Celebrating Memorial Day

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend, the "unofficial" beginning of the summer.  Amid the beach trips, relaxing, and the fun of a holiday weekend, I like to celebrate the real meaning of the day.

According to wikipedia, "Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces."  One way I like to do this is to visit historically significant locations in my area.  Here is a list of places in the Wilmington, NC, area I have or would like to visit:

Fort Fisher Visitor Center

Fort Fisher
Kure Beach, NC
Fort Fisher was built during the Civil War as a way to protect the port of Wilmington from the Union forces.  After the fort fell to the Union, the supplies couldn't go out to the Confederate armies.  Without supplies it was impossible to keep going with momentum and, due to this and other reasons, three months later the war ended.

It also played a role in World War II.  According to the NC Historic Sites website, the Wilmington area "underwent a major expansion in the shipbuilding, chemical, and petroleum industries" during WWII.  After Camp Davis was built, anti-aircraft training began at Fort Fisher.  This led to further development at the fort, which you can read about on the NC Historic Sites website.

All of this contributes to the historical significance of Fort Fisher.  The Fort Fisher State Historic Park includes a visitors center, a civil war museum, earthen fortification walls (man-made mounds), a reconstructed and operational cannon, a confederate memorial, and more.  There is also the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area which includes hiking trails, fishing, boating, a beach, four wheeling, etc.



Moores Creek National Battlefield
Currie, NC
The Moores Creek National Battlefield is part of Revolutionary War history.  Some of the Loyalist were marching to meet up with Redcoats and head toward the North Carolina coast.  Some of the Patriots heard of their coming and positioned themselves at the Moores Creek Bridge with muskets and cannons.  As the Loyalists were headed to cross the bridge, the Patriots attacked and the Loyalists surrendered.  According to the Moores Creek National Battlefield website, "This battle marked...the first significant victory for the Patriots in the American Revolution."

My family and I went to this battlefield for Memorial Day in 2013 and it was a great place to visit.  There were people dressed up from the 1700's, with tents displaying guns, clothing, etc. from that time period.  There were games set up for the kids, like hitting a hoop with a stick.  There's also a cannon that they fire on special occasions.  It's loud, but very cool to watch.  This national park has a visitors center, monuments, trail, the Moores Creek Bridge and a picnic area.
 
You can find out more information about the historical significance of Moores Creek at the Moores Creek Bridge page on the History Channel's website.

Battleship North Carolina
Wilmington, NC
I've previously written how visiting the battleship is one of my family's favorite things to do on Memorial day.  The Battleship North Carolina's historical significance is from World War II.  It went to Pearl Harbor where it was damaged.  The battleship's website has a lot of information, but not quite as much (I think) as the visitors center.  Visiting the battleship is informative, exciting, and a great way to spend Memorial Day.

The Battleship North Carolina has a special Memorial Day Observance starting at 4pm on Memorial Day.  Check out their website for more information.

Operation Bumblebee Observation Tower -
 Picture from Pinterest

Operation Bumblebee
Topsail Beach, NC
Operation Bumblee was a secret Navy program to develop surface-to-air anti-aircraft missiles during the 1940's.  The location on Topsail Island became the permanent location for testing and launching of these missiles in 1947.  One of the famous remnants from Operation Bumblebee are the observation towers that still remain. The Topsail Historical Society runs a Missiles and More Museum, where you can see model and original missiles from the Operation, a full size Talos guided missile, and a film that chronicles the history of the program.

Visiting local historically significant locations is one of my favorite ways to spend Memorial Day.  What are some things you like to do to celebrate?

Is Your House Good for Thunderstorm Viewing?

In our area we're experiencing a round of thunderstorms, which are supposed to continue for another few days.  Reactions to thunderstorms can vary widely from fear to awe with any number of feelings in between.  If you're like me, then you love thunderstorms.  The rumble of the thunder combined with the amazing light show brings a sense of wonder and awe.  They can be a nice change of pace (so long as you're safe).

http://res.freestockphotos.biz/pictures/0/364-lightning-in-the-night-pv.jpg

Depending on your house layout, it can sometimes be difficult to watch the light show outside.  You might have furniture in front of your window, so it's awkward to try and sit in a position that allows you to watch.  Or you might have small windows inconveniently placed making it difficult to view the storm comfortably.  Another obstacle is when your view is blocked by a neighboring building.  That can bring disappointment and ruin your excitement.

