Yep, it’s official, I’m under construction. As a designer, I pretty much always have a project going. Secretly, I fear for what will follow this project so I’m trying to stay focused on the present. How about a bit of background to the current stage. Five years ago, I moved to 420 Richards Ave. in Portsmouth, NH… Continue reading 420 RENO… intro
Category: exteriors
3 Great Local Resources & Hints
When you are under a renovation, there are a plethora of decisions to be made! You don’t have the time or energy to do the shopping between resources. Here are my three great finds and resources that I would love to share with you: Plumbing: FW Webb in Dover, NH (Melanie is amazing) they will… Continue reading 3 Great Local Resources & Hints
Let the Professionals Do It!
Installing drywall is not for the amateur, especially when you have a cathedral ceiling! In the “Beachy Cottage” we have gone to great lengths to move from a 7’9″ ceiling height to 13′. The result on the interior is amazing, especially accenting the beautiful water view. Unless you have a hidden talent of working on… Continue reading Let the Professionals Do It!
What does AIR stand for?
AIR stands for Arts In Reach. This is an amazing organization bringing girls the foothold and support to deal with life challenges. Opening TONIGHT and running from Nov. 7-9 at Discover Portsmouth Center is Tablescapes, a fundraiser for the non-profit AIR. My table plays on the AIR theme and celebrates the images of a dandelion from… Continue reading What does AIR stand for?
Invisible Railing!
Do you have a great view? There is really nothing worse than having a busy railing to block your view. Over the last 10 years, great strides have been made in the cable railing system. Fortunately, these systems pass code easily and reasonably. Installers can purchase them at local lumber yards or any place that… Continue reading Invisible Railing!
Tuesday’s Talk: Roofs!
Okay, I know that they Sydney Opera House is a gross example of roofs, but quite the cool one! We visited the Opera House in Australia in 2009 and what an amazing memory. It is curved, white and MASSIVE! But here is a little bit more realistic advice on roofing. It is very rare in… Continue reading Tuesday’s Talk: Roofs!
How to Finish a Ceiling?
Look up! And what do you see? We often don’t think about the material selection of the ceiling but it is worth a few minutes at least to… think. Because it is typically a large amount of square footage, it can be expensive to finish your ceiling in anything else but drywall, but perhaps consider adding… Continue reading How to Finish a Ceiling?
Throwback Thursday: Claim the Reclaimed!
Embrace the old! Using reclaimed products is a wonderful way to add dimension and history to your home. This renovated home dates to 1910 but it didn’t have interesting woodwork. Not a problem, we added it! The beadboard, baseboard, balusters, railing and newel post are all from Old House Parts in Kennebunk, Maine but from… Continue reading Throwback Thursday: Claim the Reclaimed!
Ranch Renovation_v1
This raised ranch ranch needed some help – badly! Since it is located near the water, it literally requires every permit required by the state of New Hampshire and the City of Portsmouth, NH: wetland, shoreland, lot coverage variance and conditional use. An endangered plant species was even located near wetland, so there is another permitting… Continue reading Ranch Renovation_v1
How to Design a Garage
A garage can be a significant visual impact to the presentation of a home. Typically, we try to move the garage doors to the side of the house in order to design windows well and “dress up” the garage doors. (Check out this article for more ideas.) In this house, the garage doors were definitely a… Continue reading How to Design a Garage