Linda's Dream Home: Roof lines and entry ways

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTOhUxNcvuQRdV7SXuWhx3D49ffsGGWxXa2tapEvMmKW1fsY6WvAP7XczZJNplIYAA9B8V1zGCzv9eCoJ2wDkHx11OCtl-KJITgnuZbTD4l67UBSIZdbxE2gOaFq7YyEqh8fvzw2l8MX1/s1600/Linda's+house+-+birdseye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTOhUxNcvuQRdV7SXuWhx3D49ffsGGWxXa2tapEvMmKW1fsY6WvAP7XczZJNplIYAA9B8V1zGCzv9eCoJ2wDkHx11OCtl-KJITgnuZbTD4l67UBSIZdbxE2gOaFq7YyEqh8fvzw2l8MX1/s640/Linda's+house+-+birdseye.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;">As <a href="http://chameleon-interiors.blogspot.com/2013/03/designing-my-dream-home.html" target="_blank">I wrote last week</a>, I've started planning my "dream home" as a way to improve my digital rendering skills. Even though I'm not in a position to actually build my dream home right now, it's awfully fun to dream and you never know when a fortune will fall out of the sky (cough, cough). So, my original plan was for a classic New England saltbox design, but that's gone out the window for a slightly more formal Georgian/Colonial style, which is basically a very symmetrical box. I love symmetry, so it works for me. When designing a home, it's important that the design take into account it's surroundings and topography. My favorite town in New England is Newburyport, where I lived for a few years and I do plan on moving back there at some point. It's a wonderful old New England town with gorgeous, densely situated, homes, great shops and beach. Yes, this is also where Plum Island is, which has been all over the news this winter for its beach front homes that are sadly toppling into the Atlantic and being bulldozed literally as I write this. I don't dream of living right on the water, though I do love being ocean "adjacent". No, I love the busy main thoroughfares lined with beautiful old homes.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marybakerart.com/newburyport/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/hp-nbpt-high-street-dm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://www.marybakerart.com/newburyport/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/hp-nbpt-high-street-dm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Circa 1900, but looks substantially the same, only with a paved street.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://photos2.zillow.com/p_f/IS1u9pxe1tnem5f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://photos2.zillow.com/p_f/IS1u9pxe1tnem5f.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A classic Federal style house in Newburyport.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4881450904_329540a4e6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4881450904_329540a4e6_z.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this is the house I had a condo in, which I loved, right on High Street.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/44/b2/f7/44b2f761daf02781a4ded0de2d30656d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://media-cache-is0.pinimg.com/736x/44/b2/f7/44b2f761daf02781a4ded0de2d30656d.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, as I'm dreaming of my perfect house in Newburyport, I'm obviously thinking traditional. Once I dropped the saltbox idea, I was going to go with a standard gable roof line. But then I came across this photo above, which was a house designed by famed British architect <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Lutyens" target="_blank">Edwin Lutyens</a>. Love the hipped roof. Of course, love the yard too...