#red floor and wood ceiling family room design with a music area

[jinmark]

Omaha Music Room

[lovingwhitemtnsnh]

Home for Sale - $1,339,000 - Almost new home on private 2 ac on the Pemi River Virtual Tour: https://tourwizard.net/0a37ea7f/

TURNKEY CUSTOM BUILT ADIRONDACK RIVERFRONT HOME

on the Pemigewasset River in Thornton, N.H. 

This waterfront residence is just over two years young and in pristine condition. Sitting on a knoll overlooking a back spur of the PEMI RIVER, it was built with extraordinary detail and functionality, as it was intended to be the owners forever home.

This location was chosen to build upon, for the convenience to the river from the back of the property, the snowmobile corridor from the front of the property, and being only ½ mile from the major interstate, all without the noise of any river commotion, snowmobile or vehicle traffic.     This is truly a most desirable and tranquil setting.     The new owners will be fortunate to have all the benefits of artistic and creative construction, by the most talented builder in the North Country.     This is the Perfect Riverfront estate with hard to find social amenities, including: Skiing, Snowmobiling, Fishing, Camping, Golfing, Hiking, Hunting, Antiquing, Boating, Swimming, Tubing, Kayaking, Music Festivals, Maple Sugaring and countless other activities!     This is all in a little town, located in the White Mountains of N.H. Enjoy the scenery, fantastic views, wildlife, flowing sound of the river, and especially the privacy of your 2+ acre homestead.    Showings begin on Friday April 16th by appointment only, with a 24-hour notice.    

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 MORE DETAILS AND FEATURES BELOW

 This riverfront haven is only 1/2 mile from Interstate 93, in the second town north of  “The Gateway to New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest”.  Located only a few exits north of the Lake’s Region and known as the place that New England goes to Play.

The White Mountain National Forest is known for Skiing, Snowmobiling, Fishing, Camping, Golfing, Hiking, Hunting, Antiquing, Boating, Swimming, Tubing, Kayaking, Music Festivals, Maple Sugaring and countless other activities! This home is the perfect spot to access the entire playground.

* A long winding tree covered driveway off a town maintained road, gives you all the privacy you could desire.

*The Central NH Snowmobile Corridor is accessed right out the back overhead door of the workshop, driving through your own private wooded trail, to the end of the property that has access to the main trail system only hundreds of yards away.

* Snowmobile Trail access out the front of the property, and Riverfront access from the back of the property!

* Since the front of the property has heavy tree coverage, and foliage, you’ll never hear the snowmobiles going by. The 200’ water frontage is on the spur of the river so you can swim, and launch your kayak / tube without getting swept away by the current.

* There is a floating dock, that is left in for the summer to make the access even easier.

* Prior to construction a Shore land Protection site assessment was done and it was determined that this home is NOT in the flood plain.

* Extra Amenities such as: 70’ X 30’ Workshop and Garage with drive through access (8’ X 20’ overhead door in the front, 10’ X 10’ overhead door in the rear), giving you plenty of storage for all your toys and room for your DIY projects. More Amenities include an 8’ X 20’ Woodshed, Hot Tub (7 Person tub with 60 Jets, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Stereo, with a Chemical Free using an Ionization System, 5 Person Steam Room, and a Hanging Chairlift Seat for your enjoyment. Outdoor overhead lighting surrounding the tiled Fire Pit and Seating area (big enough for a very large gathering), Outdoor Shower and so much more…Too much to list!

* You will never have to worry about space to park your guest’s vehicles. There is plenty of parking within the corralled “Red Western Cedar Fence” along the drive. There are also cut outs off the drive for many more vehicles.

*****THE PERFECT RIVERFRONBT LOT*****

Enter the home through an “old craftsman’s style” wrap around porch that surrounds the side and back.

As you enter the home you notice the exquisite quality, and detail that the builder used to butt the ends of the light colored wood walls and ceilings. Only an artisan can create such fine detail. Tile flooring makes for easy clean up in the home's entry /mud room. This mudroom boasts custom built in shelving for all your outdoor gear that you might wish to bring in. This can include your skis, along with a place for your coats, shoes, and keys. As you walk down the hall, the first door you open takes you into a cozy space for your home office and a beautifully designed half bath with a river rock vessel sink, and the builders signature curved thick pine slab countertops. Heading to the end of the hall you enter the home through a stately massive barn door on a black metal railing.

The home’s large great room has hickory flooring and a 20+ foot high cathedral light wood tongue and groove ceiling, with the custom detailed woven walls and a ceiling fan that is turned on with a remote or wall switch. 4 Skylights not only let in light and air, but also close themselves automatically when it rains, trimming out the ceiling.

The kitchen on one end has beautiful natural wood cabinets and a custom thick curved pine counter top, leathered granite island top any master chef will enjoy, black stainless appliances, and a black granite sink. The island accentuates the kitchen's color pallet with beauty and functionality. The kitchen overlooks the dining area and living room, with a stone hearth and woodstove. There is a glass door that leads to the covered/open air deck and another that leads to a covered, post and beam screened in porch This space is expansive yet intimate and a wonderful space to sit and ponder, watching and listening to the river below flow gently by.

Off the Great Room is a large master bedroom suite with hickory floors, an oversized barn door entrance, a large master walk in closet and a master bath with custom tiled oversized shower with a Rain Head, Handheld Shower and 3 jetted wall ports to ease any pains from your kayaking trip! Master shower with custom built seating, glass doors and a tiled pebble floor in addition this bathroom also boasts a custom double sink vanity with river rock vessel sinks and a sliding barn door mirror above the sinks that reveals the bath window. This custom bath feels like the luxury of going to a spa in your own home.

The custom fir stairway carries you to the second floor theatre room with a circular electric stadium seating couch, which overlooks the wood wall with oversized TV, connected to a Bose surround sound system making it feel like you are in a theater, while in the privacy of your home.

The second level includes a large bedroom with seated reading nooks, another large bedroom, which has Queen sized bunk beds, a separate twin bed while having enough room for bureaus and end tables. The second level large bath has a river themed tiled shower, a granite vessel sink, and a vanity with the builder’s signature countertop.

The home also has a finished basement, with a large family room a second high end half bath with vessel sink, large mechanical room and the most amazing home gym with flat screen Television; 2 tread mills, 1 rower, 1 back stretcher, 1 flat bench with incline, 1 flat bench with decline,1 bench press,1 preacher curl, 1 universal machine, 1 smith machine , 1 full set of dumbbells with rack , 1 set of free weights, with rubber flooring and mirrors that all come with the house.

This home has 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 half baths, a theater room, an office, a massive gym, a large family room, a great room, a screen porch, potential in-law apartment, outdoor deck seating and more…

Excluding the porches and decks, this home has more than 3000 square feet of living space, central air, a drilled well with purified drinking water, and a state approved 3-bedroom septic system on a 2.13-acre lot. 

Property Type: Single Family Building Type: House Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 2 Lot Size: 2.13 House Size: 3000 Year Built: 2017 For more information call 6037268642 or 6032547037

[rebelminxy]

By My Side

Pairing: Jared Padalecki x Reader

Word Count:2557

Warning: Implied smut and fluff!

A/N: Got inspired to write this by the song “By My Side” by David Choi so give it a listen if you want :) Hope you enjoy this love-filled fic! It’s written with the idea that Jared never married. By no means is this meant as a disrespect to the Padalecki family, I send them many positive vibes. Aesthetic was made by  @idreamofplaid​ if you want cool aesthetics and welcoming morning posts, go give them a follow!

A/N2: This was meant to be posted on Valentine’s Day but I got so busy, I forgot to post it before going to work. x.x

Masterlist

“I can’t believe you got us a cabin that allows dogs!”

Jared chuckled at your excitement as he drove down the snowy road. You were both headed to Carson, Washington for the first week of your honeymoon before flying out to Italy. Jared knew how much you would miss your golden retriever, Bear, so he made sure the cabin you were staying at would allow him. And after an extra amount of money, Bear was in the back seat happy, while you watched the scenery out the car window. 

You had met Jared while he was filming for Gilmore Girls through a mutual friend and stayed friends until he finally asked you out seven years ago. It was rough at first, having a long-distance relationship since you had just opened your second restaurant in LA and Jared living between Vancouver and Austin, but you both did your best to get through it. During your fourth year together, you finally moved to Austin, opening the third restaurant in the city. Once you moved in together, things became much more simple and easier. If you weren’t busy with your Austin restaurant, you were traveling between LA and Vancouver, spending as much time with Jared as possible. It was during the fifth year that Jared adopted Bear to keep you company at home when he was filming, and just last year you bought a house together. 

And now, Supernatural was ending and Jared was moving on to other projects. You were also working on opening your fourth restaurant with Danneel near the Ackles brewery. It was during a Christmas party at the brewery when Jared finally decided to pop the big question.

----

You were talking to Danneel, your mom, and Jared’s mom when you felt the nudge of a furry body against your leg. You smiled, knowing if Bear was there, then that meant Jared had just arrived. But when you looked down to give Bear attention, you gasped, noticing the small diamond ring on the top of his snout. Your eyes went wide in shock when you looked up to see Jared standing only a few feet away with a huge grin, his pearly whites showing. He walked up to you and the room went silent, every one watching what was happening. When he reached you, he took your hand in his and dropped down onto one knee. Even with his height, he was barely shorter than you when he kneeled. Your mouth quickly dropped as you realized what he was doing.

“(Y/N), you have been in my life for so many years. You are my best friend and the love of my life. You deal with my childish manners and yet still love me somehow. I know we have said that marriage isn’t all that important and that it’s enough that we know we love each other and in it for the long run. But, I want to take this next step with you. I want to be able to look at you and proudly say that you are my wife and hopefully the mother of our children in the future. So, will you marry me (Y/N) (Y/L/N)?”

Tears began to fall as you repeatedly said yes, Jared taking the ring from Bear’s snout to place on your finger. Applause erupted throughout the room, but your focus was the man before you. You pounced him, wrapping your arms tightly around his neck as he held you by the waist, twirling you. You couldn’t help the laughter that escaped you, not caring about your makeup as you cried tears of joy. 

------

Jared opened the door to your private cabin, picking you up and carrying you in bridal style, causing you to giggle. He placed you back down as Bear ran right in, finding the couch and making himself comfortable. Jared went back out to get your luggage as you examined the place. The cabin was huge, the entrance having an archway before reaching the living room. A huge flat-screen TV hung along a brick wall facing a line of sofas where Bear had taken over. The floor was covered with a soft tribal pattern carpet and a long coffee table in front of the sofa. But what took your attention was the large fireplace under the TV. The area in front of the fireplace that wasn’t covered by the carpet was decorated in stone and a red plaid blanket laid folded beside it. 

You turned the TV on for Bear to give him a bit of noise before continuing to check the place out. You reached the kitchen which not only made you miss yours but also wanted to give it an upgrade. Everything here was connected to Google Home, and when you tested it out with your phone by playing music, the kitchen had to surround sound speakers. 

“Guess we are upgrading the kitchen once we get back home,” Jared interrupted as he walked into the kitchen. “When the owner told me about this setup, I hoped you would like it so we can do it at our home.”

“This is unnecessary, but it’s so cool!” you exclaimed as you commanded Google Home to pause the music. 

“Still, out of how much time you spend in the kitchen,” Jared continued as he wrapped his arms around you from behind, placing his chin on the top of your head. “It would be nice to get you a cool kitchen like this. You can even look inside the fridge from your phone when you go out shopping so you know what you actually need.”

“Would be nice,” you muttered, pulling his arm to cover half of your face in shyness.

One thing you still weren’t used to was Jared spoiling you so much. He caught the habit during your time as friends, and it got worse once you started dating.

“You deserve the best, especially when it comes to your passion, baby.”

You both continued through the cabin, finding the guest bathroom and the guest room. But the master bedroom left you gawking. It wasn’t the huge king size bed that surprised you or the size of the room. It was the two walls lined up with top to bottom windows letting you look out at the snow-covered forest behind the cabin. In front of one set of windows were two small single sofas with a small table between them, and you could already picture you both sitting there and having a morning coffee while watching the woods. 

Jared pulled you over to the other window to stand in front of it, watching the winter wonderland before you. He turned to you and placed a hand on your cheek, guiding you to him for a soft kiss. You couldn’t help the giddy smile that grew on your lips as he kissed you, causing him to smile once he moved away. 

“One last room to look at and then we can do whatever you want,” he whispered.

You nodded in agreement as he guided you to the master bathroom, leaving you in shock at the sight. The bathroom was huge compared to the bedroom, two sinks next to each other and a door that led to a private toilet. But the shower and tub were beautiful. The shower was encased in decorative clear glass, the designs in the glass blurred out to see them clearly. Inside, the showerhead hung from the ceiling and it was a big one, probably able to encase someone in the water. There was a small bench against the corner of the wall, a bit distance between it and under the showerhead.

“I already know we will put that bench to good use,” Jared whispered in your ear, nibbling on your lobe.

“We better,” you whispered back as you wrapped an arm around his waist, giggling.

The tub was the one place you knew you wanted to try out first. It was a big stone tub with steps around it. The surrounding floor had stone decorations and at the top of those steps was a fireplace. There was a bit of space between the fireplace and the tub, and when you climbed up to sit next to the fireplace, you noticed that space was enough for you to lay down.

“At least we know we can warm up right there,” Jared said as he watched you. “Won’t even need towels.”

“Since when have we ever needed towels?” you asked with a wink, reminding him the many times he caught you walking in the nude back at home.

Jared chuckled as you climbed back down to him. He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you into a deep, passionate and lust-filled kiss. You moaned into him, your hands already searching for the zipper of his jacket. He pulled back to look down at you, those beautiful hazel eyes dark with lust for you, telling you how much he craved for you.

“Bedroom?” he asked with a groan once your hands finally found their way under his jacket.

“Bedroom,” you huffed back before he lifted you in his arms, your legs going around his waist, as he guided you back to the bedroom.

======

You watched the flames dance in the fireplace, pulling the blanket wrapped around your shoulders. You felt your attention being pulled by a soft kick at your hips, Jared standing there with two mugs in hand. You reached out for one as he sat down next to you, pulling you beside him as you both sipped at the hot chocolate he made. The silence was beautiful as you enjoyed each other’s company, Jared toying with your wedding ring on your finger. 

“Are you happy?” he asked in a whisper.

“Always with you,” you replied back, leaning against him.

“Good, because Danneel told me about how stressed you got over the wedding. I told you we didn’t have to have a big party.”

“But you’ve always wanted a big party and you deserve it.”

“I could have helped,” he chuckled as you toyed with his wedding ring.

“No, you were focused on work and I didn’t want you distracted from something so important. It’s the final season and you should give it your all.”

“Thank you for understanding baby,” he whispered as he placed his mug beside him, pulling you into a hug.

You sat there in Jared’s arms for a few minutes, enjoying the fire, when he let you go and stood up, grabbing his phone off the edge of the coffee table you both had pushed to the side earlier. He looked like he was searching for something when his smile grew. You joined him in smiling when you heard the song playing on the speakers surrounding the room. It was the song you both had your first dance to, the song that Jared had dedicated to you at the first convention you went to with him, letting the fans know of your relationship. 

“May I have this dance?” he asked, extending his hand out to you as “By My Side” by David Choi played in the background. 

You took his hand and got up, Jared twirling you away from the fireplace and to the open space behind the couch. His arms around your waist and yours barely around his neck, you both swayed along with the music, laughing in fits of giggles as you talked about the hilarious things that happened at your wedding. You didn’t let go of each other as the song changed to a slower one, looking into each other’s eyes filled with love and adoration. 

“We should have a glass of wine,” Jared pointed out, but you didn’t let him move from you, smiling up at him.

“I can’t have a glass of wine.”

“Why not? We ate already and ....”

“I mean, it’s best I don’t have a glass of wine in the next six months, maybe not even for the next year.”

Jared looked at you confused.

“Remember how last month I pushed for us to have our honeymoon right before you started filming again?”

Jared nodded in response.

“Well, it’s because I might not be able to travel in the next few months. Possibly not in the next few years unless I really need to.”

“Ok, (Y/N), spit it out because now I’m getting a bit worried.”

“I’m pregnant Jared,” you whispered, finally feeling the weight of that secret lift.

He stared at you, frozen, as the news finally hit him. A huge grin appeared on his face as he lifted you in his arms and twirled you around, causing you to scream out giggles. Jared stopped behind the couch, placing you on the edge of its back to sit.

“When…” he began.

“It was around our engagement that I was feeling a bit off. With the wedding plans and you focused on filming, I wanted to wait to tell you the news. I’m three months, Jared. We are going to be parents soon.”

“Wait, hold on, are you ready? I know you and Danneel were working on things for when we got back…”

“We’ve actually sealed that deal and I’ve named her my business partner in all the restaurants so we will both be handling the ones in Texas and California together. She’s a great business partner and someone I can trust when I can’t go.”

You placed a hand on Jared’s cheek, holding back the tears of joy.

