A Barn Door in Your Home!

I have always loved old rustic barns. In fact..I wish I could have an old barn that was just mine. I would make it a mommy cave. I would have a little craft area...yoga station....reading area...and maybe even an old horse to keep me company.  But..for now....I think the closest thing to a barn for me is a sliding barn door. Aren't these doors great?

traditional kids design by austin architect Webber + Studio, Architects

contemporary kitchen design by boston interior designer Su Casa Designs

modern living room design by new york architect Rodriguez Studio Architecture PC

contemporary dining room design by crown-industrial.com

family room design by austin architect Carey Dodson

eclectic kitchen design by chicago kitchen and bath Rebekah Zaveloff

Window Treatments

Are you a window treatment lover? I really like something that is simple and easy to clean. I don't like anything that is going to accumulate a lot of dust. Check out these fun and simple window treatments. Aren't they fabulous?

eclectic family room design by charlotte interior designer Jane Ann Maxwell

modern family room design by san francisco interior designer Cecile Lozano Interiors

traditional kitchen design by seattle kitchen and bath Warmington & North

dining room design

spaces design

contemporary home office design by atlanta interior designer Cristi Holcombe

Fence Etiquette: Tips to Avoid Neighbor Disputes

Recently, our fence fell down due to one of the storms. Honestly, we are still working on putting it back up. We have secured the fence posts with cement..but we still need to put up the panels. When there is damage to a fence that you share with a neighbor...this can be a challenging issue. Who pays for it? Here is another great article by Ann Cochran that provides great advice on handling this issue.

Image: Comstock Images/Getty Images

If you install a fence, it's your responsibility to make sure both sides are well-maintained. Avoid fence disputes by practicing fence etiquette—a good neighbor policy. If you follow zoning regulations and share basics with neighbors before construction, you can install a new fence AND stay on good terms with the folks next door.

Must-dos

Observe boundaries: Don’t risk having to tear down that fence by going even one inch over your property line. Study your house line drawing or plat or order a new survey ($500 to $1,000) from a land surveyor to be sure of boundaries. Fence companies usually install a foot inside the line, to be on the safe side.


Respect limits: Fencing companies obtain permits and must know local zoning regulations for height, setbacks, and other restrictions. Height limits typically are 6 feet for side and back yards; 4 feet for front yards. More restrictive rules often apply to corner lots, where blind curves can limit driving visibility. To avoid disputes, review restrictions with your fence company before choosing a fence.


Follow HOA rules: Fencing companies are not responsible for knowing home owners association dos and don’ts; that’s your job. Unless you want to suffer committee wrath, and engage in a dispute, follow HOA guidelines. HOAs can dictate style, height, and maintenance. If your HOA wants all structures to match, you won’t have much wiggle room.

Nice-to-dos

Share your plans: No one likes surprises. Before installing, save yourself a fence dispute and have a conversation with neighbors. If property line issues exist, resolve them before installation. No need to show neighbors the design—that’s just inviting trouble. They have to live with your choice unless it lowers property values or is dangerous.


Put the best face outward: It’s common practice to put the more finished side of your fence facing the street and your neighbor’s yard.  


Maintain and improve: It’s your responsibility to clean and maintain both sides. If an aging section starts to lean, shore it or replace it.

Good-to-knows

• The term “fence” includes trees or hedges that create barriers.

• If you have a valid reason for wanting an extra high structure, to block a nasty view or noisy street, apply to your zoning board for a variance. Neighbors can comment on your request during the variance hearing.

• If your neighbors are damaging your fence, take photos and try to work it out with them first. If they don’t agree to repair it, take your fence dispute to small claims court. Award limits vary by state: $1,500 in Kentucky to $15,000 in Tennessee.

Ann Cochran has written about home improvement and design trends for Washingtonian, Home Improvement and Bethesda Magazine

Tree Falls Over Property Line: Who Pays? Who Picks Up the Pieces?

Hi Friends! Have you seen all the tornado damage in Alabama? I have a really good friend who recenlty moved to Alabama from Norman. Fortunately, her house was not damaged. But..as you have seen on the news...many families homes were severly damaged.

