What’s Up With the TV?
Good morning, bloggers!
I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season. Just remember that if you need to sneak away and de-stress, HGTV.com is here to keep you busy.
Back to HGTV Dream Home chat. Many of you thought to put a flat-screen TV in the living room, but Jack and Linda took care of it for you. You can barely see it hidden away in the bookcase. Check out the living room photo gallery for more details.
Lovelykitty and others have asked me why I thought Linda and Jack decided to place artwork rather than a TV over the fireplace in the family room. The family room is the first room you see when you enter the HGTV Dream Home. You need a dramatic view when you enter through the front door, and the fireplace-artwork combo provides that. MicheleC had suggested the “Divine Design” solution of concealing the TV behind artwork. However, my true feeling is that we would all have extremely sore necks if the TV were placed above the fireplace. The TV would be much too high to really enjoy, especially given how much we all watch HGTV!
Enjoy the HGTV Dream Home special on January 1st. I can’t wait to read all of your reactions on the blog. And to Ingrid and Bobo, I look forward to seeing you after the new year!
Your Super Fan,
Gail
Happy New Year’s Eve to all! I certainly hope no one has mistaken me for the Marie that has written in about the small front yard & being too close to neighbors…she must be an “introvert!” “A person who tends to shrink from social contacts and becomes preoccupied with her own thoughts!” Help! I’m so in love with the DH2009, it hurts me to hear any negative talk! The front yard is perfect for me…I like some yard work, but shiver with the thought of acres to care for! As far as the layout of the home…come on, what more could a person want? This home would be heaven to a person like me…one who lives in a 1200 sq.ft. condo!! Okay, stop me! Enough already!! I want to say to each and every blogger…HAPPY NEW YEAR!! GOOD LUCK with entering the contest beginning tomorrow & don’t forget to tune in for the DH2009 Special tomorrow night!! Love to all, Marie Miller
As a designer I can tell you that it mystifies me as to how the designer of this home came up with their color palette. It is best to use only warm or only cool colors throughout with the addition of complementary colors, which was not done at all in this home. If you know color, you know that red is the most stimulating of colors, with yellow being second, both very poor choices for a bedroom where you wish your guests and children to relax and sleep. The family room with its contemporary black sofas and gray paint do not flow with the creamy traditional feel of the rest of the first floor at all, and I guess I might be a bit spoiled because I would want a larger space for the family room. I would have taken the extra sitting area space from the dining room, which most likely will never be used, and added that square footage to the area that will be used the most which is the family room/kitchen area. That would obviously be an decision made when the floor plan was laid out. Having so many door ways and windows in the FR gave this designer very little choice as to where to place the TV,so I do understand that decision, especially because I agree that over the fireplace is too high for comfortable viewing. I also found the wine storage in the den to be odd and I would have liked to have seen it somewhere else.
Marie,
No need to belittle the other Marie, maybe she is from a place where people have privacy! I live on 4 acres and cannot see ant houses from my yard, but do interact with people and my neighbors. I think the comment coes from the fact that most of the other Dream Homes were on large private lots.
Good luck to everyone and to those who need to attack someone personally because of there opinion you dont deserve to win.
We live in an old farm house and I could only dream of restoring it in this way. You have to look at this house just as if you were buying a home. There are things that you love and others that you would change.
Happy New Year HGTV!!!
Once again, you have put together a wonderful Dream Home Extravaganza. Everything about this feature is top notch, from the planning, location, construction, finishing, decorating, hosting, website, and “Super Fan” Gail is a nice addition this year, making the experience more “accessable” to average folks.
My questions all have to do with Monica. How long does it take her to plan out and reherse her footwork, positioning, and arm action throughout the “tour” video? Does she put tape on the floor like stage actors? How long does it take to learn how to safely walk backwards over rugs and around furniture? She looks great. How does she stay so slender?
Well, “Dream Home” truly does inspire dreams. Particularly this year if you know what I mean.
