Month: October 2018

To get a neighborhood family with four kids, this 19th-century Queen Anne-style home in Chicago’s favorite Lincoln Park neighborhood was the perfect place to settle. A previous remodel had covered a lot of the original details with glitzy faux finishing, but the bones of their house were all beautiful.

The clients hired Jean Dufresne and his staff at SPACE Architects + Planners and inner designer Julia Edelmann of Buckingham Interiors to reveal historic detailing and give the home a sleek contemporary look. The result is a beautiful blend of traditional and modern styles that reflects the homeowners’ family-centric way of life. “They never wanted to’maintain’ or impress anyone,” says Dufresne. “It was all about family.”

SPACE Architects + Planners

The colours and materials were selected in a calm palette that will feel sophisticated but modern. The colours are muted but still pop out from the crisp white trim to draw attention to the unique period details.

Artistic light fixtures and the blank lines of mid-century furniture contrasts with the more conventional structure of the house for a unexpected and beautiful aesthetic. The unique chandelier is a vintage piece that Edelmann located from a demolished St. Louis Hotel.

Chairs: Vintage Italian, Sarlo
Table: Custom Design by Julia Edelmann, Buckingham ID

SPACE Architects + Planners

This specific road in Lincoln Park has many older homes, very similar to this one. Some have been restored and a few have been split up into flats.

Throughout the remodel, Dufresne and his staff needed to look at the house’s neighbors and how near this house was to additional buildings. Dufresne created privacy screens on the second floor deck, adding tall fencing on the east side. Netting installed at the fencing keeps the children’s balls and toys from getting into neighbors’ yards.

SPACE Architects + Planners

Edelmann had worked for the couple before. “The homeowners prefer to keep things clean and glossy so that there’s not lots of fluff cluttering their home,” she says.

They kept the gorgeous original hardwood floors — a white walnut with an ebony and walnut stain. The unique light fixture at the entryway is constructed from molded corrugated cardboard.

Lighting fixture: Gray Pants at Seattle
Tile: Slate, Materials Marketing

SPACE Architects + Planners

An original stairway contributes to another levels of this home comprising five bedrooms and five and half baths.

Lucite console: CB2
Mirror: SGGrand

Buckingham Interiors + Design LLC

The living room has enough seating for the entire family, such as four vintage cherry-red leather chairs the clients owned and a little reupholstered sofa. A large bay window enables a clear perspective and tons of natural lighting.

Sofa: upholstered in Zinc cloth

Buckingham Interiors + Design LLC

Durable fabrics in neutral colours and a sparse layout helps to keep the room kid-friendly. “There are never a lot of bits in each room, so there’s play area. Those kids love to play together and have friends over all of the time,” says Edelmann.

Gray sectional: Custom layout Julia Edelmann, Buckingham ID
Coffee table: Etsy
Rug: Atelier Lapchi

SPACE Architects + Planners

The whitewashed cabinet in the kitchen is a favourite piece. This find has a soft, beachy feel that was perfect to show the clients’ collection of pottery and sculpture. The rustic appearance contrasts with the sleek and modern kitchen.

This breakfast nook is a well-used region of the home. It has space for the kids to eat while morning light floods the room through big corner windows.

Chandelier: Robert Candelaria
Table: Crate & Barrel
Chairs: Lizz Chairs
Armoire: Jayson Home and Garden

Next: The kitchen before renovation

Before Photo

BEFORE: The initial kitchen felt far too little, had no flow and did not offer enough storage for the big family. Dufresne and his team opened the distance and enlarged the island and countertop.

The original home had numerous code violations, and also the team needed to go about fixing. Another exit was added to every degree, and many baths were reworked to get rid of awkward bumps and soffits

SPACE Architects + Planners

AFTER: The dark materials in the modern kitchen keep the room appearing clean, even if leftover crumbs litter the island countertop. The kitchen cabinetry is made out of wenge wood and charcoal grey acrylic.

