Have you ever wondered what is under the ceiling drywall? Most people don’t really care or at least until they go to hang artwork on the wall. In actuality, what is under the drywall is really quite interesting and artful. Framing walls and ceilings are quite complex. It has to hit code and structural integrity… Continue reading Master Ceiling Makes A Mark
Author: Amy Dutton
Do You Like the Color of Your Home?
The color of the exterior of your home can be one of the most important decisions you will make. Why? Well, it’s that first impression and sets the mood from first glance at the house. Your home could simply be white but that is very intentional and how it interacts with the door, trim,… Continue reading Do You Like the Color of Your Home?
How to Plan for a Renovation
Are you wondering how to plan for a kitchen renovation and have no idea where to begin? Let’s start at the beginning… Timeline: The planning and design takes between 2-4 months depending on the client and how focused you are. If you are interested in a winter project, now is the time to start! Budget:… Continue reading How to Plan for a Renovation
How to Create Beams that Add Dimension and Interest to Your Home
Have you ever wondered how to create beams that add dimension and interest? Oddly enough, this was a bit more challenging than I originally thought. There are a few key components to pulling together the completed project. Determine the HEIGHT. Even though I had drawn these beams in the Dining Room and Kitchen in… Continue reading How to Create Beams that Add Dimension and Interest to Your Home
Light a Fire Under It
As the weather is changing to chilly, we are starting to think about lighting a fire. It’s one of the best parts of winter and this fireplace is one of the best features of the home. This Ocean Cottage was renovated last winter with an addition of a kitchen / dining, while also renovating the… Continue reading Light a Fire Under It
Countertops That Make A Statement
Have you ever wondered why countertops are such a difficult process to buy and install? The short answer is that everyone has to get their mark-up on your countertop before it can actually hit your kitchen. True but reasonable. While it might sound unfair, this is a heavily guarded and complicated industry. After all, you… Continue reading Countertops That Make A Statement
How to Create an Effective Communication Center at Home
Do you want to know how to create effective communication at home? Basically, create a communication cabinet! Some people have a sort of “drop zone” part of their kitchen counter – obviously, this drives me nuts. I typically design a designated “Shit Shelf” where people can put their phone chargers, calendars, grocery lists, phone and… Continue reading How to Create an Effective Communication Center at Home
How to Step Up Your Sunroom
Do you wonder how to step up your sunroom or screen porch? Let’s talk about the Ocean Cottage’s sunroom. The existing house just had a screen porch that was substantial and functional but very dated. With original heavy woodwork and screens only, the homeowners decided to invest in making the space not only more current… Continue reading How to Step Up Your Sunroom
Get Ready for Fall With a Pantry Desk
Why do you think a Pantry desk is best? They always say, “Location, location, location” and this desk location is the best! While fall knocks on our door and we think about saying “good-bye” to summer, (sadly) it’s time to get organized again. Gone are the days of letting mail and paperwork stack up while… Continue reading Get Ready for Fall With a Pantry Desk
Rye Beach Cottage Deck Upgrade
This Rye Beach Cottage deck got a facelift with new materials. I was called to this project for consultation. The patios were solid poured concrete – two entire huge patios and it was oppressive concrete living. So, my thought was to cover the concrete, add some natural materials, and juxtapose the surfaces. We decided that… Continue reading Rye Beach Cottage Deck Upgrade