“Want to do something ‘different’ with paint, but your really not sure what to try, or why? Check out these great ideas, especially if you are getting ready to sell!”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Tag Archives: Painting
7 Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling
“Everyone loves a great kitchen. Updates, Upgrades and Remodels all can make a difference in how a kitchen feels to you and how it presents itself if your trying to sell. Be aware of how to make the most of the work you put into your Kitchen.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
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7 Smart Strategies for Kitchen Remodeling
Follow these seven strategies to get the most financial gain on your kitchen remodel. Read
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Copyright 2017 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Garage Organization Ideas Under $50
“It’s amazing how much ‘Stuff’ we collect over time. Are you taking advantage of all the space available in your garage?”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
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Garage Organization Ideas Under $50
If clutter is leaving little room for cars, get organized with these smart, budget-friendly garage storage solutions. Read
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Copyright 2017 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
19 Kitchen Projects Every Homeowner Should Know About
“Thinking about updating or improving your kitchen. Check out these great ideas.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Small Home Storage: Maximize Your Storage Space
“Regardless of the size of your home, here are some great space saving and organizing ideas that you can implement”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
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Small Home Storage: Maximize Your Storage Space
Your small home has more storage space than you think. For relatively little money but a lot of common sense and ingenuity, there’s space to be found. Read
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Copyright 2017 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
So You Say: 30 Design Mistakes You Should Never Make
“Over the years we’ve probably all learned a few lessons the hard way. Hopefully, we were able to move on from them and not repeat them. Here are some that we particularly like.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Prepare Your Home for Trick-or-Treaters
“Is your house ready for Trick or Treaters? You can make your home spooky, but don’t forget they still need to be able to make it to the door without a lot a trouble.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
Your home might not need a costume on Halloween, but it does need to be ready for any neighborhood ghosts, goblins or witches who drop by for a treat. If you plan to participate in the festivities, here are a few helpful tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics and National Fire Protection Association to help ensure that trick-or-treaters have a safe, yet haunted, night.
Turn on the light. A front porch light signals to trick-or-treaters that you’re ready for them to knock on the door. If you run out of candy or don’t wish to participate in Halloween, you can let people know by turning off the porch light.
Display holiday decor. A pumpkin here or a floating ghost there lets people know that you’re excited about the holiday.
Clear a path. If you put out Halloween decor, leave a clear path for anyone coming to knock on the front door. Extra personal objects like bikes, potted plants or children’s toys should also be removed from the sidewalk and porch so that no one trips on them.
Sweep the sidewalk. Fall means leaves littering the ground, which fits the season but could be a slipping hazard. Before trick-or-treaters arrive, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sweeping away any debris or moisture from the sidewalk or driveway.
Check lightbulbs. Once you flip on the front porch light switch, check to see if you have any burned-out bulbs. Replace them so that your front door and steps are well-lit.
Turn on extra lights. You may not normally turn on every light in the front of your home, but doing so will assist infrequent visitors who are coming to see you. To make their journey a little easier, switch on any additional lights, such as garage or stair lights. This gesture will help make sure that everyone can safely get to the front door.
Add safe and festive lighting. A few lanterns along the path put light right at trick-or-treaters’ feet. Battery-operated lights offer illumination without the hazards that come with an open flame, says Judy Comoletti, division manager for public education at the National Fire Protection Association. If you use a real candle, she says, a trick-or-treater’s costume could drape onto it and catch on fire. “If you absolutely need to use a real candle, you have to be more vigilant,” she says.
Homeowners who choose to have open flames need to watch them at all times, keep them 1 foot away from anything that can burn, and sit them on a sturdy, level surface.
Put away pets. Your family pet may be the nicest on the block, but not everyone knows that or likes animals. You also don’t want your pet to inadvertently hurt any candy-seeking visitors. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that homeowners keep pets inside and away from the door for everyone’s benefit, including the pets’.
Greet guests. If you plan to spend the whole night passing out treats, sit on your front porch swing or create a seating area for yourself. This lets visitors know that you’re ready for them to stop. Plus you can watch the parade of costumes.
Prepare for a spooktacular evening. Once you have the lights on, decor out and hazards put away, you can enjoy a safe, spooky night in the neighborhood.
