Trend Watch 2018

$4.95

SPRING 2018

H E R iE m I Na H V EeR n d Wa t c h g AeN OTr SPRING 2018

trend watch I M AG E M AG A Z I N E ’ S

BUILD, REMODEL & DECORATE

SPRING 2018

CREATE your COMFORT Find Peace & ZONE Harmony at Home

contents

spring 2018

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86 FEATURES

22 The Best of Both Worlds Real Log Homes and Timberpeg.

by Katherine P. Cox

30 Creating Your One-ofa-Kind Dream Home McGray & Nichols Custom Builders.

118

by Katherine P. Cox

70 Shaker Hill Granite Your dream kitchen may be closer than you think.

by Susan Nye

86 A Modern Family Makeover Gilberte Interiors brings a 1980s house into the 21st century.

110 Welcome to the Future Cue the Jetsons theme!

Departments 18 Ask the Experts 21 Builders & Contractors 36 Spotlight: Northcape Design Build

62 Coldwell Banker Lifestyles

42 Spotlight: Randall T. Mudge & Associates

66 Relax & Co.

57 Real Estate

by Ryan Adam

69 Kitchens & Baths

118 Sculpting Landscapes with a Sense of Place

Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture.

85 Interiors

64 LindeMac Real Estate Finance 140 Sugar River Bank Insurance 142 Guaraldi Agency

92 Color of the Year 114 Spotlight: Solaflect 117 Landscaping

by Nancy Humphrey Case

144 Advertisers Index 14 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

Real Estate 60 Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty

2018

Cover: Private residence on Newfound Lake in New Hampshire. Photo courtesy of db Landscaping by John McCarthy.

image

trend watch

editor’s note

2018

Create Your Castle

Mountain View Publishing, LLC

“

There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds” is one of my favorite quotes from English writer Gilbert K. Chesterton. It sure is fun

to daydream about how such a castle would look. Does it Deborah Thompson Executive Editor dthompson@mountainview publishing.com

include a moat, a drawbridge, and a large horse stable, or do you imagine it as a modern structure with the latest conveniences and a 10-car garage?

dreams that are impossible to achieve, constructing a home on the ground is a common reality, thanks to skilled designers and contractors who know and apply the rules of architecture here on Earth. We’re sure you’ll enjoy browsing through the work of some talented local builders within our pages, and we appreciate their sharing their projects with us. You’ll also see the latest kitchen and bath ideas, trends in interior decorating, and what’s new for

Executive Editor

Deborah Thompson Ryan Adam, Katherine P. Cox, Nancy Humphrey Case, Mike Morin, Susan Nye Associate Editor

Kristy Erickson Copy Editor

Elaine Ambrose Creative Director/Design

Ellen Klempner-Béguin Advertising Design

Hutchens Media, LLC

outdoor entertaining and landscaping.

Our homes are getting smarter all the time too. We now have washers that notify us when a load is complete and refrigerators that tell us what we need at the grocery store. It appears that science fiction has become reality in our lives! The question is how far will it go. Find out about some of the latest technology designed to make your life easier in our feature on page 110.

This spring, take stock of your home and decide if it’s possible to undertake an upgrade or a renovation, big or small. Whether it’s a modern spa bathroom or simply new cabinet hardware, we hope you’ll be inspired by the ideas within our pages and work toward making your home the castle of your dreams. Enjoy!

LIKE US www.facebook.com/mountainviewpublishing 2018

Publishers

Bob Frisch Cheryl Frisch

Contributors

While building a castle in the sky means creating

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135 Lyme Road Hanover, NH 03755 (603) 643-1830 www.uppervalleyimage.com

Web Design

Locable Advertising

Bob Frisch

KEEP US POSTED: Trend Watch magazine wants to hear from readers. Correspondence may be addressed to: Letters to the Editor, Image/TW, 135 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755. Or email us at: dthompson@mountain viewpublishing.com. Advertising inquiries may be made by email to rcfrisch1@comcast.net.

Trend Watch is published annually in the spring

by Mountain View Publishing, LLC ©2018. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited. Trend Watch magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.

Ask the Experts 2018 If a homeowner can make only one improvement this year, what should it be?

We asked local professionals for their recommendations for projects to take on this year. Are you wishing for a spacious tile shower, new kitchen cabinets, or an outdoor entertaining area? Whatever you’re dreaming of, the talented people featured in our pages can help make your dreams come true.

“We are often replacing existing decking or exterior trim details with composite materials to minimize future maintenance. Sure, most folks love wood, but it makes sense to use materials that do not require the same level of annual maintenance.”

— BRETT CUSICK, NORTHCAPE DESIGN BUILD, SUNAPEE, NH

PHOTO COURTESY OF TREX DECK DESIGN

“It’s not always the most glamorous change that makes the greatest impact in the home. For example, changing all of the hardware, such as doorknobs and window locks, so that the finish is consistent throughout the house can make a remarkable visual improvement.

Also, consider replacing hollow doors with a solid material.

This will not only improve the appearance but also the performance.”

— ALICE WILLIAMS, ALICE WILLIAMS INTERIORS, HANOVER, NH

“I always recommend that clients pay special attention to their bedrooms and baths. Going to bed and waking each morning in a space that is calming and comfortable can make the rest of the day—and its challenges—so much easier to take on. This simply means that attention to detail, finding organized spaces, and colors and textures that make you feel great can improve how you feel.”

— CHERYL BOGHOSIAN, GILBERTE INTERIORS, HANOVER, NH

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PHOTO COURTESY OF GILBERTE INTERIORS 2018

“Kitchen and dining spaces are becoming more open, integrating family living and entertaining spaces. Active families today are looking for maintenance-free options and finishes for cabinetry, countertops, and wall and floor tile.”

— RO WYMAN, CABINETRY CONCEPTS AND SURFACE SOLUTIONS, LEBANON, NH

“Updating kitchens and baths adds the most to the resale value of your home. For those not concerned with resale, the kitchen is the central gathering spot for family and friends, and it’s the room you spend the most time in, so make it fantastic.”

— TOBYN OLSON, FLOORCRAFT, WILMOT, NH

“Purchase a fire table. You can use existing seating or add benches or cushioned sectionals to create an outdoor room. But the fire makes all the difference. We have a variety of affordable solutions that use propane for maximum convenience.

Easy on and off, no smell or smoke, and always charming and entertaining.”

— LYNNE WARDLAW, DECK DOCK HOME AND GARDEN, SUNAPEE, NH

“CREATE AN OUTDOOR ROOM, AN EXTENSION OF YOUR HOUSE, FOR FAMILY AND FOR ENTERTAINING.” — MICHAEL BURNS, MB PRO LANDSCAPE DESIGN, ENFIELD, NH

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builders•contractors

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Real Log Homes

Photos by Great Island Photography Builder: David Anderson Hill, Inc.

The best of BOTH WORLDS Real Log Homes and Timberpeg

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This off-the-grid Vermont cabin features a dovetail log profile and solar panels. The screened porch is the prominent feature of the rear of the cabin.

Opposite: The fanciful dining chairs and fairytale themed railings add whimsy to the cabin. The timber-framed roof system makes the small cabin feel larger than it is.

BY KATHERINE P. COX

“Log homes are like Lincoln Logs. Timber-framed houses are like erector sets,” says Austin Ward, regional manager at Real Log Homes and Timberpeg in Claremont. While it’s a simple analogy, it also describes the types of clients who are drawn to the company’s custom-designed homes, from small cabins to complex luxury homes all over the country. “Log home customers have wanted a log home since they were kids,” Austin says. “Timberpeg customers are drawn to ‘the wow factor’ when you walk in.”

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“The typical log home buyer is someone who wants nothing else, has always wanted a log home. . . . customers are moving away from the polished, trimmed, planed interior and are asking for a more rustic, rough-hewn look.” — Jim Driesch

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Both Real Log Homes and Timberpeg homes are manufactured under the same very large roof, where design, sales, and marketing staff also work. And while both were started by the same man, Jesse Ware, more than 50 years ago, they are distinct in character and appeal.

Director of Design Jim Driesch, who has been with the company for 43 years, says Real Log Homes had its genesis in 1963 when Jesse decided to retire from the building business in New Jersey and move to Vermont, where he had land in Hartland. According to Jim, “he wanted to experiment with building a log house and built one for himself. It created some interest.”

An Organic Start Building log homes for others “just sort of happened, and he was building more and more.”

The original homes were built by hand, but Jesse became interested in manufacturing them using milling equipment. He began to assemble equipment and hire people, and “the next thing he knows he’s in business building log homes across Vermont,” Jim says.

In the early 1970s, the business took off. The log homes were marketed as kits, with a do-it-yourself focus. “It was the perfect storm of the product and the timing,” says Jim.

“You had people who wanted the natural, low maintenance, out in the woods lifestyle, and price-wise, they were quite affordable.”

Today’s Real Log Homes are a far cry from those early cabins. Design services and material options have evolved and advanced substantially. Both Real Log Homes and Timberpeg offer custom design services, a variety of floor plans that can be customized, personal sales representatives who help customers navigate those plans according to their wants and needs, computerized design and manufacturing processes, superior materials, and experienced contractors.

“The typical log home buyer is someone who wants nothing else, has always wanted a log home. They like the woodsiness, the comfort of them, the simplicity of them, even though some of these homes are not that simple. They want something that has a relaxed feel,” Jim says. “Today, customers are moving away from the polished, trimmed, planed interior and are asking for a more rustic, roughhewn look.” Jim adds, “We’re going back to a simpler, less detailed look than we’ve seen in past years.”

Jim Driesch joined the company as a designer in 1975 when demand was exploding. In 1978, he switched over to Timberpeg, a timber frame division that Jesse Ware launched, which took “a much more architectural approach when designing a customer’s home.”

The main living spaces are open and expansive.

The loft includes custom couches and chairs that convert to futon mattresses and are perfect for reading and relaxing during the day and hosting lots of guests overnight.

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Timberpeg

Photos by GBH Photography Builder: Old Hampshire Designs

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Timberpeg: Flexible and Adaptable

From the Douglas fir timber frame to the beautiful custom staircase, no detail has been overlooked in this Timberpeg home on Lake Sunapee.

At the time, Jesse was experimenting with timber-frame structures.

Jim says he wanted to replicate an architectural style that specialized in Colonial reproduction architecture such as the cape and saltbox, with timber frames an element in some of those designs. He developed three plans—a gambrel, a saltbox, and a cape—using the mortise-andtenon joinery that distinguishes timber-frame buildings.

Today, Timberpeg has custom designed thousands of homes and has floor plans that can be adapted and customized. Douglas fir is the most common wood species used because of its strength and beautiful, distinctive grain. Eastern white pine is also a popular option, and other wood species are available if requested. The building designs are flexible and can accommodate many different plans.

“The Timberpeg client tends to be highly discerning,” Jim says. “They don’t necessarily want a large home, but they do want good design and quality finishes. They also may not want a complete timber frame but may want some timber-frame elements.” While some Timberpeg homes

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Lower-level living is just as comfortable as upstairs and features a stone fireplace, a custom wine room, and other beautiful spaces.

“The Timberpeg client tends to be highly discerning,” Jim says. “They don’t necessarily want a large home, but they do want good design and quality finishes. . . .”

are second homes or retirement homes on lakefronts or mountain slopes, they often are clients’ “forever homes.”

Both Real Log Homes and Timberpeg customers are looking for the same thing in terms of interior design, Jim says: a first-floor master bedroom, an open-concept plan, two or three additional bedrooms, a private space such as a den or office, planned efficiency, and “a house that is comfortable and easy to live in; 25 or 30 years ago, we never saw first-floor master bedrooms. All the bedrooms were upstairs. Today, I see people also asking for a bedroom with an auxiliary space, an attached reading room or dayroom that’s part of the bedroom. In bigger houses, that seems to be a more frequent request. It’s a space dedicated to the master bedroom, not the rest of the house. It’s a nice feature if you have the space for it.”

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This photo and opposite: It’s nearly impossible to hide from the lake and mountain views throughout this home.

Below: The Timberpeg and Real Log Homes manufacturing team as well as the design, marketing, and sales support staff work under the same roof in Claremont, New Hampshire.

Before a floor plan is developed, the site conditions help guide the design. Then, “just start talking,” Jim says.

“You’re going to tell me the most important thing [for you] in the design almost immediately.” Designing and building a log or timber-frame home is a personal experience, and it all starts by connecting with a local Timberpeg or Real Log Homes representative. TW Timberpeg and Real Log Homes 61 Plains Road Claremont, NH Timberpeg: (800) 636-2424 Real Log Homes: (800) 732-5564 timberpeg.com realloghomes.com

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The Timberpeg and Real Log Homes manufacturing team as well as the

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BY KATHERINE P. COX | PHOTOS BY JOHN W. HESSION

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Open design and use of a NanaWall door create great space for seamless indoor/ outdoor living and entertaining.

