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>HGTV House Planner Jack Thomasson told us that their mission is to have their homes fit into their specific environments. In this case, Jack said the house is "A classic Cape Cod design, with a twist". <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4714515449_29c996e040_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4714515449_29c996e040_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The open floor plan of the first floor features the living room, dining area and kitchen.  The living room is filled with bright pattern and colors, with lots of textural pieces and original art from local artists.  The  room featured bead board coffered ceilings and a stone fireplace. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4714516787_e241341045_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4714516787_e241341045_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />The geographic coffee table is by Audry Sterk Home Collection, available at <a href="http://www.nantucketlooms.com/">Nantucket Looms</a>.  I like the sprightly red sofa (a theme color of the home), although not so much the pillows. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4715159086_3e5b7f6176_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4715159086_3e5b7f6176_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The dining area is situated next to the living room area.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4715145106_7ee0e17f8a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4715145106_7ee0e17f8a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />This vintage wire basket fixture was purchased at <a href="http://www.foundforthehome.com/">Found</a> in Houston.  I believe that the designers prefer to select pieces that come from stores local to the home, however, designer Linda Woodrum told me that this piece was so perfect that she felt she needed to use it regardless. Totally the right choice - how fabulous is this?? I have been dreaming of how I can make one and where I would put it! The dining room table is by <a href="http://westbarnstabletables.com/dining.html">West Barnstable Tables</a>.  Simple wicker chairs and creamy white stoneware pieces finish off the space. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4715142858_562e7d05c9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4715142858_562e7d05c9_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The kitchen runs along the backside of the room - and I must admit - <span style="font-size: x-small;">I don't love it</span>. For a relatively small space, there is too much going on. I would have preferred something a little simpler and less over-styled. However, the individual elements are gorgeous.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4715157056_cde2973b57_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4715157056_cde2973b57_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4715146186_c5c5f07655_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4715146186_c5c5f07655_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>The blue mini-subway tile back splash is Shaw's Glass Essential Block. The farmhouse sink is surrounded by Shaker style cabinetry painted in Sherwin William's Extra White. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4715146678_f7ae606cea_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4715146678_f7ae606cea_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Interior designer <a href="http://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=navclient-ff#hl=en&source=hp&q=linda+woodrum+interior+design&aq=1&aqi=g3g-s1g6&aql=&oq=linda+woo&gs_rfai=C-6gs_DsgTKrlEaPuzASug4X9DQAAAKoEBU_QsojU&fp=45835207582d5ee7">Linda Woodrum</a> of Hilton Head, has designed nearly all of the HGTV Green and Dream homes for the last fifteen years. A pretty good gig! She was very open and generous with information, answering whatever questions the crowd of decorators had to ask. She acknowledged that it was a bit nerve wracking to have other designers viewing her space while she's there. Because, of course, we all have our own opinions! <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4715142050_e18e3d769e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4715142050_e18e3d769e_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Clearly, the ruby red Caesarstone natural quartz center island counter top is the showstopper of the place. Just gorgeous! The fabulous rusty vintage wire urns are from <a href="http://www.dovetalesantiquesandhome.com/home.html">Dovetales</a> in Plymouth. <br /><br />My favorite space in the house is this fabulous laundry/mud room tucked down a hall from the main room. Nearly everyone who walked in oohed and aahed over the red washer and dryer, set off against the medium dark blue gray (Sherwin William's Cityscape) bead board woodwork. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4714502281_367c1a713b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4714502281_367c1a713b_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Storage shelves filled with New Hampshire Hancock baskets are on the opposing wall. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4715143676_3a96178d81_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4715143676_3a96178d81_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I hope you enjoyed my photo tour of the 2010 HGTV Green Home's first floor. One lucky person will be winning this home - and everything in it. As a matter of fact, we were specifically asked not to sit on anything because they like to hand it over completely "new". <br /><br /><a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2010/06/hgtv-green-home-2010-in-plymouth-ma_27.html">Click here</a> to read my post on the second floor and what I would have done differently. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(photography by Linda Merrill for ::Surroundings::)</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><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: 0pt none; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

HGTV Green Home 2010 in Plymouth, MA - First Floor

Last week, I had the opportunity to take a designers' tour of the 2010 HGTV Green Home in Plymouth, MA. Shaw Industries , who provides ...

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A magic - and eco friendly - transformation!