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKt3zTOzJ6RDpPOJiRC-L7nbiAF4swSZmyGgl2NJrA-mI0S6tfVOEONPrbKRcsm2EcfmlcMZpg9s79-PYQaFrPzqprA4N2YnVsVH3DPsCWYpxymVKhqGzkIJ16KibnA0aVCNXYki_fagi2/s1600/Linda's+house+-+ext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKt3zTOzJ6RDpPOJiRC-L7nbiAF4swSZmyGgl2NJrA-mI0S6tfVOEONPrbKRcsm2EcfmlcMZpg9s79-PYQaFrPzqprA4N2YnVsVH3DPsCWYpxymVKhqGzkIJ16KibnA0aVCNXYki_fagi2/s640/Linda's+house+-+ext.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>So, here is my house rendered with a hip roof (above) vs. gable (below). I do still have to work on the angles a bit... Functionally it doesn't matter since it only effects the attic space. Thoughts? Also, remember there wouldn't be a huge front yard, the house (in my imagination) sits right on the street, with maybe a fence, walkway and small garden. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVd8BD6rXNligdZ1MbfpOCK08N-tkPG7179UzztE_RUTeZrqihRmwWNSNQqWzib7SzcURSIHB33uB8VFvOxwzFpZC8oZ2EBvCLDjbGkvcHdOTSn3AIg4qXRzngOL7XrCiRDfSl1EcBH80/s1600/Linda's+house+-+ext+gable+031213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVd8BD6rXNligdZ1MbfpOCK08N-tkPG7179UzztE_RUTeZrqihRmwWNSNQqWzib7SzcURSIHB33uB8VFvOxwzFpZC8oZ2EBvCLDjbGkvcHdOTSn3AIg4qXRzngOL7XrCiRDfSl1EcBH80/s640/Linda's+house+-+ext+gable+031213.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/AVvXsEhlxdwW-K_j_INIVPuWJySLq4BZMfwGggEVONCLjgerzUYkldfioeuOWbl7Fqvpn0AejR-qTp8WtBy943wm0JdhCXx5cYMxkVGGEMHpe1nBWd9CmXaeD9wlGcXd2Y1BNoStxYryswMvoE53/s1600/Linda's+house+030813+Ext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxdwW-K_j_INIVPuWJySLq4BZMfwGggEVONCLjgerzUYkldfioeuOWbl7Fqvpn0AejR-qTp8WtBy943wm0JdhCXx5cYMxkVGGEMHpe1nBWd9CmXaeD9wlGcXd2Y1BNoStxYryswMvoE53/s640/Linda's+house+030813+Ext.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are the side views with large 3-season porch (and fireplace!) and a deck. Am now thinking I should move the deck around back for privacy and also because the properties aren't that wide. And I'd need a driveway too. </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/AVvXsEiPdYeCjjCiM2RpNdgvlf0-OwvZVnAPyZvmJz9UaRqotSrGHH8xelNHEM7c6tZkYtZappaSMsa5gjb0zJLn4uKn89MzFPhU_rpda7k3vO5bOJB7ZS5rqIGw5GOpi-bhc2tf1RCg2gSO_NrV/s1600/Linda's+house+030813+Extb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdYeCjjCiM2RpNdgvlf0-OwvZVnAPyZvmJz9UaRqotSrGHH8xelNHEM7c6tZkYtZappaSMsa5gjb0zJLn4uKn89MzFPhU_rpda7k3vO5bOJB7ZS5rqIGw5GOpi-bhc2tf1RCg2gSO_NrV/s640/Linda's+house+030813+Extb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSsoUFxgagjso_Z6BbQqIwF89NcbogFz-mEJaeOf7Me1Ga2tsnleVrs_YCXP69A-O_7OY3aQV3BFjVoz9Yas0Yd-saIPvYveWvTtrPY2x7wVfn6_ja0Mh3qfqiFv9cRZvy7PQnW2D9pQF/s1600/Linda's+house+entry+030813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSsoUFxgagjso_Z6BbQqIwF89NcbogFz-mEJaeOf7Me1Ga2tsnleVrs_YCXP69A-O_7OY3aQV3BFjVoz9Yas0Yd-saIPvYveWvTtrPY2x7wVfn6_ja0Mh3qfqiFv9cRZvy7PQnW2D9pQF/s640/Linda's+house+entry+030813.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Here's another peek into the entryway. I made the whole thing wider by 3' from my original plan to accommodate bench seats and hooks to hang coats. I'm not sure about papering the ceiling or any details like that at this moment. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81JnPdNH4T9-cTlIFz6Mo36pISMbTM_0Vjj1sqK9Lt0i32aZEBRb30srd73L-F0qLXJKnyCMJWPZUFrre3kmxgXMAt3W-7IjWGJKfAIZIIhbUoIpI872huP2pzP3WM3qAwjiNxkJl5J56/s1600/Linda's+house+-+foyer+diamond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81JnPdNH4T9-cTlIFz6Mo36pISMbTM_0Vjj1sqK9Lt0i32aZEBRb30srd73L-F0qLXJKnyCMJWPZUFrre3kmxgXMAt3W-7IjWGJKfAIZIIhbUoIpI872huP2pzP3WM3qAwjiNxkJl5J56/s640/Linda's+house+-+foyer+diamond.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />And now here is the front hall. One thing cool about the software I'm using (Live Interior 3D Pro) is that I can remove walls, doors etc, from view to get a better view inside a small space.  This angle would be the view when standing in the entry portico. My original plan was for a standard straight staircase on the left and the hall on the right leading straight to the back of the house into the hall that connects the kitchen (right) and dining room (left). I was so proud of my first floor plan when I realized that I'd forgotten to put in a coat closet!! So, I am working on changing the staircase to be a right angle staircase, thus giving me room for a closet. It does close off the space to the back of the house, but it's probably okay. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSk2q_4CTLtKuwFXx-23xTwwbnOTbbFp5kMOnhYjOX2es9TDZuWWY8thjo-rncVHWmUCXOFXZX-qMrwG6qAcqEyAekd37Dk5xbVvpUOlJq3Ks1jUuOAe4V0yewQHPWjHm2AYMkPvZG02f/s1600/Linda's+house+-+Foyer+stairs+031213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSk2q_4CTLtKuwFXx-23xTwwbnOTbbFp5kMOnhYjOX2es9TDZuWWY8thjo-rncVHWmUCXOFXZX-qMrwG6qAcqEyAekd37Dk5xbVvpUOlJq3Ks1jUuOAe4V0yewQHPWjHm2AYMkPvZG02f/s640/Linda's+house+-+Foyer+stairs+031213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Meanwhile, I've put in black stained floors through out and am debating whether to do a diamond check in the front hall (continuing in from the entry portico, or just the plain black floors. Also, am not yet sure whether it would be painted diamond pattern, or marble. Obviously, painted is more casual and requires more work whereas the marble is more formal and yet easier maintenance wise.<br /><br />Oh, this is so much fun! My basic first floor plan has the formal side on the left with a small home office in the rear (with separate entrance), a fireplaced library with small dining table in the center, and a small sitting room in the front off the foyer. The casual living side is on the right and would be an open floorplan kitchen (rear) and fireplaced dining area and family-room style sitting area off the foyer. Lots of details and thought still needs to go into these spaces. <br /><br />Would love to hear your thoughts! I've got a Pinterest board filled with inspiration images if you want to <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/linda-s-dream-home/" target="_blank">take a look</a>! <br /><br />If you would like my help on your dream home project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

Linda's Dream Home: Roof lines and entry ways

As I wrote last week , I've started planning my "dream home" as a way to improve my digital rendering skills. Even though I...

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World View of New England Style: Sussex Vacation Rental

