Tahilla Farm and Nancy Meyers
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| The idea board...Tahilla Farm |
The Architect
A funny thing happened in the process of working with our architect...we changed our minds again and again and again and then we came full circle...and changed again. If I could give our architect a gold star, I would. He deserves it for receiving emails like this from me...
First email:
"How about we talk on Wednesday evening, 8:00pm your time which will be Thursday morning, 9:00am our time."
Next email:
"Ooops sorry, I meant 9:30am Friday morning which means 9:30pm Thursday evening, your time. Does that work?"
What would you say? I say...patience of a saint.
The Speakerphone
When we met with our architect last summer, we talked about how our future discussions would take place and agreed that Skype and Dropbox would be the best way to go. Dropbox worked a dream but internet connections between Vietnam and rural New Hampshire were not up to the task so we moved onto the next best thing...the speakerphone.
With the correct time scheduled in advance, Mr. H and I recently set up camp one early morning in his office, with schematic designs spread around the room as we talked through every little details with our architect via speakerphone. We walked through each space and managed a few revised sketches via email as we spoke. It was a very productive meeting and it feels right.
Friendly advice
The last time I wrote about Tahilla Farm we talked about windows and you all gave us brilliant advice. I have been back to read your comments several times, taking notes along the way. This week...the advice from Virginia @ Glamour Drops resonated with me..
"Trust you architect even more that you feel is comfortable..because a better outcome will result..the architect's job is to push you slightly beyond your comfort zone, and when clients allow and enjoy the process, great things are possible. Sounds like you are already comfortable with him, so my advice (coming from somebody who has been designing buildings for people for more than 20 years) is let him gently guide you, rather than the other way about, and you will (ironically, perhaps it would seem) end up with something far closer to your own personalities than you could have achieved on your own."
Nancy Meyers
Virginia hit on an interesting concept, the personality of a home. I wonder...does your home reflect your personality? Whether you live alone, as a couple or a family...could you put a personality to your home? If you would like to find out your decorating personality, you can take a test here.
I discovered that I have a 'Cozy, Casual' decorating style...
"A warm, traditional look made for relaxing with family and friends. Draws on English and early-American furniture designs, as well as laid-back country, cottage, and farmhouse styles. Weathered, low-maintenance furnishings are easy, inviting, and build for daily life. Think golden retrievers, fuzzy slippers, and just about any movie by Nancy Meyers." ( It's Complicated, The Holiday, Something's Gotta Give, Father of the Bride and Baby Boom..to name a few)
I took the pics below when I stayed at Tahilla Farm last summer, the odd bits of furniture were picked up in local shops...a place to pull up a chair and relax until the rest of our belongings arrive. We have a master plan, a big shuffle once the renovation is completed. Until then..it's the simple life and it suits me just fine.
The renovations will be substantial and we want to get it right by blending
the charm of the antique portion with the new. Easy..right? Maybe not.
So I was thinking...do you think our architect would say I am crazy
if I suggested he watch the following Nancy Meyers films?
Maybe just to think about...
Enough space to sit a tribe of family and friends
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| It's Complicated |
or a version of the windows in the master bedroom of
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| Something's Gotta Give |
or maybe the cozy charm of the kitchen in The Holiday?
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| The Holiday |
and in Baby Boom?
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| Baby Boom |
would it be a stretch to plan enough space
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| Father of the Bride |
Ok..I may have gone to far on the last one..
but I think with our new fields,
we will have plenty of space for an outdoor wedding...
one day. ;)
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| Tahilla Farm |
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| Tahilla Farm |
I can't help but wonder about the day when I write to say it is done.
I wish Nancy Meyers could make that happen too... as
long as she does not make me feel like this..
Before you go..I would love to know your decorating personality.
There are four personality styles...you can take the test test here
I look forward to hearing which decorating style you are!
You can comment or write to me jeannecollageoflife@gmail.com
Jeanne xx
Took the test. Considering that I didn't see a lot I liked in the pictures to choose from, the result, surprisingly, is pretty much on target for my preferred life style--I had equal numbers of C and D. Given my druthers, I'd be perfectly happy in any of the Nancy Meyers homes. Continuing good luck on your work with the architect. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Judy...we seem to be amongst a lot of C's and D's..in a good way! ;)
DeleteNew client today, 1911 house, 1 acre. Among other things mentioned, Your Home Must Have a Name.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to learn what they decide. More, can't wait to start planning the garden/house renovations after the holiday.
Exciting to follow your progress, teamwork.
XO T
Thank you Tara...your project sounds wonderful, good luck! ;)
DeleteJeanne, I think you should just send your architect THIS post...he will get it immediately! Loved taking the quiz...I am a sophisticated classic!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day! xoxo
I did Sandy..and he did! I am sure he wonders what and who he has got himself involved with. He has been brilliant...and why am I not surprised that you are a sophisticated classic?? xx
DeleteUnsurprisingly, Sturdy Gals are Cs too:). And I loved the rooms in Something's Got To Give.
