Trendy, dramatic spaces can look really cool and exciting. Lots of angles create modern lines, and these uniquely-shaped spaces complement contemporary furnishings. When a new family moves into a house like this, priorities may be different from the original concept. They make like the look of a contemporary home, but ...
Angles are great. They can add interest to an otherwise boring floor plan. Introducing these, or designing a home full of angles takes restraint, and careful planning. The same goes for chaotic roof lines. There has to be a functional reason for them. Remember what Frank Lloyd Wright said: “ ...
The way we (ourselves and our family) enter our houses is kind of a big deal. If our path is blocked or crowded, it can add strife to our lives. The way our guests enter is another matter. In many ways, this initial entry into someone's home creates a lasting ...
Rob Schweitzer is a colorful character. The Ann Arbor-based architectural historian has been the exterior color consultant on close to 1,000 homes across the country and around the world, from Queen Anne’s to Craftsmen to a housing cooperative here in Ann Arbor. While he makes sure that blue houses don’t ...
Liina Paasuke hasn’t allowed polio to stop her from leading an independent life: She learned to drive using hand controls, she graduated from the University of Michigan, she helped raise a foster son, she had a long career as a rehabilitation counselor. But in the summer of 2010, all of ...
New houses tend to have these marvelously large and open spaces in their basements — ready to finish. Builders know that homeowners will eventually finish these spaces, so they create them with finish-able eight-foot ceilings; utilities compacted in one area; and columns spread out to their structural limits. Frequently, the ...
Habitat for Humanity is known for building houses. Now it is filling them. When it opened its ReStore five years ago, Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley began offering the general public a chance to buy building materials (everything from doors and windows to toilets), appliances and furniture at deep-discount ...
Even though they are on a corner lot, Andrew Caughey and Shelly Neitzel wanted the side yard patio of their Ann Arbor home to be private and to have the feeling of being a world away from the hustle and bustle. “They wanted the patio concealed from the street, but ...
What is better: Three mediocre (or slightly less than mediocre) bedrooms, or a sensational master suite and a good-sized second bedroom? The old real estate rules would have you keep the three bedrooms, but with all the changes we’ve gone through, the important selling point (bedroom-wise) is a really nice ...
I have frequently said that homes built in the 1950s were usually very well built. Some marketing folks are now referring to this era of homes as “mid century,” which make them sound more grand than they are. These homes are ideal to update because of the quality of construction.
It’s a fact that most people who buy a house plan a major addition either to update and add current amenities and/or to tailor it to their personal needs. When looking for a home with remodeling in mind to include an addition, make sure there is enough property to add ...
In many cultures it is normal for adult children to live at home, even after they are married. Our culture traditionally urges our children to fly once they are out of college or can become self sufficient. We have been experiencing a social and economical shift that makes it much ...
The economy has forced us to modify our current and future plans for our homes. Rather than downsize, many empty-nesters are opting to modify their homes to stay, and have room for returning children. That entails creating spaces that accommodate for first (or main) floor living.
It is amazing to see sometimes how a family of four could be raised in small quarters. Yes, we did it in the “Old Days,” but then we had fewer possessions, clothes and a simpler lifestyle. We adapt and manage seemingly well. Unfortunately, it’s at the end of the child ...
River and lake views are an important reason people buy cottages. The typical home on the water has the primary access from the back, or front, which is it? It doesn’t matter; people come in from the road where they park their cars. If there is a garage, that is ...
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com AnnArbor.com's partner news site MLive.com is on a quest to find the best barbecue in ......
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