See how this sofa...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxoLMeRV62CF3s9dtl03d8-iXX_tnWqaTAgav2moOKMk2WNGoUO3bNvytkmWe8TlvGJ6iLxDH6K-QI-G5onmRCCdMQOAZPayVVzPIbycb8Q9a6KHc1SCOs0UBftrVUmCl8wquUUPPL3w/s400/Beansofabefore.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxoLMeRV62CF3s9dtl03d8-iXX_tnWqaTAgav2moOKMk2WNGoUO3bNvytkmWe8TlvGJ6iLxDH6K-QI-G5onmRCCdMQOAZPayVVzPIbycb8Q9a6KHc1SCOs0UBftrVUmCl8wquUUPPL3w/s400/Beansofabefore.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" /></a><br />...became this sectional sofa.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrBAIuxQjn_ZHFwVxziV5YAVcwS7eGATSZCX7PGa6YfWjy7q_uoDQUJXjAmLqH9vBc2rPIgVzUzdl50FScdPzsNJ3ADJd9Fb3Nhw8ys-NyVw6kBVMJdjE8CJVnqLz8Fm7IJDeZnRIrnuq/s1600-h/Bean-Sofa-in-situ.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330946428699018466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrBAIuxQjn_ZHFwVxziV5YAVcwS7eGATSZCX7PGa6YfWjy7q_uoDQUJXjAmLqH9vBc2rPIgVzUzdl50FScdPzsNJ3ADJd9Fb3Nhw8ys-NyVw6kBVMJdjE8CJVnqLz8Fm7IJDeZnRIrnuq/s400/Bean-Sofa-in-situ.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br />And, learn how it was done in a great, green, manner. Click <a href="http://upholsteredfurniture.blogspot.com/2009/04/eco-salvage.html">here </a>to visit Heller Furniture's <a href="http://upholsteredfurniture.blogspot.com/2009/04/eco-salvage.html">The Upholstery Blog</a> for the details.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/40/61AD69B5456EE9E48D48218DA34439B1.png" style="border: 0pt none ! important; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;" /></a><br /><br /><p><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: 0pt none ; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a></p>

A magic - and eco friendly - transformation!

See how this sofa... ...became this sectional sofa. And, learn how it was done in a great, green, manner. Click here to visit Heller Furnit...

