Author: Atrace

How Can I Obtain My Property Taxes Reduced?

Atrace

When requested by a new neighbor for advice about how best to pay lower property taxes, a longtime California homeowner quipped,”Buy the house 20 years ago.” The answer will help exemplify the protective effects of Proposition 13 of the California property code, which considerably restricts the amount taxes can grow yearly for homeowners. Low prices can jump when a home is sold and reassessed for current price.

Locate a current property tax bill or a stub left over from a prior payment. Write down the current taxes paid yearly on the home. Conduct an internet search of recent sold properties in your immediate area. Many property websites feature lists of homes sold.

Make a list of the earnings, including the size of these homes, the number of bathrooms, the date built and the lot size. Ask your real estate agent to provide you with a list when you have trouble finding the info.

Log on to the tax accountant site for the county in which the home is situated. The site address appears on paper tax statements. Type in the package identification number or assessor identification number that appears on the tax bill. Information concerning the particular package, including square footage, number of rooms and lot size seems on many county assessor websites. County assessor websites also can be sources of advice for comparable sold possessions, but the database tends to update gradually.

Click the tax link on the county tax assessor site. Most tax advice links show up on the site and alongside the database info for a particular property. Enter the package identification number again, if necessary.

Compare the current status of tax statements and obligations made with documents you keep. Any inaccurate information is the cornerstone of an appeal. Write down the information regarding the size of the subject home, its date of construction, and the number of rooms and baths. Write information about lot size down.

Scan the assessor site for the links into the tax abatement section. Read about any special disaster relief tax discount principles that could lower tax rates temporarily after major events such as wildfire. Check the Proposition 8 list advice, which details how tax assessments could be challenged and occasionally mechanically undergo a review when property markets drop drastically.

Make an appointment. Present the documents you have that back up the assertion that the home is overtaxed. Document an abatement request, or appeal a decision already reached by the tax assessor board, and await the notification of the result, usually sent by mail.

See related

Tenancy in Common Pros & Cons

Atrace

The way by which a few or a group of people takes title to a house can influence their future as much as what type of mortgage they select or what kind of insurance coverage that they choose. Tenancy in common is one of the least restrictive alternatives available. California property laws provide for an assortment of protections for homebuyers and a few rules benefit specific sorts of buyers more than others.

Millionaire Indicator

People do not need to be wed to be tenants in common. They do not even need to occupy the residence. A couple of investors might choose property in common when investing in rental property. One advantage of property in common is that the ownership doesn’t need to be equally divided. A guy who leads 60 percent of the cash up front might choose, together with his partner, to specify a 60 to 40 ratio–reflecting each individual’s individual investment in the house.

Interest and Flexibility

A person might have a minority interest as specified in the tenancy in common deed, but he still has the right to make use of the whole property. The equal usage of unequal interest in a house could be advantageous to some, while a troubling proposal for others. Investors who have no interest in actually residing in a space might find the arrangement comfy. One advantage of property in common is that each individual has the right to deed his own portion, or mortgage it without obtaining the approval from the other tenants in common. The flexibility can be useful for those seeking to get out of an investment, but disadvantageous for everybody seeking stability.

Inheritance

One disadvantage of tenancy in common is that there is no right of survival. Each owner must define the heir for the portion they have. Even when one person decides to create another tenant in common the heir, the house will need to go through probate for assessment and administration. The probate process can take months, and can cost tens of thousands of dollars. The advantage of the arrangement is that each tenant in common can ascertain the respective heirs without the approval of the other parties. When a change in ownership becomes a problem, a single tenant could induce a sale after applying for a”partition action.”

See related

Smart Shopper: How to Choose a Sofa Bed

Atrace

Anyone who has spent a restless night on a buddy’s fold-out sofa will appreciate the significance of a fantastic sleep couch. Yes, you will find comfy models available on the market — you only have to know what to look for when you shop. Here’s a rundown of some of the most important facts to take into account.

Cindy Ray Interiors, Inc..

Do you need a sleep couch? If you have never needed a sleep couch before but are thinking about purchasing one “just in case,” you may wish to believe again. A sofa bed is more expensive than a conventional couch, so unless you’re likely to use it for sleeping, you’re better off purchasing a conventional sofa and stashing an air mattress in the cupboard. As a result of their construction, sleep sofas have seats that are firmer than couches. While seniors frequently like the extra support (it is a lot easier to get up), others might find sleepers less comfy.

What size? Quantify the place where you want to set the sofa mattress, and figure out the ideal couch width for this space. Sleepers come in four standard widths:

Chair: 51 to 58 inches
Twin: 56 to 65 inches
Complete: 68 to 92 inches
Queen: 79 to 101 inches

Can it fit through the doorway? Measure the height of this room’s ceiling and also the width of the doorway (and any preceding doorways, stairs or lifts). Bring those amounts to the store, so you will know if you are able to find the piece into the room. Legs can usually be unscrewed.

Grace Blu Designs, Inc..

