Marrying the Interiors to the Exteriors with Materials

Are you looking to create a connected and cohesive home from the exterior to the interior? Today we’re looking at an ongoing project, the Steel Farmhouse, for inspiration on how materials can intentionally pull the whole home together. Here are some design decisions we’ve made so far:  Use of steel – Incorporating structural steel into… Continue reading Marrying the Interiors to the Exteriors with Materials

Breaking Down the Building Barriers: How to Work with Material Wholesalers

There is so much in the design and building industry that is confusing and intimidating. A big part of Abrigo Home is about breaking down the barriers between consumers and professionals. The industry is vast, and there is a reason why it is a significant economic driver. Beyond the designers, builders, and suppliers, there are… Continue reading Breaking Down the Building Barriers: How to Work with Material Wholesalers

When Buying Plans Online Goes Wrong: A Designer’s Perspective

I often have people contact me about editing or drawing up plans they found or purchased online, and it has never worked out. Ultimately, it costs them much more time and money than they could have imagined. EXAMPLE ONE: One client took a screenshot of the plan, searched for months, and found it online to… Continue reading When Buying Plans Online Goes Wrong: A Designer’s Perspective

Why You Should Consider Online / Remote Design Consultations and How to Prep

Are you considering working on a design project for your home and have no idea where to begin? Or do you simply have questions and want to speak to a design professional?  When we created Abrigo Home, it was partly to create a response to the need to bring consultation closer to the consumer. For… Continue reading Why You Should Consider Online / Remote Design Consultations and How to Prep

When should you hire an Architect?

If you are considering a renovation or new construction project, it’s essential to know when to hire an architect.  As we launched Abrigo Home, this project was not only the response to a building boom/labor and supply shortage but also the accessibility both financially and availability-wise. Amy Dutton Home is a company that has had… Continue reading When should you hire an Architect?

What is the Difference Between Design Styles?

When starting a project, you first want to determine the design style that speaks to you, either architecturally or the interior. I’ll start with Architecture, and then next week, we will move into Interiors. Two great ways to determine this are: Pinterest! Start a Pin Board and create as many sub-boards that you’d like and… Continue reading What is the Difference Between Design Styles?

How to Figure out What to Look For When Buying a Home

Do you know what to look for when shopping for a home? Beyond the house is “cute,” the seller could have put lipstick on a pig. Let’s try to get you to be an educated buyer. You need to be ready to buy quickly in this housing market, but that might mean waiving contingencies such… Continue reading How to Figure out What to Look For When Buying a Home

What’s BUGGING you?

We find remnants of animals and bugs with significant damage in nearly every renovation we do. Either wasp nests in the roof rafters or carpenter ants at the kitchen sink add extra work when renovating your home. But all can be prevented if you are on a good extermination plan.  My suggestion is to find… Continue reading What’s BUGGING you?

Time to Consider Landscaping

Even though in New England, our ground is brown and the trees are naked, it’s time to consider landscaping. Since the beginning of February, the landscapers have been contacting me about getting designs done and placing material orders. But unfortunately, like everything else in the world, landscape materials, plants, trees, and labor are in short… Continue reading Time to Consider Landscaping