Here's another "New England" styled property - this time in coastal <a href="http://www.luxurycountryrentals.com/property.php?property=New_England_Beach_House&action=overview" target="_blank">Sussex, England</a>. This is a rental vacation house (aka Holiday House) which <b>Tatler</b> called one of the <i>'50 coolest houses in the world to rent'</i><b>. </b>It's a fabulous house, though I'm not sure it truly captures a New England vibe. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnwSs3IcT3mPJjX0PFSfDdrkyKpHNUdY7WOrCa3yjnLEpHVY6eiYLuYq2LIuQY7m1sWxyT0opoYAieSgXZZLTKyMdWa68gW4zxdds7D1WLSA-03iI8Sk88rZnXRSYxH9nYue0gnE4yONE/s1600/new-england-beach-house-exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnwSs3IcT3mPJjX0PFSfDdrkyKpHNUdY7WOrCa3yjnLEpHVY6eiYLuYq2LIuQY7m1sWxyT0opoYAieSgXZZLTKyMdWa68gW4zxdds7D1WLSA-03iI8Sk88rZnXRSYxH9nYue0gnE4yONE/s640/new-england-beach-house-exterior.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><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/AVvXsEgZ4oikisoha0gC47Nr_jtxrHRTZZlanlJfJs6wHWikc-eAQgzjdc4MjCeBHgV-DNtUGGNVDNuME9JKOmFCw4fgjKZaM-YjKXW4CorhbpK9WXTDoRdR40mBv8bTMGqjSr7S5OLsDSsDG6Io/s1600/Sussex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4oikisoha0gC47Nr_jtxrHRTZZlanlJfJs6wHWikc-eAQgzjdc4MjCeBHgV-DNtUGGNVDNuME9JKOmFCw4fgjKZaM-YjKXW4CorhbpK9WXTDoRdR40mBv8bTMGqjSr7S5OLsDSsDG6Io/s640/Sussex.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoH6NVXOaOdqF9npoTnJwdF16HGDtCEmUa-92_HDgJhSxDHSaMlI9KfWVng73I4O8tCINoK6OFUnltVEa6cBzhTyI5YecSuxcHSY-JaSnP0Wsnig11VWEbOhOtxiBNh8SZ67BHiazlx0Ut/s1600/Sussex+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoH6NVXOaOdqF9npoTnJwdF16HGDtCEmUa-92_HDgJhSxDHSaMlI9KfWVng73I4O8tCINoK6OFUnltVEa6cBzhTyI5YecSuxcHSY-JaSnP0Wsnig11VWEbOhOtxiBNh8SZ67BHiazlx0Ut/s640/Sussex+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RNcmptfmTa-J-teh6u6tPvI424u0ckNhp0932btKNEhjcsS83SgDi3gh-1dii2HXNg2m8ZWo_l_FGksZfRjg6v46ADycpYfJ_r7m8KkPfuKcVyY7QbPhw8VyQAfuepXic1KiGvhiuplO/s1600/new-england-beach-house-a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RNcmptfmTa-J-teh6u6tPvI424u0ckNhp0932btKNEhjcsS83SgDi3gh-1dii2HXNg2m8ZWo_l_FGksZfRjg6v46ADycpYfJ_r7m8KkPfuKcVyY7QbPhw8VyQAfuepXic1KiGvhiuplO/s640/new-england-beach-house-a.jpg" width="640" /> </a></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/AVvXsEjzEbXhF5led97OaXdJlY3PwVmG867_WIH0NVDaMWPty3q8X2fmwQsZuCC2kno20Q-vSIaN1rJdtau9EyQc7K8zL9Mx_16b5pAbPRumXQPiSN-6gUsD4O2YVnkDGjDnCjAX1cMNLyZ_FplV/s1600/new-england-beach-house-sunny-outdoors.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEbXhF5led97OaXdJlY3PwVmG867_WIH0NVDaMWPty3q8X2fmwQsZuCC2kno20Q-vSIaN1rJdtau9EyQc7K8zL9Mx_16b5pAbPRumXQPiSN-6gUsD4O2YVnkDGjDnCjAX1cMNLyZ_FplV/s640/new-england-beach-house-sunny-outdoors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><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/AVvXsEhIU2UCsgul_RqQUQu7V2r0yjkqY5PXypnLiDlYfTXJRRC2OJRGWlElHy8l0my75nxyc_xqsS_70JOT6iYb3RY30BQ7ffautVxdl3aIZ9oPyQjnerXBV_uuuoZOArhBrCNzts-KKlLxUY7L/s1600/new-england-beach-house-outdoor-bath.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIU2UCsgul_RqQUQu7V2r0yjkqY5PXypnLiDlYfTXJRRC2OJRGWlElHy8l0my75nxyc_xqsS_70JOT6iYb3RY30BQ7ffautVxdl3aIZ9oPyQjnerXBV_uuuoZOArhBrCNzts-KKlLxUY7L/s640/new-england-beach-house-outdoor-bath.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7K6DkNGpQgFjBTFTxEoktY1E4hKTEt5-KOxZkBxrBVGHifWFJVfV55CUOdDFtYU0JVKb7hY_xPkugy3dKI4DGzE3mxQCis4LfFmSYWMDUFsVviQ_-zy6_YHZjisEkN7tNrRGvMmjXY87/s1600/new-england-beach-house-dining-tables.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7K6DkNGpQgFjBTFTxEoktY1E4hKTEt5-KOxZkBxrBVGHifWFJVfV55CUOdDFtYU0JVKb7hY_xPkugy3dKI4DGzE3mxQCis4LfFmSYWMDUFsVviQ_-zy6_YHZjisEkN7tNrRGvMmjXY87/s640/new-england-beach-house-dining-tables.