Image Magazine's Trend Watch - 2021 Edition

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SPRING 2021

H E R iE m I Na H V EeR n

g AeN OTr d Wa t c h SPRING 2018

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

BUILD, REMODEL & DECORATE

SPRING 2021

WHAT’S ON YOUR

WISH LIST?

CREATE YOUR DREAM HOME

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84 Canaan Back Road, Barrington, NH

COOT FARM

DISTANT VIEWS TO BOSTON

ARCHITECTURAL HOME

Sited on 600+/- acres, this remarkable home features nearly 15,000 square feet of living space with three levels. Quality exudes throughout the home.

BARRINGTON, NH | $6,990,000 | MLS# 4622616 LINDA ROSENTHALL | C: 603.455.1252

An exceptional estate property privately sited on 169 acres.

The property encompasses three homes, tennis court, in-ground pool and five ponds.

LYNDEBOROUGH, NH | $3,995,000 | MLS# 4782131 LINDA ROSENTHALL | C: 603.455.1252

CRAFTSMAN-STYLE HOME

GRAND CUSTOM CONTEMPORARY HOME Maple tree-lined entrance provides the grand entrance this home deserves. Custom Contemporary boasting massive stone fireplace, great room addition.

RUTLAND TOWN, VT | $659,000 | MLS# 4824004 FREDDIE ANN BOHLIG | C: 802.353.1804

A touch of elegance with distinctive style to fill your heart and soul! This fully restored historic home and equestrian barn is set on 4 acres with custom craftsmanship throughout.

ENOSBURG, VT | $625,000 | MLS# 4828013 KAREN BRESNAHAN | C: 802.310.0447

QUALITY HOME ON OZZY LANE

CHARMING 1800S CONVERTED CHURCH

ONE BEDROOM CONDO CLOSE TO OKEMO

Craftsman style home featuring five fireplaces and stunning interior. Barn and fifty private acres. Direct access to Pine Hill Park for endless activities. Great location too.

RUTLAND TOWN, VT | $1,400,000 | MLS# 4834718 FREDDIE ANN BOHLIG | C: 802.353.1804

Four bedroom Contemporary home with large mudroom entry, bright new kitchen, deck for entertaining, laundry on second floor, and finished lower level.

HARTFORD, VT | $475,000 | MLS# 4836231 MELISSA ROBINSON | C: 603.667.7761

REMARKABLE PARCEL IN NORWICH

Here is a remarkable opportunity to own a large tract of land in the wonderful hamlet of Norwich. Highly visible 34.7 acre parcel of land, ideally located on Route 5 South and Hopson Road!

NORWICH, VT | $1,100,000 | MLS# 4844018 EVAN PIERCE | C: 201.401.4934

Nestled in the quintessential New England town of Sutton Mills, rests a charming 1800s converted church.

Four bedrooms, three baths and many bonus rooms.

SUTTON, NH | $474,900 | MLS# 4843389 CARTER BASCOM | C: 603.493.8642

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Live your dream and soothe your soul with the serenity of the mountains in one of Stowe’s most distinctive neighborhoods!

Approved building site for a 5 bedroom 3500+ square foot home.

STOWE, VT | $595,000 | MLS# 4847060 KAREN BRESNAHAN | C: 802.310.0447

Incredible Architectural home and entertainment barn overlooking the pool spa area. Massive stonework and circular drive make a grand entrance. Private and tennis court.

RUTLAND TOWN, VT | $1,495,000 | MLS# 4839091 FREDDIE ANN BOHLIG | C: 802.353.1804

ENCHANTMENT AT EVERY TURN

Fully equipped and furnished one bedroom condominium at The Pointe. Close to all area amenities including skiing, golf, and hiking. Affordable and turnkey!

CAVENDISH, VT | $115,000 | MLS# 4835546 TERESA DINAPOLI | C: 802.236.3375

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contents | spring 2021 92

104 FEATURES

128

IN THIS ISSUE

20 Distinctive Custom Homes Yankee Barn Homes continues its history of beauty, energy efficiency, and comfort.

30 Building Homes and Client

Partnerships

Geobarns takes a holistic view of the construction process.

58 New Kitchen? How Convenient!

The pros at Crown Point will help you stay organized.

130 Style & Comfort Move Outside

NEED TO KNOW 18 Best and Worst Projects for DIY

132 E xpand Your Outdoor Living

DREAM BUILDERS 36 A Modern Twist on Classical Construction

GOING GREEN 134 Clean, Efficient Energy

42 A New Pavilion at The Fells REAL ESTATE 28 Snyder Donegan Real Estate Group

48 M ore than Beer is Brewing at Twin Barns Brewery

40 F our Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty

TRENDS FOR TODAY 52 Kitchens: Reveal or Conceal?

90 LindeMac Real Estate

66 The Art of the Bath

BEAUTIFUL VIEWS 76 Beautiful, Efficient Windows Done Right

Create your own spa-like sanctuary.

80 Let in the Light

112 Colby Insurance

84 Accommodating the New Normal

82 Improve Your Outlook

FINANCE 100 Sugar River Bank

INTERIOR STYLE 92 The Latest in Lighting 96 Color Your World 98 Pantone’s 2021 Color of the Year

114 The Ultimate Revival

102 Time for a Refresh

ArborScape brings a classic property up to date.

OUTDOOR SPACES 122 Sheds, Chicken Coops, Garages, and Much More 126 Xeriscaping in New England?

128 Planting for Naturalization

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BUILD, REMODEL & DECORATE

SPRING 2021

Copeland Furniture crafts livable art.

SPRING 2018

Embracing the Future

I M AG E M AG A Z I N E ’ S

SPRING 2021

104 Echoing the Past While

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

Gilberte Interiors creates home offices and study spaces.

WHAT’S NEW 83 Wave of the Future

INSURANCE 64 Guaraldi Insurance

WHAT’S ON YOUR

WISH LIST?

CREATE YOUR DREAM HOME

Cover: Kitchen by Vermont Cabinetry.

Photo by Sean Litchfield, www.seanlitchfield.com.

14 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

2021

image

EDITOR'S NOTE

trend watch

Home as a Haven

2021

After a year or more of staying home for work, school, and everything else we were used to going out to do, we have gained a new appreciation for our homes and the comfort they offer. But spending so much time at home has shown us that we may need better, more efficient ways to use our rooms, and many of us have taken on projects to create home offices for ourselves and study spaces for the kids. We have taken the opportunity of being home to finally take on that bathroom remodel or to update the kitchen to make our spaces more comfortable, beautiful, and functional. photo by jack rowell

Fortunately for us, the expert craftsmen in the Upper Valley are there to take on the work and fulfill our dreams,

creating fresh, comfortable havens for us so we can nest in place and take care of our families. Thanks to all the skilled professionals who shared their fantastic projects with us to make this issue possible. Enjoy!

Mountain View Publishing, LLC 135 Lyme Road Hanover, NH 03755 (603) 643-1830 www.uppervalleyimage.com Publishers

Bob Frisch Cheryl Frisch Executive Editor

Deborah Thompson Associate Editor

Kristy Erickson Contributors

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Deborah Thompson Executive Editor dthompson@mountainviewpublishing.com

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Anne Richter Arnold, Katherine P. Cox, Rosanna Eubank-Long, Mary Gow, Tareah Gray, Mike Morin, Susan Nye, E. Senteio Creative Director/Design

Ellen Klempner-Béguin Advertising Design

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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 ©2021. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is strictly prohibited. trend watch magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork, or photographs.

16 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

2021

Inspiring Design Interior Design

■

Custom Fabrication

A Comprehensive Showroom and Interior Design Service Guiding Your Project - Concept to Completion Cheryl Boghosian, ASID, Interior Designer Hanover, NH ■ 603-643-3727 gilberteinteriors.com

■

Renovations

NEED TO KNOW

Best and Worst Projects for DIY SOME JOBS SHOULD BE LEFT TO THE PROS

LOTS OF US LOVE TAKING ON DO-IT-YOURSELF PROJECTS AROUND THE HOUSE. They can be very rewarding! But if you’re not sure about something, it’s always better to invest the money to have projects done correctly; it can save you big money in the long run.

Check out these best and worst projects for DIY from Homes.com to see if you really want to tackle the job.

WORST: FLOORING Replacing flooring yourself can be tricky.

Knowing how different types of flooring are installed is key. Luxury vinyl plank flooring, for example, is forgiving for a person new to DIY, but avoid trying to install anything that needs to be glued down—like some wood, linoleum, or tile options. A less-than-perfect job can leave you with uneven flooring or inadequate protection from heat, cold, moisture, and even insects.

Carpet is tricky too; you need special tools and know-how to keep carpets tight and secure.

BEST: PAINT PROJECTS Perhaps the most popular choice for DIYers, painting your space is a budget-friendly project with huge impact. Outdoors, paint protects your home’s exterior from the elements. Doing it incorrectly can cause problems, however, so follow these tips for a smooth, successful result: 1. Make sure you know what sheen of paint works best for the area you’re focusing on. Gloss or semigloss are easy to wipe down; flat finishes are not.

For your bathroom, choose a finish with a sheen and formulation meant for high moisture.

2. Have the right supplies! Using the wrong kind of brush or roller can make or break your project.

Ask a professional or the person at the paint counter at your local home store for their advice.

18 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

2021

WORST: PORCHES AND DECKS Considering how a deck is attached to your home and making sure it’s structurally sound means you’ll probably need a building permit to construct it. The last thing that you want is for the structure to collapse and cause injury. You’ll need at least a basic knowledge of construction skills and materials plus the heavy-duty tools required to do the job. For those reasons and for safety, it’s best to hire a

BEST: BACKSPLASH TILE

professional for porches and decks.

Adding or changing backsplash project because those areas

WORST: ELECTRICAL WORK

are usually smaller than shower

Basic electrical work, like swapping out

tile is the perfect beginner DIY

walls or floors, so it’s a simpler way to learn the ins and outs Peel-and-stick self-adhesive tiles.

new DIYers. On the other hand, rewiring your lights completely or adding new

of tile work. You may want to

electrical systems to your home are com-

consider peel-and-stick tile

plex tasks and are definitely something to

options that require no thin set

ceiling fans or lights, is doable for most

leave in the hands of a licensed electrician.

The price is worth it for safety and peace

or grout, so you may not even

of mind. No one wants an electrical fire,

need a tile saw to cut the tile.

which can be devasting. tw

www.uppervalleyimage.com •

19

BY KAREN DEPRIZIO PHOTOS COURTESY OF YANKEE BARN HOMES

CUSTOM DISTINCTIVE

HOMES

YANKEE BARN HOMES CONTINUES ITS HISTORY OF BEAUTY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, AND COMFORT

F

ounded in 1969, Yankee Barn Homes (YBH) designs and builds custom post-and-beam homes and carriage

houses nationwide in any architectural style, barn home to the farmhouse, modern to the mountain lodge. YBH creates dramatic open floor plans while retaining a sense of traditional character and charm. No two Yankee Barn homes are exactly alike, as each starts with the vision of the homeowner. While many clients come to them for the beautiful post-and-beam look, Yankee Barn Homes offers hybrid options as well as no post and beam at all.

The nuance of diverse architectural style is all in the details and begins with the floor plans. More photos and floor plans can be found on the Yankee Barn Home website. The top photo is the Southold.

Bottom, from left: The Grantham Lake House, Cove Hollow, and the Catskill Lodge.

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2021

Yankee Barn Homes team is highly skilled at assisting each potential homeowner in achieving the exact home desired in almost any architectural style.

www.uppervalleyimage.com •

21

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY MATERIALS The post-and-beam half-lap joinery system they use is more than 1,000 years old and is known for great strength and ease of fabrication and assembly. Compared to traditional building methods, the versatile panel construction allows open volumes of space and infinite room configurations. The homes are built with the finest materials for durability, weather protection, and energy efficiency.

The company’s trademarked True Panel® system is extremely strong, energy efficient, and cost effective, saving time, money, and labor. Many homeowners are interested in having a net-zero home build with YBH because of the insulation values the True Panel system provides.

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Surrounded by the warm Douglas fir timber frame, a custom-designed turned wood and steel chandelier hangs from the cathedral ceiling in the great room.

In a post-and-beam home, the timber frame serves as the support skeleton of the home so walls can be placed where they are wanted, not where needed. This allows for beautifully lofted spaces with soaring cathedral ceilings and open spaces that flow from one into the next. The photos above are of home designs that can be found on the Yankee Barn Homes website with floor plans.

Clockwise from left: The Springfield Barn Home, Mad River Modern, and the Catskill Lodge.

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23

The Loon Crossing at Pleasant Lake house is a barn home with 2,355 square feet of living space. As designed, it has three bedrooms and four bathrooms, with a potential for a future bathroom in the basement.

The YBH in-house design team takes the wish list and turns it into three-dimensional reality, culminating in a virtual walk through the custom-designed home.

“They were right there with us and excited about our dreams. It was an amazing journey with them,” Leslie says about the process.

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LOON CROSSING AT PLEASANT LAKE The energy efficiency of a YBH build was one of the many features that attracted Ron and Leslie Pferchy to Yankee Barn Homes. When the Maryland couple was ready to build their dream home that would someday become their retirement home, they jumped into the design process with Yankee Barn Homes’ design manager Kerri Terwilliger.

Clients can either begin the design process from an existing Yankee Barn Homes design and modify it to their needs or bring together ideas from their imagination, such as gathered images of design elements or a lifestyle requirement list. The YBH in-house design team takes the wish list and turns it into three-dimensional reality, culminating in a virtual walk-through of the custom-designed home. “They were right there with us and excited about our dreams. It was an amazing journey with them,” Leslie says about the process.

The large window of the Loon Crossing home affords spectacular views. In addition to the insulation values of the True Panel® system, installing the window at the factory is key to energy efficiency.

MODERN STYLES REFLECT A HISTORY OF CRAFTSMANSHIP “It is this sort of connection with customers, attention to detail, and passion for their work that has propelled Yankee Barn Homes through over 50 years of successful business,” says co-owner Jeffrey Rosen. In 2011, his partner, Paul Marinelli, acquired the company, seeing it as a venerable brand that could use a little modernization. For most of its history, the company had stuck to its roots, designing and building mainly barn- and farmhousestyle homes. “We wanted to expand this iconic brand into its next generation. We have taken the style from the 1970s and brought it to 2021,” Jeffrey says.

Like 2020, 2021 will focus on new and emerging technologies, durable architectural elements, and conscious design. The pandemic is having an unmistakable effect on new home designs and how life is lived within them. Some of the top home trends include smarthome technologies, energy-saving technologies, spaces serving multiple functions, prioritizing home offices, and expanding the mudroom concept to an arrival center for packages and shipping needs.

www.uppervalleyimage.com •

25

The 12th hole at Eastman Golf Links is beautiful in every season. Photo by Richard Karash.

THE SAME SUN BE PART OF THE SOLUTION DIFFERENCE For ten years, the most meticulous of customers have trusted their homes to Same Sun.

THE EASTMAN COMMUNITY Another first for the company is a renewal of a building partnership with the community of Eastman, a sustainable, intergenerational, recreational, and residential community that offers an active, four-season lifestyle. Residents of Eastman can take advantage of the many amenities, which include six beaches surrounding a 320-acre lake. Tennis, pickleball, an indoor pool, fitness center, cross-country ski and hiking trails, and a golf driving range round out the amenities included as part of the community’s annual assessment.

Eastman Golf Links is the community’s award-winning 18-hole golf course. It’s a

Call 802-775-7900 to learn more.

