Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas :: Top Ten Tools
Given that we pack an arsenal of tools for our work, we frequently are asked to weigh in on tool decisions for friends and family. In the spirit of the holidays, we...
Tag Archives: Planning Design Process & Dealings
Holidays Start at the Front Door :: Some Tips for Door Decorating for the Holidays
Homeowners can help their families and guests get in the holiday spirit right at the front door. Since many people view their entryway as a sign of the quality of their home,...
Color that Pops :: Pops of Color Examples in Home Decorating
Color that pops is just referring to a visual and not a sound of course. Pop is just when you can see a high contrast between two colors and this can be...
The Lessons of Hurricane Irene :: On Hurricane Preparedness
In the beautiful week before Hurricane Irene coastal Delaware was doing its summer thing. Every other car had out-of-state plates and vacationers were enjoying the beach while my clients, who rent their...
How to Select an Interior Door that Matches Existing Architectural Elements
I was naked . . . and stepping into the shower when she started, “What's wrong with you?!”. . . but she continued, “I mean – do I really have to have...
Securing Your Home Against Forced Entry :: Designing for Security at Doors and Windows
Creating a secure home is a matter of design philosophy, construction technique and the habits of the occupants. While it is possible to design and build a home that is extremely secure,...
Tips for Cleaning a Wood Deck :: Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Decking
I hate the words “spring cleaning.” I hate long checklists that remind me of all the things I don’t feel like doing. I hate the hours of dirty, sweaty work required to...
The Ten Essential Tools for Homeowners :: Tools Every Homeowner Needs
Just 10 tools, not easy. But here they are; the ten essential tools for building a basic toolbox. here are many tools for many jobs, and you ALWAYS want the right tool...
Goodies and Gadgets and the Extras in Remodeling :: Plan for the Added Extras in Remodeling
And you know - it reminds me just how frequently we, as homeowners, (and OK, maybe it's only me) forget about all the ancillary stuff that comes along with doing any sort...
How to Buy Quality Furniture :: 6 Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying Furniture
So with list in hand, go to the stores. Oh, looky here, you found a gorgeous sofa for a great price! "Where's my credit card??" This and six other valuable questions you...
Can Your Wood Deck Survive Another Harsh Winter? :: How to Winterize a Wood Deck
Unfortunately, when it comes to wood decking, poor maintenance can also pose a safety hazard. Dry rot, weakened ledger connections and failing footings can all contribute to deck collapse. Not to get...
Avoid Shopping Overwhelm :: 5 Tips to Shop Like a Pro Designer
These are some of the steps I take as a designer to make selecting furniture, fixtures, and finishes a more productive and streamlined process, and to save my clients (and myself) from...