You Said It: ‘Some Ask Why, Others Why Not?’ and Other Houzz Quotables

Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord this week

February 15, 2014
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected." I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
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Our title quote is an oldie but a goodie, and it was said in just the right place on Houzz this week, in the Comments section. It’s also a great summary for the stories we featured on Houzz this week. Whether it’s turning an old egg-selling shack into a charming guesthouse, adding a window seat, creating an office nook, covering a modern box in a sculptural Cor-Ten steel screen or rethinking how to celebrate Valentine’s Day from here on out, ask “Why not?” Here’s a look at some of the highlights from this week.
ModWeek what to do
“With so many things to do in Palm Springs during Modernism Week, how does one choose?” — Kurt Cyr

If you’re lucky enough to be in Palm Springs for Modernism Week and you’re befuddled as to which activities to choose, Cyr’s guide is the answer.

Full story: What to See and Do During Modernism Week in Palm Springs
Contemporary Bathroom by Modal Design
Modal Design
“But the Cor-Ten panels allow the house to be ‘a modern box without being a modern box,’ Monti says.” — John Hill

This amazing house mixes strong modern lines with sculptural beauty that takes its inspiration from a large tree canopy and the dappled light it provides. The Houzz Tour of it is a must-see.

Full story: Houzz Tour: Dappled Light Inspires Artistic Wrapping
Before Photo
Farmhouse by Nastasi Vail Design
Nastasi Vail Design
“The shed was hidden in a thicket of brambles, and the interior was filled with so much junk, you could barely get through the door.” — Fred Albert

A 9- by 12-foot shed in Maine, once used to sell eggs and targeted for firefighting practice, turned into a dreamy guest cottage? This is one of the most charming transformations I’ve ever seen.

Full story: Room of the Day: A Maine Guest Cottage Steeped in Charm
Eclectic Home Office by The Cousins
The Cousins
“Enter office nooks and mini desks. They can fit just about anywhere — kitchens, family rooms, even bedrooms — and their popularity is only growing as clunky desks dwindle in importance for many.” — Amber Hopman

Trying to find a spot to work at home, from which you can monitor your child’s Internet activity too, can be a challenge, but these space-saving solutions will help you create just the place.

Full story: Enter the Office Nook
Modern Dining Room by NEW THEME Inc.
NEW THEME Inc.
“Having a good contractor that can deliver your project far outweighs the apparent cost savings of a cheap bid up front.” — Jeffrey Veffer

Whether you’re planning to hire a contractor soon or in the far-off future, bookmark this guide. The most important thing to remember when tempted by the cheapest bid is that you get what you pay for.

Full story: What to Consider Before Starting Construction
Eclectic by Sarah Greenman
Sarah Greenman
“Pugh created an enormous magnet board by covering a hallway wall with sheet metal.” — Sarah Greenman

We’ve seen chalkboard walls and cork walls, but I hadn’t seen someone go full metal and magnets on a wall before this. It’s genius.

Full story: My Houzz: Neutral and Natural Elegance in Texas
Traditional Home Office by Oxford Development
Oxford Development
“This is a good project for you if you have a room that already has a large window.” — Steven Randel

A window seat is often the coziest spot in the house, with the best view. Get the skinny on what’s involved in turning your bay into a favorite nook.

Full story: How to Add a Window Seat
Contemporary Kitchen by Platinum Building Group
Platinum Building Group
“Who hasn’t banged their knees while scooting onto a kitchen island stool?” — Kathryn Peltier

Peltier has gathered a beautiful group of alternatives to the usual island seating. This sculptural eating extension was also one of the neatest ideas I saw on Houzz this week.

Full story: Get More Island Legroom With a Smart Table Base
Eclectic Living Room by sarah & bendrix
sarah & bendrix
“I wanted my husband and I to be our children’s first valentines, to shape their impressions of this holiday and teach them it’s not merely about romance, but about love.” — Alison Hodgson

Do you have a Whitman’s Sampler chocolate hangover today, or perhaps you’re feeling a little queasy at how much those quickly wilting red roses cost? Read this story and vow to change what Valentine’s Day will be all about from here on out. This story has a heartwarming discussion going on in the Comments section as well; I really enjoyed learning about how everyone shares their loving Valentine’s Day wishes with their families.

Full story: The Real Importance of Valentine’s Day
Contemporary Dining Room by Michael K Chen Architecture
Michael K Chen Architecture
“Great job. Some ask why … others why not?” — Houzz user kaydow

This made me laugh, and it perfectly sums up the range of comments any one story on Houzz can receive, especially when it’s a love-it-or-hate-it kind of project. (Those are always the most interesting projects, whether you’re in the love or hate camp.) Some say, “This is the coolest thing ever,” while others say, “Why don’t you just sit on milk crates around a cardboard box on the floor instead?” It’s always fascinating to see the variety of reactions a project can inspire; they hammer home how style is never one-size-fits-all.

Full story: Watch an Entryway Bar Transform Into a Table for Two

Did something strike a chord with you on Houzz this week? Please share it with us in the Comments section.
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Comments (16)
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Aimee M.
@Becky Harris , there's a small thumbnail in the comments above. Here's a link to the whole house.
https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/9a214a0307e971d8_9-2170/home-design.jpg" src=" https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9a214a0307e971d8_2170-w240-h135-b0-p0--home-design.jpg" data-pin-no-hover="true" width="240" height="135" onmousedown="preventImageDrag(event)" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false" oncontextmenu="PhotoContextMenu.show(event,69516280);return false;"/>
Ideabook: Houzz TV: Kids, Avocados and Happy 1950s Style · See Ideabook
   
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cljakl
Many of the stories had a impact on me. Meeting the neighbors; most not possible with HOA, though fun. Can't even remove lawn and replace with herb/vegetable garden without approval, and we have a drought condition! The approval process is time-consuming and expensive. Don't get the fascination with mid-century; I find most of the furniture uncomfortable! Many of the comments crack me up...so obvious people don't read before commenting!! Loved the gentlemen "cottage"; went the the website and discovered a beautiful event venue, too bad I live in California! The nursery isn't something I would do, but stunning and I liked the use of baskets. Always enjoy Houzz!!
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Becky Harris
Thanks Aimee, I gather the conversation started in another ideabook as well. I was lost (but now I'm found?) ;) Have a great weekend everyone!
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