Psst...there's a package on your front porch!

No, not really. There isn't a package on your front porch. But seriously, when was the last time you went out there? Once upon a time front porches were designed and built for the purpose of extending the living area of the home. It was a place to cool off from long hot days spent in the fields, or to share a glass of lemonade with your neighbors. Think about it....when was the last time you actually enjoyed your front porch? Maybe it's time to stop pulling into your garage and heading straight inside! Pretend you are a visitor and head to the front door! Take a moment to figure out what's missing!

Life has become so complicated and fast-paced that we hardly pay attention to our porches! Unless you are lucky enough to have a beautiful view from your porch it's unlikely you've sat and relaxed on yours recently. They are still quite popular in home designs, but not many homeowners know what to do with them!

With a little bit of attention, you'll get a lot of reward! I recommend starting with a walkway. What says, "Come on over!" or "Welcome to our home." more than a walkway to your front porch? Make your walkway nice and wide, and think about adding some interest. Even a slight curve can change the look & feel of your entryway. Consider using some lighting along the way.

 Now that I've got you on my porch, what's next? A fun and creative way to add some style to your porch is by adding some interesting trim pieces like the ones seen here. There are many different varieties available to suit your taste or your needs. It can add a little bit of privacy or just a beautiful design element.

Lighting is also a key element to your front porch. While your lights need to be functional, keep in mind that they set the mood for the entire house. So often I see houses with outdoor lighting that is just too small. Keep in mind the size and scale of your home when choosing your lights. I love this front porch ~ the scale and design of the lanterns are just perfect!

You don't have to spend a ton of money to make your front entry way look like it hasn't been forgotten. Simply giving your front door a new coat of paint in a splashy color will do the trick!

Break away from the traditional black and try one of these fun colors! Pair it with a stand out door knocker or mix it up with diamond shaped mullions on the door.


If space allows, I always like to add seating for at least two people. Of course you can't go wrong with the traditional rocking chairs, but there are also so many updated designs available today, all in weather resistant materials. Even a simple painted bench, like this one from +Pottery Barn can spruce up the look of your front entryway.

Change the pillows with the seasons and voila! Everyone will want to sit with you! Or, bring back the porch swing. This one by The Porch Store is just perfect for that afternoon nap!

I'm not going to lie, I love the idea of a daybed swing and outdoor window treatments. It's just so romantic! Here are some of my favorites.

 

 

 

Porch design can range from simple to outrageous. Peaceful to useful, budget conscious to expensive. Whatever your taste or budget may be, it's a part of our home that should not be overlooked. After all, you only get one chance to make a first impression!

Cheers,

Renee

Nature never goes out of style

My love for nature started at an early age. I simply love the colors, texture, sights and sounds of the outdoors. That's why I LOVE the opportunity to take my design outside this time of year. I'm able to use nature's beauty to create a beautiful and functional outdoor space for families to enjoy. Over the years some great new products and outdoor designs have popped up, but I still love to integrate natural products whenever and wherever possible.

+Freshome recently published an article on some of this years hottest outdoor design trends. I have to admit, I love them all! A yard is an extension of our living space. It doesn't have to be big to be useful. Having a smart, beautiful design outside is just as important as having one on the inside. Your exterior is the first impression of your home. It should reflect your personality.

So where do you begin?

You can never go wrong with a fire pit. There is nothing better than sitting around a fire with family or friends and looking up at the stars. A fire pit can serve you well through many seasons, make s'mores in the summer or chase the chills away in the fall.
 

Enjoying the evening outside, possible with a fire pit – Rick O’donnell Architect

I am just loving the shape and placement of this firepit! 

I'll take the view that goes with this firepit too please!

I love to take any opportunity I can to use natural materials and there's no more fitting place to do so than in your yard. I am not going to lie to you...it's more costly upfront to use stone, or real wood materials but they will last longer and in the end, you'll actually come out ahead.

