Baby, its cold out outside … Well, maybe not quite yet, but it soon will be, and fireplaces will warm things up, some more than others. But all of them provide coziness and a beautiful focal point to a room, whether traditional or sleek and contemporary. Most homebuyers report wanting a fireplace, which will typically […]
Make choices well in advance of need for in-law suite
Millions of Americans are finding themselves the primary caretakers of one or more parents. This relationship can be immensely rewarding, but it is not without its stresses. However, some of that stress is eased in providing parents with a safe, comfortable place to live that preserves as much of their independence as possible and the […]
Miles of tiles – technological advances have led to dizzying array of affordable, convincing options
Given the ancient origins of tile, we sometimes forget that technology and tile go hand-in-hand. Technological advances in inkjet printing and waterjet lasers, for example, have opened up new worlds of ceramic tile choices within the already dizzying array of options. Tile is not typically something we replace often, so if you haven’t taken a […]
The basics of what you need to know when living in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area
If the thought of having to deal with a compliance board in one of our area cities strikes fear in your heart, it shouldn’t. All of us in Hampton Roads are, or should be, stewards of our coastal environment, and these folks serve as partners in that process. Below, with information provided by WPL Site […]
Avoid the Clichés when Designing the Modern Farmhouse
Thanks in large part to HGTV’s wildly popular “Fixer Upper” series starring the married meteorites Chip and Joanna Gaines, the so-called modern farmhouse aesthetic is all the rage. After all, it offers a relaxed, nostalgic appeal while still saying, “I’m sophisticated and current.” But, go too far and it looks like a country cliché, especially […]
Rethinking Reclaimed Wood
Even before Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV “Fixer Upper” fame popularized shiplap, reclaimed wood was inviting itself into homes of every style. The warmth, rusticity and sense of history of reclaimed boards adds character not just to the interiors of cottages and bungalows, but modern, minimalist dwellings, transitional structures and more. With an industrial […]
As we think about cleaning up our act a bit in 2019, let’s turn to laundry rooms
When a new year dawns, many of us are thinking about how to do things better, how to manage various aspects of our lives in a more efficient way that brings more pleasure or at least less stress. As many of us think about cleaning up our act a bit in 2019, my thoughts turn […]
Design trends whose time has come to go
Design is a tricky enterprise. If you are someone who feels some pressure — or good old-fashioned desire — to be up to the moment in home design, you may find yourself at the mercy of trends that aren’t the best choices for you and your family. If you step back and ask yourself if […]
