Home Tour: Our Bonus Room

Read article : Home Tour: Our Bonus Room

A homemade built-in murphy bed, custom made movie screen, play table with toys and a full bathroom allows our bonus room for three uses:  Guest room, theater room and play room all in one!

(The photos in this post are animated .gif photos, so they should switch back and forth continuously.)

Once in a while I like to give you a sneak peek into our home.  We bought it almost two years ago (in January) and have made many changes to make it just right for us.  We have a ways to go, but it has already come a long way into fitting our lifestyle.

Our house is three bedrooms with an upstairs bonus room that includes a full bath.  Since the boys take up two of the bedrooms and we, of course, have the master bedroom, we wanted to create a space that is a comfortable guest room for friends and family who visit.  The bonus room is perfect for our vision since it has a full bathroom, but we also want to use it for a playroom and theater room.

Do you know what a murphy bed is?  It’s a wall bed that pulls down when you need to sleep and folds up to store in the wall when you need the space in the room.  A murphy bed was the answer for us, but they can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000!  Not exactly in our budget.  So Ben decided he could save us money and build one for around $300.

Ben may be a professor of Biblical studies and a very academic man, but he is also extremely handy with his hands.  In the last four years or so, he has proven to be quite the resourceful guy when it comes to house projects.  If there’s a problem or challenge, he figures it out.  I have to say, I’ve been totally impressed.

He’s built up quite the workshop in our garage, so when it came time to build a murphy bed, he was ready.  He researched plans and bought hardware then took a few weeks to build the frame and built-in shelving. We bought the mattress from Sam’s Club (a comfy foam one) and simple quilt and pillows from Home Goods.

We’ve had this bed now for almost a year.  It stays folded up into the wall until we have overnight guests.  For every day use, it’s a playroom for the kids with a KidKraft play table and chairs I loooove from Amazon, and a theater screen that plays movies and video games.  We are waiting to travel to an IKEA store to buy toy storage baskets, then Ben will build shelves to hold those, as well.  (The cedar chest pictured under the movie screen is no longer there. We sold it.)

The movie screen is painted on the wall with special theater screen paint.  Ben built the frame around it with leftover wood that was in our garage when we bought the house!

We absolutely love our useful space in the bonus room.  This is the only room upstairs, and I’m so grateful it has a full bathroom, too, so that guests can have their private shower and toilet.  Every Wednesday, my friend who has seven kids (yes, SEVEN!) comes over after our Mom2Mom study at church, and her teenaged daughter watches all the kids in the bonus room while they play and my friend and I go out for girl time.  This space is perfect for them!  The kids watch a movie, or play video games and some play with the building toys or color.  Fun for all!

Do you have a room in your house that has multiple uses?  How have you made the most of YOUR space?

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House of the Week: Secluded home in Tully features modern updates

Read article : House of the Week: Secluded home in Tully features modern updates

TULLY, N.Y. - When Jonathan Colino, and his wife, Rachel, were in the market to buy a house, they were intrigued by the home at 925 Route 11 North in Tully.

"I loved the land and the architecture with its cathedral ceiling and the house's peaks and valleys," Colino said.

The house was built on more than seven acres of land, and the property is very secluded. The couple has only one neighbor. More than five acres of the area is heavily wooded.

But while they found the exterior of the home beautiful, the Colinos thought "the style" inside the house needed a bit of an update.

"We wanted a more modern style and less of a country-feel," Colino said.

Within a year or two, the couple were hard at work accomplishing that goal.

They upgraded the home's lighting and flooring, added a whole-house generator, and radiant heating and air conditioning throughout the house.

The front foyer is beautiful with an unique and elegant stairway and is decorated with an ornate chandelier.

The home's dining room is to the left where an office once was. The owners knocked down some walls and built archways to create a better flow from the kitchen.

The kitchen itself was expanded. The amount of cabinets available was nearly doubled, modern kitchen appliances were installed and a large island and coffee bar were added.

The coffee bar area, with its views of the back yard and comfy chairs, is Colino's favorite area of the house.

The great room is large and has a fireplace. A built-in bar has a truly unique back splash made from wine corks.

Another dramatic update was the finished basement. Over 750 square feet of living space were added. Half of the space is made up of office and movie room, with surround sound and a projection screen. The other half is a workout room and space for storage.

"Wow! We did a lot of changing," Colino joked after finishing the list.

Outdoors the prominent feature is the covered patio off the kitchen which is connected by a stone walkway to an uncovered patio, which is large enough for outdoor dining.

The couple is moving for work reasons and admit it they will miss the updates they have done.

"And the tranquility of the place," Colino added.

An open house is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

THE DETAILS

Address: 925 Route 11 North, Tully, N.Y. 13159

Price: $469,900

Size: 3,312 square feet

Acreage: 7.4 acres

Monthly Mortgage: $1,764 (based on this week's national average rate of 3.86 percent, according to Freddie Mac, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 20 percent down payment. Fees and points not included.)

