For the past few years, I’ve been coveting my friend’s drawer dishwashers. In a very lustful way. I love that they seem like the perfect size for a family of two (or one, at least much of the time). This can be easily filled in a few days’ time, as opposed to my full-size model, which isn’t even full with all of my dishes – and takes nearly a week for me to fill. And I don’t even want to get into its runtime, which is nearly three hours long…
Design
4
May 13
DESIGN: Wine Storage
Some people dream about vacations or adventures. I dream about wine racks. This week, I literally dreamt of one that was built into our dining-room wall, with an antique wrought-iron door that revealed a floor-to-ceiling rack, also made of wrought iron. With warm, soft lighting. It served as both storage and a focal point in the room. Yum…
29
Oct 12
DESIGN: Generator
We’re watching Hurricane Sandy bear down on the upper east coast. After ten years of living in the woods of New Hampshire, it’s time for a generator. I don’t need (or want) a big, honking thing that will power my entire house. My short list is one that will keep the refrigerator, heat and water pump running, along with a few kitchen outlets. Continue reading →
19
Oct 12
DESIGN: Kitchen Exhaust
I’m going to have a small galley kitchen in this new home, so the last thing I want is a massive exhaust vent that will make this space feel even smaller. I also don’t want a built-in counter vent; I’ve heard from several friends that they don’t do the trick. One last thing on my do-not-want list for a range vent: one that’s built right into the stove. I have one and it works pretty well – but the cost of this add-on for a range is ridiculous.
19
Sep 12
DESIGN: Outlets
If I’ve learned anything from those I know who’ve suffered gone through the design and building of a house, it’s that you need to carefully plan for outlets. How they’re used, where they’re used, and what’s best in terms of form and function.
20
Jul 12
DESIGN: Rope Lighting
This is a no brainer. I love the look, both at the floor and ceiling level. At about $5.50 a foot, it’s pretty inexpensive as well. We are sooooo doing this!
2
Jul 12
DESIGN: Gel Mats
Given that we’re going with the concrete slab as flooring, this is a MUST for the kitchen. Maybe even one in front of the bathroom vanity as well. Our feet – and backs – will be thanking us! Here’s the link. I had no idea they came in so many colors and textures!
23
Jun 12
DESIGN: Greenhouse
There are too many good reasons why this is a great idea for our forever house. For starters, it’s passive heat during the winter months, which will cut back on secondary heating (a la propane furnace). Then there’s the whole argument about what the hell everyone’s putting in our vegetables and whether they’re causing more harm than help… not to mention how neat it would be to grow food year-round. Then there’s the whole let-the-sun-shine-in thing.
28
Apr 12
DESIGN: Sewing/Craft Space
I love to sew. And I have a LOT of fabric, notions, books and gadgets to prove it. Until recently, I had no idea what I’d do with all of this stuff in our forever house. But I believe I’ve solved this dilemma.
27
Apr 12
DESIGN: Kitchen Sink
My current kitchen has a fiberglass sink. I got it on sale and, when it was initially installed, I really liked it. Five years later, I can’t stand it. The based is stained and scratched and the rim around the drain is rust-colored. I am never getting another fiberglass sink. So what type sink will I have? Stainless Steel, thank you very much.