Pendants: Vintage in Uber Modern, Chicago
Barstools: Design Within Reach
Countertop: Marble
Island countertop: Bitto Solid Surface

SPACE Architects + Planners

Dufresne loved designing the built-ins — especially the boys’ bunk beds. “The oldest boy wasn’t too happy to learn he would need to share a room with his little brother,” Dufresne says. “But he told me it was okay after he saw his new bunk bed! This made my day”

Bedding: Custom layout Julia Edelmann, Buckingham ID

Buckingham Interiors + Design LLC

The master bedroom performs the same grey tones in the rest of the home, however the grasscloth wallpaper adds a twist spin. The bedframe was repainted in gray grey, upgrading its traditional style.

Wall Treatment: Phillip Jeffries Grasscloth
Paint on mattress frame: Wall Street, C2 Paint

Buckingham Interiors + Design LLC

A little seating area at the conclusion of the room is the best spot to sit with a cup of coffee and a fantastic book on Sunday mornings. Dark wood shelving holds books and other collected bits and pieces for a built-in art screen.

Chairs: Vladimir Kagan
Chandelier: Vintage, Lincoln Antiques Mall

Next: A snapshot of this master bath before the renovation

Before Photo

BEFORE. Dufresne estimates this house was redone at some stage in the 1980s. When they first encountered this bathroom, it felt dark and restricted. All traces of the house’s original history was removed.

SPACE Architects + Planners

AFTER. The master bathroom is one of Dufresne’s favourite rooms in the house. “I love the freestanding bathtub — it is such a hot and tender shape,” he says. “The entire room is sun-drenched and calm.” The contrasting floor and ceiling tiles at the walk-in steam shower add depth and dimension to the otherwise all-white area.

Floor tile: Calacatta Oro, Materials Marketing
Inlet floor tile: Vintage Glass Winter Sky Luster, Walker Zanger
Wall tile: Calacatta Oro
Bathtub: Duravit

Before Photo

BEFORE. Before renovation, the back side of the house still had a more conventional appearance, and did not have quite enough outside space for your household.

SPACE Architects + Planners

AFTER. Dufrense and his team had a good deal of fun refinishing the exterior and designing the rear addition of the house. The contrast between the modern back and the historic front is the best instance of the client’s unique style. A garage on one side of this construction creates a barrier between the house and an alleyway, making a natural exterior spot for the children to play.

Photography by Eric Hausman

More Tours:
A Brooklyn Landmark Returns to Glory

Brooklyn Townhouse Full of Light

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This brick-front Federal-style dwelling built in 1789 unites the quintessential elegance of a classic home with modern upgrades in a charming country setting. An addition and renovations during Jillian and Tom’s house a good example of successful compromise, combining modern and classic styles while following the city’s strict historic architectural principles.

The home is in the heart of the historic district of Lincoln, Mass., about 20 minutes from Boston. The household of three started the one-year renovation procedure with a desire to make a real indoor-outdoor relationship with surrounding pastoral and conservation land. Their architect, Carol Marsh of Helios Design Group, states, “It was a fantastic puzzle to marry the historic aesthetics of the outside with the customer’s desire for a contemporary interior.”

at a Glance
Who lives here: Tom, Jillian, their tween daughter and two black Labrador retrievers Pudgie and Louie
Location: Lincoln, Massachusetts
Size: 5,200 square feet; 4 bedrooms, two offices, 5 baths and 4 fireplaces
Architects: Carol Marsh and Chris Hosford of Helios Design Group
Contractor: Kevin Cradock of Kevin Cradock Woodworking

Mary Prince Photography

The big, open kitchen/family room addition at the rear of the house looks through a wall of windows onto two acres of lush property. Throughout the house, windows have been added and rooms created to take advantage of the views.