“I want you to know that even with this baby, I don’t want you giving up your passions, just like I won’t give up mine. Danneel told me that it will be hard, but that it’s all worth it in the end. You will be a great father, even when you are working up in Vancouver for the next show. And we have your family and mine's support. My mom already is on her way to our house to help me during the pregnancy and your mom will always come by to make sure I am alright.”

“They knew?”

“I had to tell them they were going to be grandma’s before we left,” you laughed out as you started to cry, watching Jared cry with you. “We will be alright and just know that we can do this. There is no one else I would rather be the father of my children than you, babe.”

“Well, just to let you know, I won’t be working in Vancouver for Texas Ranger. I actually got the news that everything will be filmed in Austin so no traveling unless needed.”

You smiled at Jared, your heart bursting with that news. It meant he was going to be around more often than you prepared for. You had talked to Danneel about her parenting with Jensen, wanting to mentally prepare yourself to raise your kid with their father always traveling for work. But you wanted to be ready so you could support Jared, just like he supported you with expanding your restaurants. 

Jared lifted you into his arms so you were both at the same eye level. He leaned in and kissed you deeply and filled with love. When he broke the kiss, he placed his forehead against yours and smiled.

“I love you so much, (Y/N).”

“I love you too, Jared.”

[justjensenanddean]

CW Star Jensen Ackles Invites AD Inside His Family Home in Austin

Jensen and his wife, Danneel, worked with a local Austin team to devise a lakeside home with tongue-in-cheek touches and a musical through line

 Kathryn Romeyn

NOVEMBER 27, 2018 10:30 AM

There’s a lot going on inside the Lake Austin home of actors Jensen and Danneel Ackles—a lot of color, a lot of texture, endless elements begging their stories to be told. If you need a quick snapshot: The living room is scattered with guitars and, on the shag rug, Technicolor floor pillows; antique Venetian dioramas of Lilliputian-sized rooms are embedded into the white-oak walls, while a hanging cage traps gilded Barbie dolls by Micky Hoogendijk; on top of a shelf housing a record player, a photograph of Tom Waits sits next to a chicken skeleton; a regal white peacock perches on the side of the mercantile-style bar. There’s the master bedroom swaddled in Trove wall covering bearing vintage photography of 1920s opera boxes. And the two-story screened-in porch holds a table crafted from a 2,000-year-old cypress sinker log, a storied Boyd Elder cow skull, and four-foot glass lanterns from Tony Duquette’s estate.Indeed, Danneel and Duquette share a similar philosophy. “More is more is more!” Danneel says emphatically. “More is the most.” Still, the Ackleses' five-bedroom, 7,500-square-foot residence isn’t actually an ode to opulence but rather an evocative tribute to key passions at the core of their personalities: the music and aesthetics of the late ’60s, Austin’s art scene, and imaginative oddities and occultist ephemera, perhaps appropriate considering Jensen’s longtime role on the CW’s Supernatural.After deciding to leave Brentwood, California, and coming this close to putting in an offer on a Lake Austin fixer-upper, the couple set their gaze on a house three doors down, sans “for sale” sign. “As we drove by, Danneel and I both looked at our real estate agent and were like, ‘See, that is the kind of house we’re looking for,’” recalls Jensen. Adds Danneel, “we wanted something less ostentatious.” Fortunately, the owner was willing to sell, but the property was far from turnkey and required an overhaul to go from what Danneel calls the “Texas Tuscan look"—generic stuccoed track mansion—to a wood-clad ranch-style stunner.

Danneel, a Tony Duquette superfan, was over the moon when Santini brought the stained glass pendants she’d bought from his estate. Photo: Douglas Friedman 

The slightly sunken living room with the deep blue banquette couch, white shag rug, macrame chair, and muscular oak beams is Jensen’s favorite space.Photo: Jeff Wilson

Jensen and Danneel enlisted Austin architect Paul Lamb and Abode principal interior designer Fern Santini to kickstart what ended up being a very collaborative renovation—even the Ackleses' eldest child, five-year-old JJ, got into the fun, choosing everything in her Pinterest-worthy bedroom. At their initial meeting with Santini, the potential for partnership was evident when she pulled up in an auspicious 1967 E-Type Jaguar. “I mean, it’s just like the coolest thing ever,” says Jensen of the car, which was made in the same year Danneel had said she wanted to recreate in the Austin home so as to pay tribute to the Laurel Canyon bungalow where the couple once lived. “People like Carly Simon had played guitar there,” Danneel says. “It was a magical little place. So when Fern pulls up in that car ... We just bonded over music and a love of that time period and had our vision right off the bat.” 

Executing that vision involved blowing out the majority of the house’s interior, taking it down to the studs, and reconfiguring it. “It was very closed and very ‘90s,” says Santini. Extensive structural work was devised by Lamb, one of Santini's frequent creative conspirator. “Paul is from New Orleans and I’m from Louisiana, and we have the same odd sense of humor and style,” says Danneel, who saw a residential elevator he’d done entirely in red velvet and said, “That’s the guy for me!” The foursome worked beautifully together—that is, after Jensen learned early on to keep his mouth shut if and when he doubted any stylistic choices. When shown the idea for a rich, royal blue sofa, “I was like, ’Y’all are crazy!’” says Jensen. “But then I just thought, I’m not going to get in their way.”

Smart man, considering a highly personalized space began to unspool under Santini and Lamb's direction. “It was imperative that the house express the Ackleses—young, bold, and irreverent,” Lamb says. “It had to be full of humorous and endearing eccentricities and it needed to radiate a comforting yet exotic familiarity.” He simplified and opened spaces, flipped the feel from a masonry house to a wood-framed home—thanks to exposed beams, larger expanses of windows, and rich wooden ceilings—and, perhaps most transformational, added a breezy two-story screened porch that altered the entire profile. “The former house was straight-laced and vaguely Mediterranean,” Lamb says. “Now it is an eclectic, free-spirited, Austin-style lake house.” Santini calls it “a cross between Joni Mitchell and the Serge Gainsbourg–Jane Birkin thing that was going on in Paris at the same time. It’s very hip but it’s low-key.”

Musically, the home is rich with sound, thanks to Jensen’s collection of guitars and the McIntosh turntable Santini says she “has real fetish for, after spending my entire career trying to hide stereo equipment.” There’s also a surfeit of historical and meaningful music-related artwork—think photographs of Yasgur’s Farm in Woodstock and a house where Bob Dylan recorded. “The hand-scraped wood floors undulate quite heavily, and we’ve got these giant beams and wood all around that feel like you’re in the hull of a giant ship,” Jensesn says. “What that does is it creates an amazing acoustic sound. We’ve always had music in our lives, and we wanted to pass on that tradition.”

The parents of three also are active supporters of local art. “We’re not the type who need it to all be the same. That’s criminal to me, almost,” says Danneel of their home full of diverse pieces from Austin and Marfa, including female artists from galleries like Women and Their Work. Santini describes the pair as risk-takers who both led the charge on outside-the-box thinking and let her push the limits. In their third home together, the Ackleses hit their stride, nailing a personally reflective infusion of edge, humor, and spirit.

“It goes to that having a history, having a story,” says Jensen, who, with his wife, selects works based on a gut feeling as opposed to popularity or perceived value. It’s the same way Danneel approached design. “We have so many friends who come into the house and are like, ‘Oh my gosh, I love this—it’s so crazy and unexpected. But man, I would have never picked out all these things, and I wouldn’t have been brave enough to do it!’” she says. “I’ve heard this over and over, and I wish more people would just be brave and go with what makes them happy.” 

The home’s entry was designed to feel like an outdoor living space according to Santini, who sourced an 1850s English table and unusual Swedish lantern from the 1820s to anchor the room. The woven stools are from Tidelli, and the headless deer with ferns are by Italy’s Imperfetto Lab.  

Architect Paul Lamb’s significant removal of walls led to a feel-good expansiveness where there are no boundaries. “It all kind of flows,” says Jensen. “You never feel like you’re in just one room.” In the media room, they did the least amount of work, painting the dark ceiling trusses to lighten the space and putting a German smear on the orange-y fireplace to tone it down. 

The most Texas room in the house is the Marfa-imbued dining space, where the couple’s cherished Boyd Elder bull skull hangs. It’s part of a 10-piece series from the ’70s, the most famous of which was on the cover of the Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits album. “Back in the ‘60s and ‘70s bands on tour wanted to have an artist with them, and Boyd was like the muse for the Eagles,” says Danneel, adding of the late artist, “I believe he dated Joni Mitchell, and she has one of the pieces.” 

The slightly sunken living room with the deep-blue banquette couch, white shag rug, macrame chair, and muscular oak beams is Jensen’s favorite space. “There are just so many textures in that living room and vibrant colors, and it’s all surrounded by this amazing wood. I can just sit there and pick away at a guitar or play records all day long,” he says. 

Behind the sofa is a gold birdcage artwork by Austin artist Micky Hoogendijk. It’s an observation on “women who seem to be trapped by money and possessions and they’re OK with it; they like living in that gilded cage,” says Danneel. “It looks intense but when you get close to it they’re all smiling and happy and unaware that they’re in this cage because they’re gold and perfect. For me that’s just somewhere I never want to be, so I was really attracted to that.” 

Danneel spends a lot of time in the babies’ room (22-month-old twins Zeppelin and Arrow) and the kitchen, where the kids’ favorite toy is a rolling acrylic table from the ‘50s. (“Fern would have a heart attack,” she laughs.) They tore the space down to nothing and built it back from scratch. “It was a totally different feel, and very kind of country looking, which didn’t blend well with the rest of the house,” Jensen says. Now, to Lamb, “the kitchen’s glossy painted wood boards look like pinstripes, crisp and good-natured, like a happy kitchen in the Hamptons.”

“There’s not a space they don’t use,” says Santini of the house she worked on with Jensen and Danneel. The reimagined pool room taps into their proclivity for spooky oddities with framed tarot cards and a game table that could work for board games or even séances, says Lamb, who added a secondary kitchen for big gatherings with access to a barbecue area on the lawn, and a wine room. 

A native Southerner, Danneel fought hard for the addition of a screened-in porch, which Lamb had the vision—inspired by Greenwood Plantation in St. Francisville—to make two stories tall. “I wanted more than anything to be able to sit out there, not get eaten alive by mosquitos, and look at the lake and watch the boats go by,” says the actress. Jensen’s favorite piece in the house is the long table, custom made using a 2,000-year-old cypress log that had sunk and was buried on the West Bank of New Orleans. 

The bar—black walnut with black and white veined marble—is on one end of the large living room and is the site of frequent small parties involving music, either live or from the McIntosh turntable. The cabinets were specially made to light prized bourbons, and on the side is a white taxidermy peacock Santini tracked down over months. Flooring throughout the house is hand-scraped Texas post oak with character to spare. 

The master bedroom and the adjacent sitting room are clad in reclaimed barn wood, juxtaposing the whimsical wallpaper covered in sections by Japanese-inspired barn door panels that allow for flexible boundaries. Jensen said of the scheme, “You guys are losing me, but it sounds awesome, so knock it out!” Danneel already owned the two petrified wood and resin log tables that sit in front of the vintage ‘50s daybed with Mongolian lamb, though the majority of what’s in the home was selected or made specifically for it. 

Inspiration for their master bathroom shower came from an Architectural Digest story featuring a steel and glass shower in the home of Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka. Lit by Apparatus fixtures, Lamb conceived a simple vaulted space with a white oak board ceiling and fumed and cerused walnut cabinets with a slight Tansu feel. A Kyle Bunting cowhide rug is centered on the room, and Holly Hunt ombre-dyed handkerchief linen window treatments frame the lake view.  

The pair’s five-year-old daughter, JJ, helped pick out all her own bedroom decor. “The more color the better,” says Danneel. Santini calls it “hippie in training.” Like in the rest of the home, her walls are plaster. 

The ultra-private home looks out at a nature preserve across the water. Durable throw pillows around the house were made of old quilts purchased online. “We bought a lot of them and mixed them all up,” says Santini. “There’s nowhere in the house where you feel like you have to tip toe around or can’t sit. That was definitely intentional.”

Inside and out, Lamb and Santini ensured that the Ackleses’ Austin home “expresses them—young, bold, and irreverent. It had to be full of humorous and endearing eccentricities and it needed to radiate a comforting yet exotic familiarity.” 

architecturaldigest

[themechaneer]

Joel’s Shelter || Headcanon

Casey Forger was an architect. The man either built or probably had a hand in helping design and build most of the bunkers strewn across what’s left of continental America. He knew what he was doing when he made his own. That being said for any interested this headcanon will hopefully detail the Forger family bunker’s design, and breakdown what actually made it a home.

Yeah because I am the laziest being on the planet I did just go find  an actual bunker design that fit what I had in mind. After seeing the first headcanon I had for this my friend was kind enough to custom make a layout of the shelter for me!! The bunker itself has been through some changes through the years which I’ll detail below along with the visual and I’ll also detail a bit about what the inside looks like.

The Layout

At the end of the stairs leading downto the bunker there is a landing and foyer area before the front door. Likely meant to add some homey charm but put to more practical use on the occasion Joel comes home filthy from whatever work or misadventures that occured that day. He has on occasion stripped down right there in attempts to avoid tracking in anymore then he can’t help.

The first room on the left. That room while she was alive was his mum’s office. It’s where she did her work, her reasearch, met and defended her clinets. As adults Kai & Joel packed it up and slowly turned it into a lighted library/study where Joel keeps his monitor as well as the family’s physical book collection… Well most of them.

There is a secondary entrance to the bunker through a door in the back of the storage room. The door leads to another set of stairs that lead up behind the bunker and into Joel’s workshop where he does most of the work on his personal projects. This was added with help from Kai in Joel’s late teens - early twenties once he really got into tinkering on his own.

On the outside there are two seperate structures besides the bunker entrance itself. Namely Joel’s workshop for his personal projects or anything he’s taken home with him from his garage to do detail work on by hand. The second being the parking area where Joel keeps his vehicles out of timefall and occasionally stores the vehicles of occasional visitors. Both like his shelter require acess permission or codes from Joel before entry and can be temporary or permanent.

The Home

Casey may have built the place but most of the interior decor was decided mostly by Remy with input from Casey and then added to over the years by them and their boys.

The color scheme for the majority was meant to be seaside meets comfy chic so its a lot of soft shag rugs, dark wood & glass in the flooring & furniture, shelves. Lots of greys, dark turquoise, tan, white, pops of sienna. The bedrooms and study all sport their own color palletes of course all of them tasteful.

Another running theme would probably be fake/fairy trees/plants/leaf walls in some parts of the house. Mostly because Remy loved them and as it turns out when people don’t get to interact with live things too often, like plants, just the visuals can help lift moods even if they aren’t actually real.

All of the wall art be it hung paintings or stenciled designs on the actual walls of the home were all done by Remy, or Joel. However in the study, was once her office you can find a floor to ceiling wall of nothing but both Joel’s and Kai’s art from watercolors, to fingerpainting, to 4 year old’s abstract designs, as well as family and me style crayon drawings.

Nearly all the photo frames and furniture in the home was built by hand by Casey himself or with help from his sons (some of which having been made from driftwood from the beach). Anything that wasn’t was at least modified in some way by the family be it changing the color, or adding detail to it.

One of the walls in the home is definitely dedicated to a growth chart the brothers’ parents started when they were tots. If one looks closely at it they can see exactly where Casey & Remy’s handwriting stops and Kai’s and Joel’s takes over… The recordings stopped at age 18 for both.

The living room/family area has a set of two completely wraparound shelves dedicated to the family’s movie & music collection that Casey put up. He and his sons have added more to it over the years as they’ve added to it.

Above the bunker entrance is a hanging lantern light that is a nod to Casey’s nautical years. Joel’s modified it since then to have the light change color depending on circumstances. Blue - Welcome & Joel is home Green - Welcome & Joel is out Red - Terrorists are active in area Orange - MULES are active in the area

The higher the connection level with Joel one has the more welcome holograms are added to the bunker, the first however is a rather glitchy/grainy hologram of the happy family of 4 from when the brothers were 4 & 6 respectively, each holding their parents’ hand while the other waves in greeting to their guest.

There’s a noteboard just aside the entryway door. The last message scrawled on it was from Kai. “Off to go reconnect what’s left of the world. Be back soon. I love you ya little shit.” Before they passed their parents had left one for them as well though Kai erased it half a year later, the action starting one of the first serious fights the brother’s ever had. Just like back then Joel’s not been able to bring himself to erase the final words one of his closest loved ones left him even though it’s been quite some time since then. Even knowing Kai would roll his eyes and scold him if he could see to cover concern.

Really the only things that Joel has changed significantly since his brother’s passing was converting his and Kai’s bedrooms into guest bedrooms and having made his parent’s bedroom his own if only because it’s closer to the main bathroom. Or that’s what he tells himself. Not at all because resting in their bedroom still manages to bring about some of the comfort it used to when he was a boy

Special thanks to @ruinerofcheese​ / @tish-the-baker​ for the taking the time to make the visual layout of Joel’s shelter for me!!!

