Hey Rhody Home Guide 2015 by Hey Rhody Media Co.

Photo credit: Ehsun Mirza

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GREENVILLE, RI Route 44 and 5 CRANSTON, RI 148 Atwood Ave. WESTERLY, RI 248 Post Rd. PAWTUCKET-SEEKONK Central Ave., Bakers Corner N. ATTLEBORO, MA 110 East Washington St.

MANSFIELD, MA 65 Copeland Drive TAUNTON-RAYNHAM, MA Route 44 WAKEFIELD, RI 688 Kingstown Rd. BRISTOL, RI 655 Metacom Ave. MIDDLETOWN, RI 1400 West Main Rd.

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FALL RIVER, MA Rhode Island Ave. FAIRHAVEN, MA Route 6 S. DARTMOUTH, MA 698 Dartmouth St. PLYMOUTH, MA 179 Court St. WAREHAM, MA Route 6-28

DENNISPORT, MA Route 28 GROTON, CT 60 Plaza Ct. WATERFORD, CT Route 1A Shopping Center OLD SAYBROOK, CT 1654 Boston Post Rd. NORWICHTOWN, CT 33-35 New London Turnpike KILLINGLY, CT 543 Wauregan Rd.

Contents

Hey Rhody Home Guide 2015

Moroccan inspiration at the Pearl Street Lofts in Providence

9 Calendar of Events 11 Home Design

Turning the Rumford Library into a home

63 Real Estate

Finding your forever home with help from the pros

65 At Home

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re starting from scratch or ready to redecorate

68 Advice for Buyers

13 At Home

69 Tips for Sellers

17 Trends in Rhody Design 19 Attainable Custom Furniture 22 How to Buy Art

74 Finishing Touch

Lofty living in a historic urban space

25 Personalized Finishing Touches

27 Living Well

Making the most of your time at home

28 At Home 31 Convenient Services 32 Home Organization Photography (L) Melissa Stimpson, (R) Michael Cevoli

33 Decluttering Your Space 35 DIY Family Memories 37 Home Entertaining

45 Renovation

Improving your home and how you live in it

46 At Home 49 Room Makeovers 53 Historic Preservation 56 Easy Eco-Friendly Upgrades 59 Living Greener

Sponsored Content Ask the Expert

When you need professional help

21 Interior Design 24 Coffee 36 Cocktails 58 Water 54 Tree Care 64 Building

38 Dream Homes

Creating a space you truly love

71 Home Resource Directory

Home Guide 2015 |

Design your life & space Affordable, custom designs with interior designer Jae Wyllie Willard

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Letter from the editor life by design Whether you live in a historic home, a renovated loft or an apartment in a three-family house, one thing is the same: loving the space you’re in is essential to your daily well-being and peace of mind. There’s nothing better than waking up in a bedroom decorated exactly how you want it, or walking into a warm and inviting home at the end of a long work day. It’s easy to dismiss revamping your home as an unnecessary expense, but you can’t put a price on your quality of life – especially since reimagining your space doesn’t have to be very expensive at all. Our first annual Hey Rhody Home Guide is full of suggestions for how to create your dream home, whether you’re renting, buying for the first time or freshening up a home you already own and love.

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Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell

Media Director Jeanette St. Pierre

Creative Director Julie Tremaine

Managing Editor Grace Lentini

Digital Editor Tony Pacitti

Editor Elyena de Goguel

Art Director Meghan H. Follett

Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas

Assistant Art Director Veatsna Sok

Graphic Designers Caitlin Musso

Account Managers Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher Kristine Mangan Stephanie Oster Wilmarth

Elizabeth Riel Dan Schwartz Kimberly Tingle

Writers

WEDDING REGISTRY GETTING MARRIED? CHOOSE WELL. Stock Wedding Registry, featuring quality goods from near and far. Providence

OPEN EVERY DAY 10 – 6 • 756 HOPE ST • 401.521.0101 • STOCKPVD.COM

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Erin Balsa Grace Lentini

Andrea McHugh Jeanette St. Pierre

Julie Tremaine

Cover Photography Michael Cevoli Contributing Photographers Tiffany Axtmann Force 4 Photography Mike Braca James Jones Michael Cevoli Janice Lee Kelley Ron Cowie Grace Lentini Brian DeMello Katie Poor

Brad Smith Melissa Stimpson Rupert Whiteley

Interns Courtney Danforth, Emily Davey, Eyram Fiakpui, Claire Flanagan, Jordan LaRose, Ashlyn Mooney, Morgan Pekera Presented by Providence Media, Publishers of The Bay, East Side Monthly, Providence Monthly and So Rhode Island Copyright ©2015 by Providence Media, All rights reserved. Printed by Cummings. Distributed by Special Delivery. We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.

CONNECTING YOU TO THE WORLD

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Home Guide calendar

Events to Sweeten Your Home From browsing to treasure hunting, here are some spring and summer dates worth saving for the home decorating enthusiast

Antique and Vintage Arts and Craft Shopping Festivals Sundays in Providence get a little funkier come June, when dozens of antique, vintage and artisan vendors line up along the city’s waterfront for The Providence Flea. With a great mix of estate finds, upcyled goods and quirky bargains, it’s accessible for both the collector and casual shopper. Add in a row of food trucks serving up gourmet snacks and you’ve got yourself a carefree day. Sundays throughout the summer. Free admission. Providence River Greenway. providenceflea.com The Newport Antique Show offers an impressive display of prestigious Americana antiques such as folk art, furniture and decorative arts for purchase or just admiration. Revered as one of the most important shows of its kind, the fourday event features prominent dealers from across the country, as well as a loan exhibit courtesy of the Museum of the American Revolution. The weekend kicks off early with a gala preview party on Thursday benefitting two Newport charities. July 23-26. Tickets start at $15. St. George’s School, 375 Purgatory Road, Middletown. newportantiqueshow.com

Looking for art can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to the scene. That’s where the Providence Artisan Market comes into play. The weekly open-air market features all types of local arts, from handmade jewelry and photography to ceramics and paintings in a friendly and approachable way. And with the Hope Street Farmers Market running alongside, you can pick up homegrown produce and provisions while you’re at it. Saturdays, May 18-October 26 from 10am-2pm. Free admission. Lippitt Park, Providence. mikebryceart.com Wilcox Park in Westerly transforms into a virtual gallery during the annual Virtu Art Festival. Enjoy the professional craftwork of over 180 juried artists from across the country, live entertainment and a children’s “make it and take it” creativity center. Boutiques downtown join in the action with sidewalk sales for the ultimate retail therapy. May 23-24. Free admission. Wilcox Park, 44 Broad Street, Westerly. westerlychamber.org

DIY Décor Five places to get creative and make your very own home goods 1. The Steel Yard offers courses in ceramics, garden sculpture welding, and even blacksmithing your own barbeque tools. 27 Sims Avenue, Providence. thesteelyard.org 2. Learn to construct storage bins, oven mitts and other fabric based items at one of Kreatelier’s sewing workshops. 804 Hope Street, Providence. kreatelier.com 3. Create fun projects like a birdhouse or a piece of stained glass at The Jamestown Art center. 18 Valley Street, Jamestown. jamestownartcenter.org 4. Drop in the Pea Poddery when you get a crafty urge, and paint your own pottery or glassware without an appointment. 2364 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland. peapoddery.com 5. The creative juices – along with alcoholic beverages – flow at Paint e Vino, a paint and wine (or beer) studio. 150 Main Street, Pawtucket. paintandvino.com

Peek inside The Newport Secret Garden Tour

Forget how the other half lives – what you really want to know is how the other half gardens. No more peeking over fences for you. The Newport Secret Garden Tour happens from June 26-28, and takes you through some of the City By the Sea’s most beautiful, envy-inducing private gardens. Discount advance tickets available at www.secretgardentours.org.

Historic Home Tours Gardening and For over 50 years the Providence Flower Events Preservation Society has let us roam inside historic homes at its annual Festival of Historic Homes. This year’s neighborhood highlight is Fox Point, including southern Benefit Street. It’s a great opportunity to take a peek inside the grand homes of the East Side, and to learn firsthand about their preservation. June 13, 10am-4pm. Advance tickets start at $40. ppsri.org The City by the Sea is brimming with homes of historical importance. Of course you have the mansions, or as the uber wealthy called them, summer cottages. But there are many other homes of note worth a wander here. Newport History Tours, presented by the Newport Historical Society, offers a variety of walking and site tours, from the family friendly History Detective to the more scandalous Rogues and Scoundrels. Check website for tour schedule. $15 per person. newporthistorytours.org

After the winter we just had, it’s no wonder we are all dreaming of flowers. Leave it to Rosecliff mansion to throw the floral extravaganza of the season, The Newport Flower Show. Come for the exquisite garden displays, educational horticulture exhibits and tantalizing champagne and jazz brunch. Leave with inspiration that hopefully lasts through next winter. June 19-21. Advance tickets start at $20. newportmansions.org Each April, spring makes its glorious arrival at Blithewold just in time for Daffodil Days. Tens of thousands of the bright yellow flower welcome you as you explore the historic property and gardens. Afternoon teas, hands-on workshops, concerts and a Fairy Festival round out the programs available throughout the month-long celebration. Month of April. Admission varies per program. 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. blithewold.org Home Guide 2015 |

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Since 1961 we have concentrated on giving our customers the best brands, selection, service and price. We can offer you the best of everything along with our 54-year tradition that combines our great value, trust and knowledge. Whether you are looking to upgrade or remodel, we can help. Stop in during either sale and meet our expert sales staff. They can help you make the right decision providing you with great service before and after the sale.

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| Home Guide 2015

HeyRhody Home Guide

Home Design Whether you’re starting from scratch or ready for some redecorating Trends in rhode island design • CusTom furniTure • how To buy arT • Personalized TouChes in your home

All Photography by Michael Cevoli

Whether you’re starting from scratch or ready for some redecorating Trends in Rhode Island design - Custom furniture - How to buy art - Personalized touches in your home

p.13 When a Providence couple decamped to the East Bay, they brought along everything they could, including a fresh approach to reusing and refurbishing what they already loved. Read about their bold design choices in At Home.

Home Guide 2015 |

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From the wools of New Zealand, England and Australia, from the grasses of South East Asia, from the looms of Europe, the British Isles, China and the great USA, comes a world-class selection of fashionable and durable carpets. All available at Rustigian Rugs. Open Monday-Friday 10-5:30, Saturday 10-5 One Governor Street, Providence, RI 02906 (401) 751-5100 www.rustigianrugs.com

home design at home

The Bright Side

A Providence couple reinvents a Barrington space with unexpected choices and a lot of love

All Photography by Michael Cevoli

One might think an 1890s home on Providence’s East Side and one built in the 1940s in Barrington might not have much similarity, but with an open mind, a creative eye and an adventurous sense of design, the two can find common ground. So when Sarah and John Mycroft made the transition from city to suburbs, it turned out they didn’t have to abandon all the things they loved. “We took just about everything that wasn’t nailed down,” says Sarah. Oftentimes, custom creations like drapes, cornices and upholstered pieces are left behind, but Sarah, who holds two master’s degrees in historic preservation, saw an opportunity to reinvent some of her favorite pieces. “I’m all about recycling if you can reuse something,” Sarah says. “Sometimes it’s just about giving something a new life.” When picking the house, Sarah and John walked under a gargantuan magnolia tree there that Sarah says felt like “magic,” and when they opened the front door, they could see all the way to the opposite end of the home. The Mycrofts talked about their two children, with one on the way, being able to “have free reign” with the open floor plan while they could keep a watchful eye. However, they needed some big changes. The couple turned to Calyx Homes in Lincoln. Calyx took out the back wall to produce two additional bedrooms, an expanded kitchen, office, mudroom and additional bathroom. In them, Sarah let her creative flag fly. “She has no fear

“I love, absolutely love, my home. I was very pregnant when I was doing this and looking to create something special for my family. It was like looking with new eyes. With every tile I chose, it was like, ‘this is going to last a long time,’” gushes homeowner Sarah.

Home Guide 2015 |

“[Interior designer] Pernilla and I share a similar taste. She’s great at reinventing things – she has a super eye for fabrics,” Sarah says. “We would sit down with fabric books and in three minutes, I’d choose a whole floor of fabrics.”

“My advice would be to think about what you love. Use that as a basis, and then think about what you can do to add new flavor,” explains Sarah.

| Home Guide 2015

All Photography by Michael Cevoli

of making bold statements,” says Pernilla Frazier, who co-owns Kreatelier, a fabric and home décor shop in Providence. Pernilla, who declares that Sarah has an “unbelievable” home, says the secret to her extraordinary design sense is Sarah’s ability to juxtapose old and new, classic and modern. “She has beautiful pieces, but they’re meant to be lived in.” It’s no wonder they’re friends: the two believe in utilizing what you already have, flirting with irreverence and being “a little crazy in the most delightful way.” The experience inspired Sarah to open Dwellings, an interior design firm in Barrington, with architect Karen Pringle. Dwellings specializes in project management for renovated homes and new construction. Taking a cue from her own philosophy, Sarah helps customers work with what they have already and in some cases, reinventing things. Her advice is to embrace your likes, not to fight what you’re intrinsically drawn to, and blend unexpected pieces with what you treasure most. “It’s your home. Make it comfortable. Make it happy. Make it joyful.” -Andrea McHugh

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home design trends in RI design

Interior Design Forecast 2015 Old habits die hard, but classic staples allow you to indulge passing trends in new ways You finally have the place of your dreams. You’ve painted the rooms shades of your signature colors and filled them with beloved treasures, and well, your house is a hot mess. There’s a reason interior designers stay busy here in the Ocean State: it can be a challenge to marry your existing furnishings and your appetite for fresh, trendy décor. “What I am continuing to see trending is a re-commitment to making smart, long term design choices as opposed to following ‘trendy’ design,” says designer Lisa Newman of Homestyle (229 Westminster Street, Providence. 277-1159, homestyleri. com), like “classic silhouettes in furniture that have been updated by cleaning up some of the detail into smoother lines, complex neutrals that blend well together and allow for accessories to be an important part of the overall design, and an investment in quality rather than quantity.”

Photography (L) Melissa Stimpson, (R) Michael Cevoli

Look for timeless core pieces, suggests interior designer Jessica Becker of Westerly (jessicabeckerdesigns.com). “I don’t look for the latest trends - classic is key. I love traditional lines, like that of a camelback sofa or a balloon chair.

