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Monthly Archives: November 2012

As a local resident and agent, I know how rare a find it is to see “working fireplace” in an apartment or even single-family brownstone anywhere near Jersey City or Hoboken. When one comes to market, you don’t just jump – you leap. In honor of Fall (or is this pre-Winter?) finally blessing us with its crisp, cool nights, let’s take a tour of some lovely, leave-us-all-green-with-envy, wood-burning fireplaces.

A Kitchen Hearth

Wood-burning fireplace meets wood-burning oven. This beauty could double as an extra place to cook.

Image via thekitchn.com

Wide Opening

Simply stunning showstopper.

Image via Houzz

Stone Beauty

Love the functional log storage and ample shelving for that fireside read.

Image via NuHome Designs

Rustic Centerpiece

Straight out of Pillars of the Earth, I love the medieval feel of this Telluride fixture.

Image via Houzz

Poolside Pergola

Can you think of a better way to warm up after an evening dip?

Image via Houzz

Outdoor Living

An outdoor fireplace fit for Ina. You bring the marshmallows, I’ll bring the wine.

Image via Houzz

Natural Wood

With all the painted wood, stone, and tile fireplaces out there, it’s nice to see wood in its more natural state.

Image via Houzz

A Craftsman’s Handy Work

Love the woodworking above the fireplace almost as much as the fireplace itself.

Image via Houzz

Classic Lodge

A welcome retreat after a day outdoors.

Image via Houzz

Image via Personal Library – Bay Head, NJ

Many neighborhoods and towns in New Jersey suffered devastation like most of us have never seen after Superstorm Sandy ripped apart our state. Storm surges caused the Atlantic Ocean to heave her massive waves onto shorelines, taking with her 100-year-old homes and memories that can never be replaced. In our area of Hudson County, we saw how a river could turn into a criminal as the Hudson barreled down main streets in Hoboken and Jersey City, overtaking home after home and business after business. The physical and mental losses we have suffered are truly devastating and will take weeks, months, or even years to recover, but the efforts of our brethren from New Jersey to New Mexico are awe-inspiring.

Driving through Hoboken yesterday, it hit me when I saw an assembly line of volunteers unloading bag after box after pile of donations for those who are still without basic needs from an out-of-state, 18-wheel, semi-truck. Another moment of inspiration came later in the day after I heard that a delivery was on its way from New Hampshire carrying donated goods from teenage kids, including $200 of their own hard-earned allowance and savings.

Bottom line, Hudson County, the shores of New Jersey, and all of our state WILL recover – thanks to the good hearts of humans everywhere. We will come back stronger than ever, because it matters that we continue business as usual. We will pick up our heads and forge ahead, superstorm be damned.

And although Everyday Dwellings had a slight lapse in communication these last couple weeks while my family personally continues to recover, we will be back this week. Look for a new Inspiration Friday post, and continue to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more market musings and home design tips.

Stay strong, New Jersey.

-Katie