Total taxes: $13,966 (Based on assessed value of $400,000)

Built: 2003

School District: Tully

Kitchen: The cherry kitchen has been expanded recently, with the number of cabinetry nearly doubled. A coffee bar, island and second sink are some of the new upgrades. Modern appliances have been added including a six-burner gas stove with a double oven.

Master Bedroom: One of four bedrooms in the home. Very spacious with hardwood floors. The master suite is on the first floor and has a walk-in closet and a sitting room which could be used as a nursery or reading/meditation room.

Master Bathroom: The master bathroom has a soaking tub, a rainfall step-in shower and two sinks. It was one of four bathrooms in the house.

Living spaces: The home has been completely upgraded with a "better flow" and more modern feel. The front foyer, with its unique and elegant stairway and chandelier, has the home's dining room and a sitting room off it. The large living room has updated electric lighting, a fireplace and tall windows. There is a wet bar. Home also includes a first-floor laundry. The home is energy efficient with radiant heating, air conditioning and Anderson windows with custom shades throughout.

Finished basement: The finished basement adds 750 square feet of living space. A movie room with a projection screen is located there. There is also an office, workout space and plenty of storage areas.

Outdoors: There is an attached three-car garage. Built on over seven acres of land, two of which need to be mowed. The rest of the lot is wooded. A covered patio keeps you out of the rain, and is connected to an uncovered patio by a stone walkway. The yard has an invisible fence and is very secluded. Just 15 minutes from Syracuse.

Agent: Eric Maley

Realty USA

Address: 102 West Seneca Street, Manlius, N.Y. 13104

Phone: (315) 391-3454

Website: www.upstatenyagents.com (Site contains a 3-D virtual tour of the home.)

To nominate a listing for House of the Week, send an email to home@syracuse.com.

Miami's Top Hotel Penthouse Suites

Read article : Miami's Top Hotel Penthouse Suites

When a standard room simply won’t do, it’s a good thing that Miami’s already luxurious hotels can accommodate with over the top digs—and price tags to match. Here’s a peek inside Miami’s most sought after suites with room to spare, floor-to-ceiling windows, private rooftop pools, marble bathrooms, and panoramic views stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the downtown skyline. This is our ranking of the most outrageous penthouses in Miami.

1. The Setai 

The Setai (pictured at top) is perhaps the most expensive hotel in South Beach—period. And the penthouse gives you 10,000 square-feet of zen-luxe accommodations, including a 3,000 square foot ocean front terrace—all for a mere $32,000 a night. The views from the 40th floor are best enjoyed from the private terrace’s infinity pool and Jacuzzi. The four-bedroom, four-bath suite also includes a Steinway piano, a full-service kitchen and amenities like butler service upon request, Frette linens, a rainfall shower, and a Bose surround-sound system. 2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-520-6000; thesetaihotel.com.

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2. Faena

Checking into the Faena Suite is like setting foot on a Baz Luhrmann movie set. The filmmaker and his wife, set and costume designer Catharine Martin, collaborated with Alan Faeana on the creative direction of the hotel. The suite is awash in lush red velvet, lavish animal prints and turquoise and gold accents. Connecting to a premiere oceanfront suite, it can be arranged into an extravagant four-bedroom suite at 3,549-square-feet. Drink in panoramic views of the Atlantic from multiple bathrooms or retreat in one of the five oversized bathrooms with a soaking tub. From $20,000 per night. 3201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-534-8800; faena.com. 

 

3. The Miami Beach EDITION 

A two-story bungalow at The Miami Beach EDITION is like a little slice of heaven. With blonde oak and walnut wood paneling and plush, white sofas piled high with pillows, the aesthetic is all understated elegance. Outfitted with a separate bedroom, dining room and living room, the bathroom is a spa-like treat with a personal sauna. Top floor bungalows are equipped with private rooftop soaking tub and all enjoy panoramic views of the sea with oversized balconies. 2901 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-257-4500; editionhotels.com/miami-beach.  

 

4. Mandarin Oriental Miami

Famous for being a Forbes Travel Guide Triple Five Star Hotel in Miami, the Mandarin Oriental, Miami features two presidential suite options that channel this tranquil-luxe experience. The Oriental Suite on the 20th floor is the largest room in the hotel at 2,365 square-feet. With floor-to-ceiling windows, an oversized master bathroom, and a working fireplace, it’s a cozy retreat with a wraparound balcony and sweeping views of the city and Biscayne Bay. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, a dining room that entertains eight, and a piano “christened” by Luciano Pavarotti. For the true spa seeker, reserve the Mandarin Suite on the 19th floor and enjoy a personal therapist on call 24 hours a day for in-room services in your designated relaxation room. The 2,000 square-foot room also boasts an infinity-edge soaking tub and a two-person, glass-enclosed steam shower. A night in either room will run you $9,500. 500 Brickell Key Dr., Miami; 305-913-8288. mandarinoriental.com/miami.

