Black and White Kitchen

Most of the houses along the South Corridor have eat-in kitchens, so when I saw this photo I had to add it! Just because your kitchen is small, doesn't mean it can't be chic!

Black and White Bathrooms

I luv, luv, luv these bathrooms!

More Bathroom Ideas!

Contemporary Bathroom Inspiration

When it comes to style, I teeter between traditional and cottage, but I thought some of you contempos out there might like these because they look about the size of the bathrooms in our little ranches.

Mad About Modern

The Mid-Centrury Home Tour will take place next weekend. Buy your tickets at http://www.historiccharlotte.org/.

Paint That Brick, Honey!

My first house was a small mid-century brick ranch that needed lots of updating, but not a complete overhaul. The Huz and I performed many remodeling miracles except one - we did not paint the brick. Why would someone who is so pro-painted brick not paint the first block of clay I could get my hands on (sorry for the ending preposition)? The brick was nice. Painting the trim, shutters and front door freshened the exterior nicely.


If your brick isn't so nice, as in ugly with a capital U, then I highly recommend painting it. Repeat after me, "It is okay to paint brick." Again. Say this aloud 10 times before continuing to read the remainder of this blog. When The Huz and I bought home # 2, we both agreed to paint it. Why? Because the brick was ugly, that's why! And so was the man-made stone veneer on the upper half of the front facade.

Eventhough The Huz and I did not come to fisticuffs during the great paint debate, many couples do. When it comes to home remodeling, men are from Mars and Women are from Venus. My conversations on the topic to paint or not to paint, men answer a big fat 'No' while women are a resounding 'Yes!'


Is it maintenance? Yes, but so is everything else, like mowing the lawn and servicing your car. At some point you'll have to replace your home's HVAC, roof, insulation and appliances. You'll need to update the kitchen and bathrooms, repave or concrete your driveway and get a new hot water heater. If you use a quality primer and paint then you only have to repaint your house every 10 years. You probably won't even live in your house that long, but it will look great while you do.

Prime Time

I was so excited when the day came for The Huz and I to prime our house. Less than one percent of the homes in the 'hood are painted and I knew that once our neighbors saw us spraying the house they would freak. The day was sunny and mid-80s. Perfect for priming. Or so I thought! Stephanie and Hunter (our favorite DIY neighbors) had plans of their own. They totally stole our thunder by grading their yard on the same day at the same time! Everyone - dog walkers, skateboarders, bikers, strolling moms, even the mailman - was transfixed on that yellow sonic booming Catepillar, oblivious to the the all-white transformation occuring across the street. My heart sunk as I realized that my little paint brush just couldn't compete with their booming excavator.

Aside - I have to say, even we stared at the excavator. They unearthed many treasures that day. The best included a beach chair and an 8x10 rug! The former owner was a scientist who performed strange experiments in and around the house. Steph & H. had to remove six layers of sheet rock from the walls and fill in peepholes that were found in every room.