EASTMAN’S BEGINNINGS

141 West Street, Rutland VT www.samesunvt.com

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Emil Hanslin was the founder of Yankee Barn Homes and the main designer of Eastman, which encompasses property in Grantham, Enfield, and Springfield, New Hampshire. Emil had learned a great deal during his tenure developing the private community of New Seabury in Mashpee, Massachusetts. He brought that knowledge to the pristine 3,600 acres of New Hampshire hill country. In 1973, Emil relocated his post-and-beam home company Yankee Barn Homes from Mashpee to Grantham, New Hampshire, so he could run the company while continuing the development of Eastman.

family-friendly course with seven tee options for all levels of play. The course is open for memberships and daily play to the public as well as Eastman members.

But it’s the feeling of community that attracts people to Eastman from all over the world. Although the community started 50 years ago as a second-home and retirement community, more than 60 percent of owners are now full-time residents and there is a strong intergenerational component. Community potlucks, new owner coffees, book clubs, golf leagues, a Youth Conservation Corps, and more bring residents of all ages together for camaraderie and fun.

YBH PROPERTIES AT EASTMAN As Eastman celebrates its 50th birthday, it is growing the community for the first time in years, partnering with Yankee Barn Homes to offer unique home designs with classic post-and-beam and energy-efficient features.

Yankee Barn Homes is proud to present YBH Properties at Eastman. Purchasing land and custom building a new home is commonly a time-consuming endeavor. New homeowners at Eastman can enjoy the benefits of building a new home on selected lots previously not available to the public with preapproved designs and preliminary site planning in place.

Today, YBH owners Paul Marinelli and Jeffrey Rosen are proud to be part of cementing the legacy of Emil Hanslin’s land stewardship and quality homebuilding. “We are pleased to be part of increasing members to the Eastman community while providing homeowners a lifetime investment made with quality and energy-efficient materials,” Paul says. Jeffrey adds, “Finding an aesthetic that builds upon Emil’s first home design that combined beauty, value, efficiency, and comfort is our ongoing mission at YBH. In addition, introducing our newest models through the YBH Properties at Eastman project is an honor that brings Emil’s vision full circle into the future of the Eastman community.” tw

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www.uppervalleyimage.com •

27

REAL ESTATE BY MIKE MORIN

Invested in Their Customers and the Community EXPERIENCE SNYDER DONEGAN REAL ESTATE GROUP’S CLIENT-CENTRIC PHILOSOPHY

David Donegan, Owner

John Snyder, Owner

2020 was a year of unprecedented lifestyle changes. How has that affected the types of buyers you are seeing?

The forces driving the robust real estate activity in the Upper Valley are many: relatively unpopulated, safe, beautiful scenery and outdoor activities; clean air and water; good schools and restaurants; and great communities. These attributes appeal to primary and second homeowners alike. This has been furthered by historically low interest rates, a strong stock market, and the shift toward remote work brought about

by COVID. While buying activity over the past several years has been more focused on hub towns, this year we also saw all-time record sales in the smaller towns in the area.

Snyder Donegan sales doubled from 2019 to 2020. What made 2020 such banner year?

We have been focused on steadily growing our market share over the past decade in a field of larger corporate franchises. While property sales in our core markets were up 25 to 75 percent year over year, our firm’s sales more than doubled (up 110 percent) to a record $180 million in 2020, and we

now enter our 12th year as the leading independent/boutique real estate firm in the area. Like most industries, real estate sales were completely shut down for much of March and April. Yet, when New Hampshire and Vermont identified real estate buying and selling as “essential services” in May, buying activity surged. Our top six agents sold/closed $146 million in 2020, or nearly $25 million per agent on average.

Tell us why Snyder Donegan is the go-to for luxury real estate properties.

What sets us apart is our ability to offer the same level of professionalism, exceptional buying and selling services, and superior marketing strategies as large corporate firms without compromising personal connection and relationship with our clients. Our client-centric philosophy allows us to meet the individual unique needs of each buyer and seller. Not to mention, when you work with our agents, you’re working with actual members of the local communities who have an investment not only in helping clients reach their real estate goals but also an investment in reaching community goals as well. tw

35 South Main Street Hanover, NH (603) 643-0599 5 The Green Woodstock, VT (802) 457-2600 www.snyderdonegan.com 28 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

2021

42 Claflin Road, Lyme, New Hampshire.

675 College Hill Road, Woodstock, Vermont.

14 OLCOTT ROAD - NORWICH, VERMONT

www.mountainviewpublishing.com •

29

BY SEAN FOSTER PHOTOS BY MEREDITH COE, COURTESY OF GEOBARNS

BUILDING HOMES and CLIENT PARTNERSHIPS G E O B A R N S TA K E S A H O L I S T I C V I E W O F T H E CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

30 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

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Left: The gray roof and black window frames give this white farmhouse a crisp, modern look in a timeless setting in a pastoral field. The large front porch makes space for outdoor living and entertainment with spectacular views across the valley of multiple mountain ridges.

Above: The interior is washed in a light stain that, along with the cupola above, fills the space with warm, natural light, bringing the outside indoors from every direction.

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31

S

ome ideas strike against convention yet prove themselves over time. George Abetti’s unconventional building idea struck late one night while wrestling with a common design problem: how to build a quality barn for a neighbor on a tight budget. In a moment of inspiration, he realized that a simple change to conventional post-and-beam framing would simultaneously achieve strength, beauty, and

function with greater efficiency and far less waste—and Geobarns was born. Thirty years later, Geobarns’ signature Diagonal Framing can be found in buildings across the United States and Canada. The company has built more than 350 Geobarns, from art studios and workshops to custom homes and commercial venues.

The Modern Farmhouse, Customized While Geobarns began building barns and utility buildings, it’s custom home building that has driven the firm’s success in recent years. George attributes that growth to the recent popularity of the modern farmhouse. “It started out with a few clients asking us if we could build them a ‘barn home.’ When the modern farmhouse trend took off, we were inundated with clients looking for builders who could create what they were seeing on television,” George says.

Geobarns recently completed a residential project adjacent to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia for a family with four active teenagers. The design combines the hallmarks of the modern farmhouse concept with flexible living spaces and minimalist décor. The location near a historic natural preserve drove both the design of the home and careful consideration of site planning.

“What we’re seeing today is an evolution of the modern farmhouse into new forms and finishes.

Clients want more flexible living spaces and interior design choices. Our most recent Geobarns

Right: Unfinished cabinetry, rustic tables, and natural barn-board flooring create a heritage look with a modern twist.

Opposite: A key feature of any barninspired home is an open interior with exposed posts framing structures.

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“Everyone at Geobarns understands that our clients put enormous faith in us to deliver on our promises.

Often, they’re committing their life savings to Geobarns. It’s a sacred trust that we take very seriously. We have to be wise stewards of that trust and totally open about every step of the design and construction process, from our first meeting to the day we say goodbyes.”

BUILDING A TRUE PARTNERSHIP According to George Abetti, clients are seeking transparency and partnership with their builders. George remains a very hands-on CEO, traveling extensively to meet with clients one on one and to inspect proposed building sites in person.

“Everyone at Geobarns understands that our clients put enormous faith in us to deliver on our promises. Often, they’re committing their life savings to Geobarns. It’s a sacred trust that we take very seriously. We have to be wise stewards of that trust and totally open about every step of the design and construction process, from our first meeting to the day we say goodbyes.”

Ryan Hereth juggles the myriad tasks necessary to take a project from initial vision to completed home. “Constant communication is the key,” Ryan says. “We’re helping clients make decisions on everything from floor plans to choosing light fixtures and finish colors. We do everything we can to take the mystery and fear out of the process. We want them to look back on building with us as the most exciting and rewarding adventure of their lives.”

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Left: The mezzanine level, overlooking the great room, provides a great spot for a reading nook and work space.

Below: An intimate seating area in the family room focuses the view on the front porch and the mountains.

homes range from rustic, organic interiors to midcentury design influences. Some of them are minimalist designs that showcase our post-and-beam framing with exposed timber posts and trusses,” George says.

Ryan Hereth, Geobarns’ project management principal, thinks this trend will continue to evolve. “The biggest trend now for us is personalization. Clients have a wealth of design ideas at their fingertips with the Internet, and they’re looking for builders who can turn those ideas into a cohesive expression of their lifestyles in a custom home.”

Conservation and Development Go Hand in Hand Sustainable building practices and concern for the environment are also driving consumer choices for builders, according to Geobarns’ Casey Williams, who manages site stewardship for Geobarns. “Clients are more concerned and better informed than ever before about the impact of human activity on our planet,” says Casey, “and this is a good thing for builders. Conservation and development are no longer at odds with each other. They’re partners. People want to build in a way that protects the landscape and minimizes their personal impact with smart choices in materials and methods.”

Casey has observed a greater interest from clients in protecting site biodiversity. “Our mission has grown to support landowners in stewarding their landscapes not only for enjoyment but also to enhance biodiversity. We help clients consider ways to reestablish landscape features to maximize the beauty, function, and health of native and natural resources and reconnect to the original wildlife habitat.”

David Hamilton, who heads up commercial design, agrees. “We’ve been fortunate to have what is essentially the right product

at the right time. There’s been a long-term trend with building more wisely in terms of the materials we use and how we manage the land combined with renewed interest in forms and structures that connect us with an agrarian heritage. Geobarns can deliver a uniquely designed building that touches on that heritage in a way that embraces best practices for sustainability.”

The Future Is Bright David foresees a bright future for designbuild firms like Geobarns. “The concept of design-build as we have known it is evolving to be more aligned with the historic concept of a ‘master builder.’ Clients want more than a single point of contact for the process from design to construction. They want builders to bring a holistic wisdom to the project that considers how their home will not only accommodate changing needs over their lifetimes but also how the home will be a ‘good citizen’ in the environment. As builders, we have to be multidisciplinary beyond the field of construction. We must be scientists and teachers, partners and visionaries.”

Geobarns’ clients seem to agree. The firm has enjoyed remarkable growth and is embarking on its biggest year yet. “Success is a good and wonderful thing,” says George.

“But the real success, at least for us, is the friendships with clients and suppliers we’ve formed along the way. It’s truly amazing and very humbling to have their trust, and even after many years, to still call them all close friends. There aren’t many people who are blessed to do something they love and make a living doing it. That’s something I give thanks for every day.” tw Geobarns, LLC 704 Kings Highway White River Junction, VT (603) 359-1912 geobarns.com www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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“Through the creative use of space and natural light and thoughtful attention to details, we blend timeless aesthetic appeal in a highly functional format.”

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DREAM BUILDERS

BY TAREAH GRAY PHOTOS COURTESY OF RIVERLIGHT BUILDERS

A Modern Twist on Classical Construction RIVERLIGHT BLENDS AESTHETICS AND FUNCTION

The house was designed and sited to maximize panoramic mountain views to the west while also allowing for maximum solar gain at the roof panels that power the home.

The entry porch adds warmth and curb appeal.

D

eb and Chris Brien are a dynamic husband-and-wife duo who work hand in glove to bring both new life to existing homes and new construction to the area, all while meeting the challenges of modern trends. The Briens have owned Riverlight Builders, Inc., in Norwich, Vermont, for 12 years, improving and erecting homes across Vermont, New Hampshire, and Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. They also own one of the oldest homes in Norwich, built in 1766, and appreciate both old and new building practices.

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DREAM BUILDERS

A recent project in Hanover is a house sited with 180degree mountain views, and the home is powered by an on-site solar array. This includes heat, air conditioning, and appliances. It is “a perfect example of the trend away from reliance on fossil fuels and toward clean energy solutions,” says Deb.

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“My design approach is steeped in classical roots and yet adapted to modern lifestyles,” says Deb, who brings her expertise to the design aspect of the business while her husband Chris is the master builder. “Through the creative use of space and natural light and thoughtful attention to details, we blend timeless aesthetic appeal in a highly functional format.”

The Briens work in close collaboration with architects, designers, craftspeople, and homeowners but also offer inhouse design services. A recent project in Hanover is a house sited with 180-degree mountain views, and the home is powered by an on-site solar array. This includes heat, air conditioning, and appliances. It is “a perfect example of the trend away from reliance on fossil fuels and toward clean energy solutions,” says Deb. The house design also embodies the trend toward open living spaces and incorporates an abundance of natural light.

“Architectural details such as triple-glazed windows and doors in key areas and overhangs that allow for heat gain in winter and shade in summer were all carefully thought out,” says Deb. “Major design elements include a custom wood and metal staircase, eight-foot patio doors, and a gorgeous, 10-foot live-edge reclaimed wood island top.”

The west elevation of the home is all about the view and bringing in as much natural light as possible. Eight-foot patio doors and large double-hung windows bring the outside indoors for this nature-loving family while the large screened porch and oversized patio with firepit expand the living space to the outdoors.

The name Riverlight “is a nod to our sense of place in the Upper Valley ‘river’ and my efforts to maximize the effects of natural light in the spaces I design ‘light,’” says Deb. The couple has more than 40 years of combined experience in architectural design and construction.

“Our ability to tailor our services to meet the needs of a diverse clientele, fidelity to budgets, and the integrity of our business practices form the foundation of Riverlight Builders, and we have a great team,” says Deb. “With projects ranging from small homes and simple cottages to elegant homes in estate settings, new construction to extensive remodeling and small additions, no project is beyond our scope or expertise.” TW Riverlight Builders, Inc. 8 Beaver Meadow Road Norwich, VT (802) 649-1615 riverlightbuilders.net

Building Dreams to Last a Lifetime...

PO Box 446 New London, NH 03257 603.748.2884 gracehillco.com www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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REAL ESTATE BY MIKE MORIN

Offering Exceptional Service to Buyers and Sellers FOUR SEASONS SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

Lori Shipulski Vice President Regional Manager

In a year with so much uncertainty, how do you explain Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty’s record-setting sales?

There’s a famous quote from H. Jackson Brown, Jr.: “Opportunity dances with those who are already on the dance floor.” Even before the challenges of 2020, our team at Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty used technologies that enabled our associates to serve their listing and buying clients either in person or virtually. When the pandemic hit, our associates, administrators, marketing team, and staff were poised to quickly adapt to the new reality.

How do you help sellers maximize the value of their home when they list it with you?

Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty sets its listings apart by presenting homes in their best possible light and with the distinction they deserve. In addition, our teams maintain a network of engaged buyers who are prepared to act quickly and decisively on properties that fit their needs. In order to maximize the value of sellers’ properties, our associates use professional photography, videography, staging, individual property websites, and virtual showings.

17.5 Lebanon Street Hanover, NH (603) 643-6070 fourseasonssir.com 40 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

How do you prepare buyers for the highly competitive market in which they are searching for a home?

We encourage all buyers to have a thorough understanding of their financial ability to purchase a home before they begin seeing properties. Our team recommends knowledgeable local lenders who understand the market, who make themselves available whenever buyers need their input, and who work with appraisers who also understand the marketplace. In a market that is moving extremely quickly, our associates’ knowledge of the market and depth of experience are incredible assets to buyers.

What attracts buyers to the Upper Valley?

In the greater Upper Valley, there is a wide array of employment, educational, cultural, and outdoor activities for people to enjoy. Employers like Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Dartmouth College, Hypertherm, and Adimab bring people to the area who might not have considered it otherwise. Many consumers are focused on moving away from cities, and the Upper Valley is unique among the markets they are considering due in part to the availability of excellent health care and educational systems.

