Down by the Bay: Cape Cod

May

House Tour — by Cathy Wolfram

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The renovations of our tiny family bungalow after the effects of Hurricane Sandy are coming along, a post is on the way to show our progress. For today I was looking for some inspiration and turned to the talented architects at Polhemus Savery DaSilva. A smaller scale house that demonstrates care and attention to details incorporating classic New England details, this is just the inspiration I was looking for and this sweet cottage delivers.

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Perched above the bay the views are just stunning, the entire back of the house is windows to maximize the view while connecting the house to the picturesque surroundings. Two balconies and a lovely screened-in porch boasts a full view of the shore-line.

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The decor is classic beach cottage in shades of blue combined with crisp white. Nautical and beach touches can be found in the shutters, fireplace surround and collections throughout . In the kitchen several glass cabinets were used keeping the smaller scale feeling light and open.

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This is the view from the bedroom opening to the balcony. The farmhouse style window is the perfect complement to the classic cottage architecture and shingles. Further below the bathroom has a fabulous built in tub maximizing the function of the space.

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From the entryway to the view from the shore this home optimizes classic New England architecture. I hope you have enjoyed spending some time by the bay today with me and that you have a chance to relax this Mother’s Day weekend somewhere warm and sunny down by the bay. cathy

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Picture Perfect: Robe Lowe’s Residence

May

House Tour — by Cathy Wolfram

While searching through pool designs for a client I came across a magnificent one in Architectural Digest that happens to be the home of actor Rob Lowe. I was so curious to see the inside of the house and decided to share the tour with you today.

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The example I was looking for was a rectangular Jacuzzi that was raised and this one is just right. The Georgian-style home is just spectacular boasting two guesthouses, four kitchens and plenty of room to spread out and enjoy family time in addition to receiving guests.

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The main kitchen was designed by Interior Designer David Phoenix. Love how the coffered ceiling and industrial lighting complements the reclaimed french oak floors and a massive Calacatta marble island. Swooning over the refrigerator with beverage center. Below, elegantly appointed finishes and design choices create a chic yet inviting atmosphere.

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The lovely window seat is the perfect place to curl up with a good book while the adjacent balcony provides a quiet place for Rob to read his next script. In his own words, “I always wanted that house where everybody wants to go, full of energy, dogs, music, fun. I wanted ours to be that house, and it is. ‘Family home’ is a trite phrase, but that’s exactly what we have. Nothing makes me happier” -Rob Lowe.

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Triple the Fun: Nursery Design

May

Nursery — by Cathy Wolfram

Designing a nursery is so much fun but designing for multiples can be challenging. One of our readers is having triplets and really needs some help, lets jump in and get her started!

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Q. My husband and I recently found out we are expecting triplets! We are in the process of buying a new home, hopefully closing May 29. First time home owners and parents. Desperately need ideas for a triplet nursery–any pointers? Susie

A. Congratulations Susie! What an adventure you are embarking on, I would love to share what I have learned designing for multiples and the feedback from parents after they were born. Neutral Walls- They liked the flexibility to move the room around adjusting to the babies needs, they love the idea of wall decals and lighter walls felt happier for most spending so much time in the room. This modern organic nursery above uses wall decals and earth-tones. I am a huge fan of white cribs with clean modern lines, even for boys and dig the pop of orange!

Keep them together- No matter how small the room is studies show triplets should be kept together at least for the first year. Above, even the smallest of rooms can work. Making a comfortable place for Mom and Dad to sit is a must for feedings; if there is not enough space in the babies room, use an adjacent room.

Layout the room- Place the largest pieces first; cribs and changing station. I recently designed a room for multiples where I had to actually find a space for them. The un-finished attic proved to be the perfect place, there was good ceiling height so we didn’t have to add a dormer. The result was a huge room where we fit three cribs (that will convert to toddler beds), a changing station, a well designed closet, a sitting area for parents and a play area .

Design the closet- My goal, to put as much in the closet as possible freeing up valuable floor space, especially when three babies are sharing a room. I like a combination of drawers and shelving with hanging areas that can be adjusted in the future.

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Furniture choices- Simple, clean lines are a must when housing three cribs in one room unless the room is over-sized. Above, a creatively designed changing station is an interesting option making good use of a wall space. I personally love the modern organic feel of the Kudos Crib and the fun finish options. If modern is not your cup of tea, Young America has various styles, I have used them for years and my clients love them. For a budget option the babyletto has the same clean lines with the addition of glorious storage underneath. Below, a fun shelving unit houses toys and books and the womb chair with ottoman adds function and versatility.

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Setting up stations- One of my close friends recently had multiples and her best advise was to set up various areas for them to be in. If the nursery is large enough, place a baby swing or bouncy seat there in case someone gets fussy while one is getting changed. In her living room she has a pack and play, two cozy swings and another bouncy seat so there are options to keep her babies happy. Remember, your living room will not look like this forever, before you know it you will be chasing after them LOL.

Having triplets is truly a blessing and a huge responsibility. Planning a nursery with everything you need before the babies are born will help you feel confident and calm. There will be overwhelming days, that is a given, but having a well equipped, soothing nursery will make those challenging days just feel better. cathy

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Eight Ways to Style Your Stoop

May

Exterior, Springtime — by Cathy Wolfram

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Let’s face it, many of us would love to have that fabulous front porch or grand staircase to dress up this time of year with beautiful flowers and potted plants but it isn’t always the case. Styling your stoop can be as simple as changing your front door color and adding some potted plants or as elaborate as changing your lighting fixtures and sprucing up stone work. I’ve received so many requests this week for ways to style a stoop and I am happy to share ways to enhance curb appeal creating a warm welcome for your guests.

PicMonkey Collage Door color- Above, a pale shade of mint is the perfect complement to the medium grey color of the house and crisp white trim. Changing the door color will give instant stoop style.

House number- It should clearly display the number from the curb and add an element of design. The one above relates nicely to the white trim and black finish of the hardware.

Lighting- Changing a fixture can greatly impact the design direction of your entryway. For example if your home is a cape cod style you can choose either a lantern style fixture to complement the architecture or change the look by adding a more modern fixture.

A Fresh Door-mat- An item that we often overlook is our door mat; displaying an old worn out version. A simple item like a door-mat can actually make a first impression. I like when the mat spans the length of the door and side lights. I also loveee monograms and use this one from Frontgate often. Don’t miss this inexpensive way to spruce up your stoop.

Lanterns- I am a bit crazy for lanterns this year using them indoors on coffee tables and loving them on stoops and patios. I found some of my favs this year at Pottery Barn and HomeGoods.

Potted Plants- Adding potted plants is one of the most obvious ways to style a stoop, having the most impact from the curb. You can use identical pots and place them on either side of the door for a symmetrical look or place them on one side with varying heights.

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Pots filled with Hostas will return each Spring, add a pop of color with geraniums and some ivy. Below, Italian style pots add color to the stoop even before the plants bloom. To find your style look through dozens of ideas and varieties of potted plants that I pinned.

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Add a chair- Even on a small stoop if you can fit a chair it is not only functional but gives a presence to the stoop similar to a porch feel. Welcoming and decorative.

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Stone Work- One of the most costly but sometimes necessary ways to spruce up your stoop. Keep up with patio grout and replacing missing bricks, this should be part of your homes regular maintenance but will also keep your stoop looking well styled.

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I hope these eight ways to spruce up your stoop inspire you to jump into Spring and get styling. Send us your ideas, we would love to share them. cathy

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