CATEGORIES

Prepping for Exterior Painting

DIY, or hire a pro? Review these stages, all of which are crucial to a lasting paint job, and then decide.

DESIGNING for outdoor spaces SITE PLANNING AND THE ARCHITECTURE

Site planning and a consistent architectural vision made sense of this unique double lot near the sea in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Architect Frank Shirley “integrated two properties and made this a special place to be,” the homeowner says. Outbuildings, two of them newly designed and built, are critical to the overall design, providing not only additional space but also protection from the street. New porches, formal elements of hardscape, and plantings tie it together.

Reproducing HISTORIC Wallpapers

Wallpaper remains the quintessential room decoration. If you’re looking for a historic or specific pattern, be encouraged.

Exotic Comforts in a Master Suite

If the bedroom in your 1882 Queen Anne Victorian has a gilded ceiling, what is the bathroom like?

The Siding Question

To refresh siding on your house, look for materials close to the original in cut, grain, dimension, and appearance.

Collecting Enchantment

What if you bought a Victorian farmhouse and, endeavoring to learn about the period, became entranced? You might design Aesthetic and Rococo parlors, a Sheraton Revivaldining room, and a kitchen with Anglo–Japanese notes.

Avondale Farm AN IMAGINATIVE REBIRTH

The ca. 1735 house was disassembled and rebuilt on a new foundation, a rescued 1742 banquet hall appended to it, an addition in Greek Revival style built for the kitchen, and a Maine barn added to the property.

Chairs Become Dog Beds

A dog-loving couple create unique pet furniture.

An Artful Approach FOR A 1755 COLONIAL

Attracting the right owners through subsequent generations, this Connecticut house remains true to its period.

A UNIQUE RESCUE

This couple refurbished an “obsolete” duplex dwelling, built-in 1899 as factory-worker housing.

Native Design

SUE AND ANDY LEAHY’S GARDEN IS A MAGNET FOR POLLINATORS AND PEOPLE ALIKE.

Screened-In Comfort

EVEN WHEN ST. LOUISAN LISA GREER IS AT HOME, SHE PREFERS TO BE OUTSIDE.

PRESERVATION-MINDED RENOVATION

Making modern updates to a historic and architecturally important home requires special dedication and vision.

Memories of Home… in the Garden

WHEN LEE CAGLE AND HER HUSBAND TRADED IN APARTMENT LIVING FOR A HOUSE, SHE SAW IT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO RELIVE A PART OF HER CHILDHOOD.

Flower Power

Amy Woods relishes the months when her garden is in bloom and inspiration is within easy reach.

Salad Days

“There’s no reason why you can’t have something on your plate every day that’s fresh from your garden,” says Jennifer Schamber, general manager of Greenscape Gardens. Here are some tips on how to plant a home salad garden

Let It Rain

WANT TO IMPRESS THE NEIGHBORS? A LUSH GREEN LAWN ISN’T THE ONLY WAY.

It's Pizza Night

MOUNDS OF DOUGH, FRESH INGREDIENTS, FUN WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS… WHO DOESN’T LOVE A PIZZA-MAKING PARTY? HERE, FOUR LOCAL EXPERTS SHARE TIPS FOR CREATING INSPIRING DINNERS IN THE COMFORT OF HOME.

BY HAND - Nitty-Gritty Meets Neoclassical

A hobby creating art out of concrete turns into a thriving business.

Double Duty

Learn how to create a neat, stylish laundry and mudroom space all in one.

Nantucket Bliss

A renovation of a historic sea captain’s home is inspired by everything bright and beautiful that Nantucket offers and translates it into a feeling of comfort and bliss.

Kitchen Configured

Choices matter more than ever in cottage-style kitchens. Whether you’re optimizing space, keeping to budget or adding entertaining essentials, this kitchen shows how compromise, creativity and collaboration get the job done.

Garden Party

Create an outdoor-dining tablescape as the centerpiece of your summer soirees.

Lake Life

An interior designer transforms a lake cottage from a soulless basic build into a stunning retreat that’s full of heart.

The Social Kitchen

This historic bungalow kitchen is built for working and entertaining.

Bathroom Design Basics

Designer Sara Lynn Brennan shares her secrets for creating serenely beautiful and livable bathrooms.

REMEDIES FOR STAINLESS STEEL

The best approach to refreshing a scratched stainless steel surface is to clean and polish the entire sink, using the least abrasive methods possible, plus a lot of elbow grease.

TUDOR ARTS & CRAFTS HOUSES

THE MELDING OF TWO STYLES WITH SIMILAR ROOTS, 1890–1920. By Patricia Poore

TRANSITIONAL TUDOR

A UNIQUE MIX OF TUDOR REVIVAL AND ARTS & CRAFTS DESIGN, THIS 1912 HOUSE IN PORTLAND, OREGON, REMAINED REMARKABLY INTACT.

RESILIENTS BOUNCING BACK

These floors continue to evolve, adapting recycled and natural materials for flooring that looks better and lasts longer.