robotropolis's Profile

I actually kind of like your facade! Funny as it is to say. The swooping roofline to me isn't UNmodern ... a little different and fun. The brick veneer over the foundation, also fun.

One thing to consider that replacing a window with a longer, not wider, window, will probably be less expensive. So you could bring that front window down another foot or so with less expense. I'd probably put a pretty heavy trim around the window to bring more focus.

If I were picking a new color scheme, I think it would look more modern on this house to do a lightish grey on the vertical siding and a slightly darker grey on the trim and garage door. This would let the brick stand out a little more for interest while letting the trim recede. The garage door isn't very MCM so I wouldn't highlight it with a color unless replacing.

I'd also put a columnar or skinny evergreen well in front of the low swoop. Far enough from the house that it won't impinge on the house. Maybe something like a Serbian spruce. Other ideas are weeping larch (staked up high). Or a clump of ornamental birches that won't grow too high.

I'd also be tempted to pop some nice big modern house numbers right above that window where the 'shelf' is.

Agreed on the tip and the adorable video! Keep 'em coming!

What about a circle on wall to the left of the sink that we can't see? Seems like it would be handy to the sink if you can mount it below or beside the switches.

I can't see the mulch situation around the pines in the photos very well, but overmulching your trees can lead to a bunch of problems. See for example:

http://www.roanokeva.gov/85256a8d0062af37/vwContentByKey/N27VWQ9F458HSMSEN

-- mulch touching the trunk may lead to insect and disease problems in the trunk
-- a thick layer may prevent the penetration of water and air to roots
-- a thick layer may smother the roots

As long as the mulch isn't too deep and isn't touching the trunk it can have benefits such as weed control, increased aeration of the soil, insulation and water retention.

I do understand that being grown-up shouldn't mean having tons of things, but I also empathize with this post. I would call it less 'grown-up' and more 'domesticated.' Some people value homemaking than others and are more willing to invest time and money in the venture. I aspire to be domesticated myself, although I still don't know how to make everything in my house work right. I'm also not 100% agreed that having all these things indicates you aspire to or belong to a wealthier class. My parents collect pantry items and hold onto extra sheets and towels until they're irretrievably holey precisely for security, precisely because they know what it's like to do without them. Nothing is fancy, and trust me, almost nobody values interior decor less than them, but they have lots of the things they need because they want to be secure and provide for their family.

Wow! At first glance I thought "well, the owner just got a great space, I don't see a lot of decoration here. But to know that the owner created that space essentially from scratch...amazing! Wonderful! So serene.

@bonjourmiette -- I love running into other people who can't eat onions! Thank GOD I can eat garlic. I have recently had some success with Beano, which carried me more or less through a recent food-heavy vacation in Paris. Avoiding red wine with dinner really helps me as well.

If you have a food intolerance like me, as opposed to a life threatening allergy, it's hard to remain vigilant and enforce the line. People don't take it as seriously, nor should they of course. To me it's still funny how someone who wouldn't punch you in the gut would happily serve you something that hurts just as much. I have the most success when I compare it to lactose intolerance. Everyone understands that and no-one has to use the words "explosive diarrhea" at the dinner table.

The good folks at IKEAFANS have lots of hints about butcher block and sinks -- I think a lot of people use a sealant called waterlox, but it is not food safe so you can't cut on it.

Here is a traditional kitchen with a dark island with butcher block: http://www.ikeafans.com/home/1840-farmhouse-kitchen/
The surrounding countertops are also butcherblock but dyed black with india ink.

I too am curious about the dining room curtains!

The space needs warming and softening.

Ikea Manstad is world's most comfortable sofabed. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90198978/ It will give you a nice little L you can tuck into the corner. add one small slipper chair and you'll be maxed out for seating but gain a nice tailored look.

Get rid of the blue, I like blue but that room is calling out for something light and warm like BM Edgecomb Grey. Get the world's biggest rug to cover the terrible tile. Something cheap in sisal would be great. Go for shades but add some simple ceiling to floor white drapes as well to soften the walls and cover the concrete. You can get cheap white cotton grommet curtains from 0.co for next to nothing. Get a real TV bench - the coffee table is not doing you any favors - something small, and lose the tube TV ASAP. watch TV on that monitor if nothing else.

Finally, add a small round storage ottoman in front of the manstad. Throw up some art, add a table lamp and a floor lamp, and you'll have a great room.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH < --- level of excitement, very high.