By Brenna Malmberg, originally appearing on HOUZZ
To-Dos: Your September Home Checklist
“As Summer comes to and end, and the weather becomes cooler, it’s time to take a look around and take care of early Fall Maintenance.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
From the first days, which probably still feel like summer, to the last, when you may notice that first chill in the air, September is a time of transition. Get your home ready for the season ahead by ticking off these to-dos, from adding cozy layers to scheduling necessary maintenance — and then curl up in your favorite chair and savor the comforts of home.
Schedule chimney and furnace maintenance. Make sure your fireplace and heating system are clean, safe and ready to go by having a pro look at them now. Having your chimney cleaned will also ensure that you don’t try to start a fire when an animal family (or an old nest) is inside. And if you don’t have a chimney cap yet, speak with your chimney sweep about adding a one. The metal cap with screened sides can prevent critters from getting in and helps protect your roof from burning embers.
Order firewood. Whether you use a wood stove for actual warmth or just for coziness, now is a good time to order a delivery of firewood. If you can help it, don’t store large quantities of wood directly against the house, which can encourage pests, but do keep it protected from rain and snow beneath a shelter.
Cozy up with warm layers. Have you felt that first nip in the air yet? When you do, think about swapping out lighter-weight bedding for flannel sheets and fluffy duvets. Bring added warmth to the other rooms in your house with throws and pillows in rich fabrics like wool, velvet or faux fur. Thicker area rugs and curtains not only feel cozier, but they also can actually help your home feel warmer — and cut down on your energy bills.
Add weatherstripping. Newer double-pane windows may not need weatherstripping, but it will help most older windows retain heat and stop drafts. Check areas with previously applied weatherstripping and remove or replace as needed.
Declutter and organize clothes. If you’ve bought new clothes recently, take this opportunity to sort through the rest of your wardrobe and remove pieces you no longer wear. Collect clothes that need repair and move summer clothes to an out-of-the-way spot so that your fall wardrobe can be front and center.
Set up a homework or project area. Encourage kids to get their work done with an area that is comfortable, attractive and well-organized. Ideally, make available a large surface for spreading out big or messy projects. The dining table can work, but if you have the room, consider adding a dedicated project table and keep all the necessary supplies at hand.
Maintain the washer and dryer.Cleaning out the dryer vents can be a DIY job, but if you don’t feel comfortable doing so (or if you’ve been putting it off), you may want to hire a pro to do washer and dryer maintenance for you. Washing machine hoses need to be replaced from time to time, and a cracked hose can cause a leak — which can mean costly damage to your home. Clean dryer vents and hoses will help your machine work more efficiently and reduce the risk of fire.
Inspect the roof and gutters. It’s generally fine to wait until most of the leaves have fallen in autumn to actually clean out the gutters and downspouts, but giving these areas a quick visual inspection now is a good idea. Pull out any sticks or other debris blocking the gutters, and make note of any worn-out seals around vent pipes and chimneys. If you do not feel comfortable on a ladder, or have a home of two or more stories, hire someone to do a quick inspection for you. Schedule any needed repairs now so that your home will be all buttoned up for winter.
Remove window AC units. If you use window air-conditioning units, now is the time to either remove them or cover them outside with protective insulation. Removing the units is the better option because this will allow you to close the windows, minimizing winter heat loss. If you choose to leave them in over the winter, be sure to pick up insulating covers made for this purpose and securely attach them outside.
Consider beefing up insulation. Looking for a way to save on your energy bills this winter? You may want to think about adding insulation to your attic space or inside walls. This can make a big difference in how well your home retains heat in winter and stays cool in summer.
Originally published on HOUZZ by Laura Gaskill
These Dining Rooms Know How to Have a Good Time
“Regardless of your decorating style, there are always interesting things you can do to add a little ‘fun’ to your dining room.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
To many people, a formal dining area brings to mind a certain antiquated stiffness that doesn’t seem to dovetail nicely with a fun-loving modern world. But this notion couldn’t be further from the truth. The following dining spaces show how any style can convey a feeling of formality while not taking itself too seriously.
1. Transitional
Designer: Nicole Guthreau and Stephanie Tamayo of Dalliance Design
Location: Summit, New Jersey
Size: 272 square feet (25.2 square meters); 16 by 17 feet (4.8 by 5.1 meters)
Homeowners’ request: Bump out a bay window for more space and add bigger, transitional windows. Replace dated furniture and add new finishes. ”Our client really wanted the space to be one-third transitional, one-third midcentury and one-third Hamptons, so to do this we needed to take an eclectic approach,” designer Nicole Guthreau says.