These silhouettes have been around for decades but they can be brought up to date with a modern fabric and less traditional wood finishes, like weathered oak,” she says. “The look is clean and fresh and can look equally at home in a one of Rhode Island’s 200 year old colonials or new construction.” Interior designer Courtney Bauer at Lou Lou’s Décor (104 Clock Tower Square, Portsmouth. 293-5799. loulousdecor.com) agrees with eschewing trends for looks with longevity, especially when it comes to choosing color. “We are sticking to the tried and true trend that has staying power – the classic color combo of blue and white. It’s crisp; it’s timeless.” But that doesn’t mean one has to reject trendy colors altogether. “We are not too sure on how this color will take in coastal New England, but Pantone has announced the color of the year 2015 as being the deep muted red, ‘Marsala.’ We are seeing more of our vendors come out with products in this earthy, wine color,” she says. “We recommend using it in small doses, like an accessory, lamp or rug, and using Marsala in combination with light

Wood adds an unexpected element of texture to this Providence kitchen

An unexpected twist on nautical decor in Little Compton

neutrals.” Carleen DeSisto of Décor & You in West Greenwich (213-9368, rhodeislandinteriordesignfirm.com) shares a similar philosophy. “Marsala will add warmth to any space, even in small doses as accents in the form of art, fabrics, pillows and decorative accents,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to splurge on a funky accent or conversation piece such as an end table, chest, accent chair, lamp, mirror or abstract piece of art to make a statement!” Textures and architectural details are another way people can dramatically change a space without knocking down walls or major renovations,” says Kristen Martone of Graceke Design (22 Sextant Lane, Narragansett. 219-1669, gracekedesign.com). “When we think of a ceiling we think of flat and plain. There are so many architectural details that can be incorporated onto a ceiling to bring the entire room to life,” she says. Simple additions like ceiling medallions, wainscoting or wallpaper can completely change the impression and dimension of a room. Our 400 miles of coastline here in the Ocean State clearly inspire homeowners as nautical motifs continue to be a top request to local interior designers. “Here in coastal Rhode Island, beachy, nautical, coastal decor is still in high demand,” says Courtney from Lou Lou’s Décor. But the look doesn’t have to be literal. “Seaside-inspired decor can be tasteful, understated and subtle. For

example, achieve this look by adding a driftwood finish table, a sea glass chandelier or a rope-handled lantern.” Lee Chartier at Inside Style (155 Main Street, Wakefield. 783-7800) says in her experience a nautical aesthetic can achieved via grasscloth wallcoverings, natural fibers fabrics for upholstery and window treatments, and sisal rugs. The look should still have a classic feel, she says, so that it never goes out of style. And for Graceke’s Kristen, a white on white color palate is popular among her clients and a nod to her New England roots. As the pace of today’s family has changed, so has its needs. An interior designer can help find solutions to meet these needs. “Ditch the eat-in kitchen table for a huge marble kitchen island with plenty of counter-stools for the ‘new age’ family style dining,” says Courtney. “Top off your massive island with interesting patterned glass pendant [lights] to add interest but not obstruct the view in your open concept space.” The solutions are not exclusive to the indoors either. “People are investing in designs for outdoor fire pits, bars, pizza ovens, patios… areas that we can enjoy our friends in a comfortable setting while still spending time with the kids,” she explains. Once you’ve determined your own personal style, and interior designer can help edit what you have, suggest what you need and create a plan to get you there. -Andrea McHugh Home Guide 2015 |

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Photography by Ron Cowie

No longer is custom furniture reserved for folks in the big cities. That’s right, there are plenty of fellow Rhode Islanders right in our neighborhoods that are talented, passionate and just darn good at everything from furniture restoration to custom pieces. If you have a piece of furniture that you absolutely love, except for the fact that the upholstery is so 1985, then Drew Wheelan of The Seating Arrangement in Peace Dale is your man. He reupholsters structurally sound pieces of furniture, which in turn are kept out of landfills. This also gives you the ability to continue passing down heirloom pieces generation after generation. In addition to these reupholstered pieces, he also makes custom handbags and furniture. With a variety of fabrics available in his shop, you’re sure to find just the right print to make a statement on any piece you choose. 1181 Kingstown Road, Peace Dale. 7894455, peacedaleseating.blogspot.com. Know all of those gorgeous one-of-akind tables you see on HGTV Property Brothers? Well, that kind of luxury is absolutely attainable, and at a reasonable price. David Ellison of the Lorimer

Hey Rhody! Dream of making your own furniture? Providence’s Keeseh Woodshop, run by ICFF Designer of the Year Asher Dunn, offers lessons in wood turning, machinery and more. Keeseh.com

Workshop has been making custom tables since 2007 after leaving a 30-year corporate career. Since then he’s created everything from farm, contemporary and industrial tables to ones with a living edge. You can customize anything you would want from the stain and cut to metal and wood leg options. Need another reason to have this designed and made local? David strives for zero waste in his shop and uses reclaimed wood. He even donates the sawdust to a no-kill horse sanctuary in Scituate. So, you get a one-ofa-kind piece with the knowledge that part of your table is going to a good cause. Guess it’s time to decide which room needs a new table. 610 Manton Avenue, Providence. 714-0014, lorimerworkshop.com. Imagine if opulence and history had a love child. That is what you get when you step into The Ball & Claw of Newport. It is the exclusive showroom for furniture maker Jeffrey Greene, who specializes in building period pieces in the style of legendary local cabinetmakers from the Townsend and Goddard families. His furniture creations are 18th century American and are historically accurate replicas. Jeffrey has been making this gorgeous furniture for over 30 years and even occasionally lectures on the historicity of the pieces. While the pieces do take some time to create, the attention to detail will make the final product well worth the wait. 29 America’s Cup Avenue, Newport. 848-5650, theballandclaw.com -Grace Lentini

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Home Guide 2015 |

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Q What is your design philosophy? A

I rely on classical arrangements of rooms, proportion and scale to right a home. Then, I introduce modern details like layered lighting and sink-into sofas. As a result, our interiors exude a timeless quality and deliver equal parts comfort and function.

Q Why should a homeowner hire an interior designer? A

A good interior designer can save clients time and money. Our involvement early in a project informs structural and mechanical work, preventing construction delays and ensuring the work behind the walls can support the final finish – without costly do-overs.

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Q Why should a homeowner consider taste? A

Since founding my practice ten years ago, I’ve created and honed a reliable process that takes the mystery and fear out of working with a designer. A new client recently told me it’s just short of magical. I couldn’t have been more pleased.

Q What is the most challenging aspect of interior design work? A

On any given day our architectural and interior designers collaborate with 25-30 different builders, tradespeople and artisans. We need to know enough about their craft to understand and stretch the design possibilities while respecting the limitations. Communication and humility are key.

Q What is the most fulfilling aspect of your work? A

Our clients often come to us on the verge of a major life transition, like a move to the city, the acquisition of a parent’s summer home or semi-retirement. The residence we help create supports their next life chapter. It doesn’t get much more fulfilling.

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S p o ns o r e d Co n t e n t Home Guide 2015 |

home design art

How to Buy Art Can’t tell the difference between Picasso and paint-by-number? Local experts share some colorful advice.

Hello, Gallery Night. “Go to as many exhibition openings as possible and talk freely with gallerists and the artists, and be curious about how the work was created: what materials were used and what processes were followed,” says Dedee Shattuck, owner of her eponymously named gallery in Westport, MA. “Textiles, printmaking, painting, metal sculpture, collage, woodwork and ceramics have beautiful stories to tell, beyond the finished piece. The more you understand the process, the more you appreciate the intrinsic value of the work.”

Don’t Buy Art To Make a Quick Buck. “Most people who buy art for investment are buying for the sole purpose of making money, or at least that is their main purpose. Therefore the emotional connection to the art for this kind of buyer is not the main reason why they purchase the piece, and if I may add, most investment art is profoundly expensive,” says Rhode Islandbased artist Anthony Tomaselli. “Having said that, please allow me to speak about the art market that I am involved in with my paintings. This contemporary realism and non-representational market, the galleries and dealers, are selling art of living artists valued between $500 and $20,000. The clients are thinking less about investment and more about what the painting means to them: how the artwork moves them and how it actually fits into their home or business.”

