Kitchen Design Luxury Homes

A stylish apartment

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiUEmmxicTJ76fL5F_4mYEniGsVOoQbKK_eSS0zuAdnHawt9CPeiaYE9d4C-aOMGJfYHjWMPvqrBxlJo8AYitQHFx2r7ASyafBM3mkUIV9qducI69XwFWJnGpd95Hdc3bBwNuS7trqiLX/s1600/throw+pillows.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713855736165499458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiUEmmxicTJ76fL5F_4mYEniGsVOoQbKK_eSS0zuAdnHawt9CPeiaYE9d4C-aOMGJfYHjWMPvqrBxlJo8AYitQHFx2r7ASyafBM3mkUIV9qducI69XwFWJnGpd95Hdc3bBwNuS7trqiLX/s400/throw+pillows.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> This past weekend I had the pleasure of having dinner with DC based designer <a href="http://www.steponkus.com/">Sally Steponkus</a> in her charming apartment. She graciously allowed me to take a few pictures with my camera phone to share with you.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713855728988497250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZbrbSc4ldl2uiFS5w0cYx_P1CkSIlAttUrjyxUgrA-PkGJcryb1hdCj1hC6h5BO1qrIHd86scBQYfmPuCMud9wA6To5XkcI-YKD3bUZpMcHkPSAnehiatNbmTK0PC7hrNJxzKT2S03Ww/s400/greek+key+trim.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Sally's apartment shows her loves very strongly, as everyone's home should. Greek key trims, chinoiserie touches, inspiring design books and art of Venice fill the space.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713855725706046770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtf0kkUsoJ7IUQZ-QzKQaKgZt7UnXM9CX6TP7pC-qIfDqb7RnkRkjDBd7URnvPFezz3dx17_j_FLaBtg_Jy9v67O2DnqUS4qxIR_r-WjvzafvK2hsnRJZDHNueedfOvUL9ytc40ZaYXO9/s400/books.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 275px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />It's always fun to go to a friend's house and see they have so many of the same books as you!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713855325297077298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh09J8R-VdctUrxB7GuDz23AExmxoTJdFadUazimvZsstmEfbyM4mS5QBox04IFk5Qx2efyrkx9mXpZlTbaOGo2o0ZVQDtkrnMnxvjNNO0Eq49XFc5oGTHnIBhYJRj6Ul24WuVxGcPxd9Tk/s400/seashells.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 278px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />I loved this bowl of seashells on a sidetable as a reminder of past vacations.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713855316182366626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTYJAkMJlLfLBX3Iu5FZzX8wz4olTKkWu9gUfT9BKefLMIS8BgEcZ7yg0ZBifmvlW1kbv4FjzKV2V88mcew_ZR29Q28vkREapg3uT97xeHS9R11qA6zE3ElIZEdQ2zYJtSieiLjCcQaNI/s400/reupholstered+chairs.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" />Two 60's club chairs from her childhood home have been recovered in a neutral linen as a great update. Notice the chinoiserie throw pillows added for comfort (and flair). <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713855312072003202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_F-8NBin25ENsFyIfecg2BirAcxov54iQdV3CwNZnGWXd72Y0nkiUPicf_cy6Zm9wqVk8p3BzhNvr-Od8MgoRdd4At9CEFpM4Fd1PJOmJEgZGKtUAcvrD3Zyo_p6EED1Ud8y93wJGlAKs/s400/chinoiserie+pillow.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 271px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />The pineapple lamps do a great job of separating the dining room from the seating area as well as light the space in a beautiful way.<br /><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713855311117491922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNQikfa2vwdhVSp_SpiFTY4HxsCD6zQJVE7pvplARsiSzeAI-4sbMhyGZnQxCQHw7JkzGe_4a2rG9YqQaOnedYSE6lbwOtGIMp9LmT_PSMtHKAQymJuilswBVpzh8ay0nhyKLLotEhNYI/s400/dining+table.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" />Her dining table doubles as an entry console when not in use. I loved the turquoise <a href="http://christopherspitzmiller.com/">Spitzmiller</a> lamp and greek key placemats.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713855300178214018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuxSTIX9zsB3ddN5UKGGCKDswP-o6BsW2xrAomt2Bd3HQbEYi-9SO2PIc5JtwKSztnF266WhhtK42oXdW1bJlLPrWOP61hqaKYS8IA3UL-DNurTaN8uS7sUsOT7B07UYUWxumOK4KgEyRE/s400/dinner.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 249px; CURSOR: hand" />And I can't forget the delicious shortribs served on her grandmother's china for dinner which hit the spot on a cold evening. Thanks for a wonderful evening, Sally!</div>

A stylish apartment

This past weekend I had the pleasure of having dinner with DC based designer Sally Steponkus in her charming apartment. She graciously all...

