Windows in a bathroom are really important! Why? They create light, feel and fresh air. They must be balanced with privacy. Because I live in downtown Portsmouth, I can sit at my kitchen island and see in 3 different bathroom windows. Honestly, it’s not good. My neighbors all laugh about it but it makes me very… Continue reading How to Strategically Place Bathroom Windows
Tag: architecture
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
How to Transform Your Home with a Truss Roof
Does your home need a significant renovation? When I was hired for this “Ranch Renovation” the existing 1952 home was in desperate need of updating! To begin, the ceiling height was very low at only 7’6” high, which meant that the height of the windows were hung too low. All the windows were single pane… Continue reading How to Transform Your Home with a Truss Roof
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
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 Create a “Forever Home”
Are you tired of moving? Are you looking for the opportunity to design your “last” home? Ironically, I have two of these projects on my boards right now. Life is life and is, of course, very unpredictable. But while you can’t control the circumstances and outcomes of life, we still owe it to ourselves to… Continue reading How to Create a “Forever Home”
The Design Process
Are you looking for a designer for a future project? I thought I would fill you in on a few key aspects of the design process at amy dutton Home. We work in phases throughout the project: Discovery, Schematic, and Construction Drawings. At the end of each of these phases, I work with one or… Continue reading The Design Process
How to Select the Right Window
Are you in the market for new windows? If so, it is indeed a confusing and expensive process. I was talking to another designer the other day and we both agreed that about 30% of our time on a project with windows is spent on windows. That also translates to the amount of time that… Continue reading How to Select the Right Window