Griffins Gate is a beautiful 3,200 square foot energy independent passive solar home with a separate 1,200 square foot studio built on 5 ½ acres in Montgomery County, Maryland. The home was designed to be energy independent and in complete harmony with nature; to be all natural, non-toxic, and organic for the health of the owners. The walls and roof are insulated with recycled newspaper. The home faces south to maximize the passive solar benefit, with engineered overhangs shading the windows all summer to minimize the cooling load. In tandem with an energy efficient high mass fireplace, a geothermal heat pump warms the radiant floor in the winter. In the summer, cool water is circulated from the well through the radiant floor and a fan coil unit cools the air in the home.

Used a $10 can of Fireproof Black Spraypaint, old Newspaper for a Quick, Inexpensive, DIY Update to an outdated Brass Fireplace
Family room - small transitional slate floor and black floor family room idea in Chicago with beige walls, a standard fireplace and a brick fireplace

Modern Glass Coffee Table Kadir by Cattelan Italia Made in Italy The Kadir by Cattelan Italia is a modern italian coffee table. The coffee table is made entirely of glass. The base is in a mirrored glass and the top is made of extra clear glass. The coffee table features free space between the tabletop and base that can be used as an internal shelf for storing books, newspapers or magazines. The Kadir coffee table is available in three versions of different shapes: round, square and rectangular. Features: Designed by Paolo Cattelan Mirrored glass base Top in extra clear glass Available in three versions: round, square and rectangular The starting price is for the Kadir Rectangular Coffee Table. Dimensions: Rectangular Coffee Table: W59" x D31" x H9.5" Square Coffee Table: W47" x D47" x H9.5" Round Coffee Table: D47" x H9.5"

The family hosts a Fly In every year. Old soda pop can models were found in the barn and newspaper articles of the event are now clearly displayed.

Ashbury Hides Italian Haired Hide in Black Ottoman, Michael Berman Limited Glazed and Leafed Finish Urn Lamp from Bradbury Collection, Clarence House Carre Royal chair fabric from Holly Hunt, Jarrett Sofa and pillows from Nancy Corzine, Mannheim Ruseau Tufted Ottoman from David Sutherland, Drapery fabricated by Don's Drapery Service, Paul Ferrante Custom Bamboo Coffee Table, Balestra in Baltic/wheat fabric from Rose Tarlow on Dessin Chairs, Wool and Silk Rug from Mansour, Dreher Chair from Dessin Fuurnir, Curved Wingback chair from JF Chen, Cromwell Table in Walnut from JF Chen, Frascati Console from Neirman Weeks, Bamboo Floor lamp from Neirman Weeks, Samuel and Sons European Leather Welt in Black trim on JF Chen Wing Chairs,

Griffins Gate is a beautiful 3,200 square foot energy independent passive solar home with a separate 1,200 square foot studio built on 5 ½ acres in Montgomery County, Maryland. The home was designed to be energy independent and in complete harmony with nature; to be all natural, non-toxic, and organic for the health of the owners. The walls and roof are insulated with recycled newspaper. The home faces south to maximize the passive solar benefit, with engineered overhangs shading the windows all summer to minimize the cooling load. In tandem with an energy efficient high mass fireplace, a geothermal heat pump warms the radiant floor in the winter. In the summer, cool water is circulated from the well through the radiant floor and a fan coil unit cools the air in the home.

In the foreground, a widened pathway creates an area for a morning coffee while reading the newspaper. Directly off the interior kitchen and dining area, it is just through the sliding door. Newly planted plants will grow in to fill the entire planter bed in a matter of years.