The kitchen has been where the side and main entrance foyer is now. The Caesarstone quartz countertop is 10.5 feet long by 8 feet deep at the deepest point. The curved form and graduated dimensions is reminiscent of the 1950s; Jillian calls it “the grand piano.” The custom-made cabinets are curled maple and the moldings are fir. For durability, Sant Agostino Travertino Avorio 12 inch-by-24-inch porcelain tile has been chosen for the family room and kitchen flooring.

Appliances: Electrolux Icon oven, Thermador 5 burner cooktop
Sconce lighting: Zaneen Dau out of Nina’s Lighting
Island chandelier: Harco-Loor Tiara out of Chimera Lighting
Cabinetry: Kevin Cradock Woodworking
Tile floor: Roma Tile in Watertown, MA
Windows: Loewen
Paint: Benjamin Moore, Pearl; Benjamin Moore, Sweet Butter

Mary Prince Photography

Architect Marsh stands in the remodeled kitchen with Pudgie. The kitchen opens into the family room on the right, and 2 bedrooms and a deck are located just outside this field. The new area added about 650 square feet to the home.

Mary Prince Photography

The principal entrance is on the side of the house and opens into a large foyer. The entryway floors is Southern yellow pine and stained to match the antique pine elsewhere.

Mary Prince Photography

Here is the view in the kitchen/family space to the principal entrance. The door on the left leads to a patio, the second to a complete bath and the next to a mudroom.

Mary Prince Photography

This tub off the foyer sits at which there was once a family room on top of a brick patio. The counter is cut from Bubinga African Rosewood tree, along with the mirror frame is made of the excess wood. Both were designed to link the house to the outside.

Countertop: Kevin Cradock Woodworking

Mary Prince Photography

This staircase and window, painted in high gloss white, replaced a dark, narrow-walled staircase accessible from the kitchen.

The Bocci pendant chandelier, such as most of those light fixtures in the home, is a reflection of Jillian’s preference for contemporary design components.

Mary Prince Photography

The kitchen opens into a Queen Anne-style dining room added in 1900 full with a fireplace, window seat and built in china cabinets.

Mary Prince Photography

The dining room sconces are Agatha by Hèmèra. The built in china cabinets on both sides of the doors into the kitchen have been reduced in depth to make extra space for kitchen drawers.

Jillian’s grandma’s black walnut dining room table is paired with chairs by Thos. Moser. The breakfront was purchased on Craigslist. Original sliding glass and wood pocket doors into the left lead into the living room.

Paint: Benjamin Moore, Sweet Pink C2
Lighting: Chimera
Chairs: Thos. Moser

Mary Prince Photography

This hall in the kitchen into the front door comes alive with an oil painting by Sandy Belock-Phippen. Tom’s office is on the right via original double wood doors. The room entrance is on the left.

Mary Prince Photography

A butler’s pantry with a half bath is at the end of the hall.

Cabinets: Kevin Cradock Woodworking

Mary Prince Photography

Tom’s office will be on the left and the room is on the right of the entrance staircase.

Mary Prince Photography

The first front door faces the front lawn and yard.

Mary Prince Photography

Paint: Benjamin Moore Constellation Aura Paint in Pearl

Mary Prince Photography

The first living room is directly across from Tom’s workplace and is the point where the family watches television.

Pudgie rests in Tom’s office. In the front of the fireplace is driftwood out of Martha’s Vineyard. The contemporary leaf motif on the drapes pay tribute to character.

Paint: Sweet Steak by Benjamin Moore

Mary Prince Photography

Jillian’s office/studio is filled with light and stunning views of the Lincoln Center Historic District. The late 1970s teak Danish desk, the easel and the Italian leather swivel chairs in tomato red make this space a relaxing retreat for painting, work and research.

Ban seats: Calia Italia
Drawers: Ikea

Mary Prince Photography

A late addition to the house from the 1970s, the master bedroom features excellent views of the backyard and side. This chamber is serenely supplied with little more than a bed, side tables, a television and a rug on the fir wood flooring. The bright blue walls as well as the perspectives outside the large windows create visual effect. A single first painting hangs on the wall. Just beyond the door is a big walk-in cupboard with skylights and a window.