Most mattress frames will be the same. Most sleep couch mechanisms are created the same way (and from the same manufacturer), so there is very little difference from one brand to another: You’ll find a metal frame with coils around the edges holding canvas decking. (Although couch beds still possess that pub underneath the mattress, it today stinks from the body, preventing debilitating surprises in the morning.)

One notable exception is the lineup of sleep sofas created by American Leather/American Upholstery. These feature a solid wood base underneath the whole mattress. This system allows the enterprise to utilize conventional-size mattresses (most couch bed mattresses are shorter), yet its sleepers take up less floor space whenever they’re open.

Pick your own mattress. The mattress is the thing that distinguishes one sleep couch from another. Because it folds, it won’t be as solid as a conventional mattress. There are 3 basic types:
Innerspring mattresses have coils indoors; the more coils, the better. The typical is 345 coils; 644 is very good. Memory foam mattresses are better. They’ve no coils indoors; the foam conforms to the consumer’s body. Air-coil mattresses are really on a level with memory foam and feature an innerspring mattress having an air mattress built on top.

Design Within Reach

Test it all out. Shoppers are often shy about testing out a couch bed in the store, but considering how big this investment you’re making, it is well worth a few minutes of embarrassment.

Lie back on the mattress and mimic various sleeping positions (within the realm of good taste, naturally).

Retract the mattress so that you may feel the weight and ease of this mechanism, then sit on the couch with the mattress folded up so that you can judge how it seems to sit (which is, after all, how you will be using it most of time).

Don’t wait till the final minute. If you begin searching for a couch bed the week before Aunt Minerva’s visit, your selection of colors and fabrics will be limited to what is available on the sales floor. For best results do your purchasing at least two months in advance, so the store has time to custom order the piece in exactly the colour and fabric you desire.

More
How to Buy a Sofa
How to Buy a Sectional
How to Buy a Mattress

See related

Guest Picks: Small Houses

Atrace

There is no place like home! I’ve selected some of my favorite tiny houses (es?) To talk with you. From hard items like cutting boards, blocks and bookends to soft cushions, garlands and phones, I believe each piece conveys the cozy atmosphere of home. — Elaina from Fun Finds For Mother

Cloudberry Living

Isak Landsby Cups – GBP 28

This collection of 2 Isak Landsby Cups from Sweden comes with oak lids that can also be used as coasters. They are perfect for cozying up with a cup of coffee. These are a great hostess gift if you are going to visit a coffee lover!

Collected By Tas-ka

Coat Rack City – EUR 45

Pegs in town! I love the idea of lining up two of these beechwood coat racks beside each other to create a pretty little cityscape on the wall.

Etsy

Felt Nursery Mobile, Pastel Houses From Pretty Plush – $95

These hand-stitched and filled felt houses are a sweet addition to a nursery or child’s room.

2Modern

Cutting Board 3 From Ferm Living – $75

In their simplicity, these timber cutting boards by Ferm Living evoke a feeling of home.

Etsy

Decorative House Pillow From Pink Nounou – EUR 19

This glowing pillow is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 accredited (no nasty chemicals in the textiles) and are a fun addition to a child’s mattress.

Etsy

Tiny House Itty Bitty Dish From The Brick Kiln – $10

This tiny dish is only 3 inches in diameter. It is perfect for a bedside table to hold earrings, rings or other small treasures.

Etsy

Set Of Three Gray Mini Felt House Luminaries From Hunky Dorky – $15

Click through to find out how beautiful these little houses look when lit from within with a battery-operated flameless tea light. It is like a tiny village at night time. Magical.

Etsy

Little House Pillow Big Smoke By One Me – $15

These soft houses are hand-stuffed with wool from the artist’s own flock of sheep in New Zealand. How cool is that? Rachel, the girl who makes these, states that they look great in groups and would be delighted to make you a whole city!

Chigo

House Block – $59.16

I’d love a set of these vibrant little house blocks in my desk. Now I simply have to ask my sister who lives in Japan to help translate the website, or bring some house on her next trip!

Etsy

Smoke Houses Original Painting By Valeriya Volkova – $35

Hello, small neighborhood! This acrylic-on-ink mini-painting is simply 5 by 4 inches. I like the look of mixing framed photographs with artwork on a colorful wall. This bit would be a great addition to this screen.

Etsy

Cosmetic Dentistry From Kids Collection My small House From LHIdea – $35

If you love linen, have a look at this Etsy shop. After you read the poem about houses relating to the product’s page, you will really want to decorate with tiny houses.

SUCH Designs

Wonky Small Homes Pillow Pattern – $12.95

This one is for you sewers out there! It is the Wonky Little Homes quilted pillowcase pattern from SUCH Designs. My friend Carrie designed this (that’s her in the photo). I’ve found it in person, and it is stunning.

Etsy

Concrete Home Decor From Raine Design – $16

This is Mini Town, an eensy weensy city made of cast concrete. I can think of a few architect friends who’d like a set of these small houses. Keep them away from small ones, since they’re around 1-inch tall!