[zweiginator]

When The Levee Breaks

Summary: It’s Freddie’s birthday, and of course he’s hosting an over-the-top costume party to celebrate. Brian has no idea what his costume will be, until you suggest he should dress up as a schoolgirl. You knew he’d look pretty, but something about seeing him in a skirt drives you crazy, and you can’t get enough.

Word Count: 3,512 

Warnings: SMUT!! (unprotected sex, too) but also kinda fluffy in a way? LISTEN TO WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS BY LED ZEPPELIN WHILE READING THE MIDDLE TO END. YOU WILL UNDERSTAND.

You always knew when Freddie’s birthday was coming up because he didn’t let anybody forget it. You had known Freddie long enough to know this, and that the first thing he did when he got a calendar for the new year was circle his birthday--September 5th— in bright red ink. Freddie had always enjoyed partying--the flamboyant outfits, excessive drinking, the outlet for sexual frustrations by one-night stands. But there was only one thing Freddie loved more than parties, and those were parties concerning himself. He lived for the attention, for showing up to his own get-together in an outfit that cost way too much money, for the gifts, for the freedom and youth it made him feel although he had grown one year older.

Three years prior, Freddie had begun a tradition for his birthday--to throw the most monumental costume party to celebrate. He would begin to plan for the next party as soon as the final drunken stranger from the last one was booted from Freddie’s flat, which he shared with his bandmates. This year wasn’t any different, save for the fact that Freddie hadn’t begun to plan as early as he had hoped, due to musical obligations, which he cursed Brian and Roger for, although Freddie was the one who had booked the relentless hours at the studio, fishing out hundreds and hundreds of dollars to do so. So, he was not only out of time, but broke as well--and he was showing the signs of distress.

“My birthday is one week away, and I have no idea what to do for the party!” He complained, throwing his hands up in the air as he paced around the living area, the static of the tv in the background casting an anxious glow on his skin.

“What do you mean, Fred? You do the same thing every year, I don’t see the problem.” Deaky replied, eating some cereal straight from the box.

“The same thing? Please tell me you’re kidding, John. You’ve got to be kidding me. If it were the same fucking thing, I wouldn’t be worried, now would I?” Freddie snatched the half-empty cereal box from Deaky’s grasp. “Also we’re not made of money, Deaky!”

“You’re overreacting, Freddie.” Brian countered, his hands squeezing your knee. You were seated on his lap, as there wasn’t enough room on the couch for four people. His arms were around you, his hands resting on your thighs, his cold ring making you shiver whenever it touched your skin.

“Yeah, Freddie. We’ll figure it out, it will be okay. Just calm down, do you want me to make you some tea?” You questioned, and Freddie looked at you as if you just slaughtered his family and took everything dear to him, one look of pure anger and disappointment embellishing his dark features.

“I swear to God, Y/N. You start fucking Brian and now you’re on his side for everything. Ridiculous! Before you got in his pants you would have never dared to disagree with me!” Freddie pointed at you and Brian, accusatory. Brian pulled you back into his chest and rested his chin upon your shoulder, barely-there stubble tickling at the skin.

Roger giggled because of Brian’s reddening face--and of the entire situation which was getting increasingly outrageous with every second.

“Is this funny, Roger? Are you glad my birthday is fucking ruined?” He hollered, looking into Roger’s eyes without faltering, darkly lined eyes wide and bulging.

Roger stopped smiling and looked up at Freddie, annoyed. You all were; Freddie had forced you guys to stay in the living room with him until he planned the party, but he wasn’t even trying to come up with any ideas, and he had shot down every thought which you had given.

“What is there to plan? It’s a costume party. Sorry Fred, but I don’t quite understand the urgency here.” Deaky mellowly replied, pulling a hoodie on as he cuddled into the couch next to you and Brian, closing his eyes.

“I don’t want the same boring people to come. I don’t want the same boring costumes! I need people to be fun, creative. Just for one night!”

“Freddie, that sounds great, but we can’t really control what people are wearing.” Brian feigned interest, picking tiny dust bunnies from the sweater of his you were wearing.

“Brian! I knew you were smart, but this is genius!” Freddie ran over to the couch, his bare feet pattering on the cold wood floor, planting a wet kiss on Brian’s forehead.

“What did I say?” Brian adjusted his position on the couch, confused as to what on Earth was going on in Freddie’s head.

“You said we can’t control what people wear, but we can! Somebody can be at the door and allow people in based on their costumes! It’s perfect!” Freddie clapped his hands together, flashing his band a toothy smile, before he got to work, illustrating a poster to advertise the party. He wrote the time, date and address in beautiful, almost calligraphic writing before adding a bold, “BE CREATIVE, DARLINGS!” in thick black marker. Freddie relished in his creation, and begged Brian to make copies at his university the next day. Brian agreed, and reluctantly grabbed the original copy. He technically was only allowed to use the printers and copying machines for school-related matters, but he would try to pretend he had an exceptionally long paper to print.

Brian copied way too many, and had no idea what to do with the extras. Papers were spilling from his willowy arms and he was unable to hold his bag simultaneously. So he handed them to anybody and everybody who walked by, hating the awkward interactions, but needing to get rid of the papers, for the sake of Freddie’s--and his---sanity. He left them on benches, weighed down with a jagged rock. He put stacks in the library, in a university café. He had no idea what Fred meant by allowing people into the party as if it were the gates of heaven, but really, anything Freddie said about his parties, went.

__

The party was two days away, and everyone was excited. People at the university would smile at Brian, giving him a thumbs up or patting him on the back as his tall figure walked past them on the streets. Plenty of people came up to him, worried that their costume ideas weren’t acceptable. They would tell him outrageous costumes: dragons, obscure movie characters--they told him everything. And Brian was beginning to get worried, because he had no idea what to be. He would have the blossoming of an idea, and then he would remember a peer of his at university had primed the idea in his mind, and he was right back to square one--with nothing.

He laid in bed with you, your head on his chest. He sighed deeply, looking up at the ceiling at the naked light fixture which was barely flickering, casting a warm glow on you which made his heart flitter in his chest, just a bit.

“What am I supposed to do? The party is in two days, and I have no idea what to dress up as.” Brian was overworking himself as he tended to do. “And I’m absolutely broke!” He added, petting your hair as you pressed a kiss to his bare chest, looking up at him. He looked beautiful, in the ambient lighting--his chest was tan and delicate, his collarbones curved along beautifully sloped, bony shoulders. His lips were plump, red from the remnants of the lipstick you were wearing earlier. His cheeks were glowing, his dark eyes barely lined--the residue of a past concert. His lashes fluttering did the same to your stomach. You pushed his hair out of his eyes and he gave you a smile, dizzy with love.

“You would make the prettiest girl, Bri.” You kissed his cheek, which was fiery hot beneath your llps.

“Really?” He asked, in disbelief.

“Of course you would! I can show you if you’d like. I could do your makeup!” You sat up, gently shoving his chest, and he giggled before his face contorted itself into the most pensive you had ever seen him.

“That’s perfect! I’ll be a girl for the party!” He shot up from the bed, kissing your forehead as he began to rummage through your closet, in search of anything that might fit him.

You gasped. “Brian, be a schoolgirl! I have a plaid skirt that you would fit in, then wear a button up. I can do your hair and makeup!” You both were so giddy, and you found the skirt in the depths of your drawers, wrinkled and cold from never being worn. “We’ll have to get you tights, too. You’re going to be so pretty, Brian.” You stared at him in awe, and those words made him shudder, blood running straight to his cock. He shifted uncomfortably from his spot on the bed, picking your skirt up and holding it over his legs which were clad in deep red briefs, the same color as the garment you had given him.

“I’m so excited,” you whispered in his ear, before tilting his head towards yours to give him a passionate kiss, which he moaned into, grabbing at your waist to pull you on top of him. You pulled away, kissing the tip of his nose.

“Let’s wait until the party.” You said out of breath, as he whined beside you, rubbing his hand against himself, eager to release the tension.

____

The morning of September fifth , the boys had to go to the pub where Freddie convinced the owner to let him have his party at--he said something about more revenue and publicity for his establishment. They set up banners and lights, picked out Freddie’s favorite records to have on queue, and set up the stage for their birthday performance--a surprise that Deaky thought of the night before. Freddie was still asleep, of course--he needed to be beautiful for his guests--his words.

Brian was exceptionally sleepy as he helped set up--he was designated to string up the yellow lights and pin pictures of Freddie and his friends all over the walls, random and haphazardly. But nonetheless, Brian was excited--despite his consistent yawning, almost causing him to fall off of the small step ladder from the back of the bar which was covered with band stickers.

“Jesus, Brian, you’re going to break your head open.” Roger nudged Brian’s leg to wake him up, handing him another string of golden lights, which warmed Brian’s cold fingertips. “What’s your costume, by the way? You never said anything.”

Brian giggled in response, his tight shirt riding up slightly as he reached to hang the lights. “It’s a surprise! How is Elvis coming along for you, Rog?” Brian changed the subject, adamant for his costume to be unexpected to everyone.

“Not excited about dying my hair black--even if it’s temporary. I don’t know about it.” He sighed as Brian climbed down from the tiny ladder, admiring his work. Polaroids hung across the wall--pictures of Freddie singing, smiling with his cats, angry, taken by surprise. Every aspect of Freddie’s personality was hung on that dirty pub’s walls, and the band nodded--it represented Freddie perfectly--as a dynamic man; unpredictable.

__

“Be still, Brian. You can’t move so much, or you’ll ruin it.” You tilted Brian’s head back, using a small brush to blend a deep eyeshadow into his eyelids. You had already added some black liner, which you smudged slightly.

Brian obliged, staying quiet, even though you were sat on his lap and touching him a lot, making him semi-hard in his pajama pants. “Now, mascara.” You twisted the tube open, a wet pop emitting from it, making Brian flinch.

“Relax. If you move during this, you’ll have it all over your eyes.” You brushed through his thick eyelashes with the wand, gasping as you saw how long and luscious his eyelashes were. “Amazing, if I say so myself.” You closed the tube and got to work on his lips, painting a reddish-mauve onto them. “Pucker up, baby.” He did, and you swiped another coat on, wiping the excess off with your thumb.

“Here,” You handed him the tube of lipstick, “You’ll need to reapply later. Now get dressed, so I can do your hair!”

Three minutes later, your boyfriend walked out of your closet in a button-up halfway buttoned, tucked into a plaid skirt with tight pleats, which was way too short on him. Underneath the skirt he was wearing sheer stockings with knee high socks, his legs shaven to complete the look. He wore his clogs--his feet were too big to fit into your shoes. You squealed as you spun him around, giving his ass a playful slap.

“Hold on, I have to take pictures.” You searched your drawer for your polaroid camera, a gift from Brian--he bought it for you months ago without an occasion.

You snapped at least ten shots of him--smiling, laughing, giving you a faux-sexy look as he looked back at the camera. “Okay, I have to do your hair, we’re running out of time.” You sat him down on the bed and fluffed his hair, which was silky but a little rough from not being washed for a few days, loose curls draped around his face. You clipped his hair back with bright pink hair clips, kissing his forehead softly as you admired the finished product. It was strange to admit, but he looked so beautiful, it was making you horny. The way he was fluttering his eyelashes, his cheeks which were perpetually pink from the blush--you were beginning to blush yourself.

“Are you guys done, yet?” Freddie pounded on the door, anxious to get going to his party. You and Brian hadn’t told anybody what he was dressing as. They all knew you were going as a figure skater--you were wearing an icy blue skating costume with white tights and white roller skates--you couldn’t wear ice skates to a party. Your hair was in a high bun, curled strands of hair falling over your eyes occasionally. Brian had been slyly hiding his erection since you had put the costume on hours ago.

“I’ve just finished!” You replied, grabbing his hands, his nails painted red. “Okay, guys, close your eyes.” You opened the door slightly, looking to see if the three men waiting outside were following your directions. Once you saw their eyes shut, you opened the door and ushered Brian out, quietly giggling. “Three, two one! Open your eyes!”

They all burst out laughing as soon as they saw him, especially Roger, who couldn’t get enough. “Who’s this hottie, where is Brian?” Roger teased, playfully slapping Brian’s skirt-covered ass, Brian blowing him a kiss in response, which Deaky caught, laughing so hard his eyes were crinkling, almost shut; Freddie wolf-whistled, a huge smile on his face.

__

The party was filtered by the bar’s bouncer, who was more than annoyed and even more confused by his job for the night. He had no idea what Freddie meant by “acceptable costumes only”, so he let everyone in who showed up--which was hundreds of people. Brian had distributed the flyers to seemingly everyone under the sun. There were eighteen year-olds, barely legal, all the way to forty year-olds--all of them showing up in ornate, elaborate costumes, as per Freddie’s wishes.

A slightly drunken pirate-Freddie cried as Brian, Deaky, and Roger climbed up on stage and sang him a very “Freddie Happy Birthday”, as Deaky called it, taking a long swig of beer before he began to strum his bass--the audience clapping to Roger’s beat, his leather jacket making him glow with a sheen of sweat as he hit the drum kit forcefully. As the lights shone on Brian’s lithe body, the partygoers in the audience whistled and hollered as they saw Brian’s costume. He nervously blushed as he played his intricate solo, wine-red fingernails shining from the spotlight as they fingered the frets, a beautiful grin plastered on his face, black eyelashes fluttering as his skirt wisped around him. His hair was bouncing as he leapt across the stage, his skirt riding up ever so slightly as he jumped, mouth agape from concentration as he sang into the microphone, his long fingers ghosting over the shaft of it. You were getting hot looking at him, and you didn’t understand why your boyfriend crossdressing was making you literally weak in the knees. As they finished their song, the bass was resonating through your whole body, the drums shaking you to your bones. Brian’s playing was flawless, but you could see the trepidation in his made-up eyes as he bowed, a large hand splayed across his guitar.

As he got off the stage, he smiled at a few random people who came up to him, gushing about his performance. He made easy conversation with them, words falling off of his tongue effortlessly, spewing out of his red-painted lips in his sultry accent, and you could feel yourself growing wet. He put his guitar in the case, buckling it closed before he hid it backstage where he always did--he was very protective of his guitar. Soon, Brian was behind you as you spoke to some friends. His hands were on your shoulders, his breath hot against your exposed neck.

“Y/N, we need to give Fred his gift.” He smiled at your friends, tangling is hand in yours as he pulled you away. With every touch you were growing hotter, and wearing the roller skates was becoming increasingly more difficult--you were high on arousal.

“I thought we were doing gifts later?” You squeezed his hand, looking up at him. His jawline was sharp like his nose, and the juxtaposition of the makeup and soft eyes with his harsher features was making you dizzy.

“It was a lie,” He pulled you into a booth table, abandoned in the back of the pub, in a corner where nobody was. “I’m so hard, Y/N,” he pushed your hand onto his cock, covered by your skirt and you squeezed lightly, breathing into his neck as you nipped at his skin, palming his dick. The stockings were still on, skintight--along with his briefs, and he was feeling restrained and impossibly hard. You straddled him, hearing muffled conversation approach, but you didn’t stop as you ground yourself against him.

“You’re so pretty,” You said, pushing your hand up his--your-- skirt, ripping the stockings, spitting into your hand before touching the head of his dick, which was red and leaking everywhere. You slowly stroked him, rubbing your thumb along the ridges of his head and he twitched in your hand as you called him pretty once again. You kissed at his chest, teasing him with your hand. His head was tilted back, mascara running down his cheeks as his eyes watered from the stimulation. You pulled him up by his hair, still clipped back by pink clips, kissing him hard as he whined into your mouth. His face was covered in lipstick--some from his lips, but most from yours, two shades of red overlapping on his desperate face. He ran his fingers over your ass and yanked your stockings down, pulling you down so your bare heat was against his cock, and he screamed when you began to grind against him harder. You had to cover his mouth, his eyes were glossed over, and he was whimpering loudly against your hand, as his own grabbed at your ass to make you move faster. Instead, you sunk down on him.

“Fuck, Y/N, it feels too good.” His mouth was wide open, breathy gasps escaping with every thrust. He met you halfway each time. “Please say it again,” Your hands were splayed on his chest which was marked with red kisses as you rode him, soft gasps leaving both of your mouths as you took in each other’s features. You knew what he meant, but you wanted to hear him beg for it.

“Call you what, baby?” You scratched at his scalp and pulled his hair like you knew he liked, his fingers tracing down your neck and chest before they rested on your hips. His hip bones were hitting against the backs of your thighs, the wheels from your skates hissing as they rolled from your movements.

“Please, Y/N, Please, say it again.” He begged, the hem of his skirt tickling his skin barely.

“You’re so pretty, Bri. So pretty.”  He gasped, breathless, before his hips stuttered.

He came with a cry, and it spilled down your legs. He was still whimpering a minute later, and you grabbed his face and a napkin from the booth, wiping his face of the lipstick which was red, caked on his soft skin. He was almost catatonic, breathing heavily beneath you. You reached your hand into the pocket of his shirt, finding the lipstick you had put in earlier.

“I told you you’d have to reapply.” He took a deep breath and sighed, a blissed-out grin on his face.

