Home Issue #32 • FREE
at
Winter 2024
celebrating the homes, gardens & places of the tri-state area of nh, vt, ma
Declutter Your Home! Home! Winter is the Perfect Time to Organize
Minimalism vs. Maximalism ... Which One Describes Your style? •SPECIAL SECTION: HOME IMPROVEMENT• Winter 2024 • 1
THINK. PLAN. DO. DREAM. Don’t worry.
Continue the forward-thinking, adventurous and openminded lifestyle you’ve always loved at Covenant Living of Keene. From cooking meals to home maintenance to being prepared for any unforeseen health issues, we’ve got you covered—so you won’t need to worry. Instead, enjoy a bright, spacious residence with endless opportunities for enrichment and purpose in a beautiful location. And relax with confidence knowing you have the security and peace of mind only a Life Plan community can provide.
Residential Living Assisted Living | Memory Care | Nursing Care 95 Wyman Road | Keene, NH 03431
2 Home at
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ASK US ABOUT LIFECARE:
healthcare for life at predictable costs.
Schedule a tour and explore more of Covenant Living of Keene—including new, affordable contract options. Call 1-877-313-2542 or visit CovLivingKeene.org
Covenant Living Communities & Services does not discriminate pursuant to the Federal Fair Housing Act.
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Contents Features
12 • The Carriage Barn
24
16 • A Tale of Two Homes
Columns 4 • atHome with Marcia 9 • Art atHome 22 • Pets atHome 24 • In the Garden 28 • Intentional Interiors
Special Ad Sections 6 • Shop Local: Winter 26 • Home Improvement
9 Winter 2024 • 3
at
Home with Marcia
atHOME MAGAZINE ISSUE #32 WINTER 2024
PUBLISHER Backporch Publishing LLC FOUNDER/EDITOR Marcia Passos CONTRIBUTORS Michele Chalice Nicole S. Colson Patricia Herlevi Sarah Sim Caroline Tremblay PROOFREADER Emily Marie Passos Duffy PHOTOGRAPHY Kelly Fletcher ADVERTISING SALES: jeanne@atHOMEnewengland.com
A
t my local grocery store today, I spied an elderly woman pushing her shopping cart slowly down the cereal aisle, looking bewildered. She caught my eye as she looked away from the rows and rows of cereal boxes and said in a sad and resigned voice, “There’s just too much stuff. Too much to choose from.” I smiled at her, and before I could think about what to say back to her in solidarity, I said, surprising even myself, “Yes, aren’t we lucky?” I guess my response bubbled up from my unconscious mind, processing what I saw in the news the night before. Countries at war. People caught in the crossfire of senseless violence. Images of families elbowing their fellow countrymen and women for a sack of flour just to stay alive. Yes, we are fortunate. We live in a land of plenty. But what do we do with all this abundance? I want to be grateful this year. Thankful for the abundance of food, abundance of (relative) peace, abundance of opportunity, abundance, yes, of “stuff.” Still, I would also like to acknowledge the woman’s sentiment that there is just too much of everything in our American culture. And consider why we need to be surrounded by it all. And what is all this “abundance” really doing to us? In this issue, as we begin a new year, we look at how to scale back the “stuff” that envelopes our lives. How to organize it, how to get rid of it, how to become more conscious of what we bring into our homes. And how to truly care for the things we surround ourselves with: people, pets, our work, objects in our home. And we are invited to take a hard look at what truly serves us as human beings and what does not. As Marie Kondo so eloquently put it, we don’t need to hang on to things because of the memories associated with them. And cluttering up our lives with excess abundance prevents us, ultimately, from appreciating and being grateful for the here and now, the present moment, and the joy of being alive. I wish you all a safe and happy winter season surrounded by and appreciating the abundance of people, places, activities and “stuff” that you truly care for, cherish and love.
Marcia Passos, Founder/Editor, atHome magazine 4 Home at
www.athomenewengland.com
CONTACT US atHome Magazine 16 Russell Street • Keene, N.H. 03431 603-369-2525 marcia@atHOMEnewengland.com www.atHOMEnewengland.com
atHome is published four times a year (Spring, Summer, Fall/Holiday and Winter) by Keene, N.H.-based Backporch Publishing LLC. atHome is a consumer publication that highlights the homes and gardens of residents in tristate area of New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts. This magazine is copyrighted. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. The views expressed in atHome magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of its advertisers, publisher or editor. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, neither atHome nor Backporch Publishing LLC assumes responsibility for any errors or omissions
Learn more www.atHomeNewEngland.com
Scott-Farrar at Peterborough has been providing compassionate care to seniors of the Monadnock Region for over 113 years! Some of the great benefits of living in the Scott-Farrar Community today include: • Chef prepared meals • Staff onsite 24/7 • Happy Hour, yoga, movie matinees, gardening & more • Housekeeping & maintenance • Medication & transportation assistance • Individualized care plan • Onsite physical, occupational and speech therapy services And much more!
Call us today 603-924-3691 to schedule a tour of Scott-Farrar at Peterborough.
Non-profit 501 (c ) (3) Charitable Organization Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care www.scott-farrar.com jennifer.boyd@scott-farrar.com
Winter 2024 • 5
SHOP LOCAL: WINTER
122 Pleasant St., Suite 104 Easthampton, MA • 413-270-1074
SHOP LOCAL LISTIING
GeoGraphic Gems • Keene, NH GeoGraphic Gems may look like semi-precious stones .. but what it actually is, is more remarkable! You are buying a piece of history: vintage National Geographic magazine pages made into “gems”! Learn more at geographicgems.com Flying Pig Antiques • Westmoreland, NH A great selection of antiques from 40 reputable dealers from New England and New York in booths and cases in its 4,900 square foot facility. Learn more at flyingpigantiquesnh.com Keystone Vintage Market • Easthampton, MA A fun multi vendor shop specializing in vintage and upcycled furniture, home furnishings, lighting, kitchen items, art work and collectibles. Learn more at thevintagecellareast.com Knitty Gritty Yarn Shop • Peterborough, NH Knitting together friendships and community. Inside The Knitty Gritty Yarn Shop you will find old friends and new. The shop’s owner Laura Clayton is always there to greet you and provides a warm environment and undeniable knowledge of her craft. Learn more at knittygrittyyarns.com Maple Station Market • Temple, NH Ben’s Sugar Shack has expanded its production space, and with the expansion comes a new store called The Maple Station Market on Route 101 that features all of Ben Sugar Shack products and more. The 3,000 sq. ft. space includes just about everything you will need to make a meal at home or a quick bite for the road. Learn more at bensmaplesyrup.com 6 Home at
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A unique vintage mall shopping experience for over 6 years! Over 30 vendors in a light-filled airy former mill. Specializing in vintage home décor, furniture, eclectic gifts and vintage clothing. See what's new on our Facebook & Instagram pages!
THE TOADSTOOL BOOKSHOPS
"Enchanting selections of wonderful books & music" "Fill your house with stacks of books, in all the crannies and all the nooks." - Dr. Seuss WE COULDN'T AGREE MORE! 12 Depot Square, Peterborough, NH 603-924-3543
12 Emerald St., Corner of Emerald & Main, Keene, NH 603-352-8815
And online at toadbooks.com
Where you can see what's in stock at our stores, what's available to order & you can download e-books for many types of e-readers.
Shop Local Listing (continued) Monadnock Food Co-op • Keene, NH The Monadnock Food Co-op is a community-owned grocery store and deli in downtown Keene, NH, focused on providing local, organic, and sustainable products. Learn more at monadnockfood.coop Monadnock Oil & Vinegar Dublin, NH/Amherst, NH Come visit us and explore the healthy world of Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Infused & Fused Olive Oils, Balsamic Vinegars, Salts, Spices and our own Herb Blends. We mix and pack our fresh herbs and spices so you can enjoy them in your kitchen. Our new location on Route 101 in Dublin will open shortly! Learn more at monadnockoilandvinegar.com The Toadstool Bookshops Keene & Peterborough, NH For over 50 years, the Toadstool Bookshops have had the pleasure of sharing enchanting books, music, and movies with the Monadnock Region. We hope you will take the time to stop in and spend an afternoon in either one, or both, of our stores in Peterborough and Keene, NH. Learn more at toadbooks.com >>>
Produce | Maple Donuts | Deli | Maple Syrup | Cheese
8 Webster Hwy. Temple, New Hampshire 03084
BensMapleSyrup.com Follow us on (603)924-3111
Open 7 Days a Week!
Social Media! @BensSugarShack
Visit us every weekend in March for a Free Maple Tour!
Join us for the fun! We sell gifts!
16 Depot St • Peterborough, NH • 603-924-2028 www.knittygrittyyarns.com
good. local. food. You’ll find products from over 370 local farms and producers at Monadnock Food Co-op.
34 CYPRESS STREET KEENE, NH 603.355.8008 MONADNOCKFOOD.COOP
Winter 2024 • 7
SHOP LOCAL: WINTER
SHOP LOCAL LISTING (continued)
Turning Leaf Consignment • Swanzey, NH Find quality used furniture and home decor at this well-organized and classy Swanzey store! Items and furnishings for every room in your home. Learn more at Facebook.com/turningleafconsignment
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Art atHome by Patricia Herlevi Stems NH 310 Marlboro St Suite 150 Keene, NH 603-397-0100 stemsnh.com
R
achel Curtis’ design business began with an undiagnosed illness. But instead of traveling the harrowing journey of Lyme disease and then becoming a life coach for sufferers, Curtis chose a fragrant path — equally healing. While she was living in Austin, Texas, suffering from Lyme, a visit to a flower shop transformed her life. Eventually, she partnered with her mother, Patricia Pepin, and launched the floral design shop, Stems, in Keene. Tell us about your journey from a tick-borne illness to discovering the healing power of floral arrangements. I was living in Austin, and on the days I felt well enough to go out for a little while, I visited a local flower shop and made myself a flower wrap. This was one thing that I could do to lift my spirits. I made that trip once a week to add some color to my apartment. It provided something to look forward to, and this is when my love for flowers emerged. You and your mom have unique offerings, such as an elopement floral arrangement package and a pop-up flower trailer that you rent out by the hour. Where did you come up with these ideas? The idea for elopement packages came from wanting to offer something special for the couple’s wedding day without them having to financially commit to an entire wedding package. I want to provide everyone with at least one or two floral pieces that they love and express their personalities on their day — also, being able to create a special floral piece that may have one particular flower
that brings a memory or is a nod to a special person who isn’t with them on their day. This is why I love what I do as a floral designer. And what about the origins of the pop-up trailer? The pop-up flower trailer idea came from wanting to offer something unique. I had seen people in other cities transforming old buses into mobile bars and thought it would be fun to flip a horse trailer into a traveling flower bar. This was a way to bring flowers directly to customers in their yards or venues. It can be used to celebrate any occasion and be a hands-on, creative workshop. I envision renting it for birthday parties, bridal, baby showers, family reunions, corporate events and at the wedding venue. It provides a unique flower display providing wedding favors that the guests can take home with them. It has been a big undertaking, and we’re hoping to have it on the road in the spring of 2024. What are your top five favorite flowers to use in your designs and your favorite color combinations? I love an English garden vibe with whimsical bits. I love playing with texture and pairing unusual colors together. I’m also into Dutch design. I love the rich colors they use and the no-rules aspect to it, and anytime I can incorporate fruit, it is always fun! I love butterfly ranunculus, fritillaria, bearded iris, dahlias, petticoat aquilegia and double narcissus. It’s hard to choose because I love them all. For colors, I love dark and moody gemstone colors. On the other end of the spectrum, I love muted apricots, mustards, mauves, lavenders, terracotta and two-toned flowers. Tell us about your sustainable business practices. And why are they important to you? We repurpose or re-use our prepped vessels, dry some leftover stems, and avoid toxic chemicals to treat flowers with pesticides by locally sourcing as much as possible through local farmers. My mother grows flowers, which we also incorporate, and where she composts waste. We design using natural products like chicken wire and willow. When needing a “foam” base, we use a sustainable product.
