Hmm. I really like the house they just bought. Worried they will remove the "charm," however. I think they go a little too much in the direction of cliche decorating. I GET why-- that is what "sells" most of the time in blogland, but I wish they'd push themselves more.

I imagine they will do a fine job making the new place work for them.

I wouldn't worry about them removing much "charm", the house was built in the 1970's....

ML

ML-- true, a lot is ugly (to me), but I think it has "good bones." (Talk about cliche . . .)

I'm sure they will do a "fine job," but I disagree that this is 100% about making things work for themselves. This is how they make a living-- designing and writing about it. So, they have to (on some level) appeal to the masses.

PS I think I have used "too" many "" marks in my posts, haha!

This post was edited by anele on Tue, Apr 30, 13 at 13:23

Good for them -that's the only way for 'real' people to get into the home of their dreams, in the neighborhood of their dreams... up the ladder a few rungs at a time....

Yes, I do think they design to the masses to an extent, but it also seems to be very much their style.

Looking through their home tour, most of their updates are decorative. They've left floors and bathrooms untouched and have updated with paint and have made small improvements with big benefits (porch, laundry room). Where they spent their time and money was the kitchen and I think it was money well spent. Having the kitchen open to the living room (their dining room) is a big improvement.

Take away their furniture and accessories and it's move in ready....maybe with minimal paint color changes. And the work they've done on the yard is fabulous. I'd buy that house.

Despite my criticism, I fully realize they have infinitely more ability in the area of design than I ever will. I also like that they actually FINISH projects. My rooms are always ugly ladies in waiting. I make too many mistakes . . .have too little time . . .too little money, wah, wah, wah.

But, if I could have design superpowers, I'd want Betsy Speert's (I posted about her on another thread).

Before:

After

After

Or, I would just like to not care about how things look! :)

"Or, I would just like to not care about how things look! :) "

You know, that could really be a blessing to be oblivious.

I'm really excited about the new place and hope their style veers back a bit more traditional.

Btw, the controversy in the comments about the timing of the purchase of the new place (purchased last fall and just announced) is fascinating. Their readers are soooo invested.

But I kind of am, too -- I like the Petersiks. :)

I'm a bit of a real estalker and while browsing the MLS I noticed that their *first* house appears to be for sale as well. While I'm not a huge fan of the Petersiks, I will say there is a big difference between their decor and the decor of the current owner (of the first house).

Also, living just outside of Boston, the difference in real estate prices is jaw dropping.