Paint: English Lavender by Benjamin Moore
Windows: Pella Architect Series

Mary Prince Photography

The homeowners enjoy lounging in the big soaking tub and appreciating the view outdoors. Helios Design set designed the oversize shower and custom cabinetry. The 12-inch-by-12-inch floor tiles are Glassos and therefore are slip-resistant. Rosewood veneer cabinets provide plenty of storage and comprise big pullouts on both sides of the shower.

Cabinetry: Kevin Cradock Woodworking
Tile dloor: Roma Tile in Watertown, MA
Tub surround and vanity counter: Caesar Stone
Shower tile: Sicis Zinnia 3 tile out of Ideal Tile

Mary Prince Photography

This original second floor bedroom is located at the front of the house and includes a fireplace mantel with first pine molding. The dolls, a recent gift from a relative, create an eye catching display.

Paint: Van Alen Green by Benjamin Moore Historic Collection

Mary Prince Photography

A hallway bath is done entirely in travertine tile with a cherry wood vanity. It’s a large glassed-in shower stall. A big window flooding the space with natural light, providing scenic views of the outside.

Vanity: Exeter Cabinet Company, 12 Kingston Rd, Exeter, NH 03833, -LRB-603-RRB- 778-8113
Tile: United Tile America
Faucet: Grohe
Trim paint: Cloud whitened by Benjamin Moore

Mary Prince Photography

The daughter’s room, dubbed “The Princess Room,” combines the old with the new. The classic six-board torso was a Craigslist find; along with the wallpaper mural came from muralsyourway.com.

Furniture (Desk, Bureau, Side tables): Ikea Malm
Mural: Murals Your Way
Paint: C2 in Kiwi
Furry bean bag chair: Pottery Barn Teen

Mary Prince Photography

The view in the road of this historic 1789 brick front Federal home belies the contemporary components within.

Helios Design Group

It is possible to see the outside of the contemporary, 650-square foot addition on the rear of the home.

Helios Design Group

More:
Nostalgic Family Home in Upstate New York
A Home Full of History and Surprise
Northwest Home with a Mountain View

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Putting together a gorgeous bed ensemble can be overwhelming — and more pricey. However, a couple of choice thoughtful or purchases uses of pieces you already own can easily result in a gorgeously dressed bed. Obviously, just getting through the definitions of all the choices is the very first hurdle: bedspread, coverlet, quilt, duvet, comforter, blanket — what do they all mean, what do you use what and how? Let us find out!

Alexander Johnson Photography

Bedspread. A bedspread is the name given to basically all pre-filled bed covers intended for use as the top layer on a bed. Comforters, quilts and coverlets fall into that category. They could be both decorative and warming, thick or lighter weight, in a variety of fabric. They are generally used independently, with only a sheet and some other blankets you need under, but they can be layered for decorative purposes.

Kim Nunn

Comforter. Thick and (sometimes) quilted, a comforter is different from a quilt in that colors are generally dyed and patterns are not embroidered. Comforters are full of layers of material such as lace (a synthetic fiber) down feathers, silk or wool. The loft (thickness) of this filling determines the burden as well as the level of insulation.

Comforters are stitched or quilted to secure the filling and make sure that it’s evenly distributed. They’re intended to function as bedspread, sitting together with sheets, but those who want to produce a layered appearance ought to go ahead and take action. There are not any cardinal rules to be broken in bedding!

Teton Heritage Builders

Quilt. Traditionally composed of 3 layers of fiber, quilts consist of a woven fabric shirt, a layer of batting and a woven spine, all stitched together in decorative patterns. Different from other kinds of bed covers because they are generally pieced together with many pieces of fabric, quilts are sometimes found with a single piece of cloth on the top (a whole-cloth quilt).

There are a lot of classic designs and traditions concerning the design and features of quilts. Many are given or made to mark important life events such as marriage, the birth of a child, a relative leaving house, and graduations.