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Art atHome (continued)
PHOTOS, clockwise: Flower arrangements by Stem NH with a view of Mt. Monadnock in the distance; the Stem Pop-Up Trailer set to launch this spring; Stem NH’s co-owners Rachel Curtis with her mom, Patricia Pepin; flower arrangments on a chair ready for a customer.
All these elements are important to us in reducing energy and helping to protect the environment, the earth and the health of the people handling the flowers during design. What do you teach in the workshops? Our workshops are hands-on, and we teach people how to build a floral design by choosing a focal flower, accent flowers and greenery to create an arrangement. We often explain to them that it will be intuitive to the person. Try not to think about rules and pick what you feel most drawn to. We also are big believers in not forcing or manipulating a flower into a design. If it doesn’t go right in, then it doesn’t want to be there. We follow the line of the flowers and how they would naturally appear in nature and use that as our guiding design element.
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What advice do you have for choosing the right floral design for a special occasion? Trust your intuition and follow what you’re drawn to in nature that will reflect your personality. Draw inspiration from colors, textures, and natural elements you want to emulate in the event space. Create a mood board to share with us that helps us to get a clearer picture of what you desire. Take the stress off yourself, relax and trust. We’ll work with you to create and make your vision come to life.
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The FIRST Wednesday every month February 7 | March 6 | 1-3pm Family Resource Center at HCS 312 Marlboro Street, Keene The THIRD Wednesday every month February 21 | March 20 | 1-3pm HCS Charlestown, 33 Arborway The FOURTH Wednesday every month February 28 | March 27 | 1-3pm HCS Charlestown, 33 Arborway
for a confidential, free of charge discussion of services that are available for your family. From Healthy Starts to Hospice care, HCS has services for all ages! Can’t make Walk-in Wednesdays? Call us any time!
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www.lifesafetyfire.com Winter 2024 • 11
atHome with History by Nicole S. Colson/Photos by Kelly Fletcher
The Carriage Barn
Keene, New Hampshire
W
hen Joe Ballaro and Jodie Greenwald Ballaro purchased the Carriage Barn Inn on Keene’s lower Main Street in 2021, they knew very little about the building’s history, including how it got its name. They were left with hearsay and speculation. Two years later, the inn’s backstory remains very much shrouded in mystery. It reads on the website that the colonial-style house along the street was built in 1810, which the couple learned when they took over, and it was further reinforced when Joe found a doorknocker in the house inscribed with that date. Deeds dating back to 1855 (that year, the property was made up of three deeds combined) show there have been about a dozen owners since then. The original home that is part of the property is now an Airbnb two-bedroom apartment, and it’s believed two more sections were later added at the rear of that building, which now houses the kitchen and dining area and four guest rooms. It’s also believed this part of the property has its original post-and-beam ceilings and wide-planked floors. Another older feature is in the kitchen: a cast iron bowl that had since been covered up. It was heated with logs underneath — the remains of which can still be seen.
12 Home at
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The Carriage Barn owners, husband and wife team Jodie Greenwald Ballaro and Joe Ballaro, pose on the deck of their B&B. NEXT PAGE: The “Joan Crawford” room in the B&B includes a bedroom set once owned by the famous actress. “I was told it was used for making candles,” Joe says. Jodie says she and her husband “stumbled into” the innkeeping business. Her brother, Josh Greenwald of Greenwald Realty, had the listing, and she has always had an interest in hospitality. Joe owned and ran a bagel shop in his native Brooklyn, New York, and worked as a tile installer before they moved to Keene in 2003 to raise their three children. “He missed the everyday interactions he used to have in Brooklyn,” says Jodie. “He’s very handy and can fix anything, so when this inn became available, I knew it was a perfect combination for our skill sets.” Jodie is a social studies teacher at Keene High School. “I wanted to be part of the downtown business community and missed the civic engagement that comes with being a business owner,” she says. Joe is with the guests the most out of the two of them, and many leave comments on travel sites about how he was a highlight of their stay. “He’s a great listener and really enjoys meeting everyone that comes to us,” says Jodie. “He really gets to know our guests.”