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Green Tips for your Kitchen

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-G11330_7QNVy5SnscQ0RYOZ6pOKtzY2uJgw3mtjb3Hh3tkKur1ThM9-0P6AEH3tsayMg9dMzGkEXYkFGlJwgiUvQdxO5wZJ1jr1UDAIcAMFnE_DvoeQ1lehnBabAhlCtfyPr8UmdQrO/s1600-h/loripic2SML.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280613870814583778" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-G11330_7QNVy5SnscQ0RYOZ6pOKtzY2uJgw3mtjb3Hh3tkKur1ThM9-0P6AEH3tsayMg9dMzGkEXYkFGlJwgiUvQdxO5wZJ1jr1UDAIcAMFnE_DvoeQ1lehnBabAhlCtfyPr8UmdQrO/s200/loripic2SML.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 86px; height: 72px;" /></a><br />Contributed by <a href="http://web.mac.com/ldolnick/iWeb/my%20website/Welcome.html">Lori Dolnick</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Here are Seven Tips you can use today to be greener in your kitchen!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYzP9qOM0SjuyGPq6l1KiRnAxQM7otVtDlUOgUv5LQuEwfRGEt53yimBbD68iOEuLJceLsTOOm6jwSO6P_uUp3Fk0Pl33xAHfIMft-YdcTEpeuL1Hn8z9L54PPM8p2yfCTM7iu8mkMIrD/s1600-h/G2002_OPEN.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289089061878110946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYzP9qOM0SjuyGPq6l1KiRnAxQM7otVtDlUOgUv5LQuEwfRGEt53yimBbD68iOEuLJceLsTOOm6jwSO6P_uUp3Fk0Pl33xAHfIMft-YdcTEpeuL1Hn8z9L54PPM8p2yfCTM7iu8mkMIrD/s400/G2002_OPEN.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />1) Stop pre-rinsing before dishwashing!<br /><br />If you are rinsing your dishes before you load your dishwasher, you can waste up to 20 gallons of water per meal (according to <a href="http://www.energystar.gov/">Energy Star®</a>). Energy efficient dishwashers, like Miele's La Perla have additional water savings programs and an internal water heater that does a great job of removing stuck-on food - saving you time, water and energy. Sure, our mother's dishwashers couldn't handle it, but many of today's better dishwasher models can clean off food without the rinse. So break that rinsing habit - scrape, load and test your dishwasher today.<br /><br /><br /><br />2) Unplug that second refrigerator.<br /><br />The biggest guzzler of energy is the refrigerator. If you are shopping for a new model, check out Energy Star as not all models are energy efficient to begin with. If you have an older refrigerator, please shut it off when you don't need it for entertaining or simply recycle it. The DOE (Department of Energy) is running a recycling program (<a href="http://www.recyclemyoldfridge.com/">www.recyclemyoldfridge.com</a>) to combat this epidemic. It's important to keep in mind that an Energy Star® refrigerator uses at least 20% less energy than one that is not qualified and uses 40% less energy than refrigerators sold in 2001.<br /><br /><br /><br />3) Compost vs. Disposals<br /><br />In my dreams, I'm composting and making my garden greener. Someday… sigh. If you want to reduce your waste and use less energy… hopefully you recycle already… check out these great composting products at <a href="http://www.composters.com/">http://www.composters.com</a>. If you do find time – tell me how you're doing by commenting to this blog.<br /><br /><br /><br />4) Induction vs. Gas & Electric<br /><br />Induction uses less energy overall than gas or electric and its cool magnetic functionality won't make you overuse the air conditioning in hot climates. According to inductioncooktop.com, these surfaces are anywhere from 50% to 90% more efficient. Induction heats faster and with more control so you also spend less time cooking. Check out top appliance companies like <a href="http://miele.com/">Miele</a>, <a href="http://www.wolfappliance.com/">Wolf</a> and <a href="http://www.thermador.com/Default.aspx">Thermador</a> for products that have pan sensor and power booster features.<br /><br /><br />5. Vacuum on less power<br /><br />Lower the power on your vacuum, especially on carpets and area rugs. High power is meant for smooth surfaces only. Some vacuums have power adjustments that optimize power for the surface you are cleaning. If you have the power on too high, you could even be picking up less dirt and making it harder to move your vacuum. More work, less cleaning performance and way too much energy use.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UZeEgRvDUaqYAmEzr2DpgaLih5OBm-BS6L7NdK98y0Sa6nGg1wg4yXyaJCG-3P8jNnBK3wCYBZbU4NtBSYDTLnboTI4lEIWjXBbvpt6XDo2MGeggp-soAdj7Whn3BZLYcITDOu9eUvIH/s1600-h/Callisto_S5280.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289089052473986274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4UZeEgRvDUaqYAmEzr2DpgaLih5OBm-BS6L7NdK98y0Sa6nGg1wg4yXyaJCG-3P8jNnBK3wCYBZbU4NtBSYDTLnboTI4lEIWjXBbvpt6XDo2MGeggp-soAdj7Whn3BZLYcITDOu9eUvIH/s400/Callisto_S5280.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />Check your power setting. This vacuum by <a href="http://miele.com/">Miele</a> will help save energy by using it at the recommended settings for carpets, floors and furniture.<br /><br /><br /><br />5) Water saving faucets<br /><br />Converting to a water saving faucet can save you water and energy! Check out the EPA's <a href="http://www.epa.gov/watersense/">WaterSense</a> website for calculators and products. According to the EPA, "Switching to WaterSense labeled bathroom sink faucets or faucet accessories could save your family enough water annually to do 14 loads of laundry."<br /><br /><br />6) Choose quality products from environmentally responsible companies.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkvet6eBADd1DXAy90C28JOzqSCunJN8tMSeFQLSMxkxJvcYBNhyphenhyphenOVIKmNqDQtkMFnhGdswrQS2kp1sdpbB59HgeAppWjQjo6vDPKfYfGFE6OHI2KGyY9ZOswCVWtJgTwLhhtpASSeQ9z/s1600-h/MicroEdge.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5289089064430142578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkvet6eBADd1DXAy90C28JOzqSCunJN8tMSeFQLSMxkxJvcYBNhyphenhyphenOVIKmNqDQtkMFnhGdswrQS2kp1sdpbB59HgeAppWjQjo6vDPKfYfGFE6OHI2KGyY9ZOswCVWtJgTwLhhtpASSeQ9z/s400/MicroEdge.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 228px;" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.blancoamerica.com/home.php">BLANCO </a>(sinks and faucets), for example, has high certifications for environmental manufacturing processes. And they make a quality product that will last a long time, so you won't have to replace it. Being green means buying less disposable products.<br /><br /><br /><br />7) BYOB (Bring your own bag)<br /><br />Plastic or Paper – How about neither? I own way too many canvas bags. But, sitting in my truck and hanging on hooks near my door, they are a constant reminder that we can reduce our waste. Don't just opt for paper bags. Take the time to bring your own. The canvas holds more (less trips to and from the car), and some stores give you money back for bringing your own.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFvwWNvUVVNV7wRciRYUMEPO83iuk8V8mfy3xY2zlm-nJvl1apBoylIKfJ4u9MYPL2D9PMlkEmmyxNTbK6hSJ-_JI1fym4Dc4WOPYXB4UwEe5nx4Tvfcd8sV6opMpkVytPPw7Ia4s5lLV/s1600-h/loripic2SML.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253863744380485666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDFvwWNvUVVNV7wRciRYUMEPO83iuk8V8mfy3xY2zlm-nJvl1apBoylIKfJ4u9MYPL2D9PMlkEmmyxNTbK6hSJ-_JI1fym4Dc4WOPYXB4UwEe5nx4Tvfcd8sV6opMpkVytPPw7Ia4s5lLV/s200/loripic2SML.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" /></a>Contributed by <a href="http://web.mac.com/ldolnick/iWeb/my%20website/Welcome.html">Lori Dolnick</a>.<br /><br />Click <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/search/label/Lori%20Dolnick">here</a> to read all of Lori's posts.

Green Tips for your Kitchen

Contributed by Lori Dolnick Here are Seven Tips you can use today to be greener in your kitchen! 1) Stop pre-rinsing before dishwashing! If ...

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