It’s an oft-heard design objective among folks building or renovating a home these days: "We want to bring the outdoors in!" Indeed, visually or spatially connecting the interior of a home with its surroundings is a great way to make spaces feel larger, improve daylight levels and, best of all, embrace Nature. Most of us enjoy being outside, and when we get a sense of that while inside it has a profoundly positive effect on the experience of being at home.  (Read More)

Poolhopping

One of the highlights of growing up in the suburbs were those sultry August evenings when, after several hours of furious basketball in a friend’s driveway, my chums and I would feel our way through the hedges, leap the chain-link fence and arrive at the neighbor’s in-ground pool.  It was located behind the house at the top of a rise, so that the pool’s surface was in line with the roof.  As such, we were able to cool off and sip some ice tea undetected.  Clearly the neighbors had given serious thought to the pool location and had realized that by positioning it there they would not have to see the pool from inside the house, a good idea since in the climate of New England they’d be staring at a cover for six months or more.  We agreed, it was ideal.  (Read More)

Cottage Trumps Contemporary

Harsh environments and contemporary design; let’s just say they don’t always get along.  I’m a big fan of the style and enjoy creating it where appropriate.  However, contemporary done well – and by that I mean not just the look and feel but the details and materials that make it stand up to the test of time – is a challenge.  It’s an even bigger challenge in the harsh environment of New England.  That, and the fact that Yankees tend to be a bit slow to cotton to newfangled ideas (and I don’t mean A-Rod moving from short to third), may be why we don’t see that much of it around.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come across an elegant, minimalist design solution while perusing the pages of a shelter mag and drooled at the look… only to realize that the house I’m looking at is located in southern California or Arizona.  Frameless glass windows, slide-away doors with an outdoor terrace flowing seamlessly to the interior.  It all looks great, but putting that in harm’s way in our region could be a costly mistake if not done correctly. (Read More)

Architecture in Your Back Yard

Not long ago, some friends returned from a whirlwind European vacation.  We gathered at their home to share in their experience and were treated to some spectacular photos from the trip.  As I am an architect, they were especially pleased to present the many images of magnificent houses, noteworthy public buildings, and classic examples of civic grandeur.  On this evening, and during their trip, architecture was and had been front and center, admired and enjoyed for all of its transcendent capacity.  As we bade them goodnight and stepped out of their boxy Builder Colonial, I wondered: now that they were back in Connecticut, would these folks maintain their newfound enthusiasm for my chosen profession?  (Read More)

The Full Frontal Garage

Garages are a staple of suburban residential construction, but despite their effect on a home’s size and appearance they are often overlooked during design.  There are ways to improve the look or conceal the identity while ensuring that visitors don’t come knocking on the garage door instead of the front door.  (Read More)

You Need a Bath

Seems like ever since the privy succumbed to indoor plumbing, bathroom design has captivated the imagination of homeowners.  No part of a home is so functional, yet something about the bathroom as a truly private, personal space – refuge, getaway, inner sanctum - lands it at the top of the list for many as an opportunity for interpretation, inspiration, and invention.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard it from clients as they describe their dream home: “And I want a great bathroom!”  That’s an interesting challenge.  What exactly makes for a great bathroom? (Read More)