5. The Confidante Miami Beach

The 14th floor penthouse at The Confidante Miami Beach boasts a wraparound private terrace with both ocean and city views. The 980-square-foot pied a terrehas a master king bedroom with separate living and dining room and can be expanded to include an additional 367-square-foot deluxe king room with balcony. The luxurious bathroom includes a rainfall shower and whirlpool tub. All of this in Confidante’s signature playful palette of bright colors and patterns with a touch of vintage glamour. Nightly rates start at $1,500. 4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-605-4041; theconfidante.unbound.hyatt.com

6. W South Beach

The W South Beach has a collection of VIP suites, but none is so glamorous as the E-WOW Penthouse. The 2,600 square-foot suite has three bedrooms, all outfitted with king-sized beds and four balconies with unrivaled views of the Atlantic Ocean. The modern-luxe furnishings are complimented with fresh orchids, a Nespresso machine, and a plush robe and slippers. Add to this a rooftop deck with private plunge pool and a grill, and you’ve found your home away from home. E-WOW comes with all the perks of a true VIP, including personalized concierge service, guaranteed entry into W’s nightclub Wall, and a farewell gift on the night of your departure. The E-WOW Penthouse is $4,000 a night. 2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-938-3000; wsouthbeach.com.

 

7. JW Marriott Marquis Miami

Situated 41 skyscraping stories above downtown Miami with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami River, the JW Marriott Marquis’ Presidential Suite with floor-to-ceiling soundproof windows seems to float above it all. At 2,479 square-feet, the suite includes two bedrooms with Brazilian cherry wood floors, two and a half baths with Italian marble, a living room, dining room, office, and private treadmill room. This modern luxury in the clouds can be yours for $4,000 a night. 255 Biscayne Blvd. Way, Miami; 305-421-8600; marriott.com.

8. SLS South Beach

You can party like a rock star—or just sleep like one—at the SLS South Beach inside one of Lenny Kravitz’s Kravitz Design Inc. penthouses. Choose from the Villa overlooking the action at Hyde Beach or the Tower on the top floor of the historic tower originally designed by architect L. Murray Dixon in 1939. Each high design penthouse is about 1,500 square-feet with a spacious ocean view balcony. The Tower features a grand living room, dining room, bar, and master suite with sumptuous interiors, like black and white marble, glass mosaic tile, textured leather, and screen-printed wallpaper in pewter and gold. The Villa has a contemporary feel with Cyprus wood paneled walls and stone floors, and a master bath with white Thassos marble walls and glass mosaic floors. If “you’re gonna go [this] way,” pricing starts at $2,500 per night. 1701 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 305-674-1701; slshotels.com/southbea ch.

 

9. InterContinental Miami

Originally named for President Ronald Reagan and Princess Caroline of Monaco, the InterContinental Miami’s pair of penthouse suites have been given an upgrade thanks to a 30 million dollar hotel renovation and the eye of tennis superstar Venus Williams and her V Starr design firm. Now named the Royal Palm and the Metropolis, each 3,300 square-foot suite offers a master bedroom, living room, dining room, multi-media room, office, and kitchen with gorgeous views of Miami and Biscayne Bay. A favorite hotel of competitors and attendees of the annual Sony Open Tennis tournament, Williams’ aesthetic is the perfect compliment to this classic downtown destination. Both penthouses start at $3,000 per night. 100 Chopin Plaza, Miami; 305-577-1000; icmiamihotel.com.

 

10. 1 Hotel South Beach

At 3,600 square-feet, boasting two king master bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, a living room, pool table alcove, media room and a balcony with sweeping ocean views and a daybed for lounging, 1 Hotel’s Presidential suite is a luxurious retreat. With furniture made of rough hewn white oak and natural fibers, wood-grained tile floors and nature-inspired pendant lamps, 1’s penthouse reflects the aesthetic of “bringing the outside in” at this eco-driven luxury hotel. Bathrooms feature walk-in showers and free-standing Boffi tubs. A throne-worthy rattan swing adds a touch of whimsy to the blissful space. Rates available upon request. 2341 Collins Ave., South Beach; 305-604-1000; 1hotels.com/south-beach.

11. Delano

Delano is considered the original South Beach “scene” hotel. Designed by Philippe Starck to resemble a glamorous stumble down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland, it has an equally stylish penthouse. At 1,660 square-feet, it features a master bedroom, dining room, sitting area, and wet bar. Picture dazzling all-white rooms with Starck-designed custom furniture and the signature bowl of green apples amidst billowing floor-to-ceiling white curtains. The bathrooms feature oversized Italian marble soaking tubs, and there’s also a spacious private balcony for discreet sunbathing and incredible views of the aquamarine sea. Rates are available upon request. 1685 Collins Ave.; Miami Beach; 305-672-2000; morganshotelgroup.com/delano.

Shayne Benowitz is Miami.com’s Travel Editor. Sign up for her monthly newsletter at ShayneBenowitz.com.