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The Importance of Flow for Outdoor Living

Anyone who’s involved in home design, construction, or renovation talks a lot about flow – the interior flow of a house, how rooms and hallways connect, and the access between floors. In the summertime, it’s the flow between the inside and the outside of a home that becomes of paramount importance. Here’s where some thoughtful […]

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Outdoor Living: Brief Moments of Happiness

It is 7:30 on an early Sunday morning in May and I am pondering the near future of the summer ahead. This is the first of many mornings to come where it is truly warm enough to sit outside and sip that blissfully virgin first cup of coffee. I am not hallucinating; spring is finally […]

Outdoor Rooms; Rooms with a view

Renovating an outdoor space can be a costly affair. If you want the popular trend of an outdoor chef’s kitchen, covered eating area on a natural stone patio, a fireplace and a pool, expect to spend anywhere from $100,000 to $300,000. Keep in mind, however, that if you live in a northern climate, this outdoor […]

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Water Land

Water, water everywhere… We are getting it in droves here on the East Coast! It’s seeping into our basements, pushing through unprotected and leaky windows, driving up under roofs and penetrating ceilings. And that’s if you are lucky! We’ve been getting lots of calls lately about water-logged basements, dripping ceilings and buckled floor boards. And […]

The Bench – Enjoy Before All the Leaves Fall

Take a walk and bring your bench along. The Bench is not just a seat; it’s a metaphor for balance and reflection, openness and transition. As we view one in the distance along a forest path, it beckons us to come and sit. As we busily tidy up the house or yard, the bench allows […]

Shedding New Light on Night Lights

Perhaps you’ve heard the ancient Chinese proverb that says, “Better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” I tend to think the same is true for dealing with winter’s short, dark days: better to light your landscape than complain about living in the dark. Winter’s shorter days give us an opportunity to bring the […]

Take it outside!

Outdoor rooms continue to grow in popularity, as more and more American’s discover the appeal of backyard decks or patios as places for quiet relaxation or as additional rooms for entertaining family and friends. To make the most of your outdoor oasis, consider: Patios, decks or a seasonally-covered porches: There are choices for every budget […]

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Exterior Impact

Given today’s challenging real estate market, we are hearing from more and more clients who have decided that they are not moving so they want to renovate their homes to make them more livable, attractive and inviting. When asked about the things they want to change, homeowners often have very specific ideas about the interior […]

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House Maintenance is Not a Dirty Word

Let’s face it; no one likes to do maintenance. But it is a necessary reality when you own a home and one that has real monetary implications, since deferring or avoiding routine maintenance almost always ends up costing more in the end. Building structures deteriorate very quickly so here are a few tips to help […]

Easy Outdoor Entertaining

August is half-gone, the college-bound kids are shopping for dorm life, and schools start after Labor Day. Where did the summer go! But do not despair – there are ways to enjoy the late summer, and many occasions to relax and socialize. Hosting a cookout and happy hour on your deck or patio provides the […]