Kitchen Design Luxury Homes: georgetown

Showing posts with label georgetown. Show all posts

Those fine 'Fine Paints of Europe'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabVg3ADI9v2oixwSYFq6Gc6AQL71locgmxCaJaveIcJxOhBq4ZooZh2nyPfuD8Ma9gulx70xxrJu5Y6chDrkJ5lYj76KUWkhmrEL8kMiTLOURm_qoYOByEBZ4aRZNczCea0DhXZuyWu4/s1600/front+of+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabVg3ADI9v2oixwSYFq6Gc6AQL71locgmxCaJaveIcJxOhBq4ZooZh2nyPfuD8Ma9gulx70xxrJu5Y6chDrkJ5lYj76KUWkhmrEL8kMiTLOURm_qoYOByEBZ4aRZNczCea0DhXZuyWu4/s1600/front+of+house.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As an architect you constantly find yourself specifying interesting and beautiful products but how does one get to make an educated decision over which products to use? I decided to try one out myself - <a href="http://www.finepaintsofeurope.com/">Fine Paints of Europe</a>. Fine Paints of Europe, or FPE as I'll call it in this post, is an oil based paint renowned for its glossy, almost glass-like appearance. To achieve this shine a rather detailed process is involved and on a recent project I decided to try it myself rather than leave it to the painters so that I could really get to understand the process.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoc7Mcy1dEq4tmU6xupP3EiY9zh6tmoFyugbPdPuoivX3QC_Ql7kYvZkYUU1VLavJVFB0zTqcnrMn4fto3fEX5O6Tmvu4bPscpLDduuXqt7XF0NdtqBrqbvYqhwANpxdz7zmPahc4D_o/s1600/house+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimoc7Mcy1dEq4tmU6xupP3EiY9zh6tmoFyugbPdPuoivX3QC_Ql7kYvZkYUU1VLavJVFB0zTqcnrMn4fto3fEX5O6Tmvu4bPscpLDduuXqt7XF0NdtqBrqbvYqhwANpxdz7zmPahc4D_o/s1600/house+before.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>Lets start at the very beginning shall we?  The project was an old and rather, lets say, 'dated' townhouse in Georgetown.  Above you can see the 100 year old door forlornly hidden behind an ugly security gate and layers of pink paint.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsUFEDKWwKvJxFcvJQZ8ikaftvndvbcgRiCjZfKDL-J4C8tW9XGWeRWfJgwLXfsjhyudIFHY3ZQD8RY-HwhaAClPmjHiGObV-UlcdVN5bNp1FnZBh6-883od_9aK9C9nN73K-AeWEcgg/s1600/white+door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsUFEDKWwKvJxFcvJQZ8ikaftvndvbcgRiCjZfKDL-J4C8tW9XGWeRWfJgwLXfsjhyudIFHY3ZQD8RY-HwhaAClPmjHiGObV-UlcdVN5bNp1FnZBh6-883od_9aK9C9nN73K-AeWEcgg/s1600/white+door.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>The first step was to get the house right. Painters were brought in to banish the pink and white scheme and new landscaping was installed. Dated storm doors in the city? No thanks, rip that out! Much better already, no?  After the long missing shutters were re-installed the only thing remaining on the street front was how to make that front door a focal point. It had to be something really special I felt - a bold color - and a shiny finish would be the finishing touch. Rather than a traditional red or green accent door, purple was decided upon. Yes - PURPLE. If you're gonna go for it - <i><u>GO FOR IT</u></i>!