___________

Taglist: @mercurys-bike @alexfayer @ledger-kaos @ma-ntequilla @discodeakky @richiethotzierz @thisloveisreal1 @heartsarecompatible @thelondondreamer5 @brian-may-brian-may @okqueenie @gailymlee @trickster-blr @bubblypenguin123 @queensdarlingg @soloosunflower @johndeaconisaqueen @fredthelegend @miez-lakatz @arrowswithwifi @mouse507 @mespetitestortues @yourstateofdreaming

[spn-j2-blog]

CW Star Jensen Ackles Invites AD Inside His Family Home in Austin

Danneel, a Tony Duquette superfan, was over the moon when Santini brought the stained glass pendants she’d bought from his estate.

The slightly sunken living room with the deep blue banquette couch, white shag rug, macrame chair, and muscular oak beams is Jensen’s favorite space.

The home’s entry was designed to feel like an outdoor living space according to Santini, who sourced an 1850s English table and unusual Swedish lantern from the 1820s to anchor the room. The woven stools are from Tidelli, and the headless deer with ferns are by Italy’s Imperfetto Lab.

Architect Paul Lamb’s significant removal of walls led to a feel-good expansiveness where there are no boundaries. “It all kind of flows,” says Jensen. “You never feel like you’re in just one room.” In the media room, they did the least amount of work, painting the dark ceiling trusses to lighten the space and putting a German smear on the orange-y fireplace to tone it down.

The most Texas room in the house is the Marfa-imbued dining space, where the couple’s cherished Boyd Elder bull skull hangs. It’s part of a 10-piece series from the ’70s, the most famous of which was on the cover of the Eagles’ Their Greatest Hits album. “Back in the ‘60s and ‘70s bands on tour wanted to have an artist with them, and Boyd was like the muse for the Eagles,” says Danneel, adding of the late artist, “I believe he dated Joni Mitchell, and she has one of the pieces.”

Behind the sofa is a gold birdcage artwork by Austin artist Micky Hoogendijk. It’s an observation on “women who seem to be trapped by money and possessions and they’re OK with it; they like living in that gilded cage,” says Danneel. “It looks intense but when you get close to it they’re all smiling and happy and unaware that they’re in this cage because they’re gold and perfect. For me that’s just somewhere I never want to be, so I was really attracted to that.”

Danneel spends a lot of time in the babies’ room (22-month-old twins Zeppelin and Arrow) and the kitchen, where the kids’ favorite toy is a rolling acrylic table from the ‘50s. (“Fern would have a heart attack,” she laughs.) They tore the space down to nothing and built it back from scratch. “It was a totally different feel, and very kind of country looking, which didn’t blend well with the rest of the house,” Jensen says. Now, to Lamb, “the kitchen’s glossy painted wood boards look like pinstripes, crisp and good-natured, like a happy kitchen in the Hamptons.”  

“There’s not a space they don’t use,” says Santini of the house she worked on with Jensen and Danneel. The reimagined pool room taps into their proclivity for spooky oddities with framed tarot cards and a game table that could work for board games or even séances, says Lamb, who added a secondary kitchen for big gatherings with access to a barbecue area on the lawn, and a wine room.

A native Southerner, Danneel fought hard for the addition of a screened-in porch, which Lamb had the vision—inspired by Greenwood Plantation in St. Francisville—to make two stories tall. “I wanted more than anything to be able to sit out there, not get eaten alive by mosquitos, and look at the lake and watch the boats go by,” says the actress. Jensen’s favorite piece in the house is the long table, custom made using a 2,000-year-old cypress log that had sunk and was buried on the West Bank of New Orleans.

The bar—black walnut with black and white veined marble—is on one end of the large living room and is the site of frequent small parties involving music, either live or from the McIntosh turntable. The cabinets were specially made to light prized bourbons, and on the side is a white taxidermy peacock Santini tracked down over months. Flooring throughout the house is hand-scraped Texas post oak with character to spare.

The master bedroom and the adjacent sitting room are clad in reclaimed barn wood, juxtaposing the whimsical wallpaper covered in sections by Japanese-inspired barn door panels that allow for flexible boundaries. Jensen said of the scheme, “You guys are losing me, but it sounds awesome, so knock it out!” Danneel already owned the two petrified wood and resin log tables that sit in front of the vintage ‘50s daybed with Mongolian lamb, though the majority of what’s in the home was selected or made specifically for it.

Inspiration for their master bathroom shower came from an Architectural Digest story featuring a steel and glass shower in the home of Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka. Lit by Apparatus fixtures, Lamb conceived a simple vaulted space with a white oak board ceiling and fumed and cerused walnut cabinets with a slight Tansu feel. A Kyle Bunting cowhide rug is centered on the room, and Holly Hunt ombre-dyed handkerchief linen window treatments frame the lake view.

The pair’s five-year-old daughter, JJ, helped pick out all her own bedroom decor. “The more color the better,” says Danneel. Santini calls it “hippie in training.” Like in the rest of the home, her walls are plaster.

The ultra-private home looks out at a nature preserve across the water. Durable throw pillows around the house were made of old quilts purchased online. “We bought a lot of them and mixed them all up,” says Santini. “There’s nowhere in the house where you feel like you have to tip toe around or can’t sit. That was definitely intentional.”

Inside and out, Lamb and Santini ensured that the Ackleses’ Austin home “expresses them—young, bold, and irreverent. It had to be full of humorous and endearing eccentricities and it needed to radiate a comforting yet exotic familiarity.”

(c)architecturaldigest

There’s a lot going on inside the Lake Austin home of actors Jensen and Danneel Ackles—a lot of color, a lot of texture, endless elements begging their stories to be told. If you need a quick snapshot: The living room is scattered with guitars and, on the shag rug, Technicolor floor pillows; antique Venetian dioramas of Lilliputian-sized rooms are embedded into the white-oak walls, while a hanging cage traps gilded Barbie dolls by Micky Hoogendijk; on top of a shelf housing a record player, a photograph of Tom Waits sits next to a chicken skeleton; a regal white peacock perches on the side of the mercantile-style bar. There’s the master bedroom swaddled in Trove wall covering bearing vintage photography of 1920s opera boxes. And the two-story screened-in porch holds a table crafted from a 2,000-year-old cypress sinker log, a storied Boyd Elder cow skull, and four-foot glass lanterns from Tony Duquette’s estate.

Indeed, Danneel and Duquette share a similar philosophy. “More is more is more!” Danneel says emphatically. “More is the most.” Still, the Ackleses' five-bedroom, 7,500-square-foot residence isn’t actually an ode to opulence but rather an evocative tribute to key passions at the core of their personalities: the music and aesthetics of the late ’60s, Austin’s art scene, and imaginative oddities and occultist ephemera, perhaps appropriate considering Jensen’s longtime role on the CW’s Supernatural.

After deciding to leave Brentwood, California, and coming this close to putting in an offer on a Lake Austin fixer-upper, the couple set their gaze on a house three doors down, sans “for sale” sign. “As we drove by, Danneel and I both looked at our real estate agent and were like, ‘See, that is the kind of house we’re looking for,’” recalls Jensen. Adds Danneel, “we wanted something less ostentatious.” Fortunately, the owner was willing to sell, but the property was far from turnkey and required an overhaul to go from what Danneel calls the “Texas Tuscan look"—generic stuccoed track mansion—to a wood-clad ranch-style stunner.

Jensen and Danneel enlisted Austin architect Paul Lamb and Abode principal interior designer Fern Santini to kickstart what ended up being a very collaborative renovation—even the Ackleses' eldest child, five-year-old JJ, got into the fun, choosing everything in her Pinterest-worthy bedroom. At their initial meeting with Santini, the potential for partnership was evident when she pulled up in an auspicious 1967 E-Type Jaguar. “I mean, it’s just like the coolest thing ever,” says Jensen of the car, which was made in the same year Danneel had said she wanted to recreate in the Austin home so as to pay tribute to the Laurel Canyon bungalow where the couple once lived. “People like Carly Simon had played guitar there,” Danneel says. “It was a magical little place. So when Fern pulls up in that car ... We just bonded over music and a love of that time period and had our vision right off the bat.”

Executing that vision involved blowing out the majority of the house’s interior, taking it down to the studs, and reconfiguring it. “It was very closed and very ‘90s,” says Santini. Extensive structural work was devised by Lamb, one of Santini's frequent creative conspirator. “Paul is from New Orleans and I’m from Louisiana, and we have the same odd sense of humor and style,” says Danneel, who saw a residential elevator he’d done entirely in red velvet and said, “That’s the guy for me!” The foursome worked beautifully together—that is, after Jensen learned early on to keep his mouth shut if and when he doubted any stylistic choices. When shown the idea for a rich, royal blue sofa, “I was like, ’Y’all are crazy!’” says Jensen. “But then I just thought, I’m not going to get in their way.”

Smart man, considering a highly personalized space began to unspool under Santini and Lamb's direction. “It was imperative that the house express the Ackleses—young, bold, and irreverent,” Lamb says. “It had to be full of humorous and endearing eccentricities and it needed to radiate a comforting yet exotic familiarity.” He simplified and opened spaces, flipped the feel from a masonry house to a wood-framed home—thanks to exposed beams, larger expanses of windows, and rich wooden ceilings—and, perhaps most transformational, added a breezy two-story screened porch that altered the entire profile. “The former house was straight-laced and vaguely Mediterranean,” Lamb says. “Now it is an eclectic, free-spirited, Austin-style lake house.” Santini calls it “a cross between Joni Mitchell and the Serge Gainsbourg–Jane Birkin thing that was going on in Paris at the same time. It’s very hip but it’s low-key.”

Musically, the home is rich with sound, thanks to Jensen’s collection of guitars and the McIntosh turntable Santini says she “has real fetish for, after spending my entire career trying to hide stereo equipment.” There’s also a surfeit of historical and meaningful music-related artwork—think photographs of Yasgur’s Farm in Woodstock and a house where Bob Dylan recorded. “The hand-scraped wood floors undulate quite heavily, and we’ve got these giant beams and wood all around that feel like you’re in the hull of a giant ship,” Jensesn says. “What that does is it creates an amazing acoustic sound. We’ve always had music in our lives, and we wanted to pass on that tradition.”

The parents of three also are active supporters of local art. “We’re not the type who need it to all be the same. That’s criminal to me, almost,” says Danneel of their home full of diverse pieces from Austin and Marfa, including female artists from galleries like Women and Their Work. Santini describes the pair as risk-takers who both led the charge on outside-the-box thinking and let her push the limits. In their third home together, the Ackleses hit their stride, nailing a personally reflective infusion of edge, humor, and spirit.

“It goes to that having a history, having a story,” says Jensen, who, with his wife, selects works based on a gut feeling as opposed to popularity or perceived value. It’s the same way Danneel approached design. “We have so many friends who come into the house and are like, ‘Oh my gosh, I love this—it’s so crazy and unexpected. But man, I would have never picked out all these things, and I wouldn’t have been brave enough to do it!’” she says. “I’ve heard this over and over, and I wish more people would just be brave and go with what makes them happy.”

[aj-artist]

Take Me to Church

Pairing: Dean X Castiel 

Word count: 3,728

Warnings: none.

Summary: Dean blinks stupidly for a moment, “You go to church?” Castiel puts down a book and sighs, “Yes, Dean. I go to church.” 

______________________________________________________________

                    It’s a regular Sunday morning for Dean Winchester. He’s wearing his best pair of sweat pants and nothing else as he plods over to the TV room and crashes down into the couch for some early morning shows. He scratches at his chest and yawns as he points the remote towards the black screen, hardly noticing when another person walks by in the hallway, patting their pockets like they’re looking for something.

                   “Dean, have you seen my tie?” Castiel calls as he crouches down to look underneath the coffee table.

                   “Not if it’s not being worn by you or the bedroom floor,” Dean winks.

                   “I’m serious. I have to get going soon or else I’m gonna be late.”

                   “Late for what?” He pulls his attention away from the TV to see Castiel dressed up in a nice button-down shirt and black slacks. His usually unruly black hair is combed back and tamed nicely atop his head, but his sleeves are bunched up at his elbows as he moves things around the room, searching for his elusive tie to complete his ensemble. “You don’t have work today, do you?” Dean asks with a skeptical tone to his voice, he’s pretty sure Cas has never worked on Sundays before – but this is the first Sunday since Cas moved in, so he could be wrong.

                   “No. Not work. I have church.”

                   Dean blinks stupidly for a moment. “You go to church?”

                   Castiel puts down a book and sighs, “Yes, Dean. I go to church.”

                   “But, I mean….aren’t you…” Dean fumbles with his words as Castiel looks at him with an eyebrow raised in warning. “I just didn’t think you would want to go to church because you’re gay.”

                   Castiel rolls his eyes and turns back to his searching, speaking over his shoulder as he says, “My sexuality does not define me or negate my beliefs. There’s no rule against me attending mass for a religion I am a part of.”

                   “Huh,” is Dean’s only reply as he ruffles his brow and thinks on the subject. In his experience, anyone even remotely deviating from the social norms was an avid atheist or non-believer all together. He’s so used to hearing shitty sermons on how gays are going to hell and anyone not part of this church or that religion is going to burn forever in whatever underworld while the chosen few laugh from their comfy seats in the heavens above. Dean doesn’t really like to get involved in conversations pertaining to religion, especially if he knows someone is going to get offended, which is always. But then again, he has nothing against those that do practice their faith, as long as they’re not trying to flaunt it in his face. It just takes Dean by surprise that Castiel, his boyfriend, is still an active churchgoer. What even religion is he? Protestant? Catholic? Buddhist? Why is this the first Dean is hearing about this?

                   Dean is pulled from his musing when Cas shoves his shoulder to the side, pushing him out of the way as he searches underneath the pillow cushions on the couch.

                   “So, you go every Sunday?”

                   “Uh-huh,” Cas answers offhandedly as he continues to dig.

                   “For how long?”

                   “All my life. Is this an interrogation or are you going to help me look?”

                   Dean presses his lips as he tries to think of a response. He doesn’t mean to upset Cas, he’s just curious is all. But he can understand the sense of urgency. Lifting his arm, he reaches behind his back to shove it between the cushion and the armrest, feeling blindly for anything silky and tie-like. He surprises himself when he pulls his hand back and the deep blue fabric trails behind in his palm.

                   “Oh, thank goodness!” Castiel takes the tie and throws it around his shoulder as he flips the collar of his dress shirt up. “We can talk more about it when I get back, Dean. But I really have to go now.” He adjusts the knot at his throat, leaving room as to not choke himself. He grimaces a little at the fine wrinkles on the fabric but smooths it out with a hand and rushes towards the door. But, as he places his hand on the knob, he stills in his hurry, turning around to look Dean in the eye, “Or. You could come with me, if you’d like. Get a see for yourself what it’s like at the church I attend.”

                   Dean considers the offer. The last time he’d been to church was for his parent’s funeral: that was definitely not a fond memory. But he recalls that his mother used to take him and Sam when they were really little – it was an occasional family outing they used to do, and even though Dean was too young to appreciate it, or to sit still, he kinda missed those trips, now that he thinks about it. Maybe he could give it another chance, especially if Cas is going to be there to show him around.

                   He stands from the couch, nodding his head as he steps forward, but then his bare feet hit the cold wooden floor and he remembers that he’s not exactly dressed for the occasion.

                   “Um. Do I have a few minutes to change?”

                   Castiel smiles vibrantly, his blue eyes lighting up when he hears of his boyfriend’s interest. “Of course. I’ll wait right here.”

                   Dean scurries off to the bedroom, rummaging through his closet as he tries to find something suitable for church, God help him.

~*~

                   The drive over to the church is short enough that the two men manage to make it in time to hear the bell tower chime to life, alerting all that the gathering is about to commence. Dean still couldn’t help but fidget with his black tie and run his hands nervously through his combed hair again.

                   “You look great. Now come on!” Cas drags him inside the small building. But it only looks small from the outside, Dean gapes as he looks at the intricate designs of blue and gold painted into the arched ceiling, a white marble wall lines the adjacent side of the building, marked with carved names of everyone that’s donated to the building’s construction, a blossoming patch of bouquets stand proudly in green and gold flower vases, releasing a lovely, welcoming scent as they enter – and that’s just the lobby!  Cas lessens his pace as they pass the threshold of the double doors leading to the area where rows upon rows of wooden pews are filled to capacity with finely dressed people of all ages. The high ceilings are also painted with fantastic designs depicting angels, humans, and doves. Along the walls, there are small statuettes depicting the story of Jesus in his last few days, Dean recognizes it vaguely and counts the figures as he recalls the age-old story; it begins with the arrest of Jesus by the orders of Cesar, followed by him being tried, beaten, and imprisoned until he is given a cross and forced to walk the mile to the hill, struggling under the weight of the cross as he falls three times, being nailed to the splintering wood and being hung out for all to see as the crowd mocks and sneers. The last few statuettes show Mary and his apostle, Peter, taking him down and wrapping his body for burial, placing him in an underground tomb with kindness and care before he miraculously rises on the third day. It’s a beautiful story, Dean admits, but he’s not entirely sure he believes it all, which is why he continues to fidget nervously, bouncing his leg as he sits in one of the far pews, feeling like some kind of intruder.