Kelley & Company Home

Modern quilts are not always intended for use as bedding, and may be used as throws, wall hangings, table runners or tablecloths.

Jute Interior Design

Duvet and pay. A duvet is essentially a soft flat bag filled with feathers, down or a synthetic option. It is recommended that duvets are added into a detachable cover, much like a pillow and pillow case. Duvets and duvet covers are all designed to be used independently (with no sheets) because the insert can be removed and the outside “bag” can be laundered, but many people use them with sheets anyway.

Many people like duvets because they reduce the complexity of earning a bed, since it’s a single covering rather than the combination of bed sheets, blankets, quilts and other bed covers.

Rough Linen

Linen duvet covers such as these made and marketed by member Tricia Rose are particularly dreamy, creating a wrinkled “messiness” that looks intimate and carefree.

Duvet covers often come with the choice of matching shams, but mixing it is an easy means to produce a gorgeous bed that resembles it had been easily chucked together.

Restoration Hardware

Stonewashed Framed Belgian Linen Bedding – $59

Restoration Hardware has luxury linen bedding in more approachable prices than some of the higher-end companies. Washing and drying sheet bedding makes this breathable textile even softer and more supple.

Mark English Architects, AIA

Coverlet. A coverlet is a lightweight, non-reversible bedspread that is usually either woven or weathered. Classically designed as a decorative coating to go over thicker bedspreads, coverlets often have a thin layer of batting, making them appropriate for use as a stand-alone bed covering, based on the weight. They can also be used as throws on a bed or couch.

Due to their size and decorative quality, they’re not designed to attain a pillow tuck, as a few bedspreads are. A coverlet often has coordinating shams, but it’s most certainly not necessary to match. The design in this photo demonstrates how a simple setup with various textures could be utterly magnificent and fuss-free.

Peacock Alley Design Studio

Othello Collection – $80

Among my all-time favorite coverlets is Othello, from Peacock Alley. It comes in 3 colors and the matelasse design is super versatile, looking good on both formal, tailored beds as well as more laid-back looks, either as a standalone textile or among a more layered makeup. And, it is machine washable, to boot.

Schoolhouse Electric

Brahms Mount Cotton Herringbone Twist – $235

Throw blankets and bed scarves. These include color, texture (or both) along with casual coziness when tossed haphazardly (but attractively) on the bed.

Within this design, a coverlet is wrapped over a duvet and duvet cover to tame the discoloration that is inevitable. A throw in the end of the bed adds just enough texture and an additional coating to make the composition interesting and inviting.

Tobi Fairley Interior Design

If your duvet cover is the showstopper, reverse the norm and use it along with your coverlet.

Next: More amazing bedroom design guides

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Cabinets can perform more than warm up the flooring of your inside; they can be a cultural statement as well. Through unique rugs, you can be transported from Morocco into the Orient with only 1 step. Here are some amazing rugs from all over the globe that are sure to assist you bring color, pattern and ethnic style to your house. — Jeanine from AphroChic

Amadi Carpets

Re-Woven Turkish Rug

You can opt for big pops of color with this up-cycled Turkish flooring covering. The coolest part is that it is made from the re-dyed wool of rugs that are older.

Beldi

Boucherouite #25 – $820

This Boucherouite rug hails from Morocco. Scraps of recycled substances have been pieced together to create colorful and energetic carpets that are sure to brighten any space.

Beldi

Red Azillal Berber Rug – $850

In the hills of Morocco, this antique berber rug is absolutely spectacular in deep hues of black and red.

Morris Etc..

The South Portland Rug 16

Vintage Peruvian rug layout looks amazing in contemporary and fresh colors such as pink, purple and ocean green. I think this rug could be ideal for a little one’s room.

Morris Etc..

The Bracken Ridge Rug 11 – $375

This Bracken Ridge rug is 100 percent wool, one-of-a-kind and made in Peru. It’s among my favorites in candy-colored hues of pink and orange.

