Showing posts sorted by relevance for query antique style furniture. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query antique style furniture. Sort by date Show all posts

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Hotel Beresford | Hipmunk

Read article : Hotel Beresford | Hipmunk

The Charming Hotel Beresford is Ideal for Entertainment-seeking Budget Travelers

What Does a Hotel Beresford Room Include?

Rooms available include one queen bed, two double beds, or two twin beds. Every room has its own private bathroom with either a bathtub or shower, a mini fridge and honor bar, satellite TV, as well as a phone and radio. Each room is uniquely decorated Victorian style, outfitted with cozy linens and antique style furniture.

What Amenities are Available?

The Hotel Beresford offers a complimentary breakfast hosted in the adjoining White Horse Tavern & Restaurant, free in-room Wi-Fi, and an exercise room. For an additional fee, there is valet parking or limo service. There are also fax and copy services available and a computer for guest use.

How Much Will a Stay at the Hotel Beresford cost?

This is one of the San Francisco hotels with nightly rates between $89 and $165. It is a competitive option for your stay in downtown San Francisco.

What’s There to do Nearby?

Just two blocks from Union Square, Hotel Beresford is located in the heart of downtown San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood. Brimming with boutiques, a variety of dining options ranging from gourmet to casual, quaint terrace cafes, art galleries, and nightlife, there’s no shortage of entertainment nearby. Chinatown and the renowned Theatre District are a short walk away, as are cable cars that will take you to popular destinations such as Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, and Telegraph Hill.

What’s the Bottom Line?

This family owned hotel is great for budget travelers who don’t want to compromise on location, charm, or entertainment. Hotel Beresford is one of the best deals in downtown San Francisco, leaving guests more room to enjoy all that this dynamic neighborhood has to offer.

Thursday, June 1, 2017

House Tour: A Contemporary, Classic Cape Town Rental

Read article : House Tour: A Contemporary, Classic Cape Town Rental

Name: Melissa and James Lawrence
Location: Vredehoek, Cape Town, South Africa
Size: 1184 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years, renting

Cape Town-based interior designer Melissa and her husband James didn't want to invest a ton of money in this home since they are renting it. But because Melissa is in the interior design field, they knew exactly what could to be done to enhance the space and in a cost effective way. They've been able to cleverly add their own touches to their rental apartment, creating a space that feels like home.

The first task was to tackle the flooring, which was originally dark brown and in a poor condition. The light whitewashed floors that you see now required a lot of work, but the result is a brighter, more contemporary look they both love.

Melissa and James love entertaining so updating the kitchen was a must — and the space needed a major overhaul and some serious TLC. The cupboards were originally a mix of dark wood and grubby white, and so fresh white paint was an obvious choice. They also added pine door knobs for an inexpensive and easy update. James made the overhead copper utensil hanger (which creates a great focal point) and they added cut vinyl to spruce up the existing white tiles. This is also where Melissa spends time producing her soy candles for her Melissa Louise label.

Their apartment goes to show that with just a few clever DIYs and design savvy thinking, you can easily revamp a rental space. Just remember to get your landlord's approval before you start!

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style:Our style has evolved over the years, from the eclectic mix of furniture that we first accumulated when we moved in together to now investing in classic furniture pieces that will last. We tend to gravitate to an overall contemporary look and feel with classic details.

Inspiration:As an interior designer, it is my job to stay up to date and be relevant; I am always inspired by the work of my favorite designers. Instagram and Pinterest are great tools for staying relevant and storing beautiful content that inspires.

Favorite Element:Melissa: Our high ceilings and the natural light that pours into every room. Often inner-city apartments can feel small and cramped; I love that our apartment feels light and spacious.

James:The lounge. It's where we unwind and watch series, play PlayStation and most importantly drink wine and socialize with our friends when they are over.

Biggest Challenge:The defined layout of our apartment. The closed floor plan means each room is separated from the others by walls and hallways. Hallways tend to be narrow and often have very little character.

