Web tour: Boston Sunday Globe: Dreamy drystone walls

Click on this photo to see it in the note cards/prints gallery.No two drystone wallers would build the same wall. That’s the magic of the medium. This wall is part of the old stone-barn ruin that I wrote about in a previous post. Dan Snow of Vermont writes in the Globe, “A derelict old wall can be restored to its original profile, but even when the same stones are used, it can never be the same wall twice. Every builder will handle the stones differently, resulting in a unique creation every time.” Snow’s book In the Company of Stone first introduced me to his lyrical stone work and poetic prose. I imagine I’ll find his latest book Listening to Stone (from which the Globe essay is adapted) equally engrossing. His is yet another craft I would love to learn. If only it didn’t involve all that heavy lifting…

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

Design Hive

At the Maria Baldwin School in Cambridge, MA:

Saturdays through Dec. 20, 2008

 

Last Saturday, a friend (and fellow RISD alum) and I dropped in on the Design Hive in Cambridge to check out one-of-a-kind design wares. We were delighted to find a wide assortment of unique, quality creations just in time for the holiday season. Located in the cafeteria of the Baldwin School, a short walking distance from Harvard Square, the Hive was buzzing with talent.

 

I couldn’t resist a hand-crocheted baby hat from Loops created by Alexia Cohen. I was captivated by beautiful, three-foot by four-foot monotype prints of stunning originality by Emily Taranto-Kent. She describes her organic work as "inspired by eastern philosphies and very modern."  Neither Alexia nor Emily has a website yet, not even business cards, but it’s only a matter of time. They’re great examples of the fresh, up-and-coming designers to be discovered at the Hive. Contemporary porcelain pottery from La Tavola Pottery by Michele James Hurley, another RISD alum, was a highlight as was glassware by Titan Glass LLC, unusual steel housewares by Mean & Wroughten, and jewelry by Alessandra Designs. I’m leaving out other apparel and clothing-accessory designers only because I’m fashion impaired; it’s by no means a comment on their work.

 

The Design Hive is the brainchild of Val Fox, founder of Red Valise, a web-consulting enterprise. She was recently a guest on Fox 25’s “The Look,” talking about the Design Hive. The indie market will continue each of the next six Saturdays 10:00 am- 5:00 pm, featuring 30-50 rotating designers each event. You don’t want to miss it.

 

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

Winter 2008 holiday house tours

Recommended upcoming New England tours

 

Nantucket Christmas Stroll Annual Holiday House Tour (Nantucket, MA) Friday, December 5, 2008 11:00 am-4:00 pm (Call for ticket info 508.228.1700.)

 

New Bedford Preservation Society's Annual Holdiay House Tour (New Bedford, MA) Saturday, December 6, 2008 4:00 pm-8:00 pm and Sunday, December 7, 2008 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

 

Pilgrim Hall Museum Holiday House Tour (Plymouth, MA) Saturday and Sunday, December 6 & 7, 2008 10:00 am-4:00 pm

 

Christmas in Salem (Salem, MA) Saturday, December 6, 2008 10:00 am-4:30 pm and Sunday, December 7, 2008 11:30 am-4:30 pm

 

Stockbridge Holiday House Tour (Stockbridge, MA) Saturday, December 6, 2008 11:00 am-4:00 pm

 

Newburyport Holiday House Tour (Newburyport, MA) Saturday, December 6, 2008 10:00 am

 

Westport 22nd Holiday House Tour (Westport, CT) Sunday, December 7, 2008 11:00 am-4:00 pm

 

Bristol Home for the Holiday House Tour (Bristol, RI) Saturday, December 13, 2008 12:00 pm-5:00 pm

 

Woodbury 14th Anniversary Holiday House Tour (Woodbury, CT) Saturday, December 13, 2008 10:00 am- 4:00 pm

 

Woodstock Holiday House Tour (Woodstock, VT) Saturday, December 13, 2008 10:00 am-4:00 pm

Web tour: Boston Globe: Time to revisit housing policy

Edward Glaeser writes in the Sunday Globe, “Instead of continuing the debt-fueled policies that got us where we are, why not rethink our approach to the housing market?” He suggests that government subsidies be redirected from "wealthy Americans who borrow to buy bigger homes" toward first-time home buyers, so we can build “more housing where it’s needed.” He continues, “Instead of spending federal money to encourage borrowing and keep prices high, it would make more sense to make housing more affordable by eliminating the artificial restrictions that stymie supply.” Like Rybczynski whose Wilson Quarterly essay I referred to in a previous post, Glaeser sees lot size and density as key factors in affordability. Glaeser writes, “In dense states like Massachusetts prices have been kept high by localities that oppose new construction, with large minimum lot sizes, Draconian barriers to subdivisions, and a general hostility to any multifamily housing. If those uses were eased, then housing would become more abundant and affordable.”

 

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

Design snapshot: Understated classical entry

Click on this photo to see it in the note cards/prints gallery.The eye-catching color palette used on this c. 1771 entry taps into my fondness for blue and brown combinations. This twist on that combo in blue-green and grey-brown is especially attractive. Add in the striking contrast of the orange pumpkins, and no wonder I wasn’t the only one snapping photos of this treat on Sunday. It would be even more photogenic without the corn-husk witch on the door.

Once you look beyond color, you’ll notice the exquisite, beaded clapboards that wrap the elegantly trimmed plank door. The Doric pilasters and entablature are quietly dignified. Simple strap hinges and an iron, latch set beautifully echo the long, brown lines of the clapboards and trim, while contrasting the door color. I wish the granite stoop looked as old as the rest, but it’s forgiven.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast