Forest Home: A mid-century bungalow that was designed with R&R in mind

Bungalow, located at 24 1st Ave., New York, NY, is a contemporary Indian restaurant that has been recognized with a Bib Gourmand award by the MICHELIN Guide, signifying good quality and good value cooking. Helmed by Chef Vikas Khanna, the establishment offers a distinctive dining experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior is characterized by pale pink walls, vibrant murals, and a bar featuring intricate carved panels, creating an aesthetically pleasing setting. Securing a table at Bungalow can be challenging, as the restaurant is frequently bustling, and many diners line up early in hopes of getting a walk-in spot, given that reservations are not available through the MICHELIN Guide's platform. The culinary journey at Bungalow begins with a selection of unique cocktails, which incorporate innovative ingredients such as turmeric-infused tequila and chili-infused mezcal. The menu focuses on contemporary Indian cuisine, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary traditions from India's 28 states. This approach allows for a broad exploration of regional flavors and techniques, moving beyond more commonly known Indian dishes. Standout items highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide include the five-cheese kulcha, a stuffed flatbread, and yogurt kebabs. These kebabs are wrapped in crispy kataifi pastry and served with a bright pickled cabbage puree and a spicy mango coulis, illustrating the kitchen's creative and skillful execution. Bungalow operates from Tuesday to Sunday, opening at 5 PM and closing at 11 PM, with Mondays being its day off. The restaurant accepts various payment methods, including American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards, as well as debit cards. While it falls under the '$$$' price range, categorized as suitable for a 'Special occasion' by the MICHELIN Guide, its Bib Gourmand status implies that it offers excellent value for the quality of food provided. The restaurant is also noted as being family-friendly and is currently trending, further indicating its popularity among diners. Facilities and services include air conditioning. The restaurant is positioned within the New York State, New York area, specifically in a location accessible to a variety of nearby dining and lodging options. The MICHELIN Guide review for Bungalow was published on December 9, 2024, by a Michelin Inspector, who praised the chef's independent venture and the vibrant atmosphere. #MichelinGuide #BibGourmand #IndianCuisine #NewYorkRestaurants #ChefVikasKhanna #ContemporaryIndian #NYC

This article presents a curated selection of 15 house plans designed with retirement living in mind, catering to various needs and preferences, from compact cottages to spacious family homes. The article emphasizes that choosing a house plan is a significant and exciting aspect of retirement planning, especially for those who have found their ideal retirement location but are encountering limited real estate options. The featured house plans from Southern Living's collection include both two-story and single-story designs, ranging from simple to more elaborate, larger residences. The first house plan, Adaptive Cottage (Plan #2075), designed in collaboration with the Parkinson's Foundation, is a single-floor, 1,966-square-foot cottage with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and includes both a front porch and a screened back porch, highlighting accessibility and relaxation. Whisper Creek (Plan #1653) is a 1,555-square-foot cottage with two bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, distinguished by its ample porch space suitable for unwinding. For those seeking to downsize without sacrificing style, Palmetto Cottage (Plan #2009) offers 656 square feet with one bedroom and one bathroom, an ideal option for a guest house, featuring a Southern-style front porch. Eastover Cottage (Plan #1666), a 2,530-square-foot residence, includes three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths, with a wide front porch that expands its living area, making it suitable for hosting grandchildren. Young's Crossing (Plan #1912) is a timeless, one-floor French country-inspired brick home spanning 2,285 square feet with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is designed for accessible living, featuring wide doorways, handicap-accessible baths, and five-foot turning radii throughout the interior. Tideland Haven (Plan #1375), at 2,418 square feet, offers a sprawling layout with deep front porches, two bedrooms, and two-and-a-half baths, prioritizing comfort for retirees. Farmhouse Revival (Plan #1821) is a larger plan at 3,511 square feet with four bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, where the porches are a prominent feature. Sparta II (Plan #1810-A) is a one-floor home under 2,000 square feet, offering three bedrooms or two bedrooms and an office, along with a screened porch and a front patio. Tucker Bayou (Plan #1408), a 3,554-square-foot home inspired by historic seaside architecture, features five bedrooms and four baths, making it suitable for year-round coastal living. Amelia River Cottage (Plan #2069) is a spacious, one-floor cottage of 2,449 square feet, with an expansive owner's suite and adaptable front porch stairs for ramp installation. Nautical Cottage (Plan #224), a popular design, provides 1,315 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms, incorporating charming details like cedar shakes and a Nantucket star design. Covington Cottage (Plan #1010) is a 1,941-square-foot charmer with open living spaces, a private owner's suite, and a bay window, designed to fit into various retirement settings. Deer Run (Plan #731) is a 973-square-foot cabin with two bedrooms and two baths, maximizing space with an open living room, fireplace, and a screened back porch. Crabapple Cottage (Plan #667) offers a substantial 3,945 square feet, with four bedrooms, three full baths, and two half baths, providing ample space. Lastly, Farmdale Cottage (Plan #1870) is a 2,057-square-foot design exuding Southern charm, featuring a stunning entry and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. #RetirementLiving #HousePlans #HomeDesign #CottageStyle #SouthernArchitecture #AccessibleDesign #Porches #SmallHomes #DreamHomes

