Victorian architecture lovers, gather ’round. Have I got some eye candy for you today! Ferndale, California has some of the most amazing examples of colorful Victorian cottages and buildings that I’ve ever seen. Walking along the quiet streets is truly unending pleasure. The entire area is filled with beauty and splendor that I wasn’t expecting,…
Viewing architecture
Colorful Gardens and Homes of Spain: Hello Sunshine!
Who else is suffering gloomy spring weather right now? I’m raising both my hands! We haven’t had a pleasant spring so far but I’m not going to let it dampen my spirits. Instead, let’s pretend we’re overseas visiting the colorful gardens and homes of Spain. This little virtual tour is sure to put a smile…
Cozy Summer Cottages to Love
Do you have memories of vacationing in cozy summer cottages? I have vague memories of a lakeside cottage vacation in Canada when I was just a little girl. A few years later I remember taking a trip to Arkansas to vacation in a woodsy cottage with my grandparents. Both trips are fond summer memories from…
Colorful Wooden Houses of Norway: A Virtual Trip
One thing we miss living in America is the vast array of really old buildings and homes. Can you imagine living in a house that’s over 500 years old? I think about the lives and history of older homes here in the United States, but old houses in Europe have seen so much more. Today…
Board and Batten: Inside and Out
Years ago we installed board and batten in our downstairs bathroom and also on the wall up the stairway. More recently we added it to our dining room. It’s one of my favorite architectural elements because it’s easy to install, it adds instant dimension, and it’s fairly inexpensive. In addition to all that, board and…
Two-Story Porch for Ultimate Curb Appeal
Have you ever visited the deep South and admired the gorgeous historic homes with a two-story porch? This architectural feature provides ultimate curb appeal for the appreciative eye. Photo by Brickmoon Design The thought of having two porches, one up high, is a dream home feature I’ll probably never get to enjoy. But at least…
Eclectic Neighborhood: Charming Homes in the Chicago ‘Burbs
You gotta love spring in Chicagoland! It’s either snowing or it’s 60 degrees. There’s no in-between. So as long as there’s snow on the ground today, let’s take another snowy walk around an eclectic neighborhood in Downers Grove. Although today’s walk actually took place several weeks ago, I took so many photos that I’m still…
Victorian Home Exteriors in Historic Downers Grove
At the beginning of this month I showed a collection of Sears catalog homes in the quaint Chicago suburb of Downers Grove. Today I’m featuring Victorian home exteriors from the same neighborhood. I loved my snowy trip to the town where my daughter lives because I found plenty of eye candy to photograph. And believe…
Pretty Houses in the Snow: A Winter’s Walk
I know I’m not alone in dealing with lots of snow. So much of the U.S. has been hit with recent winter storms, including Texas! Rather than lament our recent snowfall, I decided to get out and enjoy the beauty of the new fallen white stuff. Hubby and I headed to Downers Grove, which is…
Romantic English Cottage Homes: Virtual Trip to the U.K.
Let’s take a trip to the bucolic setting of the United Kingdom to explore a charming collection of English cottage homes. First up is an adorable dwelling located in Castle Combe, often referred to as the most beautiful village in England. It reminds me of a cottage that one of Beatrix Potter’s characters would live…
Cabin Getaway: Inspiration and Locations to Make It Happen
After the holidays I tend to dream of a cabin getaway where I can hole up for a couple of days with a book or stack of favorite magazines in hand. Just give me a little place where I can turn off the noise and activity while enjoying a bit of nature. You know, a…
15 Red Houses in a Variety of Styles
In the spirit of Christmas I have a collection of 15 red houses in a range of sizes and styles. For some reason I’ve always been drawn to homes with red exteriors. I prefer houses of color as opposed to neutral tones like white or taupe. Ultimately, I think a house tells you what color…
Fall in Love with the Picturesque Homes of Historic Grand Detour, Illinois
Have you ever gone to a somewhat obscure place for vacation and found you enjoyed it so much more than the much-hyped tourist spots? That’s what happened this past weekend when hubby and I went to Grand Detour, Illinois, for a low-key fall getaway. I was immediately smitten by the charming town of about 450…
Home Exterior: What’s Your Favorite Style or Color?
When you drive or walk around neighborhoods, do you find yourself drawn to one particular style of home exterior? Or maybe you’re drawn to a specific color of houses. Today I’ve got a collection of home exterior styles to share with you. I’d love to hear what style you prefer most! Photo by JB Architecture…
Another Beautiful Lakefront Neighborhood in Madison, Wisconsin
We’re back in Madison, Wisconsin for the second half of our walking tour that showcases unique homes in a beautiful lakefront neighborhood. Each home is different with its own special character. The blue Tudor above features stucco on top and clapboard siding on the bottom. A pretty arched door and bay window enhance the charm…
Rustic Meets Modern in Amazing San Francisco Farmhouse
Today I’ve got a home tour that’s a little bit different. Rustic touches are infused into a modern style San Francisco farmhouse by Dotter & Solfjeld Architecture + Design with good old country styling. I love this home for its unique character and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces. Photo by Dotter & Solfjeld Architecture + Design…