Rough Linen I am mostly proud that at last I have worked out how to create a Project and an Ideabook Sheila, it took me a while!

Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. Thanks for using my picture Julia, all the pictures are fabulous. Charmean

Sarah Greenman I just painted my studio in black and I love it!

Rough Linen Yes!

houssaon See if you can locate someone to refinish the top. I had a end table ruined and I thought that it was a goner, but I had it refinished and it looks like new.

Genevieve Once you have done the top you could also get a glass table top for it .

Rough Linen I want the first one (or the Treepee) for myself! Or both.

Jill Smythe I made two of these for the niece and nephew. They put them up indoors for winter and drag them outdoors to play in summer. 4 broom handles and lots of cheap polycotton and there they were. Only improvement I would make is that I bought 1.5m wide polycotton and I would go wider than that if I did it again to give a bigger base. Mine looked similar to the orange stripe one, with a velcro fastener on the door

A. Peltier Interiors This the easiest way to create a special place for your child that they can claim as their own. Love the suggestions!!

Rough Linen Digging biochar in with manure makes it far more accessible, and keeps the nutrients in the soil: read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biochar

Jean Corey Several years ago, when we had a large kitchen garden, my husband got some manure from a friend's relative and mixed it into the soil. We had the biggest most productive crop we ever had. The amount of produce we got and the size of it was truly amazing.

bubblyjock We splurged on a tiller for the tractor last year, and ploughed in a ton of antique cow and horse manure. The vegetables were amazing! This year, of course, we haven't got around to it, and the weeds are amazing instead...

Rough Linen I have found so many places to tuck a Tarno set of two folding chairs and a table! Can't beat the value at $50 http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S69898415/

Finding Fabulous by design, LLC. @MH Canada I've never heard of homesuperstore.ca. Is it a retail store in Canada, or on-line only? Wow, $40 adirondack chairs...that's a great price!

Angela Simmons Great finds!
I just found some great insulated curtain panels at http://www.curtainshop.com/ They're not for outdoor, but they are under $100 and perfect for summer to keep my house cool

John Wagner - Homevizage.com I have a primary copper sink and copper prep sink as well. Aside from being anti micro-bacterial, they just have such an aged character to them. Once installed it just begins to change color - but it also never stops. I've heard it referred to as "the living metal" because it constantly changes color from use. It's such a fun, practical, and unique material to incorporate into your kitchen.

Rough Linen Seeing this, I'm amazed my roof stays up! My 1"x4" ridge board is butt-joined in the centre (18' span) with only two tie-beams holding it together...

Sergo Cusiani All 5 types of roofing have their destination depending on function the building serve. Though, if function is not set up by attic, trusses are the best solution from both functional (technical) and aesthetic point of views. And it is very pleasant to view examples of excellent drafting skills.

heinz9 Stick framed roofs definitely have the advantage of more usable attic storage area over truss roofs. Truss roofs are engineered, typically built off-site and delivered. They can span longer distances with little support from underneath other than the exterior walls. The longer the truss span the more susceptibility to movement due to expansion and contraction caused by changes in exterior temperatures. This usually equates to nail pops in ceiling drywall and possible cracks were bottom cords are attached to interior walls. Depending on the time of year the nail pops become more noticeable and the cracks can get wider or reseed. Being engineered, a roof truss system should not be modified or over loaded with additional weight because it changes originally intended design loads. Stick framing tends to be less susceptible to seasonal changes, has easier accessibly to the attic area due to fewer framing members and can readily hold more storage items depending on supporting walls underneath. Each roof system has its pros and cons. For example, I typically prefer a truss system for garage roof because of openness below.

