Design House

May 19, 2012 | "My mother started with a few strings of lights, but each year as the trees grew, she added more and more," says the Aguirres' son Rafael Aguirre Sacasa. Because the late Francisco Aguirre was a founder of the Diario Las Americas newspaper, the W. C. & A. N. Miller -built house's many grand rooms and patios were often used to entertain diplomats and political figures. For decades it was known as the Blue House, an annual holiday destination for families who came to drive past its thousands of blue lights. In addition, many of the designers drew attention to the ceilings with wallpaper and glossy paint. The house was built for Gladys and Francisco Aguirre, who raised six children there. My mother used to get hundreds of little notes left at our house from people telling her that she 'made our Christmas' with the incredible display. If you plan to visit the house, be sure to look up as you wander through the rooms. The woodsy, 10,000-square-foot estate may look familiar to many locals. "People came from all around to see them. Read more »

Cold Spots: Mason House Inn

Dec 01, 2009 | The hotel remained in the Mason family until 1951 when Fannie Mason Kurtz died of natural causes in front of the fireplace. It was purchased by several

Decorating an Eyesore in Arizona

Dec 01, 2009 | And that fireplace? And those bare, white walls? Eek! Next up? Every space needs a feminine touch, and this one is lacking in a big way. With so many hard,

A place in history

May 19, 3119 | The fourth room, a charming sitting room, can be accessed through the room with the fireplace or through the living room. It has beautiful wallpaper