Do you remember my post on Jack Arnold houses and folio books? If not, click here to read it (prepare to be delighted). It was recently brought to my attention that there is a new feature on the Jack Arnold site. Its a "Homeowner Scrapbook". Real photos from real people that have built real Jack Arnold houses. If Jack's portfolio photos aren't enough (which, I'm sure they aren't), be sure to check it out! To visit, click here.

Do you know about Jack Arnold? Have you seen his work? He's a residential architect that has carved out a little niche for himself in the French County and Olde World style architecture arena...and I am a huge fan. I've noticed (for awhile now) he is running more and more ads in shelter publications, and he also has a few product lines out- so I'm sure Arch_ID minded people are catching the fever. If you remember back about a year, his personal home was featured in Veranda, too. I have the spread somewhere in my files (which I am noting to myself to go and find!).

After viewing many of his houses online and from his folio books of plans (see photos below), I honestly can't pick The One I like best. The hardest part of being an interior designer is "committing" to a home style for us (sorry, Mr. Wonderful- what I say goes!). Its hard to make a final style decision (both exterior and interior) when there are so many lovely choices for everything! Its easy to do for clients, but for me- when I can feel my emotional response to so many different styles- its really hard to pick just one (currently, we are stuck between American Federalist and Jacobean Tudor Revival w/ a bit of French Normandy flare). I want them all- even the stark modern spaces. I love them all.

Anyways, I digress. I do not know Jack Arnold, but maybe our two worlds will bring us together one day. Or maybe I will hire him as my architect one day, purchase an antique from his wife (I'm pretty sure she has a shoppe and does interior decor) or at least purchase his plans (and of course tweak them a little...I am pretty particular and I feel mass produced plans can only take someone so far, especially a classically trained designer who rocks space planning). But oh how I love his work. The character really jumps out at you...the rustic stone, the brick, chimney pots, shutters, and other details...enough to make a (very picky) designer like me very happy- even just to look. I heart Jack Arnold. Jack...if you are out there- I love your work! Consider me a patron in waiting. (I also say this about Derek Gores, the artist responsible for amazing collage portraits).

Go here to see his photo gallery. Really- go, now!

Go here to see his product line for architectural chimney pots.

Go here to see the house plan portfolios he offers....or, walk through the ones I have received as gifts from my mom- who is equally (well, okay, not equally) enamored with interiors and design.

The plan books come in different styles. Each folder has two components: a look book of each plan, and loose plans that relate to the look book. You get a rendering, photographs/details and the actual floor plan (not to scale) of each house. Really fun!