Building Techniques in India

I recently returned from a trip to India and wanted to share some insight into the building techniques in an absolutely amazingly resourceful country To my surprise, the nicest homes and hotels I have ever been in were in India, counterbalanced by small shacks with tin & rocks for roofs. My brain tried to make… Continue reading Building Techniques in India

Backsplash 101

Are you working on a kitchen renovation? If so, you are probably working out what to do with your backsplash. Fundamentally, you need a backsplash to keep water and other spills from ruining the drywall behind your counter. You have two choices: A standard 4” backsplash that is the same material as your countertop. This… Continue reading Backsplash 101

Why Architecture is an Important Part of Design Inspirations

When I design, the beauty of buildings inspires me. From the very simplistic to the extremely intricate, I appreciate what Architects – both current and historic – have created. With these in mind, I designed a line of fabric. My graphic line of fabric is inspired by architecture. This line has a very defined and… Continue reading Why Architecture is an Important Part of Design Inspirations

Where Old Meets New

We do a lot of additions and renovations! And they are fun! Why…? I love the renovation challenge and no two homes are alike. I love taking an old home with old floor / ceiling joists and pushing the design to adjust to modern dimensions and building codes. Existing foundations and stair codes are rarely met… Continue reading Where Old Meets New

Reality Hits When a Backhoe Shows Up in Your Front Yard

Do you have a backhoe in your front yard? Most people are really excited the day that the backhoe shows up and construction begins… then they are even happier when the contractor’s truck pulls away at the end of a project. The beginning part of a project is not only exciting for homeowners; it is… Continue reading Reality Hits When a Backhoe Shows Up in Your Front Yard

The Benefits of a “Whole Home Design” Approach

Why a holistic strategy delivers the best in architecture, interior design, and landscape for a connected whole home design When I’m starting a new whole home design project it feels like Christmas Eve – every time I am SO excited! There are so many possibilities, each more thrilling than the next. These beginnings are always… Continue reading The Benefits of a “Whole Home Design” Approach

Finding Simple & Functional Designs in New Zealand

New Zealand Travel I find New Zealand to be an incredibly powerful, spiritual and simple country. The Maori Culture is alive and well and integrated with the British influence. These native Polynesian heritage people fought hard for their rights and land so they still strongly influence the country. Sheep, greenery, mountains and ocean are visible… Continue reading Finding Simple & Functional Designs in New Zealand

How to Use Landscaping to Create Privacy in Your Outdoor Space

If you have a neighbor that you can see from your house, chances are that you need to create privacy, perhaps by using landscaping. True, living urban means that you are pretty much guaranteed a privacy issue. However, I have also been to many houses that even though they own more than an acre, the… Continue reading How to Use Landscaping to Create Privacy in Your Outdoor Space

How to Create a Welcoming Walkway

As you are wrapping up construction on your home, the last question of how to create a welcoming walkway may be begging for an answer. Okay, the thing about landscaping is that by the time the project gets to the hardscape (or stonework) to create walkways, stone walls, and patios, two things have happened: “Project… Continue reading How to Create a Welcoming Walkway

How to Choose Colors that Define Your Aesthetic

How to Choose Colors that Define Your Design Aesthetic and Make a Room Sing Are you getting ready to paint your space and want to be able to define your design aesthetic and create a visual foundation that will make your vision come to life successfully for a beautiful interior? Great! First of all, you… Continue reading How to Choose Colors that Define Your Aesthetic