In addition, there’s the proximity to larger metro areas. The natural beauty that surrounds us here, though, is one of the most important life-enhancing features of our unique area. tw

131 Ladieu Road, Plainfield, New Hampshire. MLS# 4844723 2021

Exceptional Properties. Distinctive Storytelling.

Norwich, VT | MLS# 4843924

Connect with our real estate advisors today and allow us to tell the story of your home.

Hanover O: 603.643.6070 | Fairlee O: 802.333.4701 | Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated | FourSeasonsSIR.com

www.mountainviewpublishing.com •

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DREAM BUILDERS

BY THE FELLS STAFF PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE FELLS

A NEW PAVILION AT THE FELLS A BEAUTIFUL VENUE FOR YOUR EVENT

T

he John Hay Estate at The Fells would like to introduce you to its newest project, the very gracious and wellappointed Education and Community Events Pavilion, which was built in 2018. The beautiful structure is a Timberpeg design, the construction was completed by Old Hampshire Designs, and the landscaping was done by Pellettieri Associates, Inc. and The Fells own volunteers and landscape department. tw

“The folks at The Fells were wonderful to work with,” says Jay Tucker of Old Hampshire Designs. “One nice detail is that we were able to use stone from the property for the fireplace. Overall, the project turned out to be everything they hoped for.”

From top: Tables are ready for the Gala Benefit Auction. The Pavilion is a perfect venue for wedding receptions. Photo by Mountford.

A “Raptors” educational program was presented

by VINS (Vermont Institute of Natural Science).

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PLAN YOUR EVENT The Pavilion offers many options for all types of programming and speakers. The Fells’ 84-acre estate, rich in history, horticulture, and ecology, has always been a unique education and events venue with beautiful gardens and historic buildings. The educational programs, presentations, and screenings have the advantage of the capabilities of a new state-of-the-art audio/visual system, and attendees can clearly view and listen without obstructions.

The Ecology Exhibit area adds an educational component to the Pavilion that can be enjoyed and appreciated by people of all ages as there are interesting displays and dioramas as well as hands-on interactive activities. This additional educational area sparks imagination and gives the viewer an opportunity to understand and appreciate the ecological elements that make up The Fells landscape.

603-448-2066 Brian@creativelightingdesigns.com Lebanon, NH Olympus Pendants by

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www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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DREAM BUILDERS

Whether it's a New Home, Addition, or Renovation You’re Dreaming of, Reality is Just a Phone Call Away!

“We are fortunate to have had such an extraordinary team of creative and talented people to make The Fells not bigger but better than ever before,” says Susan Warren, executive director of The John Hay Estate at The Fells. “This unique structure is tastefully constructed with first-class finishes and was made possible through generous donations from loyal supporters in our region. This was being done with our community in mind.”

Beautiful memories can also be made by holding your private event, wedding, and reception in the Pavilion. After a more than a year of staying home and social distancing, the trend for many events is to be safe by holding them outdoors. The Pavilion is an ideal venue for weddings, meetings, and other events, and recently hosted an elegant auction. Amenities include a new warming kitchen attached to the Pavilion, a caterer’s delight with the capacity to warm, cool, and serve special catered events to perfection. The venue is also able to provide round tables and chairs for up to 200 guests. The new public restrooms, which are part of the Pavilion, are very conveniently located and accessible to everyone.

The Pavilion is in a beautifully landscaped private setting that gives the added ambience of the luxurious estate acreage, complete with formal gardens and the lovely appointed and understated elegance of the 22-room Colonial Revival home, which, along with the Pavilion, may also be part of your desired venue.

When you visit the John Hay Estate at The Fells, be sure to stop by the Pavilion. The structure makes a beautiful architectural statement while also being warm and inviting. tw The John Hay Estate at The Fells 456 Route 103-A Newbury, NH (603) 763-4789 thefells.org

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Spring is a Time to Refresh and Renew...

Inspiring Happier and Healthier Communities Since 1957 Allen Pools & Spas

ANICHINI 802

227 Mechanic Street Suite A Lebanon, NH (603) 410-5900 Open 7 Days a Week! www.AllenPools-Spas.com

6931 Woodstock Road Quechee, VT (802) 698-8813 www.anichini.com/vermont

Docks Plus

Eyeglass Outlet

Estes & Gallup

Newport, NH (603) 630-0467 docksplus@gmail.com www.docksplus.com

24 Hanover Street #3 On the Mall Lebanon, NH (603) 448-0030 Mon–Fri 11am–5pm

13 Orford Road Lyme, NH (603) 795-4400 www.estes-gallup.com

Dovetail Landworks

Lumber Barn

Sharon, VT (802) 356-2258 Marcus@dtlandworks.com www.dtlandworks.com

2460 NH Route 114 Bradford, NH (603) 938-5161 www.lumberbarn.com Mon–Fri 7am–5pm; Sat 7:30am–5pm

Terrigenous Landscape Architecture

The Dorr Mill Store Route 11 & 103 between Newport & Sunapee, NH (800) 846-3677 Mon–Sat 9am–5pm www.dorrstore.com

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624 Depot Street Chester, VT (802) 875-1311 www.terrigenous.com

Throughout our Region

Shepard Interior Selections

Watermark Marine Construcrtion

Rodd Roofing

9295 East Woodstock Road Route 4 Quechee, VT For appointments call (802) 457-1116 or email Eleanor@shepardvt.com

1218 Union Ave Laconia, NH (603) 293-4000 www.watermarkmarine.com

49 Perkins Street St. Jonsbury, VT (800) 331-7663 www.roddroofing.com

Norwich Solar Technologies

H.R. Clough, Inc. Heating Oil and Propane

The Gilded Edge

15 Railroad Row, Suite 101 White River Junction, VT (802) 281-3213 info@norwichsolar.com www.norwichsolar.com

76 Pine Street Contoocook, NH (603) 746-3456 (800) 730-2426 www.hrclough.com

Brown’s Auto & Marine

Charles Silva Building and Design

453 Sunapee Street Newport, NH (603) 863-3322 www.brownsautoandmarine.com

106 Midsomer Meadows Lane Woodstock, VT (802) 457-9000 www.charlessilva.com

69 Hanover Street Lebanon, NH (603) 643-2884 gildededgeframing.com Facebook.com/GildedEdgeFrameShop 100% by appointment only Mon–Fri 10am–6pm; Sat 10am–5pm

Smokeshire Design

Inspired Design to Share & Experience 3630 Route 103N Chester, VT (802) 875-3109 www.smokeshiredesign.com Visit our showroom Open 7 days 10am–5pm www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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DREAM BUILDERS

BY DEB THOMPSON PHOTOS BY RIDGELIGHT STUDIOS

MORE THAN BEER IS BREWING AT TWIN

BARNS BREWERY

FRANK ANZALONE ASSOCIATES TURNS TWO BARNS INTO ONE TERRIFIC SPACE

Post-and-beam barns are an iconic symbol throughout New England, representing its rich agricultural history.

It’s appropriate to be brewing with ingredients such as barley and grains in a structure that was built to help cultivate these ingredients.

A

rchitect Frank Anzalone had no way of knowing when he designed a home for David Picarillo 12 years ago that he’d end up designing a brewery for David and his business partner Bruce Walton in Meredith, New Hampshire. “We looked at three different sites,” Frank remembers, “an abandoned warehouse and a restaurant, but as soon as we saw these two old barns, we had one thought— what better place for a brewery?” Originally the barns were not connected; they had been moved from other locations years ago and were combined sometime in the past. Over the years they have housed chickens and eggs, a zoo, an antiques store, and a police motorcycle museum.

A Labor of Love A huge effort went into the structural work to bring the buildings up to today’s requirements. The second floor was unsafe and had to be removed, but all the wood was repurposed for flooring in the new space and was also used in the new back bar. Two large beams could not be saved, but

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DREAM BUILDERS

The character of the exposed beams alludes to the ages of the barns and how they have been adapted to fit the changing needs of the community.

the contractor, Millstone Engineering and Construction of Concord, was able to source two beams from the same era, preserving the beautiful old look of the structure. “The beams and posts are from the 1870s, so we had to add metal plates to bring the building up to code,” says owner David. “We also wanted people to enjoy the brewery, which is in the basement, so we cut out a 20-by-25-foot section of the floor so people can sit at the bar and look down on it.”

Visitors to Twin Barns Brewery can enjoy the outdoors as well. The seven-acre property features a half-acre beer garden, an outdoor bar, Adirondack chairs, and games—challenge your friends to ring toss or cornhole. Loser buys!

From start to finish, Frank and the owners had the same vision—to create an open, airy, safe, and welcoming space while keeping the original feeling of the barns. “We wanted Twin Barns Brewery to be a community meeting place, so we installed long tables so people could easily meet and chat,” David says. “We saved a historic building and brought it back to life, and now it will be around for many more years.” tw Twin Barns Brewing Co. 194 Daniel Webster Highway Meredith, NH (603) 279-0876 www.twinbarnsbrewing.com

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Are you thinking about buying or selling?

ENJOY SIMPLE LIVING AT TREETOPS This seventy-five unit complex is close to Dartmouth College, as well as Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center.

Features include covered parking, a rooftop terrace, and an exercise room. Additional covered parking may be available, as well as exterior parking. Pets allowed. Elevators, on-site mail room, and a lounge area as well.

LEBANON, NH | MULTI-PRICED UNITS | 1 & 2 BEDROOMS | EVAN PIERCE | C: 201.401.4934

HISTORIC HOME WITH AMA ZING VIEWS

L ANDMARK HOME IN HANOVER

Offering 125 acres, including an apple orchard, a multitude of trails, magnificent vistas, extensive stone walls, and an in-ground pool.

Sited on almost three acres of land and within close proximity to Occom Pond, this property has grand and generous spaces.

LEBANON, NH | $1,600,000 EVAN PIERCE | C: 201.401.4934

HANOVER, NH | $3,950,000 | MLS# 4844498 LEAH MCLAUGHRY | C: 603.359.8622 | EVAN PIERCE | C: 201.401.4934

Integrity • Professionalism Local Knowledge • Global Reach Contact me for a discreet, professional conversation about your situation.

Evan Pierce | Agent/Realtor® 17 1/2 Lebanon Street | Hanover, NH 03755 Evan.Pierce@FourSeasonsSIR.com O: 603.643.6070 | C: 201.401.4934 epiercerealtor.com FourSeasonsSIR.com

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

EvanPierceRealtor evanpiercerealtor Evan Pierce

TRENDS FOR TODAY From top: Using a mixer at counter height is easy with a lift-up shelf.

Conveniently store knifes and other utensils near the cooktop with handy drawers.

Keep coffee makers, toasters, and other items out of sight when not in use.

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BY MARY GOW

KITCHENS: REVEAL or CONCEAL? BRILLIANT DESIGN MIXES BEAUTY AND FUNCTIONALITY

This kitchen features maple cabinets painted in a custom color-matched light blue and is accented with a stained rift sawn oak range hood to match the island base material. The corner nook is made from the same material with custom foot accents on the bench. Photo courtesy of Vermont Cabinetry.

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TRENDS FOR TODAY

You want your food processor handy, but you don’t want to look at it. You absolutely want to see your gorgeous La Marzocco espresso machine. Your spice jars can be happily hidden away, but you must be able to put your hand on the saffron when you’re making your paella. Should your beautiful dishes and glassware be part of your décor? And wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to see in the back of the cabinets, where the Christmas waffle iron and fondue pot hide for most of the year?

This year, we have more choices than ever in what we wish to conceal or expose in our kitchens.

Brilliantly designed cabinets store devices and also keep them at a handy height for mixing, dicing, kneading, or slicing. Soft-touch cabinet doors swing open to reveal tiers of well-organized storage space. Shelves instead of upper cabinets offer an airy look and space to creatively display kitchenware that we use and love.

Kitchen design professionals have myriad new options to create the unique look and function that each client seeks. Deciding what to see in the kitchen is a personal preference. Fortunately, with storage and display options, a kitchen can have the curated look you crave and work seamlessly at the same time. Here are a few trends in storage solutions, devices, technology, and lighting for 2021.

REVEAL IT Open shelves: Unlike cabinets with doors, shelves visually open up space.

Wood, a painted finish, metal—they come in all styles. Open shelves allow the creative display of your dishes, glasses, cookware, plants, or art.

Narrower than a closed cabinet, they have an airy look. Your items have a quality of floating in plain sight. In plain sight is another of their benefits—no opening and shutting doors, just scan your eyes around and find the egg cups.

Coffee bar: You’re an aficionado, a home barista! You savor your caffeinated brews. A home coffee bar set up with the equipment that makes your perfect cup really doesn’t have to be hidden from sight, especially with the handsome machines now available. A dedicated space with your preferred mugs and beans, machine, grinder, and French press brings it all together.

Simple or grand, Italian or French inspired, your coffee bar may be a centerpiece, tucked into a nook, or even featured on a mobile coffee cart.

Open shelves.

Coffee bar.

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photo: woodmarkcabinetry.com

2021

t shelves.

Corner pull-ou

Organization drawers.

Pull-down shelves.

CONCEAL IT Ingenious cabinet design offers more options than ever before to store and access your kitchen supplies, explains Todd Walker, owner of Vermont Cabinetry, now based in Walpole, New Hampshire. Current trends include: Adjustable rolling organizers: “Adjustable rolling organizers are a big trend right now. They have ease of storage and ease of finding things,” says Todd. The roll-out portion is usually the bottom half of a taller pantry. Open the soft-close door with a handle or a touch option to reveal the multiple tiers of storage space, shelves, and racks that easily roll or swing out, allowing access to further layers. An array of specialized storage features includes spice racks, utensil canisters, and bins for baking supplies.

Shelf lifts: “It looks like a shelf but has a hydraulic arm that does the lifting for you,” says Todd about these new devices for storing appliances.

Your mixer, food processor, and other pieces can have their home and power source behind the cabinet door. Open the door and the shelf effortlessly lifts to countertop height.

Pop-up outlets: Instead of power strips or wall outlets, pop-up outlets and chargers retract into countertops. With a touch they emerge when needed and then recede when not in use.

Pull-down shelves: Top shelves in upper kitchen cabinets may be tough to access. Enter the pull-down shelf, the overhead counterpart to the lift. With a gentle pull on a handle, a mechanism swings the shelf out and down into easy reach. Gently push and it retracts back to its original height.

Pop-up outlets.

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TRENDS FOR TODAY

BOLD, BRILLIANT, WHITE, OR GRAY? There are no set rules for kitchen color, but a few color trends are emerging or here to stay.

White kitchens endure.

The airiness and versatility of a white kitchen has lasting appeal—elegant or casual, detailed or streamlined.

Along with the white, contrasting color, texture, and material are becoming more popular. Brass, brick, wood, wicker, and leather are all at home in the kitchen.

Black and dark grays and blues are pairing with white kitchens and also standing on their own. Black tile, stone, and paint are standing out, not just in details but also in planes of contrast—backsplashes, accent walls, countertops, and even the occasional ceiling. Todd Walker notes the striking combination of a black island in a white kitchen.

A calming color, blue is perhaps an especially appropriate trend for this time.

Dark blues in particular seem to be having a resurgence, notes Todd. The blues are not only pairing with whites and grays but also with wood. Ash, maple, birch, and beech are among the hardwoods with orange highlights in their grain.

Orange and blue are complementary colors that attract and enhance each other, and they are a rising color trend in kitchens.

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A modern kitchen features sleek countertops, cabinets, and appliances.