L’aviva house

Moroccan wedding costume – $615

Antique wedding blankets were worn by Moroccan brides on their wedding day. They are now able to be used as blankets, as well as rugs, to bring a little sparkle to a room.

The Loaded Trunk

Vintage Tulu Rug – $549

Tulu rugs are Turkish shag carpeting. The variety of colors is magnificent; just one could create a rainbow effect in a neutral room.

The Loaded Trunk

Patchwork Kilim Rug – $299

A patchwork kilim rug from Turkey is a excellent way to bring both color and design home.

Anthropologie

Agadir Twists Rug – $498

I can’t get enough of the rug from Anthropologie. It has a mix of deep and electric hues that make it a complete statement piece.

L’aviva house

Shyrdak Felt Rugs

A rug from Kyrgyzstan is a way to add some global style. Each rug comes in many different colors and patterns so you can find the one perfect for your inside.

ABC Carpet

Color Reform 4’2″x6’0″ – $999

This Pakistani rug was re-dyed in a beautiful purple. It’s a fantastic means to usher in some color in your home.

Amadi Carpets

Beni Ouarian Rug

The abstract pattern with this Moroccan rug has a free-form illustrative feel. It’s like a work of art to your floor.

Amadi Carpets

Turkey Vintage Kilim

This classic kilim was hand-knotted in Turkey. I am a lover of the orange and purple color palette.

Anthropologie

Tan-Tan Rug – $998

My sister just bought this Moroccan rug for the living space. It has so many colors it can be tricky to determine what sort of furniture to match it with. My suggestion would be to go with something black for a striking contrast.

ABC Carpet

Tabriz 4’8″ x 6’7″ – $5,999

I love the attention to detail present in Persian rugs. This one has so many incredible colors and patterns within it. It’s rugs such as this that truly stand out and warm up a modern inside.

ABC Carpet

Color Reform 6’1″x8’9″ – $3,799

Black and emerald green never looked as lovely as they do within this over-dyed Pakistani rug. In a space with black furnishings, this rug is going to be the star.

Doris Leslie Blau

Eastern European Flat Weave Carpet – $58,000

Can you believe that this is an early 20th century carpeting? This Eastern European rug has a graffiti-like texture for this. I love the abstract imagery and bright colors. It’s simply fantastic!

Sheherazade

Moroccan Kilim

This Moroccan kilim in teal blue strikes my fancy. Made with a mix of cotton and silk, it would be lovely to stretch out as it is to look at.

Doris Leslie Blau

Samarkand Carpet – $28,000

This bright red rug is from East Turkestan. I love the floral theme.

ABC Carpet

Color Reform 7’9″x9’9″ – $4,499

This pink Color Reform rug from ABC Carpet & Home would look amazing in a small girl’s room. Do not you agree?

Next: 20 Affordable Area Rugs

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It is almost here. The cooking day of champions, also called Thanksgiving. This feast involves a great deal of slicing and dicing and roasting — no matter what vegetable sides or pies are tradition to share around your family table. Here are the dos and performn’ts to get caring for your counters while they’re the hub of holiday cooking.

HARDROCK CONSTRUCTION

1. Granite is most certainly the most popular countertop option. Maintain your granite countertop looking good by wiping down with a damp cloth and a pH-neutral stone cleaner.

2. Prevent soap, abrasive cleansers, and citrus cleansers when cleaning granite countertops — those alkaline solutions can etch the stone.

3. Steel wool isn’t your counter’s buddy. It will scratch most counter tops.

4. Butcher blockcountertops are generally made of maple or walnut and come in wide plank or thin strips in terms of style. The wide plank design is more apt to warp.

5. Be sure to use only food-grade mineral oil to stop the wood from warping and drying out. Steer clear of olive or vegetable oils for your butcherblock countertop — those oils may turn rancid.