8:34 AM

A gracious floorplan

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoChX_F2x8oLWlbJDvoKAPphCIPOyOcrL9fY67gh6u_RiwCUJ8kKH-rHuYGH_236J4uL-DsVOtllISuA3QxL-fEgkIVz4PoZ6vZ-Btt7xk-c6d37_Xjwzlgzh36CWjlgES2hReiBbhiDDZ/s1600/elevation+8.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712785587866978450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoChX_F2x8oLWlbJDvoKAPphCIPOyOcrL9fY67gh6u_RiwCUJ8kKH-rHuYGH_236J4uL-DsVOtllISuA3QxL-fEgkIVz4PoZ6vZ-Btt7xk-c6d37_Xjwzlgzh36CWjlgES2hReiBbhiDDZ/s400/elevation+8.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> While I continue to edit and sort through my photos of Seaside, I'll bring you the last of the floorplans. While not really in <em>'small house' </em>territory, this plan has a lot of out-dated features common to these 1920 designs. Small closeted kitchens and maid's quarters, phone closets, sleeping porches and bathrooms without private baths are all features rarely seen in the 21st century.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712785583543803538" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-j7H_06chyphenhyphenukXUDWFDpK6U1V3Cp5pZZBCt5yYO2N0PXCnGKA20TRMUud6qhIYk5slVudT3w79wPPLLVhJUhe3qbwlSUtqKTTK6zbRq_a1OONH8kBohewLUAL8Q3kIdqqHI5eo0LOUMbjC/s400/house+8+1st+floor+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 215px; CURSOR: hand" />All is not lost however, I think the warren of small servant spaces in the back of the plan could easily become a powder room and more open kitchen with a connection to the living room for better traffic flow.The bedrooms are all small and share one bath. Heavens! <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712785577384231938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnxEWtIMvf6aO6Fibugk28m7WN9Um03XPeh8ZB5YFq8q1HTzi_gRPy3Pdv0wEUeyB8BAZLumr1sPDl7AMJju03AEpi1l-de0LTLjky2GdOMmteoSdDQcY7ZUdAzvibisoy7tDPlhNmbhM/s400/house+8+2nd+floor+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 191px; CURSOR: hand" />The bedroom in the upper right hand corner could easily and inexpensively be turned into a master bathroom and walk in closet as the plumbing is nearly there, en suite with the bedroom on the lower right. I would shut access to the sleeping porch off from the left hand bedroom so it becomes private to the master suite. Wouldn't it be nice to turn the roofs on the 2 sunporches into decks too?<br />In general, are you bothered by the loss of a formal living room in all of these plans? Personal preference here, but I hate formal living rooms as I feel they never get used despite all of the care lavished on them. I have to admit to loving a dining room though!<br />What would you do?

A gracious floorplan

While I continue to edit and sort through my photos of Seaside, I'll bring you the last of the floorplans. While not really in 'sma...

11:25 AM

One more small house plan

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5AV_m5u298EhCEuUF3ds2mMn-asJg3GVP9QTNKpjNkpoCABtgXXbUc8EzUBPMVZ2_q6HX5RB8ww_Yo_t1E4OUWki-7RvF1GSNvODO9GM8idVj_GP6ZxIZv-ju2WVSVpeYdPxuan417si/s1600/elevation+15.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712391748698360178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk5AV_m5u298EhCEuUF3ds2mMn-asJg3GVP9QTNKpjNkpoCABtgXXbUc8EzUBPMVZ2_q6HX5RB8ww_Yo_t1E4OUWki-7RvF1GSNvODO9GM8idVj_GP6ZxIZv-ju2WVSVpeYdPxuan417si/s400/elevation+15.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Well, "<em>smallish</em>" plan. This charming brick house looks pretty similar to a lot of the building stock of the 1920s and I can see why so much was built similarly-whats not to like?<br /><br /><div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712391724023527922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwU-DQfqeIxI2bVmA0UvWSi2tb1BnHau_WBZ5DcBbQ6mja2zL3zdp5_ZXwZIs4sdA8Dp3cPaFgGORyYtRDuru6_Vu7nbZyNzyyTKVnkCra-dtQnQWYo5pxeEtfMSBtC98kY54dwO5_34cz/s400/house+15+1st+floor+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 371px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />I should mention that I got off on this small house kick because I spent 4 days this past weekend in Seaside, Florida. <a href="http://www.seasidefl.com/">Seaside</a>, as many of you probably know, is the famous new urbanist town designed by Andres Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk in the 1980s in the Florida Panhandle. More recently, the film "the Truman Show" with Jim Carrey was filmed there and you may recognize it from that. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712391697006218066" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitBhPLXGw8xFopq87LoTfNkNZHYlwZ9BnhuASpgixybgk2HLCY_0s-umz6ODccQUIMvOXWLUIBan8kitb-DG2YlTOAE4Y4NBBKJh0ewXqcwrHWq3-jaKwGbnrvLSSRRDrjZifb2Lojjust/s400/house+15+2nd+floor+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 388px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />The houses in Seaside are small, charming and in a cohesive atmosphere that many people have called 'Disneyesque' or overly-designed but I love. I mean, how can you have TOO MUCH design or thought put into a neighborhood? Lamest arguement ever. Generally the opposite is the problem, as evidenced driving along the highway to Seaside and the other new urbanist communities that have sprung up nearby. I'll be posting more on Seaside shortly when I get my photos organized but I was not disappointed.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712391671237961058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgN17pPqeC_cnlamxAHv-Ve8usdv7j5iqBSMmulaFHcaUBi1ZgQfbKIaBcWbI_7SzWFJgYUa-ztK4zPwhNhp2dJmtBBhXpW4heXZpRGj2R0MsMw9ODVbB1YslaUeXF2zkNvGSWLazJ6Dp/s400/house+15+attic+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 323px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Getting back to the subject at hand, I don't believe this house is actually all that small but could use some updating to the plan. While one is tempted to make an addition to help create 'more space' -the entire purpose of this exercise (or at least these posts) is to try to think creatively and use what you have; Think outside of the box by staying within it! Better living through smarter planning and less waste is my goal. Clearing out the warren of pantry and small side entry in order to create a larger kitchen would help, as would creating a master suite from the 2 bedrooms on the right of the 2nd floor. Hopefully a bathroom could be added to the attic floor without too much expense, maybe in place of the storage above the master suite below. Of course, I would not be changing the numerous outdoor porches and charming exterior shown in the rendering. Stay tuned for some beautiful photos from Florida!</div>

