Finding Art in the Imperfect

It’s typical that over the course of a century your bungalow or Victorian’s vintage heart pine floors have taken a world of abuse.  Atlanta’s inner city neighborhoods went through a host of hard times: old houses were portioned off into rooming houses; floors were damaged by errant water: … [Read more...]

An Ornate Mantel Can Be Literally Moving

When we started restoring our house, which is a Victorian/Craftsman bungalow hybrid, the sky was the limit as far as aesthetics go.  The house had been mostly robbed of its architectural treasure and converted into a triplex.  Several original mantels were long gone, the dining room stained glass … [Read more...]

Infuse Spaces with Warmth Using Salvaged House Parts

Several of my most enjoyable renovation projects were houses that were totally violated:  everything worth anything ripped clean out of them.  In fact, I live in one of those houses now so I’ll talk about this one.  We bought this house after watching it sit vacant for 7 years--of course, that’s not … [Read more...]

Lettuce Grow Produce

So, aside from my tropical plants and myriad of perennials, we’re also growing edibles: strawberries, peaches, blueberries, Italian grapes, Simpson and butter crunch lettuce, arugula, three kinds of peppers, carrots, spring onions, cukes, basil, cilantro, lemon balm, eggplant, stevia (that’s an … [Read more...]

Not Just for Salads: Vinegar Does Wonders for Wood Floors

If you mix pets, children, entertaining and simple day-to-day life with your beautiful wood floors, you know that what you get is floors that are less than pristine.  I am speaking from experience as my 100 year old pine floors bear the brunt of the feet of many sub-contractors, my daughter’s garden … [Read more...]

Clawfoot Tubs, Bad Hygiene, and the Sears Catalog for T.P.

I am enamored with my clawfoot tub, which is original to our restored 1911 Craftsman bungalow.  It’s is a deep wellspring of contentment.  I love soaking, with a glass of red vino, on a chilly winter day.  And since I’m sharing, I prefer the water extra hot with an ample sprinkling of … [Read more...]