CREATING YOUR

One-of-a-Kind

DREAM HOME McGRAY & NICHOLS CUSTOM BUILDERS

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M

cGray & Nichols Custom Builders of New London specializes in building custom homes, guiding their clients through a multiphase process to ensure that they have the house of their dreams. Incorporated in 1963, McGray & Nichols has extensive experience in all phases of construction, including remodeling and historical restorations. “We share our years of experience by guiding our clients with all decision-making steps, from locating the house on site to choosing cabinet hardware,” says Louise Bonfiglio, owner and president.

WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY The professionals at McGray & Nichols listen to your vision of the project and gather information, including a list of your requirements, needs and wants for the project, budget, personal wishes, and living style. If purchasing a new lot, they will inspect the site for the best location for your new home regarding sun orientation, access, terrain, and views. During the consultation stage, the discussion also focuses on the best practices for making your new, remodeled, or restored home more environmentally friendly and energy efficient.

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This lakeside cottage on the shores of Lake Sunapee was designed by Peter White & Associates and crafted by McGray & Nichols Builders.

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“Construction is about contracts; home building is about people,” Louise says.

“By getting to know our customers, we better understand their wants and needs.”

The homeowner wanted a lake house with a cottage feel to blend into the natural setting.

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“We then put together a team of professionals including architects, landscape architects, and interior designers to help create a totally custom home. Our clients often comment that building with McGray & Nichols is a rewarding and enjoyable experience,” Louise says. “We provide our clients with access to several of the area’s most talented architects that we have collaborated with for many years. The result is a one-of-a kind home customized with all your wants and needs.”

QUALITY AND COMMUNICATION During the construction phase, the key words are quality and communication. To ensure quality, each project is assigned a project manager who is on-site daily. The project manager is the first person on-site and stays as your personal contact until well after completion.

“Construction is about contracts; home building is about people,” Louise says. “By getting to know our customers, we better understand their wants and needs. We believe that the design and building process should be a pleasurable and rewarding experience that ends with a home of the highest quality and value.” TW McGray & Nichols Custom Builders 9 Newport Road New London, NH (603) 526-2877 www.mcgray-nichols.com

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SPOTLIGHT •

Northcape Design Build

PHOTOS BY HINKLEY PHOTO

Reclaimed beams were sourced from a historic millyard in Ohio.

Custom fireplace and trim details are found throughout the home, and the large entry doors were designed and fabricated locally in a custom shop in Concord, New Hampshire.

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VISION

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR

A CUSTOM CONTRACTOR WHO DOES IT ALL

WHETHER YOU’RE FINALLY READY TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME OR WANT TO RENOVATE YOUR EXISTING ONE, it can be daunting to find a designer and builder who can help you realize your vision. That’s where Northcape Design Build in Sunapee comes in—they can do it all. “In New Hampshire, there are few truly great options for custom home-building contractors when it comes to finding the perfect match to cater to your design taste,” says Brett Cusick, a principal partner at Northcape. “At Northcape Design Build, it’s all about your vision.” www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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Above: Countless hours were spent on the window design and layout, as well as the railing details, to maximize the view of the lake and Mount Sunapee.

Left: The kitchen has a European flair with some custom lighting and trim details.

Center: This custom shower creates a spa-like experience with a minimalist feel.

Top right: The Northcape team includes (from left) Geoff Martin, Carol Sullivan, Brett Cusick, Amy Drummond, and Jim Goin.

Below right: A second masonry fireplace was installed on the screened porch for enjoying those beautiful fall evening sunsets.

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At Northcape, discerning, talented craftsmen deliver individualized dreams in the form of structures created from the visions of its clients. With more than 40 years of building custom homes in the Lake Sunapee area, Northcape Design Build has a reputation for attention to detail and superb craftsmanship.

“From new construction to historic preservation, additions, and major renovations, we understand and appreciate the value of investing in your home. Our team of professional designers, builders, and craftsmen is committed to creating homes with exceptional quality that reflect that understanding,” Brett says.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK Brett understands it can be overwhelming to undertake building projects, whether new homes or remodeling.

That’s why he suggests you do your homework first to avoid costly mistakes and to make sure the designers and builders are in sync with what you want. “We always tell folks to speak with a few reputable construction firms and partner with the one that feels right. There are many firms that do a great job, so speak with a few, and ask to speak with some of their customers. The idea of ‘bidding’ often doesn’t work, as some folks will start with low, unrealistic budgets. We use the design-build www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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approach, as it is a very systematic method that is custom tailored to the specific needs of each client.”

Building a modern home is a complex process requiring the coordination of hundreds of people, from designers and engineers to suppliers and craftsmen, and a design-build firm such as Northcape can help guide you through that process.

It’s proven to be the best way to create a seamless, cost-efficient workflow and a satisfactory result.

AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH Many of the custom homes Northcape Design has built are on land with views— mountains and lakes, for example—that customers want unobstructed. Northcape takes an innovative approach. “We use a lot of cable-rail systems to minimize the obstruction of the beautiful views. Sometimes we’ll router in a channel on the underside of the top railing and hide strip lighting for a nice accent on the cables,” Brett says.

Those are the kinds of creative approaches Northcape takes, but it all starts when the designers meet with clients to hear their ideas and determine a budget. Making sure that the project you envisioned is also the project you can afford is a high priority at Northcape Design Build.

“One thing, though, you can be sure of—the partner you choose for your project will make all the difference in the eventual outcome and the experience you have building your dream,” Brett says. TW Northcape Design Build 3 Alpine Court PO Box 549 Sunapee, NH (603) 763-2477 sunapeecustomhomes.com

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SPOTLIGHT •

Randall T. Mudge & Associates |

CREATING BEAUTIFUL, MODERN BUILDINGS WITH

TRADITIONAL DESIGN RANDALL T. MUDGE & ASSOCIATES IS A TEAM-ORIENTED ARCHITECTURAL FIRM committed to interpreting clients’ goals, budgets, and schedules and transforming them into successful architectural forms. They view each project as a significant addition to the built environment and give it the care, thought, and respect required of any creative act.

TRENDS AND PROJECTS A continuing trend is the desire to reimagine old structures for modern living. “A client in Etna had a family home that had fallen into disrepair that we helped bring back to life. A client in Lyme purchased a rundown, 200-year-old farmhouse on the banks of the Connecticut River with an outdated kitchen and living spaces. A client in Orford purchased an antique farmhouse that had seen haphazard additions over the years that created dark interior spaces,” says Randy. “In all these cases, it would have been less expensive to build new, but each client saw something in these old houses that inspired them to save them for what we hope is hundreds of more years of use.”

This page: Antique pine floors used throughout the house helped meld the new portions of the house with the existing antique cape. Butternut trim was featured in the addition.

Opposite, top: The house is ready for its relocation and (right) the newly finished cape front.

Below: The dining room displays the original wall planks and new cherry wainscot, which was carried through the restored portion of the house.

Photos by RTM&A.

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HOME BEFORE

HOME AFTER

PLANK WALL FARMHOUSE “This farmhouse had been in the client’s family for years, and they felt it deserved a second chance after falling into decline in recent decades,” Randy says. Originally, the house was situated close to the road, but the family determined that it might take better advantage of the property if it was moved to the top of the hill that rose up behind the house. Here, the house could overlook another restored antique cape and the Vermont mountains.

“Once the site was determined, the structure needed to be brought up to today’s codes, both structurally and environmentally. The original plank wall construction that served as the exterior enclosure was kept and featured

in the two front rooms of the cape. New stud walls and a new insulation package were added to the exterior. On the interior, the original frame was preserved.”

Randy and his team added wood decking to reduce the “bounce” that occurred on the second floor, and new roof rafters were installed over the existing frame. New custom windows utilizing today’s technology replicate the original ones. The original floorboards were salvaged, planed, and reinstalled.

“Additions were integrated with the same design principle that guided all of the decisions along the way,” says Randy. “Having the home appear as though it had always been there—and simplicity—were the goals.” www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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Right: The kitchen ceiling was removed to take the roof shape, exposing the timber frame. Dormers were added for additional natural light.

Below: Relocated barn and new side entry to the mudroom at its new elevation above the flood plain.

KITCHEN AFTER KITCHEN BEFORE

EXTERIOR SIDE ENTRY BEFORE

RESTORATION ON THE CONNECTICUT “This 200-year-old farmhouse on the Connecticut River was raised out of the flood plain and completely renovated,” says Randy. “We added a new structure consisting of an open kitchen/family room area along with a new side entry and mudroom to the existing house. An antique barn was relocated from the backwater and repurposed as a two-car garage.”

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EXTERIOR SIDE ENTRY AFTER

Left: New master bedroom wing reaches out into the landscape.

Center: The new fir stair and hall addition connects the new garage and exercise room with the rest of the house.

Below: A cupola was added to provide sunlight to the north-facing interior hall. The stone flooring and barnboard siding are salvaged materials.

Photos by Greg Bruce Hubbard.

ORFORD RENOVATION Located on a picturesque road, this antique farmhouse had already undergone a number of renovations in past years. Randy and his team worked with the new owners to infuse darker portions of the home with light and add new visual connections to the exterior. “Salvaged materials from demolished structures in New Hampshire along with new insulated exterior walls were components of this project.” www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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From left: Jeremy Greeley, Randy Mudge, Pat Hill, and Will Mudge in their Lyme, New Hampshire office. Photo by Greg Bruce Hubbard.

Photo by Kristen Sycamore.

AWARD-WINNING DESIGN The 2018 Clinton Sheerr Award for Excellence in New Hampshire Architecture was bestowed on Randall T. Mudge, AIA, in January. The award honors and promotes New Hampshire architects, their commitment to the community, and design that exemplifies excellence at the highest level.

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TEAMWORK MATTERS Using a team approach combined with a traditional design process, Randall T. Mudge & Associates provides superior architectural services to their clients, who are considered primary members of the design team. “We are attentive listeners,” says Randy. “We depend on the client to provide us with feedback, both positive and negative, relating to any proposals we may submit for design solutions. Our primary goal is to produce beautiful buildings within defined budgets that fulfill the needs of specific sites and programs.”

Randy and his team have distinguished themselves as designers of buildings with broad public appeal, tangible value, and professional recognition for design excellence. “We enjoy designing buildings and believe that well-designed buildings are a positive addition to the community,” Randy says. TW Randall T. Mudge & Associates 85 Dartmouth College Highway Lyme, NH (603) 795-4831 rtmudge.com

Upper Valley have won AIA New Hampshire Design Awards, such as Dartmouth Hitchcock’s Child Care Center, Dartmouth College’s Corey Ford Rugby Clubhouse, Zin’s at Hanover Inn, and the PowerHouse Mall. He’s also won a New Hampshire Preservation Alliance Award for rehabilitation work on the New Hampshire State Library.

Among the many other buildings to his credit are David’s House, the Lebanon District Court, and additions to the Hood Museum and Spaulding Auditorium.

AIA New Hampshire is the New Hampshire state component of the American Institute of Architects, a professional association headquartered in Washington, DC, representing 86,000+ United States registered architects. AIANH has 292 members and 110 Professional Affiliate members. www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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BUILDERS • CONTRACTORS

GEOBARNS

AFFORDABLE elegance & versatility

Based in Vermont, Geobarns offers custom design, construction, and project management for its uniquely built barn structures throughout the United States. Without compromising their vision of an authentic timber barn, Geobarn owners can achieve substantial savings compared to conventional high-quality construction.

“Geobarns’ combine the elegance, flexibility, and durability of traditional timber structures with the economy and efficiency of advanced framing techniques,” says George Abetti, owner. “Our innovative system of diagonally framed hybrid timber structures has been refined for a quarter of a century. And our dedicated design team can adapt the understated elegance and versatility of a Geobarn to fit your site and your specifications.” Best of all, their network of experienced carpenters and tradesmen can bring your vision to life at an affordable cost.

Attached to the most prominent house on the Woodstock Green across from the Inn, this threestory Geobarn serves as a garage, guest, and recreational space for the main house.

Photo by John Sherman.

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More than 300 Geobarns, from equestrian and agricultural buildings, garages, and workshops to carriage houses, custom homes, wineries, and commercial and event buildings have been built in 16 US states.

From small horse barns to commercial-scale wedding venues, the experienced and knowledgeable team at Geobarns can provide the design expertise to ensure that your project is fully responsive to your needs.