The Land of Nod

Children’s Bird And Birdhouse Wall Pegs – $14.95

This small white-painted wood birdhouse hook is a sweet addition to a child’s room. I could do a whole ideabook on birdhouses!

www.etsy.com

Felt, tiny houses and garlands are three of my favorite things. This handmade garland would include a fun, vibrant touch to a nursery or playroom.

Urban Outfitters UK

Suck UK Book Rush Lamp – GBP 40

I don’t appear to get a bookmark when I finish narrative time and tuck the kids in bed. With this exceptional nightlight, you simply set the book on top to make a roof. How smart!

2Modern

Studio 1 Oak From Ferm Living – $125.25

Ferm living has several great little houses in their collection. These oak homes come in five distinct sizes and can be mounted on the wall or displayed on a table or shelf.

Papier Labo

Bookvilla Bookends – $59.48

I love the simplicity of these wood bookends.

Ladies & Gentlemen Studio

Homestead Candle Holders – $58

This homey little pair of wood and copper candlesticks are handmade by Ladies & Gentlemen Studio in Seattle. I’d like some in my mantel.

Etsy

Set Of Six Illustrations By Stefania Manzi – EUR 15

The color scheme of these six illustrations is soothing.

Next: Over-the-Top Modern Dollhouses

See related

Elegant Updates for a Dallas House

Atrace

Ross and Megan Brown’s World War II-era home in South Dallas owned great bones along with a graceful vibe, but the 1950s-style kitchen and bathrooms have been in need of some style adore. “It was not the cool retro ’50s; it had been an ugly, outdated ’50s,” says Megan, who had been drawn to the old home for its own quirks and personality. With the support of custom home builder Andria Lai, the Browns renovated the kitchen and two bathrooms in six weeks, filling out the rest of their home with family hand-me-downs and DIY projects using a few of the home’s original fixtures.

in a Glance
Who lives here: Ross and Megan Brown
Size: 2,200 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms
Location: Oak Cliff area of Dallas

Sarah Greenman

The two sets of double black doors on both sides of the hearth were inserted in the 1950s when the porch has been enclosed and converted to what is now the home workplace.

A white slipcover sofa makes for simple cleaning. “I grew up with brothers, therefore I was initially hesitant of white,” Ross says. “However, it seems terrific.”

Paint: Repose Gray, Sherwin Williams; mirror: Sunburst on the Scene, Wisteria; coffee table: French Industrial, Wisteria

Sarah Greenman

The couple recently made a built-in shelving unit in the front end of the home office to arrange their shared workspace. This project was different from their overall renovation. “Before we had the shelves, the clutter was somewhat out of hand,” Megan says.

Area rug: One King’s Lane; desk: Ava Wood, Pottery Barn

Sarah Greenman

Megan’s aunt gave her the camelback sofa upholstered in lemon-striped fabric. Megan added chevron print throw pillows from One King’s Lane for a quick update.

Paint: Graystone, Benjamin Moore; coffee table: Foxed Mirror, West Elm

Sarah Greenman

Megan purchased the cowhide rug at First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Texas, as a birthday present for Ross until they were married. “After I gave it to him, my mom reminded me that if we got married, I’d need to live with the hide in my home,” Megan says. “I hadn’t thought of that. However, I believe we found a fantastic place for it at the workplace.”

Sarah Greenman

A painted black hutch, yet another blessed Canton Trade Days buy, oversees the dining space. “It’s one of my favourite pieces in the home,” says Megan.

First hardwood floors throughout the home were a massive selling point for the bunch. “We’re so pleased to see that the wood floors were undamaged,” says Ross. “We all needed to do was clean them up and re-stain them.”

Sarah Greenman

Megan likes to host dinner parties and entertain in your home. She states that the dining room “known for a round table,” therefore the couple splurged with this tasteful set from Restoration Hardware. “I like to keep things simple and clean looking with a calming vibe,” she states.

Artwork: Jennifer Moreman, One King’s Lane; chandelier: Lamps Plus; table: French Urn Pedestal, Restoration Hardware; chairs: Vintage French Round, Restoration Hardware

Sarah Greenman

The couple renovated the kitchen from top to bottom. Megan, a health coach and author of Megg Salad, a nutritious recipe website, does a lot of cooking from home. “We put so much work to getting it right, transforming the distance and maximizing storage,” she states. “We adore that when folks come over they want to be at the kitchen. The distance just feels great.”

Countertops: absolute black granite, brushed end; pendant lights: Clear Glass Cloche, Restoration Hardware

Sarah Greenman

The Browns say that their biggest design issue was the rear wall of the kitchen. “Working around the current window was a toughie, and also our original plans did not work out,” she states. “Looking back, I am so glad we weren’t afraid to scrap it and begin over. The final piece really completes the kitchen adds a lot of storage and makes it feel so much larger.”

Sarah Greenman

Megan says she shares a similar aesthetic together with her husband, which made picking materials and furnishings easier. “Sometimes I have to sell him onto a bit, but usually we are thinking the same way,” she states. “Other instances Ross points out a detail that I haven’t considered yet, like measurements.” The latter came together in this very small breakfast nook, which will be just large enough for two.