The modern farmhouse style is a design aesthetic that combines traditional farmhouse elements with contemporary design principles, creating comfortable, inviting, and sophisticated spaces. This style gained significant popularity, partly due to designers like Joanna Gaines, and serves as a response to earlier minimalist trends, allowing individuals to embrace tradition with a modern twist. At its core, modern farmhouse style integrates rustic elements, such as wooden beams or shiplap accent walls, with sleek, contemporary features like stainless steel appliances in a kitchen. The overall effect is one of warmth and elevated design that remains approachable and comfortable. Unlike classic farmhouse, which might lean heavily on vintage and traditional fabrics, modern farmhouse incorporates modern touches like a neutral color palette and clean lines. It emphasizes mixing relaxed furniture with salvaged materials, such as reclaimed wood, and includes antiques that are tactile and tangible, all while maintaining a cozy, uncluttered environment. Color schemes in modern farmhouse design are primarily composed of warm and cool neutrals, including cream, beige, brown, gray, and white, alongside natural, earthy tones such as blues, greens, yellows, and dark oranges. White is frequently used to create bright and open spaces. Warm neutrals, drawing inspiration from natural elements like sand and soil, offer a soft feel, while cool neutrals like gray and light green provide a soothing ambiance. Earthy accents, including warm woods and deeper reds and oranges, are incorporated to be relaxing and grounding rather than bold or jarring. Key design elements common to modern farmhouse homes include reclaimed wood, barnboard details, large comfortable furniture, architectural salvage, pine furniture, wrought iron accents, wide plank floors, and vintage accessories. Maintaining this style involves keeping spaces tidy and organized, utilizing decorative baskets in natural materials, and ensuring open shelving is neatly arranged with matching storage containers. When compared to other styles, modern farmhouse differentiates itself from country style by maintaining a higher level of sophistication and a more minimal approach to accessories. While country style can sometimes verge on kitschy and heavily accessorized, modern farmhouse is more refined. It also contrasts with industrial farmhouse, which plays up raw architectural elements and darker tones, as modern farmhouse tends to be brighter and whiter. There is a slight overlap with cottagecore, but modern farmhouse is characterized by a classic, airy, and rustic feel, in contrast to cottagecore's bright colors, quirky patterns, and maximalist decor. Modern farmhouse generally evokes the image of a larger, classic American home in a rural setting, while cottagecore aligns with a more cluttered English cottage aesthetic. To achieve the modern farmhouse look, comfort is paramount. Furniture should be inviting, and nothing should appear too delicate. Starting with a base of light neutrals—such as cream, beige, silver, or sage—and layering in natural wood tones, especially salvaged wood with natural wear, establishes the foundation. Accent colors can be introduced sparingly to complement the neutral scheme, with contrasting black elements adding a contemporary edge. Incorporating a variety of textures through fabrics like cotton, wool, and chenille is crucial to prevent the neutral space from appearing flat. Mixed metal accents, limited to no more than three per room, can be added via light fixtures and hardware. Drawing inspiration from nature through organic materials like wood, stone, wicker, and rattan helps connect the interior to the outdoors. Finally, accessories should be used sparingly, allowing a few well-placed items to enhance the space without clutter. Modern farmhouse exteriors typically feature white paint on various surfaces, potentially board and batten or X-shaped trim reminiscent of barns. Simple front doors, often double doors or those with windows, commonly feature stained wood or subtle paint colors. Black, gray, or metal roofs, understated trim, and potentially shutters are also characteristic. The structure is often a simple rectangle, possibly with rectangular additions. Large, covered front porches and numerous windows are common, contributing to the bright and inviting interior. Landscaping is typically neat and simple, and lighting fixtures are modern interpretations of rustic styles, such as streamlined lanterns. The exterior serves as a preview of the interior's uncomplicated and welcoming decor, with large porches emphasizing a communal and gathering-friendly atmosphere. #ModernFarmhouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignStyles #NeutralPalette #ReclaimedWood #RusticCharm #ContemporaryDesign