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaOK8Hx3K7n3gYld34iX7jpiHajWeFJIGg9KN24rzObYjEFp9VedFBF4MCNWyV9U5tbRtLvIoCvEHGjW9GSpc3eErgzucA2ayPci_YIj5jRQC6MfDmyBGfM03JofZfx1KCQLCAhUvlqE/s1600/first+coat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaOK8Hx3K7n3gYld34iX7jpiHajWeFJIGg9KN24rzObYjEFp9VedFBF4MCNWyV9U5tbRtLvIoCvEHGjW9GSpc3eErgzucA2ayPci_YIj5jRQC6MfDmyBGfM03JofZfx1KCQLCAhUvlqE/s1600/first+coat.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>Picking up my paint brush I was careful to follow the FPE instructions. After removing all of the brass hardware (to be thoroughly polished) and sanding the door (a very important step as the high gloss would show any imperfection), a specialty primer by FPE was used. This primer was so thick and rigid, like super glue, that it created a smooth surface to work on; not an easy feat on a rough old Victorian door! This took about 3 HOURS!! The 3 day holiday weekend was a perfect time for this as it took an entire day for the door to be sanded, primed, and then dry. The 2nd day was the 1st coat of paint.  The paint was also thick, although not as rigid as the primer. It went on smoothly and after very careful brush strokes, miraculously produced a perfect glossy surface!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQZNVnV-stGRLFoYxu4iidRfHnJFRUHjvBzzfVKx3eYmWvB5RRNHoOgL5upXk2vuv4Khunuh2GrpZxHf_3TZnCoMIRST5ktDT41FfzezyQjPKM9kM1pLdCDzcHvtda2yk80fkhEPGDYc/s1600/door.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirQZNVnV-stGRLFoYxu4iidRfHnJFRUHjvBzzfVKx3eYmWvB5RRNHoOgL5upXk2vuv4Khunuh2GrpZxHf_3TZnCoMIRST5ktDT41FfzezyQjPKM9kM1pLdCDzcHvtda2yk80fkhEPGDYc/s1600/door.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>The first coat dried perfectly and I was tempted to leave well enough alone but the directions said to apply a second coat. So the 3rd day I woke up early and did as directed. The 2nd coat was somewhat difficult as the paint dries as glossy as it is while wet so making sure I was achieving even coverage was a bit of a chore (viewing the door sideways helped). After drying for 12 hours I was able to re-install the now gleaming brass hardware and voila!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR045jYJpgAcVnTcDVkrVLbyN7JZwuFEHLRuR2AIhwBaA0gyLLgGy6dV-3XGI3SxK3rdh6M_X8x1m0XspbH13D8vGhDAzaGyFSAAXWjiu_w77WB4c47IZ9tVrIETcEAUQ-bSV2UHYBISc/s1600/front+of+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR045jYJpgAcVnTcDVkrVLbyN7JZwuFEHLRuR2AIhwBaA0gyLLgGy6dV-3XGI3SxK3rdh6M_X8x1m0XspbH13D8vGhDAzaGyFSAAXWjiu_w77WB4c47IZ9tVrIETcEAUQ-bSV2UHYBISc/s1600/front+of+house.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I was so happy with the end result and think it puts the finishing touch on this lovely Georgetown townhouse. On future projects I'll now be able to instruct painters with assurance having tried the product myself.  Lesson learned: follow the directions, they're there for a reason!<br /><i>I received no compensation for this post but rather I wanted to share my experience with a great product!</i>