Does anyone ever really win these homes? Because I do not see this information anywhere on the site….the happy and LUCKY winners that is! Anyone know about this?
I am not a decorator, designer, etc. But I do know what I like, and this dream home does just not do it for me. Architecturally derivative, it appears to fit right into the gestalt of the neighborhood-which can be a good thing, but not when the environs are ordinary and the architecture uninspired. The decor, something I would characterize as “happily retired”, does not resonate with my personal sensibilities and the furnishings would be the first to go…can you come to my Dream Home Tag Sale?
Will someone explain why every year I fall in love with the decor in the Dream Homes? I think I know my style and every year I think this is the year I won’t like it as much as the previous year, but then it never fails..I love it! Every decorating detail always fit the homes so well and it just shows how varied a person’s taste can be if they trust in experienced Interior Designers! So once again I want to say KUDOS for a BEAUTIFUL Dream Home!
I think Betty expressed the sentiments many Dream Home bloggers feel just perfectly—every year it feels like one’s first love all over again! OK, maybe not THAT dramatic, but in that general direction. Certainly, Marie Miller, all of us who know and love hearing from you would never have confused you for the “other” Marie. Why, that’s imposserus! Besides, I’m with you, I don’t mind a little yard work, as long as it’s the gardener doing it for me.
And thank you, GAIL, for addressing several of my “vital” concerns…guess it’s curtains
on the window trim. C’est la vie!
Happy new year, Fellow Bloggers, and may all your dreams come true in 2009. I’m really feeling that my dream home will manifest and would like to take this opportunity on the eve of a new year to invite all y’all to the housewarming at DH09. In fact, you will be welcome anytime you care to visit.
Love, light and laughter, Linda
I am so excited to see the next dream home was in Sonoma, CA. BUt my excitement faded when I took the online tour of the home. Yes, overall the home is beautiful, BUT… there are some major FLAWS to the building of the home. First, what is with the kitchen cabinets, there are no upper cabinets. I think it is plain wrong to have no upper cabinets. Second, what is with the bathrooms. THere are three bathrooms in the home but no facilities on the base floor for company to use, silly designers you need to eat your wheaties! Other than that the closets are wonderful and the basic floor plan is cozy.
Now, for the decor, holy freakin gosh!!!
What is with the colors and extra modern touch…YUK! Who wants to wake up in a bedroom with bright green blaring in your face. What about the kids bathroom, blue countertop?? Okay, I don’t want to rip the decorators heart any longer but I hope the future homes they design have a not so freakishly modern touch. I hope who ever wins this home appreciates the touches, because I don’t. Sorry but this is the worst home yet!
I’m in love with this one! DH09 is definately the best to date. Spectacular. I wouldn’t change a thing. The master bed and bath are to die for. Sonoma here I come!
Two questions, no powder room on the 1st floor? Or did I miss it? Next, any explanations for the drapes in the entries to the dining and living rooms?
Thank you so much, lovelykitty, for posting the website link regarding the Ledson’s Harmony Foundation tour of HGTV’s Dream Home 2009. How exciting! I’m going to have to set aside some of my commitments in order to make arrangements for a flight over to Sonoma in the near future. I’d tried to quickly locate the link online last night after Ingrid graciously posted the info, but it was late, I didn’t have any luck, and decided to hunt for it the following morning. I should have known that one of our resourceful bloggers would have it all taken care for us with a simple posting. Thanks again.
AND, so much news on the Sonoma front recently, which leads us directly (and indirectly) back to DH09′s Armstrong Estates. Among the great names floating about lately on the business wires are those of the Sebastiani’s, and by marriage, the Cuneo’s (Mary Ann Sebastiani Cuneo and Richard Cuneo) Mr. Richard Cuneo is well-known and respected in his own right. Anyway, the Sebastiani Vineyards have recently been sold to the Foley Wine Group of Los Olivos (Santa Barbara County) How does the Armstrong Estates fit in here, you ask?—well….any volunteers?—Ingrid, lovelykitty, Bonnie, Marie, Katydid? In any event, I’m sure the Sebastiani Vineyards sale will be a prime topic of conversation among Sonoma locals and beyond, as the Sebastiani name has been long known and highly regarded throughout the world of serious viniculturists and oenophiles. I expect the family’s work in the field of viticulture will continue with the same enthusiasm as always through various existing and future ventures, and of course, in other arenas, such as the Sebastiani’s political endeavors.
