A 1970s A-Frame Cabin in Big Bear Is Brought Back to Life

The article details the redesign of an 18th-century farmhouse in Lumberton, transforming it to accommodate modern living while honoring its historical roots. The project was undertaken by Michelle Gage of Philadelphia-based Michelle Gage Interiors, who notes the home's significant age, dating back to the Revolutionary era. This particular residence presented a unique challenge due to its extensive history and the accumulated alterations made by previous inhabitants over centuries. The homeowner's openness to Gage's suggestions was a crucial factor in the redesign's success, allowing for a creative yet respectful approach. Gage identified an inherent 'English vibe' in the home and aimed to align the interior design with both this aesthetic and the client's 'quirky and eccentric' personality. The English influence is evident throughout the house, starting from the entry where antique boot racks hold wellies. The primary bedroom showcases a vibrant display of color and pattern, featuring layered florals on the walls, headboard, and bedding. The chosen wallpaper designs evoke a British country house style, characterized by rich patterns that contribute depth and character to the space. The redesign also incorporated unique elements like a moody, jungle-themed wall covering in the breakfast nook. This wallpaper, featuring hidden animal motifs, thoughtfully frames the home's original built-in cabinetry, adding an element of surprise and whimsy. In contrast, the laundry room adopts a more serene ambiance with a subdued sage-green and white botanical wall covering, designed to create a fresh and crisp atmosphere reminiscent of newly laundered linens. The project successfully merged historical integrity with contemporary comfort and personal style, creating a home that respects its past while providing a vibrant and unique living environment for its current owner. The collaboration between the designer and homeowner resulted in a space that is both historically conscious and reflective of modern eclectic tastes, demonstrating how an antique structure can be adapted for current lifestyles without sacrificing its inherent charm. #LumbertonFarmhouse #HistoricalHome #HomeRedesign #EclecticDecor #InteriorDesign #MichelleGageInteriors #EnglishVibe #RevolutionaryEraHome

Los Angeles County outlines a streamlined rebuilding process for residents affected by wildfires, establishing one-stop permit centers to assist with navigation. Construction cannot commence until debris removal is complete, but residents are encouraged to apply for necessary permits as soon as they are ready. A guide titled "The Road to Rebuilding" helps residents understand the steps involved in the complex rebuilding process after a wildfire, including an animated video overview. Key rebuilding highlights include scheduling appointments at one-stop permit centers, applying for building or fire debris removal permits, learning about like-for-like rebuild options, obtaining temporary housing permits, and utilizing mapping resources. Information is also available for navigating manufactured and factory-built homes. The article addresses frequently asked questions related to fire rebuilds, covering topics such as what to expect, permitting timelines, and fees. A "like-for-like" rebuild, as defined by the Zoning Code, involves a replacement structure that is the same size, in the same location, and for the same use as the previous one. In the Palisades Fire affected area, modifications that do not increase floor area, size, height, or building footprint by more than 10% are allowed. In the Eaton Fire affected area, modifications can increase these aspects by up to 10% or 200 square feet, whichever is greater. These structures can have different internal floor plans or be smaller and do not need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements but must adhere to current Building, Fire, and Health and Safety Codes. The timeline for rebuilding is not definitive, with applications for temporary housing and like-for-like rebuilds generally required within two years of an emergency declaration. Extensions may be granted, but building permits expire if construction doesn't begin within 12 months. The duration of the permitting process varies based on project complexity, with expedited services for like-for-like rebuilds and pre-approved plans. More complex projects will still be expedited, with initial reviews within 10 business days and rechecks within 5 business days for Regional Planning. Additional agency approvals, such as a water agency "Will-Serve" letter, are usually required before a building permit can be issued. Minimum submittal requirements include one application with architectural plans and property ownership information to initiate review, with additional materials like