Bigger is Better- not in this case

Once upon a time we had a cottage that was about 650 sq ft.  It was a beautiful  location, right on the beach.  There were a few drawbracks one it was a co-op so we couldn't do much with it and we considered it cramped.  We had two little bedrooms, 2 kids, a few pets but the reality is we spent most of the time outside.  But we dreamed of bigger and better.  Now I look back on those times with fond memories.  Why do we always look for bigger.  Along with bigger comes higher $$, higher property tax, maintenance.... stress....



The windows and the high ceilings make this space feel much larger than 750 sq ft.
Our economy is changing and i think the future will be in smaller houses. These pics show that isn't such a bad thing....



Dreamy....

For more pictures  http://freshome.com/2011/12/29/small-one-room-cabin-in-massachusetts-with-an-impressive-layout/

www.ourhomesmagazine.com/oakville

Another Reason to Go to Italy

What a great idea.  Transforming an old railway into a pedestrian path.  It has always annoyed me slightly when I see railways on the most beautiful landscapes- right at the waters edge, functional yes but....
Now the railway is not longer used but the entire community has access to the path along the waters edge.  I am sure it is great for tourism and promotes fitness.  Maybe I would take up running again if I could run here......
This runs between the towns of Albisola Superiore and Celle Ligure on the coast of Italy


Read more: Retired Italian Railroad Transformed Into a Low Impact Recreational Promenade
http://inhabitat.com/retired-italian-railroad-transformed-into-a-low-impact-recreational-promenade/

Love this Bathroom

This bathtub is amazing.  Just the touch of adding a surround with white stones makes it stand out.  It seems like a luxurious little island getaway....   Adding blue lighting gives the room a very romantic tone and I would think would enhance your natural beauty vs harsh white light.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Should I have had dessert?

I absolutely love the look of this bathtub and mirror but I cringe at the idea.  I can't imagine having to come face to face with my minor :) imperfections on a regular basis.  On the other hand, maybe if I had always had a bathtub with a mirror, it would have kept me honest in the face of creme brulee and other treats.

It is amazing how a simple object like a mirror can change a room- make if feel bigger, make it more opulent.

A Solution to Washing Windows! and Curtains....

What unique architecture for someone's home.  I would have expected it to be an office building but it is a home in Peru.  Imagine you would never have to wash your windows.  You really wouldn't need curtains.  On the other hand I always thought windows like this were for a spectacular view, not in this case.  It might be annoying to never get a clear view into your backyard.



I love the the roof line of the third story, it looks like it might be an open air patio.



A peak inside.  The carpet really makes this room. 
For more pics see:  http://tinyurl.com/6yt5zaa

Hot Stools! I am referring to furniture..please...

   White Garden Stool  Constantine Stool


The White Garden Stool seems to be a really popular item in beautiful homes.  I have to admit the first time I saw it I wondered if it was an umbrella holder of some sort.  You can see I am not the most design savvy person   I did realize they are very functional, they offer some visual impact to your room and extra seating.  it could make a good christmas present for us.

Living in a Box

Stark on the outside but once you get inside.... I think I could live with this.  When we would boat through honey harbour, we would occassionally come across what would look like a box sitting on a small rock island.  I used to think, how stark, uninviting and isolated.  Clearly my vision was wrong....
It would really be a simple build as well and relatively inexpensive.  When I think back to trying to build the second floor on our cottage,  this is much more appealing.  The sliding glass doors are beautiful. Monarch Moveable Glass Walls in Barrie is one of the few if any sources of moveable glass in Ontario. http://www.mmgw.ca/


see more at http://goo.gl/L6BJt