away from home

I stumbled upon this old episode of This American Life the other day and found it to be really interesting. In three segments, the show presents stories of "people going home to places they've never been". I have been formulating this idea for a while now that finding your home whether it be the place you grew up or someplace you have never been is much like finding your partner in life. It can be someone or someplace that is familiar or maybe just feels familiar but either way there is this sense of knowing that you are home. This episode plays into this concept and is definitely worth the listen. 

american dream builders episode 7

via American Dream Builders

I just finished watching the seventh episode of the American Dream Builders series. I wish I could say they really turned it around with this installment but the show was perhaps the most disjointed one yet. The designers were tasked with designing two duplexes under one roof for one family - elderly parents and their grown son. From beginning to end, I could not figure out who lived where and what spaces the designers were tasked with designing. To highlight the positives, each team made some smart decisions in terms of space planning. The red team, which included Lukas, Elaine and Darren, created a formal entry with a closet which made for a nice division of space. 

I also liked their wall color, Lukas' kitchen and the dining room chandelier. 

On the blue team, Jay made a really intelligent decision to open up the stairwell making the dining room seem much bigger and brighter.

via American Dream Builders

And that's where the positives really end for the blue team and this week's episode. The blue team lost and Dann Foley went home which to be blunt is no great loss. Darren should also have been sent home as he seemed to really do nothing. Overall, I thought both team's designs were stuffy and expected. I am going to stick with it but I think its going to take a miracle to really revive this show. 

american dream builders episode 6

Lets start with the positives from this week's episodes - the exteriors. Jay Riordan was once again responsible for the facade design and landscaping on the blue team while it seemed to be a group effort on the red. Riordan who is the only contractor on the show has been doing pretty well thus far and while I don't completely love his work I think the blue team would be lost without him. Personally, I prefer what the red team did with their exterior design (especially the lighting on the front - see below) but a good effort all around. 

Other positives include Nina Magon's kitchen. Nothing particularly new or exciting but a good layout and use of space. Ultimately, I think it was this space that gave the blue team the win. 

My favorite element from the red team was Lukas Machnik's dining room built in. I love the simplicity of the design and styling and I thought it worked well in the space. 

Overall, the red team had the better design in my opinion (and Nate Berkus might I add) but I think their design was a bit inaccessible for the neighborhood council. I don't think anything they did was that outrageous but the TV was not in a very ideal spot and the little boy's bedroom was too sophisticated. Erinn Valencich was sent home which is a shame as I think she was one of the strongest designers. I fear that the show might have peaked and I think the fact that the show was moved to 7/6 central is not a very good sign. Hopefully, I am pleasantly surprised with next week's episode but I am not holding my breath. Have a good Monday everyone!