Beautiful natural stone bench from Finnerty LLC

 If you are short on space but want to be big on style, try installing a wall garden like this one by Debora Carl

Wonderful example of a neat wall garden – Debora Carl



We installed this wall garden at the York Decorators Showhouse. Instead of looking at a blank wall of siding this wall stands out as if there's a beautiful piece of artwork hanging there! Much easier on the eyes!

You should also remember to use plantings that are native to your region. No sense in planting something pretty, only to find out it won't survive long in your local climate. Native plants will be happier in your garden and thus thrive.

 

Most importantly, we should all remember to unplug and go outside. Breathe in the fresh air, soak up some sunshine, listen to the birds.

 

Best,

Renee

Home is where your mom is...

Homes are like moms, reliable, strong and beautiful. That said, your home should be that place that wraps you in a warm hug, it's always there for you when you need it, it holds you quietly when need be, or let's you be loud when the spirit moves you. It loves you even when you aren't loving it back (for the moment).  And just like your mother, your home can sometimes get overlooked, because it's so reliable and you know it (or she) will always be there for you. Sometimes we simply forget to stop and give it a little love.

Maybe this weekend, for Mother's Day, it's time to show your mom, and your home how much they are loved and appreciated!

After you've celebrated mom, how about a little something for your own home? Perhaps an inexpensive refresh!?

Here are a few of my latest, and greatest favorite finds.

I'm loving this beautiful fabric by Duralee. The orange creates a great pop of color & Mr. Octopus is just so cool!

If orange is not your thing, these pillows from +West Elm have a softer tone, but will work well with pretty much any color décor and they still feel fresh & summery.

Pair them with this cool daybed from +West Elm and you've got yourself a cozy place to relax with a good book...or a nap!

If you're looking to add some POP! of color, these should do the trick for you!

A knitted yellow pouf from +CB2 

 I love how this rug from Surya pulls together so many colors. The possibilities are endless!

 

Add some artwork, also from Surya, and a pretty blue lamp from +angelo:HOME Store and you've got a fresh new look!






So here's to celebrating all those strong, reliable moms and homes who are all so beautiful on the inside and out!

Best,

Renee







What Really Counts and What Really Makes Cents.

 

Week two of our bathroom remodel brings us one of my favorite parts....the guts! I love opening up walls to find out what's inside. It speaks so much about the care that was, hopefully, taken and what needs to be done if it hasn't been done already.



Something I love to see here is that even though most of these walls are interior, you will notice that there is still insulation.

 

Insulation isn't just for temperature control, it also acts as a sound barrier, which can be a really important feature in a bath reno.



Whenever you open walls, take the opportunity to examine your insulations. Is it adequate for your interior and exterior walls? If not, now is the perfect time to beef it up! If you don't have extra room, consider spraying in some extra and don't forget to spray around those medicine cabinets.

 

If you live in an older home and open up a wall and find that the studs run all the way up the walls (balloon framing), by code, you must put horizontal blocking in to prevent the quick spread of fire. The devastating fire in Boston and the recent church in Newfields might have been aided by this life saving structural change.

Also make sure you have horizontal blocking for anything you are handing up such as towel racks, toilet paper holders, medicine cabinets and showerheads. So much nicer than trying to find those "never placed in the right place" studs later on. Also, I love to see a clean, safe place.

Make sure your contractor takes proper precautions to insure your safety and a healthy living environment. Completely covering the flooring and installing plastic zip walls cuts down on the wear and tear to walls and floors.

Another wonderful feature is the particulate removal machine that helps pull out the dust and allergens, ensuring healthier breathing.

 

So let's talk a moment about BUDGET. My husband once warned me never to tell them the budget because they will always find a way to spend it. A good contractor or designer will use your budget to help realize your dreams and your realities, and there are always realities...!