Try and try again. “If you get a piece home and it’s not right in the space, rotate your collection around, try different lighting or find a different spot for the work than where you originally envisioned it hanging,” says Michele Aucoin, co-owner of

HOW TO STArT A COLLeCTiON Buy from reputable art galleries and dealers. How long have they been in business? Ask friends that collect art for suggestions as to who they deal with. -artist Anthony Tomaseli Your collection should be a reflection of your own taste, experiences, interests, and passions. Don’t worry about what your smart, well-travelled, or artsy friends think of the work, it’s not their collection, it’s yours. -Isabel Mattia, Dedee Shattuck Gallery Don’t worry about every piece working together. A mix of styles, subject matter, artists, colors, and framing choices can make for an interesting collection. As long as the buyer has a connection with each work, that’s what will unify it. -Nick Paciorek, ArtProv gallery Collections start with your first purchase. If, for example, you are interested in photography or sculpture or small works, then you could start with that for your first few purchases and see where that leads you. Feel free though to mix and match, large and small, expensive and inexpensive. There are no absolute rules to collecting, so make it your own. Variety can sometimes be the cornerstone of the most interesting collections. -Dave “Gilly” Gilstein of Charlestown Gallery

| Home Guide 2015

Anthony Tomaselli captures iconic Providence scenes like WaterFire

ArtProv gallery. “Or in our case, if your husband brings home a painting you hate, relegate it to the man cave!”

Spend Money.

“If you see a piece of work that speaks to you, or sticks with you, and the price is even somewhat within your means, you should buy it. I hear people all the time say that they regret not acting on their instincts and buying a piece when they had the chance, I never hear people regretting purchases,” says Isabel Mattia, lead curator at the Dedee Shattuck Gallery. “I bought my first painting in college at an art show for $200. At the time it seemed like a crazy amount of money. That particular artist’s work is now selling in the thousands. This is validating, but I also don’t care about that. Every time I look at that painting, I love it more than when I bought it.”

Surprise Yourself. “If you find yourself drawn to a piece that’s different from what you normally purchase – for instance, a figure if you prefer landscapes – open your mind to new experiences and buy it,” advises Nick Paciorek, who co-owns ArtProv gallery with wife Michele Aucoin. “By feeling connections with new works, you may uncover something about yourself that gets revealed on the wall and starts a dialog with your guests.”

It’s Just Art.

“Don’t be afraid or intimidated, it’s just art,” says artist

Dave “Gilly” Gilstein of Charlestown Gallery. “If you look at quantity and varieties of art, you will develop a ‘good eye.’ With time you will be able to recognize different qualities and caliber of art. You will also develop likes and dislikes, but be open to having your mind changed and challenged. When you find an artist you like, try to look at various examples of their work.”

Reinvent by Reframing. “By changing matting and framing, you can completely change the look of a piece. In the ‘80s and ‘90s, people were buying metal poster frames and putting them on fine art,” says Dave O’Brien of Picture This Framing Center & Gallery. “It also gives you a chance to protect it – older pieces don’t usually have UV protected glass, and now there’s museum glass with conservation grade UV protection. Now we put in acid free products. Years ago they weren’t doing acid free and over time, it damages the product. We use 100% cotton rag – it’s 100% spun fiber cotton that’s totally acid free and museum grade.”

Start Small.

“Find an artist whose work you love and buy a small, less expensive piece. Then follow the artist through his or her career, adding to your collection as your needs and budget allow,” says ArtProv’s Michele. -Andrea E. McHugh

Photography by Brian DeMello

A woman in Virginia went to a flea market and was drawn to a napkinsized painting depicting a landscape. She later learned her Paysage Bords du Seine was a one-of-a-kind Renoir dating back to 1879 worth upwards of $75,000. Buying art, whether at a flea market or gallery, can be intimidating, but it shouldn’t be, say local artists and gallery owners. Everyone we spoke to agrees that the most important thing to do when buying art is to purchase something you love. Here’s some more advice to get you started:

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home design personalized touches

It’s Personal Celebrate your individual style with artistic touches throughout your home Though real estate experts strongly recommend “de-personalizing” your home when putting it on the market, making a home your own while you live there adds sense of comfort and warmth. “Yes, it is best to remove most of the personal items, especially on the walls,” says Marc Archambault of Randall Realtors, “but best to leave ‘art’ type things on the wall to warm the home. Be sure not to overdo it.” Custom touches range from subtle temporary accents including framed photos, monogrammed linens and home plaques with the family surname to more semi-permanent upgrades like painted murals and tiles. As with any substantial home design project, seeking the advice of an experienced professional will ensure you stay focused on the big picture – in some cases, quite literally. Cecilia Tavares of Cranston is the founder of Young at Heart Studios, which specializes in custom murals for children’s rooms and pet portraits. She says it’s perfectly understandable for homeowners to feel overwhelmed at the prospect of

completely modifying a space. “Because there are so many different looks and styles for home design, it can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out which you want to commit to,” she says. Start by considering colors for the space: wall, trim, accent and if moving forward with a mural, the general palate. “When designing a space/nursery I like to stick with a more neutral background and bring in pops of color,” says the artist. A well-thought-out plan will ensure the color palate is controlled while hues complement one another. Nurseries are some of her favorite spaces to create whimsical murals and intriguing finishes. “Since I am an artist first, nursery design allows me to get fun and creative… whether it be painting a mural on the wall, creating an accent wall with a fun texture or pattern, customizing the perfect piece of artwork to hang up or refinishing that special piece of furniture to incorporate into a baby’s space,” she says. “Each job is so different from the next, therefore discussing details with the client and taking a look at the space first is absolutely key before

A custom nursery by Young at Heart Studios

figuring out a game plan.” youngatheartstudios.com Providence-based illustrator Caleigh McGrath merges her skills as a graphic designer and artist to create a variety of interior spaces. “I am getting a lot of requests for of a more hand-drawn look in the murals I do; more of a hand-crafted approach as opposed to something that looks machine made or pre-fabricated,” she says. The artist was commissioned in 2014 to paint motifs at the newly opened Providence hotspot, Ogie’s Trailer Park. Owners Dan and Jessica Becker (Jessica is an interior designer) turned to Caleigh to bring to life retro-inspired designs throughout the hip bar. Together, the trio discussed the vision for Ogie’s and exchanged ideas, making for a collaboration that has resonated with customers, especially the artwork painted on the sides of multiple deconstructed mobile homes. “The mural and hand-painted signs for Ogie’s were a great project for me,” says Caleigh. “The idea was conceptualized by the owners and the design was created through a series of sketches and trials for all of

Custom murals by Caleigh McGrath

us. Painting the patio trailers was the best part. I was just given a theme for each trailer and got to paint them however I wanted, with approval of course.” While repurposed mobile homes may or may not work as a canvas in your home, thinking outside of the box and challenging your comfort zone typically results in a rewarding, one of a kind aesthetic that feels truly your own. “Blending elements of different styles works well, if you can pull it off,” says Jessica Becker. “Don’t be afraid to hire a designer to help with this. Even if you don’t know your aesthetic, it prevents your home from looking like a page out of a Pottery Barn catalogue.” caleighmcgrathillustration.com -Andrea McHugh Home Guide 2015 |

Living Well Making the most of your time at home

Photography by Grace Lentini

Convenient serviCes • DeCluttering your spaCe • Diy family memories • Home entertaining

p.28 Once a Saunderstown family outgrew their beloved home, they decided to rebuild rather than sell. Turn the page to read about how they created the perfect space to match their family’s dreams.

