Dare To Be Different (118)
Chuck and Shirley Comeau's beach house appears to be a simple white clapboard traditional with dormers, much like those of their Kansas neighbors. However, it opens to an airy two-story space that is decorated with salvage pieces. Join us as we take a look at some of the couple's finds, including kitchen stools from an old soda fountain in San Francisco, and a glass dining room table surrounded by a collection of old painted chairs.

Then, meet Mark and Kim Warwick, who are, respectively, an architect and interior designer. The Warwicks are constantly collecting, despite not having enough room for their belongings. Check out some of Mark's handiwork, including two tall book cases, and a classic 1930s style French leather club chair.

Next, travel to Santa Barbara, Calif. to explore the upside down house of the architect Mark Weinke and his photographer wife Nancy. The couple bought a lot in the downtown area in 1997 and designed a house with windows in varying shapes, dramatic dark beam ceilings, and second floor living spaces that allow them to enjoy their views.

Finally, take a look at the house of Bertrand Taylor and his wife--a traditional Japanese home surrounded by tranquil gardens and a teahouse.

Kansas Beach House Facts:

• The durability of fabric in upholstered furniture is determined by the number of threads per square inch.

• To age screen doors, sand the trim and add an antique paint glaze.

• The average cost of property in Wilson, Kan. is $75,000, while the average cost of property in Malibu, Calif. is $3.6 million.

Broadway In Beverly Hills Facts:

• The average cost of a two bedroom/two bathroom townhouse in Beverly Hills, Calif. is $540,000.

• The color red is warm, cozy, harmonious, inviting and reportedly works to speed up one's perception of time.

• Plaster is a cement-like material that primarily contains gypsum or lime.

Upside Down House Facts:

• During the 1920's, Santa Barbara made Spanish revival its "official" architectural style.

• Glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles do not stain, however grout does.

• Acrylic sheets are half the weight of glass, impact resistant and are not affected by sun or ocean air.

• For painting large, flat areas, use a standard nine-inch roller. Use synthetic roller covers with plastic centers for water-based paints and wool or mohair for oil-based paints.

Resources:

California Colonial: The Spanish and Rancho Revival Styles
by Elizabeth Jean McMillian, Matt Gainer

Japanese Farmhouse Facts

• Coniferous trees (cedar, pine, fir and cypress) are used structurally in Japanese homes. Deciduous trees (oak and chestnut) are used for furniture and fixtures.

• Tatami mats are tightly woven rushes atop coarser straw mats. The upper mat is sewn to the lower mat with twine.

• In Tsukiyama gardens, small hills and stones represent mountains and a pond represents the ocean.

• Karesansui (dry-mountain-water) gardens, influenced by Zan Buddhism, are viewing gardens which use sand or gravel to symbolize water. Raking gravel stones resembles the rippling of rocks on the water.

• In traditional Japan, it was considered bad manners to sit near a wall.

Resources:

Japanese Homes and Their Surroundings
by Edward S. Morse, C. Lancaster