Building a bathroom or kitchen is like making a small house. You have to tap into all the systems, i.e.; electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and finishes, to make it work. Sit down with your designer and talk about the non-negotiables, the nice to haves and the reaches. Kind of like applying for colleges. You also don't want to be looking at stuff that you know you simply cannot have. Take into consideration ROI. According to the +National Association of Home Builders, a new bath can increase the value of a home by 20%. On a renovation, one can expect to recoup about 60% of costs. Go to www.remodeling.hw.net to plug in your area and get resale values for the most common improvements such as kitchens, baths, even generators!

There are items to purchase at every price point. Some are fine to negotiate on such as lighting. Can we find something that looks that opulent, but for less?

Either of these stunning options gives us the look we want, but at a fraction of the cost of our original design.

 

Some things should not be compromised, such as plumbing fixtures. Look alikes from box stores can have the same name but use all plastic parts inside, hence keeping the cost down, but compromising the integrity and lifespan of the product.

 

Budgets always need to be fluid. Count on the 20/20 rule. Twenty percent more for mid-stream changes and/or things that may be encountered along the way. Also plan for it to take 20% longer. That way you can be pleasantly surprised when you are on time and on budget (and have the satisfaction of knowing you would be the first project to accomplish that!).

 

On our own project we sheetrock this week and start the pretty stuff...tiling. We will post some more pics next week on our progress. So far, so good!

 

Best,

 

Renee!

 

A Reno by Any Other Name?

I have to admit, I do love those reno blogs like +Young House Love and have toyed with the idea of documenting one of our own projects from start to finish, but I am always dogged by the same few details that no doubt lead to my demise, namely progress photos and time. It’s kind of like the lack of photos of my third child (I have four, but the last is a girl, so well you get the idea)…I was too busy participating to actually document.

But, patience is nothing if not patient, so I am committed to the idea (and my tireless assistant is committed to keeping me committed, if not in fact committing me) and we are excited to bring you along on our latest master bath renovation.

Baths are probably some of my absolute favorite projects. They combine romance and practicality. They are space challenged yet have high expectations for that space and beg for the occupants to linger when most want nothing more than to get on with their day.  I love when I can transform a utilitarian space into one of the most desired places in the home.

 

 

 

For this client, as with many, organization was a top priority. There is just so much “stuff” in a bathroom that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Before we start I always like my clients to do a cleanse. Get rid of everything in that is not associated with the room.

Do you put on your makeup in the bathroom?
Do your kids take baths in the master?
Do you really need 14 towels in that closet?

Prioritize. That way we are designing for what you need, not what you don’t.

Next we review the list of “Must Haves”.

More cabinet space?
A place to do make up?

A soaking tub?
A shower built for two?

For this project I was so excited that we all had the same thing on our “Must Haves”… A fireplace. A two-way fireplace that peeked from the master bath into the master bedroom. What made this a challenge, and a joy, was that we could not build a fireplace or direct vent a gas fireplace. We need something that could be built right into the Sheetrock, was self contained and environmentally friendly.

We landed on a stunning two-way bio ethanol Eco-smart fireplace with a ribbon flame. These are easy to install (professional installation is recommended) and even easier to maintain and clean. Ours will have a niche for the TV on one side and niche for candles and treasures on the other. Simply perfect.

 

From here we will add a new tiled walk in shower with an alcove so we can avoid sometimes costly glass shower doors, ample storage and a variety of lighting that will be both functional (a hardwired makeup mirror will cantilever out from a cabinet) and beautiful.


This exquisite chandelier from Curry and Company will stand at attention in between the double sinks and reflect light back into the room using the plate mirror behind.

 

Other practical perks such as hidden electrical plugs in cabinets and drawers allow us to free up valuable counter space and keep clutter at bay.

So, what do you need to know before you start down this renovation path?

Next week let’s chat about the “B” word....BUDGET, plus what to expect from your team and what makes the difference between a “Dream Renovation” and “Nightmare” and why it’s so important to pay attention to your insides!