The Geobarns’ team functions as your partner and advocate from initial concept and space planning to engineering and project support through permitting. Their in-house design and project-planning capabilities are augmented by a network of engineers and architects who work with Geobarns to deliver successful projects on budget and on schedule.

From its roots in rustic agricultural buildings, Geobarns has expanded to assist clients in event businesses, gourmet wine and food producers, and other enterprises to create efficient and affordable spaces consistent with their product, brand, and customer expectations. Geobarns constructs buildings for artisans—created by artisans. TW Geobarns 923 King’s Highway White River Junction, VT (802) 295-9687 www.geobarns.com

Top: Geobarns has also developed a strong business in the commercial and institutional sectors with a wide variety of clients, such as the church on a pond in Virginia. Photo

by Randy Caldejon.

Above: The Silo Vodka Distillery on the Connecticut River in Windsor, Vermont.

Photo by Justin DuMoulin.

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BUILDERS • CONTRACTORS

ENNIS CONSTRUCTION

CAPTURE HISTORY

& conserve energy Building an elegant home and achieving energy efficiency are not mutually exclusive, says Dana Ennis, owner of Ennis Construction in Ascutney, Vermont. Ennis Construction has been on the cutting edge of green building concepts since the mid 1980s. Energy efficiency, superior insulation, and nontoxic, environmentally friendly building materials are all part of an approach and a philosophy the company brings to each construction project.

Top: This custom kitchen features antique wood and soapstone countertops with modern appliances but holds true to the Vermont Farmhouse aesthetic.

Above: A central island provides extra storage space as well as a work surface.

PHOTOS BY JIM MAUCHLY/MOUNTAIN GRAPHICS 50 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

2018

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY IS KEY “A home can capture history and conserve energy and precious environmental resources and yet still be a statement of simple beauty and elegance,” Dana says. Comfort and convenience are never neglected for the sake of environmental responsibility. “We have a long history of innovation in energy conservation.

“The range of energy-conserving options is extensive,” Dana continues, “from weather stripping to geothermal and photovoltaic solar to solar thermal.

From triple-glazed windows to sustainable flooring, we give our customers the information they need to get the most for their money on features that make the most sense for them.”

Even historic properties can benefit from the energy-efficient solutions Ennis Construction offers. “We can marry historic character with alternative energy and modern technological advances,” Dana says.

Above: An open-concept living and dining area calls attention to antique beams, reclaimed wooden shelving, and beautiful local stone for the fireplace.

Left: The oneof-a-kind sliding barn door made of antique boards finishes this Vermont farmhouse concept.

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“You’ll find our pricing is fair and very competitive.

Quality construction needn’t cost more.” —Dana Ennis

Above: Cypress post supports create a welcoming entryway into this custom Vermont pine log home.

Top, center: A man-made pond was the perfect finishing touch for this elegant home.

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FAMILY MATTERS Professionalism and integrity have been the hallmarks of Ennis Construction since Dana launched the company in 1980. In 2005, his nephew Jamey joined the company as a project manager and has risen to the position of vice president, carrying on the family tradition of building and renovating homes for families in the Upper Valley area. “When we build or renovate a home for a client, there is only one result we strive for, and that is complete satisfaction. Our repeat business is a sign that we have done well in that area,” Jamey says.

The company philosophy is to provide a quality product at a fair price.

“You’ll find our pricing is fair and very competitive. Quality construction needn’t cost more,” Dana says. “When deciding on a contractor, always consider that superior materials and workmanship may cost more up front, but in the long run, your home holds up better, uses less energy, and is worth more, if and when you choose to sell.”

The client is included in every step of the building process, which Dana says is key to customer satisfaction. “From the beginning stages of design and planning, we can assist or provide you with all the permits, landscaping, site engineering, water, and sewage that your particular project requires. We develop and follow a meticulously managed budget and provide the client with progress pictures and updates on scheduling.”

Ennis Construction homes span design styles and building techniques, including restoration, antique reproductions, and unique custom contemporaries. “In addition to our team of experienced master carpenters and craftsmen and inhouse employees, over the last 38 years we have worked closely with several local subcontractors such as masons, electricians, and landscapers, and have developed one of the finest construction teams in the area,” Dana says. TW

Ennis Construction Ascutney, VT (802) 674-2646 ext. 201 www.ennisconstruction.com www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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BUILDERS • CONTRACTORS RIVERLIGHT BUILDERS

INNOVATIONS AND

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS

Riverlight Builders is a family-owned custom design and build firm owned and operated by Chris and Deborah Brien, who started the business on Nantucket Island in 2000 and moved back to Vermont and to Norwich in 2009. “We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach to the design and building processes, which gives our clients a great value,” says Deb Brien. “We are proud to have recently been awarded BEST OF HOUZZ in customer service for a third consecutive year.”

Deb and Chris begin the design/build process with the end goal in mind, and a big piece of that is the project budget, which Deb says drives the overall scope of the work. “It’s so

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important to begin the process with realistic budget expectations; otherwise, much time can be wasted developing design plans that are simply not realistic.”

NEW PROJECTS AND TRENDS “We are currently building a custom 4,000-square-foot post and beam home that takes advantage of 180-degree mountain views,” says Deb. “It will have six bedrooms and four and a half baths, with an open-concept great room, kitchen, and dining area with expansive views.” Systems for energy efficiency include a cold-climate building envelope, large triple-glazed windows that maximize passive solar gain,

Opposite: A fresh take on an old colonial home in Hanover forgoes a cramped, chopped-up floor plan and a tiny 1920s kitchen for a fully updated open plan kitchen and family room with custom cabinetry and a 10-foot center island with a beautiful walnut top and dark hardwood floors.

Left: Glam it up! A large cooking niche is accentuated with an eye-catching Italian marble and mirrored mosaic tile backsplash that really makes a statement in this beautiful classic kitchen.

homes in estate settings, new construction to extensive remodeling and small additions, no project is beyond Riverlight Builders’ scope or expertise.

Working in close collaboration with architects, designers, craftsmen, and homeowners, they create beautiful homes and living spaces to be enjoyed for generations to come. TW Riverlight Builders, Inc. 8 Beaver Meadow Road Norwich, VT (802) 649-1615 riverlightbuilders.com

concrete floors with hot-water radiant heat, and a solar installation that will power the entire property and send electricity back to the grid.

“Energy efficiency remains a strong trend in the industry,” Deb continues, “with more and more homeowners achieving Energy Star ratings for their home and continued investment in advanced heating and cooling systems such as heat pumps and geothermal installations.”

Another trend? Modern farmhouse!

“Joanna Gaines and her show Fixer Upper have inspired a movement,” says Deb. “Customers want us to create beautifully finished spaces with a nod to the past and traditional New England style. We’re using unique or reclaimed materials such as barn board, salvaged hardware, wood wall treatments, and hand-scraped wood flooring.”

With projects ranging from small homes and simple cottages to elegant www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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BUILDERS • CONTRACTORS

MELLISH CONSTRUCTION & INTERIOR DESIGN

REMAKING SPACES The experienced team of Ben and Penny Mellish reports that homeowners are feeling confident enough in the economy to undertake renovations, often involving the whole house. “Our customers are doing complete facelifts, removing popcorn ceilings and drywall to get new insulation, ceilings, walls, and flooring,” Ben says. “Many of these homes were built in the 1970s and ’80s and are now in need of updating.”

Penny, who is the designer half of the team, says people are going for more color in kitchen cabinets, and they’re choosing color and texture for flooring and backsplashes. “Quartz countertops are very popular,” she says. “Quartz is man-made, has more variety with no flaws, and is maintenance free.” TW

“Master baths are becoming personal spas. Clients want luxurious walk-in showers with multiple shower heads and flow and temperature controls, slipper or claw-foot tubs, and even freestanding saunas.” —Penny Mellish Mellish Construction & Interior Design 141 Olde Farms Road Grantham, NH (603) 863-6004 www.mellishconstruction.com

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real estate

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58 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

2018

REAL ESTATE

Up Your

CURB APPEAL

6 TIPS TO CREATE AN UPLIFTING MAKEOVER

1

Add an entrance walkway

2

Whether it’s made of flagstone, brick, or gravel, a welcoming path to your door adds interest and beauty to your home.

3

Nothing transforms the first impression of a home like painting the front door a vibrant color.

Choose blue, red, or yellow—have fun, and be a standout on your street.

Add new house numbers Announce your street address and your personal style by updating your house numbers.

4 5

Paint the front door

Do a mailbox makeover

Introduce path lighting Landscaping doesn’t end with beautiful plants. Illuminating sidewalks and steps adds beauty as well as safety to your home’s exterior.

A mailbox is one of those things we overlook, but it’s often the first thing visitors see. If yours is looking a bit worn, rescue it with a fresh coat of paint, or retire it and opt for a new one.

6

Create a lush planter Fill a handsome planter with blooms and foliage that have similar light and water requirements in shades to complement your home’s exterior. Set on your front steps for instant beauty! www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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REAL ESTATE | BY MIKE MORIN

ATTRACTING LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL BUYERS

Four Seasons

Sotheby’s International Realty How do you help clients find homes that inspire them?

It’s about asking each client or customer the right questions—questions that engage clients and allow them to tell their story about the lifestyle they seek, not just how many bedrooms and baths they want. Then our associates truly listen to their answers. Active listening is a skill that has to be developed, and our associates really understand this.

Alan DiStasio Chief Operating Officer

With your brand’s global reach, how important is it to connect a newcomer to one of your local real estate professionals?

Any homebuyer moving to an area with which he or she is unfamiliar will benefit from working with a Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty professional. Our associates are integral to the communities in which they live and work, and therefore, they possess intimate knowledge of lifestyles in these communities and know what makes them tick. Even before showing buyers properties, our associates provide them with concierge-level services to help them better understand the differences between the towns we service, as well as the neighborhoods within these towns.

What marketing tools and strategies does Sotheby’s International Realty offer?

Our unrivaled and proprietary listing syndication program provides exposure not only on internationally acclaimed websites such as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the Financial Times but also on Juwai based in China, Nikkei in Japan, and JamesEdition in Europe. Therefore, we are uniquely positioned to attract buyers from around the corner as well as those from around the globe. That’s important here in the Upper Valley, given the presence of Dartmouth College, DHMC, and other highly respected organizations and businesses with international reputations.

17½ Lebanon Street Hanover, NH PowerHouse Mall West Lebanon, NH (603) 643-6070 alan.distasio@fourseasonssir.com www.fourseasonssir.com/ region/the-upper-valley.php 60 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

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What attributes do you look for in a prospective Sotheby’s International Realty associate?

The most important attributes we seek in our associates are professionalism, a commitment to provide the highest level of customer service, knowledge of the communities they serve, and a positive attitude. We seek to engage with professionals who are ready, willing, and excited to work with a supportive team and to embrace the opportunity to be part of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand. Our associates are the heart and soul of our company. They are the ones who define Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty. I’m continually amazed by the level of commitment our associates provide their clients and customers each and every day, year after year. I am proud to be associated with this team. TW

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REAL ESTATE | BY MIKE MORIN

192 Pinnacle Road, Lyme, NH

INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY FINDS THE RIGHT BUYER FOR YOUR HOME

Coldwell Banker Lifestyles From left: Joe Burns, Partner Stefan Timbrell, Principal Broker and Partner

370 Main Street New London, NH (603) 526-4020 www.cblifestylesre.com 62 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

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Tell us about Coldwell Banker’s CBx cuttingedge marketing tool and how it gives your customers an advantage.

Coldwell Banker Lifestyles has an incredible proprietary application called CBx that uses big data to value a home and then creates a buyer profile to identify where the buyer will likely come from.

Once a buyer profile is determined, we can take this information and use it to do direct-target marketing campaigns to find the right buyers. It is a game changer for our sellers, and nobody else has this technology.

Millennials now make up a large segment of real estate consumers. What are their expectations when searching for a home?

Millennials definitely like homes that are move-in ready, and they love smarthome technology like Nest Thermostats, Lutron Electronics’ lights, and August Smart Locks. They are willing to pay more for a home that’s in superb condition, so more than ever, it’s important to make sure a home looks its best when listed. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Since many millennials can work from anywhere, they are choosing to live where they enjoy the best lifestyle. This new phenomenon is bringing many millennials to our region where we have a wonderful downtown, skiing, and waterfront lifestyles.

What suggestions can you offer sellers to maximize the full value of their home to the buyer’s market?

The best thing they can do is get their realtor involved early in the process. He or she will help identify the areas of the home that can benefit the most from improvements. The best investments include kitchens, master bathrooms, painting, and landscaping.

Each home is unique, and your realtor can help you make the choices that will get you top dollar.

The Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program has a presence in 48 countries. What is this group looking for when they enter the Upper Valley and Sunapee housing markets?

The Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program is the dominant force in luxury real estate sales in the US. Coldwell Banker averages more than $148,000,000 in home sales—over a million dollars every single day, more than any other real estate brand. Luxury buyers are savvy, experienced, and know exactly what they want. Younger luxury buyers are focused on quality, large creative spaces, and the use of a variety of unique materials. Boomers are rightsizing, not downsizing. Both groups are choosing clean lines and soothing color palettes. Amenities in demand include custom design and features, smarthome automation, private gyms, wine cellars, and backyard retreats and outdoor living spaces. TW

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REAL ESTATE | BY MIKE MORIN

FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME

LindeMac Real Estate

Linde McNamara Principal Broker Owner

You have a reputation for making the journey of buying or selling a home a stress-free process. What are your keys to accomplishing that?

Owning my own company allows me the freedom to give highly personal and attentive service tailored to my client’s exact needs, and having a full-time assistant frees me up to focus on my client. Having good communication skills and actively listening to each one’s goals and needs are key. I fully explain the process and what the ups and downs might be, which prepares clients to anticipate certain situations. Buying or selling a house is very often an emotional experience, but my goal has always been to make it a stressfree process.

In a hot market, why is it crucial to hire a local real estate expert to buy or sell a home?

The network of communication that develops over many years of being part of a community gives your local broker an edge, and this can be particularly crucial in a hot market. A good local real estate expert possesses intimate knowledge about his or her area and can accurately identify comparable properties for buyers or sellers to guide them in the right direction. I can also discuss market conditions that I have observed and experienced to give them a more accurate perspective. This local knowledge gives a buyer or seller a definite advantage.

44 South Main Street Hanover, NH (603) 643-4900 www.lindemac.com 64 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

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What steps should buyers take when they realize they will be in the market to buy a home?

The steps to take when you’re ready to buy are: 1. Determine how much you can afford by contacting your local bank and getting a preapproval letter for your loan. Compare different lenders to be sure you are getting the best deal.

2. Ask your lender for a checklist of what paperwork you will need to provide for your mortgage. Create a folder at home s o these are readily available when you need them.

3. Clearly prioritize what you are looking for in a home (number of bedrooms, amount of land, etc.).

4. Research areas that you are interested in and visit open houses there, paying attention to tax information. Tax burdens can vary greatly between states and counties, so you will want to factor them into your decision.

5. Research your local real estate agent choices.

Actively interview them. This person will be guiding you through a number of very important decisions.

6. Hire a local real estate agent and begin your search for a new home! TW

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REAL ESTATE | BY MIKE MORIN

LEAVE ALL THE DETAILS TO US

Relax & Co.

James Bruss Relationship Manager

Explain the concept of Relax & Co. Relax & Co. (formerly Sunapee Getaways) is a full-service property maintenance, long-term rental, vacation rental, and home concierge business. This entire venture was created around the word yes. We are fond of telling our clients that if it’s not illegal, we will do it. The simple reality is people’s lives today are so hectic they don’t have time to take care of all the details that come with renting or owning a vacation home. We have the staff to handle all types of repairs and special needs. From doing the grocery shopping to arranging that special outing or having a meal ready for your family to eat when you arrive, we do it. For all home repairs and renovations to landscape installs and maintenance, we have the experts on staff to get the work done in a professional and efficient manner.

Where did you get the idea for this concept?

We began providing simple maintenance services and were repeatedly asked if we knew someone who could do this or that, and we always said, “Yes, we can do that.” Over time, we came to the realization that what so many of these folks were asking for was a good old-fashioned property caretaker.

How long in advance should people book a property they like for a vacation getaway?

We start getting really busy with reservations in January and February for the upcoming summer and in August and September for ski vacations, but we also have many homes that you can book for that last-minute weekend or weeklong getaway.

What areas aside from Lake Sunapee do you have access to?

We have homes on lakes and ponds throughout Sunapee, Springfield, Georges Mills, Eastman, Bradford, Newbury, and New London. We represent properties on 11 bodies of water.

Why is this route better than a hotel getaway?

We like to say “hotel amenities with a home’s privacy.” Most of our guests will tell you they really value the ability to stretch out a bit more than they can in a hotel and experience their own slice of New Hampshire’s great outdoors, even if for just a week or two. We felt that if we created a company where, with one call, a customer could book a place to stay and all they needed for their vacation, we would be offering a service that would be valued. TW

120 East Main Street Bradford, NH (603) 526-2436 www.relaxandcompany.com 66 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

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kitchens•baths

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Shaker Hill Granite YO U R D R E A M K I T C H E N M AY B E C LO S E R T H A N YO U T H I N K

BY SUSAN NYE | PHOTOS BY GBH PHOTOGRAPHY

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A new post and beam style home features a kitchen that’s designed for entertaining inside and out. www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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This kitchen features Elmwood cabinetry in knotty alder with Cartier-style doors, granite countertops, and a wood-look porcelain tile floor by Berkshire.

Inset: Fusion WOW “Light” granite with a brushed finish.

From day one, Rob figured the easiest way to grow was to make customers happy.

And that simple philosophy remains at the heart of the company’s success.

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Rob and Lauri Malz, owners of Shaker Hill Granite.

W

hy in the world do we do it? There are plenty of houses on the market. Some are brand new or in like-new condition. The answer is simple. We build rather than buy or remodel in our quest for perfection. The rooms of our dreams are tailored specifically for us. From traditional to transitional, urban contemporary, farmhouse, boho, Asian Fusion, French country, or old world Mediterranean, our perfect kitchen, our perfect bath, our perfect house will make us smile every day.

The trouble is arriving at that perfection. If you’ve ever built a house or renovated, you understand—construction is stressful.

The reasons are simple. First, you’re spending a whole lot of money. Next, you are faced with a seemingly endless list of decisions and compromises. On top of all that, the agony is rarely short lived. Large or small, the project always takes longer than expected. And what makes it worse is that, until the very end, you’re never certain that everything will come together.

MAKING CUSTOMERS HAPPY When it comes to kitchens, baths, laundry rooms, and mudrooms, Shaker Hill Granite is here to help. With an extensive line of stone countertops, tile, and cabinets, it is the place to go for kitchens, baths, fireplace hearths, and a few other nooks and niches around the house.

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Above: Cabinet options include drawer plate storage.

Inset: Custom cutlery divider.

Below: This project features Great Northern Cabinetry with White Spring Granite countertops and Bark Avorio tile backsplash.

Opposite: Custom shower features Costa Esmeralda Granite on the floor and Mediterranean brushed porcelain wall tile.

“Homeowners are mixing it up by choosing one stone for the cabinets and marble or butcher block for the island.”

—John Napsey

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Founded in 1994 by Rob Malz, Shaker Hill has grown, expanded, and diversified over its more than 20 years.

As the name implies, the company’s first product was granite countertops. Now a must-have, stone countertops made their first tentative steps into high-end design in the 1980s. As granite countertops rapidly gained popularity, Rob grabbed the opportunity. His first task was to partner with a fabricator in Canada.

“We were a good match,” he says. “I didn’t know anything about granite, and he didn’t know much about running a business.” From day one, Rob figured the easiest way to grow was to make customers happy.

And that simple philosophy remains at the heart of the company’s success.

In those early days, homeowners had few choices and never knew quite what to expect. They’d look at a few samples, place an order, and hope for the best.

As new products and competitors entered the market, Rob realized there was an opportunity, a niche he could fill. It required expanding his business, but it would help customers immeasurably. Along with selling and installing, Rob would stock and cut the stone slabs.

It was a boon for customers. Instead of working with small samples, they could pick out their actual stone.

Next, by reviewing and approving the layout, the ebb and flow of the stone’s natural beauty would match its new owner’s vision of the perfect countertop. And not just granite—Shaker Hill also carries marble, quartz, soapstone, slate, and butcher block. With its consistency and easy care, quartz is becoming increasingly popular, particularly with younger homeowners.

UNDER ONE ROOF Customer-focused expansion didn’t stop with fabrication. Shaker Hill’s product line has grown to include both tile and cabinets. Rob explains, “I was happy selling countertops but our customers wanted more.” One of Shaker Hill’s designers, John Napsey, explains, “Like most people, our customers are extremely busy. We realized that expanding the product line would make their design decisions easier.” He adds, “Customers were driving all over the Upper Valley and even down to Massachusetts trying to mix and match the different elements of their design. More often than not, they would arrive with a big canvas bag, maybe two or three, loaded with samples of tiles, cabinet door styles, and color chips.”

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Customers still need to go down the road for appliances and fixtures, but Shaker Hill has brought the major design elements for kitchens and bathrooms together under one roof. The expanded line beautifully aligns with some of the latest design trends.

Above: Soapstone countertop with quartz veining pairs well with a hammered copper sink and satin nickel faucets.

Inset: Green Iron Soapstone.

Below: Cuisine Ideale Cabinetry with quartz countertops in Frost White and Palms Pure Silk tile backsplash.

Shaker Hill Granite 17 Granite Place Enfield, NH (603) 632-9800 www.shakerhillgranite.com

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NEW TRENDS AND A STREAMLINED PROCESS While America loves a white kitchen, John and fellow designer Lois Horan see color gaining ground. Grays and blues, black and sage, even reds and yellows are finding their way into kitchens. And not just one— many kitchens are sporting two colors. “Many customers opt for lower cabinets in one color and uppers in another or they choose wooden cabinets and a painted island. It helps personalize the look,” says Lois.

John adds, “The same is true for countertops. Homeowners are mixing it up by choosing one stone for the cabinets and marble or butcher block for the island.”

Lynn Scandroli of Grantham was delighted to find Shaker Hill. The retired schoolteacher recently renovated two bathrooms and her kitchen.

Her contractor recommended a handful of suppliers. She says, “I chose to work with Shaker Hill because they really listened,” she says. “I already had a pretty good idea of what I wanted. The other places I visited plunged in and started showing me things. Laura asked questions, listened, and then made good suggestions.”

By starting with an understanding of their customers’ needs and likes, John and Lois can streamline the process. They encourage clients to send them links to their Houzz or Pinterest portfolios or bring in magazine photos. Lois says, “I can see where they are headed and show them materials and designs they will love.” In addition, the store has a number of vignettes to help customers get started. Rob says, “Many customers find it easier to tell us what they don’t like rather than what they do. Seeing a variety of cabinets, tile, and countertops pulled together helps them find direction and get started.”

Bill Andrews, project manager at Old Hampshire Designs, agrees. The award-winning design/build company focuses on new construction but also does renovations. Old Hampshire Designs has been working with Shaker Hill Granite since 2000. Bill says, “The entire team is awesome.

They are great at putting things together, and the quality is top notch.”

Along with pulling the design together, Shaker Hill Granite manages delivery schedules to avoid any snags on the construction site. Bill is confident about sending his clients to Shaker Hill and says, “We know they will stay on top of everything. Working with a one-stop shop reduces stress for our clients.” Lynn adds, “Working with Shaker Hill simplified the project. I saved a lot of time and since I bought everything from them, they gave me a very good price.”

Whether it’s a new build or remodel, the experts agree: Do your homework ahead of time. Whether it’s the latest trend or an updated version of your grandmother’s kitchen, take the time to figure out what you love.

Pore over decorating magazines, surf the web, and watch design shows for ideas. One caveat with design shows—watch them for color, materials, and design ideas. All the pros agree: Their timelines and budgets fall far short of reality. TW

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2018 TRENDS

KITCHEN CULTURE OBJECTS OF DESIRE

3

2 6 1

4 5

1. ZOYSIA DISHES www.anthropologie.com 2. GARLIC ROCKER www.uncommongoods.com 3. MG MAXYGIFT PROFESSIONAL KNIFE AND SHARPENER www.amazon.com

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4. WIFI NOMIKU–1100 WATT SOUS VIDE IMMERSION CIRCULATOR www.nomiku.com 5. TEFORIA TEA INFUSER, WHITE www.amazon.com 6. PANCAKEBOT www.pancakebot.com

7. SODASTREAM www.sodastreamusa.com 8. ZOKU INDIVIDUAL ICE POP MAKERS www.amazon.com 9. MICHAEL GRAVES SLOW COOKER www.amazon.com

7

8

9

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KITCHENS • BATHS

BEFORE

CABINETRY CONCEPTS AND SURFACE SOLUTIONS

INSPIRED SPACES

AFTER PHOTOS BY JOHN W. HESSION 80 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

2018

LEFT: The clients chose alder cabinets with honey stain and a Shaker door style. The cabinets extend to the ceiling for more storage space. Two-step crown molding adds a finishing touch.

Bottom, from left: A stainless steel slide-out provides storage and gives access to hard-to-reach spaces in the corner cabinet.

