Home Interior Style

1950s Home Decor

<strong>Ugly House Photos » <b>Home Décor</b></strong><br><span><b>1950s home décor</b> interior</span><br><a href="http://uglyhousephotos.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/phx50sdecor2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Ugly House Photos » Home Décor" height="500" src="http://uglyhousephotos.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/phx50sdecor2.jpg" width="500"></a><br><a name="more"></a><strong>Retro Housewife - The housewife's domain or <b>home decor</b> in the 1950's.</strong><br><span><b>1950s</b> Living Room</span><br><a href="http://www.retro-housewife.com/images/furniture/1950sliving_room_3_4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Retro Housewife - The housewife's domain or home decor in the 1950's." height="500" src="http://www.retro-housewife.com/images/furniture/1950sliving_room_3_4.jpg" width="500"></a><br><a name="more"></a><strong>Ugly House Photos » <b>Home Décor</b></strong><br><span>Ugly House Photos » <b>Home Décor</b></span><br><a href="http://uglyhousephotos.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/phx50sdecornational1950.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Ugly House Photos » Home Décor" height="500" src="http://uglyhousephotos.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/phx50sdecornational1950.jpg" width="500"></a><br><a name="more"></a><strong>Retro Kitchen <b>Decor</b> - <b>1950s</b> Kitchens - House Beautiful</strong><br><span>Retro Kitchen <b>Decor</b> - <b>1950s</b></span><br><a href="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/kitchen-4-1957-xlg-72160813.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Retro Kitchen Decor - 1950s Kitchens - House Beautiful" height="500" src="http://www.housebeautiful.com/cm/housebeautiful/images/kitchen-4-1957-xlg-72160813.jpg" width="500"></a><br><a name="more"></a><strong><b>1950s</b> interior design and <b>decorating</b> style -- 7 major trends <b>...</b></strong><br><span>American design and <b>decor</b>:</span><br><a href="http://retrorenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/1950s-decorating-style-retro-renovation.com-4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="1950s interior design and decorating style -- 7 major trends ..." height="500" src="http://retrorenovation.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/1950s-decorating-style-retro-renovation.com-4.jpg" width="500"></a><br>

1950s Home Decor

Ugly House Photos » Home Décor 1950s home décor interior Retro Housewife - The housewife's domain or home decor in the 1950's. 195...

11:01 AM

Grand Rapids Magazine Design Home 2013: The Adventure Heats Up in the Master Suite

<blockquote class="tr_bq"><b><i><span style="color: #bf9000;">"Complete with its own sitting room, outdoor deck with pictorial view, an ensuite His and Hers bath (that's an understatement!) and plenty of closet space, the spacious-yet-intimate area will provide many an "Ahhh" moment of relaxation away from the worries of the world"</span></i></b></blockquote>Sound like a fantasy?  It's going to be the real deal Master Suite in this year's <a href="http://www.grmag.com/">Grand Rapids Magazine</a> <a href="http://www.grmag.com/design-home/index-2013.htm">Design Home</a>, the Heartsworth.  Read on for more tantalizing details on the beautiful selections for this home's master retreat...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ws9WupCD4HYBy4sIgLp4HkY60en42suupuwSaM-dqKEf9AV69JAPei0kqj1ITCfjEU2r-OJU1hIZuS0vKynQLNgJEwXqbNON9g5dJe4BC0RJ_AsDU-Qq40Wu1Azfyl2tSha7DT5FtiX0/s1600/GRMag_May2013_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ws9WupCD4HYBy4sIgLp4HkY60en42suupuwSaM-dqKEf9AV69JAPei0kqj1ITCfjEU2r-OJU1hIZuS0vKynQLNgJEwXqbNON9g5dJe4BC0RJ_AsDU-Qq40Wu1Azfyl2tSha7DT5FtiX0/s320/GRMag_May2013_Cover.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAM1k7j_Qe6bx4492MESAIlp6w6k0owBwHCY-6QeQycNROwVJAVRhdev0pK7oAhGxqhZSSowwP-zraEW3yrxifjE8x4-1HjAP6rtvZryOjmMJqYy9nL7WKbrEGZ2mlfgSbDrkYOpeIPof/s1600/GRDHCh3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbAM1k7j_Qe6bx4492MESAIlp6w6k0owBwHCY-6QeQycNROwVJAVRhdev0pK7oAhGxqhZSSowwP-zraEW3yrxifjE8x4-1HjAP6rtvZryOjmMJqYy9nL7WKbrEGZ2mlfgSbDrkYOpeIPof/s320/GRDHCh3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Missed reading the previous chapters of this home designing adventure?  No worries!  Catch up on your reading and check out everything published so far on this beautiful home here...<br /><a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2013/01/grand-rapids-magazine-adventure-begins.html"><i>The Adventure Begins: January 2013</i></a><br /><a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2013/02/grand-rapids-magazine-design-home-2013.html"><i>Wow! What a Design!: February 2013</i></a><br /><a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2013/03/grand-rapids-magazine-design-home-2013.html"><i>This Adventure Takes a Village: March 2013</i></a><br /><i><a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2013/04/grand-rapids-magazine-design-home-2013.html">First a House Then a Home: April 2013</a></i><br /><br />Stay tuned with us as the home comes together over the next few months!<br /><br /><i>For ease of reading, <a href="http://www.echobox.com/visbeen/publication_assets/2013/gr_magazine/GRMag_May2013.pdf">click here</a> to view the full article on our website.</i>

Grand Rapids Magazine Design Home 2013: The Adventure Heats Up in the Master Suite

"Complete with its own sitting room, outdoor deck with pictorial view, an ensuite His and Hers bath (that's an understatement!) and...

