My Next Project....Our Home

Hello, and happy 2015! I love the start of a new year, and it helps when the weather is 80 degrees. When we last parted, I told you that we purchased a home....and here it is. 

There are windows behind those overgrown hedges, on the right. These are the images that came with the home. I have plenty more to

bore

entertain you with, as this project unfolds. 

There are tall ceilings in most of the rooms. Of course the carpeting will not be staying. There is also a shutter theme throughout the house. 

I'm not sure what will become of the dining room?...more shutters.

The current family room opens to the kitchen and breakfast area. You can't tell from this picture, but there is a pretty yard area beyond that solid wall?!

The home was built in the 80's, and I don't think it was updated since that time. 

I am in the process of confirming a contract with an architect, and we both agree that the kitchen needs to move....or at least be reconfigured. Do you like the tile? That layer was applied on top of the original tile. No extra charge for the second layer :).

More carpeting....bye, bye. 

I would love to have the ceilings in the kids rooms raised. 

High ceilings and plenty of room in the master bedroom. Shutters, shutters, shutters???

No words....sledge hammer, stat.

Even the pool needs some TLC. I do love the shape of it. 

Are you familiar with a pool cage? It's the screen system that encloses the pool. There are pros and cons to the enclosure.....I'm not sure how this area will unfold. 

There are plans that need to be drawn, permits to be filed, and lots of work to be done. I'm excited and a little bit nervous about this huge undertaking. Naples, is in a hurricane zone, and this home has no protection. Yikes! I'll be sharing the entire process with you. I hope you stick around for the next chapter in my life. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on what you would do with this home. 

Mixing Architectural Styles

I really love when architects play with details and merge unexpected styles together. This is a beach house, but it could easily blend into the mountains of Colorado. It has its own unique style.

Via

 This one feels modern, but also reminds me of an antique farm house. 

Via

I love the unexpected arched door with the metal roof on this one. The horizontal fencing is a nice touch, too. 

Via

I would expect the inside of this one to be as interesting as the outside. Maybe a pottery studio or an artists loft just beyond the door. 

Via

Do you ever wonder how people live

inside

their homes? 

A Shingle Style Home

This beautiful home is located in Boston. I love the barrel portico over the door. It's no surprise that I found it on an architectural firm's site. Notice the double pillars flanking the windows in the center. I can really appreciate when homeowners take the extra step and expense to add those extra touches. 

I really love this powder room.

Notice that small niche for the chandelier.

That outdoor fireplace is amazing.

All Photos Courtesy of Jan Gleysteen Architects

I don't know which I love more.....studying beautiful homes or beautiful gardens?

Which would you rather look at?

 

Real Estate Eye Candy

I think I may be starting a series.....or not. Last Monday, I was showing you a home that made me want to start over. As expected, that was good until the next one came along. 

Just like a bad Jennifer Aniston movie (sorry Jen, but other than you...why would anyone go?) there will always be others.

I think I fell hard with the Chippendale detailing on the gates. That double brick drive with the grass insert leading to the front door is making me want to explore the home further. 

I have always loved long stairways that wrap around a foyer....the thought of climbing those stairs is not as appealing. 

Abundant white trim and millwork. 

I love the drapery panels on the right and the roman shade on the left. 

All Pictures Courtesy of SLC Interiors

It's cool and crisp today.....isn't it August? Looks like Mother Nature is still mad at me.

I'm off to do laundry and spray painting. What are you up to?

 

I'm an Architect

George Costanza and I have the same dream....to be an architect. I have no interest in going back to school, nor do I want to work for anyone...other than the three people I live with. So, I will pretend to be one on my blog.

If I were an architect, I would design something like this. 

From the back. I love the arched window.

Or this...a front porch is a must.

How about this one? I love all the square windows.

And I would always have some stonework to help give it character.

All of the images are the work of Crisp Architects. I just stumbled upon them, and began to wonder ....what if? What career do you dream of?