Rough Linen We had a moat around our fort in France, later turned into a swimming pool...

omanopa Thank you, Frank and midmodfan for getting back with the info. A friend suggested to try Mrs. Stewarts Bluing....I did and this is the result.

asicengineer Some people are worried about leaks into the basement and I suppose that this could happen, but at our house we have a pool right up against the foundation and yes our basement has flooded, but never from the pool. It has flooded from a hurricane, from a broken pipe, and from a laundry incident which is why we have tile and cheapo area rugs down there so damage is minimal. It is a basement after all. As far as the pool goes, our contractor put in a layer of pink foam to separate it thermally and physically from the foundation and of course made sure that any rain or snow overflow would be on the side of the pool away from the house. Actually in that way the pool acts as an exposed 'french drain' that prevents any water from touching the foundation, even during the hurricane.

Sigrid With the exception of the living room, this is an excellent ideabook on what not to do: way too busy? check. Dark as the inside of a coffin? check. Dead animal look? check. Uncomfortable looking furniture? Check. Huge, tasteless, framed photo of hooker? check.

On the plus side, if this is style, I don't have to worry if my decor is not "in."

groveraxle I would have to live in the wine room. Perhaps I might then be fortified enough to venture into the fish room.

Rough Linen I replaced my shower head with a Grohe Freehander http://projects.grohe.com/en/products/showers/freehander/p/25_79184.html#!i79184,d(s1)

Put it up high for tall people, low for not getting my hair wet. The other great advantage is that it takes the water into the centre of the tub or shower tray so doesn't splash as much as you are away from the walls.

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.

Rough Linen I love everything about this cabin and the story behind it. Do you think the Brittens might adopt me?

cibelker I think back to the primitive cabin we rented on the Gasconade River in Missouri. It was at least a 100 year old log cabin, drywalled and made liveable over time. No tv, no running water (had to bring from home) an old out-house, bugs, spiders and all, and yet this place will forever live in my memories and my heart as the fondest times of my life.

wendypie How wonderful!

Murals and More Decor Here are the pics of the gunnera piece.

Rough Linen This looks and feels like a forever home.

Roz Callow Love your house to bits! I also reminded me of the house my father built in central Victoria,
Australia. Plenty of TLC and hard work went into it - and it shows in the warm atmosphere you created. Its great to think there are like minded people out there. Cheers.

jerryandsusan You should be very proud of your personal choice creativity. It is evident that you didn't let trends interfere. It appears that you just let it happen. Enjoy the fruits of your labour.

junctiondweller Great artice! I always laugh when I think about the first time my husband used the vacuum in almost 2 years of our owning it! He thought it was broken because it took effort to push it across the carpet! That made him appreciate my housework more.:)

amymac40 This was the perfect post at the perfect time. I learned about 5 years ago after a particularly bad marriage spot that by doing everything around the house, with and for the kids and my husband while never asking for help or never liking the timing of the alleged help that all I was doing was playing the martyr. So I'm getting better at noticing when I'm "martyring up" and try to take a moment and start delegating. I find it outrageous that my husband of 13 years and partner of 20 can't read my mind but he's just not mastered it as of yet. Until then, I need to speak up. You rock, Alison.

Rough Linen Is 7'1" ceiling height legal in Maryland? It isn't here!

critterdesign Ljemson, the concrete floor in the basement needs to be broken, then the plumbing for the toilet, shower etc, needs to be tied into the existing plumbing under the house. New concrete gets poured once the new plumbing is tied in.

Studio NOO Design Very nice...too country looking for me, but nice remodel !

Rough Linen I have always wanted to make an ant farm splashback with an old double-glazed window - it would n't be too good if they escaped though...

Rough Linen ...or those patterns with coloured sand...

BacksplashIdeas.com These are all great ideas! If you don't want to worry about clean up, or having to deal with grout, consider Fasade faux tin backsplash panels. Like the diamond plate mentioned above, we have a number of industrial-looking styles to choose from. Here's a link to some different looks: http://backsplashideas.com/t/gallery-industrial

Studio NOO Design Love the cork !

Rough Linen I have heard it said that whether it's heredity or environment, your parents are still responsible - well, no matter what your mother does, you can learn from her! If she can't sew you fill the gap (that's me!), if she teaches you all to sing complicated harmonies (that's her!) you love singing the rest of your life. I am ferociously neat because my mother kept too many things, and if I am any sort of cook it's because she taught me how. I just wish I were as beautifully presented: at 91 she still has style and grace, beautiful white hair and the ability to tie a scarf just so.

