Modern Style in the Big Apple

An Award-Winning Design:
New York Penthouse Apartment with Rooftop Garden

I love this New York penthouse apartment. It’s open, full of light, and opens to a rooftop garden. Numerous green and sustainable components were used in this renovation. The lines are clean and linear and yet there is a sculptural aspect to the space as well. This is an excellent example of why it pays to hire an architect for renovations, a remodel and new build jobs. If you get a good architect, you just can’t go wrong.

Hmm, I have to take that last statement back. I’ve seen some homes “designed” by architects where the owners actually dictated more of the design than the architect. The relationship between owner and architect is certainly a collaborative one; however, owners with no design sense are better off leaving key design decisions to the professional. Note the adjective “good” used above to describe which architect to hire.

If I lived in New York City I would want a rooftop garden.

What do you think of this apartment? Would you want to live here? Are you a fan of modern architecture? Read more and see more photos at the websites listed below.

Awards include:

Interior Design Best of Year 2008 Eco-Residential Winner
AIA NY State Award of Excellence 2009

Learn more about the architect: JoelSandersArchitect.com.
All photos from JoelSandersArchitect.com

Read more about this award-winning design at Architizer.com

More photos, and text if you can read French: Un Green Penthouse  It appears the rooftop also has an outdoor shower. Très amusement!

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Scenes From Lyndale Park

Weekly Photo Challenge: Today

Week Beginning June 1, 2012

This week’s challenge is to go out and take a photo rather than dig through our archives. I headed out with my camera, not exactly sure where I’d go or what I’d photograph. I took a lot of pictures and it was tough deciding which ones to post today. I finally settled on these garden shots because they aren’t the oft seen rose, tulip or other popular flower photos. (Yes, I have rose photos as well.)

There’s also a photo taken on the way to the garden–of a scene just begging to be photographed!

These flower photos were taken at the award-winning Lyndale Gardens by Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Lyndale Park Gardens encompasses four distinctive gardens: Rose Garden, Annual/Perennial Garden, Peace (Rock) Garden, and Perennial Trial Garden and Hummingbird/Butterfly Garden.

Read more about the weekly photo challenge at the DailyPost.wordpress.com.

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The Royal Rose

Queen Elizabeth Grandiflora Rose

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is currently underway in England. It marks the 60th year of Elizabeth serving as Queen of England. Pretty impressive.

The Queen always looks great. She wears wonderful clothes in colors that always suit her, along with fabulous and beautiful hats. Her knack for being stylist is evident from a young age. (Princess Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, is already following in her footsteps in this regard.) Just look at these photos of Queen Elizabeth to see her stylish self at this link to the 2012 Diamond Jubilee site. (I’m not sure how long it will remain online.) I enjoyed reading the Queen’s special Diamond Jubilee message.

And here are photos of the rose created for her:

These photos were taken at the Lake Harriet Rose Gardens in Minneapolis. Here’s more information on this popular, award-winning rose:

Parentage: Charlotte Armstrong x Floradora
Fragrance: Mild
ARS Color: Medium Pink
Bloom Size: Large
Awards: Portland Gold Medal 1954, National Rose Society President’s International Trophy 1955, AARS Winner 1955, American Rose Society Gold Medal 1957, Golden Rose Of The Hague 1968, World’s Favorite Rose 1979

Queen Elizabeth Grandiflora Rose History

How does your (royal) garden grow?

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Still Made in the USA

Cool Finds and
Supporting the Home Team

If you like to support companies producing products in America, here’s a site that lists the products that are made here. Products include kitchen appliances, laundry machines, bed and bath, lawn and garden, home decor, artisan handcrafts, baby gear, toys, tools, and more.

Still Made in USA.com

I believe some of the companies sell both American and foreign products, or products that share production in two countries. I have a friend who recently had water damage in her condo. Her rugs were ruined. I came across this one that reminds me of the main rug she had in her living room with its black background and colorful floral motif.

Wayfair.com

Perhaps she can find a replacement rug or two at the Wayfair site.
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This pillow is adorable for dog lovers. It was designed by Maine artist, author, and illustrator Dahlov Ipcar. They’re made by hand in Kashmir and filled with 100% poly that’s made in the USA. These come in limited quantities and will not be duplicated. Crafted of wool thread on cotton.