6. Reapply mineral oil whenever the wood appears dry. You will want to use a generous quantity of mineral oil — continue reapplying until you find the timber is no longer accepting any more oil.

Warmington & North

7. Cooking oil bottles may in fact leave ring marks on stone surfaces that could be hard to remove. Use coasters or a menu beneath bottles to stop marks.

8. Take care of the counter from vinegar, lemon, tomato, and other acidic foods, that will etch marble.

Walker Shop

Modern-Twist Studio Trivetz – $12

9. Every countertop — even rock — requires a trivet as protection from hot pots and pans. Burn marks are permanent, so it’s ideal to be safe than sorry.

10. Kitchen Cabinets often become germ-keepers. It is ideal to use dishrags instead. But if you are fond of your sponges, don’t use the identical sponge to wash dishes and your countertop.

More: 10 Alternatives to Granite Countertops
Alternatives to Granite Countertops, Part II
Alternatives to Granite Countertops, Part III
Brighten Up That Space Under Your Sink

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This cozy coastal cabin is tucked in the edge of a spruce woods, on a point overlooking mid-coast Maine islands and a hectic lobstering harbor. When the cabin was passed down to the next generation, the new owners, who had loved it for decades (one since she was a little woman ), were anxious to make a few alterations, but they didn’t need to eliminate the rustic charm of the original building. Working with builder John Levenseler, they achieved this aim, boosting the room to make it more family-friendly, maximizing views and bringing the cottage up to its potential.

More: A Postcard from Maine

This is actually the front part of the house. The deck overlooks the lobstering harbor, and it is a favorite spot for family and friends to enjoy coffee in the morning and a glass of wine in the day. If you examine the far right, then a small bump-out was inserted so a back bedroom could enjoy a water view.

The house is covered in weathered shingles also contains an austere, rustic coastal appeal. This facade is considered the back of the house, where one passes from the grassy driveway. Since the house is at the end of a peninsula, there are ocean views from every side of the house.

The back door leads you directly to the kitchen, in which lots of the biggest changes were created. The area manages to maintain the original feel of the cabin, but has fresh beadboard cabinets, Corian countertops and appliances.

Upon entering, a painted country bench provides a spot to eliminate and store mucky shoes. The graph indicates the greater local area of Penobscot Bay, in which the household loves sea kayaking. A pantry is on the best and a hallway leading to the toilet and three cozy bedrooms is on the left.

This reconfigured kitchen space used to house a small old toilet and a hot water heater, both of which have been removed to open up the space. A window has been inserted so that the water view could be appreciated from the exterior walls. If you look carefully, you will notice a pull cable out of an overhead fixture using a wooden wick hanging out of it, a small detail that retains the soul of the original house undamaged.

A peek around the corner indicates the light coming in from the open dining/living space. I included this image because despite the renovation, they retained the oil lamp and the older pencil sharpener on the wall (are you old enough to recall when this pen sharpener placement was common?) Such small details keep memories alive.

A drop-leaf table could be dragged out when extra guests come to dinner. Most of the furniture is original to the home, with a few new additions. They are hard to see the manifestation, however, the frames include classic coastal maps; very suitable, as the husband is an oceanographer for USGS.

One new addition was a switch in the rectangular dining table into a round one, which lets dialog flow easily. The picture window has been enlarged to make the most of harbor view; seals in the harbor are a frequent sight in the dinner table.

This original market holds bedtime reading; household favorites, books by local writers and books about in regards to the area. Additionally, it holds meaningful objects gathered in Maine over many years; the carved seagull was whittled by a family friend many years ago; the sculpture of the seal is Andre the Seal, a famous seal that was able to swim out of Mystic Connecticut to summer in neighboring Rockport Harbor every year.

A couple of summers ago, the owners leant out the cottage to their son’s father-in-law, Vermont artist Eric Tobin. He had been so inspired by the environment that he completed 14 paintings the week he had been there, and he left this one behind as a thank-you gift.

