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

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

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

Say “Yes, Please!” to a Kitchen Pantry

Say “Yes, Please!” to a Kitchen Pantry, and Create Unexpected Space-Efficiency, Flexibility & Flow There is no doubt a pantry in the kitchen can provide excellent functional storage. But if you have limited square footage to work with in your overall design – is it worth giving up space in the kitchen to create a… Continue reading Say “Yes, Please!” to a Kitchen Pantry

Quiet Home Paints

I first met Lisa Teague of Quiet Home Paints through a mutual friend and immediately knew that her design aesthetic perfectly complimented mine. I’ve always admired her work and believe that supporting other local designers helps the design industry of the Seacoast, so I thought I would write a blog post about her. She started… Continue reading Quiet Home Paints

Where Oh Where to Begin – Designing a Bathroom

Material Selections in a bathroom can be overwhelming! Why? 1) Because every single subcontractor is participating in the project and the scheduling timeline is intense. 2) It is also an expensive project. I suggest that you make sure that you are prepared for such an undertaking. One idea is to have me or another designer… Continue reading Where Oh Where to Begin – Designing a Bathroom

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