What Friends Say:We aim to have a warm and comfortable home for our family and friends. Our friends echo this, as most nights are enjoyed over dinner and wine or even movies and popcorn.

Biggest Embarrassment:Melissa: Our bathrooms! They are outdated and tired, we have run over the finances but it simply isn't viable to do any major alterations to a rental property. Also sloppy workmanship in the past has left our vintage black cisterns speckled with paint...

James:Our bathroom! It's so old and I wish we could renovate and make it one large wet room! The bath isn't big enough for me, so a walk-in shower would be great!

Proudest DIY: Melissa: When we moved in, our floors were chocolate brown and worn through in places; they were in desperate need of attention! Having a creative eye I saw the potential they had when we first viewed the apartment. James and I sanded, treated and sealed the floors of the apartment ourselves, while living in the space. It was a tough two weeks, but it has really transformed the space and was SO worth it.

James:I made the copper utility hanger above our kitchen counter; a few trips to builders warehouse and there you have it. Super simple, but effective!

Biggest Indulgence:Melissa:Our five-plate gas stove and electric oven. We love entertaining, this was one of the best investments!

James:Our TV.

Best Advice: A lick of paint makes ALL the difference! It is a cost effective way to update a space, making it feel fresh and brand new!

Dream Sources: I love the convenience of shopping and sourcing online at places like @home living spaces, MRPhome and Weylandts, while finding hidden treasures at local antique shops. And supporting small developing businesses is a thrill!

Resources:

ENTRANCE
Stokholm sideboard – MRP Home
Aztec reversible rug — H&M Home
Basket — Milnerton Market.
Tall Basket with lid — Community upliftment program bought when Melissa was in high school
Light — Ikea, gifted to us by friends who were relocating

LIVING AREA
Sofa — @Home living space
Standing angle poise lamp — Weylandts
Beni Ourain inspired rug — MRP Home
Ladder shelf — @Home living space
Glass coffee table — MRP Home
Round side table — Superbalist
Curtains — Woolworths
Round mirror above electric fireplace — MRP Home
Sewing machine — Vintage piece, handed down from James' grandmother.
Duros Armchair — vintage shop
Large white pot —M RP Home

BEDROOM
Bed — YouMeHome
Bedding — H&M Home
Oval mirror — Vintage store in Woodstock
Sullivan hoop — Hooped by Sue Britz
Lamp base — Milnerton Market
Jewellery stand — MRP Home

KITCHEN
Stokholm dining table — @Home living space
Chairs — Chair Crazy
Clock — MRP Home
Fake plants — SuperFloral
Metallic plant pots — Simply Home
Gold candle holder — Home and Giftware Pop up shop at the V&A
Striped runner — MRP Home
Copper book stand — Handmade by a family friend and gifted to us.
Wooden chopping board — Ikea
Copper book stand: Handmade by a family friend and gifted to us."
Teapot — Le Creuset
Patterned vinyl — Designed and applied by Frizzy Diamond
Diamond hanging pot plant — Typo

STUDY
Chairs — Chair Crazy
Desk — Trestle legs and pine top bought at Timber City
You're a gem hoop — Hooped by Sue Britz

Thanks, Melissa and James!


Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Bathrooms - Freestanding Tub Faucet

Read article : Bathrooms - Freestanding Tub Faucet

Elegant bathroom with marble clad soaking tub in front of a seamless glass shower with gray and white marble tiled surround accented with satin nickel rainfall shower head and faucet.

Grant K. Gibson

Stunning bathroom with a pair of columns framing the alcove accented with barrel ceiling tub over a rectangular plinth tub paired with tub filler faucet over gray marble floors alongside pale gray walls.

Blue Water Home Builders

Elegant bathroom with light blue upper walls over beadboard clad lower walls which showcase the Waterworks Candide Tub set on an angle with a floor mount faucet with adjustable shower head.