One more small house plan

Well, " smallish " plan. This charming brick house looks pretty similar to a lot of the building stock of the 1920s and I can see...

9:56 AM

A really small house plan

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31J0sbv3_LHkRmA1NHA01v3jWATZHRPSRWhTqn5GV9dCcgCv58trfbvQhLGkB8B5glJkBuV7q-VMrIFPzZF5kMchtyzejkb1fROYNlsFpW7N6PuOc3IloHYStTZQXCsAkDes9MPGJ2v4S/s1600/elevation+23.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710158357875199202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj31J0sbv3_LHkRmA1NHA01v3jWATZHRPSRWhTqn5GV9dCcgCv58trfbvQhLGkB8B5glJkBuV7q-VMrIFPzZF5kMchtyzejkb1fROYNlsFpW7N6PuOc3IloHYStTZQXCsAkDes9MPGJ2v4S/s400/elevation+23.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> While I'm on this small house kick, I'll show you one of the houses in the book which was very small even by my standards! I could see a couple living in this cute little cottage perhaps but not a family and it certainly needs a lot of updating with the strange floorplan. Maybe it's suited for a retirement house or cottage at the lake?<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710158354294587666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaV5_19JmuPCtAybrd2hszRPIV9H6XpVcrdXxPGwDGXGAeMp1uj09rYdmfFvAu86Titx-OK4tlLnXzseADawdoeED6isUC65husr14hfyLAf0veS1VAmaEHU433Uk_x0oMfdFxwFf-7IzH/s400/house++23+floor+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 359px; CURSOR: hand" /> <br /><div>I think I would open the entry hall (porch) to the living room a bit more and install some built-in cubbies with bench and hooks for coats and boots in place of the odd extra door to the small bedroom. While I'm at it, I'd panel the entry in beadboard to take it further into '<em>cottage</em>' territory. Then extend the kitchen into the dining room for a good sized space. A round dining table could nicely fit into the living room bay window. The closet/pantry behind the kitchen I'd keep for some much needed storage. Informal living in this small house!</div><br /><div>The small cloistered bedrooms with overly large hall are really strange -no? I'd keep the hall bath for the bedroom in the upper left hand corner which would have to serve guests too as there is no space for a powder room. Then turn the lower 2 bedrooms and part of that large wasted hall into the master suite. Entry into the suite would be through a small dressing room with access to the corner bedroom with the master bath up against the entry hall. What do you think -is it salvageable?</div>

A really small house plan

While I'm on this small house kick, I'll show you one of the houses in the book which was very small even by my standards! I could ...

