American Influence (109)The Farmington, N.M. home of Cheryl and Tim Gordon borders a Navajo reservation. Concerned about preserving the ecosystem, the Gordons wanted a residence that would complement the existing landscape. Their house is imbued with special pieces of Native American art and shows an appreciation for their surroundings.
Then, take a look at a David Lucien's compound, built especially for living far away from the big city. He located an area in Cody, Wyo. where he could build not only a home, but several buildings that would allow for guests.
Next, meet David and Ellen Fish and learn how they created their dream house from an older home in Weston, Mass. See how the couple completely renovated the structure to suit their tastes, yet kept the exterior consistent with the traditional look of the neighborhood.
Finally, travel to Sanibel Island, Fla. with Bill and Jan Brodbeck. When the Brodbecks found their dream home under construction, they decided to stop vacationing on the island and make it their permanent home.
Native American Facts:
- Farmington, N.M. is home to the Anasazi, Navajo, Jicarilla Apache, and Ute tribes.
- Sandstone is almost all quartz; clay, hematite, ilmenite, feldspar and mica add color.
- Cantera stone, which is made of volcanic ash, is strong but malleable.
Old West Facts:
- Cody, Wyo. is named for its settler, "Buffalo Bill" Cody.
- Helicopters used for hauling 1,800 pounds can cost between $2,000 and $3,000 per hour.
- Yellow pine must be kiln-dried if it's to be used in making furniture.
- Log homes are natural insulators—they are warmer in winter and cooler in the summer.
Colonial Makeover Facts:
- With monochromatic color design, you should consider furniture, lighting, plants, art and window coverings.
- In a kitchen work space, the stove, sink and refrigerator should all be within two arm lengths of each other.
- When lighting a home office, think about the reflective quality of the walls and ceiling.
Georgian Style Facts:
- Sanibel Island's population of 5,600 can quadruple during the winter prime tourist season.
- The island is famous for the shells on its beaches.
- Anaglypta is a white, embossed wall covering product that must be painted.
- Screened rooms are usually covered by homeowner's insurance—they let sun in and keep bugs out.
- Basements are ideal for home gyms because the floors can support extra-heavy equipment.