Chandelier: Clarissa Glass Drop, Pottery Barn; table, Tripod, West Elm; chairs: Scoop-back, West Elm

Sarah Greenman

The former homeowners had already renovated the main bathroom in Carrera white marble tile plus a freestanding soaking bathtub, each of the Browns kept undamaged. “I am so glad the master bathroom has been done because we’d not have been able to reestablish with this kind of nice features,” Megan says.

Sarah Greenman

Two bright guest rooms occupy the top floor and overlook the garden. In one, a gorgeous brass bed — yet another hand-me-down from Megan’s aunt — takes center stage on a bright wool area rug.

“When we first saw the home, we were amazed that the rooms were so large, particularly given the era in which the house had been built,” Ross says. “And the closets are huge, too.”

Area rug: One King’s Lane

Sarah Greenman

The second guest room features an all-white palette and wood accents.

Bedding: Bed Bath & Beyond

Sarah Greenman

The couple fully renovated the guest bathroom but decided to maintain the sconces, which have been initially brass. Megan spray them silver to accent the toilet’s cool palette. “There have been so many little decisions to be made,” Megan says. “I recall there was one night once I went to three different Lowe’s after work to find a mirror for your bathroom. That is when I realized I’d completely lost my mind.”

Paint: Woodlawn Blue, Benjamin Moore; countertops: Kashmir white granite

Sarah Greenman

Ross assembled this grill fence and table display, which hides the home’s air conditioning unit. The Big Green Egg grill floats at the center of the table with open work space on each side. The table is ipe decking using a Cedar framework.

Sarah Greenman

Large windows, the majority of which are original to the home, bring in plenty of natural lighting. Stone pavers make a circular patio area for outside entertaining and dining. The couple is slowly tiled the garden, but Ross’s latest signature is a tree swing.

Sarah Greenman

The Browns’ front lawn enjoys adult trees and hills (a rarity in Dallas).

Sarah Greenman

The Browns, who will celebrate their third wedding anniversary this autumn, stand facing their custom high-gloss red painted doorway. Megan was the paint custom matched to your color in the Kate Spade box in Elliott’s Hardware.

Paint: Sherwin Williams Color Matching Services; door knocker: Etsy

Browse more homes by design:
Little Homes | Colorful Homes| Eclectic Homes | Modern Homes | Contemporary Homes
Midcentury Homes | Ranch Homes | Conventional Homes | Barn Homes
Townhouses | Apartments | Lofts | Vacation Homes

See related

A Prefab Modern Farmhouse Rises at Vermont

Atrace

Burn, baby, burn. That is exactly what this Boston family and volunteer firefighters stated to a classic Vermont home.

The house had extensive work, but rather than face a major renovation, the owners chose to tear it down and install a prefabricated modern farmhouse as a weekend retreat. The couple’s Realtor, Michael Brodeur, a volunteer fireman, asked whether he and his department can do a controlled burn as a training practice. Up in flames it moved.

The new house was designed and constructed in sections offsite, then constructed in place. Architectural designer Kim Brown worked with the family on what he describes The Space Puzzle. “The challenge was to give them the home they wanted, yet bring it into the design and technology criteria ordered for prefab homes,” Brown states. The homeowners were appealed to by the timeline that was shortened, too. Within a year of purchasing the property, they’d designed, constructed, constructed and began enjoying the new residence.

in a Glance
Who lives here: The proprietor of studio M | layout, a partner in a Boston hospitality firm, and their two sons
Location: Warren, Vermont
Size: 5,700 square feet, including the finished basement; 4 bedrooms, 41/2 bathrooms
Price: $160 per square foot fully fixtured on the above-ground Part of the Home

The original house had much effort, the couple was happy to oblige the request of their local Warren Volunteer Fire Department to use it to get a live training practice.

Mary Prince Photography

The new house’s style feels normal on its 5 acres of rural Vermont landscape — 3 of which are open meadow. “Its twin gabled wings connected by a straight segment and farmer’s porch across the centre give it a little uniqueness,” states Brown.

Preferred Building Systems of Claremont, New Hampshire, constructed, delivered and constructed the structure to the foundation.

Mary Prince Photography

“They liked the idea of a house that borrowed from the minimalist ease of barns and farmhouses offering a lot of the taste of the Vermont countryside,” Brown states. “No Greek-revival trimming schemes”

Door paint color: Agave, Benjamin Moore

Mary Prince Photography

Comfort and ruggedness were two major design goals. The house had to be prepared to manage two busy boys and their friends coming and going during summer time and springtime mud season; 18-by-18-inch black slate tile and wide-plank walnut flooring in the typical regions met that task head-on.

Flooring: Dark Slate, Barre Tile, South Barre, Vermont;

Mary Prince Photography

“The homeowners came with sketches which had captured the taste of this projected house both inside and outside,” states Brown. “The battle was that there are certain methods by which modular homes will need to be put together so they can be delivered and constructed efficiently and efficiently. How can I blend their layout with the modular world?”