Back to other pressing matters: Happy New Year to All, and tomorrow, let the games begin!
There are only 2 things I would change, the color of the master bedroom, from green to something calm. That green screams at a person. And the childrens room looks like something a small boy would like and that is just a little to personal for a home giveaway. Just don’t know that that many people need a small boys room. My teenagers sure wouldn’t stay in it. This should have been made a little more bigender friendly.
Every year the dream team does such a fabulous job. The DH09 web site is so amazing and fun to navagiate and especially for me this year, as this house is truly our dream home. I simply could not believe how it matches exactly what I would love to call mine.
Someone is going to be very blessed and I hope they will live in it and not sell it.
Happy new year to all!
bdb
My great blogging buddies! I could chat with you all night. Ingrid -thank you for the tour info. I will be on business up there in a few weeks, and hope to see the home. If I see you and BoBo, I will say hello. Marie – We definitely know you would never say such things, and I am with you, it is hard for me to be negative as it is, but I truly have nothing negative to say about this awesome DH. DBCoop – you are a treasure. I admit, I used to work for a winery now owned by Constellation Brands, however, I am fairly out of touch w/ industry news…I do know the industry is experiencing a lot of consolidation, so I wonder….hmm… I think some wineries are in a position where they need to sell, and some are not, if you know what I mean. I do know that Foley is looking to expand his brands. He is sitting pretty… any Pinot Noir from Santa Rita Hills or Ashley’s is always in demand. Speaking of…I hope our wine friends are enjoying a special wine tonight! I am. Cheers!
I was interested in seeing the staircase on the website. I viewed the floorplan and saw that there was a stairway obviously but wasn’t able to tour that section of the home. What a gorgeous home!
First let me say that I love every home that has been built. Where I have a problem is with the decorator. If I was fortunate enough to win this or any of the homes offered, the first thing would be to have a yard sail and get rid of most of the furniture and accessories. Most of it looks cheap (the art work in this home for example). Then repaint and redecorate. The kids rooms each year looks like nothing I or my child would like. And what is with the TV in the family room? The couch has its back toward the TV? Who’s clever idea was that? I don’t even thing a first year design student would make a stupid mistake like that. It amazes me year after year where your decorator team gets it ideas – they are completely out of touch.
The TV in the family room seems to have been hung on a wall where sunlight will shine on it all day. Not good. Dining room too fancy. 2 wine coolers & 2 fridges? I bet the PG&E bill is 2 much. The rug in the guest room is horrible. Somewhere, there’s an Italian restaurant with bare tables…
Master bedroom would need to be painted. More of the yard should have been dedicated to the garden.
Still, I’d take it, if I won…
Does anyone know the name of the ‘local’ artist of the contemporary artwork over the fireplace?
I bet the next Dream Home Giveaway will be in Black River Falls, Wisconsin
I am very interested in the lighting fixture over the breakfast nook talbe in the Kitchen.
How can I find out the price and where to order the fixture?
Thanks
Is there a means of getting the total square footage and room dimensions? What about central vac? What kind of heat was installed?
The house has a lot of great features but seems to be short on the everyday things needed. The practical items were left out like central vac, storage in the attic with no basement.
If this is the only show that is going to be on about the house my wife and I were very disappointed in it. The last several years the shows were much more informative about the home and building of it and less about all the commercials. There is one question that my wife and I have and that is in some developments /allotments whatever you call them there are Association Fees to pay for the services of the area,are there any such fees associated with the Dream Home location ?