The couple has heard many stories about the inn’s history, some from Dave and Marilee Rouillard, who ran the inn (then called the Elm City Carriage Barn) for nearly 20 years (2001 to 2019), who said that it had been run as a B&B since the early 1980s. Before that, Dave Rouillard heard it had been a nursing home in the 1950s and that it had been the location of a school at one point. “I also was told (the property) was owned by two women who would take in wounded Civil War soldiers,” says Dave. More recently, a rumor surfaced that the middle section of the building (the location of the kitchen and dining area) had been moved to that spot in the 1920s from further up Main Street — more specifically, that it was the ell that was once attached to the Wyman Tavern. The tavern is Keene’s oldest building, built in 1762. However, Historical Society of Cheshire County Director Alan Rumrill could not find written proof of this move. One fascinating piece of history at the inn came from somewhere else: New York City. There, Mae Miller became friends with Lorena Coats of the Coats Thread Company. Coats was friends with Lucille Le Sueur, a Zeigfield dancer who was later discovered by Hollywood and became famous under the name of Joan Crawford. Miller, from Peterborough, said her friend Lorena grew up with Crawford. When Crawford left New York
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Winter 2024 • 13
atHome with History (continued) for California, she left her bedroom set with her friend Lorena, who later passed it on to Miller. The Ballaros acquired the ornately carved bed, dresser, mirror, and dressing table — painted mostly green with flowers (the paint job is now peeling and worn), and they named the room The Crawford Room in the actress’ honor. Jodie added that the breakfast bar off the kitchen belonged to a former U.S. Surgeon General. All this is part of the homey, comfortable, secluded ambiance of the inn, where guests can soak up the history while enjoying a continental breakfast of pastries, bagels, fresh fruit, yogurt and locally sourced Terra Nova coffee or curling up on the cozy sofa of the sun-drenched common area with a book or to take in some Netflix. What guests find unique is that while they feel the inn is a quiet (and affordable) little oasis from the hustle and bustle of life, it’s also centrally located directly across from the Keene State College campus and only a short walk from the center of town. The Ballaros take great pride in what they’ve built at the Carriage Barn Inn. “It’s a lot of work, but we love owning a piece of Keene and having something for our kids,” says Jodie.
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CATHEDRAL OF THE PINES
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Honor - Celebrate - Reflect
of the Pines
Winter 2024 • 15
- FEATURE -
A Tale of Two Homes
Maximalism and Minimalism Decorating Styles Take Root in Two Different Ways By Caroline Tremblay / Photos by Kelly Fletcher
Two homes tell a different tale of how the owners came to either max out with maximalism, or pare down with minimalism. Which is right for you? See quiz on page 19. Photos, left to right: the owners of Weatherhead Hollow, Katherine Partington and husband Daniel Kornguth, have decorated their Vermont farmhouse (rebuilt after a fire) in a maximalist style. Lisa Meuse and her husband renovated their 900-square foot Athol, Massachusetts home after downsizing in a minimalist, easy-to-care-for style.
There are times when a home seems to choose its own style. Here are stories of how two houses — and circumstances — gave rise to two entirely different interior styles: maximalism and minimalism. 16 Home at
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Maxing out on fun For co-owner of Weatherhead Hollow, Katherine Partington, a Vermont-based actor and producer, it all began with a meet-cute. Her now husband, Daniel Kornguth, an exceptional builder and interior designer, sought her out first but not for romance. He was curious about starting an artist residency program and knew she had experience. “Daniel wanted to consult with me and show me this property he had just bought. We weren’t even together yet, and I remember touring everything, and the barn was like falling down,” she says with a laugh. With the old cow stations stuck in her head, she was nonetheless filled with ideas imagining the property turning into a destination for artists. But in 2014, the story took a dramatic turn. “We ended up falling in love, and the reason we got married is we had a house fire,” she describes. Suddenly, the Guilford, Vermont property Kornguth had envisioned restoring was gone, but it became the impetus for
a different kind of restoration. “When we had the house fire, he handled it so well, and it was just that moment you realize, ‘Wow, I could do life with you,’” Partington says. Together, they rebuilt the farmhouse from scratch, using images from the Guilford Historical Society and pictures and stories from neighbors. “When you have a fire in a small town, people really come out,” she describes. These interactions led to a wraparound porch that had been part of the house at some point much earlier. The same went for a white picket fence. Across the street was an old blacksmith shop that was falling down. As an homage, the couple crafted a two-bedroom cottage tied to its roots. “There’s an old cabinet that says, ‘Danger, explosives inside!’ It’s a really cool piece,” Partington says.
A simple, even minimalist, Guilford, Vermont farmhouse exterior (top) does not give even a hint of the riot of color and maximalist fun (left) that awaits visitors when they open the door.
There’s another Airbnb nestled nearby in the Carriage Barn. “It feels like a treehouse because there’s four dormer windows that create the literal headspace for you to walk around in,” Partington describes. As for the farmhouse, the inclination might have been to treat it as just that, serving up a strictly traditional ambiance. And in some ways, they did. You might not immediately notice Kornguth’s meticulous attention to proportion, but it’s there. It grounds the space, from the thick baseboard and old-style beading to the multi-pane windows. “Proportion will do a lot for the room. Then all you’re really doing is highlighting the flow,” Partington explains. That flow gave them the freedom to explore a maximalist style throughout the house without losing cohesion along the way. For farmhouse guests, many of whom rent the property for weddings, the words ‘“surprised” and “delighted” come to mind. “Most people see a white farmhouse, and they’re not expecting the interior to feel the way it feels ... It’s like modern meets traditional meets whimsy,” Partington says.