                   The gigantic mural of Jesus on the cross, with his mother Mary and his apostle Peter at his feet provides the magnificent background for the raised floor holding the white alter at it’s center.  A bell chimes and everyone rises, including Castiel, Dean notices and he rises to comply. As the procession of the priest and his alter servers makes its way down the long, carpeted aisle, the mass begins. Everyone is singing along with the church choir as they harmonize melodiously to the heavenly music.  Dean feels lost as he tries to match his lips to the tune that he doesn’t know, trying not to give himself away as some kind of sinner. Cas smiles when he sees this, he picks up a red book and a pamphlet from the pocket along the backside of the pew in front of them, and passes them to Dean, pointing to one of the cork boards along the walls holding the page number to the song being sung.  Dean graciously takes the book and flips through it quickly, finding the correct page in time to sing along with the final verse.

                  The melody dies down as the pianist steadies his fingers over the black and white keys, folding his hands in his lap as he turns towards the alter. The priest, dressed in green robes speaks a few lines with arms outstretched before he gives the signal for the assembly to be seated. Dean complies, slotting his back up against the hard wood of the pew and his leg still bouncing as he holds the book and pamphlet Cas gave him in his lap. Cas gives him a quick pat on the shoulder, giving his boyfriend a sincere smile for his cooperation before turning his attention back towards the front.

                 The rest of the mass goes by with relative ease; Dean tries to follow along with the dialogues written on the beige pamphlet, sings along with the choir as he flips through the red book, and rises and sits along with Cas’s cues. He listens as the deacon gives a speech about today’s mass – the significance of today in accordance with the stories read from the bible – and it’s relatively brief, but Dean still can’t help but feel like he’s going to fall asleep by the time the man bows towards the alter and walks back up the two-stepped stage. He’s shaken awake by the sound of wood squeaking as the herd of people shift from their seats to kneel down. Dean looks from left to right, trying to figure out where the padded beams that everyone suddenly has appeared from, but his question is shortly answered when Cas reaches down underneath the leading pew and unfolds the gray plank. Dean reaches to help, but he ends up knocking it out of Cas’s hand and it falls to the floor with a loud bang! Dean winces as a few heads turn, but not many people seem disturbed by the noise as they bow their heads in prayer. Cas smiles softly as he does the same. Dean kneels and clasps his clammy palms together, but he’s not sure if he should be praying. Is he allowed? Does he even know how? Is there a wrong way to do it? If there is, he feels like he’d be the one to find it, but he takes a breath and closes his eyes as he concentrates.

                 So….Hey, God. It’s me, Dean Winchester. Just uh…thought I’d send a line. Since I’m sitting in church and all. So….do you copy?

                  He peeks an eye open, looking for a sign or something, but he only sees the bowed heads of those around him, some moving their lips as they continue to pray. He lets out a frustrated sigh as he closes his eyes again.

                 That’s cool. You don’t talk. Which is good I guess, I’d probably be crazy if I actually heard you or something, right? But um…I’ll just do the talking then…

                 He takes a pause as he thinks to himself. What should he pray for? World peace? Nah, that sounds too cliché. Besides, the lady a few rows ahead of them, the one that’s been waving her arms and swaying enthusiastically to the music the entire time, most likely has that one covered. So, what else…?

                 He settles on praying for something nice for his brother Sammy – for both he and his girlfriend, Jess. God knows those two are gonna get married one of these days, so they could use some guidance on that, Dean supposes. That’s all he really gets to before everyone is standing again. Dean raises to his feet and ruffles his brow when Cas offers a hand to him. Looking around, everyone is holding hands as they speak the next prayer in one loud, booming voice. Understanding, Dean takes Cas’s hand and offers his other to the little old lady sitting to this left, reciprocating her smile when she wraps her long fingers round his. It’s a little weird and the prayer sounds somewhat cultish, but Dean allows himself to go with it. After they let go, the priest says another line, to which the assembly responds, and then everyone turns to one another, giving handshakes, big hugs, and kisses to their families and neighbors.  

                  Dean turns and offers a hand to Cas, supposing he wouldn’t want his to kiss him here, but he’s happily surprised when Cas takes his hand and pulls him in for a brief hug. Dean pats his back and smiles, feeling a little bit more into the peace-offering sentiment as he turns to the little old lady again and shakes her hand. He shakes the hands of a few more people, and even raises two fingers in a peace sign as he waves at a gurgling baby in the pew in front of him, her flower headband falling into her dark, almond-shaped eyes. Dean chuckles to himself as he kneels back down, taking care in not letting the plank slam into the floor this time.

                  Dean turns to watch a family of four as they walk up the center aisle, passing off glass containers and other trinkets to the priest at the end. The elderly priest hands off the gifts to the young alter servers to his left and right, bowing to the family as he sends them back to their seats. He arranges the offerings on the table, saying a few words about The Last Supper. A chiming of little bells reverberates throughout the expansive church as the priest first holds up the shiny bowl holding unleavened slices of bread – representing the body – setting it down gently before repeating the same process for the goblet of wine – representing the blood.

                  Dean watches with a bit of skepticism still in his mind, but he’s not gonna add any commentary, that would be inappropriate. He only feels a spike of worry strike in his gut when he sees the people from the first rows lining up to receive the eucharist, bowing and making the sign of the cross as they accept the gifts with reverence; he’s not sure what he’s supposed to do! Does he go up? He’s baptized – he’s pretty sure his mom got him baptized, he remembers attending Sam’s baptism – but does that count? Isn’t there another step or something? God, it’s been so long, he has no idea!

                  Castiel picks up on his apparent panic and leans over to whisper in his ear, “You can sit in the pew while I go up. It’s probably best since you haven’t gone through first holy communion and aren’t confirmed.”

                  Dean lets out a breath and nods. That makes it much easier. Now his brain can stop going over all the scenarios in which things could go horribly wrong if he had walked up and accidently tripped, sending everyone toppling over like a train of dominoes.  Actually, Dean laughs to himself, that would be kinda funny to see. He hides his grin in his hands as he leans further into the pew ahead of him, posing like he’s deep in prayer as he continues to think about how funny it’d be if someone chugged the entire cup of wine and staggered away after handing back the empty goblet.

                  Castiel nudges him to move off of the kneeling bar as he folds it back up and rises to his feet. Dean slides to the side, pulling his legs in as much as he can as Castiel and the following procession steps over him as they make their way to the center aisle. Dean’s eyes follow Cas as he strolls forward one step at a time, hands folded together and face solemn yet at ease. The small smile at the corners of Cas’s lips would be overlooked by anyone else, but not by Dean: he’s happy, Dean thinks to himself. Castiel is happy being surrounded by all these people, his extended brothers and sisters related by their common faith. There’s no judgement, nor any condescending snark putting others down, only courtesy and grace as each person steps up to the priest, professing their belief in the eucharist before shuffling along back to their pews, allowing for the order to continue.

                 It’s almost alarming how taken aback Dean is by the whole thing; he’d thought church was a big sham – a place for kids to cry and grown ups to yell, but sitting here now, witnessing all the kindness and warmth amidst the formalities, he can see that church is not about just going to a building every Sunday, it’s not even really a place on Earth, but a place in one’s heart.

                 Damn! He didn’t think his mind could get so sappily poetic, but today is just full of surprises. Oh well, he can pretend like he never thought that all he wants, God’s not gonna tell anyone.

                  He shifts back in his seat once more as the line of people slip back into his pew, settling back down to pray as the ushers at the back of the lines steadily reach the front.

                   The choir has since been singing a slow melody, glorifying the name of God as the assembly shuffles about, quietly returning to their seats. Once the song ends, the gifts have also been placed away and the crowd is allowed to raise from their knees and be seated. The silence pervades for a brief moment before the priest stands, causing everyone to follow. The man says a closing prayer with the audience and declares that the mass had ended, that they are dismissed to go forth in peace.  

                   “Thanks be to God, “the crowd speaks in unison.

                   Thank God, Dean sighs internally. He might have been wrong about many things today, but he was still right on the money about how long the mass was; he didn’t know how much longer he would have been able to take of the boring litany before he finally just decided to leave. After the priest and his entourage of alter servers made their exit, the rest of the crowd filed out of the large double doors, the music of the choir sending them off.

                   Castiel takes a few moments to shake hands with a few people that he recognizes standing out in the lobby, but his serene expression quickly shifts into a worried look as Cas takes Dean’s arm and pulls him out the door, “We’d better hurry before the parking lot becomes a nightmare.”

                   Dean laughs, thinking about how these pious people could possibly become so hostile the moment they stepped out of the building. But he was wrong. Or rather, he was right – the blaring of car horns screech cantankerously in the open air as Cas drags him hurriedly to the Impala. He clicks his tongue a few times at the ridiculous behavior of some of the drivers as they try to hurry their way out of the one and only exit leading to the main road, scooching their cars and cutting one another off as they weave their way around the sauntering families; but at the same time, it was kinda funny, in a hypocritical, ironic sense.  

                   “So, Dean,” Castiel begins as they sit patiently in the car, waiting for the line of cars to thin out a little as to not put Baby at any risk of injury, “What did you think?”

                   Dean thinks for a second, “It wasn’t bad. It was long, and kinda boring at times—”

                   “I saw you falling asleep during the sermon.”

                   “Yeah, sorry ‘bout that. Couldn’t really help it. I can’t say I really believe in every word back there, but, overall: it was pretty okay” Castiel’s smile brightened. “But don’t get any ideas. I don’t think I’d be willing to go every Sunday.”

                   “Of course. You don’t have to. But I’m glad you gave it a chance and you seemed to not hate it, which is more than I expected.”

                   Dean feels like he should be offended by his boyfriend’s lack of faith in him, but what he said is fair – he really hadn’t expected to like it as much as he did either, which is saying something, even though Dean won’t really admit to it yet.

                   “If you’re at all interested, they have a band that plays with a guitar and electric drum set for Saturday masses. And also, they hand out free donuts and coffee every first Sunday of the month.”

                   Dean turns to look Cas square in the face. “Oh my God. That is so awesome! Why didn’t you say that before, Cas? Free food? And a kickass band! Your church rocks!”

                   Castiel laughs, shaking his head at Dean’s blasphemy when they’re still sitting in the church parking lot, no less. It’s gonna take a lot more than one hour to convert Dean from his bad habits, that’s for sure. But, Cas is glad that Dean is willing to immerse himself a bit more in the religious scene. He’s glad he can share this with his partner. And he’s glad that he can be himself, feeling safe in the comfort of the church whist sitting next to a man that means so much more to him than any disapproval from those who say they believe, but miss the point spectacularly. It’s not about scorn and abiding by rules, it’s about family and unity and guidance towards a grand and mysterious force that holds everything together. It’s about love. And for Dean to accompany him, even just for today, it’s more than Castiel could have ever prayed for.

[travelonlinetipsofficial]

10 Best Romantic Things to Do in Paris

New Post has been published on https://www.travelonlinetips.com/10-best-romantic-things-to-do-in-paris/

10 Best Romantic Things to Do in Paris

Spending time relaxing together, just the two of you, is another way to celebrate love. In Paris there are countless ways in which to paint the town a Valentine red, but one of the most intimately romantic is to spend time together at a small, intimate theater on the Ile Saint-Louis. This gem, the Theatre de L’Ile St. Louis, is a 35-seater and has nightly programming, both of concerts and plays. What’s even better, an assortment of top-notch restaurants on the little island in the center of Paris, are less than a 5-minute walk away.

Another intimate way to celebrate the You that is the 2 of you, is a spa experience. Relaxing in the steam room, enjoying a glass of champagne in the hot tub and finishing with a massage is a romantic dream come true. The ultimate discreet Parisian spa is Sensation Spa in the 7th arrondissement. Or you could always spend an evening at Le Grand Rex, Europe’s biggest movie theater found here, in Paris. Located in the Grands Boulevards area, this gorgeous, historic movie theater is surrounded by trendy bars and eateries for before or after. 

Paris is a city full of the emblems of love. Of course, the notion of romantic love is a relatively recent social concept, springing up first in historical references only in the late 17th c. It is even thought that the origin of the English word “romance” originates from a French vernacular dialect. Perfume, too, is credited to France. Le Grand Musee du Parfum is a sensual way to explore the art of scent with one another.

To celebrate love & romance in the City of Love, one needn’t wait for Valentine’s Day. Any special occasion or any special moment enjoyed by lovers can be revered as a sort of private Valentine’s moment.  On this list, you will find just ten (of the dozens and dozens of possibilities here in Paris) recommendations of how to pay homage to this most noble of human emotions – love. To start with, book yourselves tickets online for L’Atelier des Lumieres. This immersive digital art experience, highlighting chosen artists, has been a hit since it first opened its doors in Paris a few short years ago. It is a family friendly activity, too, just in case your ‘date night’ includes the little ones. On that note, the Palais de la Decouverte is another immersive, experiential excursion that can be enjoyed ‘en deux’ or ‘en famille.‘ Their current temporary exhibit is devoted to L’Amour and understanding the physiological science behind it. 

So, even though each year Valentine’s Day is the holiday that focuses all of us romantics on the romantic nature of love, for lucky Parisians, romance is just a state of mind. And this is a sate of mind that, with some discipline, you can embody every day of the year. For example, simply take a walk across the famous ‘Lover’s Bridge,’ the Pont des Arts at sunset or sunrise, to get that rush of romance. 

The Eiffel Tower of course beckons seductively to all who visit Paris. So to give your visit that extra shot of romantic, start at the Trocadero which affords a wonderful view onto the Eiffel Tower in the near distance.  And for those looking to pay tribute to Love itself, there is Le Mur des Je T’Aime a whole, wall dedicated to declarations of love. 

      A newer edition to the city’s cultural landscape, this aptly named ‘Light Workshop’ for the City of Light, draws you into an immersive art experience. Housed in a cavernous building in the trendy 11th arrondissement, once you step through the black doors, you enter into not just the chosen artist’s world, but his/her imagination, too. Digitally projected images from the artist’s repertoire and life are projected on all walls, the floor and the ceiling, creating a swirling light show all around you. It is a sort of Sound & Light show 2.0…but the immersive experience, the sound of music and narrative that accompanies the spectacle and the overall sensory stimulation makes this better than going to the movies. It’s also a great family activity.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: An instant hit in the City of Light, this art-come-alive show by Culturespace draws spectators in and keeps them enthralled for the duration.

Paige’s expert tip: This is an all-ages activity. Many of the spectators walk around the floor space and then find themselves a spot to just sit back, gaze around and take it all in. The spectacle lasts about an hour, give or take, but you can stay as long as you like if you want to catch it on repeat.

Read more about Atelier des Lumieres →

A contemporary art museum dedicated to exhibiting and then supporting the artists even after the exhibits through the purchase of their work, this beautiful museum is a favorite of many Parisians. It is nestled in the Montparnasse district of Paris, hence it is central and accessible. The foundation collaborates with other city institutions to expand its exhibiting reach. The wildly popular, ‘We The Trees,’ temporary exhibit was extended several months and some of the auxiliary audio-visual media material can still be accessed on the site. This isn’t the only example of dynamic curating that the young team at the Fondation has a penchant for, so check the website to see what’s current. Likely there will be something that appeals to your artistic senses. And the grounds, in the summer time, are a welcoming, shady place to take a breath and enjoy an outdoor snack.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Nestled in an accessible Montparnasse neighborhood, this museum’s popularity with the local Parisians is understandable once you’ve visited.

Paige’s expert tip: Don’t be fooled by the name, this foundation is looks, acts and feels like a museum. It is devoted to contemporary art and its philosophy is such that the foundation purchases a substantial portion of the art it exhibits. Hence, it is more than just a place of display.

Read more about Fondation Cartier →

This museum in Paris is devoted fully to the art of perfume. It is a private museum funded partially with state funds and partially by private investors. Perfume is as integral to French culture as couture, fine wine and art. That there had not yet existed in the French capital a museum wholly devoted to perfume, unaffiliated with a perfume brand, was seen as something of an empty space that needed filling. The museum’s location is just a block or so away from the French White House, the Elysee. It is devoted to sensory perception and has been designed to be highly interactive. Visitors are easily and luxuriously drawn into testing their olfactory senses and playing at finding the scents that most please them. In the four floors of the perfume museum (including the Roederer-like champagne cellars basement) of the renovated private mansion, the visitor is introduced to the history of perfum and its importance at the King’s court especially Versailles. The upper floors are devoted to sensory and smell perceptions. This is a museum that is certain to appeal to both young and old, male and female.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Walking through the garden of scents installation is a delightful way to test your olfactory senses.

Paige’s expert tip: Experts tell us that our sense of smell is inseparably intertwined with our memories. Here you can make beautiful memories together while exploring your sense of smell and the making of perfume, with your significant other. In the four floors of the perfume museum (including the Roederer-like champagne cellars basement) of the renovated private mansion, the visitor is introduced to the history of perfume and its importance at the King’s court especially Versailles. The upper floors are devoted to sensory and smell perception. Walking through the garden of scents installation is a delightful way to test your olfactory prowess.