Also, feel free to share your bathroom renovation stories with me (not too many nightmares please, they keep me up at night!) and I’ll try to feature them as well.

Best,

Renee

Orange is the new black....

And I'm not talking about the latest book or TV show! I'm talking about getting a bit more daring with your design. Sure black is a mainstay and a great anchor to your décor, but orange can really pack a punch and take your design up a notch! 

Each month +Pantone  selects a new color of the month. April happens to be Celosia Orange, Pantone # 17-1360. What was once considered a fall color is making an appearance this spring! It's fun. It's fresh. And maybe a bit unexpected...This cheery tone is the perfect pop of color for springtime, wouldn't you say?

Some of my favorite paint colors happen to be orange! For this fun summer cottage I used +Sherwin Williams  Serape SW 6656.

 Not sure what to pair with your favorite shade of orange without feeling like it's Halloween? There are more possibilities than you may think! Orange pairs beautifully with blues, greys, reds, hot pinks, turquoise and more! Here I used +Benjamin Moore Paints AF 230 Buttered Yam for the upper portion of this dining room.

Need some more inspiration? Check out +This Old House this month! I think you'll find yourself falling in love with this sassy color. Here are a few of my favorite featured photos.

This is one of my favorite ways to treat a fireplace and really make it a focal point in your room. Many people don't think to paint the brick surround, but it can really make a difference, as you can see here.

Recently I found these fun appliances from Big Chill! Oh how I dream of incorporating these into a kitchen design for one of my clients! They are retro, and hip all wrapped up in this spicy shade of orange.


However, if you can't quite commit to a fresh coat of paint or a new set of appliances, try something a little more subtle. I was in search of some really fresh and fun fabrics for one of my current clients and came across these from +Duralee.

This guy is my favorite. Love, love, love the octopus! I must, and I mean MUST use this fabric for one very lucky client. Who's in??



 Why not try incorporating some orange into your home? Let me know how it goes and I promise I won't say "Orange you glad you tried it?"

Until next week,

Renee

Ready to take your design outside?

Spring has finally sprung...I think!

I don't know about you, but for me these past few days with bright sunshine and warmer temperatures in New Hampshire have surely put a spring in my step and lifted my mood. With only a few patches of snow left to melt in my yard, I am inspired to begin designing outside!

I like to think of the outdoor spaces in my yard as an extension of my home. Here in New Hampshire, our season is pretty short so I like to be sure to make my space functional and pretty.

 However, there are so many things to consider before you head down the path (no pun intended!) to landscape design! Before I even meet with clients to discuss outdoor spaces, I ask that they do the following:

• Make a list of needs and wants. This is important to really think about. Do your children need a place to play? Perhaps they'd enjoy a fairy garden like the one I created here?

• If you have a dog, you may want to consider a special area just for your pet!

• Are you thinking of having a vegetable garden? Would you like a patio or a porch? Also think about where the sun is during different parts of the day and when you are likely to be using the patio or porch. You don't want for it to be blazing hot every time you head outside, otherwise it won't get used.

• Consider the direction of the sun and wind. Before you decide to construct a fire pit, you best know which way the wind comes from, otherwise you'll be left with a whole lot of smoke and not a lot of fire!

• It's also a good idea to write down the types of plants and trees you love, or even the ones you don't want to see in your yard.  Are there certain colors you like, or a certain feel that you want your yard to evoke?

Today we have so many wonderful choices in indoor/outdoor rugs, furniture and accessories. It's no longer just wicker or plastic. I love to create a space that will really get used. Whether it's to host a cookout on the porch or relax on the patio there are many ways to design.

So while the sun is shining on us think about how you want to use your yard and begin creating an inviting space for the outdoor space that surrounds you. Believe it or not, designers and landscapers begin to get booked out several months this time of year. So if you are hoping to share margaritas on your deck with friends for Memorial Day, you better get planning!

May the warm sun rays shine down on you today and every day!

Renee