kirk lenard's Profile

Outside of N America, most dryers stack upside down. So controls automatically will be at the bottom. The only issue on cheap models whose coverplates are not reversible is that the text is upside down! As for reaching the controls, the top of a dryer stacked above a top-loading (rather than front-loading) washer would be over 7' which is out of easy reach for many people.

The suggested fridge-in-dining-room does sound stupid, but it's equally silly to tell you to go to the Laundromat if you're willing to live with a fridge in your dining area for the convenience of having an in-house laundry!
Another alternative is getting a washer/dryer combo unit (or all-in-one). These units fit under the counter (like the fridge that is being suggested). They are common in Europe where the household infrastructure doesn't always accomodate monster-sized American appliances (it seems our clothes must be bigger or maybe we just let the loads pile up?). And though a bit slower and unable to do both tasks at once, they can do a fine job for a small household. And it could go in the kitchen (even stacked with a U/C fridge) or even go in a closet, if perchance you could get plumbing through an adjacent bathroom wall.

Though not something I would (or could) do, this scheme seems a wonderful departure from the norm, and a well-needed foray into "boutique hotel "escapism.

At least MrGreen once again galvanises against pedagoguery and his penchant for useless comments -- "a cartoon of Old World"... is that supposed to be negative? what's the point? Should Old World revivalism only be authentic? and serious? or do you simply dislike cartoons?

patrick (too) - "At the risk of being accused" is simply a heavy-stick weilding curmudgeon's pre-emptive attack on all such accusers. There's no sense of humour there.
The only thing "unrefined and painfully self-aware" being Mr Green himself.

Wouldn't it be a shame if arrogance posing as environmentalism turns us all off the Green cause!

before MrGreen gets too upset (though never so much that he'd act like a "spastic", or somone equally physically challenged, and spill his drink!), I want it known that I do appreciate his intentions and his usually very insightful and intelligent, design responses. As most readers seem to agree, it's the pre-determined, holier-than-thou posts that can be off-putting.
Further to an earlier exchange of ours, some of my comments and a link I posted http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/ask/stove clearly suggest that ANY burning of wood for heating water (not just "advanced design combustion systems") is "greener than most conventional" methods. Hence a wood-burning water-heater for an outdoor tub, may not be NOT GREEN. I was just trying to point out that it's important to understand your subjects thoroughly before getting up on that soapbox and grandstanding.
Perhaps it'd be appreciated if MrGreen stuck more to what he's good at (design suggestions) and saved the lambasting (and his attacks on the handicapped) for the real eco-nasties.

Funny, when elizabeth in AL first mentioned it I couldn't help but see her point. Despite MrGreen's counter-attack on Elisabeth's taste, his condescending "NOT GREEN" line is not only arrogant but often indefensible. Too often well-meaning Greenies do miss the big picture, like thinking that burning wood as fuel is "NOT GREEN" or missing the environmental cost of shipping "renewable" bamboo products from Indonesia vs. using plantation timbers from our own backyard. Nonetheless, I am always encouraged by how polite you posters are (the women at least).

Thanks everyone for your comments (especially Magnaverde!)
Carol: The ballustrade (not shown) is demountable and can be moved to the edge of the glass roof with wood planks laid over the beams (between little blocks) to form the deck.
And thanks Nymms for your Kone chair info. I was lucky enough to pick it up cheaply in a Sydney street market when I arrived, and I'm sure they would have been a hot item if they'd been exported. And I take your other comments, especially regarding the many wood colours - I couldn't bear to part with the blonde Wakefield furniture I'd brought over. Although, aside from the furniture, there's only walnut inside and Rosewood outside (the ext bench neeeded a second coat). And some people feel quite at home in a bar/hotel foyer..
gttim: bike hangs in cabinet from rear wheel, front needs to come off and handlebars held with bungee cord. (still room for garden tools, drop saw, cooler, camping equip, beer-making supplies and the chimney!)

Sorry that I didn't respond earlier, and there's a lot to respond to. Thank you all. Especially for not feeling it looked dated. You were all very generous -- it's so nice to get positive feedback (clients aren't always so appreciative).
The guy who bought it from me was very appreciative as well, and even tried to match the furniture, but I heard about the eventual demolition from someone who knew the next owner. It depressed the hell out of me. I can't bear to look in the window when I walk by (I think it was turned into a featureless white box where I once saw him watching TV looking terribly depressed himself).
BuzzyBee: photo is my son (photoshopped)
Archie: tricycle now permanently ensconced in my Sydney house (awaiting another baby to come of riding age)
Tatyana: behind the bed is a storage attic (above the glowing kitchen ceiling with access ladder stored in adjacent closet) & above the bathroom is closet space (a hanging rail in front with shelves to the back) and the chute tothe laundry. And you are absolutely correct about the swivelling sink -- pure folly!

Oh, and another little feature that I loved were slots I cut in the rightmost end of the butcherblock counter to stick knive through.

I will send in my Sydney house photos as well. It's quite different. I hope it doesn't disappoint...
Thanks again for your enthusiam, I think I'll stick with my profession. (I mainly design stores now, but happy to consider residential work!)
Kirk Lenard

I agree with Dean, take the Breuer chairs out and you have an Ikea/West Elm catalog, with a lot more clutter (and no floorcoverings!). If you really do entertain a lot and have neighbours below, I feel sorry for them.
It'd be nice to see a bit more imagination, creativity and finesse -- the furniture and objects look to be spread out evenly rather than considered. But I guess this is a decorator's blog and more about objects than actual spatial design. The models look pretty good, can't wait til you get to design a real space, eh?