Fun factor: Large (60-inch-diameter) capiz chandelier from a Brussels hotel.
Other special features: Dramatic dark blue-gray ceiling pops against neutral walls. Vintage 1940s dining table. Hardwood floors in half Jacobean and half classic gray stain. Regal tufted wing chairs in denim-like blue woven fabric for the host seats. Lucite drapery hardware.
Designer secret: “Painting the ceiling a darker hue is a simple trick anyone can use to add depth to their space,” Guthreau says.
“Uh-oh” moment: “When the chandelier came in from overseas, we realized that it only had one bulb,” Guthreau says. “We assumed there were going to be additional recessed lights added to the ceiling, but alas the architect probably thought that we would add a fixture with more light output. Cut to the paint already being done and we couldn’t get back in the walls. Luckily, the space gets ample amounts of natural light, and with the addition of some lamps we were back in business again.”
Also on the team: Custom Creations (cabinetmaker); R. Keller Construction Co.; Rosen Group (architect); Andrew Frasz (photographer)
Dining table: The Harp Gallery; host chairs: Jessica Charles; side chairs: Baker Furniture; rug: Restoration Hardware; drapery fabric: Waterpolo Cloud, Kravet; drapery hardware: Lux Holdups; lamps: Visual Comfort; decanters: Joe Cariati; artwork: Julia Contacessi; chandelier: 1stdibs; buffet: Custom Creations
2. Traditional
Designer: Leigh Jones of The Very Thing
Location: Burlington, North Carolina
Size: 156 square feet (14.4 square meters); 12 by 13 feet (3.6 by 3.9 meters)
Homeowners’ request: Replace old grass cloth with wallpaper that would work with the existing window treatment and rug.
Fun factor: Large-print wallpaper.
Other special features: Antique walnut drop-leaf dining table, made by Hinkle-Harris.
Why the design works: “Wallpaper often works to balance spaces that are not symmetrical or have no architectural interest,” designer Leigh Jones says. In this case, where the dining room is open to the living room, the wallpaper consolidates both spaces.
Designer secret: “The rugs in both spaces are nearly identical, which creates a flow between the spaces,” Jones says.
Also on the team:Smith Cameron Photography; Mary Beth (stylist)
Wallpaper (discontinued): Designers Guild; valance: Scalamandré; rug: Rosecore; chair fabric: Nina Campbell; lamps: Bradburn; furniture: antiques
See more of this home
3. Contemporary
Designer: Julie Dunfee
Location: Wheaton, Illinois
Size: 336 square feet (31.2 square meters); 21 by 16 feet (6.4 by 4.8 meters)
Homeowners’ request: A clean, contemporary feel with a lot of color and warmth.
Fun factor: Square, lightly distressed table that can seat eight people.
Other special features: Fireplace focal point wrapped in quartzite stone. Colorful dining chairs.
Designer secret: “I love to add a bit of height to any room I design by placing the drapery to the ceiling, and hide the hardware so the drapery can really shine and become its own work of art,” designer Julie Dunfee says.
“Uh-oh” moment: “At one point in the build of the kitchen, the island was made bigger than the original plan, thus making the space where the table was to go a bit smaller,” Dunfee says. “Seeing as we had already purchased the table and chairs, we had to modify the depth of the countertop on the island to make sure everything would fit.”
Also on the team: Davidson Custom Homes (builder); Tommy Nguyen of Flooring Impressions (tiler); Mike Kaskel Photography; Elegant Custom Drapery
Drapery: Kravet; table: custom, Mackenzie Dow; chairs: Designmaster Furniture; fireplace stone: Night Glitter quartzite ledgerstone, Lewis Floor & Home; light fixture: Elegant Lighting; wall paint: Shoreline, Benjamin Moore; chair fabric: Fabricut; hippo sculpture on table: Neiman Marcus
4. Farmhouse
Designers: This project was a collaboration among Nancy Gracia of Bare Root Design Studio, Molly Hanisch of Sullivan Building & Design Group, Bradley Sullivan of Cider Press Woodworks and the homeowner.
Location: Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Homeowners’ request: A new home that would emulate the Colonial style of the town, with a dining area and kitchen that would appear to have been added on over time.
Fun factor: Window bench with custom cushions.
Other special features: Wood beam that helps define the space. Farm-style table and chairs.