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMHfacObO6zRw9de92KCXRTNdtnLT2roWjPmK6I9W9BYv_ALR-mfJBAKx-2aW6Bk-XT51l66PgDRo-9WkVVImDwGz2hxkFrgCfTQHEhqdbC27ucu19Q3RAw50rziNGlf9VG8qcFjX3Xng/s640/new-england-beach-house-dining-room.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGaNd5_Hf8wQnLjrZDfv9cF_F2jJuUKEbkz2v9YaOccSS3naOchvXatBhPxOI2hCU5g1iScwXa4o7e3aYJlak9b1M-MURjFj9z6S2GflejIbqSBSlf6Kb_omUwO_HFeON6ybYpTC5txnG/s1600/new-england-beach-house-couch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSGaNd5_Hf8wQnLjrZDfv9cF_F2jJuUKEbkz2v9YaOccSS3naOchvXatBhPxOI2hCU5g1iScwXa4o7e3aYJlak9b1M-MURjFj9z6S2GflejIbqSBSlf6Kb_omUwO_HFeON6ybYpTC5txnG/s640/new-england-beach-house-couch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXa7wc-pWUpW0m1532gwj6Ed3TcF2MZ90islO61Iyq7VN_TGR9yE-DCpdsC6HrS4hCYsaBYq_nZQJNY4rAIWqrMVLssodXt5i2d7DOSluXRat3SYsVR3ecedSplu1DWNf6ox0az5HQYPt/s1600/new-england-beach-house-mirrors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXa7wc-pWUpW0m1532gwj6Ed3TcF2MZ90islO61Iyq7VN_TGR9yE-DCpdsC6HrS4hCYsaBYq_nZQJNY4rAIWqrMVLssodXt5i2d7DOSluXRat3SYsVR3ecedSplu1DWNf6ox0az5HQYPt/s640/new-england-beach-house-mirrors.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VAiUcqNqXDIiYJIpZYdV9ECNxjZI_sA7ueV-2QI3hL38mkznuScAyv3JdOC613M3W9xt4Oc0aivTs4sJoJ69JyYGpOYNnJYGdbYK434S-xBNm7V6HH2nfnSw9cyJonRrmnVYbjKkpEXc/s1600/new_england_beach_house_christmas_tree_&_horn_candle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VAiUcqNqXDIiYJIpZYdV9ECNxjZI_sA7ueV-2QI3hL38mkznuScAyv3JdOC613M3W9xt4Oc0aivTs4sJoJ69JyYGpOYNnJYGdbYK434S-xBNm7V6HH2nfnSw9cyJonRrmnVYbjKkpEXc/s640/new_england_beach_house_christmas_tree_&_horn_candle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEbXhF5led97OaXdJlY3PwVmG867_WIH0NVDaMWPty3q8X2fmwQsZuCC2kno20Q-vSIaN1rJdtau9EyQc7K8zL9Mx_16b5pAbPRumXQPiSN-6gUsD4O2YVnkDGjDnCjAX1cMNLyZ_FplV/s1600/new-england-beach-house-sunny-outdoors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2HcrgP0E30Je831v0nbsaHHa6m8hALtr7ykKiNmcBSml4c2G2-VigLMh45NXLO47Fm2PtE0x_noq4_irPUMQKfq2oKn-uso4znwZuvj6vPE8dkStDboBAt2IUnTs-FVsToljLzzcHYiS/s1600/angmering_on_sea_east_preston_beach.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2HcrgP0E30Je831v0nbsaHHa6m8hALtr7ykKiNmcBSml4c2G2-VigLMh45NXLO47Fm2PtE0x_noq4_irPUMQKfq2oKn-uso4znwZuvj6vPE8dkStDboBAt2IUnTs-FVsToljLzzcHYiS/s640/angmering_on_sea_east_preston_beach.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Though I feel it really has more of a tropical vibe than New England, it's a beautiful place with lots of character and charm. And given the weather we have going on today in New England - tropical would be perfection!! <a href="http://www.luxurycountryrentals.com/property.php?property=New_England_Beach_House&action=overview" target="_blank">Details here.</a><br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. Thanks!<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml"><img alt="" src="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/images/pub/feed-icon16x16.png" style="border: 0; vertical-align: middle;" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/EQjz" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml">Subscribe to ::Surroundings::</a>

World View of New England Style: Sussex Vacation Rental

Here's another "New England" styled property - this time in coastal Sussex, England . This is a rental vacation house (aka Hol...