10:11 AM

The Wall Street Journal: Go To Your Room!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1SnLr0r93jMQ_9YgnVIpRWh3jBwK-5TIkfIugyKPfjLjDwng_JOV18bsLBgpqKGPmYykB-CdjG8iiO6cSNyHzxxDwu-8pf0A6e7VTjKkc9Cs59g1ZCDDeUjMkp3yRA0DB4FSf8WIRwt7/s1600/WSJ_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1SnLr0r93jMQ_9YgnVIpRWh3jBwK-5TIkfIugyKPfjLjDwng_JOV18bsLBgpqKGPmYykB-CdjG8iiO6cSNyHzxxDwu-8pf0A6e7VTjKkc9Cs59g1ZCDDeUjMkp3yRA0DB4FSf8WIRwt7/s320/WSJ_Cover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>To keep teens and tweens occupied at home, more parents are trying luxe, amenity-packed 'kid zones,' according to a recent article in <a href="http://www.wsj.com/">The Wall Street Journal</a>.  The article features photos of great spaces like a secret passageway inspired by 'Harry Potter,' a fully tricked-out videogame arcade and a DJ mixing station in a sleepover room from a familiar project of ours, the Stafford.  You can see more photos of the teen spaces in the Stafford in the photo gallery of the <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323372504578469382440834810.html">WSJ online</a> and in this video they put together...<br /><div><br /></div><div><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" scrolling="no" src="http://live.wsj.com/public/page/embed-CEFF0BE4_D4A3_4D18_BD37_C1AD12E8B4C8.html" width="400"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>Check out the printed article here...<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlT1fUDBJIocA8NT03Mmx3RX6dcjJngvDXePczUlU-6uDfuS2mtWTo1cQyucxjeJHkRxAnHbx2WYfJFBglEue_AkSfvPAKb_H3kW9ILVGAnBIZj5naYOLbv2w886B1u2OlsbdI11v4THuv/s1600/WSJ_GotoYourRoom_p1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlT1fUDBJIocA8NT03Mmx3RX6dcjJngvDXePczUlU-6uDfuS2mtWTo1cQyucxjeJHkRxAnHbx2WYfJFBglEue_AkSfvPAKb_H3kW9ILVGAnBIZj5naYOLbv2w886B1u2OlsbdI11v4THuv/s320/WSJ_GotoYourRoom_p1.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUlYEMrXqvk10RiEzHjHzPJDN-czUdjHQcv0vd3sGaxo3Dt_7qMAB5OT8DWLaBK3Hodqr3eA9er1dLHzCFOkRKYFWhik1AXMOXGx70gFPnBQc5A0kQVKzacw4MgiGfSFvFmmKTGJGoztg/s1600/WSJ_GotoYourRoom_p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUlYEMrXqvk10RiEzHjHzPJDN-czUdjHQcv0vd3sGaxo3Dt_7qMAB5OT8DWLaBK3Hodqr3eA9er1dLHzCFOkRKYFWhik1AXMOXGx70gFPnBQc5A0kQVKzacw4MgiGfSFvFmmKTGJGoztg/s320/WSJ_GotoYourRoom_p2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you for including our design in this great feature, WSJ!  We are honored to be represented amongst the caliber of designers you publish in this prestigious publication.</div><div><br /><div><i>For ease of reading, you may view the full article on our <a href="http://www.echobox.com/visbeen/publication_assets/2013/wall_street_journal/WSJ_GotoYourRoom_2013_05_10.pdf">website</a>.</i></div></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Stafford Project Team:</i></div><div><i>Builder - <a href="http://scottchristopherhomes.com/">Scott Christopher Homes</a></i></div><div><i>Interior Designer - <a href="http://rickwhallondesign.com/">Rick Whallon Design</a></i></div><div><i>Landscaping - <a href="http://www.stoutcreeklandscapes.com/">Stout Creek Landscapes</a></i></div><div><br /></div>

The Wall Street Journal: Go To Your Room!

To keep teens and tweens occupied at home, more parents are trying luxe, amenity-packed 'kid zones,' according to a recent article i...