I too would like to thank both Ingrid and lovelykitty for getting that tour info to all of us. My husband and I already took a drive past the gorgeous home just last weekend…any opportunity to get out of the crowded SF Bay Area is welcomed by us! The only problem with the home that we saw though, was that we are now in love with it more than we thought! It is absolutely perfect…we wouldn’t change a thing! The HGTV DH09 is now officially our obsession.
Ingrid- I have a question for you…what is your opinion of the school districts in that area? I am an elementary school teacher and would love to change districts if it meant moving to such a spectacular home, but I would just like a locals point of view first.
This is a beautiful home, for the wine lovers and those who like eclectic design. I really like it. The design layout is very similar to my house on a slightly smaller scale and more walls. The decorations and styles throughout the house is interesting and my eye is always moving…in a good way. Colors are a little intense but is effectively neutralized by the white, gray and beige.
Only concern/dislike is amount of office storage, downstairs closet. It’d be an awesome dream vacation home!!! Very exciting!!!
You picked a great location however the rooms in the house seem too small and crowded, and Linda, completely ruined the interior design.
Just found the hand in the glass case in the office a little odd. Anyone else? Loved the house over all though!
I just don’t know what HGTV is thinking. The interior of this home is is not a Sonoma home. It’s east coast all the way.
Doesn’t anybody know how hot it gets in the summer? There is no pool, and not even a pergola for shade in the yard.
I can’t imagine needing two islands in any kitchen–unless of course it was for a chef who is entertaining. But that chefs kitchen will be in his house in the vineyard, not the housing area.
Then there are the taxes… Who can pay federal income, and California property and income taxes on over 2 mill?? I’ve heard the stories of past winners having to turn right around and sell. If who ever wins this one has to do the same because they aren’t able to pay the taxes, they may not be able to sell the house for the ARV. in this California housing market.
Sorry HGTV, because I love you, but I think you missed it this time. Sometimes less really is more.
Ruth
In my opinion, the decorations and furniture are overkill for such a “small” dream home. There is too much decor and furnishings in some of the rooms. I would be extremely happy to win this home even though I would have to sell it right away. It would be nice to see HGTV build a dream home in a small town like Oxford, Ohio (home to Miami University (Miami was a University before Florida was a state
)) and concentrate more on the building than the location. You could have one hell of a home and yard in a small town for two million dollars.
Good Luck, everyone!
I love this house!! I can picture tucking in my boys in in the precious ‘kids room’ and my daughter in in the ‘guest room’ (it seems I have too many children for there to actually be a room left over for an actual guest room!) I love how the laundry is on the 2nd floor, too… I live in an older home where our laundry is in the basement – and it is NO fun going down 2 staircases with overflowing baskets!! I do, however, wonder (like a previous post)– Where is the bathroom downstairs in this house?? Did they just miss it on the tour?
I love the floor plan of this house-just not too nuts about some of the paint colors-especially the master bedroom-too loud and the color doesn’t seem very calming. I’d die for that kitchen though. I know that the hot thing is to put the TV over the fireplace but I’m not nuts about that-usually it’s too high up and would have to crank your neck up to watch it. Also, will they post the recipies for the dinner Bobby Flay made? I’d love to try them.
This is a lovely home and a great location! We also don’t drink so all the wine would have to go, but we’ve been waiting years for DH to build a home in the Bay Area. What I’d like to know (and I know you’re not a tax person, etc.) is what kind of tax bill comes with this “gift”? Seems like at least one previous DH winner had to sell the house to pay the taxes.
Did Mr. Thomasson not visit lovely Healdsburg, CA in northern Sonoma County? It really is the most amazing charming little hamlet ever. It also boasts a town square that is just the right size, not sooo big like Sonoma’s but perfectly sized to hold summer and autumn festivals and cozy enough to still feel charming and inviting. This little town is much more accessible than Sonoma, since it’s right off the 101 only 70 miles from San Francisco. The shops and the dining are just as first rate as any other place, but the views are much more spectacular than any other wine appellations. This region of Northern Sonoma County boasts the world famous Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys which have produced some of the finest wines not to mention the finest olives and lavender the world over. No offense to the town of Sonoma, but it cannot hold a candle to majestic, beautiful Healdsburg!