Read more about Le Grand Musee du Parfum →

This is Europe’s largest movie theater and its location right on Grands Boulevards means it’s walking distance from the major department stores and one of Paris’s best shopping districts. With 2,650 seats it was purportedly modeled after NYC’s Radio City Music Hall. It opened in 1932 and its kitschy interior is still a mix between Art Deco and neo-classical Oriental. Best to see for yourself, and you can, as there is a 50-minute tour of the cinema that you can take year-round. The theater is not to be confused with its dance club, the Rex Club, which is adjoined and whose entrance is just a few yards down the way (known for its electro-pop music). Le Grand Rex is hands-down the most most impressive movie theater, in terms of largesse, d�cor and history, in Paris.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: This is Europe’s largest movie theater and a Parisian landmark perfect for a date night out on the town.

Paige’s expert tip: Take the 50 minute tour of the cinema, offered year-round. There is also a nightclub just next door, by the same name. So after your movie is finished, you can continue your night by dancing in the club just a door down.

Read more about Le Grand Rex →

Ever felt like escaping back to childhood? Where there was magic, model trains, life-sized unicorns, dragons and pretend kings and fairy princesses? This museum offers you exactly that kind of escape. It’s probably one of the least famous museums in Paris, which will make it all the more magical when you discover it. Yes, it’s a favorite of families, especially at the holiday times, when the museum puts all its rides into action and the grounds become one big old-style amusement park. But there is also such romance here, full of nostalgia and a time when carousel horses were hand carved out of wood and painted by a master craftsman. Come with your significant other and you will be sharing in these delights with the person who matters most. It will be sort of like watching the sunset together – infinitely better when the moment is shared.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: It isn’t every day that you get to walk through a 19th century carnival grounds come alive. This one is interactive and authentic.

Paige’s expert tip: Every year at the end of the year, the ten days or so between Christmas and the start of the new year, this museum puts all its rides in action and has puppet masters, street performers and tap dancers animating the entire grounds. It becomes much more than a museum at this time, it becomes an interactive fair ground come alive from the 19th c.

Read more about Musee des Arts Forains →

This museum, set in the Hotel Biron, is a tribute to one of the world’s finest sculptors. Thanks to Rodin’s own donations, the facility offers a wealth of objects, including terra cotta, bronze and marble creations. Plaster and wax studies are available as well, along with his sketches, drawings, engravings, and his own collected art. Among the items on display are “The Kiss” and the sculpture that brought Rodin much fame, The Thinker. The museum is now re-opened after 3 years (2012 – 2015) of renovations on the main building, Hotel Biron, which is an early 18th c. building. The gardens are an idyllic draw unto themselves. They were also the setting for the scene where former First Lady of France, Carla Bruni, played her role for Woody Allen’s film, Midnight in Paris. A café in the gardens offers refreshments.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: This is a museum that offers as much viewing outdoors as indoors. It’s a pleasing blend for all in your party, whatever the weather.

Paige’s expert tip: Just one euro gets you entrance to these magnificent gardens, a gorgeous place to quietly sit and read a book. It is also favored by art students who bring their sketch pads for some still-life practice.

Read more about Musee Rodin →

Paris is often considered to be the city of love, ideal for romance, and epitomizing that Paris aura is the Le Mur des Je T’aime, aka the I Love You Wall. This understated work of art is in a Paris park (Square Jehan Rictus Place des Abbesses in Montmartre) amidst flowers and trees, which add to the romance of the wall. What makes this wall so appealing for love that it has become the meeting place for romantics? On the black wall are 311 declarations of love in 250 different languages written in white. It’s a simple, but powerful work of art paying homage to one of the most powerful phrases in all languages: I love you.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: To escape from the city and indulge in relaxation and rejuvenation without having to go anywhere is the key to an excellent urban spa getaway.

Paige’s expert tip: Look up how to say “I love you” in several different languages and then search for them on the wall. This is a fun game to play with kids or to create a bit of fun competition between you and your significant other to see who can find each phrase first.

Read more about Le Mur des Je T’aime →

The Pont des Arts, a pedestrian bridge across the Seine, connects the Louvre with the Latin Quarter while offering some of the city’s most stunning views. It is also known as the Lover’s Bridge since lovers have been coming here for centuries to gaze into one another’s eyes. In recent years, the phenomena of Love Locks has swept not just Paris but romantic spots throughout the world. Alas, this bridge, however, became one of the epicenters for this cultural tradition and its 19th c. railings crumbled under the weight of all that love. The city replaced these with plexiglass panels. In the evenings it is a popular spot to come share a bottle of wine that special someone, and also just to sit and revel in the sounds of the street musicians, the passersby and other lovers such as yourselves, while basking in the breathtaking views.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: Gazing at the sunset from this bridge with Notre Dame in one direction and the Grand Palais/Eiffel Tower in another is a timeless moment.

Paige’s expert tip: Last summer the bridge’s metal paneling began to give way under the weight of all the Love Locks fastened to them. So the city has started a campaign called #LoveWithoutLocks, a digital wall where you can post your declarations of love.

Read more about Le Pont des Arts →

A more charming ‘community theatre’ does not exist anywhere! Located on the ancient, historical and aristocratic Quai d’Anjou; at the end of a short covered passageway full of flowers and flora, is where you’ll find this little theatre. There is something going on nearly every day, often piano recitals at 6:30 in the evenings, and even more entertaining fare, such as theatre or musical variety shows from 9pm. This intimate little theatre is famous for its elegance as well as its programming. It seats a total of about 30 people on plush, red velvet theatre seats. The box office opens about 30 minutes before the show. Or you can reserve in advance and buy you tickets online. Check their website for upcoming shows, concerts and theatre pieces. Even such greats as Michael Lonsdale have headlined plays and presentations here, so be prepared to be charmed and pleasantly surprised.

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: With all the wonderful theaters to choose from in Paris, this one remains the most intimate and, certainly for a romantic evening, the best location.

Paige’s expert tip: There are few places in Paris more romantic that the Ile St. Louis. It becomes even moreso, the more you hear about its storied past and the greats who have called this little island in the center of Paris ‘home.’ A winning romantic evening is the following: A piano recital show at the only theatre here on the island, followed by dinner at any of the magnificent restaurants to be found within a short 5 minute walk. Or, reverse the order, and do the 9pm show after dinner.

Read more about Theatre de L’Ile Saint Louis – Paul Rey →

Located next to the Grand Palais, this science and technology museum (museum of discovery is the literal translation) is smaller and older than the Cite; des Sciences, and it has a charm all its own. Created in 1937 to help people understand scientific methods, the museum brings in excellent temporary exhibits to augment its permanent displays on physics, biology, electricity and astronomy. The real philosophy behind this museum is that most of us learn and comprehend scientific theory better when we have a chance to experience it. So many of the temporary and permanent exhibits here are hands-on. That’s a feature that is sure to make the kids, big and small, crack a smile. It also has a wonderful collection of original Da Vinci designs. Note: explanations are often in French only. METRO: Champs Elys–es-Clemenceau (line 1 or 3)

Recommended for Romantic Things to Do because: This is an interactive, fascinating science museum for young and old that happens to be just steps from the Champs-Elysées.

Paige’s expert tip: This museum is even better when you, or someone in your party, speak a bit of French. However, there are designated multilingual “scientific mediators” whose passion for science helps transmit the understanding of some of the basic scientific principles, like electricity.If yçu’ve ever visited the Exploratorium in San Francisco, you can easily draw comparisons to this immersive museum. Recent temporary exhibits include ‘De l’Amour,’ an exhibit dedicated to the physiological science behind love.

Read more about Palais de la Decouverte →

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Glass Cabin, Fairbank, Iowa Residence

Glass Cabin Fairbank, Iowa Residence, US Residential Building, American Architecture Photos

Glass Cabin in Fairbank, Iowa

May 15, 2021

Glass Cabin, Fairbank, Iowa, USA

Design: atelierRISTING llc Architects

Location: North East Iowa, USA

Photos by Steven and Carol Risting

Reclaimed glass, natural materials, and the regenerated prairie on the land of a sesquicentennial farm entrusted to the grandkids was the genesis of the design-build for the off-grid Glass Cabin in Northeastern Iowa .

Designed as a family retreat for occasional use when returning to the family farm, the extension of the front facade creates a human-made edge to a clearing in the woods next to the Wapsipinicon River, with “barn” doors sliding open to reveal the northern glass front, closing to provide security when away.

Regenerated Prairie: Located on a regenerated prairie, the environmentally-friendly sustainable design began with the north-south orientation and a raised structure to minimize the disturbance of the grasslands and flood plain. The cabin is off-grid, net-zero, with solar and battery power, and a compost toilet. The 14′ x 32′ Great Room, with floor to ceiling glass on three sides, creates an experience of being outdoors, with northern daylighting and prairie views. A screened-in porch, east and west terraces, and a lower terrace complete the outdoor interaction.

Reclaimed Glass: Large pieces of reclaimed pieces of clear and frosted insulated glass removed from a commercial office building expansion were used to create the north facade window wall, composted on a standard 8′ grid (to minimize lumber length construction waste). Operable windows and side patio doors provide additional daylighting and natural ventilation. The reclaimed frosted glass is used in the back bedrooms and toilet room to diffuse the southern daylighting and provide privacy.

Natural Materials: Natural materials were used too. The exposed rough-sawn structure, barn doors, exterior and interior siding, and exterior decking is predominately Western Red Cedar, selected for its natural moisture-resistant, insect-resistant, fire-retardant, acoustical properties, and a renewable resource, as well as it smells great! The cedar was left natural to patina to a warm grey, complementary to the aged barns in the area. All flooring is a natural cork.

The Kitchenette countertop is copper, and the wall cabinets are custom build cedar with frosted glass doors. While primarily a three-season retreat, a Norwegian designed wood stove provides warmth for the holidays.

Design-Built: The Glass Cabin was designed and built by the architect, with occasional help from family and friends. The raised structure is essentially an agricultural modified pole barn/wood-frame structure.

A central 2×8 post extends from the precast concrete foundation (originally designed for cattle barns) to the roof, with side 2×6 posts integrated with the window framing and supporting the floor beams and the roof rafters. The roof structure transforms from 16-inch on-center rafters in the back to 32-inch on-center double rafters exposing 2×6 roof decking above the Great Room.

Glass Cabin in Fairbank, Iowa, USA – Building Information

Architect: atelierRISTING llc Client: Carol Risting General Contractor: Steven Risting

Photographers: Steven and Carol Risting

Glass Cabin, Fairbank, Iowa Residence images / information received from Chicago Athenaeum

Address: Iowa, United States of America

Iowa Buildings

Iowa Buildings

Hancher Auditorium, Iowa City Design: Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects with OPN Architects photo : Jeff Goldberg/ESTO Hancher Auditorium Iowa City Building

Lutheran Church of Hope-Grimes, Grimes Design: BNIM Architects photo : Nick Merrick Lutheran Church of Hope-Grimes Building

Voxman Music Building Design: LMN Architects photo : Tim Griffith Voxman Music Building at the University of Iowa

School for Art & Art History at the University of Iowa, Iowa City Design: Steven Holl Architects photo © Andy Ryans from Steven Holl Architects University of Iowa Building

Shelters for US Soldiers by Iowa State University Graduate Design Students images courtesy Iowa State University Iowa State University Graduate Design Students Shelters for US Soldiers

University of Iowa Visual Arts Building

University of Iowa Children’s Hospital

Comments / photos for the Glass Cabin, Fairbank, Iowa Residence design by atelierRISTING llc Architects USA page welcome

The post Glass Cabin, Fairbank, Iowa Residence appeared first on e-architect.

[mujeeburrehman]

A Hamptons Beach House Renovation Gets a Full Pop Art Redo

Artist Katy Garry’s beach house renovation in Long Island includes a garage conversion for lounging

“After” photos by Lena Yaremenko for Sweeten

My Sweeten Story  | Sweeten homeowner Katy

A house flood sets off a new start

Sometimes you can spin a disaster into an opportunity. That’s what happened with Hildreth Place, our house in the Hamptons. We used a devastating flood as a prompt to create a happy, modern home where family and friends can meet. 

Hildreth Place has been in the Garry family for more than 40 years, and my husband and I have owned it for 10. The house is in Hampton Bays, New York, 50 yards from Meschutt Beach, where families gather to swim in the bay and live music plays every night at Tiki Joes. The house was originally built in 1970, in a traditional Cape style. We have long used it with family, shared it with friends, and also rented it.

Two years ago, a pipe froze and burst. After discovering eight feet of water in our basement, we decided to go down to the bones and renovate. Our goals were to make the home more efficient from both energy and maintenance standpoints, all while turning it into something beautiful that our family and friends can enjoy.

 A new chapter for a family home

Cara Boyce of Red Wagon Design partnered with me on the interior design and helped me reimagine the home. We planned to revise the façade, giving it the relaxed appearance of a modern farmhouse, and use the interior redesign to solve problems and increase our living space. With Sweeten’s help, we found the perfect contractor to help us with our Hampton Bays home renovation. He worked on time and within budget, keeping cost savings in mind and brainstorming solutions to construction challenges. The house had a few!

Hildreth Place has endured quite a bit, and we needed to prepare it for the future. The house has been standing 50 years, and is close to the beach and exposed to the elements, so our biggest investment was on exterior improvements. The materials needed to withstand the environment. We installed James Hardie clapboard on the exterior, invested in a fiberglass front door, and chose fiberglass casement windows rather than old-school wood. 

A garage bay turns into a lounge space 

One of the biggest interior changes we made in modernizing was on the home’s ground floor. The first floor was very traditional for a beach house, and the formal dining room, which was in the front of the house, wasn’t practical for entertaining.

By raising the roofline, we were able to add about 200 square feet upstairs, creating space for a center hallway.

We decided to create an open floor plan that connected the kitchen to a walk-through dining room and then to a new inside-outside room we carved out by stealing just under 300 square feet from the garage. This “garage room,” which opens to the back via an industrial-style roller door, lets the indoor space flow to the outdoors, and is an ideal casual gathering spot for coming off the beach.

On the second floor, there was another flow blockage to overcome: We had four bedrooms, including a big dormer for the kids, but the only way to access that bunk room was through one of the other bedrooms. It was an awkward layout for children trying to find the bathroom at night. By raising the roofline, we were able to add about 200 square feet upstairs, creating space for a center hallway. The resectioning also found us space for a master bathroom, a nice bonus.

 Personalizing with color and art

Seeing my murals and paintings transform the house has been incredible. The master bedroom got a bold, black-and-white brush-stroke mural. I love it! I have a moody painting tucked between the shelves in the master bath and oceany pieces in all the first-floor rooms. A guest room with a bright bamboo theme features a hand-painted ceiling by me and is inspired by colors that I’ve been gravitating to—the combination of orange, hot pink, and red makes me happy.

Down on the first floor in the powder room, we added wallpaper—this Dorothy Draper look was a dream of mine. The lush green print and chartreuse ceiling color is the kind of pairing that inspires me as an artist. Such a surprise when you open the door! I always recommend spending money on things that give the most bang for the buck. I told my husband that the splurgy wallpaper was more important than running water.

Many of the room designs in the house are inspired by my paintings, as I really wanted to bring their joy into our home. One of the best examples of that is the “goldfish bathroom,” which is bathed in a dappling of water-blue penny tile and features several playful fish paintings. 

Natural elements soften

Throughout the house, we also chose simple items to offset the highly visible ones.  We went with pre-painted cabinetry in the kitchen, and the same hardwood floors as in other rooms. The lights are modern loft pendants, clean in matte white.

I’m intimidated by the process of picking out kitchen appliances, so I let my mother-in-law—a holiday-entertaining superwoman—choose; she picked a single oven with the largest cubic heating space she could find. The living room fireplace mantel is made of a rustic, hewn-wood beam.

With Sweeten’s help, we renovated and built a home that has exceeded our expectations. Hildreth Place makes me so proud. We took a tragedy and turned it into a house that makes you feel like you are on vacation the moment you walk in.

Thank you for sharing your Hampton Bays beach house renovation with us, Katy! 

Materials Guide

EXTERIOR RESOURCES: Plank lap siding and vertical siding: James Hardie. Casement windows: Andersen Windows & Doors. Fiberglass entry door: Therma-Tru. Avante garage doors: Clopay.

LIVING ROOM RESOURCES: Paint in Decorators White: Benjamin Moore. Bona Traffic Four-inch wide oak flooring in Bona Traffic satin finish: Bona. Light fixture shade: Hand Painted by Katy Garry. 

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Cabinets and countertops: Central Kitchens. Cabinet hardware: Lowe’s. MDF shiplap backsplash: From general contractor. Pendant lighting: Mitzi Hudson Valley Lighting. Kohler sink/faucet: Green Art Plumbing. Refrigerator: Samsung. Dishwasher: Asko. Stove and oven: GE. Lighting fixture over island: Shades of Light. Lighting over sink: Rejuvenation. Paint in Decorators White: Benjamin Moore.