Home Guide 2015 |

living well at home

Family Matters

How a Saunderstown couple changed their home to suit their family’s needs

Tucked away on a

quiet, bucolic expanse, everything about Ed and Paula Santos’s Saunderstown house seemed idyllic – until it didn’t. “As our family grew, we started looking for more space,” explains Ed. By the time they had three small children, the couple needed a home that could better accommodate their growing brood. The only problem was, nothing felt right. Ed and Paula took a hard look at their tight quarters and pastoral property and decided if they couldn’t find the right home, they would create it. They turned to David Andreozzi, principal of Barrington’s Andreozzi Architects. Before David drew a line of plans, the trio talked about the home’s objectives. “David talks to you about how you plan to use every room. Then he lays it out so it’s practical. We use every feature,” explains Ed. The couple learned to think bigger – not only in terms of space, but lifestyle. Making it happen took patience and an ample budget. “About 90% of the house was gutted. We moved to an apartment for a year and a half while they were building,” recalls Ed. Together, the couple and the architect, along with David’s associate, Dave Rizzolo and the building team at Gardner Woodwrights, found solutions to challenges. “One of the unique design quandaries was designing a home office for Ed where he could entertain clients, yet he also wanted direct access

| Home Guide 2015

“There is a misconception that an architect will overdesign and cost you money,” David of Andreozzi Architects says. “In truth, it is opposite. They allow you to spend money on what you need now, plan for the future and keep you on budget. As we interviewed Paula and Ed, we proposed options and opportunities for their growing family. The result is a perfect design solution designed exactly for them – then, now and in the future.”

“As their family changed it was important to assess their children’s needs to recreate the existing house in order to create a newborn sense of place that both their family and friends would be drawn to,” continues David.

All photography by Grace Lentini

to the master bedroom suite,” David says. “Our solution was a second floor walkway that connected the rooms in an intuitively private way.” One of the spaces Paula enjoys the most is the formal living room, a space they also call “the music room.” “I play the piano, so I go there when I want to be away from everything. It’s my relaxing space.” Though Ed’s office is a dream come true, the home theater, he says, was the space he had the most apprehension about. To his delight, it has reaped the most reward. “Merging technology into today’s construction is key to its success,” David explains. “When the discussion occurred of creating a place to draw children and friends, the concept of recreating a theater seemed like a natural solution.” Ed and Paula turned to Kelly Hickey of Hickey Interiors to execute a design scheme for their aesthetic which they describe as “eclectic traditional.” Kelly, says David, worked with the Santos’ to achieve a seamless composition of interior decoration with the interior architecture. It’s a true example of a house growing with the family. -Andrea McHugh

“We went though many variants of detailing to soften the design to a more custom, designed, colonial farmhouse,” David says.

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living well home services

Take it Home You might never have to leave your house again with these unique doorstep services In a perfect world, you’d be making dinner from scratch every night and formulating your own all-natural cleaning products. In the real world, we all need some help. Here are some life hacks for you. We won’t tell, we promise.

Photo: Hannah Mellion

Gourmet Tastes Right in Your Kitchen Frozen food takes on a new meaning when it’s been professionally prepared in your own home by a personal chef. The chefs behind My Chef Lara customize menus to your tastes and diet preferences, do the grocery shopping and cook up a storm in your kitchen. Your fridge and freezer gets stocked for days, and you reap the delicious benefits. Bon appetit! mycheflara.com We’re fortunate to have so many farms in Little Rhody, and even luckier to have Veggie Box. The $25 weekly subscription, brought to you by Farm Fresh Rhode Island, delivers locally grown produce straight to your door. With recipe suggestions and info about the farm sent via email each week, it’s an easy (and healthy) way to eat your veggies. farmfreshri.org Famed chef Nick Rabar is always up to something exciting, be it his Chef 2 Go cable series or being recognized as RI Hospitality’s Chef of 2014. His recent endeavor Melu offers epicurean meals delivered to your home within 30 minutes of ordering online. All you have to do is

Hey Rhody! Providence based Manpacks, a monthly service that delivers men’s socks, underwear and razors, has over 10,000 subscribers across the country. manpacks.com

reheat it and voila: dinner is served. melu.co

VIP Perks for Very Important Pets Why “ruff” it by driving your furry friend to the groomer when Fur Kidz Mobile Pet Grooming will conveniently come to you. The traveling pet salon will pull up curbside in its decked out van equipped with a steel tub, shampoo stations and air dryers. Your pooch is bound to be the top dog of the neighborhood. furkidz.com No pet likes a vet visit, and no owner does either. That’s why Creature Comforts Veterinary Services treats pets in the comfort of their own homes. Vaccinations, routine wellness care and dental procedures are just a few of the mobile services available. Tail wagging is optional. creaturecomfortsri.com Picking up poop is a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it. Thanks to Doody Calls Pet Waste Removal, that someone doesn’t have to be you. Not only will they scoop up around your yard, but they’ll also treat brown spots and deodorize outdoor areas. doodycalls.com

House Calls Make a Comeback Healthcare is ever evolving, and some doctors are changing along with it. Take Direct Doctors, as an example. The North Kingstown family medical practice does not accept insurance, but rather charges a monthly subscription fee that includes unlimited house visits and 24/7 access to the doctors via cell and email. Who would have thought that waiting

The Farm Fresh RI Veggie boxes bring the farmer’s market to you

rooms could be a thing of the past? directdoctors.org The milkman is such an old timey concept, but Munroe Dairy puts a modern spin on the service. Along with farm fresh milk, doorstep deliveries include locally made provisions from Narragansett Creamery and Daniele Foods and beloved Rhody staples like Blount soups and Gregg’s desserts. cowtruck.com

Concierge Services for Everyday Chores You don’t have to be a celebrity to have a personal assistant. In fact, all you need are some chores you can’t seem to accomplish. Enter Cathleen Naughton Associates, a home health agency that also offers personal concierge assistance such as transportation, errand running and coordination of home repairs. Take that Hollywood. cathleennaughtonassoc.com Laundry is the great equalizer. We all have it and none of us have the time for it. And as soon as it’s all done, another load is already piling up. “No more,” says Get the Funk Out, a laundry and

dry cleaning pick up and drop off service. Instead of spending hours lugging, switching and folding, the funky crew will take the time to get your whites, well, white. gtfolaundry.com Everyone loves a spotless car, but who has the time or energy to get between the crevices and actually clean it? The folks at Clean N Cruise Auto Detailing do, and knowing how valuable your time is, they come to you. While you’re updating your Facebook status from your couch, your vehicle will be getting the white glove treatment right in your driveway. cleanncruise.com At Your Service understands that vacations should be stress-free, so that’s why they’ll watch over your home while you’re gone. From snowbirds that leave for months to weekenders who are sneaking away for a few days, the personal assistance agency will oversee ongoing projects or even an emergency repair. Add in a lift to and from the airport and you’ve got yourself a smooth getaway. atyourservice247.com -Jeanette St. Pierre Home Guide 2015 |

living well home organization

Upgrade Your Space Easy ways to perfectly organize your home Admit it: even if you love your house, there are some areas that could use tweaking. Here are some organizational suggestions to help turn your existing home into your dream home.

