Are you considering adding an outdoor space to enjoy nature while entertaining (and yes, making social distancing more enjoyable)? Often the question is whether to install a patio or a deck so let’s review some details about both options. The PATIO A patio is a great way to add natural materials to your outdoor space… Continue reading The patio vs deck controversy
Tag: amy dutton home
Letting Go!
I had to drive my daughter Kate, a Sophomore, to the University of Kansas – KU Jayhawks, “Rock Chalk”- this week. We wanted her to have a car being so far away from home… as the Covid saying goes, “Control the things that you can control.” As we packed the car, I realized that there… Continue reading Letting Go!
How to Make a Home Sunnier & Brighter
Everyone wants a home that is sunnier and brighter, right? After all, the sun streaming in through the windows not only lifts our mood and maximizes our connection to the outside world but also acts as passive solar. The request is common among most new clients, “Can we get more light into my home?” When… Continue reading How to Make a Home Sunnier & Brighter
How I Got Started as a Designer & Landed Where I Am
I’m often asked how I got started as a designer and landed where I am when I have someone job shadowing me. I’m happy to share my journey as long as it helps someone else’s journey and I thought you may or may not find it interesting. My undergraduate degree is from DePauw University in… Continue reading How I Got Started as a Designer & Landed Where I Am
Excel and Pinterest get Married
True, I’m a creative. I’m a right-brained person but I’m also (obviously) “Type A” and enjoy organizing and staying on budget. Excel and Pinterest both work great for me! My intern, Molly, is AMAZING! She also loves Excel. Now, who loves Excel? Honestly, I mean its just numbers, right? But, one weekend I decided that in… Continue reading Excel and Pinterest get Married
Pinterest Points the Way
To be honest, most designers I know spend a lot of time protecting their intellectual property. I’m one of them and you won’t see a lot of my resources or details about how we created something amazingly cool on my client project pages. The Rocky Bay Home project is different though… It’s a “cheat… Continue reading Pinterest Points the Way
How to Upgrade Your Façade
Have you been wondering how to upgrade your façade? Well, there are definitely some key features to remember when approaching such a project. This Ocean Cottage in York, Maine was built in 1960 as a small camp. In the 80’s,the front addition was added to create a three-bedroom home. But, the kitchen was tiny as… Continue reading How to Upgrade Your Façade
What’s Up With Window Trim?
Do you want to know what’s up with window trim? It’s actually an important thing to consider when putting in windows. While it’s possible to skip the trim, it’s fairly rare. No trim means that the contractor will need to frame and install the windows carefully then drywall tightly to the windows. It’s much easier… Continue reading What’s Up With Window Trim?
Simply a Classic Farmhouse
Who doesn’t love a classic farmhouse? It is a journey back to the days of simplicity. And that was the goal with this home. The property is 11 acres located in Durham, NH at the top of a hill overlooking fields and wetlands. My clients are a sweet, young couple with young children. The family… Continue reading Simply a Classic Farmhouse
Key Aspects of Creating an Addition to an Antique Home
What are the key aspect of creating an addition to an antique home? How about I tell you the story of this sweet antique home located in Durham, NH. This home is owned by a young couple with three small children. The original house was a 1700’s Antique Cape, two bedroom, two bath, 1800 sf… Continue reading Key Aspects of Creating an Addition to an Antique Home