structural and energy plans requested later. A debris removal permit is only necessary if homeowners opt out of the government-assisted program. Reusing existing foundations requires evaluation by an engineering consultant, ensuring the foundation meets current building code requirements after thorough testing and forensic analysis. Demolition permits are not required for those in the government's debris removal program if the foundation remains. The article also addresses specific code requirements, including exemptions and waivers for certain like-for-like rebuild projects in the Eaton Fire area, such as electric vehicle-ready infrastructure, cool roof requirements, graywater-ready plumbing systems, and low impact development (LID) requirements for buildings constructed before 2009. LID requirements are not waived in the Palisades area. Guidance is provided on cross-lot drainage and the process for determining previous square footage and available construction plans. Pre-approved building plans are available for homeowners, and solar panels are no longer mandatory but homes must be solar-ready. Fire sprinklers are required by current codes, and while new buildings must be electric-ready, gas appliances are still permitted. Wood-burning chimneys are now allowed for fire rebuild projects. Information on property tagging ("Yellow" or "Red" tags) provides details on access restrictions and safety concerns, with contact information for local Building and Safety District Offices and One-Stop Permit Centers. Temporary housing, including RVs, manufactured homes, or mobilehomes, is allowed with proper connections, and approvals expire two years after the emergency declaration, with possible extensions. Manufactured and factory-built homes can serve as permanent replacement structures if they meet fire-resistant construction requirements and are installed on a continuous concrete footing. Building new Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) is permitted as temporary housing while the primary dwelling is rebuilt, with expedited permitting and compliance with current codes. Utility-related questions cover septic systems, sewer connections, and undergrounding utilities. Existing septic systems can be reused if in good working order for like-for-like rebuilds, but upgrades are required if wastewater flow increases. Connection to county sewer lines is mandated if a property is within 200 linear feet of a sewer main and repair of a septic system is needed. Homeowners are responsible for the cost of lateral connections to underground utilities. The County supports the creation of community-driven sewer districts and clarifies that Public Health Department management keeps all inspectors informed of changes regarding septic, cesspool, and sewer systems. Incorporating greywater systems is encouraged for environmental benefits, though specific policies for new ADUs are still developing. Regarding swimming pools and spas, temporary fencing is required if existing barriers are damaged, and debris removal from pools is covered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers if within the ash footprint. Draining pools to the sewer requires a permit and specific conditions, otherwise, private water haulers must be hired. The rights of new buyers are also addressed, clarifying that while temporary housing eligibility is tied to prior residency, expedited permitting is available to all within two years of the emergency declaration, regardless of property ownership changes. Lastly, contact information for one-stop locations and various rebuilding resources for different cities within Los Angeles County are provided, including links for FEMA assistance, disaster loans, tax relief, and insurance claims. #WildfireRecovery #RebuildingProcess #LAcountyPermits #TemporaryHousing #LikeForLikeRebuilds #BuildingCodes #SepticSystems #SewerConnections #DisasterAssistance

Jay Deputy embarked on a journey to update his late parents' home in Seaford, Delaware, transforming it into a personal retreat while preserving its inherent character. The single-story, red brick Colonial-style house, built in 1968, held significant sentimental value, having been purchased by his parents, John and Lillian, in 1970. Deputy, who describes himself as a lifelong collector of homes and furnishings, ranging from a 13,000-square-foot mansion in St. Paul, Minnesota, to a New York City loft and a centuries-old farmhouse in North Wilmington, viewed the Seaford property as an ideal downstate getaway. He appreciated its "human-scaled" rooms, conducive to intimate gatherings of six to eight people. Upon inheriting the house after his mother's passing in 2009, Deputy's initial focus was on structural stability. This involved addressing termite damage, installing a new heating and air conditioning system, and restoring the front porch columns. He