Those fine 'Fine Paints of Europe'

As an architect you constantly find yourself specifying interesting and beautiful products but how does one get to make an educated decision...

5:38 AM

Let there be light

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Xb7clDXx8HSnWHt9y37fYST5vilIvLjITUZTVIGSbWOnMWz09-AnYjMrfzpFlpFRv7pta0xG4o65-dx3ktn27MVHuEtO5lyOhnjd8sCRZzzFyWTVG3IATVWaQow14al8Q5_R3sTJaTg/s1600/sconce+on+bookcase.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Xb7clDXx8HSnWHt9y37fYST5vilIvLjITUZTVIGSbWOnMWz09-AnYjMrfzpFlpFRv7pta0xG4o65-dx3ktn27MVHuEtO5lyOhnjd8sCRZzzFyWTVG3IATVWaQow14al8Q5_R3sTJaTg/s1600/sconce+on+bookcase.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>One of the most underrated light fixtures in my humble opinion is the sconce. Mounted at eye level sconces create flattering light unlike the shadow lines created on ones' face from overhead lighting. Also, they don't take up precious table space like lamps or clutter a room like floorlamps.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxA73YiVJM4av2BuuKnOnzA2Eqq-Kl6YdGyKp_RdqEwvLT8jwTEprU-Xi6UoXIIbZnOBupdpM7wheMNe0ko_6nykOuCXr2Ggsv6WEy6RoJ-jXTuYpV76n2U6WAm3cywzkQMsFpYeGX8xA/s1600/library+lighting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxA73YiVJM4av2BuuKnOnzA2Eqq-Kl6YdGyKp_RdqEwvLT8jwTEprU-Xi6UoXIIbZnOBupdpM7wheMNe0ko_6nykOuCXr2Ggsv6WEy6RoJ-jXTuYpV76n2U6WAm3cywzkQMsFpYeGX8xA/s1600/library+lighting.JPG" width="297" /></a></div>This weekend I helped a friend install some antique sconces we had picked out at<a href="http://www.artisanlamp.com/"> Artisan Lamp</a> (my favorite lighting source here in DC) onto some existing built-in bookshelves in his den. The effect is magical particularly in this small room without any existing lighting!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCJKKiZQLLcAelbneRQQiG2VjmRl0O5PWegW-b3-NKhd-85UJIGHnrr_Z9MMYLwz8Q9J_dNyKuTC-jM0rnZP7Cwk4fYySf4hR-TcGruFuDlJ4_0K0xO9oRbP9IIpczdLNS28o-ZFpYcY/s1600/sconces.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCJKKiZQLLcAelbneRQQiG2VjmRl0O5PWegW-b3-NKhd-85UJIGHnrr_Z9MMYLwz8Q9J_dNyKuTC-jM0rnZP7Cwk4fYySf4hR-TcGruFuDlJ4_0K0xO9oRbP9IIpczdLNS28o-ZFpYcY/s1600/sconces.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>Not only are they the jewels of the room, the warm light cast by them is ultimately flattering and practical. Don't forget sconces in your next project!

Let there be light

One of the most underrated light fixtures in my humble opinion is the sconce. Mounted at eye level sconces create flattering light unlike th...

7:10 AM

Hidden from view

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQX47q3GDXaDP9mXiOUdGg6yAi-XsQmkPD4yJcZeWg_cQwakEbId1TOT8tAvCEo1-_nI7rpjOFd-qvrFUD7dU8My85dMz2V3z0ZMv9y4svmIj3GoepvX477x_4tFdMqJHydSUbOVSJzVw/s1600/Georgetown+townhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQX47q3GDXaDP9mXiOUdGg6yAi-XsQmkPD4yJcZeWg_cQwakEbId1TOT8tAvCEo1-_nI7rpjOFd-qvrFUD7dU8My85dMz2V3z0ZMv9y4svmIj3GoepvX477x_4tFdMqJHydSUbOVSJzVw/s1600/Georgetown+townhouse.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I came across this identical row of townhouses on a side street in Georgetown recently which I had never noticed before. They're fairly nondescript row-houses of the type to be found all over the city but it's interesting to see how they have changed in the past century. All have been painted and one in particular has a sort of 'Grey Gardens' vibe to it. While I think this is rather wonderful in its way I'm sure the neighbors don't think so! While I work on lengthier posts while life continually gets in the way, what do you think of this type of 'garden' or lack of gardening?

Hidden from view

I came across this identical row of townhouses on a side street in Georgetown recently which I had never noticed before. They're fairly ...