ReplyDeleteI think we have a fellowship of the SCTG Lisa...we are all in agreement on that one! ;)
DeleteLove Nancy Meyers work and the sets in her films are simply divine!
ReplyDeleteI am reading Bunny Williams For the Love of a House right now and think you might like to read it if you have not already done so...being married to an architect I know how meticulous they are with the planning stage and the details. Good luck!
Thank you Leslie, I have Bunny's book and refer to it frequently, it is quite a home! ;)
DeleteJeanne, I agree with Sandy you must forward this post to your architect. I think it explains exactly what you are looking for!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Nancy Meyers designs and if I ever do get my cottage in Scotland I want it to look like the house in The Holiday. Each of her films convey a sense of style, but comfort, cozy and "home" a place to get a throw, a book and a cocoa and rest.
You must have the patience of a saint to undertake such a project and from so far away. I think you are going to end up with a wonderful home and I am so excited to follow along.
By the way, I am a Comfy Casual which describes me to a T.
Have a wonderful day dear Jeanne, xox Elizabeth
Thank you Elizabeth, we have a lot of Comfy Casual's amongst us. I take that as a good sign! Patience of a saint and crazy, the lot of us...but it is fun. Fingers crossed, a hope and a prayer is what it is feeling like at the moment.. ;) xx
DeleteHi Jeanne: I took the test; it was fun. I had equal numbers of both c & d. Our home is very eclectic in furnishings: artwork, sculpture, antiques, and comfy cozy furniture. We have had people say that our home is very comfortable and interesting. I think the interesting part may come from the artwork; I don't really know. We love it, and when candles are lit, it gets even better. I love to create atmosphere.
ReplyDeleteI think the photos above are great to show your Architect. He will get your ideas right away, as I did.
Our home (it is a town-home) is called Honey-bunny haven. And that describes it perfectly.
Remember, this is all a process, and keep your eyes on the prize. Take Care. : )
Thank you Kathleen...your home sounds like our home. Although, I like your description better than mine...eclectic early miscellaneous mess...not quite the same ring as Honey-bunny haven. I will have to re-think mine. Eye on the prize at all times! ;)
DeleteHello Jeanne
ReplyDeleteI love Virginia's suggestion. Trust your architect. As you said he deserves a Gold Star. When trust and the right chemistry between two parties is present, the architect will be giving the project his best ideas and one of a kind designs which are beyond his dreams too. Having said all of that, it is of prime importance that he understands your desires fully and I would say definitely have him view the movies you mention here.
Tahilla Farm is looking better and better each time I see it.
Tahilla is perfect for a party and how beautiful a wedding will be.
I scored C in the test.
My best for a delightful week
Helen xxx
Thank you Helen, I could not agree more...another C..the best! xx
DeleteHi Jeanne
ReplyDeleteI'd be on the fence regarding an architect .... some are master mind readers, and some have caused surprises, but if you know him well, go for it. I love the idea about giving him movies, yes maybe cut the last one, but you telling him what you like about all of them will help. I loved all those movies, own them and watch often. Search "Something's Gotta Give" on Pinterest; that house is something to lust after.
I'm helping a friend recreate a fabulous condo ... we stumbled onto the movie idea, especially SGG and went to Pinterest. She made a board just to pin the "looks" she was liked, and her decorator got the idea. In fact they use both the decorator's and her boards in discussions with their iPads. Pinterest was sent by the home gods, for sure.
Well, I turned out to be a D .... Vintage Eclectic .... which is interesting and probably has some merit. I describe my style as English Traditional with Country French undertones ... I just counted six fabric patterns in my living room. I don't like furniture that matches, love lots of books and wall art from many periods. I don't like furniture with all the same color wood. Every room needs a dash of black, whatever it is. That's a Mark Hampton thing, his books are great reading, all of them.
The kitchens in Holiday and SGG are wildly different ... which way are you going? OK, enough about me, I feel strange spilling my guts here, but it's late and I probably need sleep.
I love getting your farm updates ... it's a very exciting .. especially for closet decorators like me. It will all end wonderful, I suspect you will be very happy. Good luck, and keep us posted.
Karen in VA
Thank you Karen..I am with you, I am a mix and match too..we like a few conversations points around the room and we have plenty! On the kitchen front..SGG is my favourite..with the comfort of Holiday, it is a stretch, I know! So glad you enjoy the farm updates...love all your thoughts, keep them coming. I am with you all the way! ;)
DeleteI'm not good in giving advice on architectural designs. I think you have a very patient architect to work with and sensible suggestions from your friends.
ReplyDeleteThat we do edgar...thank you!
DeleteI'm the C-type which is correct..cozy and casual as I like it. But I have to add I like also very much the eclectic style,which can be a part of C. I know only the movie "Somethings gotta..." but I felt totally in love with the interior. The time difference, now for us its only 6 hrs. but before it was the same with you. Today:= next day.