“3-D modeling helped boost visual understanding for all of us during each step of the plan process,” Brown states. “The earliest drawings came about following review of their owners’ thoughts and input from the modular builder Preferred Building Systems about certain restrictions we’d face.”

The results include an open floor plan, 9-foot ceilings, extra-large sliding doors to get greater views and lots of fresh air, ample storage and private interior spaces for privacy and relaxation.

Sliding windows and doors: Anderson

Mary Prince Photography

A small principal staircase contributes to the second floor. Simple furnishings maintain the emphasis on the perspectives.

Eiffel style dining chairs; walnut dining table: Mohr and McPherson, Boston; chandelier: Pottery Barn Edison lighting; painting: South End Open Studios, Boston

Mary Prince Photography

The few hired Vermont Pinnacle Homes to install their handpicked finishes, fixtures, cabinets, appliances, windows, doors, lighting and baseboards. Peter Carr of Boston Cabinets made the kitchen.

Oven and stovetop: Bosch; refrigerator: JennAir; kitchen cabinets: Kraftmaid, Venezia; wall mounted mirrors: Cooper Classic Ellenton; countertops: Hawaiian green granite, Barre Tile; backsplash and wall: Italian linen appearance tile, Tile Showcase, Boston; faucet: Kohler; black leather barstools: Crate & Barrel

Mary Prince Photography

Sink: Elkay, Avado; countertops: Hawaiian green granite, Barre Tile, Barre, Vermont; pink artwork over table: purchased at South Boston Open Studios; chrome console: Gary, Pangea

Mary Prince Photography

The mudroom is a significant space in almost any Vermont home. Brown made this one to be oversized with a wall of cabinets for keeping four seasons of equipment. The snow scooter signal is classic, along with the reddish strips under rag weave chairs arrange boots, sneakers and water shoes.

Benches and paper tree: Anthropologie; stars: Brimfield Antique Show; floor mirror: Mongstad, Ikea

Mary Prince Photography

“Inside, the target was open spaces in public places — living, diningroom, kitchen — and ample but private sleeping and ‘escape’ places,” states Brown. The modular firm, Preferred Building Systems, was very helpful with this within their ‘box’ scheme,” states Brown.

Green wall art: studio M | layout; white pillows: Ikea; striped pillows: Crate & Barrel

Mary Prince Photography

Blocks of color, a fireplace visible throughout the first-floor typical areas, a lucite media rack and vintage coffee table decorate the living area.

Coffee table: Drexel Declaration Ovoid Table; floor lamps: West Elm; carpet: Surya; lucite networking cart: CB2; painting: Jack Morefield

Mary Prince Photography

A tiny room off the living area, with sliding pocket doors, serves as a private reading area, game room and office.

Sofa: Ralph Lauren Sleeper; lamps: Weave, Adesso; midcentury coffee table and end tables: Lane, from a collector on Craigslist

Mary Prince Photography

Neutral letters and numbers salvaged from old signage decorate a wall at the office.

Wall art: Reside, Cambridge, MA; desk chair: Kartel; dining table: CB2; rug: Larsen Blaire; dining table lamps: Adesso

Mary Prince Photography

A home theater in the basement chairs 10 and features a 110-inch display, surround sound plus a 1080 HD projector. The rest of the basement stays a bare recreation room and residence to a ping pong table, floor dining place, ski sharpening/gear space plus a full bathroom.

Sofa: Tilary, West Elm; black glass and chrome tables: Ikea; lamps and ottoman balls: CB2; paint: Coastline Blue, Benjamin Moore; Giraffe texture carpet

Mary Prince Photography

The white color scheme in the first-floor guest bedroom suite creates a tranquil refuge with a focus on the perspectives. “When you’re in your house, you’re never far from your pure landscape out,” states Brown. “Deer can be seen in the meadows from virtually any room.”

Vintage mahogany painted bedside tables: Upstairs Downstairs Antiques in Boston; dining table lamps: Design Craft Collette; green pillows: Luxories, Provincetown, Massachusetts; blinds: Durawood Blinds, Smith and Noble

Mary Prince Photography

The adjoining guest bathroom features a spacious open shower.

Paint: November Rain, Benjamin Moore; fixtures: Kohler; wool rug: Jill Rosenwald; black walnut wall ladder: Mohr and McPherson, Boston; Glass vase: Simon Pearce

Mary Prince Photography

The uncluttered principal suite has magnificent views of the hills along with the neighboring 25-acre property and horse stables. A blackened steel gas fireplace warms the area.

Lounge chair and ottoman: Kivik, Ikea; Silver drum side table: Home Goods; Bedskirt: Anthropologie; Pillows: Anichini and West Elm; paint: Cotton Balls, Benjamin Moore

Mary Prince Photography

Paint: Benjamin Moore Stone; Lamps: Mohr and McPherson, Boston; Bedside tables: Bernhardt

Mary Prince Photography

The main bath features a large tiled steam shower with a marble penny tile floor.