Wood flooring replaced the old linoleum floor.

The refrigerator was relocated next to a new built-in pantry cabinet with pull-out trays.

With one of the most extensive showrooms displaying kitchen and bath trends, Ro Wyman and her team at Cabinetry Concepts and Surface Solutions have been helping home and business owners update their spaces with cabinetry, tile, countertops, and hardware for the past nine years.

Once a decision to remodel has been made, a client can become overwhelmed by the number of choices available. “I spend a lot of time speaking with the homeowner to determine what they want to accomplish with their new kitchen or bath,” Senior Design Associate Stacey Shaker explains. “I guide them, and together we design a plan that fits their family, lifestyle, and budget.”

“The design process is where all of the pieces of the puzzle come

together,” explains Ro. “For instance, a recent kitchen client told us she had no workable counterspace for food prep and needed more storage space.

Keeping their appliances, which were basically new, we designed a modern, functional kitchen for her around the appliances.”

Clients often ask for a contractor referral. “We have long-standing working relationships with many local contractors who understand and appreciate the value we add to their planning, estimating, and installing.

Working with contractors throughout the project, we can help resolve field conditions and installation problems as they come up,” states Ro. “We have three goals for our projects,” Ro says. “Define the style, minimize costs, and maximize space through creative functionality.” TW

Cabinetry Concepts & Surface Solutions 227 Mechanic Street Lebanon, NH (603) 442-6740 www.cabinetry conceptsNH.com

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KITCHENS • BATHS BETHEL MILLS KITCHEN CENTER

A NEW ATTITUDE “Flush inset-style cabinetry continues to be one of our most popular options,” says Steven Allen at the Kitchen and Bath Center at Bethel Mills Lumber.

“It provides a clean, built-in look. Painted white cabinetry is our most popular finish choice, and all shades of gray are also top picks. Customers are making their kitchens one of a kind with custom backsplashes, unique hardware and fixtures, and splashes of a bright custom color. Quartz is number one for countertops; it looks like natural stone with lots of movement and veining but without the worry of maintenance.” TW Curved cabinetry extends from the kitchen into the dining area, creating flow between the two spaces.

Bethel Mills Kitchen Center 40 Marsh Meadow Road Bethel, VT (802) 234-5327

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OAKES BROS., INC.

MASTERS OF STYLE “A properly designed space will add value to your home and will withstand the test of time,” says Melissa Emerson, showroom manager at Oakes Bros., Inc. “Rustic hickory cabinets are quite popular. A mixture of rustic with strong mid-century modern lines and stainless steel is very hot. With a national trend in white or gray kitchens and baths, dark blue is making a big splash, not only as an accent but with the entire room playing within that color palette. Also, many cabinet companies are making it easier to get what you want. For a small fee, they can do a color match to the major brands of paint.” TW Robin Boutin (left), Neil Oakes, and Melissa Emerson. caption to go here

Oakes Bros., Inc. 975 Route 5 Lower Plain Bradford, VT (802) 222-5280 www.obiweb.com

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interiors

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PHOTOS BY CHARLES A. PARKER/IMAGES PLUS PHOTOGRAPHY

a modern family

MAKEOVER Gilberte Interiors brings a 1980s house into the 21st century

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Before focusing on the furnishings, the dark, smallscale floor tile was removed and the floor was leveled.

Large-scale stone tile was installed on the floors, and the fireplace facade was reworked with stone and glass mosaic tile and stainless trim detailing.

BEFORE

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Right: Cheryl designed a floating bench complete with cushions and pillows to invite the family to gather in this light-filled space.

Inset: Sculptural light fixtures float in these light and airy spaces.

Opposite: A border of cobalt glass mosaic tile wraps the room and goes through the clear glass shower enclosure.

A

s a young family was relocating to the Upper Valley, they zeroed in on a modern, spacious home located within walking distance of schools and town. This unique structure, which had been an architect’s home, featured ample glass that forged connections with surrounding trees and provided great views. But since most glass allows two-way viewing, the realtor quickly realized that shading would be vital— and the lack of it could even be a deal breaker. She brought in the pros at Gilberte to provide a little guidance before the sale was complete. “The new owners asked for our help, not just for window treatments, but to update the entire home with both finishes and furnishings,” says Gilberte Interiors owner Cheryl Boghosian, ASID.

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“The space and volume of this 1980s building was wonderful,” Cheryl states, “but the décor, design, and lighting seemed dated and didn’t sync with the family’s taste.” Additionally, some of the stairways were no longer up to code, and Cheryl and her team thought the architect’s in-home office could be put to better use.

BEFORE

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BEFORE The Gilberte team’s strength in space design and construction allowed them to propose a redesign for the second entry to create a mudroom and direct access into the house, making it friendlier for young children.

“Meanwhile, we reconfigured the commercial office on the third floor into a spacious guest room,” Cheryl says. “We added a full bath with a walk-in shower and a wall-hung toilet to maximize space.

Each of the other baths in this home were updated with new tile, fixtures, fittings, and lighting.” The living room was also completely transformed with all new walls, complete with shelving installed around a central fireplace, while large-scale stone floors replaced the original tile.

Since the “bones” and setting of this 30-year-old house were what attracted the family, Cheryl focused on creating an interior design that brought it into the 21st century, while her brother in the family business, Aharon, transformed the baths and lighting to make it feel like the home they wanted. Through close collaboration with Clow Construction, the Gilberte team was able to transform the space into the modern family home the owners had been waiting to own for years. TW Gilberte Interiors, Inc. 10 Allen Street Hanover, NH (603) 643-3727 www.gilberteinteriors.com

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INTERIORS

a.hamalainen design

UPLIFTING, INSPIRATIONAL SPACES

a.hamalainen design White River Junction, VT (440) 454-4376 www.ahamalainen.com

A BIT OF BACKGROUND Anita has studied the human experience in the designed environment for more than 18 years, beginning with a BA in Psychology from Dartmouth College and an MA in Interior Design from the New England School of Art & Design at Suffolk University. Scott earned a Master in Architecture from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University and a PhD in Engineering Science from the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College. A registered architect since 2009, Scott is currently licensed in New Hampshire and Vermont and holds an NCARB certificate.

Anita Hamalainen and Scott Snyder lead a studio practice dedicated to creating warm, luminous, modern interiors and architecture. “We share a passion for modern design drawn from international experience, and our mission is to make it accessible, maintaining the utmost respect for our clients’ resources,” says Anita. “We strive for excellence in ideas and in execution over a range of scales, from the broad landscape to the fine detail.”

Through her travels abroad, Anita has examined the commonalities and differences among cultures in regard to how they inhabit their built environment, drawing inspiration especially from Scandinavian design.

Scott brings an artistic eye and architectural expertise, along with a breadth of technical know-how ranging from materials and structural engineering to data analytics and digital modeling.

“As design professionals, we highly respect those with whom we work, both clients and tradespeople. Since each client and each project is different, we pride ourselves on being nimble and adapting to serve a wide variety of design goals, personalities, and budgets through careful listening and communication,” says Anita.

Anita and Scott believe that a carefully designed space has the power to uplift and inspire people and that each detail within a design is an opportunity to achieve that goal.

Whether designing a singular graphic, a suite of interior spaces, or a large new construction project, they passionately tackle the details so that an inspiring whole transcends its individual parts. TW www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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2018 PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR (ULTRA VIOLET)

MOOD MAKER INTRODUCE A BIT OF PURPLE MAGIC INTO YOUR HOME

4 3

2

5

1

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1. BACCARAT RECTANGULAR PURPLE VASE www.jomashop.com 2. EMBRACE PURPLE VELVET LOUNGE CHAIR www.article.com 3. MARIO LUCA GIUSTI LENTE HIGHBALL GLASSES www.bloomingdales.com 4. GENEVIEVE TABLE LAMP www.ro-sham-beaux.com 5. JOHNATHAN ADLER PURPLE & GOLD AGATE COASTERS www.johnathanadler.com 6. PLUM BLOSSOM PILLOW www.janetkain.com 7. KITCHENAID ARTISAN® MINI 3.5 QUART TILT-HEAD STAND MIXER www.kitchenaid.com

“We are living in a time that requires inventiveness and imagination. It is this kind of creative inspiration that is indigenous to Pantone 18-3838 Ultra Violet, a blue-based purple that takes our awareness and potential to a higher level. From exploring new technologies and the greater galaxy to artistic expression and spiritual reflection, intuitive Ultra Violet lights the way to what is yet to come.”

—Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute

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INTERIORS

AVOID COMMON MISTAKES

Putting her years of experience to work, Alice reveals several problems that homeowners should be aware of: Homeowners often forget to carefully measure their room so that furniture is in proportion to the space.

We see this in couches that are clearly too large for the room and lamps that are out of proportion for the table they sit on.

The best way to improve a space is simply to reduce clutter.

Many clients ask for the latest trend in decorating when that trend is not in their comfort zone. If this is what they want, we suggest small doses of the look, such as a lamp or throw pillows, before fully diving into a brand-new style.

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Painted paneling brings warmth to the walls, and walnut in a herringbone pattern brings texture to the floor in this grand central parlor.

Left: The parlor trim color flows into the upstairs hallway, where coffered ceilings give dimension to the long, narrow space.

ALICE WILLIAMS INTERIORS

LIFE & STYLE “Our mission is to create beautiful living environments that fit and reflect each client and his or her style and home.” — Alice Williams From choosing a new rug or reupholstering a favorite chair to complete new construction planning or renovation work, Alice Williams Interiors provides a range of services. The contractors Alice’s team works with are carefully chosen to ensure that your project is accomplished in an exceptional and efficient way.

“Collaborating with us allows our clients to avoid mistakes and save hours of precious time while ensuring a timely and well-executed project,” says Alice. “Our mission is to create beautiful living environments that fit and reflect each client and his or her style and home. We believe that interiors should be sensitive to the architecture of the house and its surrounding environment, while simultaneously being expressions of their inhabitants.”

NEW PROJECTS & IDEAS The company is working on several significant renovation projects, as well as a large new construction house. “It is exciting to support these clients as we help them to choose all the finishes and fixtures for their homes. Developing color palettes, cohesive lighting designs, full furniture plans, and the myriad of other details needed is our specialty,” Alice says. Below, she describes other recent projects.

• Work on a new construction home in Hanover has required long-range vision and weekly client meetings to ensure that the entire home is thoughtfully considered.

• An apartment on New York City’s Upper East side was as exciting and fast-paced as the city itself.

• We have successfully used several species of wood as countertops on both vanities and kitchen islands. Wood provides a warmer, softer material in a bathroom that already has lots of cold, hard surfaces. In the kitchen, a wood-topped island offers contrast to stone countertops.

• We have also effectively blended table materials by choosing zinc or a solid surface top with either a natural or painted wood base.

• We have hidden family mudrooms from the guest entrance by using a sliding barn door, a pocket door, or a ceiling-mounted track door.

Consider wood, metal, glass, or even a trompe l’oeil painting.

Alice reports that new construction continues to focus on environmentally best practices using renewable and safe products. In addition, more conversations are happening about unique ways to utilize space in order to reduce the overall footprint of the home. TW

Alice Williams Interiors 50 Greensboro Road Hanover, NH (603) 277-9361 alicewilliamsinteriors.com www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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DECORATING

TRENDS WHAT ARE LOCAL DESIGNERS SAYING?

BENJAMIN MOORE OLD NAVY

3

We asked Alice Williams of Alice Williams Interior Designs, Anita Hamalainen of a.hamalainen design, and Cheryl Boghosian of Gilberte Interiors to comment on some of this year’s decorating trends. Here’s what they said.

KITCHEN CABINETS PAINTED IN COLORS CHERYL BOGHOSIAN: We are still seeing a lot of white tones being used with accents of gray or blues used on islands or surrounding walls. The use of moss greens on walls or islands can work in harmony with natural wood tones and whites.

MIXED FINISHES ANITA HAMALAINEN: Not all hardware and metals in the kitchen and bathrooms need to be “matchy matchy,” to use a design term. I would limit the number of different finishes in the kitchen to three, though, to avoid its looking chaotic and unconsidered.

CHERYL BOGHOSIAN: We’re using a lot of paints and wood to complement each other.

ANITA HAMALAINEN: It takes a leap of faith to paint kitchen cabinetry anything beyond white and gray, but a deep navy-blue cabinet would look stunning paired with stainless steel appliances.

ALICE WILLIAMS: Having painted cabinets adds color to the kitchen on one of the largest surfaces. Furthermore, this allows for more choices of countertop materials, especially lighter colored ones, as the countertops can then have a contrast by using a paint color of a darker value.