then furnished the porch with rockers and casual seating, allowing for enjoyment of the hydrangeas. Simultaneously, he simplified the yard and garden to better suit a second home, acknowledging it as an ongoing project despite removing several trees. Inside, Deputy concentrated his decorative efforts on the entertaining areas: the formal living room, library, dining room, and sunroom, along with the master and guest bedrooms. Notably, he left the kitchen largely untouched, preserving its original Corian countertops, plank cabinets, and wrought-iron hinges, deeming it "still a very serviceable kitchen." The library, which served as a family room during his childhood, underwent a significant transformation. Deputy removed dark paneling, painting the walls and fireplace a soft celadon green, a color inspired by a floral needlepoint rug inherited from his grandmother. He sourced matching Baker settees, reupholstering them in a claret-and-ivory toile fabric by Brunschwig & Fils, featuring pheasants, hunting dogs, and woodland flora. Accents of black, including a painted tole tray, silk chandelier shades, and a cocktail table, complement the room's color scheme. A 19th-century Empire-inspired mahogany bookcase displays antique volumes and Chinese porcelains, subtly reflecting the room's palette, flanked by 18th-century Chippendale chairs. Deputy's decorating style, while more formal, shares a common appreciation for Chippendale furniture with his mother, who preferred a country aesthetic. He describes the mahogany sideboard in the dining room as an artful reproduction, adorned with vintage Waterford crystal and heirloom decanters holding a collection of rare Scotches. The full restoration of his St. Paul mansion, which took a decade, provided him with valuable hands-on experience in plastering and carpentry. For the Seaford project, he hired out much of the work but personally handled tasks he enjoyed, such as painting, often accompanied by Bach on his iPod. The formal dining room features a bold blue-and-white Brunschwig & Fils wallpaper depicting birds and vines. Chippendale-style dining chairs by Maison Jansen and mid-century reproductions of a dining table and breakfront by Henredon, inherited from his aunt, complete the space. An antique Chinese rug from his grandmother and 18th-century gilt-wood sconces with their original mirrors add historical depth. In the sunroom, Deputy refreshed his mother's whitewashed wicker furniture with black paint and claret-and-cream toile cushions. Unmatched Asian-influenced chandeliers were unified with a glossy crimson enamel, and lemon trees and leafy plants contribute to a tropical atmosphere. The formal living room showcases his grandmother’s camelback sofa, upholstered in its original shimmering gold silk, complemented by cream walls, coral wing chairs, and an Oriental carpet. The room also features a 1740 partner's desk, a mahogany desk with flame finials crafted in Delaware, and 18th-century commodes serving as end tables. A magnificent, thinly cut stone screen from China behind the sofa underscores his passion for collecting. Deputy emphasizes the sentiment behind these items, stating, "Things we find, things that have age, things we collect have a certain weightedness," and cherishes the stories embedded within them. #HomeRenovation #InheritedHome #InteriorDesign #SeafordDelaware #FamilyHeirlooms #ChippendaleStyle #HistoricHomes #HomeDecor #PersonalizedSpace

Parachute, a company renowned for its bedding products, has announced its expansion into the furniture market, beginning with a collection of upholstered bed frames. This new venture, which launched on September 15, allows customers to furnish their entire sleeping area with the brand's offerings. The initial furniture collection includes three distinct bed frame designs, available in seven different fabric options. This move is a strategic expansion for the growing brand, driven by sustained customer demand for complementary furniture pieces to complete their bedrooms. Ariel Kaye, founder and CEO of Parachute, highlighted that the company's customers have consistently requested suitable bed frames to pair with their existing bedding. Kaye emphasized Parachute's intention to leverage its expertise in the industry to offer a unique perspective on furniture design. As a company with a strong foundation in textiles, Parachute aimed to showcase its core strengths by developing an assortment of upholstered bed frames. The design inspiration for this collection draws heavily from the brand's home state of California, incorporating elements from the historic curves of Laurel Canyon and the natural formations of the Mojave Desert's sand dunes. The overarching goal was to introduce a softer, more tactile dimension to furniture. Following this design philosophy, the team developed a minimalist collection that