The jar to the right holds seaglass collected through the years, the mussel shells and sea urchins were gathered out front on the rocks, and the lupine pitcher onto the best is by local artist Tony Oliveri.

The husband is a gifted magician who builds boats in his spare time, and he built this couch. The piece ties to the remainder of the home through the wood base and fabric options.

The painting on the wall was a new addition and a very special purchase. It is by local artist Eric Hopkins.

Here is a closer look at the painting.

A hallway wall retains a fun gallery of photos of the cabin that reveal how the house and the woods around it have evolved through the years.

This cozy front bedroom was a porch. A drop ceiling has been eliminated during the renovations to give let the small room feel larger.

The linen shams are Pom Pom At Home.

From bed, an individual can delight in watching the sunrise over the harbor out of windows that wrap around two sides of the room.

I took this picture about two days after Hurricane Irene delivered mucky salty squirt all around the windows; they’re usually clean and crystal clear!

Eric Tobin left another treat behind, this painted shingle, which depicts the cabin and its beautiful setting.

The area has an antique brass bed, a cozy quilt and household antiques that have always been in the cabin. The lamp is a traditional jug that has been wired to provide reading light.

Here is the opinion provided by the bump-out you saw from the first photo. The Lookout Lodge hint is original to the cabin.

The bathroom’s layout was kept clean and simple. Blue seaglass is always a favorite rare discovery along the shore, and the blue glass cupboard knobs recall these precious finds.

Finally, I had to throw in a picture of the garage, since it is one of my favorite vernacular buildings. One change the few made to the structure was replacing the dirt ground with a concrete one. I am sure the husband will probably be finishing many terrific jobs out here in his new workshop.

More: The Maine House
A Postcard from Maine
Something a Bit Different: Fairy Houses
Shingle Style, From Sea to Suburb

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The colours in this flower bouquet remind me of the transition from summer to fall. You know the seasons have begun to change when you are switching from sandals to boots, crave grilled cheese sandwiches over ice cream sandwiches, and sense a chill in the air. It is the time of year when you are still clinging to the glowing, vibrant tones of summer, but you are also ready to add hot, fall colors. Here, finds for the home that color match this fragrance and its glowing pinks and yellows and rusty oranges:

This picture of a wedding bouquet (courtesy of photographer Charlotte Jenks Lewis) has a gorgeous color palette that feels bright and hot together.

Shade matching tips:
Should you fall for the colours in a photograph, check out the Color Palette Generator to create easy-to-match color profiles. If you are out and about and spot something that’s the best shade of crimson, snap a photo with your phone and use the Benjamin Moore Paint Color Matching App to find out its paint color match.

Etsy

Elephant flowers 8×10 print by ChipmunkCheeks on Etsy – $25

This whimsical art print includes an illustrated bouquet of flowers that matches with the poppy pinks, rusty oranges, and punches of rich reds and bright yellows of this inspiration fragrance.

Twine

Frasadas – $300

I really like how the glowing pinks and rusty oranges soda against the grays in this classic blanket.

Pod

Fog Linen Kitchen Cloth 3.0 – $16

Gingham prints feel really summery, but these kitchen linens come in a mulberry red color that feels like fall.

John Derian Company

Oval 14″ Platters – $395

Display this floral decoupaged platter by John Derian and you’ll add a punch of pink into your space.

Urban Outfitters

Round Velvet Pintuck Pillow – $50

As an accent color, yellow always stands out. This tufted,velvety cushion comes in a hot yellow that has hints of gold and orange.

The Container Store

The Container Store > Big Polka Dot Storage Bin – $14.99

Yellow polka dot canvas bins will not go unnoticed. These storage containers are preppy and functional — could function in almost any room.

BHLDN

Roseate Napkins (20) at SHOP Décor Autumn’s Table at BHLDN – $68

These party shouts catch the spirit of collapse. The colours feel as they’re edging into the fall season.

More: Heal Yourself to a Bouquet of Flowers
Browse home products with a floral motif

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