sandr018

With so many book releases this fall in time for the gift giving season (doesn't everyone else fill their Christmas wishlist with design books?) there was only one I was eagerly awaiting. Husband and wife team Architect Peter Pennoyer and designer Katie Ridder just released a collaborative book on the design process of designing their own house in the country, simply entitled  A House in the Country .  Fans who love both the classical, almost intellectual, architecture of Pennoyer as well as the stylish comfort of Ridder's interiors will not be let down by this book. In addition to chapters on both Exterior and Interior, there is an extensive chapter on the Gardens including planting lists and plans. And what would this book be without drawings which help so much with the understanding of any house (realtors take note - FLOORPLANS!). Peter starts the book with their quest to find the perfect property which rarely has the perfect house. This talented duo of course were looking...

Four years ago now I purchased a charming old apartment from an estate that had great possibilities but had languished on the market for months because it was dirty and dated.  Now I'm ready for my close up so join me for a before and after tour! The apartment is located in a charming pre-war building in Cleveland Park with great bones: super solid construction, tall ceilings, many windows and multiple exposures (in every room included kitchen & bath!), lots of square footage, and loads of charm. One of the first things I did was to rip out the dusty wall-to-wall carpeting and refinish the original oak floors. To keep the natural light wood color I used a water-based finish coat but no stain. Part of me wishes I had bleached them for an even lighter appearance! The fireplace and mirrored surround are original to the 1929 construction as is the small crystal chandelier. Those were the details that I kept.  Gone were the fussy, dusty curtains and scalloped wood valance which...

Four years ago now I purchased a charming old apartment from an estate that had great possibilities but had languished on the market for months because it was dirty and dated.  Now I'm ready for my close up so join me for a before and after tour! The apartment is located in a charming pre-war building in the DC neighborhood of Cleveland Park and had great bones: super solid construction, tall ceilings, many windows and multiple exposures (in every room included kitchen & bath!), lots of square footage, and loads of charm. One of the first things I did was to rip out the dusty wall-to-wall carpeting and refinish the original oak floors. To keep the natural light wood color I used a water-based finish coat but no stain. Part of me wishes I had bleached them for an even lighter appearance! The fireplace and mirrored surround are original to the 1929 construction as is the small crystal chandelier. Those were the details that I kept.  Gone were the fussy, dusty curtains and sc...