BRASS ACCENTS ANITA HAMALAINEN: Brass accents have made a huge comeback, but with a significant reinterpretation—the brass is not shiny but brushed. Since brushed brass is a big trend right now, I’d advise a trend-averse homeowner to proceed with caution. I prefer to specify metal finishes based on the overall design concept and material selection of the project rather than based on trends.

CHERYL BOGHOSIAN: We have seen a resurgence of the use of brass over chrome in the last two years. Designer Jonathan Adler’s accessories are great examples of this wonderful change.

JONATHAN ADLER BRASS AND ENAMEL TABLE LAMP

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TONE ON TONE: WALLS AND TRIM ARE PAINTED THE SAME COLOR ALICE WILLIAMS: This can be interesting if the sheens are different. We encourage clients to consider painted trim and white walls in spaces such as bedrooms and bathrooms where the crispness of a white wall is welcomed, but color is needed.

ANITA HAMALAINEN: Painting the wall and trim the same color is very soothing to the eye and an elegant alternative to crisp white trim.

CHERYL BOGHOSIAN: This is a great way to calm down spaces that are broken up with doors and windows, and it brings calmness and balance where needed.

BOLD AND GEOMETRIC PATTERNS ANITA HAMALAINEN: Big and bold patterns are fun to play with. For the pattern shy, start introducing bold geometries to a space with pillows and throws. Someone with a little more confidence might try an area rug or upholstered chair. For the truly fearless, wallpaper or a painted geometric wall application will make a strong statement.

It’s your home—live boldly and have fun with it.

CHERYL BOGHOSIAN: We are excited to get back to large-scale geometrics in fabrics and wall coverings and using bold color to punctuate a space. These can be used to add a bit of drama to a powder room or to line the backside of a bookcase.

WOVEN TEXTURES ALICE WILLIAMS: Woven textures should not be thought of only in the realm of fabrics. We love woven textures on tile, lamp bases, and wallpapers.

These textures soften the room without using a pattern.

LARGER FORMAT TILE (subway tile is out) ANITA HAMALAINEN: Is anything really out?

Subway tile will always have a place in American homes, as it hearkens back to our architectural history. When considering a tile project, don’t forget to consider scale: Can your small space handle large tiles? Or conversely, will your large space be overwhelmed by a sea of small tiles and grout lines?

CHERYL BOGHOSIAN: Using woven textures can be a great balance to flat and sleek materials, bringing warmth and inviting relaxation in a space.

ANITA HAMALAINEN: The organic elements found in woven materials add interest and texture to a space, plus the natural colors are soothing to the eye. A room’s color palette can be very restrained if layered with woven textures. These natural materials can be used in lighting, furniture, accessories, and flooring, and they also make a space more casual and inviting.

CHERYL BOGHOSIAN: We have been using largeformat tile for kitchen and bath floors and walls for a few years now. We love the way these calm a space yet let other elements shine. www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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GILDED EDGE & JJASMIN INTERIORS

CREATE a Gallery Wall

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LARSON-JUHL

Most people stress over the thought of a gallery wall—how to coordinate it with the space, how many pieces, where do I start?

Don’t worry, says Rob Jenisch of the Gilded Edge in Lebanon, New Hampshire. “There are truly no hard and fast rules to creating a gallery wall,” he says. Follow Rob’s tips below and have fun with it.

1. The best way to start is with a roll of craft paper. Lay all the pieces you are thinking of hanging onto the craft paper and trace them.

2. Next, label each tracing and cut it out. Remember to mark the location of the wire or hanger from each frame onto the craft paper as well.

3. Now you can tape the cutouts onto the wall with painter’s tape and play with the layout. Always take a moment and step back and look at the design.

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Don’t feel you have to stick to just one type of art for a gallery wall. For example, if your focus is photos of a child, you can include art they did as well. Little mirrors make excellent filler pieces.

Mirrors can also make a fantastic gallery wall. You can break up this layout with just an empty beautiful old frame.

Over time you can replace individual mirrors with art pieces you find in your travels. As for mirrors, most custom frame shops can cut them to fit fun old frames at a decent price.

One final tip: “It’s easier to tie the piece into the room than to tie the room into the piece,” Rob advises. “If there’s a nice pop of color in a piece of art, you can easily find a throw pillow or several candlesticks in a similar color, carrying the art off the wall into the space.” TW Gilded Edge 69 Hanover Street Lebanon, NH (603) 643-288

JJasmin Interiors (802) 345-9045 jjasmininteriors.com

To create interest and a sense of depth, use a darker color as an accent wall, and paint the rest of the room with grays or other neutrals.

Use white trim to set off this clean, crisp look.

JEFF WILMOT PAINTING & WALLPAPERING

A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER When it’s time to paint, call a professional to do the job. Jeff Wilmot has been painting homes in the Upper Valley since the 1980s, and some of his employees have been with him for more than 20 years.

What are customers asking for? “We’re doing accent walls in darker colors,” Jeff says. “Light grays and neutrals are in, as are light shades of green, like sage and celery.” In industry news, Jeff reports, “The new hybrid paint is replacing oil-based paint. Hybrids go on like oil-based paints for that smooth, hard finish on trim, but they have low VOCs and clean up with water.” TW

Wallpaper is back. Refresh a space with florals or a geometric pattern.

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“We’re painting lots of kitchen cabinets and doing multiple colors in kitchens.”

Jeff Wilmot Painting & Wallpapering, Inc. 23 Lyon Road South Royalton, VT (802) 763-2055 www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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WINDOWS

LOEWEN WINDOW CENTER OF VERMONT & NEW HAMPSHIRE

ROOMS WITH A VIEW

This contemporary home features custom mahogany exterior/white oak interior windows and doors by Tradewood.

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“The architectural trend for upscale homes is for more glass and slimmer frames, all while spanning greater dimensions . . .” — Steve Cary “We distribute a range of window and door types, and just like buying an automobile, the cost of fenestration can have huge variations,” says Steve Cary at the Loewen Window Center of Vermont and New Hampshire in White River Junction.

“The architectural trend for upscale homes is for more glass and slimmer frames, all while spanning greater dimensions and achieving ventilation and excellent thermal performance,” Steve explains. “One example Loewen is now offering is a commercial-type curtain wall system that can reach heights of 20 feet and is designed with wood interiors that drastically improves on aesthetics and performance,” Steve says. Tradewood, a total custom manufacturer, can provide the ultimate

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— Alice Williams

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New bronze-clad windows from Loewen give a historical cut-stone home modern thermal performance while maintaining its traditional look.

choices in design with numerous wood species and exterior finishes— even thick bronze cladding.

For tighter timelines and budgets that still demand superior thermal performance, Steve suggests the Kohltech product, which he calls “our sweet spot” manufacturer, combining the best of energy and price. “Made in Nova Scotia where the weather is at least as notorious as ours, Kohltech features Europeantype uPVC construction in a variety of window and door types,” says Steve. TW

Loewen Window Center of Vermont & New Hampshire 52 Bridge Street White River Junction, VT (802) 295-6555 www.loewen.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHAW FLOORS

FLOORING

Hardwood: Natural beauty that can be refinished.

Vinyl Plank: Durable and waterproof.

What’s the best advice for selecting new floors and having them installed? Consult a professional first. “People sometimes come in because they started a project themselves or used a contractor who was not as experienced or reputable as they thought,” says Dawn Hale at Biron’s Flooring in Newport, New Hampshire. “It’s easier to start in the right place than to start over.”

FLOORING

INNOVATIONS, IDEAS, SURFACES, AND DESIGN

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Choose from hardwood, laminate, vinyl, or tile for your beautiful floors.

“Light and natural hardwoods are still popular in this area as people tend to be more traditional in their decorating preferences.”

— Dawn Hale, Biron’s Flooring

POPULAR CHOICES “The Farmhouse Chic style is very popular,” says Tobyn Olson at FloorCraft in Wilmot, New Hampshire. “Classic subway tiles, rustic wood floors, bead board, and industrial fixtures give the home the warm but up-to-date feel that our customers are seeking.”

Of all the choices available, “Our most popular floors continue to be hardwoods,” Tobyn states.

“Customers like the idea of being able to refinish and restore their initial investment to its original appearance for years to come. Woodlook vinyl and laminate floors are also great options. While they can’t be refinished, they do offer initial durability that surpasses that of a standard hardwood.”

Dawn Hale at Biron’s Flooring agrees. “Vinyl flooring is very popular with our customers.

Homeowners love it for all the features—it’s waterproof, dent resistant, and easy to clean. www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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Tile: Tough and easy to care for.

“We are very excited about a new vinyl plank product,” Dawn reports.

“It will be able to go in unheated seasonal homes and sunrooms without issue. Until now, the only products warrantied to go in an unheated space were porcelain tile and natural stone.

“Engineered hardwood is also growing on homeowners as a better alternative to classic solid hardwood,” Dawn says. “You get the same great hardwood visual with the added benefit of improved stability—less shrinking and swelling with humidity changes, as well as the ability to be installed over radiant heat.”

STYLISH TILE From Biron’s Flooring, Dawn reports, “Now more than ever we are seeing a spike in tile that has rustic wood visuals and a handmade appearance.

The new tile choices are made to have more character, with waves and height or color variations. This trend is following suit with the revival of exposed post and beam renovations, hand-scraped floors, and the like.” TW 106 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

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LIGHTING

Graffiti Pendant by Hubbardton Forge

CREATIVE LIGHTING DESIGNS & DÉCOR

BRIGHT IDEAS Lighting is an important part of a home’s décor, and lights can be pieces of art that accentuate the other design elements in a home. “They basically highlight a home’s interior spaces, all the while being a very important element of the whole space and design,” says Brian Horan, president of Creative Lighting Designs & Décor in Lebanon.

Softer materials and colors are hot right now, such as fabric shades on ceiling mounts, and chandeliers and wall sconces are prevalent. “That doesn’t mean that solid materials aren’t used; both are carefully and artfully incorporated into the makeup of the fixture,” says Brian.

Kiev Pendant

by Techlighting

“We go to the site during the building or remodeling process and meet with the client to develop a plan for how and where lights will be placed.”—Brian Horan

Axis Sconce

by Hubbardton Forge

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Forged Bar Swing Arm Sconce

by Hubbardton Forge

LED Many lighting fixtures incorporate LED, meaning there is no bulb but rather an LED diode that lights up.

Most LED fixtures have a life expectancy of 50,000 to 60,000 hours, so there are no worries about lights burning out for many years. “Fixtures that do not have incorporated LEDs can still take LEDs as a retrofit.

Homeowners still get the same lifetime from the retrofitted LEDs, and this gives them a chance to select a color temperature or hue they like,” says Brian. TW Creative Lighting Designs & Décor Lebanon, NH (603) 448-2066 www.creativelightingdesigns.com www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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BY RYAN ADAM

WELCOME TO THE

FfutureE C U E

T H E

J E T S O N S

T H E M E !

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I

t happens to everyone. You’re at the grocery store when a familiar nagging thought occurs—do we need milk? Don’t fret, just reach into your pocket, take out your smartphone, and call up the app that came with your refrigerator. If it’s a smart fridge, it’ll tell you if you need milk. If it’s even smarter, it’ll show you a live camera shot of what’s inside so you can see if you also need eggs.

Does this sound like science fiction? The truth is, smart appliances and the devices

that integrate them into your life are here now. From ovens that begin preheating when you leave the office to washers and dryers that tell you when it’s time to switch loads, smart appliances are surprisingly easy to integrate into your life and daily routine.

Weber Kitchen Thermometer

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Gadgets: Devices such as the Weber Kitchen Thermometer, which sells for about $80, use Bluetooth connectivity and allow you to cook any dish to the required temperature without having to keep an eye on it.

Small Appliances: Late to the party but super convenient is sous vide cooking. The Anova Precision Cooker lets you put your meal ingredients into a vacuum-sealed bag, and then starts cooking it when you tell it to—whether you’re home or not. It uses lowtemperature water to gently cook your food to perfection.

Large Appliances: When it comes to large appliances, your wallet may limit you sooner than your imagination. Smart refrigerators like the LG Instaview, which allows you to see what’s inside without opening the door, and the Samsung Family Hub Touchscreen Refrigerator start around $2,000. Both of these futuristic appliances have the capability to alert you when you’re low on supplies and allow you to check the contents of the fridge remotely. Less costly smart options include dishwashers that detect soil levels to lengthen the cycle until dishes are completely clean.

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Anova Precision Cooker

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LG Instaview

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IN THE KITCHEN We’re not yet to that point in the future when the Jetsons could press a single button to generate a meal, but the kitchen is no longer just the heart of the home—it can also be the brain. From small gadgets like thermometers and immersion cookers to countertop appliances such as coffee makers and slow cookers to large appliances like ovens and refrigerators, the sky is the limit on what these devices can do.