The light fixtures lend an industrial feel while the wood beams, flooring, and bar stools add warmth. Photo courtesy of Vermont Cabinetry.

Inset: Lighted drawers are a must-have in new kitchens.

“Motion-sensitive lighting inside cabinets and in drawers is an exciting trend.

Open the door or drawer and an interior light comes on. The light shuts off when you close it,” says Todd.

NOW YOU SEE IT The days of darkness are over, at least inside cabinets.

Innovations in lighting illuminate places previously left in the shadows. “Motion-sensitive lighting inside cabinets and in drawers is an exciting trend. Open the door or drawer and an interior light comes on. The light shuts off when you close it,” says Todd.

A world of new options for kitchen lighting is now possible with motion detectors and LED technology, he explains. This includes innovation in under-cabinet lighting. With new LED light strips, lighting color can change. You might want bright white while cooking, a softer yellow in the evening, and perhaps colors for mood or festivities. tw Vermont Cabinetry 5 Dunning Lane North Walpole, NH (802) 463-9930 vermontcustomcabinetry.com

Left: These handsome, doormounted maple shelving components prove that storage can be as beautiful as it is functional.

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New Kitchen?

How Convenient!

T H E P R O S AT C R O W N P O I N T W I L L H E L P Y O U S TAY O R G A N I Z E D

When a couple decides to invest in a new kitchen, there will be lots of discussion, agreement and disagreement, and happily, compromise. But the one thing they can immediately agree on is the need to get better organized.

BY BRIAN STOWELL, PRESIDENT, CROWN POINT CABINETRY PHOTOS COURTESY OF CROWN POINT CABINETRY

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Fortunately, choices for organizational accessories abound for today’s homeowner. Where and how to store items shouldn’t be an afterthought. While it’s easy to focus on the appearance and style of your new kitchen, equal attention should be paid to what is going inside. Your gorgeous new kitchen can quickly lose its appeal if you have to spend time rummaging around in drawers or hunting behind closed doors. Conversations that start with “I think I put that in the junk drawer” are, without a doubt, less than ideal.

Your kitchen designer, of course, can help in the planning stages. And a good designer will do their best to account for your storage needs. But even the best will need input from you as to what items are important to you. Depending upon the amount of food prep and cooking being done in a kitchen, it might be worth your time to compile a list. Include pots and pans and dishes, by all means, but look beyond those.

Think about can storage, countertop appliances, or a charging station for electronics hidden in a drawer.

Because of the myriad of options, your design will be unique to you. Your kitchen can have different requirements than your neighbor’s. And depending upon your cabinetmaker, not all choices may be available. For the most flexibility and choices, a full custom cabinetmaker will be able to provide the perfect fit for your home.

The Appeal of Custom Drawers Let’s take a look at some of the more interesting additions going into kitchens today. In some ways, what is old is new again. Drawers were very common in early cupboard and pantry designs. As times changed, it was more common to have fewer drawers and more doors in your kitchen. This provided storage with a fixed or floating shelf, which was neither convenient nor optimal. Fast forward to today, and drawers are back in a big way. Clients are demanding more drawers in their designs. The ability to add storage features in these drawers makes them all the more appealing.

The one component that almost always gets included is a cutlery divider. These can be as simple as equally divided spaces to hold forks, knives and spoons, or elaborate layouts to accommodate long utensils and specialized kitchen tools. If space is a concern, drawers can be designed to be dual purpose: half flatware storage, and half knife block, for example.

Furthermore, drawers can be felted for clients’ flatware or long utensil dividers. Or perhaps there’s a preference for a two-tier cutlery divider: two independent shallow cutlery drawers placed one above the other, all in a single drawer.

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Drawers are back in a big way.

Clients are demanding more drawers in their designs. The ability to add storage features in these drawers makes them all the more appealing.

1

5

2

3

4 6

Opposite: This tall, soft-close can storage features six shelves (five adjustable) and enough room for a weeks’ worth of boxed, bagged, bottled, and canned goods.

1. A 36-inch-wide drawer houses a knife block on the left, long cutlery on the right. 2. Solid American black walnut provides for handsome and durable cutlery storage. 3.

Treasured silverware is protected with felted drawers.

4. Maximize space with a two-tier cutlery drawer system.

5. There’s no need to reach for a step stool when wall cabinetry has a pull-down feature. 6. The curvy Lemans© catches everyone’s eye with its independent swing-out shelves.

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Above: This double-basket recycling center makes sorting a breeze . . . and is beautifully hidden!

Opposite: Dining elegance for your pets, easy cleanup and push-to-conceal for you.

No More Dark Corners One of the early convenience options in a kitchen was the lazy Susan for the base corner cabinet. This was preferable to a hard-to-reach shelf that went back into a deep, dark corner. The best lazy Susan units turn smoothly and quietly, and even self-center to accommodate the bifold doors. While this is a great option for a corner install, it is not the only one. The Magic Corner© gives the homeowner the most storage possible. In addition, the design allows you to pull on one handle and bring the shelves out to you. Finally, what has been described as the sexiest base corner storage option available is the Lemans©. Shaped like the racetrack, these corner shelves are designed to glide out smoothly and easily—definitely a crowd favorite. Regardless of your choice, gone are the days of crawling into the corner with a flashlight to look for the holiday food platter.

Intelligent Storage Base cabinets with a single shelf are where canned goods would go to die.

With the pull-out can storage units, canned goods are organized, easy to see, and easy to reach. Hardware manufacturers have designed these units to pull out easily, regardless of the number of cans on the shelves. If you are a chef at heart and have more canned goods than the average homeowner, you can opt for pull-out can storage units in a tall cabinet. These components can attach directly to a door so only one motion is required to get what you need.

Also designed with single-motion convenience in mind—something no kitchen is complete without—is the recycling center. These double-basket units are the best way to separate trash and recyclables without having to look at them every time you walk into your kitchen. The soft-close mechanism, found on the nicest cabinetry, makes using these centers a pleasure.

Residential Design & Construction • Additions & Remodeling • Custom Kitchens & Baths Historic Reproduction & Restoration

802.649.1615 62 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

2021

www.riverlightbuilders.com

Turn empty wall space into a focal point with a

MENDOTA GAS FIREPLACE

Not to be left out, wall cabinetry can be equipped with accessories to make you happy you invested in a new kitchen. Pantry shelves can be attached to the back of wall doors, allowing you to store and access the most popular goods in your kitchen. Vertically challenged? Pull-down shelving units allow the shorter occupants of the house to reach everything on both shelves. Equipped with mechanized springs and gas pistons for safe and easy operation, this convenience feature is like nothing you ever saw in your grandmother’s kitchen!

Accessibility in wall cabinetry doesn’t have to take a back seat in your design. The ultimate in ease of use involves motorized lift-up doors that open with a gentle push.

Closing them is equally as easy, with just a touch on a button. No lifting required!

The kitchen can be also be convenient for the four-legged members of the family.

Nobody wants to be tripping over dog dishes in their beautifully remodeled space. The solution is hidden toe-kick drawers that hold pet food bowls. Once Spot has finished eating, the dish is easily removed for cleaning, and a simple push on the drawer hides it away.

And speaking of dogs, there’s no need to ostracize them when they wish to be in their kennel. Utilize a proper amount of space and bedding at the end of a cabinet run, design in a kennel door, and your dogs will love the area designed just for them!

While this list is far from complete, it shows organizational and convenience features that offer today’s homeowners some of the most clever and space-efficient options ever. TW Crown Point Cabinetry 462 River Road Claremont, NH (800) 999-4994 crown-point.com

HOME COMFORT WAREHOUSE 54 Bridge Street • White River Junction, VT • 802-295-8778 WWW.HOMECOMFORTWAREHOUSE.COM Open M–F 9 to 5 • Sat 10 to 4

This is the place for you. Imagine exceptional bath, kitchen and lighting products from trusted brands, in settings that help you envision them in your own home. Classic styles alongside the newest trends. A friendly staff offers guidance to ensure that your project goes smoothly.

LEBANON, NH 55 Etna Road • 603-448-9405 • frankwebb.com

www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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INSURANCE BY MIKE MORIN

Protect Your Assets GUARALDI INSURANCE OFFERS A RANGE OF COVERAGE OPTIONS

Timothy J. Guaraldi LUTCF, CLCS Owner Primary Agent

How can bundling auto and home insurance needs from the same provider save money?

Most companies offer considerable discounts for quoting both your auto and home insurance together. Many offer additional discounts if you also include other policies, such as the auto if you include life insurance or toy policies (boats, motorcycles, ATVs, and UTVs).

However, many companies are also moving to telematic discounts, whereby an app is downloaded to your smartphone in order to track your driving habits. If your driving habits are good, you may qualify for a discount on your automobile insurance.

Explain how you can help young drivers’ insurance needs when they first get their license.

We provide education about insurance, teaching them how coverage works and explaining discounts for good grades and good driving habits, including acceleration, braking, speed control, and nighttime driving. We also explain how fast your insurance can increase from violations and accidents that are their fault. We discuss the insurance costs of insuring a new vehicle versus a used vehicle and other things they have probably never had a conversation about.

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

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What is personal umbrella insurance and in what circumstances should a family consider this type of coverage?

Personal umbrella policies do not cover an umbrella, unless the wind blows it out of your hand and it flies through the air and injures another person or damages someone’s property. Umbrella policies are in addition to the liability that is part of your auto, home, condo, or renter’s policy. They add on additional

2021

liability coverage above the limits on the underlying policies just listed. Examples would be if you have teenagers who will be driving soon, if you are a high net worth individual, and if you have worked your entire life to accumulate a retirement account and would like to protect it from an accidental liability claim.

You might also want to consider an umbrella policy if you own animals. I purchased one about 25 years ago when my daughter decided we should have horses to ride, so we got two. The policy was meant mostly to take care of injuries if my daughter’s friends, who were not used to being around large animals, were over and happened to be hurt.

What can you offer in terms of a free quote and easy-to-understand programs?

We have two systems for getting quotes. The first is an express link on our web page. It will provide a quote any time of the day or night.

The second is a more formal quoting system that allows you to input information and we may then reach out to you and gather more information specific to your needs and can then provide a quote in a timely manner. It will include business auto, business insurance, workers comp, contractors, bonding, condominium, or anything that you might be interested in. We also provide coverage for valuable items, golf clubs, golf carts, bicycles, jewelry, collectables, computers, coins, guns, and more. tw

www.mountainviewpublishing.com •

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BY E. SENTEIO

THE ART OF THE

BATH

C R E AT E Y O U R O W N S PA - L I K E S A N C T U A RY

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This serene bathroom features products from Toto, including semirecessed vessel sinks, a freestanding tub with filler, and Toto’s Modern Series Aero rain showerhead.

The toilet is the Neorest with Actilight.

Photo courtesy of Frank Webb Home.

www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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T

here is a space beyond noise and clutter, where the light is soft, and warm water falls like gentle rain soothing your mind and body. Music drifts slowly through honeysucklescented air. Or . . . there is space where strobe lights spin patterns across the walls, where hot water pulses hard, targeting your sore muscles, and the bass sets your heart racing.

Your bathroom sanctuary can be anything you want it to be, whether you are building from the ground up or just looking for that one thing to make your bathroom a little more spa-like.

Let’s take a brief look at the major players in contemporary bathroom design.

TUBS According to Showroom Manager Melissa Hood of Frank Webb Home, freestanding bathtubs are among the hottest trends for home builders and bath remodelers. That’s right. If you have one of the old-style clawfoot tubs, you’re ahead of the trend. But styles and functions have evolved. Freestanding bathtubs come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether square or rectangular, circular, barrel, or kidney-shaped, made of porcelain, ceramic, stone resin, copper, or even wood, they create a stunning feature in a sanctuary bath. No longer pushed into the corner, your stylish bathtub can be the centerpiece of the room. “It’s that aesthetic appeal” that makes them popular, says Melissa.

“You walk in, and you feel like you’re at a luxurious resort.”

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Below: This bathroom features the elegant simplicity from the Kohler Tresham Collection of tubs, showers, faucets, and vanities.

Opposite: Relax and get away in this beautiful Kohler Artifacts freestanding tub and tub faucet. Photos courtesy of The Ultimate Bath Store.

“Freestanding tubs are in,” agrees Darlene Brown at the Ultimate Bath Store in Lebanon.

“Most freestanding tubs in 2021 will not have feet, but if that’s what you want, we can help you out with that too.”

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While homeowners once clamored for large whirlpool or garden tubs tucked into the corner and propelling jets of water, now customers are more interested in air baths. Air baths, explains Melissa, “have pinhole jets in the bottom that blow heated air up through the water.” They are the latest trend offering a kinder, gentler, therapeutic massage. Stop by the Frank Webb Home Lebanon showroom to see one of the top-of-the-line models that includes air and water jets, as well as aroma and chromo (light) therapies.

Alcove and drop-in tubs are still popular, especially in guest bathrooms and for parents and households with young children and pets. “Freestanding tubs are in,” agrees Darlene Brown at the Ultimate Bath Store in Lebanon. “Most freestanding tubs in 2021 will not have feet, but if that’s what you want, we can help you out with that too.” Darlene’s advice is to think about how you’ll use your new tub. “If you’re a soaker, you may want a cast-iron tub or English cast tub, something to hold the heat. If you want air jets, we have options from cast iron to acrylic and everything in between. Finding the perfect tub is what creating a spa bathroom is all about.”

SHOWERS You’re a shower person. The right showerhead can make all the difference. Handheld or fixed, rain showerheads are all the rage offering a range of pressures and flows from the steady warmth of a summer rainfall to a full-body misting. If you prefer something more forceful, try an overhead mounted rain showerhead, like a giant candy cane that delivers a copious, steady stream of water that is both drenching and invigorating. A fixed showerhead can be mounted to the wall or ceiling and equipped with numerous functions and even remote control.

Or perhaps you prefer a simplistic handheld with a side lever to control water pressure. Your sanctuary showerhead can be multipurpose or a combo of fixed and handheld styles.

“Rain heads, handheld shower sprays, body sprays, and standard showerheads are all options you can choose,” Darlene says. Do you want a digital shower to turn on with a voice command or something simpler? “The master shower can be your sanctuary, like the freestanding tub,” she says. Take your pick or choose both!

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Above: The MAAX dual threshold shower base with reveal door and return panel has a clean silhouette.

Inset: Summon the rain and transform your showering experience with Kohler’s Real Rain shower panel.

Opposite: Put a fresh twist on simple with more from Kohler’s Tresham Collection: the Margaux faucet and sconces, a stylish twopiece toilet, and a Hydrorail arch shower column that is designed to accommodate a wide array of shower configurations without altering in-wall plumbing.

TIPS Don’t forget the view! A picture window in a bathroom can be a live show of nighttime stars or hummingbirds gathered around a feeder. Talk to Douglas at American Plate Glass about one-way window glass, then lay back, relax, and watch the crowds pass by. No window? Hang something beautiful (and safe) to enjoy while you shower or soak.

Think ahead: • Installation requirements • Water pressure/plumbing/electrical • Ease of cleaning and maintenance • Long-term cost, function, and appeal Stay warm and safe: Floors, towel

Handheld or fixed, rain showerheads are all the rage offering a range of pressures and flows from the steady warmth of a summer rainfall to a full-body misting.

racks, and in-shower seats all offer heated models. Throw rugs with nonslip backing warm up a space, prevent slips, and are easy to clean.

Floors can be texturized for better grip, and some heated towel racks are grab-bar rated for safety. Warm, fluffy, absorbent towels enhance the spa experience.