11:40 AM

A Rockin' Runway to Benefit Kids

One last plug for our event <a href="http://www.runwayforcharity.com/">Runway for Charity</a> with <a href="http://www.akrikks.com/">A.K. Rikk's</a> and <a href="http://www.design1.com/">Design 1</a> this week Saturday, May 11 -- have you gotten <i>your</i> ticket and raffle ticket(s) yet?  As you learned from <a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2013/04/runway-for-charity.html">our post two weeks ago</a>, it is going to be a great, fun, entertaining, over-the-top event raising money for <a href="http://www.helendevoschildrens.org/">Helen DeVos Children's Hospital</a>.  Check out <a href="http://www.woodtv.com/subindex/eightwest">eightWest</a>'s feature on the event from last week - it is going to be amazing, you won't want to miss it!  Please contact Angela in our office for tickets (angela@visbeen.biz or 616-481-0424).<br /><br /><object align="middle" data="http://www.woodtv.com/video_player/swf/EndPlayVideoPlayer_v1_4_FP10_2.swf?v=101712_0" height="272" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.woodtv.com/video_player/swf/EndPlayVideoPlayer_v1_4_FP10_2.swf?v=101712_0"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allownetworking" value="all"><param name="wmode" value="opaque"><param name="flashvars" value="src=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia2.woodtv.com%2Fvideo%2Fanvato%2F2013%2F05%2F02%2FA_fashion_show_for_a_great_cause_90145.mp4&plugin_vast=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.woodtv.com%2Fvideo_player%2Fswf%2Fplugins%2FPluginEPAdIMA_v1_4_FP10_2.swf&vast_ads=true&vast_preRoll=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2FN5678%2Fpfadx%2Flin.wood%2Fwildcard_1%2Fdetail%3Bdcmt%3Dtext%2Fxml%3Bpos%3Dnative%3Btile%3D2%3Bfname%3Da-rockin-runway-to-benefit-kids%3Bloc%3D%25loc%25%3Bsz%3D1x1000%3Bord%3D197697896044701340%3Frand%3D%25rand%25&vast_postRoll=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2FN5678%2Fpfadx%2Flin.wood%2Fwildcard_1%2Fdetail%3Bdcmt%3Dtext%2Fxml%3Bpos%3Dnative%3Btile%3D2%3Bfname%3Da-rockin-runway-to-benefit-kids%3Bloc%3D%25loc%25%3Bsz%3D3x1000%3Bord%3D197697896044701340%3Frand%3D%25rand%25&vast_overlay=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2FN5678%2Fpfadx%2Flin.wood%2Fwildcard_1%2Fdetail%3Bdcmt%3Dtext%2Fxml%3Bpos%3Dnative%3Btile%3D2%3Bfname%3Da-rockin-runway-to-benefit-kids%3Bloc%3D%25loc%25%3Bsz%3D2x40%3Bord%3D197697896044701340%3Frand%3D%25rand%25&plugin_omniture=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.woodtv.com%2Fvideo_player%2Fswf%2Fplugins%2FPluginEndPlayOmniture_v1_4_FP10_2.swf&omniture_vidSegment=M&omniture_vidContent=video&omniture_debugTracking=false&omniture_account=dpsdpswood%2Cdpsglobal&omniture_visitorNamespace=fim&omniture_trackingServer=fim.122.2o7.net&omniture_trackingServerSecure=fim.102.122.2o7.net&omniture_vidID=0&omniture_id=video_player1&omniture_vidCategory=eightwest&omniture_vidPubDate=2013_05_02&omniture_vidTitle=A%20fashion%20show%20for%20a%20great%20cause&plugin_cc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.woodtv.com%2Fvideo_player%2Fswf%2Fplugins%2FPluginEPCaption_v1_4_FP10_2.swf&cc_dfxp=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia2.woodtv.com%2Fvideo%2Fanvato%2F2013%2F05%2F02%2Fcaptions%2FA_fashion_show_for_a_great_cause_901450000.dfxp&epD=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.wcpo.com%2F&showMenu=true&shareUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.woodtv.com%2Fdpp%2Feightwest%2Fa-rockin-runway-to-benefit-kids&shareTitle=A%20rockin'%20runway%20to%20benefit%20kids&poster=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia2.woodtv.com%2F%2Fphoto%2F2013%2F05%2F02%2FA_fashion_show_for_a_great_cause_901450000_20130502121127_640_480.JPG&embed=true&embeddableWithLink=true&toggleVideoCode=3&emailAction=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.woodtv.com%2Femailaction&vW=320&vH=240&cntrlH=32"></object><div style="width: 320px;"><a href="http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/eightwest/a-rockin-runway-to-benefit-kids" target="_blank">A rockin' runway to benefit kids</a></div>

A Rockin' Runway to Benefit Kids

One last plug for our event Runway for Charity with A.K. Rikk's and Design 1 this week Saturday, May 11 -- have you gotten your tick...