EVERYWHERE IN THE HOUSE Most of us had our first introduction to smart devices when the iPhone and copycat devices started appearing. Smart televisions are appearing in more and more homes, allowing people to seamlessly stream Internet video without using a computer. But there are far more devices available.

Lights: It’s called IoT—the Internet of Things. And it’s gotten small enough to be put into a lightbulb. Lights can be scheduled to turn on and off; they can run on sensors that know when the last person has left a room; and they can be controlled remotely.

Thermostat: With a smart thermostat, you never need to come home to a cold house again. The Ecobee Thermostat, starting around $150 for a basic version, connects to your WiFi network and gives you full access to all settings, wherever you are. More advanced versions can work seamlessly with home automation systems.

The Ecobee Thermostat

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IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM It’s the job that never ends, but smart appliances can make the task more efficient. From tracking water and power usage to alerting you when loads are finished so you can switch them, these connected devices save you time.

The Whirlpool Smart Cabrio washer and dryer are capable of pulling in usage statistics from your power company, informing you via smartphone how much time is left on a cycle, and sending an alert when the load is finished. Like smart dishwashers, the washer has soil sensors that keep the machine running until the load is fully clean.

HOW IT WORKS Thanks to Apple, Google, and Amazon, among others, home automation has never been easier. While there are some small technical hurdles— namely, “does this work with that?”—most currently available smart devices are able to work with Google’s Home and Amazon’s Echo as well as Apple’s iHome devices. Most devices work either on the same WiFi network as your home Internet, or they use Bluetooth network connectivity, which is usually good for ranges up to 50 feet.

Google Echo

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iHome

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Whirlpool Smart Cabrio

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Amazon Home: With Alexa, you can use voice control to access any of your smart devices. Get the weather. Start dinner. Order a movie.

Google Echo: Similar to Alexa, Google’s Echo allows voice control of your smart devices. iHome: Compatible with Apple and Android portable devices, iHome offers the broadest range of compatibility with smart products due to partnerships with Google, Nest, Samsung, Amazon, Apple, and others.

Welcome to the future! TW

Amazon Home

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SPOTLIGHT •

Solaflect Energy

PHOTOS BY LARS BLACKMORE

Power from

THE SUN IT CAN SAVE YOU MONEY

“IF YOU CAN FIT AN APPLE TREE IN YOUR YARD, YOU CAN FIT A SOLAR TRACKER,” says Bill Bender, owner of Solaflect in Norwich, Vermont. “Solar is one of the smartest investments you can make, and the cost has come down in the past couple of years,” Bill reports. “Financing for solar has become attractive as well, with low upfront commitments and monthly payments comparable to customers’ former electric bills.”

This year has seen some advancements in technology, including the use of bifacial panels, which collect the sun’s energy from both the front and the back of the panels. Energy comes from all directions, and bifacial panels can collect it.

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PART OF THE FAMILY? People become attached

points toward the east for

to their solar trackers when

tomorrow’s sunrise, which

they’re on the ground, Bill

takes a couple of minutes.

says. “The trackers move

On summer evenings, I

as they follow the sun,

know people who sit in the

and they engage people.

yard so they can watch their

At sunset, the tracker is

tracker moving. In addition,

vertical. When the sun

people give their trackers

goes down, it turns and

names like Apollo.”

“The back of the tracker can see one-third of the sky, plus any snow on the ground reflects energy from the sky,” Bill explains. “Having solar panels on the roof is not as good.

On a sunny day, the sun is the point of energy. On a cloudy day, energy comes from all directions, and a tracker, with its unobstructed back side, is uniquely positioned to capture a significant boost from the backs of the panels, which collect the most energy.” TW To see a video of trackers in motion, visit www.solaflect.com.

Solaflect Energy 326 Main Street Suite 4 Norwich, VT (802) 649-3700 www.solaflect.com

Opposite and above: Three Solaflect trackers on a farm in Norwich, Vermont, provide all the electricity needed for the home and the barn.

Opposite below: Solar energy from two trackers provides all the electricity needed by the beautiful Shaker Hill Bed and Breakfast in Enfield, New Hampshire.

NEWS ABOUT THE FEDERAL TAX CREDIT FOR SOLAR The “Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit” is a federal income tax credit worth 30% of the total cost of the solar array. It’s available for solar installed for primary and secondary residences. For a Solaflect PV Tracker, this is worth nearly $6,000.

UPDATE: In December 2015, Congress extended the tax credit. It will be 30% through the end of 2019. After that the credit steps down over a few years. In the final year, 2021, the credit will be 22%.

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ENERGY

RICHARD ELECTRIC

STAY

PLUGGED IN “If you want to come home and turn on lights in your house as you sit in the driveway, we can set you up with a key fob that will do that.” — Steven L. Richard

Richard Electric Inc. was established 58 years ago in White River Junction, Vermont, and moved to Wilder 32 years ago.

Many new lighting and power circuit controls are on the market, according to Steven L. Richard, president. “Home automation is expanding rapidly. Lighting, heating/AC, smoke alarms, flood sensors, and security in your home, vacation home, or business can be operated from your smartphone or PC.” These programs will also advise you on the consumption of electricity and highlight areas of savings.

Steve continues, “Our solar electric installations are increasing as people look to local licensed electricians to perform these jobs. We are also wiring a lot of heat pumps as they become more efficient. An efficient building envelope is a key to success with this technology.” TW Richard Electric 131 A Street Wilder, VT (802) 295-3894 www.richardelectric.com

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BY NANCY HUMPHREY CASE | PHOTOS BY JIM WESTPHALEN PHOTOGRAPHY

SCULPTING LANDSCAPES WITH A SENSE OF PLACE WAGNER HODGSON LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

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“We consider all the indoor and outdoor spaces together— all the geometry,” Keith says. “We like to pull the building geometry into the landscape.”

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Below: View of the drive engaging the orchard and the plantings expressed in layers.

Right: View of pool terrace garden and sculpture.

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eff Hodgson and Keith Wagner of Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture don’t see landscaping as something to be designed after the buildings are drawn up. To them, architecture and landscape are integral to each other and, ideally, inform and inspire each

other. “We consider all the indoor and outdoor spaces together—all the geometry,” Keith says. “We like to pull the building geometry into the landscape.”

In creating a new “farmhouse” in Cornwall, Keith worked closely with architect Lee Grutchfield of TruexCullins from the early stages of the project on. In collaboration, they shaped land and buildings into one harmonious whole suggestive of the farms that dot this part of the Champlain Valley.

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Opposite, above: Stone walls create a “plinth” for the “farm complex.”

Below: Granite bands create a “stitch” from the “dooryard” to the front entry porch.

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A WELCOMING APPROACH First, Keith “tried to create a sense of arrival.” A long gravel driveway winds through a hayfield bordered by an existing hedgerow, crosses a natural drainage swale, passes through a mini orchard that mimics the apple orchards on Cornwall’s hills, and ends facing the home’s front entrance. The sequence suggests a warm welcome to this modern interpretation of a vernacular Vermont farmhouse. The home itself comprises several architectural forms, with the garage, a wing of the house, and a barn-like recreation/entertainment room enclosing what feels like the traditional farm “dooryard.”

Leading from the auto court to the home’s front door is a wide walkway of 2x5-foot granite slabs laid in the lawn. “The clients own land in Maine,” says Keith. “We wanted to bring in material from their home state.” He chose the same dark-gray granite for “hitching posts” that flank the beginning of the stone walkway. “But we used them in a contemporary way,” he says. “They’re not trying to be ‘ye olde granite posts.’”

To ground the house to the open site, Keith and Jeff designed a series of dry-laid stone walls—“a strong plinth”—on the side of the house that faces the meadow. “They anchor the house,” he says, “as if it has always been there.” A few well-placed, large sugar maples and burr oaks contribute to that effect and “bring down the scale of the house,” he says.

More sugar maples soften the gravel drive—not by lining it in a regular pattern, but by a few specimens strategically placed to frame views of the surrounding landscape, including a cluster of old, www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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View across pool terrace to the meadows, neighboring barn cluster, and the Green Mountains.

The neighbors of this Cornwall home gave Keith the ultimate compliment when, in the end, they said, “The house looks like it has been there for a hundred years.”

weathered barns the clients liked. “Like an English landscape,” Keith says, “the views are borrowed from neighboring properties.” In return, he was careful to preserve the neighbors’ views. He sees a home and its designed landscape as a sculpture, and in the design process he tries to balance everything, asking himself, “Where do you view it from? Who else can see it?”

ACHIEVING PERFECTION The neighbors of this Cornwall home gave Keith and Jeff the ultimate compliment when, in the end, they said, “The house looks like it has been there for a hundred years.” To add to the authentic farmhouse effect, he chose to plant perennials in rows suggestive of crops, such as black-eyed Susans, Shasta daisies, and ornamental grasses.

A hedge of lilacs, which have traditionally graced antique farmhouses, borders the lawn on one side of the house. The lilacs are roughly parallel to an existing hedgerow of mature native trees—an example of Keith’s skillful hand in blending the sculpted landscape into its environment.

Greater than the sum of its parts, the whole effect is that of a home that reflects its rural surroundings and rightfully belongs on its unique spot of earth. TW Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture 7 Marble Avenue Burlington, VT (802) 864-0010 www.wagnerhodgson.com

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LANDSCAPING

MB PRO LANDSCAPE DESIGN

OUTDOOR MAGIC After 21 years of experience in the field and 15 years of owning his business, Michael Burns at MB Pro Landscape Design in Enfield, New Hampshire, has the know-how to turn your landscaping visions into realities.

“People are spending more time outside, and they want entertainment areas, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, chimneys, pools, and fire pits. We’re a full-service design and installation company and can install walls, walkways, patios, water features, trees, and plants, as well as irrigation systems and landscape lighting. We’ll handle your project from design through installation and completion.” Mike’s team has combined experience of more than 60 years, and their project managers oversee the entire job. TW MB Pro Landscape Design 24 Algonquin Road Enfield, NH (603) 252-6963 www.mbprolandscapedesign.com

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When you decide to take on a landscaping project, “Do your research and ask for references,” Mike says.

“There’s no substitute for experience.”

Opposite, top: In response to the homeowners’ wish for a grand entrance, Mike’s team created 12-foot-wide granite steps with granite “hitching posts.” Natural cobblestones edge the walkway.

Left: The compass medallion’s shape is repeated in an arc within the permeable paver walkway.

This page, above: Another sidewalk on the property echoes the arc shapes seen elsewhere.

Right: Low-maintenance, droughttolerant plants are selected for ease of care.

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LANDSCAPING

CHIPPERS

We’re all about YOUR LIFE OUTSIDE™ An Award-Winning Company Chippers’ long list of awards attests to the company’s commitment to excellence.

2017 Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Safety Award 2016 Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Innovator of the Year Award 2014 Woodstock Area Chamber of Commerce Community Business of the Year

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Founded by Will Russell in 1986 as a forestry company, Chippers is a full-service green-care business specializing in arboriculture, turf and soil care, horticulture, forestry, and maple syrup production. A high level of experience and a team-oriented approach enable Chippers to work on any size residential, commercial, or institutional property.

The company’s latest award, the 2017 Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Company Safety Award, was granted for the company’s adopting a safety mantra, I WILL, which stands for I WILL: Work safely, Invest in others, Learn from mistakes, and Lead by example. The mantra honors the memory of company founder Will Russell, who died in 2010. TW

Opposite: A beautifully land-enhanced forest lane.

Inset: Who can resist flowers’ bursts of color?

This page, right: A majestic maple tree in the spring sunlight.

Some of the Chippers’ team (from left): Jason Eaton, Theron Peck, Mundy Wilson Piper, John Keefe, and Cal Felicetti.

Chippers 1241 Pomfret Road Woodstock, VT (802) 457-5100 (603) 448-4800 (866) 683-6222 www.chippersinc.com

STRONG LEADERSHIP FOR SUCCESS Mundy Wilson Piper, president and CEO of Chippers, Inc., joined the company in 2000 as business manager. She developed the company’s marketing strategy and in 2007 led the effort for Chippers to become accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA).

In 2014, she was elected to the TCIA’s board of directors where she is a senior director and is in line to be the group’s chair in 2020. She was the first Vermonter and is one of the few women to serve on the board in its history.

To provide Chippers’ clients with the best service possible, Mundy has championed the importance of hiring for diverse skills and shared values.

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— Alice Williams

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LANDSCAPING

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Opposite page: This backyard patio provides inviting views from the main floor of the house. At the same time, it takes advantage of the natural setting by providing a relaxing and peaceful environment.

