Blog by Beebe Cline, PREC*

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Dreaming of a Bedroom Walkout

September 24th, 2011
After buying a house that offers an outdoor escape directly from the bedroom, I've had a firsthand look at what it's like to have such a luxury. Sure, it's a simple thing, really — we'd never bat an eye at having a door off the front of the house. It's normal and expected. But to have a private escape off the side of your bedroom is something else entirely.Whether it's a walkout t ...

Put favorite photos on display for art that fills you with love and pride

September 23rd, 2011
Upon entering someone's home for the first time, it's not the art (no matter how impressive) that captures my attention, it's the family photos. Black-and-white or sepia-toned images invite me in for a closer look. My ears twitch in anticipation to hear the story behind the photo. Get the idea? I love family photos. We all have them packed away somewhere in the attic, but wouldn't you agree ...

Go a little greener with beautiful tiles created with reclaimed and recycled materials

September 23rd, 2011
There's so much information about green products out there, it can be overwhelming to sort through it all. Since I am obsessed with tile, I thought I would explore some eco-friendly options and share my favorites, as well as what I have learned. Here are some things to consider when selecting a more earth-friendly tile: Is the product made with recycled materials and if so, what is the p ...

Convert a dining room, loft, basement or guest room into a place for the kids (and you) to play

September 22nd, 2011
Fall is coming, and the kids will have to find indoor activities. Do you have a spot for them to get their creativity blazing? A place where they won’t be in your way? Basements are good choices for game rooms; so are converted attics, bonus rooms and rarely-used guest bedrooms. You can even converting an unused living room or dining room into a kids' play space. These places don’t all have ...

It's time to make peace with the gadgets, wires and TV screens that serve us so well

September 21st, 2011
We live in a world driven by technology, yet so often we’re told to create rooms as though it didn’t exist. Designers turn their noses up at televisions, while shelter publications and coffee table books unplug lamps and airbrush cords, erasing all traces of electronics. Except that we all have them, use them, want them and dare we say, enjoy them. There’s no reason to forgo these pleasures ...

On an Architect's Bucket List: To Live in a Barn

September 4th, 2011
I love old barns and have always wanted to renovate and live in one. Doing so is one of the items on this architect's bucket list. So whenever I come across an old barn in the landscape, I start to dream of making it mine. A place in the middle of a rolling field with streams and woods nearby. A place to enjoy the simple country life. The very idea of a barn evokes the imag ...

Thanks, Steve: Apple-Inspired Design at Home

September 3rd, 2011
Steve Jobs stepping down from his Apple CEO position got me to thinking about just how important this company is to those who love design. From the original Macintosh to the iPod, iPhone, iPad and iconic Apple Stores, Apple has led the way. And not just in technology, but in creating wonderful, user-friendly, holistically designed objects. Who can ever forget that iconic "1984" Sup ...

6 Top Design Events: Aug. 26–Sept. 16

September 2nd, 2011
Mark your calendars! Meet and greet blogger Holly Becker, author of "Decorate," brush up your Danish for the second annual Copenhagen Design Week, or head out to San Francisco for an exhibit of the less-is-more work of industrial designer Dieter Rams. If you're looking for ways to be inspired, or just enjoy getting out amid other design lovers, here's 6 events from around the wor ...

Comfort and Elegance in Manhattan

September 1st, 2011
The owners of this chic 1900s Manhattan townhouse wanted a comfortable home for raising their three boys — and also a gracious setting for entertaining. The answer: three floors for three general functions, where formal dinner parties could comfortably co-exist with easy, kid-friendly living. By incorporating a master suite floor, a mixed-use parlor floor and a floor for kids' roo ...

Breathtaking Prairie Retreat

September 1st, 2011
A simple idea executed well can result in some of the most elegant and evocative compositions. Whether in architecture, fashion or even cuisine, inspired and creative restraint drives focused designs that don’t rely on superfluous adornments for their substance. Instead, every decision reinforces the central theme of a strong concept. For architect Matthew Hufft, a client’s natural interest i ...
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