Christopher Burns Interiors

Windows covered with stacked plantation shutters are positioned above a roll top freestanding bathtub fitted with a teak tray and a polished nickel floor mount tub filler and placed on gray marble floor tiles beneath a bell jar lantern.

Parkes and Lamb Interiors

Stunning bathroom with shiplap paneled walls alongside vaulted ceilings adorned with a wooden chandelier.

House of Fifty

Nautical bathroom features tongue and groove ceiling over tongue and groove walls which is a backdrop to a porthole mirror over whitewashed sink vanity topped with white and gray marble atop marble basketweave tile floor next to wainscoted drop-in bathtub accented with sliding glass doors.

Hamptons Habitat

Beach cottage bathroom features white tongue and groove paneled walls framing drop-in tub situated across white double washstand with built-in shelving and white marble countertop over wood floors.

Romair Homes

Beautiful cottage bathroom with dove gray tongue and groove walls and gray footed vanity featuring shaker cabinets accented with nickel pulls below white counters which frame dual oval sinks with a gray parsons mirror above lit by a pair of glass, sphere shaped pendants.

Style at Home

Stunning bathroom features beige framing a freestanding tub with floor mount faucet situated below a small square window with a built-in, seamless glass shower to the right finished with a subway tile surround over marble mosaic tiled floors.

Toulmin Homes

Amazing bedroom with tongue and groove walls, rustic sloped ceiling, iron and glass lantern over black wingback headboard paired with linen ruffled bedding and oil rubbed bronze swing-arm sconce.

The Iron Gate

Simple yet romantic bathroom is fitted with a freestanding vintage bathtub paired with a polished nickel vintage floor mount tub filler fixed in front of a floor to ceiling window covered in ivory curtains.

Stocker Hoesterey Montenegro

White cottage bathroom with oval mirror over white marble top vanity placed in front of curved windows covered in white cafe curtains over hardwood floors.

Curtis and Windham

Friday, March 10, 2017

Where to Stay in Antwerp: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

Read article : Where to Stay in Antwerp: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods

To help you out with the decision where to stay in Antwerp, we’ve put together a list of neigbourhoods and the best hotels in the city.

Antwerp is often left out when planning a trip to Belgium. Touristy cities like Brussels or Bruges easily obscure trendy towns of Antwerp or recently re-discovered Ghent.

However, from what we’ve experienced in Antwerp, it’s a vibrant, extraordinarily creative city full of history, so you’re doing yourself a favor by staying here longer, and exploring it for more than a day away from Brussels.

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Where to stay in Antwerp?

Where to stay in the Antwerp Historical Center

This is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Antwerp if your goal is to catch up with sightseeing. The old town is full of museums, lively squares, and a number of cafes, restaurants, and beautifully renovated bed & breakfasts in historical houses.

The area is very walkable, and you can easily access the riverbank. It’s also safe and quiet at night.

Our top pick > De Koning van Spanje

Where to Stay in AntwerpWe stayed in this family-run boutique hotel for three nights, only a minute walk from the main square Grote Markt.

The luxurious interior with elegant decoration made us feel comfortable, as well as the immense space in the bedroom and bathroom. Hot tub, solid wooden writing table and sofa were also part of the room. Our room faced a small courtyard and a garden, so it was absolutely quiet during the whole day.

The breakfast is served in the dining room furnished with antique plates and furniture. If you’re looking for some insider tips on the city, ask the owners. They are extremely helpful, and knowledgeable, since Carl has worked at one of Antwerp’s museums. Check the latest price.

Luxury > Hotel ‘T Sandt
Spotless, spacious rooms with an incredibly homey touch. The suites and rooms are bright thanks to big windows. Excellent location near the Grote Markt, good breakfast included. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Aplace Antwerp City Flats & Suites
Very tastefully decorated rooms and apartments in vintage style with modern elements. Apartments also feature a fully equipped kitchen. Pets allowed. Check the latest price.

