Jasper Magee asked:




Are you interested in moving to the Outer Banks area of North Carolina? If you are, there is a good chance that you may be looking for an Outer Banks beach house, as Outer Banks is most well-known for its beautiful beachfront properties. When it comes to buying an Outer Banks beach house, like all other types of Outer Banks properties, there are a number of important factors that you will want to take into consideration.

When looking to buying an Outer Banks beach house, it is advised that you look past the beach. Many Outer Banks beach house buyers want to have the perfect beachfront location. While the perfect beachfront location is nice, you will want to remember to examine the home in question. You will want to make sure that it is not only attractive, but able to accommodate you and your living arrangement needs. For instance, how many bedrooms do you need? Do you want an onsite swimming pool or a home with a garage? Besides how close the home is to the water, these are other important questions that you will want to ask yourself.

In addition to focusing on the Outer Banks beach house, you will also want to take the asking price of that home into consideration. As you likely already know, an Outer Banks beach house is likely to cost more money than a home that is located inland. The reason for this increased cost is the water. Beachfront properties are often considered prime real estate; thus their high costs. If you want to own an Outer Banks beach house, you need to make sure that you can comfortably afford to own one. That is why the cost of an Outer Banks beach house is extremely important; perhaps, the most important factor that needs to be taken into consideration.

Although Outer Banks beach houses are absolutely beautiful and well worth their costs, you will want to make sure that the home in question is strong, as well as the property. Although hurricanes often hit farther south, it is not uncommon for a strong storm to hit the Outer Banks area. Should a strong storm hit, whether or not it be a hurricane, do you think the Outer Banks beach house you want to buy could withstand a strong storm? If it is a relatively modern home, there is a good chance that it will, but you may want to verify just in case. It is also advised that you examine flood risk, as it is a common danger of beachfront properties. Even if the Outer Banks beach home of your dreams is considered a flood risk, you can still purchase it if you want, as long as you acquire the needed insurance, like flood insurance.

The above mentioned factors are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration, if and when you decide to buy an Outer Banks beach house. For the best chance of success, as well as inside information, you may want to think about acquiring the services of an Outer Banks real estate agent.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

Tags: , ,

House Designs

hup123hup123slapslap asked:


Just a video for my dad. Subscribers please ignore! Song~ Let it Rock instrumental

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

Tags: , ,

Alice Lane asked:




It is easy to confuse the terms modern architecture and contemporary architecture since the two words mean the same thing in casual usage. However modern architecture refers to the design which was inspired by the historical modernist art movement, so that in actual fact most examples of modern house plans are at least fifty years old. The modernist movement represented a rebellion against the traditions of classic architecture. Because this movement spanned almost sixty years, it embraces different architectural styles including Arts & Crafts, ranch, and Art Deco. The movement also produced giants in the pantheon of architecture, including Frank Lloyd Wright in America, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe in Germany, and Le Corbusier in Switzerland.

The key elements which distinguish modern architecture are open living spaces, which is largely Frank Lloyd Wright’s contribution. Wright thought that separate rooms tended to impede the flow of living. Thus, modernist home plans are characterized by open floor plans which combine spaces for entertaining, relaxing, and dining. Modern country houseplans feature large plate-glass windows and outdoor patio areas to increase the living space and to bring the sense of the outdoors inside. Another key element of the modernistic style is its clean geometric lines and lack of adornment, instead of the embellished columns and arches characteristic of the classical style. Modernism also adopted technologically-advanced materials such as steel, glass, and concrete instead of the traditional stone, wood, and plaster. Another key element of modernism is the “form follows function” ideal, which is largely the contribution of Mies van der Rohe and his Bauhaus followers, whom you can thank for the office cubicle. Mies’ view was that homes and other buildings should be large and wide-open in order to accommodate various functions, and then be subdivided as needed with movable screens and walls. Mies believed that the open space would create a feeling of community.

Although the concept of open space in modern architecture has visual appeal, probably Wright never thought for a moment about the difficulty of keeping all that open space clean. With an open floor plan, it isn’t possible to shove clutter into a corner and close a door on it. Indeed, in modern luxury home plans it is possible to see dirty dishes from the living room, so there is nowhere to hide from having to keep the kitchen spotless at all times. Also, although modernist architecture’s focus on using new technologies and materials was quite exciting in its time, by now the metal-and-glass boxes seem cold and sterile – not to mention that they show dust. While modern architecture honors the idea of freely flowing space, its slavish devotion to pure function tended to ignore human needs. As an example, towering modern condos and apartment complexes are an economical use of limited land space, but their lack of contact with nature and greenery and of common areas discourages human interaction and promotes isolation. Open space in the home can interfere with people’s need for privacy. Also few people really want to live with no sentimental objects in view.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

Tags: , ,

Brenda Williams asked:




If you live in Raleigh, North Carolina and travel to the beach often, you may want to consider buying a beach house. However, if you are thinking of buying a beach house, there are many things to consider. First, there is the price. Unlike regular houses, beach properties are considered “prime real estate” most of the time which spells out big bucks to you when it comes time to put money down on the house of your dreams. You should begin by going to your favorite area. For instance, if you frequent the Outer Banks of North Carolina around the areas of Duck and Corrolla, then the next time that you go out there for vacation, pay attention to the types of houses that are out there. A lot of the time, you can find a beach house by seeing the “for sale” sign on the property. Take down any numbers of people who are selling beach houses that you like and inquire about them. Additionally, there are usually beach front property rental and realty offices in areas such as these. Make sure you take down the numbers of realty offices in the area or simply stop by to speak to someone.

