Becky Harris Yes, really, a picture that actually shows a good portion of the dining room. I thought that was explained in my comments above, where I say "ABC's Media pics are mostly of the peeps, and the sets are background."

Unlike sites like most sites, Houzz actually gets permission to use photos and fully credits them. In the case of ABC, this means scrolling through and squinting at hundreds of tiny thumbnails that load slowly on ABC's site that are mostly close-ups of characters and do not show off the sets, then requesting permission to use a maximum of five and waiting for that permission and the full-sized images to be emailed to me. Just saying.

JAN MOYER Stop in the corner, use washable paint, and be prepared to repaint that wall once a year. But stop at the corner!! Sometimes these awkward situations are better left alone.... that is the case here.

Brian J. McGarry Interiors With the inexplicably poor design you have with the range against the wall I don't think you have much choice but to treat the side wall somehow. A gas range against a painted wall will cause the wall to look stained and damaged very shortly. I suggest a panel of stainless steel on the wall which will be very neutral ( in your grey palette )and basically disappear in the final design; you can take it as high as the top of the micro. What dope of a kitchen designer put the range against the wall? There were absolutely other solutions to the range placement.

alwaysdesigning I would also agree, a coordinating wall finish of some kind wrapping around the cookstove wall. Try just a smooth stainless steel in that area. It can extend from left corner of range around the corner to the front of the range and reach up to the lower edge of microwave. A sculptural cut out along the top of the steel on the wall next to the range would add some additional unique interest. Or, paint around the range and the wall next to it in a glossy, easy to clean paint. Good luck.
[houzz=Buena Vista Residence]
[houzz=Condo kitchen]
[houzz=Capital Hill Kitchen]

JAN MOYER Thirty three inches has become "standard" vanity height, and if you're very tall.... even thirty six is nice. Try brushing your teeth, or washing your face at the kitchen sink,( 36) then decide! Unless you're five feet tall thirty inches is rather back breaking.......

Judith Collins Thanks so much - very helpful!

custom-tiles.com Helpful hint on tile/grout joint effect on tile installations - your 12x12 tile is probably NOT really 12x12, so if you want to figure accurately enough to size the installation including grout width: know that 'nominal' size (e.g., 12x12) is not the ACTUAL size. Ask or check written specifications for the actual size, try to find out what the average variance of tile size from this figure is. Tumbled tile typically varies the most due to the rounding and chipping at the edges. Tiles with larger variances from the 'average size' require a wider grout line to aid the installer in making adjustments to align the tiles.

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design Okay, that's a good start, but you need to move forward from there with a plan for what furniture you actually need in your living room, or great room or whatever room it is that you're trying to select a paint color for. While I know you'd like to get those walls painted before you do other things, it wouldn't hurt to hold off until you have more details settled.

What room is it that you want to start with? Do you have any furniture for it yet? If not, please do not buy a sofa and loveseat! Believe me or my 33 years of experience as a professional interior designer, you'll be better off with a sofa and 2 chairs! But, alas, if you have already purchased those terrible two, the sofa and matching loveseat, don't despair. You can sell the loveseat or place it in another room.
Carolyn Albert-Kincl, ASID

JAN MOYER victoran,
You think you have trouble? A client from a few years ago, the night before we met to talk about her desired updates.....: ) You need a laugh? This will do it. Her son is now gone.....thank the Lord...
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/56f07e4465/mom-almost-disowns-son-over-epic-nervous-breakdown-caused-by-vital-energy-drink-prank

victoran Pamela Bateman: Great idea! Thanks! Setting time limits is a good idea.

Jill J. Wallace Fantastic article! I am of the 'put it on the hanger' vs pile mentality and did almost pass out picturing my house only picking up after myself! You have given me encouragement to really extend the responsibility to my teens with more kind reminders instead of action. I have plans to change up my laundry room ( no mud room) small space to catch more shoes and backpacks. 'Ease' will hopefully help us work together as a family and create organizing skills (read my A tendencies) for a happy ending each day.