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours Envision Virtual Tours and High Resolution Photography is your best choice to find just what you are looking for in the Ellijay, Ga. area .Ellijay, Georgia, known as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia, is located between the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers where they join to make the Coosawattee River and is the county seat of Gilmer County, Georgia. The origin of the city’s name is not certain but thought to be the English derivative of an Indian word(s) meaning “many waters”, “place of green things” or “new ground”. Some histories say it may have been named for an Indian chief. Inhabited for countless years by the Cherokee people indigenous to the North Georgia, the area was first mentioned as a village and trade center before the onslaught of white settlers inhabited the region. During the 1830’s both white settlers and Indians occupied Ellijay. During the original land lottery in 1832, Martin Scalf acquired the 160 acre lot where the town now stands. In 1833, Clemonds Quinland bought 10 acres from Scalf, retained one acre for himself and donated the rest of the purchase to the County. A plan for twenty town lots, streets and a public square was created and the streets were oriented to allow maximum sunlight exposure to the buildings. Proceeds from lot sales were used to build a jail and courthouse and pay other city expenses. During this same year, Gilmer County was appropriated $800.00 from the State to build a school, and a three-acre lot was donated for the city cemetery. On December 29, l834, Ellijay was incorporated and designated as the County seat of Gilmer County. By 1837, the town had twenty dwellings, three stores and one attorney. Most of these early buildings were of log construction. Many roads led to Ellijay by 1849. The population had grown to 150 by 1850 and the town at five stores. Some wood-frame buildings were being constructed at this time and in 1854, a new courthouse was built in the center of the square, replacing the earlier building. The County’s first newspaper was the Ellijay Courier, started in 1875, and during this time period, Ellijay was a stop on the stagecoach line. The railroad bridge over the Cartecay River was completed in 1884 and the town now had rail service. With the arrival of the railroad and subsequent tracks to White Path, Ellijay began to grow much faster. Many hotels were constructed and land was donated for a depot east of town. More industries, such as a cheese factory and the Shippen Brothers Lumber Mill, located in Ellijay. By 1898, the city had expanded its limits in every direction and now included the depot. By 1900, all the buildings on the town square were brick. This included the recently completed Hyatt Hotel. Most of the other buildings in town were still of log construction, but new wood-frame buildings were being built. The Shippen Brothers Lumber Company production was expanding and exporting their lumber to Europe. Within the next few decades, this company grew to be one of the largest employers in Ellijay, often with five to six million feet of lumber in the yard at one time. The population of Ellijay grew to 659 by 1910, and began to acquire many new modern conveniences such as electric lights and power, a telephone company and many new businesses. Then in 1912, a fire ravaged the city, destroying 23 buildings. As a result, many new buildings were constructed under new and stricter fire and safety guidelines. The population, however, decreased slightly at this time to 632 in 1920. During the 1920’s the town’s population began to grow again and, by this time, apples were being shipped out of the county and new storage facilities were built. Chickens were also shipped to markets outside of Ellijay and Gilmer County. From the mid 1930’s to 1950, Ellijay received much assistance from the Federal WPA Programs. The old courthouse was removed from the center of town square and the Hyatt Hotel was remodeled to be the new courthouse. A park was created on the site of the old courthouse and the streets around the square were paved. A new street was built at this time entering town from the northeast. Other new roads, bridges, sidewalks and gutters were constructed to improve the city. A school and gymnasium were also built and other structures improved. This growth began to impact the city’s infrastructure and in the l950’s and l960’s, a period of upgrading water systems, roads, and power supplies began. New low-rent housing appeared in l960 and a new hospital was built in l957. Georgia Highway 5 was widened in l962, new buildings around the square replaced old ones and some were remodeled. In 1974, the hospital was enlarged. Currently, Ellijay attracts tourists who love the small-town feel and friendly atmosphere. Hotels and restaurants, unique shops, antiques and art galleries lend their charms to those who visit. A new courthouse constructed to resemble the old one, new streetscaping, family-oriented downtown events and the beautification of the square have stepped up the social and economic activity and have made Ellijay a popular destination.

Griffins Gate is a beautiful 3,200 square foot energy independent passive solar home with a separate 1,200 square foot studio built on 5 ½ acres in Montgomery County, Maryland. The home was designed to be energy independent and in complete harmony with nature; to be all natural, non-toxic, and organic for the health of the owners. The walls and roof are insulated with recycled newspaper. The home faces south to maximize the passive solar benefit, with engineered overhangs shading the windows all summer to minimize the cooling load. In tandem with an energy efficient high mass fireplace, a geothermal heat pump warms the radiant floor in the winter. In the summer, cool water is circulated from the well through the radiant floor and a fan coil unit cools the air in the home.

These are photos from my 1950 home in historic downtown Littleton, Colorado. It is full of years of collecting Mid-Century, antique & vintage finds, with modern touches added from Restoration Hardware, West Elm, Pottery Barn, etc.

A walk-out balcony from the master suite provides an ideal spot to enjoy the morning coffee and newspaper.
Bedroom - traditional bedroom idea in Philadelphia

This beautiful historic building was constructed in 1893 and was originally occupied by the Calgary Herald, the oldest running newspaper in the city. Since then, a lot of great stories have been shared in this space and the current restaurateurs have developed the most suitable concept; FinePrint. It denotes an elusive balance between sophistication and simplicity, refinement and fun. Our design intent was to create a restaurant that felt polished, yet inviting and comfortable for all guests to enjoy. The custom designed details throughout were carefully curated to embrace the historical character of the building and to set the tone for great new stories and to celebrate all of life’s occasions.

These are photos from my 1950 home in historic downtown Littleton, Colorado. It is full of years of collecting Mid-Century, antique & vintage finds, with modern touches added from Restoration Hardware, West Elm, Pottery Barn, etc.

A mix of finishes defines the kitchen: rose granite countertops; gloss white, birdseye maple, and corrugated aluminum cabinets; mosaic tile backsplashs; stainless steel appliances. The small curved peninsula is a place to have breakfast and read the newspaper. Interior design by Ron Scolman, photography by Ehlen Creative.

