No outdoor room is complete without some planters! As a right of spring (and an indication that the snow has left the vicinity for at least the next few months...), I look forward to planting the pots on my deck each year with flowers and ivy and herbs. A recent visit to my favorite
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Luxury Bathroom Remodeling
Create your perfect bathroom while avoiding the
"design fad" trap
You might renovate your bathrooms once in the time you live in your house…maybe twice if you stay there for more than 30 years, but in any case, whatever you do will need to have staying power. Having worked on dozens of bathrooms with clients over the last 25 years, we have the benefit of much experience. We have seen many trends come and go and have learned to discern which are fads and which are new classics.
Here are some things to consider when creating your perfect bathroom:
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Easy Ways to JumpStart Spring around the House
Spring brings with it spring cleaning, a season of holidays and entertaining, and the reminders everywhere of renewed life. And yet, here in New England it always seems to take forever to arrive! SO, while we are anticipating the ACTUAL arrival this glorious season of warmer days and fresh breezes, here are a few ways you can bring spring to your home even before the weather cooperates!
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Seen Around Town: Fabulous Area Rugs
Area rugs. They are the foundation for almost any room design. We recently went in search of the perfect area rug to complete a sophisticated, warm, neutral living room design. One of our favorite haunts for area rugs is
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Tales from the Kitchen: The Lazy Gourmet, Tips and Gadgets
I am basically a lazy cook. I don't want to create any more work or spend any more time than necessary, but I still want the best possible result. I value efficiency, of course, but until I acquire a scullery maid, here are some processes and gadgets that make cooking and baking a pleasure instead of a chore.
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Trade Secrets: 4 Ways to Transform your Space with Paint
Well, it's groundhog day and apparently we have 6 more weeks of winter. Honestly, no matter what the furry rodent says, we in New England KNOW that winter weather is capricious right up to (and sometimes into!) May. But spring is coming...eventually!
The good news? Trapped inside during winter is the perfect time to spruce up your house in time for the spring flurry (no pun intended) of activities. And one of the most effective ways to make changes is with paint.
There are many places where new paint will make a big difference:
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A Day in the Life
There is no such thing as a typical day in the life of an interior designer. Which may be precisely why I love it so much - it is NEVER boring!
Most days start with checking and responding to emails and texts and putting out any fires that started early in the day! After that it's anybody's guess.
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Tales from the Kitchen: Quick Gourmet, Part 1
So, I'm writing about food. Again. Because eating is always a big priority around here and we believe that, like all things home-related, mealtime should be the essence of graciousness whether you are cooking for your family or entertaining friends. And since we are all short on time, some strategies for making meals that are both quick and gourmet-ish is important.
In order to facilitate that, let me suggest these three ideas:
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Fresh Year, Fresh Start
The holiday decorations are finally all packed up until next year. And now is the time to turn our attention to organizing and freshening our homes. Here are three small changes with big impact that will breathe new life into your rooms:
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Tales from the Kitchen: A Nutcracker's Sweets Dessert Open House
Our most recent entertaining venture was our annual Nutcracker's Sweets Dessert Open House. It occurred on an absolutely frigid evening, but it was cozy inside and a delight to celebrate the end of the holiday season and the beginning of a new year with family and friends.
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Tales from the Kitchen: Do ahead tips so you can enjoy the party
I love to bake and I love entertaining. So naturally, I enjoy creating parties centered around desserts. Dessert parties are some of the easiest parties to manage since desserts generally require very little last minute attention.
Here are some tips I have found helpful over the years as I have honed my dessert party skills:
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Tips for Beautiful Holiday Packages
It's no secret that I LOVE the holidays with all the beautiful lights and decorations and wonderful food! But as a designer, color is one of the first things my eye sees and I have a need for my holiday decor to blend seamlessly with my home decor. I addition to the tree, garland, and wreath ornaments and ribbons, I also like to color coordinate my packages under the tree. Beautifully wrapped packages are a lovely holiday tradition, and thoughtful packaging is as important as the gift inside!
Here are some suggestions for upping your gift packaging game:
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