3:00 AM

Revised plans

<div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709856683962998194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoShltlEWC38penOwLpI3rKFarGoar3Cj0w_5jcR3VQTSnjAmcIDUK5bm0HRzum2jDn7-vK9KaqFgTCDAxwGFKBoEu5pfHI6pzB00FDnAWFLJsohQY_swJgiy8VHDQEsBmvwSMMTdk2-tH/s400/elevation+16.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 261px; CURSOR: hand" />You may remember the '<em>small</em>' house from yesterdays post. To prove my point about some small renovations were all that were needed to move this house into the 21st century I quickly (and messily) sketched some alternate floor plans. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709856669838464914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyilTTJSGzcCRNW6t3cY-e0UCD-N3fZxJlFzglm7Nhgz0KjCEvy9qqJkYWEO8icloO6HI5V5Rcp7lDOVCNmNFT0TBkY92RVAhxVlKcl3YaKIF1GnAj7BmI0htmjIWu1b3DcUi988eNbr8/s400/house+16+1st+floor+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" />Before: the first floor was ok but lacked an open kitchen, a powder room, and a traffic pattern for modern living.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709861991227164082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQ1sdN9Rr4cgaHD5cRn2SuA1bkq-ge5pTOo4IavxEf3rpF0CcjhYX_v4Cpp9_LftfyrmrL7rIrykuzNTVKugB4xds3ZuUiWevcTubEXQX_qYtLkUAjt50K1FwsyYkYiKh3KubC_ISJkKx/s400/revised+1st+floor+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" />After: I opened the entry hall to the living and dining rooms. I also opened the sunroom into the living room with a large beam holding the wall above with flanking decorative columns. I opened up the back of the house to a new terrace with a long pantry off the new kitchen. The previous kitchen was small and cramped but once it was gutted, provided enough space for a small powder room (so small the door needs to open out!) and a larger kitchen. The addition of a larger group of windows over the sink, matching those in the living and dining rooms, opens the kitchen to the side garden.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709856649281174738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDt_Ozdc_7UyT5sDH8iD7Fi-mrEzCb-9qok7Nf2u7S4dWdrGhFZEJJ02T0NLgrlLa2sfbXA_rwQOKsxO2y7y4Mq8dJFf3wwBNzqVf4FqQQYywbF8siCGPN5uoI_NxF5R3NyBvw5iaoYcCO/s400/house+16+2nd+floor+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 287px; CURSOR: hand" />The second floor was under-bathed and had additional bedrooms that were not needed (remember the 3rd floor has 2 small bedrooms and an extra bath). I turned the old hall bath into a closet with the 3rd bedroom becoming the master bath. Double sinks and an extra large shower were on the top of my priority list. I should have reversed the door swing on the old hall linen closet of course - oops! Remember this was fast and quick. Bedroom #2 gets a small walk in closet with access to an efficient but private bath.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709856639319381298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimqKeCJ6yGn7VvyaD-V5X1F4VG1B45H_aTYWV6mN1OmaQqw9cfCGWqBOBp_VoYy37wYDiA3lpsv9uTYynexrDpzMOYayWB2RkW-HgBfhyphenhyphengeE5wWi3tveirdTa1ThLkDTheqqCzcXbmq28m/s400/revised+2nd+floor+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 285px; CURSOR: hand" />I tried to minimize any changes while respecting todays love of open floorplans, private bathrooms and larger closets. What would you have done differently?</div>

Revised plans

You may remember the ' small ' house from yesterdays post. To prove my point about some small renovations were all that were needed ...