If your closet is overflowing with rogue shoes and belts, you can’t open your bathroom cabinet without bottles falling all over the place and you haven’t baked in years because you can’t find the cinammon amongst the endless dusty bottles of what used to be spices, you need some order in your life. Get it at The Container Store, which sells, you guessed it: containers. Containers of every shape and size. Containers for that messy bag of flour. Containers to hold those cotton balls that are always falling out of the bag. Specially made tie hangers, belt hangers, boot hangers. Incloset organizational systems. For the Type A among us, it’s Heaven. In fact, it’s giving us anxiety right now just thinking about how much your house needs organizing. Help us. Go there. Garden City Center, 150 Hillside Road, Cranston. 8684140, containerstore.com

Have Your People Call Martha’s People Ok, ok. Some people have the organization gene, and some don’t. (You know who you are. You’ve got a pile of untouched bins in the garage just waiting to be filled.) Don’t judge yourself. We can’t all be Martha Stewart – just ask Martha herself. If you’re craving order in your home but just can’t make it happen, it’s time to call in some professional

Hey Rhody! Do you wish you could organize your life, but just can’t find the time? Marti del Negro of BENE Lifestyle Management can take on any complex life task, from planning a family trip to organizing your photo archives. benelifestylemanagement.com

| Home Guide 2015

help. Jemison Faust of Your Choice Organizing will help you set up simple, workable systems in your home, creating peace of mind, endless free time and domestic bliss… or just a really well-organized pantry. 6 Bush Street, Newport. 846-8426, yourchoiceorganizing.com

Channel Your Inner Candy Spelling Sure, the uber-rich widow of TV titan Aaron Spelling had it all. But her version of having it all included being hyper-organized, down to having two dedicated gift wrapping rooms in the enormous mansion she shared with her late husband: one for decorating gifts, and one for wrapping large parcels for mailing. You might not have the space or the desperate need to fill your hours that Candy had, but you can take a page from her book by turning a corner or a closet into a dedicated gift wrapping station. Here’s how: invest in those removable, stickable hooks and lightweight dowels long enough to hold rolls of wrapping paper. Stick two hooks to the wall wide enough apart to hold a roll, put one on a dowel and hang the dowel. Repeat until you run out of wall or wrapping paper. Dedicate one dowel to spools of ribbon, and put up a couple of removable file bins somewhere close by to hold gift bags, tissue paper and cards. Et voila. Think about how often those rolls of paper fall out of a closet, get dinged and end up in the recycling bin. This is an investment of time that feels very organized, saves you money and is 90210 approved.

Come Out of the (Boring) Closet Ah, closet space. The white whale of apartment dwellers and owners of historic homes. Chances are, you don’t love your closet as much as you should. And how could you? There’s

Otis Brown is a history buff, so his wife Wendy created a dedicated space to enjoy his collection in their Rumford home.

no good place for shoes. It’s not big enough to hold your extensive tie collection. And you think you have nothing to wear because you can never see any of your clothes when they’re crammed into that dimly lit closet for ants that your landlord thinks is sufficient. Phew. Don’t suffer. For surprisingly little money, you can create the closet of your dreams at Closets, Etc. These custom closet pros specialize in maximizing space and creating organization that works for you and fits everything you need to fit. Whether you throw out your old prom dress… well, that’s up to you. 569 Armistice Boulevard, Pawtucket. 398-0398, wclosets-etc.com

Cultivate a “Me” Space You spend most - ok, all - of your time on other people, whether that’s working all day and rushing home to make dinner and do laundry, or shuttling kids back and forth to their endless social appointments (seriously, when did kids become busier than adults?). You

probably don’t give yourself the gift of a few dedicated minutes on what you love. Help cultivate balance in your life by creating a space just for you, dedicated to what you love. Do you crave silence with a good book? Set up a chair and end table in a corner of your bedroom, make a pile of a couple of books and magazines you’ve been meaning to read, and keep it cozy with a throw blanket. Visual reminders of the things you love will encourage you to spend more time on them and less time in the car thinking “I wish I had time to finish that book.” If reading isn’t your thing, try one of these: a “wine nook” in the dining room with glasses and a stocked wine fridge; a yoga or free weight area in the living room by the entertainment center (you can just as easily Kardashian-binge from a mat as from your couch); or a DIY area in your garage, stocked with well-organized tools or crafting supplies. The better organized your materials are, the more likely you are to start a project - after all, the first step of gathering everything you need will already be taken care of for you. -Julie Tremaine

Photography by Michael Cevoli

Contain Yourself

living well decluttering your space

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1. Have it picked up Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State (BBBSOS) makes it super easy to get rid of clothes and home goods. Schedule a free pick up, leave your stuff on the curb and poof! Your unwanted stuff gets delivered to a nearby Savers for a chance of a second life while BBBSOS makes a tidy profit to offset their operational costs. bbbsos.org

2. Drop It Off The Salvation Army accepts everything from appliances and clothing to furniture and vehicles. With 55 drop off locations in Rhode Island (plus a pick up service as well), it’s easy peasy. ctri.salvationarmy.org/SNE

3. Donate It All sorts of non-profits have wish lists on their websites seeking used items. Blankets for animal shelters and cell phones for domestic abuse shelters are just a few examples of how your trash can be someone else’s treasure. Serve Rhode Island has a comprehensive list of charities. serverhodeisland.org

to bring a handful of clothes and accessories they no longer want, then let the swapping begin.

Facebook has a load of local ongoing “yard sales” in which you upload a picture of something you’re selling, and get messages from those interested. Providence Online Yard Sale and RI Second Hand Children’s Toys and Gear are just two of the many pages available to join.

8. Pay It Forward Freecycle’s mission is to “keep good stuff out of the landfills.” With a few chapters available in Rhode Island, members post what they are offering for free, and what they’re searching for. freecycle.org

Goodwill Industries will take anything with a plug, like an old computer, television, printer and other e-waste. A 24hour drop off bin is available outside of their Providence location. goodwillri.org -Jeanette St. Pierre

Clothing swaps are a fun way to not only get rid of your stuff, but also get some “new” stuff in return. Ask your friends

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Organizing experts can help if the first eight tips listed here just create more anxiety about your clutter. Organizing in RI can organize your closets, kitchens and even your paperwork. organizinginri.com

10. Unplug

6. Host a Swap Party

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9. Hire an Expert

Consigning your stuff is a great way to get rid of gently used clothing and home goods, and also get paid for it. Each store has a different policy, as some will pay up front and others pay you as items sell. See Yelp for a local roundup.

If you have items in demand, like collectibles or electronics, then eBay is the way to go. Half.com is ideal for selling books, video games and DVDs. Both sites are so simple to use and with money deposited in PayPal, it’s just as safe. eBay.com

Furniture • Window Seats • Pillows

7. Find a Virtual Yard Sale

4. Consign

5. Sell It Illustration by Meghan H. Follett

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| Home Guide 2015

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lving well DIY memories

All in the Family

Easy ways to create your own family heirlooms

You make memories of your family every day - but in a decade or so, the most adorable thing your little one did today probably isn’t going to be as fresh in your mind as it is right now. Get a little creative to make permanent memories of the small moments that make a family history. Here’s how.

Spin the Clay Wheel That handprint art that your kids bring home is a sweet reminder of growing up... But after time, that paper fades, just like your attachment to scrunchies and leg warmers. Capture the passage of time in clay. The sky, and your creativity, are the only limits. Have your kids decorate one plate each every year, to cultivate a set over time unlike anything you could buy, or have them make little hand and foot prints to hang on the wall. Claygound in East Greenwich, Mudstone Studios in Warren and Weirdgirl Creations in Barrington all offer kid-friendly clay fun. Clayground: 5600 Post Road #109, East Greenwich. 884-4888, claygroundri.com. Mudstone: 30 Cutler Street #129, Warren. 297-9412, mudstonestudios.com. Weirdgirl: 33 Kent Street, Barrington. 247-1397, wierdgirlcreations.com

Photography (Top) Rupert Whiteley, (Bottom) Brad Smith

Create Smartphone Art One of the best things about the proliferation of smartphones is that everyone always has a camera at the ready these days. Your artsy sunset shots might make you feel like a professional photographer, but it’s all talk until you’ve gotten those photos off your phone and onto a more permanent medium. CVS Photo makes regular old prints, but can also produce canvas prints of your work, in large-scale reproductions. Imagine impressing your guests by gesturing to a hallway-turned-art gallery and casually tossing an “oh, those? I took them in Austin last year” over your shoulder. The best part is that canvas prints of your own photos cost about half of what you paid for that generic painting of a wine bottle you got at HomeGoods. cvsphoto.com

Give your Albums a Makeover Now that you’ve got the most important memories on the wall, get the rest of them on display with personalized

fabric gallery In Store Design Assistance

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Create family keepsakes at

You are what you read

Weirdgirl Creations in Barrington

photo albums. Websites like Shutterfly.com have simplified the process: just upload your favorite shots, add captions and order copies for your coffee table and all the grandmothers and aunts you’ve got.