Casart Coverings You'll see 3 generations of mothers in these two Casart comments, which at this posting happen to be next to each other (if I can type fast enough). I'm the granddaughter in the third generation of mothers. My mother, like my grandmother, seemed to have the answer and solution for everything. She did it all: wife & social responsibilities, volunteer, mother to four, cook, housekeeper, errand runner, lunch packer, carpooler, trip & party planner, costume seamstress, pet caretaker and so much more. I don't know how she did it and maintained her sanity but she did and still found time time for all of us and still does, especially now as my business partner. Amid this busy schedule she taught us love, responsibility and how to carve out time for yourself. Whenever I get stressed or overwhelmed she says to take a break, read a decorating magazine, which I do, and have a cup of tea; sit outside enjoy the beauty around you and remember don't sweat the small stuff. The lesson I have learned from my mother and I am still trying to apply is find balance in life. Take time to smell the roses. She once showed me the symbolic significance of the dogwood flower and consequently, I try to look at life with different perspectives -- one from what you know and the other from what is still to learn.

Casart Coverings My goodness, from where did you resurrect all those old pictures! You should ALWAYS be learning, no matter how long you live. I have learned to graciously accept the praise I am given that I deserve and also that which I do not deserve!

Rough Linen The Ikea Tarno set of table and two chairs is $50, so I'd feel happier about leaving them outside - they are comfortable too.

elakay Not a great list. How about putting more than one idea for table and chairs. Not the best article from Houzz...

Doreen Zorek Those string lights are a little pricey. They don't have to be heavy duty, as long as they are secured properly. I have been using the same 3 strings that are actually made for umbrellas but look like the festival lights. They are about $20 at BB&B. I live in the country and take on some tough wind and rain at times. Every body always asks me where I got them. Going vintage on the table and chairs by checking out flea markets can find a nice set.

Rough Linen Sweet constellations!

Kozai Modern I love stargazing, and take full advantage when I can on camping trips. But when in the city there is too much light pollution, I settle for Kozai Modern's Galaxy Light, it twinkles and brings magic to my living room.

Rough Linen I had something similar in France but coiled the cold water hose on the roof = instant hot water! sometimes it was almost too hot (and of course it was no good first thing in the morning, but we felt smug anyway)

This is such a wonderful amenity I wonder more people don't do it. You'd have no trouble getting the kids to have baths!

vabeachlil I love the light fixture! Not to minimize the wondrous tub endeavor by no means. But my hubby and I just built a pergola and I've been at a loss for a lighting idea.

swelldone Karen, I did consider clear roofing but the long term plan is to grow vines over the roof, plus the rain sounds so great on the metal. I might still look for a way to partially retract the roof for starry nights or maybe cut in a hatch that can be opened and closed.

Rough Linen It is a plain mirror, but I added driftwood in layers as a rough frame, very easy with a nail gun.

summilux It's really neat to see a couple who have the means to go for the "full orchestra+choir" scale but chose instead to do a sunny chamber music piece. The place has me charmed with so many books and photos, but how do they access the books on the top shelves?

Rough Linen I'm going next week, can't wait! Will it make me dissatisfied?

Leisa Rich I went in and looked at the Kips Bay Show House. There was a freneticism to the designs; as with any "haute couture" influenced, artistic license, free reign approach used in these fantasy worlds, one takes away what one appreciates and disposes of the things they don't respond to. There was a Futurist and Cubist approach to many of the rooms and assemblages and pieces that reflect our fractured society. However, I would have to agree with some of the comments that none of the spaces are really livable, but that that is what makes it a show house- "ideas" that can be used in a variety of spaces!

arteshouse It is so much fun to see the showhouses. I find that I look forward to seeing the new batch every year. Too many inspirational elements to list. Very well done SF.