Beautiful home!! It’s just hard to imagine having to climb stairs for every trip to the
bathroom. Am I missing something on the first floor?
Does the fencing go all the way around the house? It appears there is no closure from the front to the back areas. And therefore nothing to keep our dog from wandering around the neighborhood…after we move in that is
From the tv you would think this home was set on several acres ,too bad.
No pool, small yard for such a big house ., nice to see a pool next door , maybe they would like to trade the little kids dollhouse outside in exchange for some pool time. Would hate to mow around the thing all the time.
Too many grape vines for such a small area, would make a good tomato patch though.Or berries.
Bet the neighbors are not happy about the taxes going up.
Kinda sad to see this nice place crammed into a small city lot. But times are hard so we understand.
Possible good lot for a garage sale ,looks like a nice busy street. That”s a plus, a perpetual G – sale can bring in some good bucks . A good way to get rid of some wine bottles and such.
Overall good presentation on TV , but man after seeing the 360 on the computer, its just another old farm house re-do.
sorry HGTV , its a flop.. Your past homes are more better..
For all it’s worth, if you’re going to win this home for free, and you are worried about all the taxes etc. then don’t enter and save a chance for all the others who would just love any chance to win a home!
I would think that if you could afford this home you’d have a gardner, that would take care of the lawn mowing issues. The Kitchen is great! You can’t have a kitchen that is too small, it is the heart of the house.
Bedrooms, location of TV’s etc. is all minor issues if you don’t win the Dream Home. Just the idea that it’s possible to win a home is the whole ball of bees wax!
Can anyone tell me about the console or Parson’s table that is underneath the TV in the Family Room? It is not Ethan Allen. I would really appreciate any help.
I love the idea of a house in Sonoma. I agree with many of the other comments. The colors aren’t to my liking, but paint will take care of that. Kids room isn’t what I would want for an 18 year old boy, but his own bath would be great and furniture can be changed. Besides we don’t expect he will stay with us much longer. The only major problem I see is not having a powder room down stairs. That is an expensive change.
If you look at the “floor plans” (on the HGTV Dream House home page) you can see there is a powder room on the first floor, right next to the staircase. It’s small, but I’m sure it is nicely appointed and will serve the purpose.
I know the house is roughly 3600 SF but I wish they gave the exact room dimensions.
Can anyone tell me what the tax load to the owner will be? I want to know what the Federal Taxes will come to, then what the property taxes are annually and what the association dues are for Armstrong Estates. Also if I am only earning 100K per year can I really afford to win this?
The designer made the correct choice in the placement of the TV in the family room. Placing a flat screen TV above a fireplace not only burns the TV out more quickly because of the heat (about cuts the life span of the appliance in half!), it also is not at the optimal viewing level (MUCH too high). I am a designer myself and advise my clients about this very thing. Good design balances function AND form.
Hi Gail!
I’m just wondering if there is any storage in the house…. I mean, so you can put some boxes of storage, old family photos, etc…….. By the way this house is gorgeous… by far the best house I’ve ever seen in this Dream Home sweepstakes! Which is saying a lot… Definitely a Dream Home!!!!
Please reply A.S.A.P! : )
I love the house! Even though some of the colors are bold, it would be a dream after living with a 50 year old kitchen. I love all the cozy sitting areas. Can you provide the room dimensions for the study, guest and kids room? Also does it have air conditioning? Thanks
I think that every place that there is a TV was perfect were they placed them. And I love it how most of the TVs are hidden. However, I didn't see a TV in the kids' room nor in the guest bedroom, unless they are hidden as well. That is one thing that I would add to those two rooms if they aren't already there. Also, I didn't see any computers. There is one desk in the Study and one in the kids' room. Where are the computers for those two desks? Also, does anybody know if the house has been wired for networking computers? I sure hope so. If not, I guess we'll have to go wireless.