Have a Smashing Time You’ve seen those adorable cake smash baby photos on Pinterest, where to celebrate a milestone like a first birthday, parents put little kids in fancy outfits and let them go to town on a perfectly coordinated cake. A word to the wise: don’t try this at home. The memory of the cleanup alone will destroy any pleasure you get from the resulting pictures. Leave it to the professionals at EG Photo, which is teaming with East Greenwich’s Silver Spoon Bakery to create the cake smash of your social media dreams – and the mess happens in their studio, not your house. 50 Cliff Street, East Greenwich. 884-0220, egphoto.com

Illustrate Your Memories If you’re not feeling the creative juices, leave it to the experts to turn your kids into art. There are lots of options on etsy.com for custom illustrations comemmorating

01.15 Issue 89 Free www.sorhodeisland.com

Gourmet french toast at the Cooked Goose in Westerly

Illustrator Jessica McGuirl of First Pancake good

mornings Delicious breakfast and brunch all over South County

significant milestones like birth and birthdays, where you can add names, dates and custom color palettes. There are also lots of talented local artists who can do the same thing, with a lot more personalization behind it. Karli Hendrickson (karlihendrickson.com) makes youthful illustrations of animals and nature – a custom commissioned poster celebrating a newborn’s birth is surprisingly affordable and will last for years to come. At First Pancake Studio, illustrator Jessica McGuirl (firstpancakestudio.com) turns family recipes into art, creating beautiful prints of recipes that you provide yourself. -Julie Tremaine

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Home Guide 2015 |

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Q How does your cocktail menu change? A

We like to change most of our cocktail list every season. This terrible winter is inspiring us to create even more fresh spring cocktails. Most of our ideas start with the local fruits, veggies and herbs we use as opposed to the spirit. When we get those first berries and herbs of the season the ideas (and booze) start flowing!

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Q What are you seeing in terms of bar trends for this year? A

The guests really drive the trends, and they clearly want more local and higher quality ingredients coming out of the kitchen. The bar is no different. They seem to be moving away from the lower quality “flavored” spirits and more toward craft brands.

Q What tips do you have for the home bartender? A

Call to schedule a tour! 401-533-9104 www.thegraceschool.org Imagine a school that...

• Provides strong academics on a state-of-the-art campus

• Fosters exploration, innovation, creation, playfulness • Supports small group and individualized instruction

First get a classic cocktail book, like Joy of Mixology. Start with some classics and then put your own twist on them by replacing an ingredient. Just have fun! We have a great time drinking our mistakes here. The Dorrance is also a great spot to do some research for your home bar. We have a very knowledgeable and approachable team behind the bar, which is stocked with just about every quality spirit there is. You can try different ones before you purchase bottles for your own place, that way you don’t get stuck with something you don’t like.

Q Tell us about your private cocktail classes. A

Every night we answer questions about our cocktails. I spent ten years doing stand-up and always loved getting laughs and working a room, so we decided to combine the two. The guests pick their spirit and we learn about history, process, classic cocktails and technique. We have a lot of fun with it.

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60 Dorrance Street, Providence www.thedorrance.com • 401-521-6000 S p o n sored Content

| Home Guide 2015

living well home entertaining

Hosts with the Most How to throw the perfect dinner party There’s no use in having a beautifully designed home if you can’t show it off to your friends and family - preferably in the manner of a fabulous, effortless (looking) dinner party. Here’s how to throw one in three easy steps.

Photography by (Top) Tiffany Axtmann, (Bottom) Force 4 Photography

Step 1: Get the Right Tools The perfect dinner party starts with having the right tools in the kitchen. Get them at Stock Culinary Goods (756 Hope Street, Providence. 521-0101, stockpvd.com), which offers creative and thoughtful kitchen supplies and foodie gifts; or at Wickford Gourmet Factory Outlet (656 10 Rod Road, North Kingstown. 294-8430) where you can get everything from pots and pans to flatware and serving platters for significant discounts. Wakefield’s Store Four (673 Kingstown Road, Wakefield. 783-7388, storefour.net) specializes in gorgeous linens and finishing touches for a table. You also need to make sure your kitchen is stocked with great foods – preferably local ones. In the summer you can’t throw a rock without hitting a farmer’s market, but there are several great ones in the off season, too. They all happen on Saturday mornings, now through May. Pawtucket’s Hope Artiste Village hosts the Wintertime Farmer’s Market, which has vegetables, meats, seafood, baked goods and food trucks serving lunch if you just can’t make it home. In North Kingstown, Lafayette Mill is home to the Coastal Growers Market, which happens inside an artist community where

Hey Rhody! Don’t feel like cooking (or cleaning)? Hire a private chef for the night, for two or twenty guests. Chris Oliveri of World’s Fare Chef has been cooking for two decades, and will travel all over the state to cater in your home. That’s the definition of an effortless party. worldsfarechef.com

you can explore local makers and local growers. In Bristol, the Mount Hope Farmer’s Market on historic Mount Hope Farm happens year round. Middletown’s Aquidneck Growers’ Market takes place at Newport Vineyards, so you won’t need to stop at the liquor store to get wine for the great dinner you’re about to make. For a full list of farmer’s markets around the state, visit farmfresh.org.

Step 2: Learn to Cook Now that you’ve got everything you need to cook a great meal, it’s time to figure out what to do with it all. Luckily for you, there are gourmands all over the state just waiting to teach you how to cook. In North Providence, the husband and wife team of Phil Griffin and Malinda Coletta are Professor Chef. They teach you how to make delicious, impressive food that’s actually very simple to make – and serve you homemade wine, which is another class they offer. 41 Lookout Avenue, North Providence. 749-3312, professorchef.com At Newport Cooks, Mary Weaver teaches classes for kids and adults. Kids start with the basics, like preparing a weeknight meal or decorating a cookie bouquet, whereas adults can learn from guest chefs from some of Rhode Island’s most prestigious restaurant kitchens. 796 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown. 293-0740, newportcooks.com Johnson & Wales University turns out restaurant quality chefs with four year culinary degrees, but the school also offers one-day Chef’s Choice workshops for amateur chefs-in-training in everything from regional cuisines (think Spanish tapas, or Indian) to knife skills,

Jessica Billings of Party Pants specializes in festive tablscapes

wine appreciation and appetizer preparation. 321 Harborside Boulevard, Providence. 855-JWU-1881, academics.jwu.edu/chefs-choice The opulent Ocean House in Watch Hill offers regular cooking classes, as well as instruction in wine tasting, cheese pairings, local food foraging and more. Make an event out of it at one of their foodie weekend escapes, like the CIA Culinary Boot Camp from April 23-25, where instructors from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America teach the fundamentals of culinary arts. 1 Bluff Avenue, Watch Hill. 584-7000, oceanhouseri.com

Step 3: Create the Perfect Tablescape You wouldn’t spend all that time shopping and cooking and then serve everything in a less-than-beautiful setting, would you? As every student of Martha Stewart knows, presentation is key. The best way to set a gorgeous table is with flowers. But why spend on

Stock up on produce at the Aquidneck Farmer’s Market

fresh ones that only last a few days? In Barrington, Grasmere (40 Maple Avenue, Barrington. 247-2789, grasmeretheshop.com) creates artful displays of dried and preserved flowers. You might also be surprised to learn that times have changed, and that the new silk flowers are an elegant and lasting option for home decor. Daniel Rose Silk Effects (323-2560, danielrosesilkeffects.com), based in North Kingstown, creates silk bouquets that you would never think aren’t real. Set a theme with a tablescape by Narragansett’s Party Pants (323-1839, partypantsri.com). As a party stylist, Jessica Billings specializes in creating fun and elegant themes for parties, from the decorations to the sweet treats. -Julie Tremaine Home Guide 2015 |

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Dream

Homes Make your dream a reality with the best local resources

A sampling of the dream homes Davitt Design Build has built in Rhode Island. See their profile on page 39.