3:00 AM

Another small house plan

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn3JPQ8yeTZ97yFWm0XkErNO-vKwEgb_kmjqJBiq4ZfrRLCQN9FwHW11e_E2N5EhNH3BCnjpwaMBXe7IcG0gPq2Qmj057E3Gm7hrDc4p7872Ls6Gavdj_OOfLCaJPmqmoJTkrhVZtX1RR/s1600/elevation+16.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709795126110527266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwn3JPQ8yeTZ97yFWm0XkErNO-vKwEgb_kmjqJBiq4ZfrRLCQN9FwHW11e_E2N5EhNH3BCnjpwaMBXe7IcG0gPq2Qmj057E3Gm7hrDc4p7872Ls6Gavdj_OOfLCaJPmqmoJTkrhVZtX1RR/s400/elevation+16.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 261px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> From the same book, <em><a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2012/02/small-houses.html">Building with Assurance</a>,</em> I bring you house #16. A slightly larger Georgian styled house, it measures in at nearly 3,000 sf, a number seen in the smallest houses built today.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEH4yI1YPEpumssVVI5Uc3Tv7PqUJePJDFhEKhHaf6fJBr1hHhcVUN4xLUj0pJZCy6qmIWyCfNRVsjwQ_-gqPBfbluE7eqReQGoMB6ofeCZLYxeGK8LFkDH-7IwRwG7Um6hNfIOMayY-M/s1600/house+16+1st+floor+plan.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709795116267436050" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEH4yI1YPEpumssVVI5Uc3Tv7PqUJePJDFhEKhHaf6fJBr1hHhcVUN4xLUj0pJZCy6qmIWyCfNRVsjwQ_-gqPBfbluE7eqReQGoMB6ofeCZLYxeGK8LFkDH-7IwRwG7Um6hNfIOMayY-M/s400/house+16+1st+floor+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 275px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> This is almost too much of a house for me, what do you think? I love the gracious entry hall with flanking living and dining rooms. I would remove the doors to the front hall and open up the kitchen a bit more to get rid of the fussy breakfast nook and pantry, otherwise I think this is a great floorplan for modern living. In favor of a larger kitchen, one could forgo the seperate dining room and place a table in the sunroom, facing the garden with additional access to the kitchen near the basement stairs. Then the dining room and kitchen could become a very large eat-in kitchen.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709795087051923634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOAWA8MYSSM8rNQtL7QHoEfgfCOLScXQMaiLHHEYL5PoInnQ-F2gR325KcShIr0Fq8_kjJuFznh-Zfir3GNutPS-cQAN2-tli8BJeRkQ0Mke4W6F458yhpKjJK-WrwsitsoMOHbk-qXJt/s400/house+16+2nd+floor+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 287px; CURSOR: hand" />On the second floor, a generous master bedroom with a fireplace and lovely porch is already in place, but I'm sure along the way it would have been glassed in. I'm ambivalent either way (glassed in or not) but I would definitely want to carve out an en-suite bathroom. The rear bedroom and existing bath would need to be reconfigured to that end, hopefully also providing a walk-in closet for the master suite.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709795062785247618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjz-LivcpAXbM2tZcvmQm7hNJ_CbhTUuFWGee2Z5FhzP2RRMZl-mv-a8myEoh8J-aFBXTCe7ZDjQAojO5zqb2dzlPX33T5nTY-4lMq-wQWoyD4jPNO8GuR3hrjw4r3uCIJwVECQh7pu8Ix/s400/house+16+attic+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" />While I'm getting rid of a bedroom (or possibly two) on the second floor, don't forget the attic has 2 bedrooms and its own bath!</div>

Another small house plan

From the same book, Building with Assurance , I bring you house #16. A slightly larger Georgian styled house, it measures in at nearly 3,0...

3:00 AM

small houses

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSit39CTQgKOKHSq0r7X64peoZM4OhYfXaiWPEcua6yzA-7gE_8xUAvve4R2cwSEaaUfxXoJ1p7a6oSJHNUcR086B4wze1fGGoFVveXoNnYBv5m9oTo4qjtxOuVccaY9a1o_w_fB2c0gb/s1600/elevation+7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709785953905564754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSit39CTQgKOKHSq0r7X64peoZM4OhYfXaiWPEcua6yzA-7gE_8xUAvve4R2cwSEaaUfxXoJ1p7a6oSJHNUcR086B4wze1fGGoFVveXoNnYBv5m9oTo4qjtxOuVccaY9a1o_w_fB2c0gb/s400/elevation+7.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 260px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> While generally I blog about grand old houses and palaces, it may come as a surprise to you that I actually favor the small houses from the early 20th century. Once copiously built and now widely abhored, these cottages and bungalows are under constant threat; knocked down or mutilated beyond recognition in quest of glorious 'space', generally at the cost of quality.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709785943727377282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNeefgSWNsx6_uDnPR6dMajo4IzIDRZyNfkTs3sscdtjBShWuO09gz6y6Ff2FkLtgZqoyFo-CMTQEFJyr2fZF9gwldbu33NahUbLsPwTqPGNQZz9ndpxnQkqRoGXvs11BMhS4t7Sf-mAnf/s400/Home.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 298px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />Lately I was going through a book in my library released by the Morgan Woodwork company in 1921 called "<em>Building with Assurance</em>" which was a thinly veiled catalog of their offerings under the guise of a magazine. Exhibited were a number of beautifully illustrated house plans and elevations which just happened to use their wares. Over the next few days I'll bring you some of my favorites but it is beyond me why someone would need more than these 1500-2500 sf houses unless they had 10 kids. Most of our grandparents and parents were raised in houses of equal size and smaller (some of the houses built after WWII were barely 1000 sf remember).<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709785941457983218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU86a4klXuIvSm2nIDJpaZMykNvOf0n3Iu6DR6OCfMeityu7py6Lyj23LqGBCh4p7Rm-a93R9PWzzBDaqyNqgCF8rtCgdQQsw_NAXFL1rs2W9HgrqHQchnl0UUT4qIncdkbikLfetQ5BQt/s400/house+7+1st+floor+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 317px; CURSOR: hand" />Of course, I wouldn't be living in this house as it was built had I come across it in its original form. This is afterall the 21st century and modifications would have to be made. Of the 1,675SF house, I would probably create a larger eat in kitchen from the small porch, pantry and original kitchen. Additionally, I would open up the stair into the entry hall and possibly the kitchen. The maid's room (who has a live in maid in this day and age in such a small house?) would make an excellent study or den with bookcases replacing the small closets. The full bath makes a generous powder room and coat closet facing the hall.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709785934241089490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOlQybI3XYNHjPutUgMuqPtQ146cvyT38NOKJeQaMtnBa1ubBuSjhAEbx1OlaTjEu9ML_TJ3Jb6ytGbnP6BF01eJ_oBFNCMFCeLnKWYDU-7il-E1EAPx0ghE8rJFQDDFZJXFtJy9jxMxq/s400/house+7+2nd+floor+plan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 307px; CURSOR: hand" />On the second floor, I would use bedroom #2 as the master bedroom. Bedroom #1 would become an attached bath (through the original closet door) while the sleeping porch would be glassed in and become a join dressing / sitting room with closets on the north wall closing off access to bedroom #3. Bedroom #3 would then become a nice guest room with access to the hall bath. Honestly, do I need more?