aligns seamlessly with Parachute's established sophisticated and simple aesthetic. The collection features three main bed frame designs: the Canyon Bed Frame, which echoes the winding paths of Laurel Canyon; the Dune Bed Frame, characterized by a split back designed to achieve clean symmetry; and the Horizon Bed Frame, which pays homage to the serene sunrises observed in Venice Beach. Each of these bed frames offers a selection of upholstery materials, including a durable linen cotton blend, a relaxed washed linen, and a plush faux shearling fabric. These options provide customers with choices that cater to various interior design preferences and comfort needs. All furniture pieces in Parachute's new collection are proudly made in America. The brand ensures a premium delivery and installation experience by shipping items via white-glove service. While assembly is required, customers have the option to request assistance from the white-glove service partners for a complete setup. The pricing for the bed frames ranges from $1,800 to $3,050, reflecting the quality craftsmanship and materials used in their construction. This collection is available for purchase through Parachute's official website, Parachute.com, and at their brick-and-mortar retail locations. The launch represents a significant step for Parachute in broadening its product range and solidifying its position as a holistic home goods provider, extending beyond just bedding to encompass larger furniture items that maintain its signature style and quality. #ParachuteHome #FurnitureLaunch #UpholsteredBeds #HomeDecor #BedroomDesign #CaliforniaInspired #TextileFocused #MadeInAmerica #InteriorDesign

Canopy beds, a classic bedroom feature, are experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity, driven by their nostalgic appeal and their capacity to introduce elegance and coziness into a bedroom setting. This trend, recognized by the Best of Houzz 2024 awards, highlights the timeless allure of canopy beds, which offer both charm and grandeur, making a substantial impact in any bedroom. Interior designers and home decor experts note that these beds bring a sense of timeless elegance and contribute to the current design preference for cozy and intimate spaces, evoking feelings of a romantic getaway or a luxurious retreat. Integrating a canopy bed effectively requires careful consideration of the room's dimensions and layout to prevent the bed from overwhelming the space. There is a wide array of canopy bed designs available, ranging from plush, fully-upholstered models to sleek, modern variations that can complement a minimalistic aesthetic. Personal style plays a crucial role in selecting the ideal canopy bed for a specific room. Achieving a sophisticated and elegant look with a canopy bed also involves a focus on balance and proportion. Designers recommend incorporating clean lines and neutral colors to foster a harmonious environment, further enhanced by luxurious bedding and soft lighting to create a refined ambiance. Given their commanding presence, canopy beds often dictate the overall design of a bedroom, suggesting that the room should be built around this central furnishing. This approach allows for the creation of a layered space, where elements like colors, textures, and personal items are thoughtfully added to complement the bed, resulting in a well-rounded and personalized room that feels cohesive rather than over-decorated. Customization is another key aspect of incorporating canopy beds, allowing for unique touches such as mixing prints and solids for upholstery or using contrasting interior fabrics to make the design stand out. For beds with fewer customization options, surrounding elements like bed linens, sconces, and window draperies can be utilized to add visual interest and sophistication, with sheer fabrics or drapes enhancing the overall aesthetic. While king-sized canopy beds are commonly envisioned for primary suites, twin-sized versions are increasingly popular for children's rooms, offering a dramatic yet scaled-down furnishing. Matching wallpaper with the bed's fabric can further elevate the design in these smaller settings. The article provides several inspirational examples, including custom upholstered beds, traditional wooden canopy beds in expansive spaces, architectural masterpieces that serve as focal points, contemporary designs with soft upholstered headboards, and grand wooden beds that ground spaces with high ceilings, illustrating the versatility and enduring appeal of this bedroom feature. These examples underscore how canopy beds can be adapted to various design preferences and room sizes, transforming a bedroom into a personalized and luxurious sanctuary. #CanopyBeds #BedroomDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #LuxuriousBedroom #DesignTrends #ColeyHome #JoyMeetsHome #HomeStyling