All these delightful gadgets usually reside in shower enclosures. At American Plate Glass, Douglas Scott says he and his wife, Mindy, do pretty much anything glass, from putty and glaze window replacements to commercial storefronts. But a large part of their business is shower enclosures and bathroom mirrors. “People want enclosures with as little framework as possible and heavy glass.”

Sizes and needs vary from replacing a tub with a shower to creating a customized space with an eight-foot shower door opening. “But big enclosures are very popular these days,” says Scott. No-threshold shower enclosures are also trendy and minimize the chance of a trip and fall, especially with aging populations. If you’re thinking about a doorless enclosure, keep in mind that shower enclosures keep in the heat as well as the water.

While some people enjoy the open open-air quality of clear shower glass, others prefer a bit of privacy: “We do custom frosted patterns on shower enclosures and other glass, and etchings on light glass.” Frosted patterns are not only aesthetic but can create a privacy barrier in a shared bathroom—or if you’re merely modest. Perhaps add a set of glass-etched sconces to match your shower design.

Little things make a big difference: • A firm-bristle back brush can be a bather’s best friend.

• A bath pillow can be an inexpensive and surprisingly enjoyable addition to your bath.

• Don’t forget the (waterproof) music player and speakers! Or maybe it’s white noise that relaxes you.

• How about that waterproof notebook for jotting down the brilliant ideas that come to you while you’re showering?

• Attach an aromatherapy diffuser to your showerhead and let the steamy scent work its magic.

• Lighting matters. From ceiling to twinkle lights, set your mood.

• Hang a sign on the door: “Occupied

SINKS AND FAUCETS Floating sinks had their day, but people missed their storage. What to do with all the toiletries you usually tuck out of sight to keep your sink area tidy?

and uninterested.” “My time.” “Don’t even THINK about it.”

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Experience the clean lines and beautiful proportions of the Toto Neorest® NX2 dual flush toilet. Photo courtesy of Frank Webb Home.

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Welcome floating vanities. You still get the open feel of more floor and a place to store your necessities. If you have more than enough storage space elsewhere, the vintage-inspired washstand sink can add a bit of whimsy and flare, or maybe it’s the perfect fit for a guest bathroom.

Drop-ins, vessels, wall-mounted, double basin, pedestal—sink options abound. And like tubs, they are moving away from the wall. If space is not an issue, picture a small kitchen island in the middle of the bathroom, round or square, with tall faucets arching over dual or even triple sinks. Spas have been doing it for years, and now you can have one in your very own spa-like bathroom.

Sinks come in many different sizes, shapes, and materials. “A pottery or copper sink in the powder room is a way to make a unique statement,” says Darlene at the Ultimate Bath Store.

“Have fun with it!” A sink of spun glass, vitreous china, or fire clay can be a piece of art, but you can also choose a simple undermount oval sink—still beautiful!

Faucets are all about functionality and beauty.

Just like in the shower and bath, people want

more control over water temperature, flow, and pressure. A precision swivel handle can help preserve water and regulate pressure. Eco-friendly designs can track water usage via smartphone apps, and touchless options minimize the spread of dirt and germs. Color choices are no longer limited to silver and gold tones; now, matte metallics, polished patinas, brushed bronze, and textured finishes add the perfect accent to your décor.

Waterfall, tall, arched, spouted, single or double handles, whatever type of faucet you choose, make sure it is compatible with your dream sink. They don’t have to be friends, but they do have to fit and function together.

TOILETS The toilet remains primarily oval, elongated, or round through necessity, but lately, it is having a bit of a renaissance.

There was a time when discussing toilets didn’t go much beyond white and porcelain, and to most homeowners, one brand was indistinguishable from another.

These days, a lot of thought and possibly a lot of money can go into purchasing a toilet.

“So many choices and questions,” says Darlene. “One piece, two pieces, or intelligent? Round front or elongated?

Standard trap, concealed trap, or skirted?

Then there’s the choice for toilet seats: are they slow close, standard close, or cleansing seats?”

Do you want a dual-flush or low-flow toilet that saves the planet? Or the sleeklooking wall-mounted toilet that makes it a breeze to clean the floor and saves space? Do you want an intelligent toilet that warms your seat, flushes and closes its lid, and runs on a wireless remote?

Cleaning the toilet often tops the list of most disliked chores. How about a toilet that cleans itself? “There is one toilet that runs a rinse before and after you do your business,” says Melissa. “Then the lid closes, and the antimicrobial light comes on and sanitizes any bacteria that may still be in the bowl.”

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Bidets have also made it on the trending list. Previously only encountered on trips abroad, the COVID-19 toilet paper shortage and sanitation concerns have made bidets relevant again. They are no longer just stand-alone units taking up extra floor space. Now they come in a range of prices and styles, from the one-piece built-ins and custom add-ons to simple toilet lid attachments and even hand-size travel bidets. Some models offer remote and manual controls for water pressure, temperature, spray, angles, and wash cycles.

People who love bidets praise the use of less toilet paper and the shower-fresh feeling of clean.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS These are only the big-picture items.

What you choose will depend on if it is for your master bath or a guest area, if it’s a new build, a remodel, or a sprucing up.

It will come down to how much money you want to spend and how much space is available. Mostly it is about personal need and choice. But you never know what you don’t know. Do your research.

Visit a showroom, talk to people in the industry, and search the Internet.

Many recent trends are not new products or innovations, yet technological advances have made spa-like amenities and comforts financially and functionally accessible to homeowners. With so many options available, your personalized and sanitized oasis may soon be no farther than your bathroom door. tw

American Plate Glass Company 150 Pleasant Street Claremont, NH (603) 542-7787 www.americanplateglass.com Frank Webb Home 55 Etna Road Lebanon, NH (603) 448-9405 www.frankwebb.com The Ultimate Bath Store 262 Mechanic Street Lebanon, NH (603) 442-6488

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BEAUTIFUL VIEWS

BY ANNA HEWITT MARKETING AND EVENTS DIRECTOR RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN

BEAUTIFUL, EFFICIENT WINDOWS DONE RIGHT RENEWAL BY ANDERSEN

R

enewal by Andersen has one of the best warranties in the business. When you call, you receive a free home consultation with our talented team of Design Consultants. We have adapted to the COVID-19 requirements and protocols and still work to make it the most positive experience. When costumers have questions or concerns, we have an excellent team in our office that works to provide the best customer service possible.

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Opposite: The homeowners created this custom kitchen design to achieve the bright light and modern feel they wanted.

Left: With superior ventilation, casement windows provide natural light throughout your home.

4

BENEFITS OF CASEMENT WINDOWS 1 Superior Ventilation Casement windows open outward, so no other type of replacement window offers as big an opening for ventilation. Also, casement windows can catch side breezes because their open sash acts as a flap to funnel refreshing outdoor air into your living space.

2 Better Views Casement windows feature fewer muntins (strips of wood, vinyl, metal, or fiberglass that divide panes of glass) than other conventional window options.

This yields a broader, clearer view of your landscape, resulting in a seamless connection between the outdoors and your interior.

3 Unlimited Design Variations One of the challenges of window replacement is finding window styles that complement your home’s architectural style. You won’t have to worry about such issues with casement windows as they come in a wide variety of designs, such as French, pushout, and Colonial grill, to name a few.

4 Exceptional Security Casement windows feature hook-shaped casement locks embedded within their frames, which gives homes an added layer of security. www.rbacincy.com/windows/4-major-benefits-of-casement-windows-over-other-styles/

Renewal by Andersen’s High Performance Low-E4 SmartSun glass is the most energy-efficient glass we have ever offered, at 70 percent more energy efficient in summer and 45 percent more energy efficient in winter as compared to ordinary dual-panel glass.

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BEAUTIFUL VIEWS Like years past, we have once again won the 2021 Most Efficient with Energy Star! Whether it’s freezing outside or blistering hot, you know your Renewal by Andersen replacement windows will help maintain even temperatures within your home for the ultimate in comfort. Our windows have High-Performance™ Low-E4® thermal glass for the best performance, with SmartSun™ glass coating for even better results. Renewal by Andersen’s High Performance Low-E4 SmartSun glass is the most energy-efficient glass we have ever offered, at 70 percent more energy efficient in summer and 45 percent more energy efficient in winter as compared to ordinary dual-panel glass.

Renewal by Andersen of Vermont is locally owned and operated. Visit our showroom today! tw Renewal by Andersen 262B Mechanic Street Lebanon, NH (802) 457-1849 rbavermont.com

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A window replacement project provides energy efficiency and beauty.

BEAUTIFUL VIEWS

BY THE FOLKS AT MARVIN PHOTOS COURTESY OF WINDOWS & DOORS

BY BROWNELL

Create happier, healthier spaces with Marvin Skycove and Marvin Awaken Skylight.

LET IN THE LIGHT

M

WINDOWS & DOORS BY BROWNELL

any people are looking for ways to live healthier and happier, and they expect their homes to be part of that quest. As a result, light has been increasingly on the minds of designers and architects. “People want to feel better and live healthier lives,” says Christine Marvin, director of corporate strategy and design at Marvin. “Light has a huge impact on how people feel about their home.”

Scientific evidence further affirms the reasoning behind the cultural sentiment.

Research indicates that increased exposure to light makes people more productive and improves their sense of well-being, therefore improving overall wellness. It’s no surprise that homeowners and architects alike are exploring ways to bring more natural light and light patterns into homes.

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“People want to feel better and live healthier lives,” says Christine Marvin, director of corporate strategy and design at Marvin. “Light has a huge impact on how people feel about their home.”

Windows & Doors By PowerHouse Mall 8 Glen Road West Lebanon, NH (603) 298-5555 wdbrownell.com

Brownell 800 Marshall Avenue Williston, VT (802) 862-4800

A Return to Evolutionary Psychology To understand why light in the home can be so impactful, it helps to explore the concept of biophilic design, which represents a return to evolutionary psychology and taking this into account when designing spaces.

Humans have always sought certain elements to feel safe, secure, and in the most optimal emotional state, which was ingrained in us from the earliest days of living on terrain like meadows and the savanna. Not only does light make us feel better, light exposure plays an important role in a healthy sleep/wake cycle and how daylight affects our inherent circadian rhythms: physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle.

Maximizing Light Window styles, configurations, and glazing can all work together to create a functional, healthy, and inspiring light-filled home. Modern homes are increasing in popularity and tend to have more windows and narrower frames, which results in more overall light.

When a home’s design embraces and enhances the benefits of natural sunlight through deliberate choices that strengthen the connection to the outdoors, those much-desired feelings of well-being will be the natural result. Connect with the professionals at Windows & Doors By Brownell to discuss your new or replacement project and how you can incorporate more light and wellness into your home. tw

Improving overall wellness can start in your home with the Marvin Signature Ultimate Collection.

www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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BEAUTIFUL VIEWS

BY SUSAN NYE

IMPROVE YOUR OUTLOOK EFFICIENCY AND FUNCTION FROM LOEWEN WINDOW CENTER

Y

ou can’t have great light without great windows and doors, so perhaps it’s time to consider upgrading yours with the latest, most efficient styles. Along with larger pieces of glass, there is an uptick in windows and doors with modern, clean lines and narrower frames. As part of this modern aesthetic, black has become an increasingly important choice for both interior and exterior frames.

Check out all the latest options at Loewen Window Center of Vermont and New Hampshire in White River Junction.

Loewen windows are manufactured in Manitoba, Canada.

The company knows cold and pioneered true triple glazing for increased energy efficiency.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOEWEN WINDOWS

Owner Marc Guillemette says, “Loewen has been around for more than 100 years. Homeowners, architects, and builders work with us for our windows’ performance as well as our extensive experience and knowledge.” tw

KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN CENTER 82 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

2021

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

17 Granite Place Enfield, NH 03748 • 603-632-9800 www.shakerhillgranite.com

WHAT’S NEW?

BY TAREAH GRAY

WAVE of the FUTURE TRY AN ELECTRIC BOAT

Water fun is still in, but noise and pollution are out.

The 22-foot Bay Island model has a 9-foot, 3-inch beam and a capacity of 12 adults.

P

lanes, trains, and automobiles have all embraced the trend to go electric. Boats, bicycles, and other modes of transportation are now hitching on, too.

New Hampshire Electric Boats is the state’s only dealer of Duffy Electric Boats, providing boaters across the state with a quiet, emissionless, novelty water vessel. Owner John Ryan, a retired fire captain from Massachusetts, runs the business out of his home on Pleasant Lake in New London.

He signed on as New Hampshire’s only dealer of Duffy Electric boats in July 2019 but really got the business rolling last May after his son set up a website and the boating season began. A boat owner since he was 18, John flew out to the Duffy headquarters in Newport Beach, California, toured their factory, and signed a contract to be their exclusive dealer for New Hampshire.

John sold two boats in the first week of May despite the pandemic closing down local boat shows. “With the pandemic, everyone’s gone to boats and bikes and RVs so they can enjoy the outdoors and social distance while having something to entertain them,” he says.

The 100-percent-electric boats cruise at six miles per hour with a four-horsepower, battery-powered engine that lasts

up to 12 hours when fully charged and adds zero noise, oil, or gas pollution to the water. One of John’s customers set up solar power on his boat to charge the battery without any need to plug in. The 18- and 22-foot boats fit 10 to 12 people.

There is also a 16-foot model.

“While cruising, you can talk with a group of people just like you’re in your living room,” says John. “There is no engine noise; all you hear is the water passing by.”

It takes at least six weeks for the boat to be built and arrive once it is ordered. John spends his summer days taking people out for cruises on his boat so they can decide if they want to buy one for themselves. The 18-foot electric boat costs about $46,000, and the 22-foot boat is priced at about $56,000.

“I just got hooked,” says John. “I didn’t set out to be in the boat business. But I don’t really sell them. I take folks for a test ride, and they buy them. There’s no salesmanship needed.

They sell themselves. It’s more fun than it is work.” tw New Hampshire Electric Boats PO Box 1136 New London, NH (603) 417-0229 nhelectricboats.com www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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BY ANNE RICHTER ARNOLD PHOTOS COURTESY OF GILBERTE INTERIORS

ACCOMMODATING THE

NEW NORMAL

GILBERTE INTERIORS CREATES HOME OFFICES AND STUDY SPACES

L

oungewear instead of business attire, Zoom calls instead of inperson meetings, and wherever

one can find space for a laptop instead of

commuting to an office; for many, this has become the weekday routine. Working from home changed the lifestyles of a significant number of people throughout the country in 2020, and with it, the needs of homeowners.

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Above: Creating a peaceful space in this busy household allows for productive work.

Printers, a charging station, and everything needed in an office allows for a seamless transition to work from home.

Inset: Soft-textured fabrics and an area rug add to the overall calming feel of this room.

www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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Since this trend is not expected to end anytime soon—or ever, for some people—interior designers like Cheryl Boghosian, ASID, of Gilberte Interiors in Hanover, New Hampshire, have the expertise to create or renovate home offices and spaces for learning that are conducive to staying focused and productive.

Within the first few months of the pandemic and shutdown last year, Cheryl says the majority of requests were to create spaces for her clients to work from home more comfortably, improve the lighting design of their current workspace, and to better accommodate virtual learning—essentially to create an environment that makes the family feel relaxed, organized, and productive. “Our challenge has been to create well-designed spaces that achieve these goals.”

Creating a work space for all family members has been important. Everyone is more successful when they have a space cleared of clutter, making it easier to focus. Using Corion and other solid-surface materials for desk tops allows for easy cleaning.