small houses

While generally I blog about grand old houses and palaces, it may come as a surprise to you that I actually favor the small houses from the...

9:16 AM

Happy Valentines Day!

Happy Valentines Day!

In case anyone missed it, check out the video that is the Google banner today -and a very Happy Valentines Day!

6:58 AM

A perfect Games Table

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0q-nMjqkSTsWFOvjM7LeuZNsS5fUx-c-Ikr_TNKC_5iilGAcVBfPyxVQPAhpDF2fa_n0pxy6L3EugTKayMloUcUcEDMYEuQ2iUU-t7CtUARYtsDOUpBQYlAXJtRbu8xmDCrqjQiiStXya/s1600/theodore+alexander.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707516930574257090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0q-nMjqkSTsWFOvjM7LeuZNsS5fUx-c-Ikr_TNKC_5iilGAcVBfPyxVQPAhpDF2fa_n0pxy6L3EugTKayMloUcUcEDMYEuQ2iUU-t7CtUARYtsDOUpBQYlAXJtRbu8xmDCrqjQiiStXya/s400/theodore+alexander.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a>The purpose of my trip to NY this past weekend was to shop for a project. One of my favorite furniture companies is Theodore Alexander, whom I have <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2011/11/theodore-alexander-miniatures.html">blogged</a> about many times in the past from my trips to Market (headed back this spring, who will be there? Let me know). In their showroom at <a href="http://www.abchome.com/">ABC Home and Carpet</a> (arguably my favorite spot in NY) I came across this William and Mary styled <a href="http://www.theodorealexander.com/productdetail.aspx?itemid=40820d39-4124-4c37-b067-72264bcd8286">games table </a>that really took my breath away. The standard Theodore Alexander high quality is there but the charm of the piece is what got to me. The fretwork on the cabinet, the practical drawers, the turned legs and the ogee x stretcher -could this be any cuter? The top has a sliding component with a chess/checkers board on one side and a gorgeously tooled leather top on the other: Underneath is a backgammon set. The 2 drawers are generously sized to hold a variety of other games. Put this one on my wish list, please! What do you think?<br /><em>No, this is not a paid advertisement but if Theodore Alexander wanted to send one or two of these my way I wouldn't argue!</em>

A perfect Games Table

The purpose of my trip to NY this past weekend was to shop for a project. One of my favorite furniture companies is Theodore Alexander, whom...

6:40 AM

Architectural wedding cake

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkOaaxN6zEXN4TsLatj6NpsW5IYjWmTcffcDQyG9vUM8Fwf1092UBcoFlsZ-OayXhAB6f_Nt98xVOJsNGdYSfyIo5MqKwS5TaxGR6ZoLVfU8qs7lOLkjMdmIXbfQAqCXZjHT9VGMtTb3n/s1600/early+skyscraper.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707226306031774994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfkOaaxN6zEXN4TsLatj6NpsW5IYjWmTcffcDQyG9vUM8Fwf1092UBcoFlsZ-OayXhAB6f_Nt98xVOJsNGdYSfyIo5MqKwS5TaxGR6ZoLVfU8qs7lOLkjMdmIXbfQAqCXZjHT9VGMtTb3n/s400/early+skyscraper.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 236px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> While in New York this weekend I came across this early skyscraper similar to ones you find all over the country in major cities. While the building type was still new, architects struggled with how to deal with these taller buildings in a traditional/ classical manner. Here this vaguely classical building resembles an architectural wedding cake with many different layers topped with a gilded cupola. Don't get me wrong -I love buildings like this but when you stop to think about them they are rather amusing. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707226288570588290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPh9_7vAtV4Z-PbV-HGorixSsLCDZS3fj1ykDchoCquhe63CufBqx5M2WuSmiGD0cdn3N013Eucwjs-OGOrQeySGtGvCGuI0zc0GAsw0zwQP4g_4yr1fB56Zbq9wTtO6KWoV3vE9LZca6I/s400/Empire+cake.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 235px; CURSOR: hand" />On to <em>real </em>cakes; I passed this bakery, <a href="http://empirecake.com/">Empire Cake</a>, and was blown away by this wedding cake on display which reminded me of the building above. Daisies are my favorite flower and their informal use here on the yellow background was just too pretty to not capture on my camera phone!<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707226259609164770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTJCenWJh4UUY4D9LsyFzuVdkSP1RLwqScN7J7tSwN-OSlszd9Lvtdb5ZQaBX2Etg9Rq57fbv_1lWNLMuZ6xWispyZxdJTOZZX_vzA2mJE4qtDgnUEVPQM_K7oKReyM4aHzC6G3x14In3/s400/wedding+cake.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 283px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />New York always holds a few surprises for you.