4:04 PM

Merry Christmas!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tKNnYDCklFFUAhpxJ5u51OxKrxULq5FwOuasToJ1pVuGzzUoieBJ3DpH7SN0MLFfS6H6b3NVw3_6e4K1zg43L3RWP0weJrIzQvssiQojuj89oKTNClz4OXkBcVUMfTeebnKFFN2KeWU/s1600/lamppost+with+wreath.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tKNnYDCklFFUAhpxJ5u51OxKrxULq5FwOuasToJ1pVuGzzUoieBJ3DpH7SN0MLFfS6H6b3NVw3_6e4K1zg43L3RWP0weJrIzQvssiQojuj89oKTNClz4OXkBcVUMfTeebnKFFN2KeWU/s400/lamppost+with+wreath.JPG" width="292" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"May Peace and Plenty be the first to lift the latch on your door, and may happiness be guided to your home by the candle of Christmas"</i> </div><div style="text-align: left;">From ArchitectDesign to you, may you have a very Merry Christmas! <i>Stefan</i></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/AVvXsEikGvIIyg2XZUc9fe3qEJtd3-gkK1cT1S6ao9xg_8ZJXwPOZyBJvgUBdjNHCgSjKmZP_GMmgyFwPqvE2WYBSmCrcnFCW4Ejp5zsRHVMI375mJVollcjXBjx-1gvcn8HFX2N1y9JlGahyphenhyphen4I/s1600/poinsettia.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGvIIyg2XZUc9fe3qEJtd3-gkK1cT1S6ao9xg_8ZJXwPOZyBJvgUBdjNHCgSjKmZP_GMmgyFwPqvE2WYBSmCrcnFCW4Ejp5zsRHVMI375mJVollcjXBjx-1gvcn8HFX2N1y9JlGahyphenhyphen4I/s400/poinsettia.JPG" width="296" /></a></div><br />

Merry Christmas!

"May Peace and Plenty be the first to lift the latch on your door, and may happiness be guided to your home by the candle of Christmas...

10:35 AM

That touch of black

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvqcmtfkUGHUFw6RkdfkGMCr8LZ8rFLOxEAu8xIbq-tb5n-QYB7HuuWzk-l2c3U-Nt-XqXk9p28GMmcPngdc75hbndJ97qVc_3T6oPfZ8HAkLsnxxQkh4kl1V3VF0yefZM7DDoLcj3B0/s1600/georgetown+fireplace+after.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzvqcmtfkUGHUFw6RkdfkGMCr8LZ8rFLOxEAu8xIbq-tb5n-QYB7HuuWzk-l2c3U-Nt-XqXk9p28GMmcPngdc75hbndJ97qVc_3T6oPfZ8HAkLsnxxQkh4kl1V3VF0yefZM7DDoLcj3B0/s400/georgetown+fireplace+after.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I'm a firm believer in the design principal that every room needs to have a touch of black; it grounds the space. Recently I helped a friend add a touch of black to his own living room in one of my favorite spots - the fireplace surround.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAzT1_PwvrLvR70hN3VGCBceMsyyK97Zk53jaNEx6peTe4zgcQk1dB57vUNygQFGs66o6uquNfijM8tr9ievt8UfNxSY_sjAwQEnb_Ue4Ty0Lk6awhyphenhyphen83_Y-tiVl7SamD2bplmL6ZQCQ/s1600/fireplace+before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAzT1_PwvrLvR70hN3VGCBceMsyyK97Zk53jaNEx6peTe4zgcQk1dB57vUNygQFGs66o6uquNfijM8tr9ievt8UfNxSY_sjAwQEnb_Ue4Ty0Lk6awhyphenhyphen83_Y-tiVl7SamD2bplmL6ZQCQ/s400/fireplace+before.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Before the fireplace lacked presence in the room. It also unfortunately had been rebuilt at some point and featured a very new, ugly brick surround in contrast to the original antique brick hearth (floor). Ignore the unpainted trim to the right, I also helped redesign the trim throughout the room and it hasn't been painted yet!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCC_Yj8IJ1cvc7zhXellFk-zAIR3Nkj_jedTFFc0oY798I9BpsRl1BnXeqixRUF7iVXkKyilIIqzMqnhh44Kw2oA1_qjRBsanJQ3XQ5yKhMXaLWfNZ-gZPj053YdwDNIxDljpDJRxXlo/s1600/painted+fireplace+surround.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkCC_Yj8IJ1cvc7zhXellFk-zAIR3Nkj_jedTFFc0oY798I9BpsRl1BnXeqixRUF7iVXkKyilIIqzMqnhh44Kw2oA1_qjRBsanJQ3XQ5yKhMXaLWfNZ-gZPj053YdwDNIxDljpDJRxXlo/s400/painted+fireplace+surround.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While my cell phone snaps don't do it justice, the new painted brick surround is a great focal point, won't show soot stains if the fire smokes, and now pairs nicely with the untouched antique brick hearth. Small changes can make such a large difference. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoikH3XhAW23zZ_gPIvt8AProkYsslaGVcdERBZ_OoJxHQ_SaqGBrUXeNSQxueDh5r3p8yEWkzVi8kstbApjoT50zmaLV24ppa3pdfjwzu_Gx5sutzim95bVn5YMLaHuBvnyzLjsk8GY/s1600/architectdesign+fireplace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVoikH3XhAW23zZ_gPIvt8AProkYsslaGVcdERBZ_OoJxHQ_SaqGBrUXeNSQxueDh5r3p8yEWkzVi8kstbApjoT50zmaLV24ppa3pdfjwzu_Gx5sutzim95bVn5YMLaHuBvnyzLjsk8GY/s400/architectdesign+fireplace.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>I did the same in my own home. The fireplaces in my old COOP building are no longer functioning for insurance reasons but the fireplace remains a focal point in my living room. Above you can see how I painted the interior and the surround black.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZiafCLnmhf4EDlZUQ1aDES-ZZ-uNYdDQ5G_Msk-hBxjQVX21nNJZVEn0BekvweU8d6dmAiLmbuEmuT2TI_RP9un0zkG_9CQbF1eHSmRPNxxqju8PD8OPQ7D5aqe9o_janekhgz1yy2E/s1600/apartment+fireplace+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZiafCLnmhf4EDlZUQ1aDES-ZZ-uNYdDQ5G_Msk-hBxjQVX21nNJZVEn0BekvweU8d6dmAiLmbuEmuT2TI_RP9un0zkG_9CQbF1eHSmRPNxxqju8PD8OPQ7D5aqe9o_janekhgz1yy2E/s400/apartment+fireplace+before.jpg" width="391" /></a></div>Before (on a walk through with my Realtor before purchasing the apartment) you can see the surround painted white with no contrast to the mantel (and the hideously old wall to wall carpeting). What do you think of adding a touch of black to a space?