ClassicRug.com

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Here’s the Grate Wall of Fire I came across. The site reads:

The “Grate Wall of Fire” high-efficiency fireplace grate makes smoke-free, self-feeding fires with exceptional warmth and radiant heat output a reality. Overall fireplace efficiency is dramatically increased when using this ingenious fireplace grate. The pleasing appearance and hefty construction of our quality grates will enhance the beauty and functionality of any fireplace or hearth.
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And a side view that visually explains the concept:

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Fascinating, eh? Clients and friends who own homes with fireplaces will no doubt find this of interest. I can’t vouch for how well it works, but if I had a fireplace of my own I would definitely research it to learn more.
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I’ve always loved artisan made things. A browse through the Handcraft Artisan section displays a wide selection of artful items that are far more unique than the mass-produced goods made elsewhere and shipped here.

Here’s their page that outlines some reasons why we might wish to consider purchasing items made here in America: Why Care Where Things Are Made?

Have fun exploring these American-made products and companies. Let me know what else you come across that looks as unique as the Grate Wall of Fire.

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Two Subjects

April 18, 2012

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Home and Garden Show in Minneapolis

Home and Garden Show

February 29-March 4, 2012
Minneapolis Convention Center

$2 Off Discounted Tickets to the Home and Garden Show

The Home and Garden Show is taking place at month’s end. This is an opportunity to get lots of ideas and advice on these two topics. Hundreds of exhibits and displays will be placed throughout the Minneapolis Convention Center. Show highlights include:

Innovation Avenue

Green Scene

The Ultimate Backyard Lounge

Glorious Feature Gardens

The Idea Home

The Chandelier Fashion Show

Taste on Third Avenue

Shop the Marketplace

The Annual Plant Sale (5pm on Sunday)

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What show would be complete without celebrity guests? Here’s a partial list of celebrities at the show this year:

Chip Wade of HGTV’s Curb Appeal, The Block and Designed to Sell

Mark Brunetz of Style Network’s Clean House

Pat Simpson, nationally recognized home building and remodeling expert

Marjorie Johnson, a national star in the world of baking (and a Twin Cities native)

HOURS:

Wednesday Noon – 9pm
Thursday 10am – 9pm
Friday 10am – 10pm
Saturday 9am – 9pm
Sunday 9am – 6pm

ADMISSION COSTS:

$13.00 adults;
$4 children 6 to 12
5 and under free

More information on the Minneapolis Home and Garden Show

Maps – Minneapolis Convention Center

More information on Gardens

Here’s a link to Entertaining–Green/Eco Tips–Recipes | Tips Trends and Tools for those who can’t make the show in person.

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Home and Patio Show

February 16-19, 2012
St. Paul River Centre

$2 Off Coupon for the Home and Patio Show

If you’re planning to make some changes to your home or gardens this year, here’s an opportunity to get ideas and “how to” information. Hundreds of exhibits and displays will be placed throughout the three levels of the River Centre. Home improvement seminars will be presented by the Home Depot Pros. Topics include:

Do-It-Yourself Tile Installation: Ceramic, Porcelain and Stone

Do-It-Yourself Installing Pre-Finished Laminate and Hardwood Flooring

Do-It-Yourself Light Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Landscape Lighting

Do-It-Yourself Toilet Installation and Repairs

Painting Tips and Techniques

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Looking to spruce up the landscape and garden? The Minnesota State Horticultural Society is sponsoring the garden seminars. Topics include:

Container Gardening for the Balcony, Deck or Patio

Small Space Vegetable Gardening – Jennifer Porwit, Master Gardener

2011: Oh, What a Year! – Bobby Jensen, KARE 11 and The Lawn Ranger

Ornamental Grasses – Susan Oven, Master Gardener

Crafting Cool & Creative Containers – Don Engebretson, The Renegade Gardener

Organic Gardening – Mark Armstead, Linder’s Garden Center and Greenhouse

Master Gardeners will be available on Saturday and Sunday to answer questions. Looking for bulbs? Check out the bulb sale each day.