8:00 AM

Roofing Wizard

Is your home in need of a new roof?  Are you unsure of where to start when it comes to shopping for shingles?  Our friends over at <a href="http://www.gaf.com/">GAF Roofing</a> have a great new resource called the GAF Roofing Wizard that can help!  It allows a homeowner to both educate themselves on the GAF Lifetime Roofing System and explore the shingle designs and color options that are available.  It also walks you through the process of selecting different roofing and warranty option to fit your style and budget. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNQ0sfwHygRviGvOOqjH25XO41Z3nDCbPEJrduQN855-1C94_OAG3eyu5-O4_k4U7XHhgeFaDy2LDR87Q8JrTc2tAoxbgGv9kIiIrEOAopYk0aIENOV2AYoqSNN7_AY4sYelilDlkVQSM/s1600/AppImage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyNQ0sfwHygRviGvOOqjH25XO41Z3nDCbPEJrduQN855-1C94_OAG3eyu5-O4_k4U7XHhgeFaDy2LDR87Q8JrTc2tAoxbgGv9kIiIrEOAopYk0aIENOV2AYoqSNN7_AY4sYelilDlkVQSM/s1600/AppImage.png" /></a></div><div>The Roofing Wizard can be used on their website -- <a href="http://www.gaf.com/Roofing/Residential/Roofing_Wizard">click here</a> -- or is also available as a free app for the iPhone or iPad through iTunes.  Here is a little glimpse of what the wizard can do...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZXfVA2wogIRAGPJE1d0x9XxccUhsuWxbyepQQ87w3BXOslywKjDmvI9gOhxaVAsd0jUN-HxBGttc3de8vIL6pELK9i7ys7C2YyC4enPkdPz569o9J7DenUToG74IbwZhSaQxNBsFxumw/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZXfVA2wogIRAGPJE1d0x9XxccUhsuWxbyepQQ87w3BXOslywKjDmvI9gOhxaVAsd0jUN-HxBGttc3de8vIL6pELK9i7ys7C2YyC4enPkdPz569o9J7DenUToG74IbwZhSaQxNBsFxumw/s320/photo.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div>The startup screen allows you two paths to choose:  1) Help me choose a shingle, or 2) I know the shingle I want.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYojAcd2gxqF0PYc7qkUF09tSKUAHVzME1vAmkOH4PphL2RCBwSANGkWFbAlB3W5bGsP2iwHHKYcu4BEGSkoTSqJavWqQgP0N0kShmtJte_Z-3jTiahdlSNuz_kR79DkUXvxgZhwMhRVK/s1600/photo-1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYojAcd2gxqF0PYc7qkUF09tSKUAHVzME1vAmkOH4PphL2RCBwSANGkWFbAlB3W5bGsP2iwHHKYcu4BEGSkoTSqJavWqQgP0N0kShmtJte_Z-3jTiahdlSNuz_kR79DkUXvxgZhwMhRVK/s320/photo-1.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>Once you put in your zip code to know what is available in your area, you can explore browsing by shingle color family, exterior home color palette, or by home style.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-MicHdkhOpWWQE1iRGg9p-oyvK04kPlDPQ-GiHiz1Tgvla-DJNbiDwE3vErYu7S1Hd3kv40HTg_oFAsdV_B-IcPBRHCgMy785GgUQPIDtkCTSRxqUXo4oTKatWRsIXgG2JkhOj3lh6MS/s1600/photo-2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-MicHdkhOpWWQE1iRGg9p-oyvK04kPlDPQ-GiHiz1Tgvla-DJNbiDwE3vErYu7S1Hd3kv40HTg_oFAsdV_B-IcPBRHCgMy785GgUQPIDtkCTSRxqUXo4oTKatWRsIXgG2JkhOj3lh6MS/s320/photo-2.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYNx_PnGIYK7qncibb82cHHdRKmPJZURvw5TlAKVbzoSR8yO8e82fRO8jVEDEQT_oF1oAVF9kAsiokywME4hEBlzg023FBcVvqxAfIIVTVdAKAxQb5Gi6jYCKMVYF0DyHf4CFuLfj6pci/s1600/photo-3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYNx_PnGIYK7qncibb82cHHdRKmPJZURvw5TlAKVbzoSR8yO8e82fRO8jVEDEQT_oF1oAVF9kAsiokywME4hEBlzg023FBcVvqxAfIIVTVdAKAxQb5Gi6jYCKMVYF0DyHf4CFuLfj6pci/s320/photo-3.PNG" width="320" /></a></div> If you search by home style, you may or may not recognize some of the images. (hint, hint!)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJk8L1RXhHJNhAccOuZbop8ClqCKvTYMhiGpigzNki_KROPNd4jIGv2IG7ztnVEh-JcaBci1cTPkNzDRllBBEYimaClGEZlhz5rfxyVHxRH7Ko6kx1ipQa-oMZSvxTrtaguR2gMGJqG-2/s1600/photo-4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJk8L1RXhHJNhAccOuZbop8ClqCKvTYMhiGpigzNki_KROPNd4jIGv2IG7ztnVEh-JcaBci1cTPkNzDRllBBEYimaClGEZlhz5rfxyVHxRH7Ko6kx1ipQa-oMZSvxTrtaguR2gMGJqG-2/s320/photo-4.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>Once you select a shingle, it will walk you through the warrantees available and accessories offered for that particular shingle.<br /><br />Voila!  Roofing selections made simple.<br /><br />

Roofing Wizard

Is your home in need of a new roof? Are you unsure of where to start when it comes to shopping for shingles? Our friends over at GAF Roofi...