 

I recently read this great article that fits this time of year well. It's an article written by Ann Cochran. Now...you will know what to do if that big old oak tree next door falls on to your HouseLove.



Image: NOAA



 

 

If a neighbor's tree damages your property, your insurance company should pay to repair the damage, then decide whether to seek reimbursement from your neighbor. When a neighbor’s tree falls over your property line, yell TIMBER, then call your insurance company. Home owners policies cover tree damage caused by perils like wind and winter storms. Most policies cover hauling away tree debris if the mess is associated with house damage; some will cover cleanup even if no structures were harmed.

When a tree falls

Your neighbor is responsible when a tree falls over your shared property line only if you can prove he was aware that his tree was a hazard and refused to remedy the problem. Regardless, your insurance company restores your property first, and later decides whether or not to pursue reimbursement from the neighbor or his insurer if the neighbor was negligent in maintaining the tree.

Before a tree falls

Write a letter to your neighbor before his dead, diseased or listing tree falls through your roof or over your property line.

The letter should include:

• Description of the problem

• Photographs

• Request for action

• Attorney letterhead—not necessary but indicates you mean business.

Trim their trees

If the limbs of a tree hang over your property line, you may trim the branches up to the property line, but not cut down the entire tree. If a tree dies after your little pruning, the neighbor can pursue a claim against you in civil or small claims court. Depending on the laws of your state, your neighbor may have to prove the damage was deliberate or caused by negligence, but may also be able to recover up to three times the value of the tree.

Before you cut, tell your neighbors what you intend to do to protect your property. They may offer to trim the whole tree instead of risking your half-oaked job.

Your tree falls

It’s always a good idea to take care of your big and beautiful trees, and keep receipts for trimmings and other care.

But if your tree falls over a neighbor’s property line, do nothing until their insurance company contacts you. You may not be liable unless you knew or should have known the tree was in a dangerous condition.  If you pruned a tree or shored up trunks to prevent problems, gather your receipts to prove your diligence.
Ann Cochran has written about home improvement and design trends for Washingtonian, Home Improvement and Bethesda Magazine. 

Rugs..Rugs..and More Rugs!

Happy Saturday friends!

I hope you have been having a super amazing week. We have been pretty busy at the Landreth house....lots of end of school activities....mixed in with lots of trips to Eskimo Sno...we absolutely are addicted to those yummy sno cones! And.....a ton of new clients looking for homes. I love this time of year because I get to check out all the new homes that are on the market...and there are some cuties out there!

So....right now at my house we are trying to decide on an area rug for the family room. Why is it so freaking difficult to choose an area rug? Should I go neutral..or gold bold with a funky fun rug? This is totally stressing me out at the moment. I have been checking out rugs on line and still have not found the perfect one. Have you ever checked out this website  www.westelm.com. They have super adorable things for the home. I have been eyeing a few rugs on there.

So..check out these photos of some area rugs I found on some other sites......enjoy! Oh....I will let you know what we decide on too!

contemporary living room design by new york photographer Alexander Johnson Photography

modern bedroom design by new york interior designer Amy Lau Design

modern kids design by dc metro interior designer Nicole Lanteri

contemporary family room design by portland interior designer Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.

modern bedroom design by boston interior designer Kristen Rivoli Interior Design

modern entry design by other metros interior designer Jenny Carter

traditional living room design by tampa general contractor Ramos Design Build Corporation - Tampa

eclectic porch design by los angeles media and blogs Lisa Borgnes Giramonti

living room design by dallas interior designer Abbe Fenimore Studio Ten 25

traditional bedroom design by san francisco interior designer Kathleen Burke Design

modern dining room design by other metros media and blogs Made By Girl

eclectic bedroom design by new york interior designer ABC Dragoo

modern kids design by new york interior designer Amy Lau Design

contemporary bathroom design by atlanta interior designer Joel Kelly Design

traditional family room design by atlanta interior designer Valerie DeRoy Interiors, LLC

eclectic living room design by other metros interior designer Debbie Basnett

Ok...I just had to add this photo of this area rug..because it just made me laugh..it's just so tiny!

contemporary closet design by los angeles architect Lisa Adams, LA Closet Design