A loft was originally defined as a small space built above a larger room, such as in a barn for storing hay (inset image), or even a bed for kids.  It is also presently defined as a living space not partitioned into rooms.  Here’s what happened in between, and as so often the story goes, it begins with artists.

A few decades ago, NY artists seeking dirt-cheap space to work and live in found abandoned warehouses ideal.  They quickly built loft bedrooms, under which they built their kitchens

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A lot of us enjoy driving or riding in a convertible, feeling the open air rather than being enclosed at all times.  Well, there’s a place in Seattle where one can own their own one-of-a-kind convertible… home.

Each of the residences in these Seattle lofts has a garage door (literally) that opens up to the outdoors.  Sales agents say the feature has been a huge hit with buyers, and for good reason.  The blog from a few days ago mentioned how popular outdoor seating with cafes and

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Urban housing for the 75%+ of the country’s households that aren’t married with kids is evolving:

10’ exposed ceilings replace 8’ hung ceilings.  More light.  More air.  Who cares if you can see the ductwork?  It’s more authentic.
Large windows replace small windows.  More light.  More air.  Great view.  Technological advances help windows insulate better despite more glass.
Open floor plan replaces compartmentalized rooms.  Larger sense of space.  More social.  More flexible.
Walkability

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Time Magazine wrote, “The old drink is having a comeback, in restaurants, at salons, at home…“

So what’s the difference between a coffeehouse that serves tea and a teahouse?  It depends.  There are two kinds of teahouses - those that offer a sweet alternative to coffee called bubble tea like Bubble Island Tea in Ann Arbor (pictured), and the Asian-oriented ones that are focused on health, both physically and mentally, like Teaism in Washington DC.  The bubble tea places are more like dessert

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We all know how nice it is to sit on our front porch or backyard when the weather’s nice.  We were meant to breathe fresh air and hear the sounds of everyday life rather than the sounds of the TV set or pot and pans banging in the background (like in small restaurants).  It’s easy on the mind and healthy for the soul.

Since cafes and coffeehouses are designed for lingering, the quintessential third place, providing outdoor seating is a must.  In our focus groups, half of the places that

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Just outside Harvard Square, Cambridge, you may happen upon a crowd of people on the sidewalk outside a handsome storefront.  Some are just standing there, others on one of the benches, and still others sitting on the sidewalk.

This is Darwin’s, which has something for many.  First of all, it’s located away from the gentrified retail district of Harvard Square, so it’s more $ reasonable.  It’s most popular offering is as a deli, where you can choose from dozens of extremely well-crafted,

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There’s home, there’s work, then there’s the third place.  Just like with Cheers, where everybody knows your name.

This is the third place in Burlington, Radio Bean.  What makes it such a great destination?

People get there by biking or walking up to it.  It’s small - only about 600 sf.  The owner funded everything himself and hangs out there like it’s both his second and third place, which it is.  It has a bar.  It has live music.  It has outdoor seating.  It’s tucked away in a creative

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