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Winter 2024 • 17
For instance, one room always top-of-mind is the one with crazy pink strawberry wallpaper. Inspired by Sherlock If you’ve ever seen the Sherlock Holmes series starring Benedict Cumberbatch, you may have noticed the creative wallpaper in all the set designs. That was the jumping off point for the duo’s maximalist design inspiration. Kornguth tracked down the maker of the set’s wallpaper (a company called Zoffany) and the couple became enamored with the designs and used many throughout the house. “The wallpaper is so elegant and artistic and unique but sort of elevated,” Partington says. Combining online and local elements worked well for them. They were able to find gorgeous chandeliers for great prices online and then pair them with more expensive finds. “What we learned is in every room, you have a star,” she says. And sometimes, she’s found, you just have to trust the designer; in Partington’s case, her husband. As an artist and sculptor, Kornguth occasionally comes up with ideas she would swear couldn’t work, like the farmhouse bathroom with a purple floor, clawfoot tub, yellow and blue striped wall, and Hawaiian red wallpaper. “But it’s so fun, and people love it,” she says. In other rooms, like their bedroom, the threads are more subtle but just as potent. A single stretch of metallic wallpaper accents cream-colored walls. Combined with gold side tables and a metallic dresser, it’s a whole vibe. If you’re not ready to go to the max on maximalism style, Partington recommends dipping a toe in with an accent wall. “Just that little sparkle led us down this whole journey,” she says. And their journey continues: Currently, events and rentals are feeding possibilities for the couple’s emerging artist residency program. They currently support one artist
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a year with two weeks of housing. “Eventually, we want to build that up to being able to pay artists,” Partington says of Weatherhead Hollow. On the flip side: minimalism As it turns out, starting from scratch can often lead to a whole lot of sparkle, even when it takes you in a completely different direction. That’s been the case for Lisa Meuse and her property in Athol, Massachusetts. “In 2012, we sold our dream home when we couldn’t recover financially from the crash in 2008,” she says. She had bought a large place and filled it with stuff. The only way out was to move to a drastically smaller house. “That was when we first began our journey with minimalism. Though at the time, we saw it as survival, not something that would bring us peace,” she says. The 900-square-foot ranch they moved into had been empty for years, even used by squatters and animals to escape the cold New England weather. “I think most of our friends and family thought we had lost our minds (when we bought the place),” she says. They parked their camper in the driveway as a temporary living space, hired a friend to help, and rolled up their sleeves. “By the time we moved into the house, the (tiny) space felt more than enough for us,” Meuse says. Low maintenance living As the couple renovated, they were careful to make every aspect as low-maintenance as possible. For instance, opting for kitchen cabinets that went all the way to the ceiling (no knick-knacks or dust). “Everything we own either has a purpose or a story. If it has both, then it’s a bonus,” she notes. For instance, a little wooden box from her grandfather’s garage now holds dog treats and cell phone chargers on the
LEFT: Don’t confuse “maximalism” with clutter: This maximalized Vermont home is purposeful in its use of space and organization. The “max” is the use of color, styles and arrangement of furnishing. TOP: The minimal style of this 900 square foot Massachusetts home keeps colors and styles to a simple few, and also maintains order and simplicity.
counter. Then there are the wooden bowls that hold soap that “... were made using the apple trees from a farm I once worked at,” Meuse says. While the thought of a minimalist approach might make some worry that the design would be too boring, sterile or empty, Meuse finds freedom, and style, in fewer possessions. “Choosing a minimalist approach does not mean you have to give up everything you love,” she notes. She is decidedly maximalist for some items — for example, her love of books. While Meuse sources most books through the local library, she purchases and collects books close to her heart. “I allow myself this luxury because I’m very intentional about every other item that comes into our home,” she notes. Her go-to rule for each thing she buys is to pass on two or three she doesn’t need anymore. “When we first started this new way of living, we had no idea of the overall benefits we would experience,” she says. “It’s had a positive impact on our environment, health, finances and our future.”
QUIZ: ARE YOU A MINIMALIST OR MAXIMALIST? If your living room had a theme song, who would it be? a) Adele, Ed Sheeran or Leonard Cohen. b) Lady Gaga, Beyoncé or David Bowie. Your ideal piece of furniture is: a) A sleek, modern sofa with clean lines and minimalistic charm. b) A statement piece that sparks conversation, like a boldpatterned couch or a unique vintage find. If your living room could tell a story, what genre would it be? a) A cozy mystery set on a little-known island. b) A fairytale gone modern that blends real life with a splash of magic or supernatural. When you walk into a room, you’re much more intrigued by: a) A single, striking piece of art. b) A gallery wall of art, photos and quirky finds. If your living room were a vacation destination, where would it be? a) A peaceful spa retreat with ambient music, herbal tea and zero distractions. b) A foreign city filled with flavors, scents, and sounds you can’t wait to uncover. Your go-to home fragrance is: a) Something subtle and fresh, like lavender or eucalyptus. b) A bold and exotic scent, like amber or spice, that makes a statement.
Which answers did you pick? TURN THE PAGE TO DISCOVER YOUR STYLE! >>
Winter 2024 • 19
Mostly A’s: Minimalist Magic
Congratulations! Your design flair aligns with the magic of minimalism. You find joy in simplicity and tranquility. Transform your New England home into a serene haven by focusing on clean lines, soft tones, and functional elegance. Let the calm vibes be your guiding wand!
Mostly B’s: Maximalist Enchantment
Fantastic! Your design journey is a whimsical adventure into maximalism. You’re ready to embrace vibrant colors, bold patterns, and eclectic treasures. Your New England home can be a canvas for expressing your unique style. Focus on creating a space that captivates and delights!
Even Mix of A’s and B’s: Conjure Up Your Own Inspiration
You have a taste for both the minimalist and maximalist side of things. Mix and match elements from both worlds to
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Winter 2024 • 21
Pets atHome by Denise Mazzola
Is Your Dog Emotionally Deregulated?
Dogs that bark, lunge or growl may be trapped in an Emotional Deregulation Cycle
D
o any of these situations sound familiar? When you take your dog out for a walk, she pulls you down the road while she barks, lunges and growls at almost every dog and person she sees. It’s so embarrassing!
You’ve become a member of the midnight dog walkers club, walking your dog in the wee morning hours or late at night, hoping beyond hope that you won’t see anyone.