HOURS:

Thursday Noon – 9 P.M.
Friday Noon – 9 P.M.
Saturday 10 A.M. – 9 P.M.
Sunday 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.

ADMISSION COSTS:

$9.00 adults;
$2.50 children 6 to 12
5 and under free

More information on the Minnesota Home and Patio Show

Directions to the River Centre

The Renegade Gardener

LessLawn.com

More information on Gardens

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Adding Artistic Color to a Room

Pillows That Double as Art

The other day I wrote a post about getting inspired and adding color to your home. One way to do this is to add colorful pillows. Here are some that are not only colorful, but artistic.

Some of these pillows can be found at Three Rooms at the Galleria in Edina, Minnesota. Here’s information on the shop Three Rooms:

“A gallery devoted to the ingenuity of American artists and craftsmen, Three Rooms, with its 38-year history, is an art institution in the Twin Cities where you’ll find fine art, unique lighting, furniture, decorative accessories and hand-crafted jewelry.”

Three Rooms is one of my favorite shops in the Twin Cities. It appeals to the artist in me. Here is a link to the hours and directions to Galleria.

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Would You Live in a Pink House?

The Pink Victorian

I always seem to notice pink homes. Perhaps it’s because they are rare. What sort of person lives in a pink house? Creative? Confident? Artistic? Fun? Bold? Gentle? Caring? Content? Blissful? Loving? Sweet?

What if I wrote those same adjectives in another way:

Creative.
Confident.
Artistic.
Fun.
Bold.
Gentle.
Caring.
Content.
Blissful.
Loving.
Sweet.

If a home is going to be pink, it needs to be the right shade and hue of pink. This Victorian wears its pink well. Some homes will wear pink better than others. Victorians, yes. Cottages, yes. These styles generally have some architectural detailing that works well with pink. Your basic 1950’s rambler? Probably not so much.

Locale makes a difference. Southern states may have more of these pink homes than northern states. This home is here in the northern state of Minnesota. I get the sense winter wouldn’t be quite so dreary coming home to a pink house.

Landscaping can make a difference as well. Note the variety of landscaping here that softens the overall ambiance.

Would you live in a pink house?

I would.

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Increasing Curb Appeal with Landscaping

Bringing Nature to Your Home Brings Beauty and Tranquility

Guest author: Neal Klabunde, owner of Gardening at the Crossroads

Folks selling their home have a lot on their mind. Prices, agents, open houses, etc. In the midst of all this, it’s easy to overlook some simple steps that can improve the curb appeal of your home. Some steps are pretty obvious such as painting or cleaning the exterior of the house, or replacing the front door.

The point of this article, however, is to focus on the landscape improvements that you can make. There are a lot of little things that when added together can give you a healthy return on your investment. The American Nursery and Landscape Association’s research has shown that landscape improvements can increase a home’s value by 7 to 15 percent and that a well-designed landscape can raise the selling price by almost 7 percent.

The best place to start is to look at your house as if you’re visiting it for the first time. Look for problems or issues and note what you saw and why it bothered you. We asked Lisa Ciofani Basham, a Certified Professional Home Stager in NE Ohio, if the impressions formed as a potential buyer walks to the front door for the first time are important. “Absolutely. The walk to the front door is where opinions are formed. Look at your home through the eyes of a buyer and take a critical look at your homes outside as you walk to the front door. It’s that first impression that is so important.”

Look at your lawn first. Is it tired looking and full of weeds? Renovating a lawn is one of the items that you can do and realize a good return on investment. Keep the lawn cut to the proper height for the season and make sure that the sidewalks and driveway are edged.

Look at the shrubs around the foundation. Are they neat and compact or overgrown? Trimming the shrubs and trees is an easy task.

Speaking of trees and shrubs, there is an old proverb that says-“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is today.” If selling your home is three or more years down the road, planting shrubs and perennials sooner rather than later will help them get settled in and blooming. Have any branches that overhang the roof trimmed back.

Make sure that the landscape beds are weed free and have fresh mulch on them. Fresh mulch will make the plants stand out.