Once you know the kind of beach house or beach property that you’re looking for, then you can begin to look to see if you can afford it. If you find that you are able to afford beach property, then you can decide whether or not you want to hire a realtor to help you solidify your dreams. If you are a first-time buyer of beach property, you may want to take up the advice of a realtor in the area you are looking to buy in since they will more than likely be more knowledgeable. Before you meet up with the realtor, bring a friend with you who has gone through the process of buying beach property or at least consult with them before you go. Have their number handy and let them know that you will be meeting with a realtor, this way they know to expect a phone call from you. Write down any questions or concerns you may have about owning beach property, this way the realtor can address them at your meeting. For example, some things to consider when you are buying beach front property are things having to do with the value of the home depreciating or appreciating over time depending on the area, issues with how to go about getting flood insurance, how to maintain the upkeep of the property if it is only going to be used seasonally, etc.

If you know that you cannot afford a beach house on your own but are still really interested, it’s not the end of the world. Look into renting a beach house or possibly buying one with a friend. Have a close friend or family member co-sign on buying the property with you and then work out arrangements as to who will stay at the property during what time of the year. Before you do this, however, no matter if it is a close friend or family member, always make sure that you write up some sort of written contract in case there are ever any problems down the line!

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

Tags: , ,

Kathy Burns-Millyard asked:




Bring a breath of fresh air to town bathrooms with a breezy beach-house theme, or create a soothing mood inspired by the natural colors and textures of the seashore.

The beach-house bathroom is a foil of gentle contrasts. Clean lines and a restricted color palette create a fresh, uncluttered look. The colors of sun, sea, and sand are naturally an influence. The style is low-key, romantically rustic, and simple. And the way you put the colors together should reflect these qualities.

Take the cool blues – deepest marine to palest aqua – for inspiration, and choose from the yellows – vibrant sunshine yellow and sand-gold to cream – to provide a contrast. Using white as a foil, you can blend colors to express quite different moods. Opt for a bright and summery seaside atmosphere with strong color brights – use deckchair stripes on furnishings and tiles. Alternatively, choose the sun-bleached looks of a beach cabin – soft whites, muted blues, light sandy-grays, and pale yellows – and echo the weathered tones of driftwood and pebbles with limed and color-washed wood and stone effects.

Creating the Look

For a fresh, airy, coastal mood, paint walls and ceiling white, or in a pale to mid-tone matte latex. A change of texture – tongue-and-groove paneling or plain tiles – will add interest below wainscoting level. A darker color will “ground” the scheme and suggest sea and sky. Choose strong contrasts such as marine blue and white, or go for a subtle distressed or color-washed finish. Pale colors and close harmonies will create a gentle, ethereal look.

Beach-house style has a period feel but it is easy to integrate modern features. Select a simple bathroom suite in white or cream, or a clean-lined retro-style design. Panel the bathtub to complement the wainscoting area, or with natural or whitewashed pine. Otherwise install a freestanding, curtained bathtub. Site a shower cubicle behind a divider “wall” – this can be tiled on the inside and paneled on the other – or screen the shower area with a marine pattern shower curtain or a plain or striped glass panel. If stripped, limed, or painted floorboards are not available, choose vinyl flooring in a coastal color, or cover existing flooring with wooden decking. Natural fiber matting and cork tiles also work well. Stone tiles, quarry tiles, and mosaics enhance the rustic look – make them warm with cotton rugs.

Style Pointers

WALLS

Atmospheric color: soft white, neutrals/aqua/ blue latex/tiles/ tongue-and-groove paneling; stenciled marine motifs; aqua color mosaic details.

WINDOWS

Curtains/simple: pale/white semi sheers; tab-headed, cased, basic gathered styles; eyelet/laced calico panels; improvised driftwood/painted wood curtain rod.

Blinds/shutters: natural wood slatted blinds; roll-up cane; painted/distressed wooden shutters.

FABRICS

Naturals/stripes: rough/smooth/loose weave linens; muslin; waffle cottons; toweling; striped cottons; marine prints.

FLOORING

Natural/rustic: stripped/painted/limed boards; wooden decking; stone/quarry tiles; cork.

Rugs: woven grass/rush mats; nubby cotton weave/rag rugs; wooden boardwalks/cork mats.

BATHROOM FITTINGS

Period style/white: simple, wood paneled bathtub; old-fashioned freestanding bathtub; matching basin; low-key modern styles; traditional cross head brass or chrome taps; see-through shower panels/marine motif/striped shower curtain.

FURNITURE

Weathered wood: country-style cupboards/chest/chair/shelves in limed, distressed, color-rubbed wood, iron frame/wicker.

LIGHTING

Simple/period: glass/metal fisherman’s brass lantern; turned wood sconce candelabrum/candles.

ACCESSORIES

Marine/weathered: shell or driftwood mirror frame; porthole shaped mirror; rustic shelves; wooden bath rack; rustic style/period glass containers; cane/wicker laundry basket; color coordinated/striped towels; sea sponges; natural objects – pebbles, shells, starfish; model boats; carved wooden seabirds.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

Tags: , ,

« Older entries