I know having favorites is generally frowned upon, but I happily admit that white-cedar shingles are my favorite building material. They’re versatile, durable, practical, and, in the right hands, can be shaped into graphic, artful, and/or fun creations. I like new, white-cedar shingles, the color of warm sand, and old, white-cedar shingles, weathered silver grey. I like them in all manner of courses: standard, alternating, scalloped, diamond-shaped, staggered, domed, chamfered, wavy, and pictorial; you name it.

This shingled swordfish, in among shingled waves, edged by a shingled rake, adorns a modest garage which happens to border a beachfront property. I salute the inspired team who commissioned, designed, and created this scene, whoever they may be. Well done!

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast