Follow my blog with Bloglovin
Do you have the fever for the flavor of a farmhouse? You’re not alone. The fervor has swept the country. And why not? The farmhouse mood is easy and relaxed.
The historic farmhouse may, however, be a far cry from the image your mind conjures with its open floor plan and shabby chic flourishes. Farmhouses were historically small in scale and designed for practicality. As families and needs changed, small rooms were opened to allow for more family and multi-purpose space. Perhaps, our love of the farmhouse is a nod to our past, to a simpler time, when the home was considered an adjunct to the land. The wrap-around porch, still synonymous with the farmhouse, illustrates that love of the land and the timeless charm of country living.
Though my family lives in an authentic antique farmhouse, I find myself feeling out-farmhoused after only one episode of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. After a marathon, I’m packing my bags for Waco. The fact is we can’t all demo our homes and start fresh, nor would we want to, when push comes to shove. Most days, I love my home, quirky charms and all. So, what can we do in our own homes to add some of the farmhouse feel without undertaking a major renovation? These are features you can add to the home itself, without breaking the bank. The list does not include furnishings or decor suggestions, as that is a list unto itself. (more…)
If you are a coffee junkie like my husband, there is an optional piece of kitchen equipment you may want to consider for your new home or kitchen remodel: a built-in (or integrated) coffee machine.
The Backstory
My husband is a German, and likes his coffee strong and often. So when we were planning our kitchen remodel back in 2011, he started looking into built-in coffee machines. Being a good Irish girl from Massachusetts, I grew up drinking tea with milk, so I wasn’t sold on the necessity of the purchase. But, my husband persisted – making a case for how important his morning (and afternoon and sometimes evening coffee) was to him.
We also had a huge Italian automatic espresso/cappuccino machine he had purchased in Germany and lovingly transported back to the States that took up about half the real estate on my counter tops. So in truth, I wasn’t too reluctant to give in, giddy with the idea that I would regain some much-needed counter space. And I have to say, even though I don’t use it for myself, it has been a great addition to the kitchen for guests and entertaining.
Who is a good candidate for a built-in coffee machine?
First, you need to like a stronger, espresso-based coffee. (more…)
Thinking of hiring an architect for your next project, but want to understand the process better first? Learn how to hire an architect with this free guide from the Boston Society of Architects (don’t worry, the guide is relevant for anyone who is thinking about working with an architect).
Source: Boston Society of Architects
Each year, the Boston Society of Architects updates the guide and offers it free to homeowners thinking about undertaking a home improvement project. Called the Homeowner’s Project Handbook (HPH), it’s designed as an introduction for anyone using an architect for the first time. In it they cover topics like:
- Working with an architect
- Budgeting a project
- 10 Questions to ask your architect
- The role of the builder
- Energy management…
…and more. If you’ve thought about bringing on a professional to help your design ideas become reality but are unsure how to proceed, this guide is a great first step to understanding how to work with an architect.
And, for those living in Massachusetts, to help you start your search, the guide also includes a clickable list of BSA member architects who do residential work.
You can view the HPH online at the BSA’s website or request a printed copy by emailing: hph@architect.org.
Here’s what I am obsessed with right now: soaker tubs.
The backstory
When my husband and I bought our house 15 years ago, we were moving from an apartment in an old house in Newton where time seemed to have stopped in the ‘40s. If you were ever young and renting an apartment in the Northeast, you know what kind of house I am talking about – beautiful bones, but no updating whatsoever. Everything creaked and groaned. The wind blew right through the windows and the pipes knocked together like someone was banging on our bathroom wall every time the toilet was flushed. Every. Single. Time.
So, we were mesmerized by all the “bling” in our new (1989) house. A fridge that was actually located in the kitchen! Washer and dryer! Space! Closets! And a huge master bathroom with a two person jacuzzi-style tub. (more…)
Visiting a bath showroom is one thing you will inevitably do when remodeling your bathroom.
These meccas of all things bathroom offer nearly everything you need to create your perfect spa space: sinks, tubs, faucets, showerheads, shower enclosures, toilets, accessories and more. Some even offer cabinetry and lighting as well. Here’s what you need to know to make the most out of your experience. (more…)