8:00 AM

Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor at the Grand Hotel

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhja8lvuzI6vegvM_mVd799KEtWpRONYqQTSVLRS8cb2jdCJZ270THmPmfP7O3-Bp0As1MdsVcFzYaQnbMDaC44EZLnbs2En9x5vrgvIJ9XlPa8JDxxV53cOKdSVHE5cEHkt8CfDdJkRLJe/s1600/027_Gallery-Selects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhja8lvuzI6vegvM_mVd799KEtWpRONYqQTSVLRS8cb2jdCJZ270THmPmfP7O3-Bp0As1MdsVcFzYaQnbMDaC44EZLnbs2En9x5vrgvIJ9XlPa8JDxxV53cOKdSVHE5cEHkt8CfDdJkRLJe/s320/027_Gallery-Selects.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://blog.grandhotel.com/?p=1823"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6EeuMBBqCYbXpwPso6avp2ZavWSSU95qSgh_m8p5x7FRpTHJk7VAOni7CD97Dh43Y_ZfsMi3-TiYywCkiBNl5Xp-_UXhX1kHGJnx1NG8mkmTHT_IHAuIWdRUMT77H127wxbaP-4K0572/s1600/1024px-Grand_Hotel_MI_From_Lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6EeuMBBqCYbXpwPso6avp2ZavWSSU95qSgh_m8p5x7FRpTHJk7VAOni7CD97Dh43Y_ZfsMi3-TiYywCkiBNl5Xp-_UXhX1kHGJnx1NG8mkmTHT_IHAuIWdRUMT77H127wxbaP-4K0572/s320/1024px-Grand_Hotel_MI_From_Lake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Hotel_(Mackinac_Island)"><span style="font-size: x-small;">via</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>We had the pleasure of developing the concepts for the new addition of Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor to the historic <a href="http://www.grandhotel.com/">Grand Hotel</a> on Mackinac Island with our partners at <a href="http://www.gmb.com/">GMB Architecture + Engineering</a>.  The 126 year old resort hotel boasts the longest front porch in the world, at roughly 660 feet, and has housed five U.S. Presidents, inventor Thomas Edison as well as author Mark Twain, among others.<br /><br />Located just outside the east entrance to the Grand Hotel, the ice cream shop will be traditional in decor, with white houndstooth awnings, cafe tables with white marble tops accompanied by cafe chairs of twisted iron.  The shop is named after the 2010 Westminster "Best in Show" Scottish Terrier belonging to the Grand Hotel's owners.  The shop will be serving delicious Hudsonville Ice Cream and will open it's doors to the public tomorrow, May 3.<br /><br />We were honored to be a part of such a historic addition to the iconic hotel near and dear to the hearts of us Michiganders. <br /><br />Here are a few progress shots of the parlor throughout the construction progress (courtesy of the Grand Hotel's <a href="http://blog.grandhotel.com/?p=2844">blog</a>) as well as our design renderings and 3D imagery. <br /><br />Cheers to a successful summer season on the island!<br /><i><br /></i><i>For more information on the hotel and Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor, please visit the hotel's <a href="http://www.grandhotel.com/dining/sadies-ice-cream-parlor">website</a>.</i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor at the Grand Hotel

via via We had the pleasure of developing the concepts for the new addition of Sadie's Ice Cream Parlor to the historic Grand Hotel on ...