JAN MOYER Not to referee!!! .... but. Eric, yes, you were trying to make a point about integrity and continuity, WHETHER that be an interior or an exterior. Perhaps the photo mix confused your attempt, and examples of exteriors only, or interiors only may have been more effective at solidifying the TITLE regarding ARCHITECTURAL authenticity. Many of us view interiors a bit differently in that you can "pop" a room with intentional contrasts in style and period, while most of us seem to agree the same concept fails when attempted on an exterior. Authenticity, integrity, and whatever aside, a child's lego room, while imaginative and very well executed is not what any of us would consider "architecture" though the point regarding a cohesive and bright space from one great idea, was made. I will assume your reason for including it had only to do with the concept of ONE consistent idea....versus mishmash. Yes, we all agree?? Yipee!

JAN MOYER I know what Eric means, and in defense of an earlier poster, the title headlined the word ARCHITECTURE. A sink in any form is not, and a pedestal style, sleek and spare, could certainly be included in a midcentury home, though I would likely skip wainscoting unless tweaked to a more modern interpretation. Having said that... the reverse idea, a sleek copper or glass bowl atop an unexpected "vanity" could work well in a very old/historic/ traditional setting......as a juxtaposition to all the expected elements. Point is, what often excites inside, may confuse the eye outside. They are different, as are architecture, and decoration.

scotshot All trendy & now - wait 5 years. Then that last thing? Suburban builder's house with some sort of fake English something or other thrown in with hotel lobby interior. Please go away.

goelks Neophyte to all this... And yes, I am grateful that my own remodeled home does have authenticity and sad that similar nearby homes have been modified so that the outside gives no clue as to what is on the inside. But, and this is a question only, what am I to do with the sincere wish to someday either live in a very old clapboard house barely decorated in an extreme minimalist modern style or in an extreme minimalist modern structure similar the perfect (in my opinion) Sweeney Lake House pictured above but sparsely decorated with overstuffed chairs and couches and beautiful old rugs? Are there any architectural principles that can help me understand how to articulate and actualize these disparate but synchronous wants?

JAN MOYER scott20131
BRAVO!!! From all of us killing ourselves to please the client, in any aspect of build or reno. Bravo!

riconsd In smaller markets you might have the luxury of only descent or better contractors showing up, but in larger metro areas the bad and worse contractors can hide for years; so going through a couple when your starting out isn't impossible.

The best way to define the relationship with a contractor is Looney Toons' Sam Sheepdog and Ralph Wolf. You both have jobs and your is to make sure you get what you want for the least possible, while theirs is to maximize profits. I disagree with calling them "partners" because they have no equity interest in the project (goodwill on the balance sheet is an overrated concept). I think collaborators would be more apt.

scott20131 Absolutely agree riconsd! I'm not saying that i am going to invite my Contractor to my Christmas family dinner however it is a give and take to a certain degree. I expect the job to be done well,on time and with professionalism like anyone else however, i also now know that in these kinds of jobs there are always issues that arise. Not only have i renovated my two homes, as stated previously, i have also spoken with a ton of friends, colleagues and family members who have gone through renovations of varying sizes and every single one of them have had something go wrong.
All i am saying is that if you expect some degree of issues to arise during your build, the project goes smoother and you can deal with things rationally instead of the huge drama that everyone seems to make. Yes there are scuzzy contractors out there but if you look, and if you do your homework, you will find the good guys as i did. Also, yes, i agree that my job is to get what i want for the least possible, however, if that is your main priority, you will absolutely find it along with the least possible results.
I always looked at the quality of the work and materials that my two contractors did prior to starting with me. I saw previous jobs and spoke with previous clients. Once satisfied i confirmed that the contractors were insured and performed their work through Permits.
My main point is that there are a lot of people on here complaining but if you dig a bit deeper you would probably find out that they were as much to blame for the outcome due to not planning enough. Not everyone, but some.

Kevin Patrick O'Brien Architect, Inc. I like the colors shown on the rendering! In regards to the interior and exterior colors matching or complementing each other, NO it's not important. The only time I worry about that is in Modern or Contemporary designs when interior walls extend to the outside, etc. So in your case with this cool craftsman/shingle style cottage matching colors not an issue! Have fun building and congrats!