ReplyDeleteRef. Architect...as you know him well it should not be a problem but tell him as much as you can about your daily habits. We, after getting the plans started to make some changes and that's finally YOU.
Thank you Rena...a good suggestion to consider our daily habits. I had not thought of that. So much to consider! ;)
DeleteSo much fun to sift through this post to see where you're going with Tahilla Farm! And fun to see yet another decorating quiz from magazine publishers :)
ReplyDeleteOK, so I took the test and, again, I come out primarily as a Modern Graphic with a touch of cozy casual...have always shopped Design Within Reach...LOVE their upholstery. But I also love a well-made basket that comes from another sort of heritage...
Thank you Becky...Design Within Reach is new to me..I will definitely have a look. I can see modern graphic and cozy casual in your home decor, they are right! ;)
DeleteWhat a lovely post - it must be so exciting designing a dream home such as your beautiful Tahilla Farm. Sounds like you are working full steam ahead long distance, and I'm sure you have chosen a great architect to help bring your dream to fulfillment.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Jeanne!!!
I'm "Cozy, Casual" too.
Thank you Mary...you are a sweetheart! We are having fun...with a whole lot of challenges being so far away. I know we will get there in the end..I keep reminding myself that patience is a virtue. ;)
DeleteOh yes I'm Cozy Casual too, and of course I drool over all of those rooms you posted. Awesome! Good luck on your project - I will enjoy following along.
ReplyDeleteSo many Cozy Casual's...I love it! Thank you Mary...;)
DeleteI adore all of the Nancy Meyers homes. Isn't it interesting how the As Good As It Gets house is still so current? Great post Jeanne, can't wait to see more of Tahilla Farm
ReplyDeleteThank you CIndy...I am taking it step by step, room by room...and look forward to your thoughts as I go along. ;)
DeleteJust took the test and I am "Cozy Casual" too....not surprised. All of the movies you listed are among my favorites as well. Tahilla Farm is lovely! I am very familiar with New Canaan, CT....what a beautiful part of our country. Carry on Jeanne! You're doing a great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you Melissa...I lived in New Canaan, CT for several years. It is a wonderful spot! ;)
Deletehad a client give me a NM movie + tell me they wanted the home to look exactly like that. found an architect that produced "exactly like that" and we were off and running + definitely send the movies. can't wait to see the outcome + brilliant idea -sending the movie. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteLove that your client did that Peggy...I guess it is the next best thing. ;)
DeleteHello Jeanne,
ReplyDeleteI love Virginia's suggestion too wholeheartedly. You've chosen an architect for some reason so trust him even when in doubt. Just let him lead.
Oh yes! The movies. He has to see them all, pictures speak better than words. Everybody loves to live there, the interior obsessed blogosphere universally exploded, thanks to the trademark designs of talented set designer and decorator Beth Rubino, she is absolutely brilliant.
I've gladly joined her numerous fans. That is exactly my cup of tea.
It's Complicated, The Holiday and iconic Something's Gotta Give, where stylish and cozy interiors filled with light and happiness and classiness, and speak volumes about characters.
http://www.architecturaldigest.com/ad/set-design/2007/somethings-gotta-give-film-sets-article
All the very best with your project.
Natalie
Many thanks Natalie and I am thrilled to find out the woman behind the woman. I will be sure to look more closely at Beth Rubino's work. Many thanks for the link! ;)
DeleteYOur making progress……..even if its a telephone call.
ReplyDeleteI took the test but did not keep track…….so?
The day will come when you will be done and weddings will have taken place and well……it will be time to start ripping apart again!Enjoy this time and DONOT GET HUNG UP ON LIGHT SWITCHES!!!
Thank you La Contessa and I remember your advice on light switches, I promise not to get hung up on them. ;)
DeleteI took the quiz...Vintage Eclectic. You know how I feel about Tahilla. She wants a long, quiet conversation with you where she can open up and tell you where she wants to go. I don't think she was happy with the last detour (former owner) and wants to get it right for the next couple of hundred years. PS - She loves the view!
ReplyDeleteSo glad she loves the view Lisa..I do too! I am hoping to have that long, quiet conversation next summer. All 223 years of it... ;)
Deletei can't believe how much we have in common!!! i love those rooms that you have posted above...especially Something's Gotta Give....my dream beach house...i really enjoyed today's post :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Lovely to hear from you again...twinklingeyes... ;)
DeleteYes! To everything Jeanne! Trusting the architect, getting him to watch the movies, focusing on those rooms you've shown. It's all delightful. I'm sure your home will be like one of your journals come to life. Enjoy! M xo
ReplyDeleteI new you would agree Meredy...thank you! xx
DeleteI love that film. I use the 'I don't want to know where it's coming from!' comment often. I'm afraid I'm that kind of woman. Things just need to work.
ReplyDelete