You’ve stopped having guests over because you are worried your dog will bite someone and will need to be put down. When you do have family and friends over, you ask everyone to feed her treats, but she still growls at everyone. So, instead, you meet them outside (with her on a leash), and have everyone give her treats, but she is still unpredictable. Finally, you put her away in another room, but all she does is bark and dig at the door for hours! You can’t relax with the TV because as soon as any animal appears on the screen, your dog charges at the TV, barking and growling ... and it’s a hundred times worse if it’s a dog on the screen. Car rides are a thing of the past because your dog barks and growls at people and other dogs she sees. 22 Home at
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If any of this is familiar to you, it is natural to feel like you have done something wrong in training her. I can assure you that you haven’t done anything wrong; as a matter of fact, I can bet you’ve done a few of the following to try to fix the behavior, all of which speaks to your dedication: • You’ve hired more than two trainers. • You’ve watched hundreds of hours of YouTube videos. • You’ve taken more than two obedience classes. So why isn’t any of this helping? Most dogs who are barking, lunging and growling in these circumstances are trapped in an Emotional Dysregulation Cycle (EDC) where their nervous system is overwhelmed and short-circuiting, which causes them to stay stuck in fight or flight mode. When dogs (or even people for that matter) are in fight or flight, they can only think about the next 10 to 30 seconds. No wonder you can’t get your dog’s attention on walks or get them to be calm in the house or the car. Think of your dog’s Emotional Regulation as the foundation on which everything else is layered. Without Emotional Regulation, anything else you try won’t be as successful until your dog learns to be calm. Here’s an analogy: A pie crust is the foundation on
Dog training today is not about obedience; it’s about giving your dog’s brain the necessary feedback it needs to learn to be calm in order for her, and you, to handle these situations. Being calm is like having a perfectly browned pie crust that makes all the fillings taste that much better!
The first step to controlling ERC is to remove the anxious dog from anxiety provoking sitations.
which the pie is made. If you burn the crust (unintentionally, of course), it won’t matter what you fill the pie with; every piece of the pie will be ruined. Reactive and aggressive dog behavior is multi-layered, and there is never just one thing that will solve the issue. When we stay focused on the barking, lunging and growling, we forget to ask the most important question: “Why is my dog behaving this way?” The biggest “why” is that your dog is suffering from an Emotional Dysregulation Cycle. But we also need to look at four other important areas: genetics, past experiences/trauma, their environment, and health. So, what can you do? Your first goal is to get your dog’s nervous system regulated again. This will go against the grain of what everyone has told you and what you’ve read about on social media. Every time your dog reacts, her nervous system is triggered repeatedly. So, you need to stop doing things that make her anxious. For example: 1. Stop walking your dog (take her into the backyard instead for her potty breaks). 2. Stop taking her to doggie daycare. Doggie daycare is the most emotionally dysregulated place your dog can be. 3. Stop letting her bark out the windows of your house or apartment. Give her a time-out anytime she barks or growls, and do the same for any behavioral infractions concerning the TV. Your dog needs you to step up to the plate. And you need to guide her to help her feel safe and secure. Be her upper management with clear boundaries and expectations.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer Denise Mazzola is the owner of Denise Mazzola’s Everything Dog. She has been working with people and training dogs for over 30 years. Everything Dog provides services to clients throughout the Monadnock Region of NH by offering private lessons, group classes, board and train, as well as day training services. Denise has been published in the trade journal, Chronicle of the Dog, and writes a monthly column for Everything Dog’s Monthly Newsletter. She also hosts a monthly “Ask the Trainer” radio show on WKBK. Denise lives in Keene with her life and business partner, Amy Willey CPDT-KA, and they share their home with two dogs. She has three adult daughters and two grandsons. For more information, visit www.everythingdognh.com. On Youtube at Everything Dog.
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In the Garden with Michele Chalice
M
y Midwestern soul is turning Yankee. I used to love a good twofor-one project. But now I’m getting greedy with my desire for frugal use of time and resources. I want a three-for-one or a four-for-one project; I call this a “four-fer,” that is, four benefits from one endeavor. I say this because we can strategically ready our yards and gardens (“yardens” in my world) for more of the berries, birds, and butterflies we want to enjoy all this spring, summer and fall. Here’s a three-step strategy that not only accomplishes more birds, berries and butterflies but also improves the health of the environments we all live in with no additional effort. Three steps, four benefits. Boom.
Step #1
Bring all of the colorful packages of deadly herbicides and pesticides currently in your garden shed, basement and garage to your community’s next Household Hazardous Waste disposal day. Yup, this is the safest way to dispose of these so-called garden chemicals. Why? Because 22 of the 30 most commonly used pesticides are toxic to birds, 29 are toxic to pollinators. And guess what: Americans use more than ten times the amount of these chemicals than needed. Apparently, we don’t like to read the instructions. What happens when there are no toxic chemicals in our yards? Poof! More insects (particularly beetles, caterpillars and grasshoppers) to feed the birds we love. And more pollinators to pollinate the berries we love. If these products are not in your gardening shed this spring, you’ll be less tempted to use them.
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Step #2
Leave your fall leaves under your trees. Add your other fall leaves to your compost bins, use leaves to blanket your food garden beds for more humus and nutrients, and protect the roots of your shrubs and perennials from winter winds (the way the snow used to do). But for our goal of more berries, birds and butterflies, we want to do as Heather Holm, a biologist and pollinator conservationist, has written: protect all of the fallen leaves within the dripline of all of our oak and cherry trees for the entire winter until late spring. Butterflies and moths camouflage themselves to overwinter in the leaves below their host tree. Butterflies and moths hide in their chrysalis and cocoons until late spring. These winter nests or sleeping bags are also camouflaged with the colors and textures of their trees’ leaves. Raking, blowing and shredding cherry and oak leaves within each tree’s driplines kill these baby butterflies and moths. We want them to wake up and grace us with their glorious presence next spring!