Budget > Kathedraallogies Drie Koningen
Unusual and affordable bed & breakfast in the historical center of Antwerp. You can choose from rooms with shared or private bathrooms. The property is a renovated building from the 16th century. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Antwerp Historical Center

  • Visit Museum Plantin-Moretus
  • Get a pint at the Witzli-Poetzli while enjoying jazz music or check out the the quirky Elfde Gebod
  • Hang around the Groenplaats or Grote Markt Square early in the morning
  • Enter the Cathedral of Our Lady

Traveling to Belgium and Europe? Get inspired by more travel articles:

Where to stay in Het Zuid (the Southern District)

It’s trendy, modern, and very suitable for expats and young people fancying nightlife and art. The southern district aka Het Zuid is a renovated neighborhood with plenty of bars, local restaurants, galleries, and museums.

Het Zuid is well connected to the city center and train station by public transport. We stayed here for a few nights and loved it here for its laid back vibes and a running path along the river.

Our top pick > The Soul Antwerp

Where to Stay in AntwerpIn case you prefer cooking your own food and are hoping for some privacy, The Soul would be the best place to stay in Het Zuid. Modern studio with vintage interior offers an equipped kitchenette with a dining corner and comfy sofa, (which we found great after walking the city all day).

The apartment is located right in the heart of the south district, surrounded by many cafes and restaurants. By the way, you can grab a coffee, breakfast or lunch at the atmospheric Soul Cafe. In case you decide to cook, there is a big grocery shop within 5 minutes walking.

Our studio was clean, with a separated bedroom, bright seating area with a dining table and kitchenware, and a private bathroom. The place is also run by welcoming and easygoing owners. Check the latest price.

Luxury > The Glorious Inn

In case you’re wishing for some extraordinary place to stay in Antwerp, check it out here. Thematically decorated rooms, classy furniture, and a very quiet location.

We stayed here only a night, but enjoyed the funky atmosphere of the room with a Sleeping Beauty theme. We won’t spoil the surprise, but the room was full of secret hints related to the fairy tale. You better come and check for yourself.

It featured a large and very comfy bed, a tea table with plenty of herbal choices. The highlight of the room was a bathroom with an enormous bathtub, candles, and high-quality toiletries.

Spoil yourself, and if you come during the week, make sure to have dinner in their restaurant downstairs. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Maison Emile
Stylish, modern, and clean rooms with a rich healthy breakfast. It features double and single bedrooms. Check the latest price.

Budget > Le Sud
Very affordable and clean budget option with different types of rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Het Zuid

Where to stay in the Jewish Quarter in Diamond District

The area near the Central Station is the oldest diamond center in Europe, and rumour has it they were playing around with diamonds long before the first traders in Hong Kong or New York.

Stay around on Friday or Saturday, and you’ll see the Jewish community walking to and from the synagogues here. Currently, more than 80% of the Jews in Antwerp are involved in the diamond trade.

There are more than 1500 companies involved in selling, cutting, and polishing diamonds in the city, and you can check out some of them on Pelkinstraat Street near the railway station, or in the boutique shops on the Appelmansstraat, Lange Herentalsestraat and Vestingstraat streets.

Always ask for the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) grading report when buying a gem. Read more about the history of Jews in Antwerp.

Our top pick > Hyllit Hotel

Where to stay in AntwerpLocated right in the center of the Diamond district, a couple of minutes walking from the Central Station. Luxurious 4-star hotel with an indoor pool, spacious rooms with writing desk. Suites available. Check the latest price.

Luxury > Park Inn by Radisson Antwerpen
Spacious and super clean rooms, some of them with a great view. The hotel features a gym, and you can use sauna and swimming pool at the Health Club that is 100 m away. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Queen A Antwerp
Incredibly cosy rooms and common area, decorated with a great taste and sense for interior details. Very kind staff and excellent breakfast! Check the latest price.