“Making sure [home offices] are ergonomically successful and comfortable has also been a priority, and finding the right furnishings is key,” says Cheryl.

Home Becomes the Office “In the beginning, we didn’t know how long this would last, but more and more people have made the commitment to create dedicated home office space, even if they think they will eventually be going back to their ‘other’ office,” says Cheryl. “Clients feel that the expense to create usable and comfortable workspaces is justified.”

Spending all day working in one space and communicating via video require proper lighting. Cheryl and her team design lighting to improve both the balance and the quality of light, and often they make simple but important changes. The Gilberte Interiors design team is well-versed in working with existing electrical to find ways to upgrade, and they will get electricians on-site as needed to install fixtures that they can provide.

“Making sure [home offices] are ergonomically successful and comfortable has also been a priority, and finding the right furnishings is key,” says Cheryl. “People are noticing their spaces more closely, so the aesthetics and the need for upgrades have been more obvious.

We have always been strong supporters of using materials from nature—wood, natural textile fibers, and stone—that create a calming environment that helps with productivity.” www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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Work spaces for children incorporate color and easy-care surfaces to create spaces that everyone wants to spend time in. Gilberte’s workroom fabricated custom window treatments, floor pillows, and upholstery to make these rooms special.

Above: The Gilberte design team plans out the details, which do make the difference!

Integrating clients’ technological needs into homeoffice design has also been a frequent request for Cheryl.

From charging stations for phones and computers to remote-controlled and dimmable lighting to adjustable window treatments, her team designs the perfect functional, high-tech environment.

A Space for Virtual Learning “We have seen a strong focus on creating workspaces for children this last year,” says Cheryl. “For some clients, even when their children returned to in-school or hybrid learning, they made space and upgrades. For other clients whose children continue to learn from home, this has been a priority in their project planning.”

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Cheryl and her team always start each design process by considering functionality: “What is needed and existing conditions—lighting, outlets, workspace—then, the age of the children. Do they need space designed within easy reach of the parents, or can they be learning in their bedrooms or the family room? We often look at closet spaces, as these can be easily adapted to create desk areas by removing the doors and adding a counter, outlets, lighting, and bookshelves,” she says.

To make children’s spaces appealing and exciting, Cheryl often starts by applying a fresh coat of paint, new fabrics, and hanging bulletin boards or children’s art projects. Sometimes a low table and floor pillows in a corner with good lighting is just what’s needed

“We have seen a strong focus on creating workspaces for children this last year,” says Cheryl.

“For some clients, even when their children returned to in-school or hybrid learning, they made space and upgrades.”

for younger learners to feel motivated and comfortable.

Cheryl remarks, “I try to keep in mind that young children are usually excited about going to school, and we need to create this same feeling with spaces where they feel they are ‘going to school,’ but with all the warmth of being home. Just like with older kids and adults, having a dedicated work area sometimes makes focus and concentration easier.”

be available to the client safely and with minimal disruption, and those are priorities for us,” says Cheryl.

Cheryl sees the home workspace trend continuing. “I think that the driving force for going back to the office will be if the workforce is as efficient and effective working from home all or some of the time.” She believes that having a workspace that supports that will give companies and staff the incentive to continue working from home at least some of the time in the future. “In

talking to a lot of our clients, they never thought they could work as well or enjoy being home as much as they are discovering they are . . . maybe this, in the end, will allow people to have a better balance in their lives.” tw Gilberte Interiors, Inc. 10 Allen Street Hanover NH (603) 643-3727 www.gilberteinteriors.com

UNCOMPROMISING DESIGN DESIGNED FOR YOUR MOST INSPIRING SPACES

Considering Every Client’s Needs One thing Cheryl and her team always keep in mind is that each household has different needs, and everyone works differently. “Our design team prides itself on the ability to listen to our clients and their family’s needs, and to access the spaces and find solutions that fit. We know this has been a challenging time for everyone, and it has given us even more incentive to do what we can to make some quick and easy changes to help everyone adjust to this new way of life.”

The designers at Gilberte Interiors are available to meet remotely and in person to help make these workspaces a reality.

“We work with a team of both on-premise craftsmen (we have our own upholstery, slipcovering, and fabric workrooms) along with cabinetmakers and an installation team. We know that these spaces need to

Windows and doors inspired by how you live.

Windows & Doors By Brownell | (603) 298-5555 | wdbrownell.com Serving VT, the Upper Valley of NH, and the Adirondack Region of NY www.mountainviewpublishing.com •

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REAL ESTATE BY MIKE MORIN

You will be well prepared to buy or sell when you work with the LindeMac Real Estate team

Linde McNamara Principal Broker Owner

How does LindeMac Real Estate help their buyers get their financial house in order before making an offer?

We advise buyers to make sure they have a sizeable down payment on their future home.

Shop local banks for an affordable interest rate, and ensure that they have an acceptable credit score and a debt-to-income ratio. They should confirm that they can afford the closing costs with the lender, and require from the lender a full and complete checklist of all required documentation to support their loan application. We also recommend that buyers obtain a preapproval letter from the bank of their choice that will be presented with their offer.

A year ago you told us about the tight supply of homes for buyers. How do you help buyers overcome that challenge?

We encourage buyers to determine and stick to a budget. Before beginning the house-hunting process, prospective homebuyers should receive preapproval from one or more lenders to verify the amount of money they are qualified to borrow. Then the buyers should identify desired neighborhoods and home wants versus needs.

44 South Main Street Hanover, NH (603) 643-4900 www.lindemac.com 90 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

When housing inventory is tight, buyers may need to compromise on what they believe they want from a home. Be ready to decide quickly.

In a seller’s market, homes rarely stay on the market long, so buyers should not hesitate.

Bid competitively and limit contingencies. It is tempting to submit a low offer as a starting bid, but in a seller’s market, buyers need to put forward their highest offer from the very beginning or they are likely to lose out on the home.

It is important to work with a Realtor who is familiar with the areas and neighborhoods that the homebuyers are considering.

What advice does LindeMac Real Estate offer a seller in today’s tight market?

Price your house at market value, as this will increase traffic, encourage offers, and has proven in this type of market to drive up the selling price. Prepare for multiple offers. Review each offer carefully to determine which offer is the best fit for you. Be ready to move! Buyers in this kind of market prefer a quick closing, within 30 to 45 days. Finally, prepare your home for sale. This may include staging, cleaning the home, and decluttering. tw

Hanover, New Hampshire.

2021

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Palestra Large Pendant

Double Cirque Large Scale Chandeliere

Akova Grande Pendant

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INTERIOR STYLE Kiev Pendant

by Techlighting

BY BRIAN HORAN, CREATIVE LIGHTING DESIGNS

THE LATEST IN LIGHTING BRILLANT AND BEAUTIFUL

T

he latest lighting trend seems to be that bigger is better. Larger chandeliers, pendants, and foyer fixtures are highimpact fixtures that make a statement, and a little oversizing with a grandiose look is in.

You don’t want to dramatically oversize, but done right it can create a striking look.

The same can be said for outdoor and indoor sconces, ceiling mounts, and fans. It’s all about the high-impact areas; your front door fixtures can be large, but a back or side door may not need to be. A front hall sconce may be as well, but an upstairs sconce or side hall need not be.

Fans have changed dramatically over the last year or two. Gone are the ugly bowl or four-arm light kits, replaced with integrated LED lights

Stasis Bronze Floor Lamp

by Hubbardton Forge

Tech Lighting Joni Flush Ceiling Fixture

Stasis Bronze Table Lamp

by Hubbardton Forge

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INTERIOR STYLE

Orbel Round Pendant

that are built into the fan for a cleaner look. No more dust-catcher light kits, which makes it easier to use the fans in rooms with lower ceilings, as the kit does not hang down or protrude from the bottom of the fan.

Thin LED tape-style lights have replaced big bar type under-cabinet lights, so they’re less noticeable while casting a nice, even light on your countertops. Under-cabinet lights make your kitchen look larger, as they open up those dark spots where it’s hard to get light in. They’re certainly a must for any kitchen and a definite added value for a homeowner. TW Creative Lighting Designs & Décor 85 Mechanic Street, Suite C2-3 Lebanon, NH (603) 448-2066 creativelightingdesigns.com

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INTERIOR STYLE

COLOR YOUR WORLD REFRESH YOUR HOME

T

he arrival of spring usually means a thorough housecleaning. While you’re at it, why not revive a room or two with a fresh paint color? Jeff Wilmot and his team of professionals have been beautifying homes in the Upper Valley for more than 40 years, inside and out.

We know that the kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s the space where everyone likes to gather. If your kitchen could use an update, consider painting your cabinets and installing new hardware, an option that can change the look and feel of the room without the expense of remodeling. Jeff says, “People are moving away from their dark wood cabinets and painting them a lighter color, most often white or offwhite. For contrast, many clients are choosing a darker color for lower cabinets or the island.

On one recent job we did white uppers and dark blue lower cabinets for a nice result.” During some remodels, Jeff has encountered tin ceilings, and he says it can be fun to use a metallic paint to make them silver, gold, or copper.

For the rest of the home, Jeff reports that people are using the same color throughout, creating a sense of unity, instead of painting bedrooms or bathrooms different colors. For entryways and bathrooms, wallpaper is gaining in popularity with nature-inspired patterns being the top choice. tw

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

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BENJAMIN MOORE HALE NAVY HC-154 PHOTO COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE

“People are moving away from their dark wood cabinets and painting them a lighter color, most often white or off-white.

For contrast, many clients are choosing a darker color for lower cabinets or the island. On one recent job we did white uppers and dark blue lower cabinets for a nice result.”

51 Main Street, West Lebanon, NH 03784 Phone: (603) 298-8596

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INTERIOR STYLE

Pantone’s 2021

Ultimate Gray & Illuminating Color of the Year

PANTONE®

17-5104 Ultimate Gray + 13-0647 Illuminating

Pantone’s Color of the Year 2021 is two colors, Ultimate Gray and Illuminating, which highlight how different elements come together to support one another. It’s a story of color that encapsulates deeper feelings of thoughtfulness with the promise of something sunny and friendly.

“The union of an enduring Ultimate Gray with the vibrant yellow Illuminating express a message of positivity supported by fortitude,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

“Practical and rock solid but at the same time warming and optimistic, this is a color combination that gives us resilience and hope. We need to feel encouraged and uplifted; this is essential to the human spirit.”

Incorporate feelings of resilience, optimism, and cheer into your home with a new coat of paint, thoughtfully chosen accessories, and even furniture in these complementary colors. tw

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Crown Select by

A whole new line of custom built inset cabinetry with the impeccable Crown Point fit and finish Handcrafted in New Hampshire and available direct, nationwide

www.crownselect.com 603 • 542 • 3399

Beautifully designed and engineered to be budget friendly

Available only from Crown Point Cabinetry

FINANCE BY MIKE MORIN

Considering a Contruction Loan?

SUGAR RIVER BANK HAS BEEN HELPING CUSTOMERS FOR 126 YEARS

Terri Crate Vice President Senior Retail Loan Officer NMLS #419840

What is the difference between a construction loan and other types of mortgage loans? Are there different types of construction loans?

A construction loan is used to finance the cost to build a home, whereas other mortgage loans are used to purchase homes or refinance current loans. A 1-Step Construction Loan is our most popular product today. This loan provides for payments of interest only during the construction period and then converts automatically to a permanent loan once construction is complete. The process requires only a single loan application and one closing. A traditional 12-month, interest-only construction loan is also an option.

This option requires a second loan application and closing to obtain a permanent mortgage after construction is complete.

What are the top reasons a consumer would choose to build over purchasing an existing home?

Many borrowers choose new construction as they can build their home exactly to their specifications. However, in a seller’s market, such as we are currently experiencing, construction loans become even more popular due to the shortage of existing housing inventory. In these situations, many borrowers determine that building their own home is the best option.

10 North Main Street Newport, NH (603) 863-3000 NMLS #419770 www.sugarriverbank.com MEMBER FDIC | EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

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Is a construction loan a good option for first-time buyers?

While new construction is an option for first-time home buyers, it may be overwhelming to some. Typically, first-time home buyers are looking at purchasing existing houses as they are the most anxious to quickly move into their new home.

Regardless, it is important for all home buyers to work closely with their mortgage professional to understand all loan options before making a decision.

What are the top items a borrower needs to do in advance to prepare for a construction loan?

Locate a piece of land to build on; meet with a local/reputable builder to discuss design, plans, and cost estimates; and work with a local lender who is experienced in construction lending.

Why should someone choose Sugar River Bank for their construction loan?

Sugar River Bank is your local, hometown community bank. We specialize in construction lending and have built strong relationships with most local builders and subcontractors. Our experienced construction loan team is dedicated to working closely with borrowers to educate and assist them throughout the entire loan process. tw

UPPER VALLEY

Local Decisions.

Local Lending.

Terri Crate

VP & Sr. Retail Loan Officer tcrate@sugarriverbank.com

603.843.6222 NMLS #419840

Now is the perfect time to make your dream home a reality!

NEW LONDON / SUNAPEE GRANTHAM

Our local lending professionals can help you choose a mortgage program that’s right for you. When you call, you speak to a real person. All our lending staff live in the communities that we serve, and all loan decisions are made locally. We take pride in what we do and look forward to working with you.

Colleen DeAngelis

Mortgage Loan Originator cdeangelis@sugarriverbank.com

603.526.2060 NMLS #2053914

CONCORD / WARNER Ellen Lessard

Mortgage Loan Originator elessard@sugarriverbank.com

603.477.7891

NMLS #1597160

CONSTRUCTION LOANS HOME MORTGAGES HOME EQUITY LOANS REFINANCING

How can we help you?

Conveniently apply on-line to get the process started: sugarriverbank.com/loans/mortgage Locations in Newport | Concord | Warner | New London | Sunapee | Grantham

800.562.3145 | sugarriverbank.com Member FDIC | EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

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BY ROSANNA EUBANK-LONG

TIME FOR A REFRESH FIND QUALITY, STYLE, COMFORT, AND DURABILITY This Kincaid living room features an Elliston sofa with coral print pillows, a Hampstead cocktail ottoman in coral print, a Juliette chair in floral print, and a Harrington chair in indigo.

BROWN FURNITURE 2020 was a year of unprecedented amounts of time in our homes. Brad Nelson, owner of Brown Furniture, has observed that “As people are spending more time at home, they are realizing that the furniture they have had for years is showing more signs of age and wear than they’ve noticed before.” Based on their customers’ purchasing trends, it is evident that people are increasingly investing in higher quality furniture, prioritizing durability and craftsmanship.

Sofas, recliners, loveseats, and sectionals have been in the greatest demand, as individuals and families are occupying their living rooms more than ever before. Buyers are investing a greater amount of time planning the overall design and color choices for their rooms. Current popular colors schemes are sunny pastels, bright jewel tones, and earthen tones.

Brad highly recommends that anyone considering updating their furniture not wait—the entire home industry is experiencing backlog and price increases. Brown Furniture and has a full selection of bedroom, dining room, living room, and outdoor furniture.

Brown Furniture 14 Interchange Drive West Lebanon, NH (603) 298-5755 brownfurniture.com

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La-Z-Boy Laurel livingroom.

La-Z-Boy Laurel Premier Chair and a Half in Poppy.

2021

Left: Firepit pub table. Signature Design by Ashley.

Right: Outdoor sofa with highperformance fabric. Signature Design by Ashley.