7:38 AM

Style Guide: Cottage

A term that originated from the Middle Ages, a "cottage" referred to the dwellings of agricultural workers, or cotters, and their friends a family.  Cottages were smaller peasant units, usually on the property of larger plantations or estates.  Today, cottages most often refer to buildings used as second homes or weekend getaways for city dwellers.  The architectural style aspects of cottages were inspired by medieval styles of the English countryside and became popular with American architects in the 1920s and 1930s. <br /><br />Although not required characteristics, the common features of a cottage style home may include...<br /><ul><li>Steep roof pitches, often gable or <a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2012/05/architectural-tutorial-gambrel-roof.html">gambrel</a> with cross gables</li><li>Arched doors</li><li><a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2010/11/architectural-tutorial-windows-windows.html">Casement windows</a> with small panes</li><li>Brick, stone, stucco, or natural shake siding</li></ul>The look of a cottage can vary greatly, since a variety of styles can fit into the "cottage" category.  The local vernacular often determines which materials and style features are emphasized, so location can have a look of it's own:<br /><br /><i style="font-weight: bold;">1.  Nantucket: </i>Rustic meets elegant in Nantucket style cottages.  Utilizing mostly natural architectural elements on their exterior, their natural colors of greys, whites and blues make a striking statement against the bright blue sky, lush green landscape and white-capped waters of the surrounding ocean.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nX96vj38nCarbfZhkAQ_cEuvfGxyTncjWEpgss6HEAAB1ipmqADWNHI0bbrko9V8SDbRh02Vj4AZF-Nwkgu7xKRfukKUtMLurM2Fgvdx_bymrVny0p0onxcF3effIUctdRQlYsHTNeJi/s1600/Nantucket+cottage+HC+and+G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nX96vj38nCarbfZhkAQ_cEuvfGxyTncjWEpgss6HEAAB1ipmqADWNHI0bbrko9V8SDbRh02Vj4AZF-Nwkgu7xKRfukKUtMLurM2Fgvdx_bymrVny0p0onxcF3effIUctdRQlYsHTNeJi/s320/Nantucket+cottage+HC+and+G.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i><a href="http://hydrangeahillcottage.blogspot.com/2011/09/nantucket-shingled-cottage.html">via</a></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKB3IWt00UDz_IdGkFxvQYOg7tfivxFUzgXUiJgMDaUzPTpTC1R1YC5S2M-Lxk3UbKlQA-ZuN6HAUWA1CDIZwSMGiUobYljFBj5PnJVnEdAN-JBiFOggJLoSZLgA82lHR-AyXrWg4UxQEM/s1600/nantucket_cottage-gone-crazy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKB3IWt00UDz_IdGkFxvQYOg7tfivxFUzgXUiJgMDaUzPTpTC1R1YC5S2M-Lxk3UbKlQA-ZuN6HAUWA1CDIZwSMGiUobYljFBj5PnJVnEdAN-JBiFOggJLoSZLgA82lHR-AyXrWg4UxQEM/s320/nantucket_cottage-gone-crazy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i><a href="http://relaxshax.wordpress.com/2010/11/14/nantucket-smalltiny-stilt-house-updated-and-more/">via</a></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVjmSS1rbZe2A590cyf4OB72SK3T2xPrHW-wWa9rw3QN6aSUglG9Mbbfu6sjrwQxbEpryWteu5yXmZG-m4hVHfRrfogsaOKrKkXGCuCKRIA20fwzHPRT_ehBNzS8JcEmjZtN-QMBGwLhT/s1600/1+House+Stripes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVjmSS1rbZe2A590cyf4OB72SK3T2xPrHW-wWa9rw3QN6aSUglG9Mbbfu6sjrwQxbEpryWteu5yXmZG-m4hVHfRrfogsaOKrKkXGCuCKRIA20fwzHPRT_ehBNzS8JcEmjZtN-QMBGwLhT/s320/1+House+Stripes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i><a href="http://www.theartoftheoccasion.com/2011/10/nantucket-realized-part-i.html">via</a></i><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0erA9AAV7csjoiW58WYcNFXWRXxA7AO2KNlD_f-R6Cr2sPES-teBAh3NagjBBkPA7MRgN74VMdNRQ2ToiVTczmKYSBW2hX3VsIfZmiGsKNM12DUvyNEC1DqdbDX72y3YhnTU3s91wqls/s1600/front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0erA9AAV7csjoiW58WYcNFXWRXxA7AO2KNlD_f-R6Cr2sPES-teBAh3NagjBBkPA7MRgN74VMdNRQ2ToiVTczmKYSBW2hX3VsIfZmiGsKNM12DUvyNEC1DqdbDX72y3YhnTU3s91wqls/s320/front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.theperiwinkle.com/cottages/"><i>via</i></a><br /><br /><br /><b><i>2.  The South: </i></b> The image that the words "Southern cottage" calls to mind is one of a wrap-around or double stacked porch.  Often called Low-country, a major influence on this this style is the hot and humid weather of the Carolinas and deep South.  These cottages often have a raised first floor to accommodate floodwaters and to allow breezes to circulate throughout the home.  Architectural elements like louvered shutters and metal roofs are also indicative of this style.