JAN MOYER I don't want to start the dreaded "clutter thread"........but there'e probably a lesson here. Sweaters, handbags, shoes, rugs, whatever is the "bargain", is not a bargain unless you know you can use it or that you need it. The sweater that requires you to purchase new skirt or pants, the dress that will require yet another pair of shoes or a bag....the rug with no "home" in your home. All are just some of the ways closets and basements get filled with "it was on sale"
The real bargains are the things you need, that are the perfect "find" and thrill you....no matter their price tag. Donate or re-home the rug...asap?

JAN MOYER I'm sure ASVInteriors sees basements similar to my clients... "oh, it was on sale"..."oh a friend gave it to me"
"I got it at TJMAXX, it was only...." If you have to WORK at it to find a home in your home for the rug, which btw was very stylish in the early eighties and was probably 300.00 at most then as I assume it is wool.....OUT WITH IT! Fifty dollars is a relatively inexpensive lesson. I have seen far worse!

Em Bee I would Craig's List it. It is pretty but very heavy. It is from another era. Prone to attracting lint. Would be lovely in a tradtional setting like a B&B. NEVER put a rug like this outside. Perhaps donate it to a thrift store; then feel good you have given to a charity. Good things will come back to you in another way.

soberg Dated. Also very hard to decorate around like most very busy rugs, especially those with a medallion.

JAN MOYER Why does it have to come from that supplier, and an engineered hardwood floor would be nice ( you are on concrete, so that may limit your selection) Laminate doesn't wear very well over time. But the insurance will likely replace a price tag similar to what was originally in place......so a vinyl price point. Unless you want to up the ante : ) And a word on ice makers.......really, are cube trays soooooo awful? These darn things have made more floor miseries than drinking a gallon of lukewarm water. And half the time you have to dump the ice from lack of use.

K.O.H. Construction Corporation I install laminate in all my rentals, the renters love it. Easy to clean, wears well, looks real. they're happy.

ASVInteriors Totally understand Shelley - a wise course of action. When you are a high falutin lawyer you will be able to replace everything! So there's a goal to work towards. Best of luck on the launch!

JAN MOYER You won't be able to get a marble top cut and polished for under 1500.00. You could try ist Dibs, but mid-century is a hot category, and the real deal will be expensive. Better maybe to go with a white table in a similar size/shape and modern! No legs in the way too!
http://www.jusmodern.com/echo-oval-dining-table-multiple-colors-by-nuevo-living.html

carolins Similar to Jan's find:
http://www.appliancesconnection.com/modway-eei194whi-i251328.html?ref=gan

carolins Better price:
http://www.contemporaryfurniturewarehouse.com/products/78-eero-saarinen-style-oval-tulip-marble-top-dining-table

JAN MOYER Ladies, let us all agree to disagree!! If a snazzy dustpan will INSPIRE you and yours to sweep, have at it! One woman's indulgence is another's "waste". I think the only point anyone was making for or against... was that any of these serviceable and basic items can be had for less. But what the heck, a shiny pail, an expensive wicker basket...whatever!!! right down to the matches...fine as long as you're still thrilled when the bill comes, just as one would hope to be on any other purchase including a glass of wine....and maybe now is a good time for one of those: ) ? Pinot anyone?

jad2design I'd like a glass of wine too :) Just wanted to say that I went ahead and ordered the $50 tri-colored broom mentioned in this article. It arrived at lightning speed - thus I can speak to the question of the "worth" of at least one item on the list. I love the broom. My large dog is a champion shedder and this is the best tool so far for corraling the copious amounts of fluff that he adds to the environment. It sweeps up debris in corners nicely, is easy to shake out and does a great job in general of picking up everything in its path. I already use it more than the rubber broom that was the default tool following an annoying venture into the world of Swifters.

Rich or poor (and I'm not the former) most of us have houses that are filled with necessary but poorly designed or ugly things that were easy to grab off the big box store shelf or from the grocery isle. We mostly lack the energy and time to look for better implements that would be a pleasure to use, or would last longer. So, I thank you for the list. One person's useless frivolity is another's bliss - or at least as close to it as sweeping is going to get.

halleycomet @JAD2DESIGN---Thanks for letting us know that the product WORKS!!!!! I don't think anyone would feel that something that works for someone is a waste of money---if you can afford it. I know I felt this way about that spendy DYSON VAC. Then I saw it in action in a house with 4 dogs--two of them puppies and prone to shredding things--and a flooring re-hab going on--and it WORKED. So now I am just jealous.