LOVE’S BEDDING & FURNITURE “Several distinct trends in the furniture industry have emerged over the past year,” says April Love of Love’s Bedding & Furniture. One is outdoor seating and furniture.

These days people are choosing to spend time outside and they are putting greater effort into creating lovely outdoor living spaces for their families. “We’ve had a lot of interest in our outdoor sectionals, firepits, dining sets, and folding Adirondack chairs,” April says. “Everyone wants to spend more time outside and create a space where they can relax and disconnect, especially if they have been working more from home.”

There has also been an increase in furniture that has built-in technology, such as USB charging ports, as many people are working more than ever via their personal devices. Designwise, neutrals are always a popular choice, but as summer months approach, buyers are starting to choose bright, bold, and joyful colors for their furnishings.

Love’s Bedding & Furniture has altered their business practices to reflect pandemic times. They have seen increased business as a result of more people spending time at home and wanting to refresh their spaces. But the past year has also created a supply chain issue, so the store staff has chosen to make sure they are well-stocked with American-made furniture, including Amish-made and rustic log furniture. tw

Hickory Amish storage bed from Byler’s Rustic Furniture.

Love’s Bedding & Furniture, LLC 185 Washington Street Claremont, NH (603) 542-5374 www.lovesbeddingandfurniture.com www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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BY ROSANNA EUBANK-LONG PHOTOS COURTESY OF COPELAND FURNITURE

ECHOING THE PAST WHILE EMBRACING THE FUTURE

Copeland Furniture crafts livable art

Estelle arm chair in walnut and cherry.

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The Audrey Dining Table, available in several sizes, features a double X formation of the trestle, giving the design a rigid base that provides diners with plenty of unobstructed leg room.

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L

ast spring, Tim Copeland of Copeland Furniture never would have predicted that his company would be so inundated with furniture orders that they would have a production backlog of 16 weeks. As the home has become the primary place that most people spend their time, the home-furnishing sector is experiencing an industrywide surge. There is particularly high fascination for beautifully designed and well-crafted, durable, Americanmade furniture. Tim anticipates that this demand will be long-lasting. Furnishings have never been quite so prevalent in daily life, which makes the exquisite craftsmanship and stunning forms of Copeland Furniture more appreciated than ever.

This Bradford, Vermont–based company has always created natural hardwood products. Copeland Furniture was born from a cider-press business. In the early 1970s, Tim built wooden-frame cider presses in his garage in East Corinth, Vermont. In 1978 to ’79, he began making a butcher-block–style workbench for several of his cider-press clients. At the time, this style of table was popular as a kitchen table. He softened several of the edges, added a trestle base, and began to sell the piece in the residential sector, offering it to furniture retailers. The business grew, and by the early 1980s there were 25 to 30 people working for Copeland Furniture. Over the years, Tim’s design and business practices have evolved to adapt to the market.

Fresh Design with a Nod to Tradition Reflecting archetypal Vermont culture, the design of Copeland Furniture has echoes of the past while embracing the future. Each piece of furniture clearly appreciates its New England village roots.

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Astrid bedroom in cherry.

Astrid bureau.

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At Copeland Furniture, sustainable production is a driving philosophy.

Each piece of furniture reflects pride in the Vermont landscape in which it’s created.

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Sarah dining room in cherry.

Although generally modern in style, the furniture at Copeland Furniture is livable art that also incorporates movements from the past with a nod to Shaker furniture, Early American tapered leg design, the Arts and Crafts movement, and Scandinavian design. All of these aesthetics have been woven together and redesigned to emerge with something completely fresh. Copeland Furnitures’s most popular items are the ones that are notably and uniquely Copeland designs, including the Astrid bedroom set and the Estelle chair. These pieces are equally at home in a 19th century farmhouse or a sleek, modern residence.

Catalina bedroom in cherry.

Sustainability Is Essential The company is now housed in a technologically advanced production facility in Bradford, Vermont, and the majority of furniture design is still done by Tim together with Armin Driver. Once they have a concept in mind, they share their CAD images with the sales department for feedback as well the engineering team. Furniture production is www.uppervalleyimage.com •

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Sarah home office in cherry.

increasingly complicated and precise. Tim recognizes that while these advances in production allow for elegant lines and intricate detail, it does mean that the machinery capabilities dictate the design.

At Copeland Furniture, sustainable production is a driving philosophy. Each piece of furniture reflects pride in the Vermont landscape in which it’s created. All of the hardwood lumber is sourced from American Northern Forest, with a focus on the majority being as local as possible, reducing energy used to transport. Generally, North American hardwood forests are well-managed and currently generate more wood than what’s harvested.

The finishes and varnishes on the furniture are certified GREENGUARD, which ensures low chemical emissions on the finished products. In 2016, Copeland Furniture committed to converting three acres of their property to solar panels that equate to offsetting roughly two-thirds

Essentials kidneyshaped desk with metal legs.

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of their electrical consumption. Another acre dedicated to even more densely constructed solar panels has been added, and by summer of 2021 there will be one megawatt of solar generation in place to offset consumption. The company manufactures their own boxes to guarantee only what is needed is produced and all waste is recycled. The Copeland Furniture building is entirely heated by its own wood byproducts, eliminating oil consumption.

Although 90 percent of their business is through independent retailers and a few carefully selected online retailers, Copeland Furniture does sell their stunning furniture out of their Bradford, Vermont, showroom. Even as they continue to work to keep up with their current high demand, Tim is excited to unveil several new and exciting pieces that will be in production in the near future. tw Copeland Furniture 241 Waits River Road Bradford, VT (802) 222-5300 copelandfurniture.com

Award-Winning Environmental Standards Sustainability is a core value at Copeland Furniture. Long before green design and production became trendy, Copeland Furniture had a guiding philosophy that is rooted in using American hardwoods, sustainably grown and harvested.

Copeland Furniture’s environmental standards are award-winning. They are one of the few companies to have been awarded the prestigious Silver Exemplary Membership Status by the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC). They also received the Sage Award for Environmental Excellence by the American Home Furnishings Alliance (AFHA).

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INSURANCE BY MIKE MORIN

A Guide and Advocate for Homeowners COLBY INSURANCE GROUP PUTS PROTECTION FIRST

Brett Barselle President

How do you match a client’s needs with the best policy and cost available?

I am always amazed at how hard our agents work at creating the right insurance protection plan for our customers.

It is our job to look out for their financial well-being, and every situation is different. There are so many factors to consider, and our agents are trained to take a holistic view of a person’s coverage needs.

We start by listening to our customers to understand their goals and insurance needs. Then, we assess the risks and exposures. We work to match them with the right carrier and the right mix of coverages. Finally, we educate our customers on their insurance protection plan so they understand what they are getting and how it can work for them.

With nice weather ahead, what can you offer for owners of boats, ATVs, and other recreational gear?

If you’re fortunate enough to own a boat or a recreational vehicle, don’t overlook insuring them. We’ve noticed over the years how these items are increasingly expensive both to replace and to repair.

We recommend insurance to protect the boats and vehicles themselves and to protect the financial risks associated with ownership. People have an increased risk of potential accidents that could lead to expensive liability claims. Our agents put protection first.

276 Newport Road Suite 211 New London, NH (603) 526-2451 colby-group.com 112 i m a g e t r e n d w a t c h •

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With so many situations requiring life insurance, how do you help those looking for everything from whole life to instant issue life insurance?

We have several trained and licensed life insurance advisors at our agency. We also offer our customers a wide array of life insurance products. Our advisors take time to educate and inform our customers so they understand their life insurance options. Customers who are looking for a low-key way to understand their life insurance options will find our agents very helpful.

If a client needs to file a claim, how do you help them navigate unfamiliar waters to cover damages?

A claims submission to our agency represents a disruption in our customer’s life. It may be a small claim or something more catastrophic, but we take claims events in our customers’ lives to heart either way.

We consider ourselves both a guide and an advocate for our customers during the claims process. We connect them with their insurance company claim representative, keep track of how the claim is progressing, and ensure it comes to a prompt resolution. tw

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BY KATHERINE P. COX PHOTOS BY DEREK MACDONALD/MACIMAGES

THE ULTIMATE

REVIVAL

ARBORSCAPE BRINGS A CLASSIC PROPERTY UP TO DATE

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The west side of house features a dining patio and a firepit. The view is toward the pool and hayfields with a planted screen for privacy. The entry is accented with brick walkways, granite steps, and gardens with different plant textures and soft colors.

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I

n 2018, Cyrus Benoit and his company, ArborScape in Pomfret, Vermont, transformed an old property in South Woodstock that was in disrepair, bringing it back to life with outdoor living spaces that complemented the stately brick home and provided welcoming areas around the home.

“The landscape was an absolute wreck,” Cyrus remembers, requiring a full renovation of the exterior property. The home is a formal, three-story brick house. Teaming up with local landscape architect Jack Rossi of Woodstock, “we did a lot of stonework, reestablished brick walkways, did hedges in the drive court that separated the outdoor living space so you didn’t see the vehicles, established a dining patio on the back side of the house, and built a breakfast patio, so homeowners could have their morning coffee on one side of the house and entertain in the afternoon on the other side.”

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Above: A beech hedge edges the gravel stone chip seal driveway court.

Below: An inlay of reused granite accents the brick patio.

Opposite: A small seating area offers beautiful views.

Walkways and retaining walls established structure punctuated with landscape plantings that helped define the different spaces. Formal hedges were incorporated, and hawthorn trees, sugar maples, and ground cover were planted. The pool area has a pergola with vines growing on it and is bound by a hydrangea hedge, and the background view is toward the distant hayfields.

The clients use all the living spaces, Cyrus says. “It’s great to see an old property like that come back to life and get some new life in it.”

Seeing the Possibilities Every property is unique, though, Cyrus says, and each offers many possibilities for outdoor living. Understanding the property from the architecture of the building to the natural surroundings, along with homeowners’ wishes, should guide the direction of the outdoor design. Consider the natural features of the site—streams, ponds, pools, trees—and setting (village or pastoral with views) that

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are all part of the palette that’s already there, Cyrus says.

The movement of the sun is also important and can dictate where the patio is situated. “If it’s on the southwest side of the house where it’s hot, you’ll want to create some shade there. A large shade tree might be suitable so you can sit out on that patio,” Cyrus says.

The relationship that a patio or outdoor space has to a building is important. A pergola connecting the house to the outdoor space creates flow and structure. Retaining walls and terraces can also help define the area. “If you don’t have that structure, if it’s just a patio out in the middle of nowhere, it can feel too open,” Cyrus says. “You need something to enclose it.” It could be plantings, a wall with plants, or containerized pots that are moveable. It could be a blend of containers and a shade tree. “But the shade tree shouldn’t block the distant view,” he cautions.

Add Thoughtful Accents Lighting is a big feature in outdoor spaces today, but Cyrus says it’s good to have a plan. “That outdoor space is a wonderful spot for stargazing and you don’t want bright lights from the house interfering. Have low-voltage lighting on the walkway for safely moving around in the dark.” Other lighting options are downlights affixed to mature trees or

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Climbing honeysuckle vines on the pergola offer shade at the pool area.

uplights that accent the canopy of large trees, and landscape lighting recessed into the wall.

“Water features are wonderful accents, whether they’re natural, like a stream or a pond, or manmade, like swimming pools,” Cyrus says. They offer another outdoor space that flows farther from the house.

Outdoor kitchens, firepits, and fireplaces are very popular and add yet another dimension to the living area. Proximity to the house is important in terms of shuttling food in and out.

Imagine sitting by the pool or a pond with a book. Or having predinner cocktails around the conversation area, then moving to the dining table and ending the evening by the firepit or in a rousing game of cornhole, bocce, or badminton out on the lawn. In the end, the best multiuse outdoor space is one that matches and enhances your lifestyle. tw ArborScape, Inc. PO Box 213 South Pomfret, VT (802) 457-5797 arborscapevt.com

2 1 0 M A I N ST R E E T NEW LONDON, NH

603 . 52 6 . 2 1 2 1

www. st u d i os a g e i nte r i o rs. co m

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Clockwise from top: A 6x8-foot A-Frame Chicken Coop with run.

A 32x36-foot 8-pitch High Country Barn with two 12-foot overhangs.

A 30x48-foot Trailside Horse Barn. A 4x6foot Quaker Chicken Coop.

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OUTDOOR SPACES

BY JENNY SINCLAIR PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CARRIAGE SHED

SHEDS, CHICKEN COOPS, GARAGES, AND MUCH MORE THE CARRIAGE SHED HAS YOUR BUILDING

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ver the past year, we at The Carriage Shed have all struggled to find the happy medium in doing business and making safety our number-one priority for our staff and most importantly you, our customers. A year from when the world started to feel the full effect of the coronavirus, our office is still going in high gear.

The building industry exploded during the pandemic since everyone was home more and looking for ways to improve their property, start backyard farms, and entertain their children.

We have been quoting, selling, and placing on your land barns, garages, play structures, new homes, sheds, gazebos, chicken coops, woodsheds, workshops, run-in sheds, and every structure in between. It seems like everyone is starting a chicken farm, and we have every option to turn your coop into a palatial gem that will be the envy of your neighborhood.

Have you been dreaming of a winter where you can just back your car out of a garage and not have to worry about digging it out of the snow? We can help you design a single-, two-, or three-car garage of your dreams. Do you want to bring your horses home and stop paying for

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Clockwise from near right: A 12-foot #1 Octagon Standard Wood Gazebo.

A 12x18-foot New England Cape with a 32-inch overhang.

A 40x60-foot Pavilion at VINS in Quechee, Vermont.

OUTDOOR SPACES

boarding? We have the know-how to design a cozy barn of your dreams, with large stalls and plenty of hay storage.

Have you wanted to move out of your city apartment and head for the country? We sell certified homes made for the cold and snow load of the rugged New England winters. If you have been batting around ideas about a perfect shed that can hold all of your treasures and keep them out of the weather, we can help you with that, too.

The pandemic has made it abundantly clear that family is everything. We at The Carriage Shed are a small family-run business. Owner Robert Therrien has been in the building industry since he was knee high to a grasshopper, and his know-how is limitless. I am currently acting as manager from home while I keep my 10-year-old son focused on his remote studies. Amy, Robert’s second daughter, is the assistant manager and an artist who owns her own watercolor business.

She can help decorate your home with her beautiful artwork. Jake has also been working in the building industry since he was a young man in Pennsylvania. He may not be blood related, but he is part of our family. All of us come together and make up The Carriage Shed. We love working together and bringing your dreams to reality. TW The Carriage Shed 1195 VA Cutoff Road White River Junction, VT (800) 441-6057 carriageshed.com

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OUTDOOR SPACES

BY BILL PEDI, CHIPPERS GARDEN & LANDSCAPE DIVISION MANAGER

XERISCAPING IN New England?

C R E AT E A B E AU T I F U L L A N D S C A P E W H I L E CO N S E R V I N G WAT E R

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iving in the Northeast I never thought I would consider adding xeriscaping (pronounced zera-scaping) to my landscape design repertoire. Whatever your thoughts on climate change, drought conditions in Vermont and New Hampshire are becoming normal enough to seriously consider adapting some of the techniques landscape designers have been using in arid areas of the country for years.

For the most part, our summers have been considered pretty mild—short with a few hot days and dry spells. Last summer the drought conditions got intense enough that I saw gardens wilt, lawns turn to seas of brown, and even established trees and shrubs show signs of stress. These conditions have caused me to change my thinking about the way I design gardens in certain situations.

