Information on home design, including new home design, remodeling, mid-century modern architecture, sesimic upgrades and other home improvements.
Let's talk about housewide retrofits for aging in place – those items you’ll want to take care of around your entire home to make it ready for a time when you or a family member may have physical disabilities associated with aging. This week, we’ll cover a few simple items that can be accomplished in
With all the praise and enthusiasm for Accessory Dwelling Units today, you might be surprised by their history. Commonly referred to as in-law units or granny flats by some and infill apartments by affordable housing advocates, they were once highly restricted and outright illegal in many municipalities. In 2017 a California law (AB68) was enacted
This post first ran in 2019. With the drought, the 2021 wildfire season in California is set to be one of the riskiest in years, and it’s a sad fact of life that we all need to be prepared in case we get the unwelcome message that a fire is heading our way. As an
This post first ran in 2016. Most people who pay attention to contemporary American architecture have heard of Eichler homes. Developer Joseph Eichler’s dream of bringing beautiful, affordable modern design to the masses was spurred by his admiration of Frank Lloyd-Wright’s soaring architectural designs, and the homes he built throughout California beginning in the late
A version of this post first ran in 2016. With Covid-19 restrictions, lots of people are reassessing their housing needs, and either remodeling or up- or downsizing. A few years ago, I asked Marin/Sonoma Realtor Elizabeth Meyers for advice about what to think about when buying or selling mid-century modern homes. The advice she gave
A version of this post ran in 2018. Roofing is one of those things you don't usually think about until it's a problem. With the rainy season on its way, now is a good time to think about whether your roof needs some attention, or even replacement If you’re looking to repair or replace your
A version of this post first ran in 2018. ADUs are growing in popularity in California, and with good reason. ADUs – accessory dwelling units (also known as “granny units”) – are small living spaces that are on the same property but are separate from the main living space. They can be attached to the
This post first ran in 2018. If you have a beautiful garden, outdoor living space or a great view, one of the best upgrades you can make to your home is to add a retractable glass wall. Adding a retractable glass wall can make the indoor/outdoor living so many of us in the Bay Area
This post first ran in 2018. Hardwood flooring is becoming the most popular floor option, eclipsing carpeting and laminate in the Bay Area, according to Bill Powell, of 123-Floor, a Marin flooring expert with 24 years of experience. Hardwood is popular for good reason. “I look at hardwood as an asset in the house,” Powell
A version of this post first ran in 2017. I love my radiant heating. There’s nothing cozier on a chilly winter morning than a toasty warm floor greeting your cold feet. More and more, clients are asking me about radiant heat for their homes. What used to be thought of as a luxury is going