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Designing My Dream Home

<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/550x/ba/ac/5f/baac5f461078024c824d32ac2a422101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/550x/ba/ac/5f/baac5f461078024c824d32ac2a422101.jpg" /></a></div><br />I've set out a new challenge for myself, which is to design my own "Dream Home" and I'm inviting you along for the ride! This exercise is, in part, to give me ample opportunity to work on my digital rendering skills, but also to really think about what I would want if this were a real project and I was the client. I decided not to let the simple fact that I have no budget stop me from creating the home of my dreams - especially since we have a virtual world to play in.<br /><br />While money is no object (hey, it's my fantasy after all!) I do intend to incorporate some of my actual possessions and family heirloom pieces into the mix and I will make them work! The house may be new construction, or it might be that I find a great antique house in a wonderful location that I would fully renovate. So, my design plan starts with a very traditional center entrance colonial style home.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec1.pinterest.com/550x/b4/ab/da/b4abda9a1350df233f367823161d688b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec1.pinterest.com/550x/b4/ab/da/b4abda9a1350df233f367823161d688b.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images-mediawiki-sites.thefullwiki.org/06/2/8/9/98243181049293177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="http://images-mediawiki-sites.thefullwiki.org/06/2/8/9/98243181049293177.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />One house I am very inspired by is Florence de Dampierre's house in Connecticut.  I just love the green door - such a shot of energy. I love the design of this house as well, but it's not my dream house. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/550x/7c/68/4c/7c684cde55b25870855bba51483792a9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-lt0.pinterest.com/550x/7c/68/4c/7c684cde55b25870855bba51483792a9.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And so, here is my first round of design work, starting on the exterior, which as you can see features clean lines. I'm still on the fence about using shutters or not, but my guess is that I will make the decision closer to the end of project. One of the cool things about digital rendering (I use Live Interior 3D Pro for Mac) is that you can add in features like shutters and then "hide" them if you want to see the view without the element in question. No need to delete and re-add. They are still in the project, we just can't see them. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkyn7CRlHhns2vy5JY7KBGN98AgzE_H0Cx2Wkg_DxB7XzrJtshcLUM1wfhrjDnTFLu2oNPdTxapzrbEqiOCbHM7nRLB299-jOi5bJRN1lxuRkiJWWZscLR4ViJkZlbjWNzKSRDh2Yat_P/s1600/Linda%2527s+house+-+Ext+030713a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCkyn7CRlHhns2vy5JY7KBGN98AgzE_H0Cx2Wkg_DxB7XzrJtshcLUM1wfhrjDnTFLu2oNPdTxapzrbEqiOCbHM7nRLB299-jOi5bJRN1lxuRkiJWWZscLR4ViJkZlbjWNzKSRDh2Yat_P/s640/Linda%2527s+house+-+Ext+030713a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />So, as we see, the main house has a center entrance with an extended closed entry-way. I love, love, looking into spaces through doors and windows and love the option of having this element. On the right side (when facing it) of the house will be a sun porch (with fireplace!) and a deck that stretches off the porch. You will note I don't have the