I always thought xeriscaping was a landscape design technique that incorporated cactus, yucca, boulders, and stone mulch. Every time I saw images of this type of Clockwise from top: A typical xeriscape, not a landscape you would normally find in New England.

A colorful garden composed of waterefficient plants. Many types of ornamental grasses can fit well in a xeriscaped garden.

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landscape it was in Arizona or New Mexico. It turns out the design concepts of xeriscaping can be included anywhere. The basic premise is that you use less irrigation by incorporating water-conserving techniques such as using drought-tolerant plants (there are plenty, not just cactus and yucca), an adequate amount of soft mulch (stone mulch reflects heat and can make a hot situation worse), and using efficient irrigation when necessary. With the weather trends we are seeing and those that are being forecasted, incorporating some of these techniques into our landscapes is a good idea. Who wouldn’t want to have a landscape that requires less watering and better withstands adverse summer conditions?

Creating a beautiful landscape using the principles of xeriscaping is very similar to using the principles I currently use while designing landscapes: • First, create a good design for the site. (That’s a whole other article!)

• Make sure the soil is improved by adding organic matter to better support plant health and water-holding capacity.

• If you have a lawn, still important for many outdoor activities (not to mention a time-honored definition of what our landscapes must include), then be sure the grass seed you are using is appropriate for the site. Our Turf Division uses up to five custom seed blends specifically selected for each location within a lawn, such as shady or high sun.

• And of course, a key design focus is to select plants that require less water. There are many trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals that can both withstand our harsh winter weather and perform well with less water once they are established.

• Use a layer of soft mulch to conserve moisture, but make sure to use proper mulching techniques. A two-inch layer of mulch will really help keep moisture in the soil, although letting it build up on the plants can cause other problems.

No mulch volcanos around the base of the plant!

• Finally, have a plan to efficiently water when it’s necessary. This might involve capturing rainwater to reuse, using drip irrigation, or using soaker hoses in garden beds.

These fairly basic steps can be effective ways to create beautiful landscapes while conserving water and saving you time.

From now on I’ll consider these techniques whenever I’m working on a garden or landscaping design because a lack of water is one of the biggest reasons landscape plants don’t thrive. As long as I continue to use sound design principles while also utilizing these water-conserving ideas when creating landscapes, I think my landscapes will continue to look, feel, and function well in our changing environment. tw Bill Pedi has a BS in Landscape Horticulture and studied at the Landscape Institute, Harvard University.

Chippers, a Davey Company 1241 Pomfret Road Woodstock, VT (802) 457-5100 chippersinc.com

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This stroll garden is comprised of slabs of sedimentary quartzite and surface drains of cobbles, surrounded by plantings of various grasses, ferns, mosses, and Epimediums.

Inset below: An acidic soil lovers’ garden on a sloping site.

Inset opposite: A hillside garden features freeform steps inter-planted with conifers, grasses, and ground covers.

Improving the connection between humans and nature through biophillic design.

Biophilia is the human tendency to interact with other forms of life in nature. In the late 1970s, American biologist Edward O. Wilson expanded on the word’s meaning to include “the rich, natural pleasure that comes from being surrounded by living organisms.”

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OUTDOOR SPACES

BY PENNY NEWTON PHOTOS COURTESY OF P. NEWTON GARDEN DESIGN

PLANTING for NATURALIZATION P. NEWTON GARDEN DESIGN CREATES SOULFUL GARDENS WITH WILD NATIVE PLANTS

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vast majority of garden designers are now planning for climate extremes with a hybrid of mostly wild natives intermingled with a minimum of exotics. Wild species are resilient, ecologically functional, and equally as beautiful.

When creating a naturalized plant community, there are four layers: the structural plants, comprised of tall, long-lived perennials that provide the framework of the garden; the seasonal plants, which create stunning effects at certain times of the year; the ground-cover layer, which serves to control erosion, crowd out invasive plants, and replenish the soil; and filler plants, which provide visual impact while the other layers are maturing, normally short-lived perennials, biennials, or annuals.

The following is a list of hardworking perennials that tolerate a variety of soils and aspects: Deschampsia cespitosa –tufted hair grass has airy flowers that form a cloud over the plant.

Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia –known as willow leaf blue star, this plant has star-shaped blue flowers and brilliant yellow foliage in the fall.

Baptisia australis var. minor – blue wild indigo is an attractive plant with blue-green leaves.

Agastache foeniculum – anise hyssop is comprised of blue flower spikes.

Veronicastrum virginicum – Culver’s root is a tall, beautiful plant with flowers that create a distinctive candelabra-like effect.

Symphyotrichum oblongifolium – aromatic aster is a bushy perennial that blooms well into late summer or early fall.

Aralia racemosa – known as American spikenard, this plant bears clusters of red berries on dark maroon stems.

Camassia scilloides – Atlantic camas is a perennial bulb with blooms in a spectrum of white to blue to lavender.

Callirhoe involucrata – purple poppy mallow has profuse crimson-pink blooms.

Erigeron pulchellus – also known as robin’s plantain, this is a low-growing member of the aster family.

Bouteloua gracilis – blue grama is a grass with unusual ornamental inflorescences.

Silene regia – royal catchfly is a filler plant with stunning vibrant red tubular flowers.

Lysimachia lanceolata var. purpurea – lance-leaved loosestrife is an elegant specimen characterized as yellow petals emerging from delicate purple stalks.

Dalea purpurea – purple prairie clover has spritely spikes of rose-purple flowers.

Monarda punctata – known as spotted beebalm, this a low-growing wildflower with large, leafy, pinkish bracts that persist long after the flower fades. tw P. Newton Garden Design 14 Snowshoe Hill Claremont, NH (603) 477-4628 PennyNewton@comcast.net pnewtongardendesign.com

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OUTDOOR SPACES

BY KATHERINE P. COX

STYLE & COMFORT

MOVE OUTSIDE

DECK DOCK HOME & GARDEN HAS YOU COVERED

Wexler Sling Chair with marine-grade polymer.

10-foot Hanging Umbrella Patio Sun Shade Offset Outdoor Market with Crank Tilt.

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Seaside Casual Cambridge Sectional.

utdoor living furniture has come a long way from folding lawn chairs and picnic tables. The trend toward expansive outdoor living has sparked a huge growth in seating that is durable, attractive, and comfortable, says Lynne Wardlaw of Deck and Dock Home & Garden in Sunapee. Lots of styles and materials offer homeowners many options to customize their outdoor rooms.

“Right now, the raging trend is modern,” Lynne says, with cushioned sectional seating being especially popular. “Modular sectionals give you lots of flexibility in how you lay out the space. Typical seating includes a corner piece, left and right arms, and a number of inserts.”

There are lots of configurations and materials, she says. “Cushioned seating is a lot less trouble than people realize. And once you create a space that is comfortable, you’ll spend a lot more time there.” She suggests accenting the space with propane fire tables for evenings and market or cantilevered umbrellas for daytime comfort.

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The most popular furniture materials are recycled polymers and teak, according to Lynne.

They last a lifetime and are a great alternative to wood or metal. “Plastic has become a really great alternative because it’s recycled,” says Lynne.

“High-density Number 2 plastic is the most durable.” Attuned to customers’ resistance to a “plastic look,” manufacturers are mixing colors and varying the surface to give a weathered look, so you get the durability of recycled plastic with a more traditional look.

The increased demand for outdoor seating means the industry can’t keep up with demand and the supply chain is disrupted, so Lynne cautions patience as delays are inevitable. “If you see what you like, buy it now.” tw Deck Dock Home & Garden 81 Edgemont Road, Route 103B Sunapee, NH (603) 763-3266 deckdock.com

Seaside Casual Aura 50 Fire Table.

Seaside Casual Cambridge Sectional Armless Chair in citrus.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

LLC

MB PRO

Landscape Design & Installation FREE Estimates

603-252-6963 Enneld, NH mbprolandscapedesign.com

Patios • Walkways • Stonework • Irrigation • Water Features Garden Design • Outdoor Kitchens Indoor & Outdoor Fireplaces • Landscape Lighting • Stonemakers For all your Professional Landscape Design & Installation.

LOW MAINTENANCE SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPING Serving New Hampshire & Vermont

OUTDOOR SPACES

BY KATHERINE P. COX PHOTOS COURTESY OF MB PRO LANDSCAPE DESIGN

EXPAND your OUTDOOR LIVING CREATE A RETREAT WITH MB PRO LANDSCAPE DESIGN Natural koi ponds, spillways, and waterfalls as well as a bocce/cornhole court give homeowners three seasons of outdoor enjoyment.

Opposite: A gas firepit and outdoor dining area can be used year-round.

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he past year has altered the way we live, work, and entertain, and our homes have taken on greater significance as safe shelters from the pandemic. At the same time, we need to get outdoors now more than ever. The solution? Extend your living space outdoors and create a retreat for family and friends with features designed for relaxation, entertainment, and recreation.

Michael Burns of MB Pro Landscape Design in Enfield, New Hampshire, suggests that as you create your outdoor living space, customize it to your lifestyle—family size, needs, wants, and how you like to entertain. Outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and firepits, water features, and recreation spots all contribute to an inviting outdoor living space.

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EXPAND OUTDOOR LIVING your

CREATE A RETREAT WITH MB PRO LANDSCAPE DESIGN

It’s got to be functional and fit into the area homeowners have to build, Michael says. “It’s an extension of their existing home,” he says, and you want to create areas for cooking, dining, and socializing, “areas that flow from the house to the outdoor spaces.” Also consider entertainment areas for adults as well as kids.

Places for young people might include a water feature such as a pool, TVs, and music, Michael says.

Don’t forget lighting, so you can extend the time you spend outside. Low-voltage LED lighting incorporated into the landscape not only illuminates areas at night but also keeps mosquitoes in check, Michael says, which is important in New England after sunset.

Outdoor fireplaces and firepits can be either wood burning or gas, provide a cozy ambience, and provide another reason to go outside in the evening.

According to Michael, people are looking for comfort and convenience. The goal is to enhance your property to create an outdoor living space that’s an extension of your home. tw MB Pro Landscape Design Enfield, NH (603) 252-6963 mbprolandscapedesign.com

We’ve finally recommitted to the Paris Climate Accord Now it’s your turn

Schedule a free assessment (802) 649-3700 info@solaflect.com

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GOING GREEN

BY ROB ADAMS PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOLAFLECT

CLEAN, EFFICIENT ENERGY MORE PEOPLE ARE TURNING TO SOLAFLECT ENERGY

Tracking the sun and capturing that energy with home battery storage are two growing trends in 2021.

Home battery storage is an increasingly hot topic as climatedriven power outages affect communities all over the country— Texas storms and California fires being the most top-of-mind.

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n early 2021, Solaflect Energy reached an exciting milestone of 800 solar Trackers installed in customers’ backyards and fields all over New Hampshire, Vermont, and Northern Massachusetts. The pandemic has placed a strain on the solar world, much as it has on so many businesses, but Solaflect bucked the trend with steady growth of about 20 percent over the last year thanks to so many of us being homebound and thinking about home improvement projects— and with the growing interest from folks looking for a better, more efficient

way of generating solar energy.

In late 2020, the 26 percent federal tax credit for solar was extended for two more years, translating into a continued savings of $6,000 to $7,000 for the average homeowner installing solar. This was an encouraging development as the tax credit had been scheduled to drop to 22 percent in 2021 and disappear in 2022. It will come up for renewal again in 2023 during an administration far more favorable to renewable energy, so it bodes well for continued support for solar from at least the federal level.

At the state level, the public utility commissions in both Vermont and New Hampshire continue to succumb to the well-funded lobbying efforts of local utilities and the deep-pocketed oil and gas industry, so we don’t foresee any improvement in state incentives anytime soon. But current netmetering rates at least make solar competitive with the alternative of “doing nothing” and continuing to pay ever-rising utility bills.

We all need to raise our voices at the state level to insist that our legislatures and public utility commissions continue to encourage and incent people to generate their own clean energy right at home, reducing the strain on the aging and less and less reliable electrical grid.

Home battery storage is an increasingly hot topic as climatedriven power outages affect communities all over the country—Texas storms and California fires being the most top-of-mind.

Home batteries to take the place of gas generators as a backup power solution are on the rise, driven by the rapid improvement in battery technology as the world moves toward electric vehicles. When General Motors tells 200 million people in a Super Bowl ad that their whole fleet will be electric by 2030, it’s a real thing! Solaflect installed 25 home storage batteries for customers in 2020, and we see that number rising in 2021.

Now, more than ever, we all need to do our part to move to clean energy solutions—the power is in our hands to make a difference! tw Solaflect Energy 326 Main Street, Suite 4 Norwich, VT (802) 649-3700 solaflect.com

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ADVERTISERS INDEX Allen Pools & Spas 46 American Plate Glass 74 Anichini 802 46 Barre Tile 121 Belletetes 12 Biron’s Flooring 26 Boynton Construction 44 Brown Furniture 9 Brown’s Auto & Marine 47 Charles Silva Building and Design 47 Chippers 127 Claremont Custom Framing 73 Claremont Glassworks 72 Claremont Spray Foam 2 Colby Insurance Group 113 Copeland Furniture 43 Creative Lighting Designs 43 Crown Point Cabinetry 11 Crown Point Select 99 db Landscaping 79 Deck Dock Home & Garden 120 Docks Plus 46 Dovetail Landworks 46 Eastern Propane & Oil 25 Ennis Construction 1 Estes & Gallup 46 Evan Pierce Realtor 51 Eyeglass Outlet 46 FloorCraft 50 Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty 10 & 41

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Frank Anzalone Associates 45 Frank Webb Home 63 GR Porter & Sons 50 GeoBarns Back cover Gilberte Interiors 17 GraceHill Construction 39 Guaraldi Insurance. LLC 65 H. R. Clough, Inc. 47 Health Watch 125 High Meadow Builders 27 Home Comfort Warehouse 63 Jeff Wilmot Painting & Wallpapering, Inc. 97 Junction Frame Shop 94 Landforms Inside back cover Landshapes 125 LaValley Building Supply 6 & 57 Lawn Master of Vermont 135 Lebanon Paint & Decorating 97 LindeMac Real Estate 91 Loewen Window Center of VT and NH 95 Love’s Beddding & Furniture 75 Lumber Barn 46 MB Pro Landscape Design 131 McGray & Nichols 15 New Hampshire Electric Boats 16 North Country Door 39 Norwich Solar Technologies 47 Old Hampshire Designs 44 Randall T. Mudge & Associates Architects 74 Renewal by Andersen 78 Richard Electric 127

Riverlight Builders 62 Rodd Roofing 47 Same Sun of VT 26 Shaker Hill Granite Company 82 Shepard Interior Selections 47 Smokeshire Design 47 Snyder Donegan Real Estate Group 29 Solaflect Energy 133 Springfield Fence Company 75 Studio Sage Interior Design 121 Sugar River Bank 101 Sugar River Kitchens, Bath & Flooring 73 Talbot Builders 95 Terrigenous Landscape Architecture 46 The Cabinet en-Counter 94 The Carriage Shed 13 The Dorr Mill Store 46 The Gilded Edge 47 The Ultimate Bath Store 5 The Village at White River Junction 7 Timberpeg/Old Hampshire Designs 8 Timeless Kitchen Design 27 Valley Floors 136 Vermont Cabinetry 3 WK Landscape Design 135 Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture 111 Watermark Marine Construction 47 Winchendon Furniture Inside front cover Windows & Doors By Brownell 89 Yankee Barn Homes 4