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-8UCxTRV_u4K4Cm-NUua1dJLXcRnnkLq6YakwW83lAjCedjS3-E6UJWJH20kMFUEUKd8zC85ngyFFDNO_NfUTw45AzhZ_8R5Qov-1Fc4OWtdJ6h9WtdB7nRFDZBZ1WT6QeK_bjMB9PsM/s1600/Laurel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-8UCxTRV_u4K4Cm-NUua1dJLXcRnnkLq6YakwW83lAjCedjS3-E6UJWJH20kMFUEUKd8zC85ngyFFDNO_NfUTw45AzhZ_8R5Qov-1Fc4OWtdJ6h9WtdB7nRFDZBZ1WT6QeK_bjMB9PsM/s320/Laurel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>Our low country cottage design, the Laurel</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWZQ--av36dIAjLolMAmOKKrUlzpjEfIIYbWPi1o7RcCoNcyz7Lyug3O4b1AiDMkYZDHaUWv-NfKYVuHC3FYQUptzHEvIr4rG7vrVHgEcqofiGg1URwMAqeZdUmqXp3xiKGgovmx7T-kf/s1600/mld104004_0808_savannah_xl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWZQ--av36dIAjLolMAmOKKrUlzpjEfIIYbWPi1o7RcCoNcyz7Lyug3O4b1AiDMkYZDHaUWv-NfKYVuHC3FYQUptzHEvIr4rG7vrVHgEcqofiGg1URwMAqeZdUmqXp3xiKGgovmx7T-kf/s320/mld104004_0808_savannah_xl.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/275224/home-tour-riverside-cottage">via</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiD-hFGKnRv-DhjVWxl7h_U0Z82vLPX-OR_A6r_-hWR9LBIj-y4KtrN1ker-lVQxWnHBtTTHXQigUG_AbdMH-U9AEgvHx-DpZETxYGcYqoAMttU2jrKO-du1K5c_Cy9RTLdTl05ESx7mLn/s1600/1898285-exterior2-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiD-hFGKnRv-DhjVWxl7h_U0Z82vLPX-OR_A6r_-hWR9LBIj-y4KtrN1ker-lVQxWnHBtTTHXQigUG_AbdMH-U9AEgvHx-DpZETxYGcYqoAMttU2jrKO-du1K5c_Cy9RTLdTl05ESx7mLn/s1600/1898285-exterior2-l.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.myhomeideas.com/specials/home-giveaway/habersham-south-carolina-00400000049149/">via</a><br /><br /><b><i>3.  Michigan:</i></b>  For us Michiganders, a cottage usually is a summer residence up north near or on a lake.    This is a style for which we here at Visbeen are very familiar, since it is a good portion of our custom residential business.  We combine a variety of styles to create our Michigan cottages, from Shingle and Victorian, to Arts and Crafts and Bungalow.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LhIy4NyOKsI8f778s4HeOHsRv3EO-_dqext9J4h5PFfhfKixl9gM9yGAVlNoWWSaIkvKzaLplcvS3sZiPSgaNciimWP-vZIn5wlkkAgz38D2lpkdifEl8kbq90LukC06OCfHsY08JQPn/s1600/Clareville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LhIy4NyOKsI8f778s4HeOHsRv3EO-_dqext9J4h5PFfhfKixl9gM9yGAVlNoWWSaIkvKzaLplcvS3sZiPSgaNciimWP-vZIn5wlkkAgz38D2lpkdifEl8kbq90LukC06OCfHsY08JQPn/s320/Clareville.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwWS_FFTgb3Z4iSbmYuEqtze4yQp6pKYA8A7840OfpDXkU_dbVzpv9MTCwlgdraaJhS0aa6gfgAGX_18OxPLhoW798LtjiyoMHfg3_rGsp2GwzMcZv-5osakKdMKejdy5O3zFHV6t9_d5/s1600/Dune+View+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwWS_FFTgb3Z4iSbmYuEqtze4yQp6pKYA8A7840OfpDXkU_dbVzpv9MTCwlgdraaJhS0aa6gfgAGX_18OxPLhoW798LtjiyoMHfg3_rGsp2GwzMcZv-5osakKdMKejdy5O3zFHV6t9_d5/s320/Dune+View+Front.jpg" width="310" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWub5UOASD5Ei9ygNFe_6rzw_FfbWtmAgCYoE9KJm26rvYapsycne0XYYAsiT_-90FJq7SLgwy591YyxbcFMSeTqq-db-e1BvDnq-3df2BAm0gyxCjV4c8lN3LkFVEL2aEhhzSBJk7VUck/s1600/Ext+Front+-+1508-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWub5UOASD5Ei9ygNFe_6rzw_FfbWtmAgCYoE9KJm26rvYapsycne0XYYAsiT_-90FJq7SLgwy591YyxbcFMSeTqq-db-e1BvDnq-3df2BAm0gyxCjV4c8lN3LkFVEL2aEhhzSBJk7VUck/s320/Ext+Front+-+1508-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpvd4Pf9SLQyapqGeKd9gEFhQfSMXQk0OLf4fHxeQGOJpkUboQbMRxqFljvGBFfzmM-0ANjRcU0nm1yni_jDwIXCFzLFYZ5tKeNgmdjktfNumuC3YNUncu8OnrvD8wJloTSaEjuAcZENl/s1600/Rylestone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpvd4Pf9SLQyapqGeKd9gEFhQfSMXQk0OLf4fHxeQGOJpkUboQbMRxqFljvGBFfzmM-0ANjRcU0nm1yni_jDwIXCFzLFYZ5tKeNgmdjktfNumuC3YNUncu8OnrvD8wJloTSaEjuAcZENl/s320/Rylestone.jpg" width="206" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpvd4Pf9SLQyapqGeKd9gEFhQfSMXQk0OLf4fHxeQGOJpkUboQbMRxqFljvGBFfzmM-0ANjRcU0nm1yni_jDwIXCFzLFYZ5tKeNgmdjktfNumuC3YNUncu8OnrvD8wJloTSaEjuAcZENl/s1600/Rylestone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJBHoXnCmy3uzfVZoIAWl33YMq0WUUligYAAnkWu8UH3M4dsGuSfpbE-ouRNy0NxCgxJihf0Co8RIFeyn5itcU5w3L8_StehLzhyP_Sc-Cn_IuS74HTUJrs-Xi8QlLtEdDGtNsms8irKw/s1600/IMG_9667++Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJBHoXnCmy3uzfVZoIAWl33YMq0WUUligYAAnkWu8UH3M4dsGuSfpbE-ouRNy0NxCgxJihf0Co8RIFeyn5itcU5w3L8_StehLzhyP_Sc-Cn_IuS74HTUJrs-Xi8QlLtEdDGtNsms8irKw/s320/IMG_9667++Final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEl4KKZrC9WLnBtSv-O8DmigoKQRcZnsiLJzDtyJRi-4hsDIyMEHMJE3WLChcC1PbnSMT-9Oh42HlW7MwgtYloJ8tTDIAPC143Uvcd2oVF7WCqLDrCZTNG4gXX1Ts3H62LJNovEXIDKry-/s1600/Summer+HavenRendering.