DINING ROOM RESOURCES: Paint on ceiling in Van Deusen: Benjamin Moore. Chandelier: Ballard Designs.

GARAGE ROOM RESOURCES: Garage doors: A Better Door Co Inc. Ceiling fan: Shades of Light. Custom resin bar: Painted by Katy Garry. Bar stools: Wayfair. 

POWDER ROOM RESOURCES: Wallpaper: Dorothy Draper. Paint on ceiling in Yellowcake: Farrow & Ball. Floor and shower tile: Marble America, New Rochelle NY. Kohler toilet, faucet, and shower hardware: Green Art Plumbing. Mirror: Ballard Designs. Sink vanity: Wayfair.

MASTER BEDROOM RESOURCES: Custom wall mural: Painted by Katy Garry. Paint on fireplace wall in Mopboard Black: Benjamin Moore. Sconces over mantle: Aerin Lauder. Light pendant over seating area: Vintage. 

BUNK ROOM RESOURCES: Stencil paint in Poppy Red: Benjamin Moore. Light fixture shade in custom fabric:  Red Wagon Designs.

BAMBOO BEDROOM RESOURCES: Paint in Decorators White: Benjamin Moore. Ceiling mural: Painted by Katy Garry. Light fixtures: Shades of Light.

MASTER BATHROOM: Bathroom floor tile: Cement Tile Shop. Shower wall and floor tile: Marble America, New Rochelle NY. Sink/vanity: Lowe’s. Kohler toilet, polished-chrome hardware, and shower fixtures: Green Art Plumbing. Light fixture over sink and large ceiling lights: Shades of Light. Shelving lights: CB2.

GOLDFISH BATHROOM: Paint in Blue Nova: Benjamin Moore. Kohler bathroom floor tile, bathtub, toilet, hardware, and shower fixtures: Green Art Plumbing. Sink/vanity: The Home Depot. Mirror/medicine cabinet: Robern. Vanity lighting: Triple Seven Home. Center ceiling light: West Elm.

—

ADUs or accessory dwelling units can transform into home offices, living space for family or as a rental, or a retreat.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

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source https://civilco.construction/a-hamptons-beach-house-renovation-gets-a-full-pop-art-redo/ from Civilco Construction & Interior https://civilcoconstruction.blogspot.com/2021/04/a-hamptons-beach-house-renovation-gets.html

[nightmare-afton-cosplay]

Jon Bon Jovi Finally Puts a Price on NJ Mansion: It’s Available for $20M

realtor.com, Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images

The rocker Jon Bon Jovi has relisted his rockin’ New Jersey estate. Now it comes with an important piece of information for potential buyers—a price.

The posh property in Red Bank, NJ, had previously been listed as “Price upon request,” when it debuted a year ago. It’s returned to the market with an asking price of $20 million.

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Jon Bon Jovi's New Jersey chateau (realtor.com)

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Living room (realtor.com)

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Family room (realtor.com)

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Kitchen (realtor.com)

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Patio with river frontage (realtor.com)

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Pergola and pool (realtor.com)

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Dining room (realtor.com)

Last year, when we asked brokers to give their best guesses on the mysterious number, estimates ranged from $14 million to $100 million.

So perhaps somewhere in the middle is about right for this cool chateau.

It was built in 1999 by the noted New York-based architect Robert A.M. Stern, former dean of the Yale School of Architecture, in a style that could be described as French chateau meets rocker-chic.

Known as High Point Estate, the Euro-inspired, six-bedroom residence is set on 15 lush acres, with 700 feet of Navesink River frontage. It’s located about an hour outside Manhattan.

The sprawling 18,000-square-foot design boasts “exceptional materials, museum quality craftsmanship and superb attention to detail,” according to the listing, which also notes that the grounds were originally designed by the influential landscape architecture firm Olmsted Brothers.

A gated entrance opens to reveal brick courtyards, French balconies, slate roofs, tall chimneys, and historic wrought-iron accents.

The expansive layout features a 50-foot living room with 12-foot ceilings, a grand fireplace, bookshelves, and parquet flooring, and includes a movie theater. The adjoining bar features river views.

The dining room was designed for a round dining table seating 18 people. The standout kitchen contains a brick barrel ceiling, with hand-painted beams, wide-plank wood floors and a large island, as well as a breakfast room that looks out to the river.

The family room includes beamed ceilings and a fireplace that doubles as an outdoor fireplace, with a pergola and seating area looking out to the pool and water.

The second floor includes the family wing, with a study, four en suite bedrooms, including a grand master suite with a balcony and spa bath. A second wing with a separate entrance, intended for staff or guests, includes two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen. 

In addition, the grounds have a pool and two cabanas, an original carriage house from 1910, a pub with bar and pool table called the “Shoe Inn,” as well as a dock and boat lift.

Meanwhile, a loft-style music studio is located over seven double-door garages below. Yet another building includes laundry, a workshop, and storage.

While the Jersey native is still looking for a buyer for his Garden State compound, that hasn’t stopped the superstar from making other real estate deals.

Last summer, he sold an oceanfront in Palm Beach, FL, for almost $20 million that he had purchased just two years before, for $10 million, and totally rebuilt. The brand-new contemporary featured five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and three half-bathrooms, within a little over 5,000 square feet of living space and ocean views.

On the same day as that sale, he splashed out $43 million for another beachfront abode down the street.

The even larger, 10,232-square-foot mansion features seven bedrooms, seven bathrooms, and five powder rooms. It was built in 2007, and its interior details include coffered ceilings, hardwood and marble floors, and intricate millwork. The property’s grounds, on an oversize lot, include a courtyard pool and cabana, as well as covered dining and lounging space.

Bon Jovi, 58, is the frontman and founder of the band Bon Jovi, formed in 1983. The Grammy-winning rock group has recorded 14 studio albums and sold over 100 million records worldwide.

Gloria Nilson with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Shrewsbury holds the listing.

The post Jon Bon Jovi Finally Puts a Price on NJ Mansion: It’s Available for $20M appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

from https://www.realtor.com/news/celebrity-real-estate/jon-bon-jovi-puts-price-on-new-jersey-mansion/

[melissahappyplace]

HAPPY PLACE:  Judy Truesdell

We live closer to Michigan since moving to Granger and it boggles my mind how quickly I can drive from one state into another in less than 10 minutes.  I get a youthful thrill with each quick exit from what I know into what I do not.  What can I say?  It’s never taken much to excite me.   

Judy Truesdell lives in the small town of Niles, Michigan.  I found her serendipitously after chatting with her daughter, Meg, who owns a vintage shop near my home called Treasureology.  I told Meg about my blog and that I was looking for women to interview.  I clarified that I wasn’t looking for perfectly decorated homes like those featured in home design magazines.  I further explained I need women who have created unique spaces that are difficult or impossible to recreate, spaces that tell their story. I am always looking for women who designed a space based on what is beautiful to them immune to outside influences and definitions.  Meg told me about her mom’s home in Niles and I trusted her suggestion since Meg herself is such a charming, unique woman with a fun spirit.

As I drove through Niles toward Judy’s home, I got this cozy feeling that I was in a special place. Many of the homes are large, historic and in a variety of conditions.  Some have been well preserved, and others have not done as well as time marched on and so did large industry.  The population of Niles in 2010 was 11,600 and the last count in 2017 was 11,208.  While I cannot see myself ever living in such a small community, I can appreciate the comfort of knowing your neighbors and being known as you live your life.

As soon as I approach Judy’s home, I know I am somewhere truly special.  To the left of her front door on the brick facade is a small painted illustration of a similar home.  The trim work, the wrought iron fence, the bright red door with gold lettering for the house number, “No. 23”… everything tells me I am entering one of those unique historic homes that make us long for a time when significantly more thought was put into the design of the American home. 

Judy later explained that her home is in the Italianate style.  A quick google search tells me the Italianate style home began in England inspired by Italy’s farmhouses.  These homes were built of masonry and came to the United States in the 1830s.  Accordingly, Judy’s home was built in the 1870s.  She and her husband, Terry, purchased it in 1971 and raised their daughter, Meg, in the home while they remodeled it over the years ahead.  

I got a tour of Judy’s home before we sat down to chat.  Her home oozes with charm.  In the partially underground basement, her husband turned a cistern into a brick surround wine cellar and dining area.  Built ins, coffered ceilings, original wood flooring, oh my!  This home is truly special, but my conversation with Judy far outshined this incredible home.

Judy had soft piano music playing when we sat down in her Happy Place, a sitting room in the front of the house near the entryway.  She had laid out a beautiful teapot with two teacups, two hand crafted napkins and we enjoyed hot Ginger Peach tea and lavender shortbread cookies while I learned more about her story and the story of her Happy Place.  Pinch me! My writing life gives me incredible experiences and this one will remain in my memory forever.  What perfection on an unusually cold November day!

Married in 1967, Judy met her husband on a blind date while they were both attending colleges in Michigan. They married a year before her husband was drafted and eventually deployed to Vietnam.  Both from large families, Judy explained to me that it was good for them to be away from home when they were stationed in New Jersey. They got to be in and out of New York City, DC, and Philadelphia before returning to Michigan and purchasing their historical Niles home.

When Judy first moved to Niles, the community was very different.  She explained that four Fortune 500 companies resided in Niles at that time.  And the executives’ “smart wives” began a culture of volunteerism and philanthropy that still exists there today.  This was a time when women did not work especially wealthy women and so they became the leading volunteers who developed the Niles Service League, the Fernwood Botanical Garden, and more.  Judy went on to say, “This was a really interesting time here.  We went to cocktail parties with all of these interesting people!”.

In the mid-80s, Niles began seeing the departure of big industry as did so many small communities in the States. Even so, Judy loves Niles to this day. She describes it as “divine” and listed all the things she loves about it … the agriculture, the culture due to all the local colleges, and the people.  The people! What I learned about Judy during our time together is that she cares more about people than anything else.  It was the central theme of our conversation. 

A lifelong business woman, Judy and her husband have owned several businesses including two that were inspired by their daughter.  Judy’s husband designed and built a ‘cupcake tree’ for their daughter’s wedding reception. After getting such an incredible response from the wedding guests, Judy did some market research and they spent the next 17 years running this retail and wholesale business as a family. Earlier in their lives, they started a wooden swing company called Tree Play inspired by a swing set Judy’s husband made for their daughter.  

Volunteerism has always been a part of Judy’s life.  She just finished over 21 years on the board for Lake Michigan College.  She serves on several foundation boards and volunteers at Fernwood Botanical Garden.  Most impressive to me is the fact that Judy has run for State Representative for her district two times.  

It was during these runs for office that Judy saw so many circumstances including abject poverty. After she mentioned the fact that her home is in a transitional neighborhood, I asked her how she feels about this and her answer gave me another taste of Judy’s genuine love of humanity.  “I feel safe here.  It’s a transitional neighborhood, but I feel safe!  I love it.”  Once a more middle-class neighborhood, she explained that the transitional nature means a lot to her.  “Its mankind.  I’m not hiding from it . . .”  She teared up, paused and continued, “I talk to my neighbors.  This neighborhood is alive!”  Judy has an “urban garden” that gives her lots of opportunities to interact with the people going by and the kids on their bikes.  Much like her home, Judy loves her neighborhood because of the people in it and not because of the actual, physical homes that line it.

Since it was November when I met Judy, I couldn’t help but wonder what this home would look like at Christmas.  She explained, “This has always been a Christmas house!” and I couldn’t help but feel envious for anyone who gets to celebrate the holidays there and with a woman who loves people like Judy does.

When I asked Judy why the sitting room brings her so much joy, she challenged me to answer that question myself, but then said, “It’s like stepping back in time. It’s peaceful.  I have never had anyone in this room who didn’t automatically let down.  Just here … for right now.”  What started as her “music room” and still has a piano and art work featuring musicians is now more of a social space, but also her quiet spot to “read the New York Times every Sunday.”  The traditional, step back in time feel to Judy’s sitting room is central to the calmness I felt from the moment I sat down.  

Judy’s love of music is seen in her piano with a book of Gershwin sheet music on it and an antique sign above that reads, “Baldwin Piano.”  Peace, music and memories are the words she uses to describe her sitting room:  “Everything in this room has a story!”  Judy pointed to the Baldwin Piano sign and explained that she bought it for her husband for their 8th wedding anniversary at a local antique store. Their friends who were sign makers fell in love with it and asked if they could bring it with them to a convention to demonstrate the feathering technique that was used to do the gold leafing on the glass.  This couple never got over the fact that they accidentally broke it in their travels to the convention. The wife glued it back together using led.  When I first saw the sign, I thought that there was either a story about how it got broken or it was an intentional look. I’m glad it is the former.  

Judy went on, “There’s stories everywhere.  There’s security in being surrounded by things that you love.” She’s had the lady figure on her piano for 35 years and she likes it because the woman looks like her grandmother.  In our throw-away society that focuses on the latest and greatest lives this woman who values the meaning behind gifts, accidents, and objects that keep us closer to those we loved and lost.

Current trends of moving every 3-5 years will mean a generation that doesn’t know the stability and comfort of a childhood home.  Judy’s daughter, Meg, gets to return to the home of her childhood several times a month. When I asked Meg recently what the home means to her, she stated “It’s more home than my home.”  She explained that her parents saved her childhood home from being condemned when they purchased it the year she was born and had “sledgehammer parties” with their friends as they made it what it is today. In returning, Meg enjoys the smells of her mom’s cooking and the “little menagerie of memories that pop up” when she’s there.  And now her two teenage daughters get to make memories there as well.  

Judy has styled her Happy Place to accommodate guests.  There are chairs arranged throughout the circumference of Judy’s sitting room always ready for visitors.  Judy’s space proves that you don’t need a large home to make people feel welcome. She explained that while the scale of her home has always been a challenge, she wouldn’t want anything different:  “What we have heard through our life in this home is ‘we feel so comfortable here.’ People love small spaces . . . You can be in a big house and everyone is in the kitchen.  It’s just this gathering or comfort in being forced to be close to one another.”  

When we discussed why beauty matters, Judy told me, “I was born happy.  I am an optimist.  I find beauty in almost everything I encounter.  It’s not just in this house.”  She went on to tell me about a book she once read, ‘God on A Harley’ by Joan Brady. In the book, a frustrated God declares that he’s made so much cool stuff, and no one is noticing it.  Judy sees it as her RESPONSIBILITY to look and find beauty. “It’s everywhere,” she proclaimed.

Judy pointed out the Heritage Auctions catalog on her coffee table.  She opened it up and showed me some of the gorgeous jewelry inside.  One can only imagine the wealth and beauty of the women who wore this jewelry.  But while all the jewelry inside this book are incredible, she explained to me that this is not the beauty that she pursues.  She knows that even if she owned one piece inside the catalog, it is not the key to her happiness.  And what she said next I hope will stay in me forever.  Read this slowly and try to absorb:

“I see beauty more in people, faces…  there’s beauty in expressions, the conversations that have taken place in this room.  That’s beauty to me!  That’s everything that I want.  I want to hear the voice.  I want to hear the story.  I want to hear the laughter.  Please God, be funny.  I want to see the hand gestures, the clothing.  All those things come together to create a beautiful experience in this room.”

Wow!  I hate to admit it, but . . . Judy values people on a level I have not reached.  We’ve historically picked homes as a family with large yards to keep the neighbors away.  We spread out at night each to our own corners of the house. Technology is our mistress.  And we’ve lost something that Judy never has… Judy consistently places people over things. She understands that things like signs broken by dear friends can be replaced or loved more dearly in their brokenness because now they have a story.  Judy knows that its what happens in a room, not what’s in it, that means the most. 

Judy values her alone time too, but she’s made room for people.  She’s designed a space that says, ‘come on in.  let it all go.’  I will never be as social, nor the natural optimist Judy is.  But I don’t need to change my nature in order to change my Happy Place to accommodate more joy from the people I welcome there.

This is a period  in American history when the need for a space like Judy’s is heightened.  We need ways to feel lighter.  A space that tells your story and carries the love of gatherings past can soothe you in ways nothing else can.  If your walls could talk, would there be memories of laughter, love and joy?  Or would it just be the quiet sounds of your own solitude?  

As I’m grabbing my things and getting ready to leave, I told Judy that her daughter was correct, that she is a perfect match for my blog and the kind of stories I want to tell.  She responded, “She usually is… that little shit!”  Oh, the laughter that brought!  After piano music and tea in such a sophisticated space. . . I wasn’t expecting that.  But it only made me adore the woman she is more.  May we all meet and know someone like Judy Truesdell . . . someone who truly values people above all else.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JUDY TRUESDELL . . .

COMING SOON!!!  Judy is opening an online Etsy store called 23marketstreet for her classic vintage clothing line for women.

