420 RENO…Design, It’s Electrifying!

Do you have a healthy respect for electricity? Most smart people do! With good reason, an electrician has strict licensing requirements and constantly changing codes to follow. Yes, a good electrician is expensive, but well worth the investment. Should you decide to go with the lowest bid, I promise that you will pay for it… Continue reading 420 RENO…Design, It’s Electrifying!

420 RENO…Why Would Anyone Renovate in the Winter?

Seriously! Why would anyone renovate in the winter in New England? With about 38″ of snow, we have our challenges – often the crew not being able to get to the site or the dumpster getting stuck in the snow. Again, time is money. But, the market is good here and that means that contractors are… Continue reading 420 RENO…Why Would Anyone Renovate in the Winter?

How to design a Powder Room

Where is your Powder Room? Powder Rooms are bathrooms that typically do not have a place to bathe. Powder rooms can be small and efficient as well as a place to showcase items such as light fixtures and mirrors. Introduce a bold color on one or several walls to liven up a small powder room. Entertain your guests by… Continue reading How to design a Powder Room

420 RENO… intro

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

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

Is it Granite or Soapstone?

Are you looking for the perfect countertop solution? This is the journey that my client and I went on with her countertop… My client was looking for a granite that was soft in color but rich in dimension, had a nice “hand” and low maintenance. After much research and searching we determined that Costa Smerelda was… Continue reading Is it Granite or Soapstone?

How to Create a Vignette

I am often asked how to create a room that is warm, inviting, beautiful and feels like home. Actually, it is very simple, I suggest using Four Elements in the vignettes that you create throughout your home. Historically, it’s important to understand the structure of a tree. The roots absorb water and minerals necessary for growth… Continue reading How to Create a Vignette