windows on the 2nd floor over the deck in yet. I've not yet decided if the sun porch will be off the kitchen or the living room  - the insides are completely bare at the moment. And I'm not sure if the sunporch will be quite as large as it is. Decisions, decisions! I think the roof deck over the sun porch will be off the master suite - but again I've not spent anytime yet with the insides. I may want to do something completely unexpected with that space as well. <br /><br />I don't love huge houses and think that a smaller house leaves more in the budget for finer details! This house, as it is now, is about 2,600 sq. ft. Not too small, definitely not too big. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP25NuCq70A9sAFidNAcyC7Mxt1xxK_cqT56SkW8LhRh-WAz55LlquYEnkAW5gmY2Ht8VXdQ3vjH-axU-Dd492uPrDNKw1Yy38v7B-XkVgoEclsjTXzQQTm0mLodYDpDx-yqTf0TSgiD62/s1600/Linda%2527s+house+-+ext+030713c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP25NuCq70A9sAFidNAcyC7Mxt1xxK_cqT56SkW8LhRh-WAz55LlquYEnkAW5gmY2Ht8VXdQ3vjH-axU-Dd492uPrDNKw1Yy38v7B-XkVgoEclsjTXzQQTm0mLodYDpDx-yqTf0TSgiD62/s640/Linda%2527s+house+-+ext+030713c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Here's a close up of the entryway. You will see in the "windows" that I've painted the inside walls and ceiling a bright green - Benjamin Moore's "Stem Green". I love the idea of it peaking out as a sort of surprise to visitors. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyTLu7tXgyW4eHdcgofGJquhCNZF37R3CQHYnktdXmi9rXO5oYVbVs7RcYCZMjtM37dnVQ1aK6DjbY4raRYYB83n0UaZumfu2cd9SPItMzUQaxMudQQ1cnioQAHl8UjBwhskJH1ogbJFb/s1600/Linda's+house+-+Ext+030713b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyTLu7tXgyW4eHdcgofGJquhCNZF37R3CQHYnktdXmi9rXO5oYVbVs7RcYCZMjtM37dnVQ1aK6DjbY4raRYYB83n0UaZumfu2cd9SPItMzUQaxMudQQ1cnioQAHl8UjBwhskJH1ogbJFb/s640/Linda's+house+-+Ext+030713b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><br />And here's another view looking into the entry where I've laid a black and white marble floor on the diagonal. This flooring will also be in the front hall and probably also the kitchen. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5t6DRaYe5PBhUYj-hQsxyj_KukxunaXvkGRNHdjN1KlMFnKHEizBLC8FSUja2HPAqcMjtR73hZ2Pzqq_Tx00keNos5PF_M0na0oaTUnf_CDRSF9gabkPPXVsY6Z7-dDYt1vO43M60imny/s1600/Linda's+house+-+entry+030713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5t6DRaYe5PBhUYj-hQsxyj_KukxunaXvkGRNHdjN1KlMFnKHEizBLC8FSUja2HPAqcMjtR73hZ2Pzqq_Tx00keNos5PF_M0na0oaTUnf_CDRSF9gabkPPXVsY6Z7-dDYt1vO43M60imny/s640/Linda's+house+-+entry+030713.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Of course, many of these details will likely change over time. One thing I'm thinking as I "peek" into my own window above is that I should add benches in here with boot storage below or something along those lines.<br /><br />I've started a Pinterest board with my inspirations and selections, which you can view <a href="http://pinterest.com/linda_merrill/linda-s-dream-home/" target="_blank">here</a>.  <br /><br />Anyway, I hope you will enjoy following along. And keep your fingers crossed that I win the lottery some time soon. I never play, so maybe cross your toes too!<br /><br /><br />If you would like my help on your design project, I would love to chat with you! Please <a href="mailto:linda.m.merrill@gmail.com">email me</a>. 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Designing My Dream Home

I've set out a new challenge for myself, which is to design my own "Dream Home" and I'm inviting you along for the ride! T...

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