IF I had the money----

I do say I am going to get me a small SHOP-VAC to deal with our dog hair and kid leftovers that find their way to the rugs and floor and high chair and couch and----!!!!

JAN MOYER The only thing I find "confusing" is our disconnect between fantasy life and real life. That on the biggest holidays of the year, we throw open the front door to guests who follow us directly to our kitchens, no matter how they entered our homes, and I think that would happen if they came through a WINDOW . That on a rainy/snowy/sleety Xmas eve or Thanksgiving....without an entrance close to a driveway, we would likely raise the garage door and save our dear friends and family a trip on a long walkway to the front door. I don't find the remodel entrance "confusing" at all. It says use this one! It's closer! Get out of the rain! Don't walk a step further than you need to! Whoever you are! And we'll spare you our garage stuffed with bikes and trikes and summer patio furniture and garbage toters too.

scpeckham What a wonderful conversation - but still, can anyone tell me what color and brand the exterior shingles are? I am getting ready to re-side our house and this color is beautiful!

sandraslaney I would also like to know what the color of the siding is? Beautiful home!

JAN MOYER Jojo and Calkklelly
White IS a color. The best results on walls are had in rooms with TONS OF NATURAL LIGHT, great "bones" , and some repeat of whites in either hard or soft furnishings. Think sunny islands, California, a sleek NY apartment with a high wall of windows with a southern exposure. It is a more difficult "color" in that all you add to the room will stand out in high relief, so unless that is what you're going for....perhaps a soft color for you to help furnishings hang together! A very basic suburban family room or living room with a beige wall to wall carpet? A splash of color on walls works wonders.......agreed on that!

hopingtogetfit Recently repainted our walls with BM's Ballet White (and Dove White in a few other rooms). I am absolutely in LOVE with both whites, especially the Ballet White, which has a slight gray undertone. It looks like a soft linen color. My wood floors, furniture, artwork and accessories now stand out so much better.

aiga I used bright closet to add a color to my son's room. The room feels completely different now.

JAN MOYER There are no comments from men because of things like this: Helping a client move to a new home all day last Saturday, and finding her hubby totally "M.I.A". I "quickly" realized he spent the ENTIRE DAY of the move, out buying new flat screen tv's......and upon his final return, the only concern was their placement and hookup, despite nobody else had sat for five minutes....need we say more?

giggles60 Lighten up Jan :)

JAN MOYER giggles60
Okay....tell that to his WIFE who never sat down....: ) and was looking for a MEAT CLEAVER

JAN MOYER To those expecting "more" from the little idea book : ) Ask any designer, and he or she will tell you that no amount of new anything will beat the luxurious look of really clean and cared for. No pillow, no accessory, no sofa or chair; nothing you can purchase will take the place of clean and fresh. Nothing but nothing will make up for a lack of TLC within your home, even if that means cleaning a room full of furnishings you would love to replace. Don't forget the windows....and the screens.

JAN MOYER The best way to clean a screen IS to take it down, spray with your favorite cleaner, let it sit and hose it. But...you can do a half decent job from indoors by spraying right through the screen...and GENTLY wiping down with a super hot wet rag.

brittatigan When I paint a wall, I keep a baby-food sized jar of paint in my pantry (clearly labeled). Touching up dings takes just a minute or two.

sdonaghue Not a waste at all! Cleaning is never fun, but always so rewarding after you finish! During the cleaning process, I usually change up a few things. After all, why move everything to clean it and then put it back in exactly the same spot? That would be boring. Ths is a great reminder/refresher list! Thank you. One thing I do about once a year...put my draperies in the dryer with a damp towel. The towel collects the year of accumulated dust and the draperies look fresh and new. No shrinking! No wrinkles, no ironing!

RS2 Architects I can save all of you so much greif. Take your wet dry shop vac and suck out the clog. Works every time in less than a few seconds. Just plug the overflow.