NEW DEVELOPMENT: 32-story complex planned for the Back Bay State picks developers for multiuse project over Pike

A Boston development team has won the right to build a towering $360 million hotel, residential, and retail complex on state-owned property in the city’s Back Bay, adding to a surge of ambitious building proposals in the area.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation on Monday selected Samuels & Associates and Weiner Ventures to construct a 400-foot-high complex — about 32 stories — near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Boylston Street.

The project, which still needs final approval from Boston regulators, would straddle the Massachusetts Turnpike and bring modern, glass buildings to what is now an empty, windswept corner of the Back Bay. The development would include two buildings with 230 residences, 270 hotel rooms, and 50,000 square feet of retail space.

“This project will make the area more walkable and active for residents, businesses, and visitors alike,” said Adam Weiner, a partner with Weiner Ventures. “It will reenergize the whole neighborhood.”

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View the proposed development (PDF)

The selection of Weiner and Samuels is the first step in a long, uncertain process to get the project built. In recent years, several developers have proposed construction of massive developments in air rights over the turnpike, only to see them fail or get delayed due to financial problems, community opposition, or permitting troubles.

Executives with both firms said they are optimistic because most of the project would be built around the turnpike, not directly over it, making it cheaper and less complicated to build than other air-rights developments.

Massachusetts transportation officials, who have been burned by prior air-rights projects, such as the failed Columbus Center, also struck a positive tone Monday.

“This will be the first air-rights project in over 30 years and we think it will be transformative,” said Dana Levenson, chief financial officer for the transportation department. “We’re very

DECORATING: The worst colors to use in a home

Emerald may be this year’s color of the year and hot hue, but which colors should you avoid?

Color research tells us some colors to avoid. Colors that can be considered, as some researchers note, “eye irritants” and can even cause headaches or mess with your vision.

According to color research, the worst offending color:

Yellow as a “pure bright lemon.”

“More light is reflected by bright colors, resulting in excessive stimulation of the eyes,” researchers note. “Yellow is an eye irritant. Babies cry more in yellow rooms, husbands and wives fight more in yellow kitchens, and opera singers throw more tantrums in yellow dressing rooms.”

That said, yellow is the first color the human eye tends to notice so in small doses it may be effective. It can help you draw attention to an item when used as an accent color. Also, using yellow in softer tints or in small quantities may not be such a turn-off.

A recent article at Homesessive.com (“Paint Color Trends to Avoid”) pinpointed trendy color combos that may have once been a turn-on that are now becoming a turn-off in home interiors. San Francisco color expert Kelly Berg recently weighed in at Homesessive.com about some trendy color combinations to avoid, such as:

• “Greige”: The gray and beige combo in a space to create a monochromatic effect. Instead, Berg recommends pulling in some accent colors, likegrassy greens, to make the space more warm and inviting. She also recommends mixing in reflective surfaces, such as glass and metal, to lighten up the room since gray tends to absorb more light than other hues.
• Chocolate brown and blue: This trendy color combo of a chocolate brown and Tiffany’s blue may be growing tiresome in home interiors. Berg recommends freshening up the look

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Architecture: Small-house philosophy attracts big interest

For a man who thinks small, Ross Chapin is in big demand.

The American architect and author from Whidbey Island, Wash., has been busy fielding calls from around the world, from Japan and Australia to Spain, England and right next door in Canada.

Everyone wants to know more about the small-house philosophy he’s helped to pioneer across the border and what he calls “pocket neighbourhoods,” an old-fashioned community-planning concept repurposed (and newly coined) to fit with modern urban demands.

“Perhaps this is in response to ‘big,’ ” Chapin said of the global interest in small housing in an interview earlier this week in Vancouver, where he delivered a talk on the small-housing trend at the University of B.C.

“I think there are people all around the world who are trying to find approaches that are more sustainable, more humane, more livable. That’s a challenge for all of us in a finite world.”

Livability and sustainability — not to mention affordability — are key words in the Vancouver region right now as cities struggle to balance a need to accommodate an estimated one million more residents over the next 25 years with a desire to preserve green space and limit urban sprawl.

That discussion has encouraged a range of new housing options to spring up in recent years in what had been predominantly single-family home neighbourhoods from the west side of

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HOME DECOR: Avoiding 3 Common Mistakes Even Savvy Decorators Make When Choosing Art

In the realm of interior design, the works of art you choose should frame your decor and go beyond matching the furniture, being “cool,” or displaying status symbols.