Step #3
Plant native plants to our Northeastern Highlands Ecoregion (plantfinder. nativeplanttrust.org/Plant-Search). Berries, seeds and shelter from native shrubs and perennials are the most effective and efficient ways to protect and support the birds we love. In particular, winterberry, viburnum, chokeberry, serviceberry, and nannyberry, to name just a few native shrubs, are terrific for the berries our birds need. The North American Butterfly Association suggests the following native perennials and shrubs that support (feed and
host) butterflies and moths: swamp milkweed; butterfly milkweed; common milkweed (aggressive); New England, New York, Stiff, Blue Wood and White Wood Asters; purple coneflower; Joe-Pye weed; bee balm; black-eyed Susan; and black Cohosh. Recommended shrubs that feed and host butterflies, moths, and their caterpillars include: New Jersey tea, sweet pepperbush, and buttonbush. Responsibly disposed of herbicides and pesticides, protected winter leaf cover below oak and cherry Trees, and a variety of native plants create a threepronged approach to a more enjoyable next spring, summer and fall of more berries, birds and butterflies, and a healthier home habitat at your house ... a fabulous four-fer! You’re welcome.
Michele Chalice is a 30-year experienced environmental landscape designer and owner of Healthy Home Habitats (see ad, right)
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Winter 2024 • 25
H o m e Improvement Special Advertising Section
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Home Improvement
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Winter 2024 • 27
Intentional Interiors by Sarah Sim The ‘Why’: Importance of Decluttering Peace of Mind and Self-Care Our surroundings greatly influence our energy levels. Cluttered spaces can be overwhelming and draining, while organized spaces foster positivity and efficiency, enhancing overall well-being. Taking charge of your environment means taking control of your energy. A clutter-free space not only looks good but also clears the mind, reduces stress and boosts focus and calm. Decluttering is a form of self-care for the mind and soul, reflecting the connection between our surroundings and internal state. Similar to how caring for our bodies fosters good health, regular decluttering contributes to the well-being and functionality of our homes. Find Items When You Need Them Imagine a space where you can effortlessly locate your belongings. When you declutter and reorganize, assign a designated place to each item in your home. This ensures easy retrieval and brings a sense of order to your living space, eliminating the stress of frantic searches for lost keys or misplaced documents. Moreover, this organized approach streamlines your cleaning and tidying routines, making regular maintenance much easier.
Design by Sarah Sim
Ecological Impact Adopting the “one of each” principle minimizes unnecessary consumption and reduces our carbon footprint. This mindset shift encourages us to resist the urge to hoard multiples of the same item, promoting a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. As a delightful bonus, embracing this concept saves space in our homes and has a positive impact on our wallets.
The ART
of Decluttering Finding serenity
within our living spaces has become more crucial than ever in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Decluttering and organizing goes beyond a mere aesthetic appeal; they are transformative practices that can significantly enhance our well-being and energy levels and contribute to ecological sustainability. Let’s explore the why, the how, and the perfect time for decluttering your interiors.
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Winter: The Perfect Time for Decluttering As colder weather keeps us mainly indoors, it’s the perfect time to transform our home into a cozy and clutterfree sanctuary. Decluttering now prepares us for the rejuvenation that spring brings forth, allowing us to start afresh with a clear space and a clear mind.
The ‘How’: Methods & Step-by-Step Guide There are various methods to choose from when decluttering and organizing your home. Renowned organizational expert Marie Kondo advocates an emotionbased approach to decluttering. Her philosophy encourages questioning, “Does it spark joy?” as you evaluate each item. Surrounding yourself with only genuinely valued items makes decluttering more purposeful, infusing your living spaces with an enhanced sense of joy. Kondo also highlights specific folding techniques for clothes to optimize storage space and visibility and recommends the vertical storage of items for easy access.
>
Home Improvement
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Intentional Interiors (continued)
My Step-by-Step Guide
I recommend an incremental approach consisting of the following five key steps: Assess What You Need in the Space: Define the purpose of each area and determine what items are essential. Take Inventory: Evaluate what you already have in the space and identify items that are a must-have that can be let go of. Ask yourself of each item: Do I need it? Do I love it? Do I use it? Sorting Out: Categorize items into donate, trash, or relocate to another room. Letting go of unnecessary items is liberating and creates free space. Organizing: Designate specific cabinets, shelves and drawers for different categories of items. Use inserts to maximize space and keep things tidy. Everything Has a Home: As mentioned above, establish a home for each item, ensuring that everything is returned to its designated place after use. Color Coding for Added Efficiency: Consider implementing a color-coded system to further enhance organization. This streamlined approach combines visual appeal and functionality. Assign colors to different categories, making it easy to identify and locate items at a glance, whether sorting books, arranging items, or managing tasks. It fosters efficiency and aesthetically enhances your space.
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Room-by-Room
Kitchen: Begin by organizing your food pantry, keeping only what you need and disposing of expired items. Say farewell to duplicates and items with no practical use, allowing you to maximize space. Categorize items strategically for a clear overview of your inventory, streamlining your storage. Implement a system for easy access, such as utilizing drawers with inserts to keep things neatly organized. Designate specific spaces for frequently used items only, ensuring a clutter-free and efficient cooking environment. For seasonal items or those infrequently used, like a crockpot, find a home in a different room, such as the basement. Living Room: Establish a routine to declutter your living spaces. Rotate decor with the changing seasons. Create a storage system for your electronics. Invest in furniture with built-in storage, or use decorative storage solutions like baskets. Entryway: Create designated spaces for each household member, including pets. Address mail clutter by setting up a mail station. Utilize baskets to categorize and store smaller items, such as gloves and hats, to keep things organized. Kids Room: Make sure to apply the principle of “Everything Has a Home.” This will simplify the tidying routine for both you and the kids. Use colorful boxes, ensuring that everything is easily accessible. As your kids grow, they may outgrow certain toys and games, so I recommend decluttering regularly.
Home Improvement
Bathroom: Organize makeup, hair products, and vanity essentials using inserts. This will help keep track of even the smallest items. Keep your medicine cabinet clutterfree for easy access. Bedroom: Organize your nightstand and rotate items seasonally. Sort your wardrobe into winter/summer categories using translucent totes for off-season clothes. This creates more space for daily-use items and provides a clearer overview of your possessions. The same principles can be applied to any other interior spaces, whether your attic, basement, dining room, garden shed, etc.