That touch of black

I'm a firm believer in the design principal that every room needs to have a touch of black; it grounds the space. Recently I helped a fr...

8:49 AM

Halloween or Fall decorating

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCrmdM_g25LdkR0h3nQDeWVqpUkrzAfe3McHljzj0h74bNJwTgEmdgEiJ9MyVW7ilq1Y04iwr_vBblTowDMJnenSSTlUmRQ2n62U5V5p1Bgpd2glInhJJQmBix8jIUlQubSXivdnAOifl/s1600/Georgetown+fall+decorations.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCrmdM_g25LdkR0h3nQDeWVqpUkrzAfe3McHljzj0h74bNJwTgEmdgEiJ9MyVW7ilq1Y04iwr_vBblTowDMJnenSSTlUmRQ2n62U5V5p1Bgpd2glInhJJQmBix8jIUlQubSXivdnAOifl/s400/Georgetown+fall+decorations.JPG" width="290" /></a></div>To get you into the 'holiday' spirit here are 2 townhouses in Georgetown featuring some festive decor. The house above has a collection of unusual pumpkins decorating their front stoop (notice the gas lantern!). Discreet and charming, these gourds will last as decorations all fall.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiS_ASDyuTSEE3JZCqUUV0YSkfcH7yRoEti4qg6M8Vy4MWrRqVc8-jWTqq252ivpcEyAgqPX6s0Ft3glCaHtKty3vNotsjX7JwByILKV3coBI5jX72QxsdSpCc4_E9CFHmQUv_p1TPkFT/s1600/Jack+o+lanterns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiS_ASDyuTSEE3JZCqUUV0YSkfcH7yRoEti4qg6M8Vy4MWrRqVc8-jWTqq252ivpcEyAgqPX6s0Ft3glCaHtKty3vNotsjX7JwByILKV3coBI5jX72QxsdSpCc4_E9CFHmQUv_p1TPkFT/s400/Jack+o+lanterns.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>This rather spooky house features some cackling Jack o'lanterns to get passersby into the spirit! Have you decorated your house for Halloween or will you be hiding in the basement away from trick-or-treaters like me?!

