At long last backsplash.

This DIY kitchen has been a long time coming. From the Ikea cabinet trek in October, to the initial demo over Thanksgiving, to just last weekend, we've come a long way, mod babies. The range hood should go up this weekend, and a little painting should happen as well. After that we will consider novel weekend experiences, such as sleeping in, going to the movies and driving past Lowe's with nary a glance in its direction.

The tiles are Sendai silk in the stacked brick pattern from Lunada Bay. These came face mounted on paper -- something I wouldn't recommend everyone try at home. If you are kitchen obsessed and a perfectionist (me) and have the aid of a willing and patient spouse (the Mister), then have at it. It took a good nine hours to get them set. A few more hours a few days later to grout and clean up. We're thrilled with the result. The hope was that it would bring an updated look with reference to materials past, and I think it is doing its job.

Oh, and the spot for the range hood chimney? You'd think it was intentional. You'd think wrong. I simply miscalculated the square footage by about two sheets of tile. This was our ad hoc solution, and I'm hoping no one will be able to tell the difference once it's all in place.

Updating an MCM home is always difficult. There are the purists who believe that technology is secondary and period-correctness is paramount. Then there are those who totally compromise the space with insensitive "improvements". I'm hoping we've landed somewhere in the middle. The footprint is the same, as are the pavers on the floor. But the cabinets, countertop and tiles are new, with a touch of the "Dwell" sensibility.

Let us know what you think!

The Rosenbaum House (Frank Lloyd Wright in Florence, Alabama)

I first drove by the 1939 Usonian home back in about 1990 or 1991 when it was still in the hands of the Rosenbaum family. It was in need of maintenance and updates, as would be expected. It came into the possession of the city of Florence in 1999 and after an extensive renovation was opened to the public a few years later. This is the only Wright structure in Alabama, and I am thankful to the City of Florence and the countless volunteers who worked to save this specimen. We finally had a chance to visit the home a few weeks ago.

I had been to Fallingwater and some of the homes in Chicago, as well as two other Usonians, so I knew what to expect. What was interesting was coming to the realization that the home is simply one of dozens in a regular residential neighborhood . . . with a giant Elementary School building next door. It makes the house seem small, in a way. But it is wonderful, nonetheless.

I highly recommend you make the trip, if you can. It's a nice drive, and you can have lunch at Rosie's Cantina!

http://www.wrightinalabama.com/index.html




This was originally a play yard for the Rosenbaum's four boys, but after they were grown, the couple converted it into a Japanese garden. This will be my inspiration for the reimagination of our indoor garden. Of late, it had become a repository for wayward, huge houseplants. I think something more pared down is in order.




And a few shots from our kitchen. The Zodiaq Papyrus countertop is in place. Robot says yay!!!

Take off the chill with some new mod listings -- all over town!

I always try to keep an eye on available mod properties, because I trust you all will find good new owners for them. And since it is still a bit chilly outside, you can tour from the comfort of your favorite chair. Come along with me. We're walking, people! Walking, walking!

Some Birmingham city properties:

Crestline Gardens, the cute little development off Montevallo Road at Elder, for a mere $179,900:
http://tinyurl.com/144-Fern-St



Another in nearby Mountaindale, a wonderful location adjacent to Mountain Brook:
http://tinyurl.com/4405-Mountaindale



And something in Forest Park for $450K:
http://tinyurl.com/4736-S-Clairmont



Homewood offers a nice solid ranch for only $199,900. This is a steal for Homewood schools:
http://tinyurl.com/400-Crest-Drive



Another Homewood property for only $229,500:
http://tinyurl.com/1636-Beckham-Drive



Some Vestavia choices:

For $219,500 . . .
http://tinyurl.com/1825-Canyon-Road



and for $261,000 . . .
http://tinyurl.com/1816-Old-Creek-Trail



Here is one in Hoover - it looks unassuming from the outside, but is something quite different within for $219,900:
http://tinyurl.com/1924-Deo-Dara-Drive




This one is fabulous for only $219,900. It rests in the Historic Lakewood neighborhood in the city of Bessemer among other stately Tudors, etc. There are great neighbors there, so if Lucy-and-Ricky-move-to-Connecticut is your thing, don't let this pretty-much-intact colonial escape you.
http://tinyurl.com/106-Waverly-Circle



And a trip around town just isn't complete without a stop in Mountain Brook.

This one must be fabulous, because the listing shows no photo from the outside. Say what? Yes, no outside photo. I have learned that realtors selling in certain areas feel that "modern" is a wayward child to be hidden behind their skirts as they market a property. But they can't fool me. I know a good one when I see it:
http://tinyurl.com/4332-Old-Brook-Trail


And one in the area around Mtn. Brook Junior High, where we toured a few months back (on this one they're afraid to show photos of the inside):
http://tinyurl.com/3425-Mountain-Park-Drive


Happy traveling! Don't forget to tip your bartenders and waitresses.