Today I'm going to describe what I think makes a house good for viewing thunderstorms.  First, you need to have large windows.

www.andersencorporation.com

Large windows are a must if you want to have a good, unobstructed viewing area to watch the thunderstorm.  You can arrange your furniture in just about any configuration and still be able to watch the lighting streak across the sky while you sit comfortably.  Wouldn't you love to have the view out of the windows in the picture above?

Second, you need a house with multiple levels.

The Winds Cottage

Being able to go up a level higher than the buildings around you helps give a better vantage point.  If your house is the same height as your neighbors, when the lightning flashes below their house then your view is gone and disappointment sets in.  In the picture above, if the second floor isn't high enough then you're able to go up another to get the view you desire.

Third, you need a safe place to watch the thunderstorm.

The Island Cottage

Ideally, having an interior observation loft will give you the height you desire and a 360 degree view of the storm. That would be a pretty awesome view!  If you don't have an observation loft, then go back to the first item on my list:  find a large, unobstructed window to watch the storm from.

Now, it's important to stay safe during thunderstorms.  The National Weather Service has issued a lot of info for Lightning Safety that you should review.  They have multiple links to various safety info, one of which is Tips for Safety with information about outdoor safety, indoor safety, and safety tips of what to do if you are stuck outside during a thunderstorm. For instance, don't watch a thunderstorm from your porch.  It might seem like an ideal place, especially if it's on an upper level.  But, the National Weather Service specifically says this is not a good idea.  Take their advice and stay safe!

If you're interested in designing or remodeling your home to facilitate a better view to watch storms from, let us help you create a design at www.mcleodarchitect.com.  Or view our architect designed house plans, including the Winds Cottage and Island Cottage pictured above, at www.southerncottages.com.

A House With Storage

If you are looking for a home with more storage space, the Woods Cottage is the house for you. This house has multiple linen & coat closets, a built-in china cabinet, sewing counter, pantry, loads of kitchen counter space, family room built-ins, office nook and more. In addition to all the storage space, it has four bedrooms, a den, a large bonus room, first floor master suite and a 2 car garage. And those are just features on the inside. If this sounds like your next house, please click this link. All of the Southern Cottages House Plans are designed by an architect to give you style with a comprehensive design at a price you can afford.

Let us help you create a building to serve your needs at www.mcleodarchitect.com.
View our architect designed house plans at www.southerncottages.com.

Kitchen Cabinets

One of the most important rooms in a house is the kitchen.  We ponder, dream, and obsess over what our kitchen will look like.  There are counter tops, cabinets, appliances, flooring, windows and lighting choices to make.  Some things you can do to narrow down your choices are to tear out pictures in magazines or make a Pinterest or Houzz board dedicated to these decisions.  When you see a picture with something you like, tear it out or "pin" it.  Make sure to note what exactly it is that you like.  "Love the countertops."  "Island configuration is just what I need."  "Perfect paint color." You get the idea.

rustic kitchen cabinetry

The kitchen element we're focusing on in this post is the cabinets.  Here at Southern Cottages House Plans, the cabinets we specify are Kraftmaid.  They are a good, quality product with loads of options.  Door style, overlay, color, technique, and wood type combine to produce a distinctive look for your home.  Whether you're into traditional, eclectic, rustic, modern, something timeless, or any other style you will find what you're looking for.  The Kraftmaid website has some great tools to help you decide what you want.  Other manufacturer's should also have similar tools to help you.

With so many options out there we can't go over even a tenth of them, but here are a few ideas we found on Houzz:

Photo by Hill Farm Furniture Ltd - Search farmhouse kitchen pictures

Farmhouse style with recessed panel and trim, white glazed finish, inset panels (cabinet doors flush with the frame) and combination solid and glass doors.

Photo by Clay Construction Inc. - Browse traditional kitchen photos

Traditional style with arched recessed upper cabinets, square recessed bottom cabinets, medium wood finish, and full overlay (no cabinet frame showing between doors).

