When I design, the beauty of buildings inspires me. From the very simplistic to the extremely intricate, I appreciate what Architects – both current and historic – have created. With these in mind, I designed a line of fabric. My graphic line of fabric is inspired by architecture. This line has a very defined and… Continue reading Why Architecture is an Important Part of Design Inspirations
Author: Amy Dutton
Where Old Meets New
We do a lot of additions and renovations! And they are fun! Why…? I love the renovation challenge and no two homes are alike. I love taking an old home with old floor / ceiling joists and pushing the design to adjust to modern dimensions and building codes. Existing foundations and stair codes are rarely met… Continue reading Where Old Meets New
Reality Hits When a Backhoe Shows Up in Your Front Yard
Do you have a backhoe in your front yard? Most people are really excited the day that the backhoe shows up and construction begins… then they are even happier when the contractor’s truck pulls away at the end of a project. The beginning part of a project is not only exciting for homeowners; it is… Continue reading Reality Hits When a Backhoe Shows Up in Your Front Yard
The Benefits of a “Whole Home Design” Approach
Why a holistic strategy delivers the best in architecture, interior design, and landscape for a connected whole home design When I’m starting a new whole home design project it feels like Christmas Eve – every time I am SO excited! There are so many possibilities, each more thrilling than the next. These beginnings are always… Continue reading The Benefits of a “Whole Home Design” Approach
Finding Simple & Functional Designs in New Zealand
New Zealand Travel I find New Zealand to be an incredibly powerful, spiritual and simple country. The Maori Culture is alive and well and integrated with the British influence. These native Polynesian heritage people fought hard for their rights and land so they still strongly influence the country. Sheep, greenery, mountains and ocean are visible… Continue reading Finding Simple & Functional Designs in New Zealand
TRAVEL TO PARIS… Modern Life in a Historic City
My daughter, Elle, loves to travel. She has been to Myanmar and Ghana as a high school student and enjoyed the challenge and rich education that those experiences provided. So when an opportunity to study in Paris for her Freshman year as a George Washington University student presented itself, she was all in. Me? It… Continue reading TRAVEL TO PARIS… Modern Life in a Historic City
Blending and Translating Design Styles
From Each Client’s Vision through the Mind’s-Eye of a Professional Designer As clients embark on the process of working with a professional designer, I am often asked what my process involves, in order to assure that the resulting design is comprehensive, cohesive and professional, while at the same time genuinely reflecting the preferences, personality and… Continue reading Blending and Translating Design Styles
Say “Yes, Please!” to a Kitchen Pantry
Say “Yes, Please!” to a Kitchen Pantry, and Create Unexpected Space-Efficiency, Flexibility & Flow There is no doubt a pantry in the kitchen can provide excellent functional storage. But if you have limited square footage to work with in your overall design – is it worth giving up space in the kitchen to create a… Continue reading Say “Yes, Please!” to a Kitchen Pantry
How to Use Landscaping to Create Privacy in Your Outdoor Space
If you have a neighbor that you can see from your house, chances are that you need to create privacy, perhaps by using landscaping. True, living urban means that you are pretty much guaranteed a privacy issue. However, I have also been to many houses that even though they own more than an acre, the… Continue reading How to Use Landscaping to Create Privacy in Your Outdoor Space
How to Create a Welcoming Walkway
As you are wrapping up construction on your home, the last question of how to create a welcoming walkway may be begging for an answer. Okay, the thing about landscaping is that by the time the project gets to the hardscape (or stonework) to create walkways, stone walls, and patios, two things have happened: “Project… Continue reading How to Create a Welcoming Walkway