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEl4KKZrC9WLnBtSv-O8DmigoKQRcZnsiLJzDtyJRi-4hsDIyMEHMJE3WLChcC1PbnSMT-9Oh42HlW7MwgtYloJ8tTDIAPC143Uvcd2oVF7WCqLDrCZTNG4gXX1Ts3H62LJNovEXIDKry-/s320/Summer+HavenRendering.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Here are a few products that we often use in cottage-style residences...<br /><br /><b><i>Roofing</i></b>:  <a href="http://www.gaf.com/">GAF Roofing</a> has a great product called Camelot II Lifetime Designer Shingles, which add a luxury look to a cottage style residence for only pennies-a-day more than standard architectural shingles. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpNM8hpd5-4ELd2RgQsSckklxJlSpgVdBEVJFR3_ojiwv_ldTW7K_m_fenEqPdVVUWuwnGWbafM5uehV5Uy1QbGbpKpR2L1DoWmRnvuYJvQopKb7Jjt8xRc_sM6yi5T-6qXLwsZzXbePR/s1600/GAF_2011.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpNM8hpd5-4ELd2RgQsSckklxJlSpgVdBEVJFR3_ojiwv_ldTW7K_m_fenEqPdVVUWuwnGWbafM5uehV5Uy1QbGbpKpR2L1DoWmRnvuYJvQopKb7Jjt8xRc_sM6yi5T-6qXLwsZzXbePR/s1600/GAF_2011.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEgb9ytcD6LohDe3hNvayQO27TXm1pX14SGokhjLD7Zw89B0SHapIS0QznD3ZoICp_HHCUwXHNzCBT_KzRGg39q-jRQaKzFxYDQ5FqzJ7PaUiMx15WmLH9d49d784dOzs4V0EqIfhCZCt/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-04-29+at+7.17.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdEgb9ytcD6LohDe3hNvayQO27TXm1pX14SGokhjLD7Zw89B0SHapIS0QznD3ZoICp_HHCUwXHNzCBT_KzRGg39q-jRQaKzFxYDQ5FqzJ7PaUiMx15WmLH9d49d784dOzs4V0EqIfhCZCt/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-04-29+at+7.17.28+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><i style="font-weight: bold;">Retractable Screens:  </i>Nothing ruins a summer night like mesquites here in Michigan.  We would all love to sit on open porches overlooking a sunset on the water, but sometimes that is not possible.  And then there are some evening that are perfect for it.  Great solution for this debacle? Retractable screens.  They turn an open porch into an enclosed screened porch in moments.  Companies like Phantom Screens make the top of the line in retractable screen products.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rnYN-rNjMJbbMfQiqn_m6mlzGJQskAheqUrJgUlS8vuXORqEGeq9aZJfTD1CAXaLcRCTPnYyka_BOtv9yZG4scBnPDzXy-2QwA21R4NHxLKSkl7mswQId0v0lccI7aBNEQVa6DC7eoEa/s1600/Phantom+Logo+Back+Blue+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rnYN-rNjMJbbMfQiqn_m6mlzGJQskAheqUrJgUlS8vuXORqEGeq9aZJfTD1CAXaLcRCTPnYyka_BOtv9yZG4scBnPDzXy-2QwA21R4NHxLKSkl7mswQId0v0lccI7aBNEQVa6DC7eoEa/s320/Phantom+Logo+Back+Blue+2.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SzoSi82V8d_nU_raTWNidL95YQSLE-zSnT0nEQfmYamc39G-HfG5Nk6YMrqruKLGMqjOKK90xJXPMDHHji62kIg7yjfS5LW4PYR-i8bQM3M5eG8CdqcwIgffJasD8rOBiDXKzVY0m1Qf/s1600/IMG_9871+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SzoSi82V8d_nU_raTWNidL95YQSLE-zSnT0nEQfmYamc39G-HfG5Nk6YMrqruKLGMqjOKK90xJXPMDHHji62kIg7yjfS5LW4PYR-i8bQM3M5eG8CdqcwIgffJasD8rOBiDXKzVY0m1Qf/s320/IMG_9871+Final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>Kearney Hill has a great example of Phantom Screens in use.</i><br /><br /><br /><i><b>Movable glass doors:</b></i>  On that same note, movable glass doors are another great way of turning a cottage into an open air oasis.  A company called Solar Innovations makes high-quality folding glass walls at a fraction of the cost of some of the other big name companies making similar products.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLl5zNx9FFTCngIN_HMvOxkKuLsq-ryZRTPrDlejaySw5lXs7D1KQp7OfiR7dw1KlR0lvtrdLxY7uhAeF4f3wvINXHQU8zoKkL4W6sci5n_tCDRuihs4mOLztlHCEHEomwgc8yUqjecG-/s1600/New-Logo-2011-Green-500x300.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgLl5zNx9FFTCngIN_HMvOxkKuLsq-ryZRTPrDlejaySw5lXs7D1KQp7OfiR7dw1KlR0lvtrdLxY7uhAeF4f3wvINXHQU8zoKkL4W6sci5n_tCDRuihs4mOLztlHCEHEomwgc8yUqjecG-/s320/New-Logo-2011-Green-500x300.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><i>Sources:</i></span><br /><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><i>http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/exteriors/curb-appeal/house-styles/#page=8</i></span><br /><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><i>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cottage</i></span><br /><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;"><i>http://www.ehow.com/about_6371669_cottage-style-architecture_.html</i></span><br /><br />

Style Guide: Cottage

A term that originated from the Middle Ages, a "cottage" referred to the dwellings of agricultural workers, or cotters, and their ...

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