Architectural wedding cake

While in New York this weekend I came across this early skyscraper similar to ones you find all over the country in major cities. While the...

11:51 AM

Elegant Kitchen design House

Elegant Kitchen design House

12:30 PM

Repurposing

<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706839150449785842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquL5rZg2D40rasoPWXRkK3gR_auCf4PxvHiuNoqoxJmOHx9SlDJ3T39ZRjDSgA4YYL4cjpnRjwox9e9rVlaAVcqsfxgqs1Bl6hujnOVYExobABJd2gF_1cyLQtgu2s1OhUa1QOz2-OyNH/s400/decorative+ceiling.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />While in New York this past weekend, I stopped into a grand building at the corner of 8th avenue and 14th street.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706839158980542290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4DJRuqmUmYvOb2j73wAGWUhN6X5WYs4C9rnqVaFIJ76cXWGlxPeR4-tzpjAUym5Ipw6-a5pjDDz98Ky8-Q_JBw6347OkuA2Pla-KXRJiNSxl_MRExzDtSXsyF_DwIeyrXcHhGLJKA9u4/s400/cvs.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />The building in question is now a <a href="http://www.cvs.com/">CVS</a> pharmacy but started life as a bank. This type of repurposing has become common recently as churches become restaurants and banks apparently become pharmacies. You may remember my recent <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2011/12/ornate-ceiling.html">POST </a>on the Gordon Biersch restaurant here in DC in an old bank as well.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706839136819918978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkA6-AnJVFM7jb56JCPtFwl2ftgz-bwMQiKy9qpUHAcHxVzlTCJGy9s-Cm7jHKcLoM45SFt5dApYffvep3DGcGm1z5LsgyR7Jx01vHwHXv5mCno-FgF2DjRdLf1zDDMZLmX9jFwD9kqci/s400/dome+interior.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />While I'm glad to see beautiful old buildings getting a 2nd life rather than meeting with the wrecking ball, I have to question the number of bland branch banks (every street corner in many cities including here in DC) when beautiful old structures sit vacant.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706839127488431458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgvmLq8HsYZUW4joVYzSQS6U7NADBFN86myvgXu1-MHceAl11dTM-MvBAeOzQeaSBeAv6PQfSeWLemiYUdSQ4PBot5-kRU_E_HOJBqpB2FtFI4nUcNZzaY5ToW_dIYj3gNAj7HMFJ3_3P/s400/wall+clock.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />This definitely is the most beautiful CVS ever built and even had great new lighting. What examples of repurposed buildings are near you?

Repurposing

While in New York this past weekend, I stopped into a grand building at the corner of 8th avenue and 14th street. The building in question i...

10:43 AM

Floorplan fun

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoIrLvDBWbW9g0R6SOLFcyG6MBpkfcoHnIDQ0wAPHLG9Cll9pTGO92Xx-VPFrlv8SBzmbE-IY0qRCcPJm6EdBbE-_5lS8WE9yQzw-FfPoUs5q-8uTLZOkX5dW9igjxg9txFNKKaV-im7S/s1600/floorplan.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706498157412191394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsoIrLvDBWbW9g0R6SOLFcyG6MBpkfcoHnIDQ0wAPHLG9Cll9pTGO92Xx-VPFrlv8SBzmbE-IY0qRCcPJm6EdBbE-_5lS8WE9yQzw-FfPoUs5q-8uTLZOkX5dW9igjxg9txFNKKaV-im7S/s400/floorplan.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> During a quick trip to New York this weekend, I stopped into one of my favorite stores in the city, <a href="http://www.fishseddy.com/">Fishs Eddy</a>. They carry a pattern of dishes and products with different designs of floorplans; small studio apartments on small plates and palatial apartments on platters. Mugs have section drawings; the perfect gift for every architect or designer on your list! I first became aquainted with the pattern last year when a client would carry her renovation plans in the matching tote bag and they then proved to be very popular Christmas gifts from me!<br />See the entire collection <a href="http://www.fishseddy.com/search.htm?searchterm=floorplan&step=2">HERE</a>.