Budget > Eden Hotel
Simply decorated in pastel colors, and for a very reasonable price considering the proximity to the main railway station. Free tea/coffee station available. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Diamond district

  • Check the architecture of the railway station in case you haven’t arrived by train
  • Go to the Stadtpark and have a picnic here. Great for kids, the park offers some playgrounds
  • Book your ticket for a performance in the stunning Flemish Opera
  • Have a peak in some of the diamond stores in the Diamond District

Where to stay in Sint Andries

Rough and poor area in the past that has become a shopping area with lots of cafes now. Popular for its vintage vibes, great proximity to the centre and best Antwerp attractions. Safe and lively Southern neighbourhood in Antwerp.

Our top pick > Holiday Home Zuiderzin

Where to stay in AntwerpWonderful holiday home for family or groups of friends. It features three double beds, a seating area, washing machine, and a small kitchen. It’s centrally located, with many cafes and restaurants around. Check the latest price.

Luxury > Maison Nationale City Flats & Suites
Ultra clean, beautiful, bright, and spacious rooms designed in black & white minimalistic style. Possibility to prepare your own food with the kitchenware. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Kaai11 City Flats & Rooms
A luxurious option for a mid-range budget. Situated near the Schelde River, most of the rooms have awesome views. Modern & elegant interior. Some suites come with a fully equipped kitchen. Check the latest price.

Budget > Antwerp Cental Youth Hostel
Very cool place in a great location. Simple and clean with twin, quadruple, or dormitory rooms, all with private bathrooms. Buffet breakfast included. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Sint Andries

  • Visit MoMu Fashion Museum
  • Go for a graffiti hunt. Read this article to get inspired.
  • Walk through the summer Markt van Morgen market & do some shopping here
  • Visit St Andrew’s Catholic Church from the 16th century
  • Spend a couple of hours at the incredible Plantin-Moretus Museum of printing
  • Vintage lovers, head straight to the Kloosterstraat Street

Where to stay in Het Eilandje

Het Eilandje means “Little Island,” and currently the area is boasting with loads of cafes, and some of the most distinct museums in Antwerp: MAS, which is a highlight of the Het Eilandje, and Red Line Star – a museum dedicated to the emigration waves that brought millions of European overseas, and the iconic Port House of Zaha Hadid.

It’s a cool area to chill out, enjoy an afternoon coffee, and make your artistic soul happy.

Our top pick > B&B Yellow Submarine

Where to stay in AntwerpOriginal modern room with minimalistic décor. Clean and spacious rooms feature a shower or a bath. Very good breakfast included. Check the latest price.

Luxury > B&B Suites@FEEK
This is something quite different. High ceilings, futuristic white design with a jacuzzi in the room. Great breakfast! Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Best Western Hotel Docklands
Modern rooms of a 3-star hotel, some of them with harbour views and a balcony. Very friendly staff. Some rates include delicious breakfast. Check the latest price.

Budget
The area doesn’t really offer budget options, but you can find a budget accommodation not far from Eilandje.

Condo Gardens Antwerp
Simple, clean studios with a kitchen, great location for a very reasonable price. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Eilandje

Where to stay in Borgerhout

The area doesn’t have the best reputation, but only because of its multicultural nature, as it’s a home to 90 different nationalities.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a bit of an “underground,” creative area with music festivals, quirky bars, and a Moroccan & Turkish minority, which means great food, head to the Borgerhout.

Our top pick > @Couche Couche

Very stylish and comfortable B&B. You can stay either in an apartment for 2-4 people with kitchenware, or in a double room. Located in a beautiful old mansion from 1907. Minimalistic design with soothing feeling.

Luxury
There aren’t any top luxury hotels in the area, although the B&B mentioned above can be considered a high-end choice of accommodation in Borgerhout.