Shower walls: Relvinha limestone; fixtures: Kohler; ottoman: Urban Outfitters

Mary Prince Photography

Even the bubble massage bathtub has a wonderful green opinion. The tub and sink backsplashes are both quilted aubergine marble.

Tub: BubbleMassage, Kohler; fixtures: Kohler; bathtub deck: Relvinha limestone

Mary Prince Photography

Both of the boy bedrooms/guest bedrooms have twin beds with a dark accent wall.

Bedding: Ikea; Crate & Barrel

Mary Prince Photography

A duo of cabinets leave space for a desk cubby between. The vinyl 45 records above the closet doors are out of SOWA Vintage Market in Boston.

Chair: Kartell; ottoman: HomeGoods

Mary Prince Photography

The sons share a bathroom with two sinks reverse each other using a doorway to the shower to get privacy. The backsplash is a shameful limestone penny tile.

Mirrors and wall mounted lighting: Ikea; countertops: honed black granite; Deadlyaucets: Moen

It took the owners to find a property with the ideal view. They succeeded with among those Green Mountains as well as the Sugarbush Ski Resort. This really is a family of skiers, with terrain park fans and downhill, cross country. The family enjoys the region’s swimming holes, mountain biking, cycling, hiking and golf.

Mary Prince Photography

Outdoor areas have natural stone walkways, a terrace with a fire pit, and perennials given to the family from neighbors.

Prefab firm: Preferred Building Systems, Claremont, New Hampshire; General builder: Vermont Pinnacle Homes, Stowe, Vermont; Architectural Designer: Kim Brown; Kitchen Designer: Peter Carr of Boston Cabinets

See more photos of this Home | Show us your home

Browse more homes by style:
Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Eclectic Homes | Modern Homes | Contemporary Homes
Midcentury Homes | Ranch Homes | Conventional Homes | Barn Homes | Townhouses | Apartments | Lofts | Holiday Homes

See related

Weave Raffia Into Your Own Interiors for Natural Appeal

Atrace

The majority of us consider raffia as a ribbon to use in crafts — but this versatile fiber was used in interiors for centuries. Made out of fibers from dried palm, durable and flexible raffia may be used for much more than wrapping gifts. This substance’s soft but pliable texture has made it a favorite textile for upholstery, wallpaper fabric and accessories.

Discover raffia’s pros and cons and see how you may use this natural material around the house.

Kate Thornley-Hall

The basics. Raffia is a natural fiber harvested from a certain type of palm tree found in Africa, South America and parts of the Philippines. The membrane on the back of each leaf is torn off to create a long and lean fiber. The fibers that are light are dried and then used for craft products or dyed and woven into textiles.

Tip: Handwoven raffia from Africa or the Philippines that was yarn dyed prior to weaving gets the most consistent color.

Lucy Interior Design

Ancient uses. As early as the 14th century, textiles (including raffia fabric) were used as money throughout Africa. The size, quality and color of the textile determined its value. Large pieces were used as payment and were given at weddings and funerals.

Hint: For only some raffia interest in a lower price than fabric, dress up your ottomans or furniture using raffia fringe.

Biondi Decor

Kuba clothis a traditional patterned textile made from the raffia tree by the Kuba people in Congo. They dye the raffia leaves using mud or liquid from the camwood tree, then rub on the cloths by hand so that they’re soft and easier to weave.

The Kuba embroider the fabric by pulling raffia fibers through it — an extremely time-consuming and delicate craft. The patterns symbolize special communities, and each design may have numerous meanings.

Thibaut

Durability. Quality raffia upholstery fabric must score at least 40,000 on the Martindale Rub Test, which predicts wearability; fabric samples are rubbed using worsted wool fabric in a figure-8 movement. The rating indicates the amount of rubs that the fabric can take before it wears and changes in look from holes, pilling etc..

Hint: Raffia background that’s been bonded to a fabric backing and treated with a stain repellent is a lot easier to install and care for.

Michael Fullen Design Group

Authentic raffia fabric isn’t the best bet in moist areas. If water sits on it for lengthy periods of time, it will mold. If you’d like to use raffia on your bathroom or kitchen, then install it into a place that sees little water — like on cabinet fronts or upper chimney.

Alida Coury Interiors

Modern uses. Dyed raffia is frequently used in contemporary home accessories. Woven placemats, baskets and trays all benefit in the material’s durability and transitional style.

Hint: If having the accurate, natural product is important to you, check your raffia tags to make sure it is not made from other substances. Faux raffia is often created from cellulose pulp.

SLC Interiors

If you want to shade your windows but do not want to eliminate all of your normal lighting, attempt raffia dividers; they add immediate warmth and character to any room, creating a gentle, weatherproof lighting impact.

Hint: In a more traditional setting, frame your raffia blinds with drapes in a contrasting color to soften the appearance.

See related

Guest Groups: Modern Pastels for Spring

Atrace

The spring 2012 runways were chock-full of light colours. It is no surprise that ice cream colours are making their way into house design too. But, pastels can be complicated to work with. Unless you’re decorating a nursery or a silk-swathed formal dining room, these colours may not be the clear choice. But think again — this year’s pastels are new, modern and quite mouthwatering.
— Lucy from Four Walls and a Roof

Design Within Reach

Spark Lounge Chair with Seat Pad – $348

One of my favorite looks in light is a piece of furniture that’s the exact same shade from top to toe. This citron chair has a zing that is anything but drab.

Room & Board

Lean Round Cocktail Table, Ocean – $229

You are able to see the black effect too. It is like an ordinary table was dipped in turquoise paint. I’m seriously contemplating this coffee table for my house.

LUCY TURNER

Sea Jade Oak Cabinet – GBP 895

If you feel like mixing trends, you can not beat this cabinet by Lucy Turner. An upcycled, combined substances piece featuring this year’s pastels look, it certainly checks all the ideal boxes!

Stouby

Stouby Chairs, Frost

This chair could possibly be inspired by winter (the form is reminiscent of snowdrifts which were molded by the wind), but within this pale rose color it looks perfectly suited to spring.

Schoolhouse Electric

Utility Stool – $165

Another great look is mixing pastel colors with industrial types and substances, such like these powder-coated metal stools. They’d be so good against a dark gray kitchen pub.

YLiving.com

Kartell | Victoria Ghost Chair, Set of 4 – $1,400

This chair takes a conventional form and colour and contrasts it with a contemporary material: rose-colored polycarbonate.

YLiving.com

Kartell | Jolly Side Table – $179

These little side tables are great for small spaces. Alternately, a trio of them in Easter egg colors are a new addition to a white living room.

Williams-Sonoma

Melamine 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set, Tonal Blue – $29.95

Fashion’s colour blocking trend also works in the house. This set of mixing bowls in three pleasing colors of blue, from skies to cornflower, is really cute even I could be inspired to do some baking!

Heath Ceramics

Bud Vase Set – $70

I adore that this trio of ceramic bud vases in colors that disappear out of pumpkin to blush to orange blossom.

Design Within Reach

DWR Percale Sheet Set – $225

Pastels can also be used to reinvent classic white bits. Crisp sheets in pale aqua are a great deal more interesting than white and equally as inviting.

elevenfiftyfour

C 070

A classic, simple tufted sofa, takes a fresh lease on life in this gorgeous lilac. This particular light is often earmarked for teenaged girls’ bedrooms, however, I think that it would look amazing in a loft space with industrial finishes.

Room & Board

Wegner Wishbone Colors Chair – $855

Midcentury classics are also being released in fresh colours. This celery-colored variant of this Wegner chair is a personal favorite.

Etsy

Paymaster Check Writer From Joe Vintage – $60

Pastels were utilized in several’50s appliances and, with the current midcentury trend, we are seeing countless yellowish toasters, pink typewriters and even blue stoves. How about a pistachio check writer for a dash of classic allure?

Zinc Door

Candice Olsen Market Place Geometric Parchment Hand Woven Wool Rug – $73

I’ve always liked ethnic textiles in pastel shades. This Moroccan-inspired flat-weave carpet is a good example. It would work in a conventional interior in addition to a contemporary one.

Zinc Door

Botany Sorbet Petal Pillow – $77

Mixing pastels with darker colors, like this chocolate brown, can provide a pale scheme more punch. This pillow will look great in my mocha-colored sofa.

Ferm Living Shop

Stackable Jars – $90

Ferm Living has a superb collection of pastel accessories which incorporate darker and more offbeat colors, like these stacking jars in pink, blue and grayish teal.

Ferm Living Shop

Spear Bowl – $80

Add some mustard and caramel and you have a unique color palette that Missoni will be pleased with.

Jill Rosenwald

Plimpton Skinny Vase – $124

Applying soft pastels to angular geometric patterns is one other means to update this palette. I can not get enough of these vases and bowls. Just imagine them filled with spring flowers.

Middle Kingdom Detergent Bottle Collection – $18

Inject a little humor in your house with these pastel vases in the form of detergent bottles. Now that is a unique spin on a humdrum item.

Dimmalimm

Hibiscus In Pink And Green – $24

I couldn’t resist these adorable movable coasters. Made of felt in a range of colors from rose to coral, they look like slippers to your wine glasses. They will certainly bring a smile to the faces of your guests.

Next: In the Runways Home: Pastels Spring Back

See related

10 Ways to Love Neon

Atrace

I recently begun to appreciate neon hues for the very first time in my life. While I dodged the nausea-inducing neon fashion in the ’80s, I caught myself admiring the new electric-blue Nikes using the hot-orange shoelaces my athletic friends were wearing. The colors electrified their feet, which appeared to leave a trail of colorful streaks as they trained for their 10Ks or whatever it’s athletic people perform on the weekends while I am still in bed.

Since I acclimated to my new mindset toward neon, I believed, would these colors provide a home’s energy a similar shock? My mind was open. Here are 10 strategies to try them.