Also on the team:Ralph C. Fey (architect); Paul S. Bartholomew (photographer)
Thomas O’Brien Reed 1-light sconces: Visual Comfort, available on Houzz; New England Stretcher Base table: J.L. Treharn; Windsor-style chairs: similar available on Houzz; rug: Restoration Hardware; 3-light aged brass chandelier: Menlo Park Collection, Hudson Valley Lighting, available on Houzz; cushions: custom; throw pillows: mix of custom, Pottery Barn and HomeGoods
5. Modern
Designer: Alisha Gwen
Location: Pittsburgh
Size: 180 square feet (16.7 square meters); 12 by 15 feet (3.6 by 4.5)
Homeowners’ request: Use the colors in the existing artwork as inspiration for a top-down redecorating effort.
Fun factor: Bright colors and patterns.
Other special features: Original artwork. Glass-like tabletop made by applying an aniline dye finish to the wood top. “It brought out the wood pattern in the tabletop and complemented the artwork,” designer Alisha Gwen says.
“Uh-oh” moment: “The window is arched, and the placement of the window trim in connection with the ceiling left no wall space to mount a standard rod and brackets,” Gwen says. “We had to get creative and source drapery hardware that mounted to the ceiling.”
Also on the team: Fischer Renovation (construction); Erin Alvarez (photographer)
Drapery fabric: Quadrille; drapery hardware: Kravet; dining table and buffet: Century Furniture; dining chairs: Vanguard Furniture; chandelier: Arteriors
Originally Published on HOUZZ by Mitchell Parker
Lounge Spaces That Keep the Party Going Outside
“There is just something about relaxing outdoors that makes it even better. And with these ideas, it’s really not that hard or expensive.”
Denise Buck & Ed Johnson – DC Metro Realty Team
August is a time to savor the last precious drops of summer with alfresco meals and laid-back afternoons before the start of fall. These 10 homeowners know how to enjoy lounging outdoors and have created their own resort-like spaces for spending lazy weekends, making it hard to ever leave their backyards, patios, porches, decks and courtyards. Get inspired by these fun and fresh design ideas to create an outstanding outdoor room of your own.
1. Farmhouse-Inspired DIY Style in a Suburban Kentucky Home
Travis and Amanda Hervey of Georgetown, Kentucky, spend much of their time outside on the patio under their deck with their two young kids, Ada, 5, and Eli, 2. Each family member enjoys the pair of woven outdoor swings, and this outdoor space has become an additional room of the house, filled with Amanda’s thrift-store furniture and eclectic decor. Almost everything is hand-me-down, homemade or thrifted. “I might have a few dumpster-dive treasures too,” Amanda says.
Travis and Amanda Hervey of Georgetown, Kentucky, spend much of their time outside on the patio under their deck with their two young kids, Ada, 5, and Eli, 2. Each family member enjoys the pair of woven outdoor swings, and this outdoor space has become an additional room of the house, filled with Amanda’s thrift-store furniture and eclectic decor. Almost everything is hand-me-down, homemade or thrifted. “I might have a few dumpster-dive treasures too,” Amanda says.
“Another unusual thing about houses in this region is a big backyard,” Amanda says. “Our yard backs up to a real thoroughbred horse farm and the Elkhorn Creek. Our neighbors have a zipline through their yard, and we often hike down to the creek to play. It’s very whimsical and beautiful.”
The family of four loves being right on the banks of Elkhorn Creek, which Walt Whitman wrote about in Song of Myself.
The Herveys added personality to their basic builder house with paint and some DIY projects. Amanda painted the porch floor with wide stripes and the ceiling in a Haint Blue, which is a popular practice in the South.
Outdoor lighting: Lowe’s; floor paint: Valspar Porch Paint; door paint: Web Gray, Sherwin Williams
The doily dreamcatcher panel was one of Amanda’s DIY projects using embroidery hoops, and it also gives the family a little privacy from the neighbors. She also made the side-by-side porch swings out of repurposed kitchen chairs.
2. Contemporary Farmhouse Country Vibe in Texas
Jeff Jones and Shauna Glenn built their family’s custom home in Fort Worth from the ground up on an empty 2-acre lot with a deer-friendly pond. Their bright, color-happy interior palette carries through to their outdoor patio where they enjoy lounging on a sectional with their six kids and watching TV.
Patio furniture: Frontgate; outdoor rug: Pottery Barn
The couple knew that the views out the back and the phenomenal pool area were always going to be major focal points of their backyard. Jones oversaw the installation of low-water plants all around the house, including native grasses and agave plants. The pool and hot tub were also in his purview.