Halloween or Fall decorating

To get you into the 'holiday' spirit here are 2 townhouses in Georgetown featuring some festive decor. The house above has a collect...

12:27 PM

2 notable houses of stucco

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVC2oRemithplzvXxJmbh5j938yDHh9C1qq1n2yNCvVRbhMYW3DboMRRz0bRT6zNBqu0-v81PDjDkSAluPjkJYQR_lO7QtgtFOPAvhpa6iPLUiAtN8p421x8yvcx-xPplTnTwVO6P4Lijs/s1600/formal+trees.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVC2oRemithplzvXxJmbh5j938yDHh9C1qq1n2yNCvVRbhMYW3DboMRRz0bRT6zNBqu0-v81PDjDkSAluPjkJYQR_lO7QtgtFOPAvhpa6iPLUiAtN8p421x8yvcx-xPplTnTwVO6P4Lijs/s400/formal+trees.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This weekend while walking around Georgetown I noticed 2 unusual stucco houses. Now just in passing (or from a car window) they might not strike you as anything but ordinary but lets look closer.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8eLwdENKteglWywk6oHK0VTl4BAZy_KMhzW-q3YtopAiBTanfGX48tgQxY92jXTsxVfaOuwF2YaSh-_vw7W1RwTDpAsdKzndLKQw0W-uwQBd1rldMlGwxyw0M5rBrkVGpq7NgPWW295R/s1600/Rosemary's+beach+in+georgetown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX8eLwdENKteglWywk6oHK0VTl4BAZy_KMhzW-q3YtopAiBTanfGX48tgQxY92jXTsxVfaOuwF2YaSh-_vw7W1RwTDpAsdKzndLKQw0W-uwQBd1rldMlGwxyw0M5rBrkVGpq7NgPWW295R/s400/Rosemary's+beach+in+georgetown.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>This stucco house which appears to have been put together from at least 2 or 3 brick houses at some point reminds me of something from <a href="http://interior-design-pictures.blogspot.com/2012/03/rosemary-beach.html">Rosemary's Beach</a> in Florida, especially the side elevation. See what I mean?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvGzyKbWOwTS5ycBhUgIkYj7BsmoF1YEZkb-I0kpVchgigcaBiAs0BJmIZ7Hv5-yEp0hdy7VVntS64dzBTzFWnO_pTFHrwY7WcNYX8UeTprfKROdo3vzRG-bvniVUyOqvXUkOmSsFHDRt/s1600/georgetown+townhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvGzyKbWOwTS5ycBhUgIkYj7BsmoF1YEZkb-I0kpVchgigcaBiAs0BJmIZ7Hv5-yEp0hdy7VVntS64dzBTzFWnO_pTFHrwY7WcNYX8UeTprfKROdo3vzRG-bvniVUyOqvXUkOmSsFHDRt/s400/georgetown+townhouse.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Don't you love how the tall planted trees make it look like Greek Revival columns on the front facade?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSZBdzjBXgda2fGS_-kCPafZJFI5J2cqXNHW0QCmw3qsHTXpCt4VKM4U_zGYi1Aeul8qyPfO5SJDuhNV155vWbovga0saZRGOwA2s06qbCPgA9c1dgxHHgouo41VwZQAx_G4327bCG7kj/s1600/whole+blue+trim+house.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSZBdzjBXgda2fGS_-kCPafZJFI5J2cqXNHW0QCmw3qsHTXpCt4VKM4U_zGYi1Aeul8qyPfO5SJDuhNV155vWbovga0saZRGOwA2s06qbCPgA9c1dgxHHgouo41VwZQAx_G4327bCG7kj/s320/whole+blue+trim+house.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> The second house appears to be another white painted stucco house until you look closer.  Do you see it?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0f5qzPxR8Imd5cdcbD2SDfsOrUa2zEsEF1uaim1uMeztYSTPEua_IfTaKOkWSFkrjo-ecfp7pTOS30A653RxOm9vTHBgAmA0QhwM2Y7LEc_v93jf1b_zkL3KVsF-HpF_o3xCB6psWv6y/s1600/blue+trim.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj0f5qzPxR8Imd5cdcbD2SDfsOrUa2zEsEF1uaim1uMeztYSTPEua_IfTaKOkWSFkrjo-ecfp7pTOS30A653RxOm9vTHBgAmA0QhwM2Y7LEc_v93jf1b_zkL3KVsF-HpF_o3xCB6psWv6y/s320/blue+trim.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Look beyond the lovely details such as double porches, symmetrical brick stairs, (a vintage Porsche under wraps), and the Chippendale rail.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKnJNplE1e-ihmn_uIlb_Cxm8lcd8HMmMgjk80A2-NC6fO5isQIW_DENUTe7GehRZsWPntyKi3b8KxMqtcCzEirK6BNtVErlsRe_uRRA0EvvVkbuFubv9KlPlLSDRRYw0VtjDiQ053mCr/s1600/garage+trim.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKnJNplE1e-ihmn_uIlb_Cxm8lcd8HMmMgjk80A2-NC6fO5isQIW_DENUTe7GehRZsWPntyKi3b8KxMqtcCzEirK6BNtVErlsRe_uRRA0EvvVkbuFubv9KlPlLSDRRYw0VtjDiQ053mCr/s320/garage+trim.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>All of the trim is painted the same white as the facade but with a navy blue highlighted line of trim.  Lovely, fresh, and so 'French' somehow.<br /><i>I took all of these images with a new app I discovered somewhere called "Dynamic Light" - a sort of instant photoshop for your smartphone! Hope you can tell a difference in the picture quality.</i>