[biofunmy]

$1.8 Million Homes in California

Redlands | $1.7995 Million

An 1888 Victorian with eight bedrooms and nine bathrooms in two units; a two-bedroom, two-bathroom carriage house; and a one-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage; on a 0.79-acre corner lot

This house, known as Gray Gables, was built in redwood as a private residence. It was later incorporated into the grounds of the Wissahickon Inn, once a stopping place for notables like Gloria Vanderbilt and Eleanor Roosevelt on their way to Palm Springs, 45 miles southeast. (Los Angeles is 66 miles west.) After falling into disrepair and almost being razed, the property was restored, beginning in 2016, as a family complex, with a rebuilt foundation, new mechanicals and antique and period reproduction details. It is in a historic district two miles south of the city center.

Size: 3,600 square feet (in the main house)

Price per square foot: $499

Indoors: A 2,000-square-foot veranda with intricate woodwork based on the original wraps around three sides of the main house. Inside are engineered hardwood floors (as well as sculpted carpet in the first-floor bedroom) and 10-foot ceilings in most rooms.

The living room has eight-foot-high casement windows with bronze bolts and a Victorian reproduction bronze globe chandelier and wall sconces. Down the hall is a dining room with an arched ceiling, acorn chandelier and Dutch door. It opens to an eat-in kitchen with marble-topped bead-board cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash, a cast-iron sink and cast-iron light fixtures. The six-burner gas cooktop and electric convection oven are set in a reproduction antique stove.

The first-floor bedroom suite includes a Victorian chandelier suspended from an 11-foot ceiling and a large closet with custom shelves. The private bathroom, with its open shower, is ADA-compliant.

The original staircase has been stained to match the flooring. Decorated with globe and acorn finials, it is lit by a vintage pendant lamp.

The three upstairs bedrooms include a master suite with cathedral windows offering mountain views and a bathroom with a penny-round-tiled shower, a toilet closet with a bidet and a reproduction Victorian vanity with a double sink and an antique mirror. There is also a guest suite, a bedroom with a gable window, an office with an industrial pendant light and a hall bathroom with a claw-foot tub and an industrial pipe light fixture with Edison bulbs. The second floor contains a laundry room with a gas-dryer hookup, as well.

A second unit of about 1,700 square feet with a private entrance occupies the basement. It has three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a living room with French doors that open to a front patio and a kitchen with white Shaker cabinets and granite countertops.

Also on the property are a two-bedroom, two-bathroom carriage house that is approximately 1,100 square feet on two floors and an 800-square-foot cottage with one bedroom and one bathroom.

Outdoor space: Wrought-iron fencing encircles the property and incorporates an electric driveway gate. The grounds are planted with roses, bougainvillea, cypress, lavender bushes and orange, apricot and loquat trees. There are three notable mature specimen trees: a live oak, a pine and a palm. The yard includes statuary and a bocce court.

Taxes: $22,494

Contact: Kristin Staton or David Critchlow, Kristin and David Real Estate Group, Century 21 Lois Lauer, 909-806-0406 or 909-806-0407; kristinanddavid.com

San Francisco | $1.795 Million

A 1916 clapboard cottage with three bedrooms and one bedroom, on a 0.06-acre lot

From the front porch and upper floor of this house on Portrero Hill, you can see downtown San Francisco and the bay. Across the road is a park with a baseball field, playground and recreation center. Schools, shops, restaurants, breweries and groceries are in the immediate neighborhood, as are train and bus service to downtown. Routes 101 to the west and 280 to the east facilitate commuting to Silicon Valley.

Size: 1,457 square feet

Price per square foot: $1,232

Indoors: The main level has hardwood floors and shiplap-paneled walls and ceiling. On the right side, as you face the back, is a living room with a bay window and built-in bookshelves, followed by an open dining area. Both rooms (and the rest of the home) have been freshly painted and include new lighting.

Immediately to the left is a guest bedroom. Beyond it are a staircase (a walk-in closet built under the stairs serves as a pantry) and a U-shaped kitchen with grooved cabinets and white-tile countertops and backsplashes. Finally, there is a room leading out to the back that could be used as a study, guest quarters or music room.

The two upstairs bedrooms include a guest room facing front and a master with French doors opening to a private balcony overlooking the backyard. The single bathroom is on the main floor and has wood-paneled walls and cabinets, red-tile floors, a pedestal sink and a claw-foot tub with a shower head.

The lower level includes a garage with parking for one large car or two small ones and a bonus room, reached from outside, that could be used as a studio or yoga room.

Outdoor space: The backyard includes a concrete seating area and a garden with mature lemon and lime trees and a large Norfolk pine. The driveway offers parking for two additional cars, side by side.

Taxes: $22,438 (estimated)

Contact: Claudia Siegel, Compass, 415-816-2811; potrerobeauty.com

Los Angeles | $1.795 Million

A midcentury-modern house built in 1958, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, on a 0.3-acre lot

This home is in upper Benedict Canyon, in the Beverly Hills Post Office district (with a 90210 ZIP code). The area is a 16-mile drive from downtown Los Angeles and is fringed with nature and its creatures (owls, coyotes and the occasional bobcat). It is two miles below Mulholland Drive and close to a number of hiking trails.

Size: 1,530 square feet

Price per square foot: $1,173

Indoors: Marvin Beck, a local architect, designed the house for himself and his wife. A later owner opened the kitchen to the living room and installed two sets of accordion-fold glass doors in back to dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior. The current owner renovated the master bathroom last year, using slate tile on the walls and a Carrara marble vanity top.

The front door (reached by an exterior flight of stairs) is clad in tongue-and-groove slats that are echoed inside, starting with a floating closet in the foyer that has no visible hardware and opens with a push.

The living room includes a skylight, a wall of built-in drawers and shelves and a fireplace with a combed-basalt surround and hearth. The millwork is echoed in a low partition wall and in the cabinetry in the adjacent kitchen. The golden color is offset by royal blue Viking appliances, patterned glass backsplash tile and honed black granite countertops.

The master is the only room in the house that does not have direct access to the outdoors. It does have book-matched paneled walls and a mirrored closet extending across the entire length.

The guest bedroom has a slatted closet with invisible hardware that runs the length of one wall; it has use of a bathroom with a clerestory window and a walk-in shower faced in the original buttercup-yellow tile. A third bedroom was converted into an open den. Sliding-glass doors in both guest rooms lead to the backyard.

The lower level includes a one-car garage, laundry area and storage.

Outdoor space: The flat, spacious property (unusual in this hilly area) is landscaped with plants that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. A brick patio beyond the folding-glass doors is partially covered by a latticed canopy. Stone-and-gravel paths lead to seating areas in the terraced gardens.

Taxes: $22,438 (estimated)

Contact: Joe Reichling or Boni Bryant, Compass, 323-395-9084; bryantreichling.com

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[bestforlessmove]

Live Like a Rock Star in These 5 Houses With Kick-Ass Recording Studios

skynesher/iStock

Even if you aren't an established rock star or world-renowned voice-over artist, the thought of wandering into the studio whenever inspiration strikes and laying down a track sounds like sweet music.

Nowadays, amateurs and professionals alike realize that if space in your home is plentiful, it can be a lot less expensive and more convenient to build an in-house studio. It sure beats renting studio space. Plus, digital recording methods have shrunk both the size and price of equipment to a fraction of what they used to be.

But does a tricked-out studio have any value to someone who doesn't happen to be in the recording industry? That's the question almost every would-be home studio owner must face before making the leap to convert unused space into a recording wonderland.

Singer-songwriter Cara Jones uncovered the answer after spending tens of thousands of dollars converting her three-car garage into a state-of-the-art recording studio. She made extensive use of her convenient space for several years before deciding to sell.

The home studio that Cara Jones converted from a garage

realtor.com

After only two weeks on the market, “we had five offers, and I don't think any of them were really interested in the studio,” she says. “The people who ended up buying it, an older couple, said they'd probably convert it back to a garage, or maybe make part of it into a man cave.”

So does she regret building the studio?

“Not at all! We ran a successful business out of there for many years,” she says. “And we'll build another studio as soon as we buy our next home.” Jones and her family are currently leasing a home near the beach and renting professional studios when the need arises.

The even better news, though, is that her buyers paid well above the asking price, because the home was located on a corner lot in a red-hot neighborhood. The studio didn't help or hurt the sale.

But if a studio matters to you, and you'd rather not build one from scratch, we've found several that are available right now and ready to use. Some of them are even owned by famous musicians! Here's what's available-just think of those midnight jam sessions with your besties!

2048 Stanley Hills Pl, Los Angeles, CA

Price: $1,595,000 The score: This home belongs to Paul Simon's son Harper, a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer. It's located in Laurel Canyon, which has been the home of countless rock legends and celebs. This gated Spanish-style compound was built in 1929 and has four bedrooms and four baths divided between a main house, a guest apartment, and a separate casita, which is currently in use as a recording studio.

Harper Simon's home recording studio

realtor.com

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8577 Cole Crest Dr, Los Angeles, CA

Price:$1,695,000 The score: This modern rustic home, which Nine Inch Nails' Atticus Ross owns, is also located in Laurel Canyon. But this place is at the very tiptop, which affords it stunning views and total privacy. In addition to the fully soundproof and wired studio, it has five bedrooms within 3,350 square feet of living space. The 3,969-square-foot lot doesn't have much of a yard, but it's close to hiking trails and protected wilderness areas. Ross, a Grammy- and Oscar-winning musician and composer, has moved on, while the property has been on and off the market since 2016.

Atticus Ross' former home studio

realtor.com

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22824 Leonora Dr, Woodland Hills, CA

Price: $1,429,000 The Score: This San Fernando Valley home belonging to musician, songwriter, producer, and engineer Curt Cuomo-best known for his work with KISS-features two music studios, one of which is two stories!

The three-bedroom ranch home offers an ideal live-work situation. The studios are equipped with spacious control/mix rooms, a large live room, a soundproof edit room, and three iso booths. Most of the space was designed, wired, and grounded by studio specalist Art Kelm.

One of the many rooms in Curt Cuomo's home studios

realtor.com

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1169 W Railroad Ave, Cotati, CA

Price: $929,000 The score: Not far from Northern California's wine country sits this remodeled three-bedroom ranch. There's a hot tub, an outdoor pizza oven, and a free-standing recording studio. The studio is soundproof, but hardly anyone will hear you on this 1.3-acre lot. There are new wood floors throughout the house, and plenty of room for expansion under the property's mature pine and oak trees.

Wine country home recording studio

realtor.com

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5640 Mammoth Ave, Valley Glen, CA

Price: $929,900 The score: This professional-quality recording studio-known as “Cave”-comes with an updated ranch home belonging to drummer Ryan Hoyle. A member of Collective Soul, Hoyle has recorded TV themes, and played on albums for Carrie Underwood, Pet Shop Boys, and Alice Cooper. Located on a gated lot in the San Fernando Valley, the house has three bedrooms and 1.5 baths. The studio is soundproof (which the neighbors surely appreciate), has a huge tracking room with vaulted ceiling, control and reception rooms, and special accommodations for drums.

Drummer Ryan Hoyle's home recording studio

realtor.com

The post Live Like a Rock Star in These 5 Houses With Kick-Ass Recording Studios appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

[architectnews]

Poble Nou loft by Alex March, Barcelona

Poble Nou loft, Alex March Studio Barcelona, Catalan Interior Style, New Spanish Building Images

Poble Nou loft by Alex March Studio, Barcelona

14 Dec 2020

Poble Nou loft – Barcelona Interior

Design: Alex March Studio

A loft in Barcelona that awakens the sensibility for vintage pieces

Photos by Sandra Rojo

– This loft in the Poble Nou neighborhood of Barcelona, designed by Alex March Studio, is a wonderful corner in which we feel wrapped up by the most recent history of designer furniture and decoration.

The human mind needs to be stimulated to grow and not stay stagnant, so why don’t we start with our own home? In this Barcelona loft, designed by Alex March Studio, each decorative detail has a reason, which generates a great game to exercise memory and to awake the sensitivity to the latest interior design culture.

This vintage home with its own personality, accomplishes the double mission of waking up the neurons and making you feel surrounded by an authentic home.

On a large canvas made by white walls and natural pine wood flooring, this decorative project bears the unmistakable stamp of Alex March, who has presented an interesting example of the legacy of the 20th century European design in each room. The admiration for Nordic designers is a constant in this home.

Solid wood furniture, just like before

In the living room, natural light penetrates generously through the immense floor-to-ceiling windows. It is a large room where the furniture is the one that defines the dining area, the living room and the office. The kitchen, in another adjoining room, appears very discreet through a large opening halfway up the wall.

Natural solid wood reminds us and highlights how furniture was made before. In this sense, it is worth highlighting pieces recovered from the 60s and 70s, such as two Nordic armchairs and a pouf designed by the architect and designer Gio Ponti in the 50s, or like the G-Plan coffee table (60s). All these pieces form a cozy reading area for two.

Likewise, current quality furniture such as the VIA solid wood and steel bookcase by Objects designed by Carme Pinós has a place in this space. In it, we find select pieces of Spanish ceramics from the 50s and 60s, small sculptures by the Barcelona-based ceramist Mari Masot, the Somongo table lamp by the designer Eduardo Albors, some books and natural plants in ceramic pots, among other exclusive pieces.

Due to its incredible geometric aesthetics, located next to the window, it stands out an XL-size black brutalist sculpture from the 50s, bought at the Paris flea market.

From that market in the city of lights is, too, a robust dark wood chest of drawers that delimits this area with the dining room. Above it, the attractive green of the plants and the Il Giardinetto lamp stand out, which in 2014 the Spanish designer based in London, Jordi Canudas, created to honor the mythical Barcelona restaurant.

The dining area is a true tribute to the Nordic interior design of the second half of the 20th century. The dining room chairs are the classic Fanett, designed by Ilmari Tapiovaa and the Tallasenstolen by Jan Halberg, both made in Sweden. The table is from Noak Room from the 60s and 70s and the lamp hanging in the ceiling was bought in El Recibidor, from the 60s-70s, both pieces coming from Scandinavia.

A minimalist work area

An attempt has been made to give a differentiating turn to the interior design style in the ‘home office’ area. With a clear minimalist trend, with pure lines in black and white, this area invites you to concentrate and get lost in your work.

The white table, made of steel tube and marble, Alex March’s own design and manufactured by Fugrup, forms a perfect duo with the Dr. Sonderbar black armchair designed by Phillip Starck for XO (1983). From the ceiling hangs the suspended lamp by Danish designer Claus Bonderup for Fogh & Mörup (1967). The set is completed by an atypical and singular work on a round mirror by the artist Iñaki Moreno.

A room-refuge

The room is a true refuge, extremely cozy thanks to the warmth of the wood present in the flooring and furniture and also to the soft white textiles. Above the bed, a round ceramic painting, trencadís type, designed by Alex March and Mari Masot stands out. On the walls there are two mahogany and opaline sconce lamps. The cushions with geometric motifs are from Gancedo and the bed linen from El Corte Inglés.

Throughout the house, the mix of pieces from the 1950s to the present is uninterrupted. There is an interesting presence of elements from the 80s, such as the black ‘Tresca” suspended lamp designed by the Valencian designer Eduardo Albors located on the desk in the room.

A kitchen between sophistication and discretion

The kitchen, of an immaculate simplicity in white and gray, has different pieces, some in a brutalist style, which arouse curiosity and give it a unique charm. For example, two high wooden ‘Marbella’ stools and two ceramic pendant lamps bought in Denmark from the 50s-70s that overlook the dining area.

Protagonism of local ceramic artisans

Throughout the house, the work of local ceramic artisans plays a major role, with the incorporation of pieces and sculptures. In the bathroom, the ceramic floor and the two marble sinks designed by the ceramist Julio Bono. The two wall lights in the bathroom are a Sergio Mazza design from the 80s for the Artemide firm.

The music lover’s corner

This loft has a corner in the purest vintage style for music lovers. An armchair upholstered in red suggests settling in and enjoy long afternoons listening to music as it was done years ago, far from Spotify or similar platforms, with an authentic stereo designed by Dieter Rams for the Braun brand in the 60s, sounds like perfection.

A Willy Rizzo-type gold brass cabinet is used to store vinyl records and music equipment. The set is complemented by a three-armed brass floor lamp from the 70s. In order to create a more intimate effect, to invite you to let yourself be carried away by the pleasure of listening to music, the wall has been painted in a very intense dark green.

In short, this Loft-style home in Barcelona’s Poble Nou, designed by Alex March, praises the culture of design and the pieces of furniture and art designed in the 50s-60s and 70s.

Biography – Alex March

Born into a family dedicated to the artistic field for several generations, Alex March’ love affair with interior design goes back to his childhood. His vocation for interior design was discovered very young, and he soon began to combine his higher studies in interior design and art direction with work in art and antique galleries.

Without neglecting these activities, he began to take on works of art direction, branding and exhibition design, working for agencies, production companies, studios and national and international brands.

In 2010, he opened his own studio in Barcelona, Alex March Studio, dedicated to interior design and the design and production of furniture. Since then, he has carried out numerous projects for restaurants, offices and homes and has also designed some products such as counters, lamps, tables and chairs.

Photographer: Sandra Rojo

Poble Nou loft by Alex March, Barcelona Interior images / information received 14 Dec 2020

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