Mid-range > B&B Antwerp
Large, impeccable rooms with lots of sunlight, very tastefully decorated. The quadruple room also features a seating area and facilities like a coffee machine, fridge, and microwave. Check the latest price.

Budget > Kif Kef City Apt.
Incredibly charming apartment with minimalistic design. Fully equipped kitchen, sun terrace and bike rentals (for an extra charge) available. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Borgerhout

  • Spend an evening at one of the performances in De Roma, an amazing cinema from 1920’s.
  • Go for a free yoga class in Krugerplein Square on Saturday (from 24th of June – 9th of September from 10 am to 11 pm)
  • Check out the gigs at the TRIX Muziekcentrum

Where to stay in Deurne

Located in the east of Antwerp, famous mostly for its huge green area: the Rieverenhof Park. It’s the area of townhouses, and it’s not popular among tourists as it lacks Antwerp’s cultural vibes. However, it’s a good option if you feel like staying out of the city center.

There’s great cycling infrastructure. For the best Antwerp attractions you’ll need to take a tram or a bike to the city center. Or… go local and visit some of the Deurne’s cultural events.

Our top pick > Bed & Breakfast Exterlaer

Where to stay in AntwerpElegant & artsy rooms, some of them with a seating area. The place has a lovely garden, and delicious breakfast included. Very pleasant hosts. Check the latest price.

Mid-range > Luxury Suites Arendshof
Modern & simple design, located in a quiet area. The suites are in a two-floor house with a living room and a jacuzzi. Breakfast for an extra fee available. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Deurne

Where to stay in Zurenborg

Residential, trendy, silent and … the pricey area of Antwerp with convenient public transport. It’s popular for its art nouveau architecture. Over 170 houses in the neighborhood have the status of protected monuments, and most of them were built in 1900’s.

Zurenborg is a bit off the beaten path, as it lacks the typical tourist attractions, but is easily accessed by a short tram ride from the centre. Very worth a visit even if you don’t book a hotel here.

Apart from exploring the special architecture, you can stop by for a coffee, a lunch, or have a pint in one of plenty of Zurenborg’s cafes, restaurants, and bars.

Our top pick > Abondance Logies

Where to stay in AntwerpWonderfully minimalistic rooms with white & red décor. Super clean. Breakfast for an extra fee available, and you can prepare your meals also in the common kitchen. Close to the restaurants.

Luxury
There are no luxury options in the area.

Mid-range > Amaaj
Simple, neat rooms with private bathrooms and a bathtub. Great relaxing area. Check the latest price.

Budget > Alias Youth Hostel
A fantastic choice for budget travelers. Clean, simple, with dormitories or double bedrooms with shared or private bathrooms. Tram stops nearby. Check the latest price.

Things to do in Zurenborg

  • Grab a leaflet in one of the tourist offices in Zurenborg or at the train station in Berchem neighbourhood and do a self-tour
  • Walk along the streets Cogels-Osylei, Transvaalstraat, Waterloostraat to see some great architectural works
  • Learn about brewing and go for a fantastic beer at the De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery in the nearby Berchem neighbourhood
  • Make a trip to the southern neighbourhood and visit Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum

Hopefully this ultimate guide on where to stay in Antwerp helped you to decide which hotel to book, and what attractions you can see in each neighbourhood.

Have a blast in this incredibly vibrant city, and in case we missed any district you’d recommend staying in or cool things to do in Antwerp we haven’t included here, please, leave a comment below.

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Where to stay in Antwerp, Belgium

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Sunday, February 11, 2018

Architects' tour showcases cutting-edge designs | News

Read article : Architects' tour showcases cutting-edge designs | News

High ceilings, walls of glass, most rooms facing greenery. This is not the home John Shea's father built in 1940 in Old Palo Alto.

But it's the new home on the same spot Shea grew up that will be featured on the American Institute of Architects, Santa Clara Valley's third annual, self-guided Silicon Valley Home Tours on June 3, which will include four other homes on the Midpeninsula.