Consider these tips for choosing art for your home.

Mistake No. 1 Choosing artwork to match the sofa

Find work that compliments your mood and the style of your décor. To that end, here are some important questions to consider.

Does the art make your energy feel light or heavy?Try experimenting. Grab a National Geographic or some other magazine with a wide variety of images and take a look through the pictures. Become aware of the photographs that weigh you down and those that create an effervescent effect in your energy. Once you learn to recognize these feelings, have a look at the pictures on your walls.
Give away or donate the ones that weigh you down. Find others that bring you the greatest joy. Position them in locations with the greatest visual impact.

What do the images evoke?If you are single and want a relationship, surround yourself with images of pairs and lovers. If you want to increase prosperity, surround yourself with images that create a sense of wealth and abundance. If you are going through a career change, surround yourself with images that bring a sense of enthusiasm, success. Consider portraits of role models in your field.
Surround yourself with images that are symbolic of who you are, who you want to be.

Why do you like the images that you like?Sometimes we choose images that inspire us and make our energy hum with delight. Other times we choose images that make us feel comfortable in a way that is not productive, but locks us into unconscious habits and self-limiting beliefs.
Dullness does not inspire you to be the vibrant, exceptional. Become aware of why you are drawn to a particular image. Consciously choose images that will support you in becoming all you can be.

Mistake No. 2: Choosing art that 'looks cool'
Art that looks cool or is created with interesting materials is a good place to begin. But you can have a deeper relationship with art.
Take it a step further and find art that really resonates through you. The most powerful experiences from art come from finding work that speaks to your most primal essence.
Do a little home work and then choose work that you love. Love love. Love that makes you feel all shivery, like that first high school crush. Love that lights you up on the inside so much

EMPTY NESTERS: Empty nesters carve out ‘boomer caves’

Those looking to get away without leaving home are creating rooms to watch movies, sip wine, or otherwise relax.

Preparing to renovate their new Back Bay condo, Bill and Lisa Vanderweil were sure about one thing: They wanted one cozy “getaway” room where they could relax, watch TV, read, or just talk.

So they converted one of the three bedrooms into a cross between a small entertainment room and an old-fashioned den, complete with wood paneling, big-screen TV, wet bar with a small sink and refrigerator, large chenille couch, club chairs, and other items to give the room a relaxed feel.

“This is the spot where I just want to hang out,” said Bill Vanderweil, 67, managing principal at Vanderweil Engineers LLP. “The room is so much fun,” added his wife, Lisa Vanderweil, 52. “We love going in there and watching Pats games and movies.”

Empty nesters such as the Vanderweils are carving out special spaces within, or outside, their homes — favorite spots to call their own or intimate spaces they can share with family and friends.

Call them “boomer caves,” such “getaway” spaces come in all sizes, shapes, and varieties — movie rooms, wine-tasting alcoves, intimate patios for alfresco dining, gardening sheds, basement exercise rooms with saunas, studies for work and pleasure, free-flowing kitchen-into-living-room spaces.

“We’re doing a lot of our work for empty nesters and others over 50,” said Greg Childs, business development manager for Concord’s Gallagher Home Builders Inc., which handled the Vanderweils’ recent condo renovation. “People are less formal than they used to be. They want more intimate and yet communal spaces, for themselves and family.”
Whether it’s the perfect reading nook or a casual place to enjoy a glass of wine and good conversation, here are some of the more popular indoor and outdoor caves that people are creating for themselves.

Yoon S. Byun/Globe Staff

The room features wood paneling and club chairs to make it a “spot where I just want to hang out,” Bill Vanderweil said.

Indoor caves

Movie/entertainment rooms. They’re classic — and come in many different sizes and styles and prices. Paul Apkarian, owner of Paul Apkarian Architects Inc. in Westborough, said movie rooms ­— also known as “home theaters” or just plan “entertainment rooms” — remain the most popular dream of people trying to create that ultimate comfy, escape room. Depending on how extravagant people want to get with the electronics and furniture, the

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HOME DESIGN: Decorate With Intention: The Art of Compromise

One of the questions I hear most often is, How do you decorate a home when your significant other has a completely different style? If you are new to merging different styles under one roof, chances are that you could use a blueprint for moving forward. Walk through these 10 steps for simple strategies for blending styles without stepping on too many toes.

by Michelle Hinckley

by Michelle Hinckley

Step 1: Commit to Respecting Each Other

Set an intention from the beginning that you will value each other's opinions and preferences, and lend equal weight to each point of view.