A pair of white loungers, anchored in the shallow end of the pool, make the perfect place to observe the surrounding wildlife.
White lounge chairs: Ledge Loungers
Glenn’s favorite thing to do at home is “chill out by the pool.” After a trip to Cancun, the couple were inspired to find a wooden four-poster bed suited for outdoor use. This replica was created for them in Mexico. “Jeff drove all the way to Mexico to pick it up and bring it home. That’s love,” Glenn says.
3. Rooftop Terrace With a Montreal City View
Journalist and therapist Lies Ouwerkerk spends her winters exploring the world and her summers in a renovated condo in a converted sewing machine factory in the trendy St. Henri neighborhood of Montreal. A private rooftop terrace and garden located off the dining room on the main floor was built at her request. Vertical walls separate her space from the common terrace shared among other homeowners on that floor and give her complete privacy.
“I used the services of Urban Seedling to build the wooden structures on my little balcony and deck, but the designs are mine,” she says. She made the pillowcases from fabrics that she picked up in Guatemala and India.
Ouwerkerk loves that the custom-built rooftop pergola also gives her a sense of coziness and privacy despite living in a busy area near downtown. The wall trellis was a vintage find from her travels to Tunisia.
4. Eclectic Charm in a Louisiana Live-Work Cottage
Madeline and Dawson Ellis, owners of Mimosa Handcrafted Jewelry, enjoy a short walking commute from their charming 1,350-square-foot Baton Rouge home to their backyard work studio. The couple constructed a large wraparound porch along the side of the house that nearly doubled the size of their living space, and this space is now one of the most-used parts of the home.
Madeline and Dawson Ellis, owners of Mimosa Handcrafted Jewelry, enjoy a short walking commute from their charming 1,350-square-foot Baton Rouge home to their backyard work studio. The couple constructed a large wraparound porch along the side of the house that nearly doubled the size of their living space, and this space is now one of the most-used parts of the home.
The couple added a wall built of shutters along one side of the covered outdoor seating area to create more private space. It’s great for cookouts and outdoor entertaining. Dawson salvaged the red vintage fireplace from a neighbor from his childhood home.
“We all enjoy spending time outside, so the porch is very much an extension of the indoor living space. With the big table, we’re able to easily have meals outside and even enjoy it when it’s raining,” Madeline says. They use this space often to host parties and impromptu gatherings.
The Westdale modern steel porch swing, Handsome Industries
The vintage Eero Saarinen Tulip chairs go well with a large tree stump repurposed as a table.
5. Outdoor Entertaining Paradise in Southern California
Entertaining enthusiasts Carin Jacobs and Teresa Elston live in a 1929 Spanish-style home in the historic California Heights neighborhood of Long Beach. “This is such a party house,” Jacobs says. “We love all of these little outdoor entertaining areas.” The couple often host parties of 80 people or more, and they took advantage of each of their outdoor spaces. They set the yard up so that their guests can flow from the front to the back and utilized the open-concept design of the home and exterior courtyards to keep guests circulating.
Entertaining enthusiasts Carin Jacobs and Teresa Elston live in a 1929 Spanish-style home in the historic California Heights neighborhood of Long Beach. “This is such a party house,” Jacobs says. “We love all of these little outdoor entertaining areas.” The couple often host parties of 80 people or more, and they took advantage of each of their outdoor spaces. They set the yard up so that their guests can flow from the front to the back and utilized the open-concept design of the home and exterior courtyards to keep guests circulating.
In the center courtyard, the couple ripped out a tacky 1970s fountain and completely renovated the space. Now pavers, a heat lamp, an umbrella, lanterns, couches, a Mexican chimenea and twinkle lights overhead define this alfresco living space, which is enjoyed year-round.
A gently bubbling fountain on vivid tile provides a focal point for the front courtyard and additional seating around the edge. The homeowners brought in Spanish and Moroccan design influences to create a vibrant and personalized space.
6. Farmhouse Meant for Entertaining in Wenatchee, Washington
Celebratory occasions such as dinner parties, casual gatherings and weddings have taken place on the idyllic patio of Melanie and Andrew Doubroff’s 1908 farmhouse. They are pictured here with their two Australian shepherds, Abby and Buckley.The expansive outdoor umbrellas, outfitted with retro-inspired outdoor lights, create an intimate, magical space at nighttime.