Entryway with Planters and Seating

Containers such as urns, hanging baskets, and large pots can be a versatile way to add spots of color to your home. These can be purchased relatively inexpensively. Hanging baskets will do fine as a planter if you remove the hook. If necessary, place the basket inside another, more decorative, container. You don’t even need to get your hands dirty!

Seasonal annuals add an instant pop of color. Pansies in the spring, petunias and zinnias in the summer, or asters and mums in the fall give the house a lived in, cared for appearance. Add a wreath with seasonal flowers or colors to the front door for a special touch.

Adding landscape lights are another inexpensive way to spruce-up the exterior of the house. These are fairly inexpensive and easy for the home owner to install, especially if you get the solar variety.

Window boxes add views from both outside and inside.

Another landscaping design issue that is often overlooked is how the landscape vistas are framed in the major windows of the house. Home owners spend a lot of time looking at the outside from the inside. Think of your windows as a canvas and plant a lovely view.

All things considered, a well maintained landscape shows the potential buyer that the house is well cared for; more than an overgrown, unkempt one. You don’t want to overdo it, though. Stay main-stream in your landscape choices. While you may enjoy a large rose garden, a dozen or so roses or a water feature might scream “high maintenance” to a potential buyer.

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Neal Klabunde and his wife Catherine live in North Eastern Ohio and are avid gardeners. They are the owners of Gardening at the Crossroads, a gardening website that covers all aspects of gardening and is geared towards gardeners of all skill levels.

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All photos ©Kate Walsh/designhouse9.com

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Sunnyside Gardens Offers Labor Day Savings

Free 6″ potted mum with the purchase of a 12″ potted patio mum.
Now through Labor Day.

Mum plants are available in a variety of colors, are easy to care for and survive cooler temps well. They’re perfect for increasing the curb appeal of your home at this time of year. Not selling? Enjoy their welcoming cheer at your front door as our days grow shorter.

Sunnyside Gardens
3723 West 44th St
Minneapolis MN 55410

Sunnyside Gardens Website

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My Sister’s Garden

Photo of the Day
July 31, 2011

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Home and Patio Show in St. Paul

Home and Patio Show

February 17-20, 2011
St. Paul River Centre

$2 Off Money-Saving Coupon to Home and Patio Show

If you’re planning to make some changes to your home or gardens this year, here’s an opportunity to get ideas and “how to” information. Hundreds of exhibits and displays will be placed throughout the three levels of the River Centre. Home improvement seminars will be presented by the Home Depot Pros. Topics include:

Do-It-Yourself Tile Installation: Ceramic, Porcelain and Stone

Do-It-Yourself Installing Pre-Finished Laminate and Hardwood Flooring

Do-It-Yourself Light Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Landscape Lighting

Do-It-Yourself Toilet Installation and Repairs

Ask the Home Depot Pros: Open Q & A

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Looking to spruce up the landscape and garden? The Minnesota State Horticultural Society is sponsoring the garden seminars. Topics include:

Creating a More Sustainable Landscape

Design Ideas to Shrink Your Lawn – Evelyn Hadden, LessLawn.com founder

Tough Sites, Great Solutions – Bobby Jensen, KARE 11 and The Lawn Ranger

The Secret Ingredient: Growing, Preserving, and Using Herbs

Crafting Cool & Creative Containers – Don Engebretson, The Renegade Gardener

Top 10 Gardening Blunders and How to Avoid Them! – Don Engebretson

Master Gardeners will be available on Saturday and Sunday to answer questions. Looking for bulbs? Check out the bulb sale each day.

HOURS:

Thursday Noon – 9 P.M.
Friday Noon – 9 P.M.
Saturday 10 A.M. – 9 P.M.
Sunday 10 A.M. – 6 P.M.

ADMISSION COSTS:

$9.00 adults;
$2.50 children 6 to 12
5 and under free

More information on the Home and Garden Show

Directions to the River Centre

The Renegade Gardener

LessLawn.com

More information on Gardens

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3920 Cedar Shore Drive, St. Louis Park MN

Exceptional Mid-Century Home just steps from Cedar Lake

Beautifully renovated from top to bottom. Gorgeous grounds and rarely found five-car garage. Please feel free to contact me for additional information or to arrange a showing of this fine home.

This property has sold.