Think about blending styles rather than blending personalities. It keeps things more civil and allows you to see more options. After all, many of us are drawn to more than one style. Look at this as a design dilemma (which it is) rather than trying to read too much into it. We all have our own likes and dislikes, and that's OK.

by MuseInteriors

by MuseInteriors

Case in point: This living room is a great example of merging traditionally masculine elements (wood-panel walls, rich browns, hex print rug, cowhide stool) with a touch of boho glam (printed pillows, persimmon throw, velvet sofa, glass lamp) for a look that keeps everyone happy.

by SchappacherWhite Ltd.

by SchappacherWhite Ltd.

Step 2: Make Your Wish Lists

Sit down separately and write up lists of everything your heart craves in a home. At this point don't worry about budget or space limitations; let your imagination run free and just get it all down on paper.

by Chambers + Chambers Architects by Chambers + Chambers Architects

Don't be afraid to ask for what you really want. If pink walls are what your heart desires, list it. Try to avoid guessing what your partner will think. You might be surprised.

by Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs by Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

Step 3: Set Your Priorities Once you have your wish list complete, pick your top five items, in order of importance, and have your partner do the same. It's important to know which items are the most meaningful to each of you and where there is some wiggle room. To take it a step further, work together to make a joint list of priorities. This list should point to five things you want to create in a home together, from the specific (uncluttered, sunny) to the less tangible but equally important (warm, laid-back).

Step 4: Define Your Limits If there are things that completely horrify you, now is your chance to exercise your veto power. The point here is to avoid major conflicts down the road, not to pick a fight now. So stick with the few things that really are deal breakers for you, and ask your partner to do the same. If your partner claims to hate some of your favorite looks, don't worry. In step 9 you'll have a chance to bring back a little of what you love, even if your partner doesn't get it.

by Shannon Malone by Shannon Malone

Step 5: Agree to Blend Styles in Main Spaces Shared spaces like the living room, where you spend lots of time together, should reflect both of you. Now is the time to compare your lists and try to find items that will work together. Case in point: In this living room a dark floor, traditional furniture and a library ladder build a classic foundation for the room, while the rich green paint behind the bookcases and a sparkly chandelier

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HOME DESIGN: DIY versions of designer furniture

Anyone with a home has spent time envisioning the furniture that will someday go inside. You spend time flipping through countless catalogues, scrolling through pages and pages of design blogs, even strolling through furniture stores.

But sometimes you can't find what you want at the right price. You can, however, make it yourself.

Building your own furniture might seem intimidating, but many do-it-yourself fans claim that when you break it down, these projects can be relatively simple.

It all starts with a plan.

Because the plan is key and drafting your own plan is more complex, many first-time furniture builders might feel more comfortable turning to professionals. Luckily, you can commission furniture plans from a carpenter for more extensive projects, buy some online, check out a building book or find a DIY expert that's crafted furniture before to help you out. The experts at a home supplies store can even pre-cut wood for you and help walk you through simpler projects, like building a shelf.

(Photo: Bill Vuehlke, (Ridiculously Simple Furniture Projects)Or you can turn to the queen of do-it-yourself furniture plans, Ana White, an Alaskan mom whose more than 650 plans are available for free. Just type "build your own furniture" into Google and her plans will pop up.

White was inspired by Pottery Barn, but the furniture giant doesn't ship to White's remote home in Alaska. So she made her own. Many of her plans are direct copies of designer furniture, and you can see the stunning finished projects all over her blog.

"If you have the confidence, that's where it all starts," White said. "Having a DIY spirit and having a desire to do it."

For Spike Carlsen, a carpenter and author of "Ridiculously Simple Furniture Projects," the furniture you see in magazines really is not difficult to do on your own.

"If you study things and just plan one step ahead it's amazing what people can build," he said.

His leaning ladder bookcase project copies a design frequently seen by major furniture chains, only it doesn't cost $350. The bookcase is made of standard-size lumber and uses just three tools: a jigsaw, a hammer and a drill. His project's total cost is just $30.

For less than $100, you can build Ana White's version of a farmhouse table seen at Anthropologie, which retails for $2,000. Wood and screws are all you need to complete this

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