The article details how two couples, the Laffertys and the Bernards, adapted the 'Old Oyster' house plan by Southern Living House Plans to create their ideal retirement homes in coastal settings. Both couples, having recently retired, sought residences that offered extensive natural views and outdoor access, making the 'Old Oyster' plan's large windows, spacious porches, and decks particularly appealing. The Laffertys, originally planning to retire in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, faced challenges with increasing traffic, crowded beaches, and high prices. A serendipitous detour led Pam Lafferty to discover Cape Charles, Virginia, a town offering stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and a strong sense of community, which ultimately convinced her and her husband, Jed, to settle there. They purchased a lot near the bay and customized the 'Old Oyster' plan by repositioning the upstairs bedrooms to maximize the bay views, incorporating a deck accessible from these rooms. Jed, with his agricultural background, engaged in community efforts to maintain local nature trails and preserves, fostering connections with neighbors. The Bernards, having enjoyed city life in San Francisco after moving from Pittsburgh, sought a similar vibrancy in South Carolina's coastal towns as retirement approached. While they explored various locations like Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, and Bluffton, it was Spring Island that captivated them. Mary Bernard described Spring Island as a nature preserve where residents live, offering a unique blend of largely untouched nature, low-density development, a community farm, and diverse water views. Tim Bernard was particularly drawn to the engaging community. They selected a lot framed by two grand live oaks and collaborated with Allison Ramsey Architects to adapt the 'Old Oyster' plan. Their modifications included an open kitchen, family, and living room layout for entertaining, enclosing part of the front porch to create a mudroom, and expanding the main bathroom and closets for additional storage. They also added a guest suite over the garage to accommodate visits from their children and grandchildren. The house proved versatile during the COVID-19 pandemic, comfortably housing their son, his expectant wife, and their daughter for several months, with their first grandchild born on the island, celebrated by the community. The 'Old Oyster' plan (SL-1934), developed by Allison Ramsey Architects, is a two-story, 3,951-square-foot design characterized by its iconic coastal look, wide front porch, and a double-height foyer leading to a classic center hall. This design allows for clear sightlines from the front door to the back, emphasizing the connection to the outdoors. The rear of the house features two levels of screened porches, one with a fireplace, designed to capture water views and ocean breezes. A first-floor main bedroom makes the plan suitable for retirement living, with the entire second story dedicated to guest accommodations. The adaptability of this house plan allowed both families to create homes that met their specific lifestyle needs and preferences, while embracing the natural beauty of their chosen coastal environments. The article highlights the successful customization of a standard architectural plan to suit individual desires for retirement living amidst nature. #HomeDesign #HousePlans #RetirementLiving #CoastalHomes #LowcountryStyle #Architecture #CustomHome #NatureLiving

This blog post features a unique custom-built home located at 3482 Flamingo Ave. on Siesta Key, currently on the market for $5.8 million. Completed in 2019, the residence seamlessly blends Old World architectural elements with modern design aesthetics. The owner, Gary McDermott, who had no prior experience in architecture or home design, custom-built the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom house with personal touches that also appeal to a broader market. McDermott is selling the home due to a relocation to Raleigh for work. The exterior of the home showcases more than 24 feet of hand-carved Cantera stone framing the double front doors, which are 10-foot-tall mahogany. These carvings include frangipani, his wife’s favorite flower, and a flamingo, a nod to the home's address. Wall-climbing vines and a water fountain contribute to a regal entrance, while wrought-iron balconies overlook a Roman-style pool. The property sits on an acre of land on the north end of Siesta Key and includes a three-car garage. Inside the 4,152 square-foot residence, the fusion of styles continues. An interior courtyard houses a 45-foot lap pool, surrounded by stone pillars. This five-foot-deep pool not only serves as a focal point but also functions to cool the house, reportedly lowering the temperature by 10-15 degrees and creating a natural draft. The pool area also offers views of a large backyard and canal access to Sarasota Bay. McDermott sourced the hand-carved stone from Mexico, emphasizing his preference for Old World styles while maintaining a clean, modern look. The interior features extensive tiling throughout, with traditional furniture pieces and light fixtures complementing updated bathroom and kitchen cabinetry. The kitchen boasts blue azul granite countertops, a material also used around the pool. The owner noted that delays in finding specific tiles provided ample time to refine their vision for the home. A notable amenity for contemporary living is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom guest house equipped with a full kitchen and a luxury office, catering to remote workers. Looking ahead, the roof was intended for further development, with plans for a greenhouse, a day bed, a putting green, and a bocce ball court, adorned with cacti and bromeliads. These future projects are now available for the next homeowner to undertake. Steve Abbe of the Abbe Ross Team with Coldwell Banker Realty in Florida is the contact for inquiries regarding the property. #SiestaKey #CustomHome #LuxuryRealEstate #MediterraneanArchitecture #OldWorldDesign #ModernDesign #SarasotaHomes #HomeForSale #ArchitecturalFeatures