Floorplan fun

During a quick trip to New York this weekend, I stopped into one of my favorite stores in the city, Fishs Eddy . They carry a pattern of di...

12:46 PM

Framing Art

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYnEJdojmRKSXG5CqNtUWmcFabwE0uPXBSG_sjef8BFNodG7vDirwars-mOO6m5TTg1jrhKL5C1PUhvRkpE6SFhaYVL6HC36cyimYYp0Pxboypyg1Jdx_KxHZlDEz_DBQ01ffTkrBSgT7/s1600/Renwick+gallery.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704954359886867554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYnEJdojmRKSXG5CqNtUWmcFabwE0uPXBSG_sjef8BFNodG7vDirwars-mOO6m5TTg1jrhKL5C1PUhvRkpE6SFhaYVL6HC36cyimYYp0Pxboypyg1Jdx_KxHZlDEz_DBQ01ffTkrBSgT7/s400/Renwick+gallery.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 239px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Not with gilded framing but with architecture! A great piece of art is a wonderful focal point through an opening or in a niche. I was recently reminded of this while going through images I had taken with my phone: the one in question is this image from the <a href="http://americanart.si.edu/renwick/">Renwick Gallery</a>. Operated by the Smithsonian and located across the street from the White House, it was the first art museum built in the country.

Framing Art

Not with gilded framing but with architecture! A great piece of art is a wonderful focal point through an opening or in a niche. I was rece...

8:56 AM

Bar lighting

Bar lighting

While in Greenwich, CT last year, I took this picture of a light fixture in the restaurant L'escale at the marina. I love the witty us...

7:30 AM

Estate sale finds

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_ih-xnnPrfbCE2ZtW1SZyip4lsWUyqXWI9TdgATFoWMlrb0TwnD6po8edtNkA0fjc2LpRNPikCPWG_QPZHkO1CJSx6eB2zCcBXHop3qwfY6T-umh6Wgy5dctRHrS_TZ-mY-pJZGQA2mU/s1600/cigar+silks.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704011998328129650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_ih-xnnPrfbCE2ZtW1SZyip4lsWUyqXWI9TdgATFoWMlrb0TwnD6po8edtNkA0fjc2LpRNPikCPWG_QPZHkO1CJSx6eB2zCcBXHop3qwfY6T-umh6Wgy5dctRHrS_TZ-mY-pJZGQA2mU/s400/cigar+silks.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Lately I've been attending estate sales over the weekends. They're hit or miss but usually a lot of fun. A few weeks ago I visited a definite hit, the sale of Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart's DC house (read an article about the sale at the Post <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/estate-sale-provides-a-rare-look-at-the-world-of-justice-potter-stewart/2011/12/03/gIQALDH5PO_story.html">HERE</a>). I was able to acquire quite a few really interesting things and as it was the last day of the sale, for practically next to nothing. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704011981545963378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxGrbF_HnfnqnLaELbw2uh6-X2hOal-dRDtK0oYn4DGptWMvyUAjksp1FCASXRIyYGp8CH2Cgb29uvdGiqcANK5VTcKZ12vJp17qkxyBECpNNti8gB4vw3s7TUlnhqPh6dmd2wqYHlGB_9/s400/antique+pillow.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />My favorite find would have to be these 2 pillows covered with a collection of antique cigar silks.These squares of fabric were popular a century ago when selling cigars as a collectible (sort of an adult version of toys in a cereal box) and would have motifs of flora, fauna or in this case, flags from different countries. <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704011975655238658" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisFRYGgVDHimZkxg7IcsA5y5_vtQWc83IPvGvbOmTjc71umbPEPuKm7bLrCzwRv7ziEYlJ7lCEbpzpaj-V4MPGtkpFSMzqf_oGc-cm-7M-oxkxd7bwuIjdAw5PxCG6nca2chkfuhroq3PG/s400/patchwork+pillow.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" />I love that this collection had obviously only recently been turned into 2 throw pillows by Stewart's widow who has lived on in their house for decades following his passing. The fact that some of these squares are frayed only adds to their appeal.<br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704011967547024818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWiNNXG61UlqRUZ8i9nGDurqfuNkKMN6ORqwWdhQcWP2F6gTKpL-Hl94XdjlxDFnQMdQYJ65lgh1LsA70bG2NqbUmzkR3w2bfiLoWr1vfDUQZ3MBHT47vaf9UcFEfN5eGeM7a9x641JCSh/s400/living+room.jpg" style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" />And here they rest on my couch now, a reminder of a great man and a very fun outing!

Estate sale finds

Lately I've been attending estate sales over the weekends. They're hit or miss but usually a lot of fun. A few weeks ago I visited ...

3:00 AM

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