Transform your living spaces and rejuvenate your mind by integrating daily
decluttering and organizing practices. Embrace the art of simplifying and crafting more functional and visually appealing surroundings, supporting our overall well-being and igniting a sense of joy!
Sarah Sim is the owner of Sarah Sim Intentionl Interiors. See ad, below, for contact information.
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atHome • Winter 2024 Buyers Guide atHome ACCOUNTANTS Anderson & Gilbert 295 Park Ave. Keene, NH 603-357-1928 • taxfolks.net ANTIQUES/VINTAGE Flying Pig Antiques 13 Industrial Park Drive Westmoreland, NH 03467 603-543-7490 flyingpigantiquesnh.com Keystone Vintage Market 122 Pleasant St., Suite 104 Easthampton, MA 01027 413-270-1074 thevintagecellareast.com Turning Leaf Consignment 140 Monadnock Highway Swanzey, NH 03446 603-354-3768 FB: @turningleafconsignment BOOKSTORE The Toadstool Bookshops of Southwestern NH Keene • Peterborough toadbooks.com BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION REMODELING Chris Parker Building & Restoration 4657 Coolidge Highway Guilford, VT 05301 802-257-4610 oldbuildingfix.com Creations in Stone 147 S. Winchester St. Swanzey, NH 03446 603-357-2260 creationsinstoneofkeene.com K+J Dean Builders, Inc. 20 Pine St. Swanzey, NH 03446 603-499-3561 kandjbuilders.com DESIGN/SURVEY Huntley Survey/Design 659 West Road Temple, NH 03084 603-924-1669 huntleysurvey.com EDUCATION Mountain Shadows School 149 Valley Road Dublin, NH 03444 603-563-8170 mountainshadowsschool.com
32 Home at
ENTERTAINMENT Curious Escape Rooms 359 Main Street Fitchburg, MA 01420 978-696-5136 curiousescaperooms.com EVENT VENUES Cathedral of the Pines 10 Hale Hill Road Rindge, NH 03461 603-899-3300 cathedralofthepines.org FIRE PROTECTION Life Safety Fire Protection PO Box 432, Keene, NH 03431 603-352-0202 lifesafetyfire.com FLOORING Lawton Floor Design 972 Putney Road, Unit 3 Brattleboro, VT 802-254-9303 lawtonfloordesign.com FOOD COOP Monadnock Food Co-op 34 Cypress Court Keene, NH 03431 603-355-8008 monadnockfood.coop FURNITURE Shaker Style Handcrafted Furniture 292 Chesham Road Harrisville, NH 03450 603-827-3340 shakerstyle.com GARDEN/LANDSCAPING Achilles Agway Six Locations achilleagway.com Allen Bros. Garden Center & Nursery • 6023 US-5 Westminster, VT 05158 802-722-3395 allenbrothersfarms.com Coll’s Garden Center 63 North St., Jaffrey, NH 03452 603-532-7516 collsgardencenter.com EcoScapes 121 Pond Brook Road West Chesterfield, NH 03466 603-209-4778 ecoscapeslandscapes.com
www.athomenewengland.com
Healthy Home Habitats Keene, NH 03431 603-313-9163 healthyhomehabitats.com
GARAGE DOORS Champion Overhead Door 123 Ryan Road Dummerston, VT 05301 802-579-4477 championoverheaddoor.com INTERIOR DESIGN Sarah Sim Intentional Interiors 603-562-4644 sarahsimdesign.com JEWELRY/HANDCRAFTED GeoGraphic Gems, Keene, NH 603-369-2525 geographicgems.com POOL & SPA Clearwater Pool & Spa 233 Monadnock Hwy Swanzey, NH 03446 603-357-5874 clearwaterpoolandspa.net REAL ESTATE Blais & Associates Realtors 32 Monadnock Highway Keene, NH 03431 603-352-1972 blaisrealestate.com Giselle LaScala Greenwald Realty Group 55 Main Street Keene, NH 03431 603-357-3035 (o) 603-682-9492 (c) glascalahomes.com RESTAURANTS Pickity Place 248 Nutting Hill Road Mason, NH 03048 603-878-1151 pickityplace.com RETAIL Historical Society of Cheshire County GIFT SHOP 246 Main St. Keene, NH 03431 603-352-1895 • hsccnh.org Knitty Gritty Yarn Shop 16 Depot Street Peterborough, NH 603-924-2028 knittygrittyyarns.com
Monadnock Oil & Vinegar 43 Grove Street Peterborough, NH 03458 603-784-5175 monadnockoilandvinegar.com The Maple Station (Ben’s Sugar Shack) 8 Webster Highway Temple, NH 03084 603-924-3111 bensmaplesyrup.com SENIOR LIVING Campbell House/ Wayne’s Place 164 Old Springfield Road Charlestown, NH 03603 603-826-0840 Covenant Living of Keene 95 Wyman Road Keene, NH 03431 1-877-285-6631 CovLivingKeene.org Home Healthcare Hospice & Community 312 Marlboro St. Keene NH 03431 603-352-2253 hcsservices.org Scott-Farrar at Peterborough 11 Elm Street Peterborough, NH 603-924-3691 scott-farrar.com SOLAR South Pack Solar 68 Cunningham Pond Road Peterborough, NH 03458 603-924-7229 southpacksolar.com TREE SERVICES Phil’s Tree Services PO Box 432, 34 Dale St. Keene, NH 03431 603-352-0202 philstreeservices.com Wilcox Tree Service 334 Horse Hill Road Marlborough, NH 03445 603-313-0073 wilcoxtreeservice.com UPHOLSTERY Spofford Upholstery Spofford, NH 603-363-8057