Family room off kitchen with view to four-season porch and backyard.

Kitchen and Family Room

What an ideal room arrangement! The family room off the kitchen features a beautiful stone-surround fireplace, built-in cabinetry and shelves, and a wall of windows/doors that open to the backyard. The four-season porch with its many windows continues the line of views to the yard.

This kitchen provides both functional beauty and entertaining space.

Click on any photo below to see it in a larger format.

The four-season porch with views of the landscaped backyard.

Formal living room with view to street and greenery beyond.

Main level master bedroom.

Main level master bath

Beautifully landscaped yard

Plenty of green grass, surrounded by flowers, patio and shrubs.

Captivating plantings and design.

Plenty of room to the side for a play area.

Lower level family room has a fireplace and dramatic lighting.

Lower level office area and bedroom. There's also a bath on this level.

The lower level was just finished this year and includes this second kitchen.

Classic stone-front rambler in St. Louis Park, Minnesota

The front yard is also beautifully landscaped.

The Details:

• Four bedrooms and three baths
• Private master suite
• Hardwood floors
• Central air conditioning
• Three fireplaces with a mix of wood-, and gas-burning styles
• Main floor laundry
• Attached, heated and insulated five-car garage—a rare find in the city!
• Exceptional presentation and finishes
• Approximate finished square footage: 4,154
• List Price: $889,900

For more information or to arrange a showing, contact:

Kate Walsh, REALTOR
Lakes Area Realty
612.220.3309
info@designhouse9.com

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Listing provided courtesy of Coldwell Banker Burnet.

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Lasted updated on October 21, 2010 at 05:29pm.

The data relating to real estate for sale on this site comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity program of the Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, Inc. Real Estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Lakes Area Realty are marked with the Broker Reciprocity logo or the Broker Reciprocity house icon and detailed information about them includes the names of the listing brokers. DesignHouse9 is not a Multiple Listing Service MLS, nor does it offer MLS access. This website is a service of DesignHouse9 and Lakes Area Realty, a broker Participant of the Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, Inc.

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Photo of the Day: Pink Peonies

Peonies

Photographed with my cell phone camera while out on a walk.

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Designhouse9 Update:

Designhouse9 is now a featured blog in “All Top Home and Garden Blogs” Directory!

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Perfect Bliss: The Screened Porch

Perfect Bliss Can be Just Outside One of Your Doors

A screened porch on the front of a home.

I grew up in homes with screened porches. It was the best room in the house on a summer day. The porch was a spot that offered shaded comfort, gentle breezes, the sounds of nature, and the perfect place to read, dine, play cards, talk and nap. And best of all—no mosquitoes!

It’s still my favorite place during summer. I’ll take a screened porch over a deck any day of the week.

Many homes feature an open porch. Here’s an article that offers a new and improved way to install a porch screen.

How to Install a Porch Screen | Step-by-Step | Porch | This Old House – Introduction.

A Porch on a Home by the Creek

Porch and Chairs

A Wrap-Around Porch

Porch with a view of nature.

This home's porch opens to the master suite and the dining/kitchen area.

The porch overlooks this beautiful garden with a water feature.

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Art in the Garden

Featured Artist: Allison Armour

A garden can be a sanctuary, a visual and sensory delight, a source of food, a habitat for nature’s various creatures and birds, and a place to satisfactorily work on a hobby or passion. It’s also an appropriate place for art.

I recently read about Allison Armour and her award-winning work. I was immediately struck by the simple beauty and elegance of her pieces. The light-catching metal reflects and enhances the wonderful array of colors in a garden and the sky. The sphere fountain adds a soothing water feature to an already peaceful place.
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Allison Amour’s award-winning pieces at Chelsea

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Look at the mirror obelisk for more inspiration. It’s mirror surface reflects the flowers and sunlight while it’s pointed and sharp-edged shape offers a striking contrast to the softness of the plantings.
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Here are additional photos of her spherical fountains and sculptures:

Allison Armour Aqualens water fountain

Allison Armour Aqualens water fountain

Allison Armour Aquasphere

Allison Armour Garden Sculpture

Allison Armour pole sculpture

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To learn more, visit Allison’s website: www.AllisonArmour.us

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