This page: The landings in this zigzag walkway provide pause and allow the steep bank to be more easily traversed. The use of stone provides a more natural feel and allows it to blend into the surrounding landscape.

db LANDSCAPING

Why hire a

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT?

“Avoid costly mistakes by hiring a professional to design a master landscape plan. It will help you visualize the possibilities and outline the steps to achieve them.” — Dan Bruzga

What does the landscape of your dreams include? Is it a formal garden with manicured plants, an outdoor kitchen and entertainment space, or a raised vegetable garden? Whatever your vision, a landscape architect will guide you through the process of creating it, from initial planning to construction. If you’re planning to build, landscape architects can advise you on site selection, and should be called in as early as possible on a new construction project.

With their study of horticulture, environmental design, site analysis, layout, grading, and construction detailing, landscape architects can help you determine the best circulation route, how to take advantage of a desirable view and screen one that’s less desirable, what hardscape material is appropriate to meet your design objectives, lighting, planting design, and even irrigation.

He or she also knows costs and can help you establish a realistic budget. The bottom line is that a good landscape design can add as much as 15 percent to the value of your home. TW db Landscaping 3 Alpine Court, Suite 1 Sunapee, NH (603) 763-6423 dblandscaping.net

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— Alice Williams

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OUTDOORS

The Trailside Barn is 36x30 feet with two 10-foot overhangs.

THE CARRIAGE SHED

UNIQUE & STYLISH CHOICES The Carriage Shed has a large display of storage sheds on its lot—more than 60 at any given time. Customers are able to walk around and compare different sidings, roof lines, and sizes, and from there, they can customize a structure that meets their exact and unique requirements. The Carriage Shed’s products are often used as sheds, but they can also be transformed into studios, home offices, greenhouses, and chicken coops in addition to larger structures, such as horse barns, garages, and certified homes.Every customer’s needs and wants are different, so The Carriage Shed strives to make each experience a personal one.

COUNT ON EXPERTISE The area in which owner Robert Therrien’s construction expertise has come into play over the years is the larger modular, panelized, or stick-built structures.

Working with customers to meet their expectations just makes sense. Selling a building is easier when customers can get exactly what they want. All buildings are constructed to code for the town they are being built for, and wind and snow loads play a part in this aspect of construction. The Carriage Shed can also have stamped engineered plans for the towns that require them. And they serve not only the Upper Valley but also the entire country. The largest barn they have ever built is located in California, and they’ve even transported a barn to Nantucket on a barge. www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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A WELCOME TREND One of the trends they have seen expand over the years is the use of environmentally friendly products, from siding choices to poly furniture (made from recycled milk containers) to efficient insulation materials.

The Carriage Shed continues to strive to expand their green offerings as more green products become available.

The Carriage Shed has always worked to have a strong connection with the Upper Valley community. You may have seen their sheds set up at the Polar Express, VINS, the New London Fire Department, or the Quechee Balloon Festival. They received the 2017 Chamber Partner of the Year from the Hartford Chamber of Commerce. They know it’s vital to take part in the community and do what you can to make it a better place to live, whether it’s donating your time or products to make someone’s day easier. TW

ABOUT THE COMPANY Robert Therrien bought The Carriage Shed 14 years ago with a mission to develop the best high-quality product that could be sold at a reasonable price. It began with storage sheds, and it grew from there. Robert worked diligently with his Amish vendors to develop different concepts for how to break down the larger structures so most of the labor was done in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and then shipped to the customer’s site, which in turn keeps the price down for the consumer.

With his 49 years in construction, Robert is able to offer a unique experience of designing your building—no matter what the size—from the ground up. Quality is one of the most significant concerns of The Carriage Shed, and working with Amish craftsmen has greatly reduced this concern, as they build structures to last and use the best quality products.

The Carriage Shed 1195 VA Cutoff Road White River Junction, VT (800) 441-6057 www.carriageshed.com

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LANDSCAPING ALL DECKED OUT

OUTDOOR comfort & style Left: The open weave, romantic styling, and deep seating comfort of the Lloyd Flanders Mackinac Collection make it a top choice.

Below: For four generations, OW Lee has been producing handcrafted outdoor furnishings, such as this crescent sofa.

“People are opting to use comfortable lounge chairs with all-weather cushions along with lower chat tables to enjoy a casual meal.”

— Judy Evans Sleeper To make the most of your outdoor space, select comfortable seating options for relaxing outside. Add a dining or coffee table and a fire pit, and you’re ready to relax with family or entertain guests.

“When we started in this business 34 years ago, our showroom was a sea of dining tables and aluminum stack chairs,” says Judy Evans Sleeper at All Decked Out in Quechee, Vermont.

All Decked Out Route 4 Quechee, VT (802) 296-6714 www.alldeckedoutcasual.com

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“Now we have much more deep seating, whether it be wicker, teak, wrought iron, aluminum, envirowood, or Marine Grade Polymer (MGP).

“Sectionals are popular and allow customers to select a variety of pieces and therefore different configurations to make the best use of their space.

People also love our round, oval, and rectangular extending tables in teak with self-storing butterfly leaves.” TW

LANDSCAPING DECK DOCK

Elegant & Fun

OUTDOOR SPACES

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Recycled HDPE is used to make the highest quality poly lumber in MADirondacks.

Sage is a new color this year.

“It’s easier than ever to create an outdoor room, and a mosaic tile table or a propane fire table is the finishing touch.” — Lynne Wardlaw

Vin de Flame uses real oak wine barrels and standard propane tanks for a safe, smoke-free fire.

Deck Dock Home & Garden 81 Edgemont Road Route 103B Sunapee, NH (603) 763-3266 deckdock.com

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More homeowners are creating areas outdoors to extend their living space, and manufacturers are expanding choices for seating, tables, and accessories.

“All the best brands of outdoor furniture have expanded their lines to include cushioned and modular options,” says Lynne Wardlaw at Deck Dock Home & Garden in Sunapee, New Hampshire. “Our customers are seeking quality craftsmanship and renewable materials.

We carry lines from family-owned companies in the US who have made outdoor furniture for many years. That gives us great confidence in the design and durability of their products,” Lynne states.

What’s new? “This year we’ve added Vin de Flame to our lineup of mid-priced, high-quality fire tables.

Real oak wine barrels and lava rocks give them a fantastic look,” Lynne says. “We have working displays, and we stock lots of design options.” TW

Left: KNF mosaic tables are available in a variety of designs, colors, and sizes.

Below: Seaside Casual’s new Capri Collection comes in a variety of coordinated designs. The solutiondyed acrylics are durable and colorfast.

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FINANCE | BY MIKE MORIN

EXPERT ADVICE FOR BUYING A HOME

Sugar River Bank Terri Crate Vice President Senior Retail Loan Officer NMLS #419840

Why is being preapproved helpful when buying a home?

First, it’s a great opportunity for buyers to learn about areas of the mortgage process that they may not know. Second, by being preapproved for a loan, both real estate agents and buyers are able to determine which homes are most likely in a buyer’s price range. Lastly, it generally provides a better comfort level to sellers knowing that buyers have initially spoken to a lender.

Explain what “paying points” means and how it affects the price I pay for my mortgage.

The term “points” is short for “percentage points.” If you are charged one point on your loan, it equates to one percent of the loan amount. In theory, the more points you pay, the lower the interest rate and total interest paid over the life of the loan. Generally, before you consider whether or not paying mortgage points is a good idea, you should make sure that you have the extra cash at closing, as you must pay for them up front.

What financial steps should prospective buyers be taking now?

The first step for prospective buyers is to review their credit bureau report and credit score. If they don’t have any credit, then working with a local lender to establish credit is the first step in the process. If they have any derogatory credit appearing on their credit report, they should discuss that with a local lender to determine the best course of action for paying those negative items back, such as collection accounts, charged-off accounts, and so on. It is also important that any prospective borrower is building a savings account. Sugar River Bank offers Home Buyer Education courses that can assist a buyer, and then they can meet with one of our local lenders.

10 North Main Street Newport, NH (603) 863-3000 NMLS #419770 www.sugarriverbank.com

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Is there anything special first-time homebuyers should be aware of before contacting Sugar River Bank?

It is helpful for them to have some basic information available such as income information, monthly expenses, and deposit account balances if they are looking for a prequalification or preapproval. Sugar River Bank offers many programs available to first-time homebuyers. We participate in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston’s Equity Grant Program, which assists qualified applicants with down payment and/or closing costs. We also offer New Hampshire Housing Programs, which include several options available to homebuyers who have limited funds for down payment and closing costs. TW

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INSURANCE | BY MIKE MORIN

EXPERT ADVICE FOR PROTECTING YOUR HOME

Guaraldi Agency Tim Guaraldi Owner, Primary Agent

Explain the advantage of working with an insurance company that’s been family owned for nearly 50 years.

We have lived in the Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont for at least four generations, so we know weather patterns and what will cause a problem to your home or business. We can review a property and advise our clients as to what they need to seriously consider for coverage options.

How can you make first-time homebuyers feel at ease when they come to you for homeowners insurance?

We educate them about the coverage and the process—inspecting the property, taking measurements and photos, and explaining replacement cost versus market value, then what is covered and what is not covered. Many new buyers do not understand the escrow process, so we explain it to them. We believe that the more knowledge clients have, the better decisions they will make when purchasing their insurance or financial products.

What accidents do you see most often, and how can we keep our homes safe?

If an elderly person is in the home, make sure he or she has the equipment needed to maneuver safely. Pick up area rugs and ensure that edges of carpeting are tacked down securely. Besides removing snow and ice promptly from sidewalks and driveways, maintain the exterior of your home by checking that stairs and railings are secure and that walkways are level with no chips or cracks. Replace batteries in smoke detectors regularly. If you’re going to be away for an extended period during the winter months, have a neighbor check on your house or install a low-temperature alarm. You can set the system to dial your phone if the temperature falls below a certain level. Also keep an eye on your oil tank. Just because you’re on automatic delivery doesn’t mean you can always rely on the oil company.

37 Bank Street Lebanon, NH (603) 448-3250 www.guaraldi.com

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What do I need to know about insuring my business?

Business insurance can be tricky, especially if it’s in your home. If you’re operating an accounting business or a hair salon out of your residence, you need to protect your investment and your livelihood from theft, weather damage, cyber theft, and loss of business income. There are many things to consider, but we can tailor a policy to suit your needs. TW

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advertisers index a. hamalainen design 90 Alice Williams Interiors Back cover All Decked Out 134 American Plate Glass 84 Anichini 11 Barre Tile 105 Belletetes 12 Bensonwood 20 Bethel Mills Kitchen & Bath 77 Biron’s Flooring 105 Boynton Construction 46 Cabinetry Concepts & Surface Solutions Inside front cover Carpet King & Tile 106 Carroll Concrete 132 Chew & Co. Design 90 Chippers 129 Claremont Glassworks 81 Coldwell Banker Lifestyles 63 Colonial Woodworking 35 Creative Lighting Designs & Décor 109 Crown Point Cabinetry 8 db Landscaping 135 David Anderson Hill 53 Davis Frame Co. 9 Deck Dock Home & Garden 127

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Elite Cleaning 107 Ennis Construction 1 FloorCraft 106 Four Seasons/Sotheby’s International Realty 61 GR Porter & Sons 47 GeoBarns 2 Gilberte Interiors 13 Gilded Edge 10 Guaraldi Insurance Agency 143 Harbor & Hearth 67 Henderson’s Tree & Garden Services 139 Home Comfort Warehouse 116 Jancewicz & Son 7 Jeff Wilmot Painting & Wallpapering, Inc. 93 JJasmin Interiors 10 Junction Frame Shop 102 Landforms Inside back cover Landshapes 133 LaValley Building Supply 68 & 103 Lawn Master of Vermont 134 Lebanon Paint & Decorating 93 LindeMac Real Estate 65 Loewen Window Center of Vermont & New Hampshire 102 Love’s Bedding & Furniture 89 MB Pro Landscape Design 137

McGray & Nichols 15 Mellish Construction & Interior Design 47 North Country Door 79 Northcape Design Build 17 Oakes Bros. 83 Old Hampshire Designs 46 Pleasant Acres 3 Pompanoosuc Mills 5 Randall T. Mudge & Associates Architects 40 Relax & Co. 6 Richard Electric 109 Riverlight Builders 55 Shaker Hill Granite Company 82 Solaflect Energy 116 Springfield Fence 144 Sugar River Bank 141 Sugar River Kitchens, Bath & Flooring 79 Talbot Builders 40 The Carriage Shed 125 Timberpeg/Real Log Homes 4 Valley Floors 107 Vermod Homes 53 Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture 132 Yankee Barn Homes 41

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