2 notable houses of stucco

This weekend while walking around Georgetown I noticed 2 unusual stucco houses. Now just in passing (or from a car window) they might not st...

5:55 AM

Good fences make good neighbors

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YIHrkgAjrs7XlLMkNY3XKLOS1uX3JDN-3xNSyBbjGUPqm5NX7D7duY0OrHQ_2me8sRCNt3rF0H3c8RV9PaMtF4asJXPu3eey2EzhiUYKUkm0dwd0vvbFFADtTAPn5-34POSfsmWYEvkq/s1600/Georgetown+Neighbors+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3YIHrkgAjrs7XlLMkNY3XKLOS1uX3JDN-3xNSyBbjGUPqm5NX7D7duY0OrHQ_2me8sRCNt3rF0H3c8RV9PaMtF4asJXPu3eey2EzhiUYKUkm0dwd0vvbFFADtTAPn5-34POSfsmWYEvkq/s400/Georgetown+Neighbors+2.JPG" width="295" /></a></div>According to Robert Frost's 1914 poem 'Mending wall', "<i>Good fences make good neighbors</i>"; so I wonder what he would think of these neighbors in Georgetown who share a front porch? While walking around this weekend I noticed these adjoining townhouses with side entrances sharing a beautiful iron gate and front door canopy. I think the change in door heights helps them feel private but what do you think about this setup? Could you share a front porch with your neighbor?

Good fences make good neighbors

According to Robert Frost's 1914 poem 'Mending wall', " Good fences make good neighbors "; so I wonder what he would t...

10:13 AM

Confusing weather

Confusing weather

While I chug away at deadlines I thought I would share with you a scene from the Georgetown canal where Forsythia seems to be confused by ou...

10:01 AM

Doorways of Georgetown

Doorways of Georgetown

The other day while walking through Georgetown I noticed this beautiful door and transom. Notice how the glass door inside the vestibule has...

4:00 AM

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