You Said It: ‘They Did Not Have a Throwaway Mentality’ and More

This week on Houzz, contributors helped parents prep for back-to-school time, showing how to set up homework stations and home offices as summer winds down. Style-wise there was a little something for everyone, whether it was farmhouse modern, Shabby Chic, sci-fi or “early French brothel” style. There was an extended peek into the late actor Fred MacMurray’s former farmhouse retreat in Healdsburg, California. I learned a fantastic new word (do you already know what a hoodoo is?). And if you have time to read every word of only one article this week, check out the 31 true tales of remodeling gone wild.

“My parents were children of the Depression. They bought things with the intention that they would last. … They simply did not have a throwaway mentality.” — Kate MacMurray, daughter of the late actor Fred MacMurray, as told to Mary Jo Bowling

This statement made me long for my grandparents and made me smile, remembering their thrifty ways (there’s a big difference between thrifty and cheap, by the way). This story of MacMurray’s vineyard and farmhouse really touched my heart. The fact that they didn’t have a throwaway mentality means the home has had the same simple, comfortable feeling for decades.

Full story: Houzz Tour: Fred MacMurray’s Enduring Farmhouse Retreat


“You’ll love it if … You dream of galaxies far, far away and would consider a robot the perfect roommate.” — Mary Jo Bowling

At first I thought this ideabook about sci-fi style was going to filled with a bunch of Star Warscharacters, but I was wrong. Bowling’s appreciation for science fiction goes much deeper, and that meant she was full of clever ideas. Steampunk, insect invasions, complicated decoding, glowing staircases, a specimen collection that looks like an extraterrestrial might have amassed it to bring home to his galaxy … Bowling has translated them all into unique design ideas.

Full story: So Your Style Is: Sci-Fi Past and Future


“The designers and homeowners designed a random architectural pattern for the privacy fence.” — Annie Thornton

Thornton goes on to explain that the plants will fill in more over time. This peekaboo design certainly breaks up the monotony and unfriendly feel of one long wooden wall right next to the street. The pattern adds rhythm, greenery and even fragrance to the public side of the fence — something to consider when being considerate of those on the other side. After all, good fences make good neighbors.

Full story: An Award-Winning Landscape Embraces Bay Views


“Fresh rustic, comfortable modern, heritage with a twist — modern farmhouse style is all of these things and more.” — Laura Gaskill

You can’t sort through your mail lately without seeing “modern farmhouse” on a catalog cover, but what exactly does it mean? Gaskill breaks the look down into key elements.

Full story: 15 Key Pieces for Modern Farmhouse Style


“While she was interviewing me for the job, she told me she had 27 different personalities, and I had to satisfy all of them if I wanted the job, and that the main style she was going for was ‘early French brothel.’” — interior designer Gretchen Knoblock

Mitchell Parker’s collection of wacky remodeling and decorating anecdotes is absolutely hilarious, but this one was my favorite one. First of all it made me feel better about having 10 decorating personalities. Second, “early French brothel” is hilarious. I’ve described a room and a polyester red corseted bridesmaid dress I had to wear as “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” but “early French brothel” is just the best.

Full story: 31 True Tales of Remodeling Gone Wild


The overriding objective was to make the space a calm retreat, but the owners also asked McIntosh to bring in the feeling of a forest. — Mary Jo Bowling

And not just any forest, but one full of their favorite species, the majestic California redwood. The designer hired an artist to create this calming foggy gray mural wall.

Full story: Room of the Day: A Walk Through the Redwoods


“By repurposing old furniture I had piled away in storage and claiming a quiet, unused area in our basement, I was able to create an inspiring, kid-friendly office area.” — Sarah Macklem

Macklem studied her storage area with fresh eyes and a project in mind. A dining table became a desk, and a dollhouse became a shelving unit for supplies. Take a cue from Macklem when it comes to repurposing in general — it’s amazing what you can repurpose once you let go of your old notions about a certain piece. Imagine a fresh coat of paint in a new color or how something could function if turned upside down or backward.

Full story: Create a DIY Homework Station They’ll Really Use


“I’m a big believer in designing a space for how people will live in it, not how they should live in it.” — Cathy Zaeske

When Zaeske wanted to create a good homework space for her two sons, she realized her family’s needs were not being met by the layout dictated on her house plans. So she got clever and swapped things up to suit her family’s needs. Don’t let plans or what the masses say ever affect the way you set up your own home. Set it up so that you and your family can live the way you want to live.

Full story: Who Says a Dining Room Has to Be a Dining Room?


“Commonly found in desert wildlands, a hoodoo, also known geologically as a goblin (who says geologists have no sense of humor?), is a tower of various-size stones seemingly stacked willy-nilly one atop another. It is a scientific requirement that to be deemed a hoodoo, these rock formations need to look more like totem poles than slender spires, their soaring cousins.” — Karen Peterson

I learned a new word: “hoodoo.” To which I say, woo-hoo! There was a second new-to-me word later on in the article, “inukshuk.” If you don’t already know what that is, you’ll have to go read the story to find out. I am doing this for your own good, as it is full of very interesting photos and information. Plus, I thought this stunning photo was a great one to send you off for the weekend with. Have a great one, everyone!

Full story: Follow Nature’s Lead for Artful Stacked Stones

URL: You Said It: ‘They Did Not Have a Throwaway Mentality’ and More http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-24520.html