Some of the homes that I am invited into are no more than shelter from the elements to their owners. Keeping the rain off should be the last thought, more of a given really, when creating your home. So many questions should run through your mind, not only does it have enough bedrooms, how big is the kitchen, etc. but also how will the children grow up within its walls. Does it have that perfect corner to curl up with a book and your eager 5 year old? Is it close enough for entertainment when the children get not quite old enough for driving but yearn to strike off on their own so that they can walk (in the inevitable pack ) to at least a coffee shop. Lots of times older homes will be able to fit the bill easier than some of the homes offered in the newer subdivisions.
Many of the builders of what are today’s historic homes had much the same concerns. Was there a creek to play in, did the house have enough room to have many children or at least slap on an addition as needed? As trends progressed and homeowners sought “the right” area for their children to be brought up, homes reflected their desire to have a individual flair. Especially in the late Victorian and early Arts and Crafts period builders of even the most modest homes could put in a large porch for rocking or tiles surrounding a fireplace.
Those of us who live in older homes live with the design decisions of those who built the house, things that we are often puzzled by, now, I mean, who needs a trunk room these days? (Hint, make it into a bath or very large closet. )or for those of us who own a mid-century home are you liking those pink or turquoise tiles yet? The sources available to new old-house owners is huge these days and any search on the web for what you need to make the space work for you is readily available. If you search and still are stumped, visit my site and contact me through email and I will be most happy to connect you to the needed source for your particular problem.
I just had the opportunity to stop by the 
February’s book is one dear to my heart. “Uncommon Vernacular” is a truly wonderful book about the historic houses in my home county of Jefferson, West Virginia. John C. Allen Jr. has captured the beauty of still-existing late 18th and early 19th-century architecture that has made this area so special in the Shenandoah Valley’s history. Wisely choosing to have only black and white photographs (done by the very talented Walter Smalling, Jr.) the images capture the beautiful lines of a mantel in one of the seven Washington family homes; the funny little building I so remember from my childhood; the octagon-shaped office at the estate “Happy Retreat”; the majestic “Bellevue” overlooking the Potomac river in Shepherdstown, the state’s oldest town; and so many more. Over 700 images and drawings make this wonderful area come alive and give both the scholar and the enthusiast a wonderful experience.

“Forget about other people’s styles. What do you love about yourself? What do you want to learn about yourself? What parts of your soul need to be expressed and set free into the world? With these words award-winning interior designer Xorin Balbes invites us to make of our homes — whether large or small, luxurious or simple — a sacred space in which we can grow and flourish, a true “ SoulSpace.” He invites ourselves to know exactly what we need to thrive and to experiment, if we are still learning to listen to own inner voice, to “move the couch a hundred times if you have to until it feels just right, until our whole being can resound with a strong and confident yes to our environment.”
I am often asked to come to someone’s home after they move and place pictures, furniture etc. I use a simple formula for all decisions concerning placement of anything in any room. First and foremost is the objects importance to the homeowner. Why do they have it? Is it a family piece or something they bought when the kids were little? After we determine its emotional importance in their lives we either discard it or place it in the order of its importance. When we are done, most times this results in a new house becoming their home. The emotion with which you associate certain pieces is a natural elimination process. Its important for the home to reflect the clients life and loves. I recently had to opportunity to help a dear friend with thier new move. The house they are temporarily renting was not their first choice but time constraints made it more appealing as the days passed in their hunt and in they moved. As we worked on placing pictures, photo’s and furniture. I was struck by the small story attached to each piece. “My daughter painted this her first year in college”,” Uncle George gave us that”, and “This was my Grandmother’s bible”. Almost each piece had a story or thread woven into this very special families life and the house flew together. (Easy for me to say, I just pointed as I sat, they had to lug the boxes up and down the stairs and unpack everything) My point to this tale is simple, your home should be a emotional touchstone of your families life. It should reflect through its objects that are around you the collective history of the the occupants. A designer should only act as a navigator through this and help you as the homeowner find that perfect place where your beloved item is seen everyday.