When Shea inherited his family home in 2006, he and his wife, Carolyn, thought they'd be able to remodel the 1,400-square-foot bungalow to allow them to age in place in his childhood neighborhood. But, John said, "It was obvious that the expense of bringing it up to code would be about equal to starting over."

At first they thought they'd build something that matched the traditional architecture on the street. But, "I had always admired the Eichler open floor plans and wanted one like that," Carolyn said.

After interviewing a number of architects, the couple chose Burlingame-based architect Gary Diebel "because he listened to what we said," Carolyn said. When Diebel asked the Sheas to bring in photos of what they liked, he pointed out that they were all modern.

Diebel designed a single-story home on the 10,000-square-foot lot, with a permeable paver driveway running the length and curving into a three-car garage at the very rear. Dense plantings soften the the front yard, blending the low home with the rest of the block.

Glass is a key building material throughout the house, from the sliding pocket doors separating the public spaces from the bedrooms to the clerestory windows in almost every room.

At the very front of the house, facing the street, is the office. One wall and the opposite corner are clad in aluminum, blending with the window valance. A bathroom, with a 14-foot ceiling, those clerestory windows, honed Calacatta Gold marble on the floor and tub/shower walls and a blue glass bowl sink, sits between the office and the guest bedroom.

The hallway is lined with John Shea's photographs. Here the windows are at floor level, to prevent fading of the artwork.

In the living room, below the very high clerestory windows, sits a circular light shelf. "We wanted to balance how the light comes in," Diebel said.

Another architectural challenge was the desire by the Sheas to keep their furniture, including a tall china cabinet. "We told Gary to build the house around it," John said. (He even managed to incorporate a stained-glass window that they had made for a San Francisco condominium.)

A large piece of art hangs from a flat bar over the fireplace; roll it to the side and it reveals the flat-screen TV.

Radiant heating was used throughout the house, and no air conditioning is required, since there is adequate cross-ventilation from the many windows. Most of the flooring is wide-planked walnut.

Two wide openings lead to the kitchen, which features "rain" glass windows over the sink and stovetop, offering privacy from their nearby neighbor. It took two-and-a-half slabs of blue granite to create the long countertops, which complement the darker porcelain tile flooring and stainless-steel appliances.

"There's enough light so we can have dark flooring," Diebel added.

On the other side of the public spaces is the laundry room and master-bedroom suite, which has a high-enough ceiling to accommodate the couple's antique hanging lamps. "They go with us where we go," Carolyn said.

The master bathroom features a sink in each vanity, with granite counters and honed porcelain tile floors. With a nod to aging in place, there's no curb to the shower, and the bottom is a non-slick rock pattern.

Sliding glass doors lead outside. A key piece of landscaping is a 60-foot-plus redwood that John recalls his dad planting from a seedling purchased from the Boy Scouts more than 50 years ago.

Other homes, which range from 2,200 to 10,000 square feet, on the tour include:

• A re-interpretation of a "farmhouse style" home in Palo Alto (Fergus Garber Young Architects, Palo Alto).

• A midcentury-influenced townhome with a skylit, steel staircase in Menlo Park (John Lum Architecture, San Francisco).

• A double-gabled Eichler remodel in Mountain View (Klopf Architecture, San Francisco).

• A structure that interlocks with the land in Portola Valley (Square Three Design Studios, Palo Alto).

The focus of the self-guided tour is to walk through the homes, see the materials up close and to meet the architects, who will be on hand at all five homes.

Freelance writer Carol Blitzer can be emailed at carolgblitzer@gmail.com.

What: AIA Silicon Valley Home Tours

When: Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Five homes in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View and Portola Valley

Cost: $75 general admission; AIA members $59 before June 1 (Purchase tickets here)

Info: 408-298-0611; hometour@aiascv.org; [ http://aiascv.org/page/2017Homes aiascv.org