Photo by Greg Natale - Look for contemporary kitchen pictures

Contemporary kitchen with square recessed panels on base cabinets, glass paneled cabinets above, painted green finish, full overlay, and paneled tall doors.

Photo by Drury Design - Look for traditional kitchen pictures

Timeless traditional style with square raised panel, white color, full overlay, and combination solid and glass doors.

 

Photo by Roundhouse - More transitional kitchen ideas

Contemporary style with slab (flat) cabinets, gray color, full overlay (no cabinet frame showing between doors), and integral shelf in island.

Photo by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery - Discover traditional kitchen design inspiration

Farmhouse style with square raised panels, glazed finish, dual colors, and beaded inset (small bead around the panel door and the cabinet doors flush with the frame).

Photo by Witt Construction - Look for traditional kitchen pictures

Traditional style with square recessed panel, distressed finish, dual colors, and beaded inset (small bead around the panel door and the cabinets flush with the frame).


We haven't even mentioned the many molding details, hardware options, lighting or storage solutions.  With so many alternatives available, good luck making a decision!  But seriously, remember, if you can pinpoint what exactly you like about a picture you find that will help narrow down your decision.  Good luck!

Top 5 Home Theaters

Home theaters have increased in popularity the last few years and we can see why.  They are a comfortable place to relax, unwind, and get the movie theater experience without leaving your home.  Here are our top five home theaters we're pining for. 


Home Theater #1
Traditional

Traditional Home Theater by El Segundo Home Media Design & Installation Interior Technologies

This home theater has all the features of a classic movie theater from 'back in the day'.  Chandelier ceiling, plush seats, wall sconces, and decorative trim around the curtained screen take us back to yesteryear, but with a stylish modern feel.  Although not cheap, a similar lush purple leather-textured wall paper can be purchased online.  The decorative wall trim at the curtain can be fabricated by a skilled cabinetmaker.


Home Theater #2
The Night's Sky

Traditional Home Theater by San Francisco Home Media Design & Installation VIA – San Francisco 

No more longing for the days when you could go to a drive-in because this home theater brings the outdoor movie experience inside.  Watch a movie in surround sound and comfortable seating while sitting under the night's sky.  Major bonus: no bugs.  The sky effect can be painted, attached with an adhesive mural, achieved by a lighting expert, or a combination of all of the above.  Fiber optic lights would produce effective night time stars.

Home Theater #3
Art Deco

Traditional Home Theater by Los Angeles Home Media Design & Installation Roberts Home Audio and Video Inc.

Say goodbye to wall sconces because this theater sets the mood with lighting that spans across the walls and ceilings.  With the Art Deco detailing on the lights, we're transported back to the time of The Great Gatsby.  These fantastically ornamented lights are offset by dark gray walls, floors, seating and curtains to bring a delicate touch to this chic theater. 


Home Theater #4
Natural Elements

Contemporary Home Theater by Sterling Home Media Design & Installation Encore Custom Audio Video

This home theater takes a tip from Mother Nature by using earth tones and natural textures to create a room that is visually appealing and very comfortable.  The brown leather theater seats are soft and inviting.  The two-tone paint compliments the seats and bring you down to earth.  The highlight of this room is the wave-patterned panels on the ceiling. (They also make an appearance on the walls as pilasters.)  Reminiscent of rippling water, these interlocking panels from Modular Arts make this textured feature possible.


Home Theater #5
Retro Suite

Contemporary Home Theater by South East Interior Designers & Decorators FiSHER iD

From the hip color scheme to the retro wall panels this home theater is swanky.  The purple, aqua and green couches have a dual job: they provide plentiful seating and create visual excitement in what could be a bland room.  The diamond art on the wall provides interest, lighting and possibly sound absorption.  The clean lines of these elements work together to provide a design that stands out from the rest on this list.


Which of these five home theaters is your favorite?  Maybe you have your own ideas for what makes the perfect theater.  Let us know.  We would love to hear from you!

Disclaimer: Southern Cottages House Plans and Michael R. McLeod Architect, PA did not design any of these rooms.  Click the picture to find these rooms on Houzz.