Gray open kitchen with geometric mosaic backsplash and reclaimed oak island. Connecting Breakfast room.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in San Francisco with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, multicolored backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The collage walls were accented with old rulers around the room, to separate the newsprint paper form the lime painted ceiling. Old map fragments were used in some areas on the walls. Carolyn Robbins

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours Envision Virtual Tours and High Resolution Photography is your best choice to find just what you are looking for in the Ellijay, Ga. area .Ellijay, Georgia, known as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia, is located between the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers where they join to make the Coosawattee River and is the county seat of Gilmer County, Georgia. The origin of the city’s name is not certain but thought to be the English derivative of an Indian word(s) meaning “many waters”, “place of green things” or “new ground”. Some histories say it may have been named for an Indian chief. Inhabited for countless years by the Cherokee people indigenous to the North Georgia, the area was first mentioned as a village and trade center before the onslaught of white settlers inhabited the region. During the 1830’s both white settlers and Indians occupied Ellijay. During the original land lottery in 1832, Martin Scalf acquired the 160 acre lot where the town now stands. In 1833, Clemonds Quinland bought 10 acres from Scalf, retained one acre for himself and donated the rest of the purchase to the County. A plan for twenty town lots, streets and a public square was created and the streets were oriented to allow maximum sunlight exposure to the buildings. Proceeds from lot sales were used to build a jail and courthouse and pay other city expenses. During this same year, Gilmer County was appropriated $800.00 from the State to build a school, and a three-acre lot was donated for the city cemetery. On December 29, l834, Ellijay was incorporated and designated as the County seat of Gilmer County. By 1837, the town had twenty dwellings, three stores and one attorney. Most of these early buildings were of log construction. Many roads led to Ellijay by 1849. The population had grown to 150 by 1850 and the town at five stores. Some wood-frame buildings were being constructed at this time and in 1854, a new courthouse was built in the center of the square, replacing the earlier building. The County’s first newspaper was the Ellijay Courier, started in 1875, and during this time period, Ellijay was a stop on the stagecoach line. The railroad bridge over the Cartecay River was completed in 1884 and the town now had rail service. With the arrival of the railroad and subsequent tracks to White Path, Ellijay began to grow much faster. Many hotels were constructed and land was donated for a depot east of town. More industries, such as a cheese factory and the Shippen Brothers Lumber Mill, located in Ellijay. By 1898, the city had expanded its limits in every direction and now included the depot. By 1900, all the buildings on the town square were brick. This included the recently completed Hyatt Hotel. Most of the other buildings in town were still of log construction, but new wood-frame buildings were being built. The Shippen Brothers Lumber Company production was expanding and exporting their lumber to Europe. Within the next few decades, this company grew to be one of the largest employers in Ellijay, often with five to six million feet of lumber in the yard at one time. The population of Ellijay grew to 659 by 1910, and began to acquire many new modern conveniences such as electric lights and power, a telephone company and many new businesses. Then in 1912, a fire ravaged the city, destroying 23 buildings. As a result, many new buildings were constructed under new and stricter fire and safety guidelines. The population, however, decreased slightly at this time to 632 in 1920. During the 1920’s the town’s population began to grow again and, by this time, apples were being shipped out of the county and new storage facilities were built. Chickens were also shipped to markets outside of Ellijay and Gilmer County. From the mid 1930’s to 1950, Ellijay received much assistance from the Federal WPA Programs. The old courthouse was removed from the center of town square and the Hyatt Hotel was remodeled to be the new courthouse. A park was created on the site of the old courthouse and the streets around the square were paved. A new street was built at this time entering town from the northeast. Other new roads, bridges, sidewalks and gutters were constructed to improve the city. A school and gymnasium were also built and other structures improved. This growth began to impact the city’s infrastructure and in the l950’s and l960’s, a period of upgrading water systems, roads, and power supplies began. New low-rent housing appeared in l960 and a new hospital was built in l957. Georgia Highway 5 was widened in l962, new buildings around the square replaced old ones and some were remodeled. In 1974, the hospital was enlarged. Currently, Ellijay attracts tourists who love the small-town feel and friendly atmosphere. Hotels and restaurants, unique shops, antiques and art galleries lend their charms to those who visit. A new courthouse constructed to resemble the old one, new streetscaping, family-oriented downtown events and the beautification of the square have stepped up the social and economic activity and have made Ellijay a popular destination.

Griffins Gate is a beautiful 3,200 square foot energy independent passive solar home with a separate 1,200 square foot studio built on 5 ½ acres in Montgomery County, Maryland. The home was designed to be energy independent and in complete harmony with nature; to be all natural, non-toxic, and organic for the health of the owners. The walls and roof are insulated with recycled newspaper. The home faces south to maximize the passive solar benefit, with engineered overhangs shading the windows all summer to minimize the cooling load. In tandem with an energy efficient high mass fireplace, a geothermal heat pump warms the radiant floor in the winter. In the summer, cool water is circulated from the well through the radiant floor and a fan coil unit cools the air in the home.

This oversize bonus room offers plenty of seating, and multiple entertaining options, including large wetbar, pool table area, and tv viewing spaces. The one-of-a-kind compass ceiling treatment is a conversation starter!