Robert A.M. Stern, the dean of the Yale School of Architecture and a New York-based architect, is famous for his broad palette of traditional styles that includes neoclassical, gothic and art deco. So it was no surprise to see his condominium tower at 15 Central Park West draw heavily on the classic prewar New York apartment, complete with crown molding and parquet floors.

Mr. Stern’s luxury condos don’t hew to prewar standards in every respect, of course; they have all the modern amenities (and then some) that you’d expect for eight figures. Still, it’s striking how far the floor plans veer from tradition in a place that has come to define the modern American home: the kitchen.

Prewar kitchens, no matter how grand the apartment, were for servants and wives. They were small spaces, the only light coming via the air shaft, closed off by double-swing doors. Many of 15 Central Park West’s apartments, in contrast, have open, airy kitchens big enough for tables, islands, sofas and widescreen TVs. And Mr. Stern’s designs aren’t alone — whether in new apartment towers or suburban homes, today’s kitchens are as much about entertaining and relaxing as slicing and boiling.

Here’s a link to the rest of the article. Keep going – it’s an interesting read.

Here’s a really lovely and fresh new listing at 213 Commonwealth Avenue, right across from Mary Munford Elementary, between Grove & Cary. Totally adorable inside, with a sunroom, a den upstairs and lots of places to hang out. Who wants to go and have a look?

Click here for more information.

Listing courtesy of Page George & Paige Shaheen, Virginia Properties, a Long & Foster Co.
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This is from the City of Richmond’s website:

Residents may participate in the Adopt-A-Tree Program by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Parks & Recreation Foundation which will go toward planting a new tree or trees. Additionally, participants agree to water the tree for the first two years as outlined in the Tree Maintenance Agreement. Applications for the Adopt-A-Tree are due by October 1. Trees are planted late November through the end of February. For additional information please refer to Frequently Asked Questions and the Approved Tree Planting List.

Here is the blog of Shannon and Dan, who purchased a home in historic Church Hill and have worked utter magic on it.  I, along with all of Shannon and Dan’s friends, have been following their Facebook posts in wonder at the transformations as they’ve made them.

Now you get to see, too.  Stay tuned as Shannon creates yet another place of wonder on her very promising start of a blog! Click to view Nest on the Hill…

Let’s let “Ralph” tell you about it in his own words:

“On location in Sandston (near the Richmond airport) join us in air conditioned comfort and choose among BEAUTIFUL pieces including: a pair of bamboo fretwork side chairs, a club leather sofa by Mitchell Gold, a steel queen size canopy bed, a set of six Suter’s of Harrisonburg vintage 1950′s dining chairs, an inlaid English armoire, lots of smalls and numerous other QUALITY items including a special selection of interesting vintage and mid-century modern furniture from Ralph’s stash, many pieces not seen before at the warehouse location. Ralph will also be bringing along lots of original artwork, antique oriental rugs, vintage costume jewelry, lamps, and more than a few surprises.

Antiques and decorative accessories aren’t your thing? There will be a healthy assortment of quality housewares, dishes and other clean utilitarian goods for sale as well. Bring a friend, your cash, or your checkbook! Checks will be accepted with a valid state ID for amounts over $100. Dealers, Designers and Stagers welcome. Bring a tote bag so your hands are empty to SHOP!      Saturday July 31 from 9-4, and Sunday August 1 from 11-4.   105 East Union Street, Sandston, VA”

Visit Ralph’s Warehouse’s website here.