When it comes to curb appeal, a Victorian style house never disappoints. Also known as painted ladies, most homeowners use color to highlight all the details of their beloved, historic home. Photo by Marina Rubina, Architect My personal preference are the houses that are painted in bolder colors to really make them pop. And…
Since we won’t be able to take overseas trips anytime soon, I thought it might be fun to check out architecture from other areas. So let’s take a trip across the pond to see the exteriors of Scandinavian houses. A cute little row of white cottages line a cobblestone street. Doesn’t it look like…
My goal this January is to not only help myself enjoy winter more, but to do the same for you! So I’ve gathered together something I love seeing in winter – a red barn in snow! Above is a Finnish house with a small barn. I’ve decided that in order to find their home…
My family did something a little different this year for Christmas. We took a trip to historic Galena and spent four days together to celebrate the holiday. Galena is a popular get-away location due to its scenic rolling hills and rich history. Galena used to be the largest city in Illinois, back in the…
We still have a few fall leaves clinging to their trees even though a thin blanket of snow covers the ground. Before we hit all-in winter, I thought I better share my fall photos of charming old homes from my trip to southwest Michigan. This is the first beauty that caught my eye. You know…
Last week I shared a collection of charming old homes in Huntley, Illinois and today is the second half of the home exteriors tour. I love when a town has an abundance of beautiful homes that it requires more than one blog post! An updated Victorian home sits proudly on the corner of a…
Fall color is in peak season here in Illinois! A recent trip through Huntley, Illinois to my grandson’s football game resulted in an impromptu photo shoot of charming old homes lining the streets. Huntley is a fast-growing town of about 25,000 people at the far northwestern edge of the Chicago suburbs. Like my town,…
When considering all types of home styles, I think the Victorian home exterior is probably the most ornate and intricate. Common features include towers, turrets, dormers, and wide wrap-around porches. All of which you’ll see in these gorgeous homes with off-the-chart curb appeal! Photo by David Heide Design Studio Victorian style evolved from the…
Last week the whole family headed up to Door County, Wisconsin for a five-day vacation in a beautiful modern farmhouse. We stayed in Baileys Harbor but the first place we visited was scenic Fish Creek. I snapped some photos while walking around because this bayside town is so quaint and charming. A charming white church…
Everyone seems to have a favorite color house. My first house was blue, the second one was a creamy off-white. My current home is butter yellow. But truth be told, I’ve always loved a red house! Photo by Most red houses are converted barns, which seem to be growing in popularity. Photo by Ryan…
I’m in the mood for some homes with cabin inspiration! Apparently the month of May decided to stay in bed and April had to do double-duty. Too many cool rainy days! But now, June has arrived and we’ve got warmer sunny days which is putting me in total summer camp mode. Photo by Goose Creek…
Do you remember the excitement of searching for your very first home? Today I’m heading out with my daughter and her hubby to find their dream starter home! My daughter is a stay-at-home-mom so they’re living on one salary and need to be conservative while house hunting. I collected a batch of small houses –…
A red front door is often found on traditional homes but they’re pretty on a variety of architectural style houses. Here are 11 examples that show how to make your front door stand out. Photo by Gatling Design I’m totally smitten with this rustic front door that reminds me of a home you’d see…
A variety of home styles and exteriors creates an eclectic neighborhood in Naperville, IL. You’ll find a mix of new and historic homes in this quaint yet bustling town. Victorian Ladies Last month when spring trees were in bloom, we took a stroll in one of Naperville’s residential neighborhoods just northwest of the downtown…
Two weeks ago I shared a walking tour of Aurora, Illinois’ westside historic district. Today is round two of touring this amazing residential area with amazing historic homes. First up on today’s tour is this lovely clapboad Victorian home painted green with creamy trim and accents of red. Note the unique treatment on the windows…
Do you have a favorite color house? I tend to like colorful exteriors as long as they’re not too bright. Today I’m sharing a collection of 13 blue houses with great curb appeal. Craftsman style homes look good with a darker shade of blue, especially when paired with white. Photo by Convex Development Historic…
