Many think that the architecture of Palm Beach is one that never changes -- building in Palm Beach is no easy task. It is but for a fortunate few who can first and foremost afford it, and secondly jump through Architectural reviews, neighbor's approvals and sometimes a lawsuit or two. Architecture is not taken lightly, and while some see the island as a place where things never … [Read more...] about Searching For an Architectural Soul
Real Estate
Design Options for a Flexible Guest Room
There are many ways to create a flexible guest room. You can often grab inspiration from hotel rooms because they operate from the perspective of providing not only the obviously required bed but also a working desk, comfy seating and a TV. Maybe some of the surfaces are too harsh for home use, but you can adapt the basic ideas easily and turn them into the exact level of … [Read more...] about Design Options for a Flexible Guest Room
Real Estate Q & A – Mortgagor, Mortgagee
Dear Edith: I'm studying for my real estate license, and last week, we discussed mortgages. I still can't get "mortgagor" and "mortgagee" straight in my mind. I told our professor that I'd email you to see whether you could help. By the way, we sometimes talk about your column in class. Wish me luck on the exam. -- L. C. Answer: Perhaps the confusion comes because we all … [Read more...] about Real Estate Q & A – Mortgagor, Mortgagee
Home Design – The Space Under the Stairs
Sometimes helpful solutions are hiding in plain sight. It is common to become so familiar with our surroundings that we no longer see them clearly. When you pass by something dozens of times a day, it becomes invisible in a way, so we miss opportunities. What if you challenged yourself to find places with extra function? One of my favorite spaces is the area under the … [Read more...] about Home Design – The Space Under the Stairs
Home DIY: Install Wood Siding Yourself as Trim
Dear James: I have old aluminum siding trim on the sides of my house, but it looks bad. I would like to replace it with wood siding. Can I just nail wood over the old siding? What is the best method to do it? -- Andre B. Dear Andre: New aluminum or vinyl siding looks good and is practically maintenance-free, but neither has the sharp crisp look of real wood siding. Since you … [Read more...] about Home DIY: Install Wood Siding Yourself as Trim
Small Space Design – Functional, Beautiful Galley Kitchens are Possible
Galley kitchens are common in many older homes. Houses built before World War II often had very simple layouts with in-kitchen dining at the end of a long narrow room. The challenge for those of us living in such houses is that we now want to load up the limited space with modern amenities that weren't part of the planning back in the day, such as dishwashers, pot fillers, … [Read more...] about Small Space Design – Functional, Beautiful Galley Kitchens are Possible
Real Estate – Selling a Home a Realtor and Agent Dilemma
Dear Edith: We plan to sell our house in the spring. We interviewed three Realtors and told one we plan to sign with her at the end of the month. In the meantime, we notified our neighborhood and have shown the house to two parties. In our mail today, there was a handwritten note from a Realtor (someone in the same company) saying they have a well-qualified buyer interested … [Read more...] about Real Estate – Selling a Home a Realtor and Agent Dilemma
Looking for a Career in Real Estate? How to Start
Dear Ms. Lank: Since assisting my sister with the sale of her house, I find the idea of selling homes and preparing homes for sale interesting. I contacted the state and got a list of locations with classes on real estate sales and broker licensing. I am also interested in estate sales and the process of staging and cleaning homes. I suspect identifying and working with … [Read more...] about Looking for a Career in Real Estate? How to Start
Virtual Interior Design – Does It Work?
Perhaps you have purchased a book online, or gifts during the holidays for family members or friends. The online commercial revolution has made it possible to buy almost anything on your computer swiftly comfortably -- and certainly at better prices than you ever imagined. In less than a decade, half of our purchases will be made through our smart phones. How will this new … [Read more...] about Virtual Interior Design – Does It Work?
Home DIY – How to Replace Your Old Kitchen Range Hood
Dear James: I seldom use my old noisy range hood. I thought about making a new one from decorative wood myself. Does this make sense or should I buy a standard metal one? -- Kent F. Dear Kent: People often don't realize how important it is to use a range hood when cooking. Odors are the least of the concerns. Without at range hood running, vaporized grease eventually will … [Read more...] about Home DIY – How to Replace Your Old Kitchen Range Hood