JONATHAN CALVERT | Interiors Photographer

1. Use neon. The unexpected bright green chandelier in this elegantly subdued dining room electrifies the space in more ways than one. Note how the painted ceiling enriches its existence.

2. Pop bits of neon against tranquil neutrals. The neon stool and glass electrify this tub without overpowering it.

Watch more neon-neutral combo thoughts

LLC, Soledad Builders

3. Use neon to punctuate an entry. This front door is a standout that welcomes visitors and provides unique curb appeal.

Neon can also operate on a more conventional building. Just make sure you won’t be violating historical preservation codes or homeowner’s association colour guidelines before you hit the paint store.

Color palettes for bright front doors

OKB Architecture

4. Use neon out in the lawn. This bold outbuilding is magnificent. Its easy, modern lines retain the glowing green sunglasses from vibrating.

Corynne Pless

When this family moved into an eclectic farmhouse in Athens, Georgia, they chose to maintain the glowing green trim and accentuated it using a hot-pink café collection. It is very fitting in town that spawned the B-52s.

Watch the rest of this house

Diligence International

5. Use neon on trim. As somebody who will never spend a Saturday running a 10K, I would feel silly in Nike’s electric-blue running shoes with the neon orange laces and matching garb. However, I will pull off grey shoes with fuzzy laces with my white T-shirts. Likewise this minimalist room brings off some luminous green baseboard trim.

chadbourne + doss architects

6. Use just 1 blue accent. In the instance of this distance, the neon stool is all about good picture styling and makeup (as is the cat). The green bit draws the eye to the place between the kitchen and the rest of the open floor plan — look it how it relates to that corner onto the wall, the corner of this island and the center of this photo. Bravo.

Your Favorite Room From Cathy Zaeske

7. Use neon in the exercise room. If neon sneakers can energize your feet, it follows that neon paint can energize your attitude toward your workout.

Dana Nichols

8. Bring in neon via artwork. Neon pieces enliven this glowing white gallery-like space.

Bertram Architects

9. Use neon in the loo. Baths, laundry rooms and other smaller rooms that normally have the door closed are fantastic areas for colour experiments.

Ana Donohue Interiors

10. Try out a neon pink accent wall in a girl’s room. For some little girls, there’s absolutely no such thing as “too pink” Turn up the volume a couple of notches; after all, it is only paint, and you could always update it in case it gives you a headache.

So, what’s the verdict? Can you neon haters feel yourselves coming about, or is it a resounding no? Tell us in the Remarks section.

More: Color Guide: How to Use Neon Brights

See related

How to Move From Oil to Gas in Your Property

Atrace

While over half of all U.S. homeowners heat with natural gas, as many as 7% of families still rely upon oil-fired boilers and boilers, as stated by this”New York Times.” In 2012 oil prices reached record highs, creating a switch to natural gas, which remains among the very economical home heating fuels, an option to be considered. Understand that the costs and benefits of conversion to find out whether gas heating is the right choice for your loved ones Prior to making the switch.

Access to Gas Lines

Unlike petroleum, which companies deliver to your house and shop natural gas comes in pipelines. When considering a move to natural 22, finding out if natural gas lines run on your area should be your first step. Contact your utility company to find out whether gas lines operate on your road or near your property. If lines are prohibitively far from your house, stick to oil or elect for electric or propane heat rather.

Investing in a New Furnace

Homeowners hoping to switch from oil to gasoline may need to shell out big bucks for a brand new gas-fired furnace. While low-efficiency furnaces can be found for just a few thousand bucks, the most effective components cost upwards of $10,000 as of 2014. When weighing the cost of a new unit, compute potential savings in the form of energy efficiency tax credits and incentives, like rebates, provided by local government or utility companies. Your utility company may give you a low-interest loan to assist you swap your current heating system for a brand new high-efficiency model.

Making the Link

The expense of the furnace itself is just a piece of this puzzle. Homeowners who already have gas lines running into the house for cooking or hot water heating will pay less to connect a brand new gas furnace than those who have no present gas lines. In minimum, be ready to pay an installer to set up your new furnace, then connect it to the gas meter and perhaps update your chimney liner. Those with no current gas appliances will also need to pay someone to set up a new gas line in the road to the house, which involves some landscaping or paving to repair damage to the yard or driveway. Your municipality may require you to eliminate your old oil tank when shifting to gasoline, which may cost a few thousand dollars, based on its size and where it is installed.

Energy Savings

While switching from oil to gas heating comes with a substantial upfront expense, in addition, it comes with significant energy savings every month. As of September 2013, it costs $9.19 to create a thousand BTU of heat using natural gas, compared to $37.33 using heating oil, as stated by the U.S. Energy Information Association. Homeowners in moderate climate zones could expect to pay $459.50 to create 50 million BTU of heat utilizing gasoline, compared to a whopping $1,866.50 using petroleum. Switching to natural gas within this case will slash energy bills by 75 percent, while people in cooler regions could save even more.

See related