The existing Trex deck was replaced with a newer version and now holds two 8-foot-long farm tables plus a 4-foot insert, built by Andrew’s twin brother and finished by Andrew to add a patina.
On this side of the yard, casual seating and vintage school-themed accessories surround an outdoor fire pit. The shed is not original to the home but is big enough to sleep a few visiting nephews and act as the perfect spot for playing school.
A narrow side yard between the south exterior wall and driveway is used as another dining and seating area, as well as a place to display container gardens.
To the side of the dining area is a lounge space. An eclectic collection of flea market tables, a wicker settee and a metal glider are arranged for easy conversation.
Blue metal glider: Apple Annie Antique Gallery
7. Early-California Style for a 1920s Home and Garden
Landscape designer Michael McIver lives in a 1929 Spanish-style home in the historic California Heights neighborhood of Long Beach, California. McIver converted the detached garage into his home office and added French doors that open to a trellis-covered patio.
“I think plants create a mood and sense of place, so when I design things, I think about intimate locations where people are going to congregate and what they might like to see,” McIver says. In his own backyard, the effect is one of tranquillity and peace. The landscape designer says he has also included uplighting in the space for nighttime. “It’s beautiful at night, very soothing.” The classic, urn-shaped fountain is the backyard‘s focal point. “It’s a 100-year-old urn I got from Shane Brown at Big Daddy’s Antiques,” McIver says. “He found it at an estate somewhere in the east, and I bought it out of his warehouse in El Segundo.”
Hummingbirds also enjoy the fountain and visit often. “If you put a water feature in your yard, it’s a guarantee you’ll get birds,” he says.
8. Modern Industrial Style for a DIY Update in Austin
The backyard of this 1967 home in Texas had an above-ground pool when Bill Symon and Jason Kays moved in. It was fun for a while, but it eventually started to leak. They replaced it with a bench-height deck and a low-maintenance xeriscape landscape.
The homeowners did a lot of the rock and granite installation themselves to save money, then left the steel edging, deck and plantings to the landscaper. The total cost, including removal of the leaking pool, was about $15,000. Kays and Simon set up a vintage projection screen for outdoor movie nights.
Kays, left, and Symon love to entertain and spend a lot of time outside hosting friends. They are pictured here relaxing with their two dogs. Symon describes a typical fall Saturday afternoon: “Windows and French doors to the screened porch open, the dogs playing out back and music playing on the Sonos whole-house sound system. We’d probably be getting ready to host a group of people for dinner and an evening by the fire pit out back.”
9. A Treehouse-Like Dwelling in Los Angeles
Beatrice Valenzuela and Ramsey Conder live in a 1924 Craftsman bungalow in Echo Parkwrapped in lush trees overlooking peaceful views of Elysian Park. With fragrant breezes, chirping birds and glorious sunsets, their home provides a beautiful live-work setting for the artisan couple to design and create for their line of handcrafted shoes, jewelry, bags, furniture and lighting. Their deck serves multiple purposes for the family, from workspace to brunch space.
Valenzuela, Conder and son Dimitri are shown relaxing on their lush terrace. “Siestas here are amazing with the birds chirping, and at the end of the day we like to admire the sunsets,” Valenzuela says. “We keep the Dutch door in the kitchen and the French doors in the living room open most of the day, so there’s a great circular airflow that comes through the house, and sometimes a bird or two will fly through,” she says. The deck is surrounded by mature Chinese plum, jacaranda, fig and orange trees. “The orange tree is full of blooms at the moment. It’s the most intoxicating fragrance,” Valenzuela says.
10. An Outdoor Sanctuary With Bohemian Flair in the Pacific Northwest
Laura Burkhart and Jake Michael’s Rhodesian ridgeback, Phinney, loves to take advantage of their backyard and outdoor area in Lake Forest Park, Washington. The couple often entertain in this space during mild Pacific Northwest summers and installed a fire pit area themselves. It gets plenty of use in the warmer months, and it’s a tradition to toast marshmallows for s’mores and stargaze late into the night. Tree stumps are repurposed as seating around the fire pit.
To ensure maximum play space for their beloved dog, the couple added a gate between their yard and Burkhart’s parents’ yard so he can enjoy running free with their dog.
The couple also built a small container garden that they enjoy tending in the spring and summer.
Originally published on HOUZZ by Janet Paik