Dream Homes

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Davitt Design BuilD 4 Frank Avenue, West Kingston • 401-792-9799 www.davittdesignbuild.com

The Davitt Team believes that building your dream house shouldn’t be a nightmare. We’ve all heard the horror stories associated with construction, from exceeding original budgets to being months behind in the schedule. For over 30 years, Davitt Design Build has not only designed, built, renovated and restored distinguished homes across Southern New England, but they’ve also led a revolutionary process. “We got into design build because the traditional way, where architects and builders don’t work side by side, just wasn’t working for us,” he explains. “The processes didn’t flow, the relationships within our team and with the clients were strained, and quite frankly it wasn’t fun.” That’s right, Matt wants the design and construction of your house to as enjoyable as possible. “Building a house is indeed a life’s dream. Our philosophy is that every step should be a pleasure.” The top-notch Davitt team includes architects, builders, finishers and a resident interior designer. The first step for the Davitt team is to determine the budget with the client and list out all of the desired amenities. Through value engineering, they strive to deliver the aesthetic the homeowner desires without impacting the set budget. From there, it’s literally an open book. “We’ll produce a 60 page project overview for the client,” Matt says. Completely detailed with an accurate timeline, it will include a line item for every single task (such as installing a door), and each product used (such as a doorstop). This open plan keeps the homeowner informed

and engaged, and removes any ambiguity about where the money is actually going. There are hundreds of decisions that the homeowner needs to make throughout the process, and Davitt strives to make it fun rather than overwhelming. “We take baby steps,” Matt says, pointing out that a project manager prioritizes the decision making, and breaks it down so that just a handful are made each week. Weekly meetings between the project manager and the homeowners – which can take place face-to-face, over email, or even over the web – are an efficient way to keep the communication and collaboration flowing. “We had a client living in England who didn’t enter her 9,000 square foot home until the paint was on the walls,” Matt says. “We sent video updates so that they could still get a feel for what was happening.” That sort of trust between the client and Davitt speaks volumes about the type of relationships they foster, and why the company boasts that 80% of their business comes from referrals. “Our clients are our best advertising,” Matt says. Davitt’s extensive portfolio of homes includes everything from West Coast contemporary to their signature Nantucket shingle style, and their specialty is coastal building. “We follow the water,” Matt says, explaining that his company’s environmental knowledge is unmatched in the region. “We understand the elements, from the rain that goes sideways, to the salt in the air, to the way the high winds blow.” Building along the coast requires getting through the red tape, like

coastal permits, town variances and approvals. That’s why Davitt works alongside coastal towns, such as Westerly and Narragansett, and local environmental groups like the Coastal Resource Management Council. They are also Green Certified, and use everything from geothermal systems to solar and wind in homes. “We can build as green as you want,” Matt says, pointing out that the company believes in and encourages use of green materials when possible. By building high-quality homes with their uniquely collaborative process, Davitt Design Build has also built an exceptional reputation. “Our job isn’t done until the homeowner is living happily in their home,” Matt says.

Nantucket shingle is Davitt Design Build’s signature style.

Home Guide 2015 |

Dream Homes

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Graceke DesiGn Kristen Martone, owner/interior designer 22 Sextant Lane, Narragansett • 401-219-1669 www.gracekedesign.com

Kristen Martone knows her

way around a room. As the owner and chief interior designer of Graceke Designs, Kristen creates beautiful spaces that are based around everyday life and functionality. Kristen’s main objective for a personalized home design could not be achieved without creating a unique synergy with each client. “It’s all about finding the right solution for each customer’s needs,” she says. Her process is comprehensive but most importantly it’s enjoyable. “Once we determine the flow of the space and draft the floor plans, then the real fun starts,” she says. That fun includes exploring the latest products and materials on the market, then creating a layering process. “We layer by adding color and texture through paint, fabric, lighting and finally easily interchangeable decorative accents. It’s just like accessories in fashion. Layering is the key.” With a background that includes studying at the Rhode Island School of Design

and world travel, Kristen brings an artistic yet technical approach to home design. She works with all types of budgets and homes, from refreshing an existing single room to a managing a brand new construction project. “I’ve worked on high-end projects from the foundation up to smaller projects that challenge me to stay on budget,” she says. That’s where the creativity comes in, often leading to treasure hunting at estate sales and consignment shops. Describing her crew of tradespeople as “masters of their trades,” the Graceke team balances a workload of commercial and residential designs. One of her favorite recent projects includes renovating multiple existing beach homes for a small subdivision named The Cottages on Caswell located in the heart of Narragansett Pier. Another is a home in South Kingstown, where the homeowner encouraged uniquely designed spaces for her children. “I love new challenges. Life would be boring otherwise,” she says.

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Dream Homes

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store four: a lifestyle experience Ellen Cesario Ferns, owner and interior stylist 673 Kingstown Road, Wakefield • 401-783-7388 www.storefour.net Transform your home into your dream space by refreshing your accessories at store*four, an award-winning retail boutique specializing in home accessories, entertaining essentials and expert advice. Since founding the store 10 years ago, the success of owner and interior stylist Ellen Cesario Ferns, has been in her ability to provide a distinctive selection of home decor and accessories to complement and enhance her customers’ sophisticated lifestyles. Providing a collection of one-of-a-kind pieces, handmade items and sophisticated brands, store*four has become a premier destination for interior designers and homeowners. With an emphasis on heirloom-quality and timeless style, the hand selected collection includes giftware, gourmet food, tableware and decor from exclusive brands, such as Annie-Glass, Alashan, Anali, Jason, O&CO and Sferra. From handcrafted Vietri Italian glassware and dinnerware to Le Jacquard Francais damask tablecloths and napkins, customers can expect an inspiring mix of contemporary and classic. There is seemingly something for everyone, with a constantly updated selection of traditional items juxtaposed with global fashion influences and a focus on value consciousness. While the storefront offers an unmatched collection, it’s the exceptional service that really makes the difference. Accessible advice is one of the main reasons for the store’s continued popularity. In fact, Ellen’s passion for offering this advice transitioned into an adjunct business, decor*four. Through in-home consultations she

offers hands-on solutions for her customers. “I found there was a need for it. I had been asked to visit homes and style rooms or decorate dining tables for parties. I came to recognize that for my customers, realizing and implementing their visions can be stressful, but for me, it’s fun.” After redesigning the interior spaces in her own home Ellen became enthusiastic about expressing her philosophy that dream homes are built from within. She believes that “no matter what your dream vision is, through a mixture of personal items and stylish accessories you can achieve a refreshing new look.” She tells us that “this allows for an updated style to coexist within a functional and personalized space.” Whether in store*four or through decor*four, Ellen is passionate about helping people realize their visions. She says “sometimes you don’t know where to begin. You may not like a specific room in your home or you may dislike every bit of your decor.” She often suggests that small changes can make a big difference. She advises that “with a little refresh of your home accessories you can achieve your dream-look without undergoing costly changes. By moving the furniture around and adding a little color and texture with a new pillow or a throw you can change the way you look at the whole room.” Sometimes not knowing where to begin when choosing a gift can be, for some, as frustrating as determining a vision for decorating your home. This is where Ellen and her team excel. They know that the search for a perfect gift can be time

consuming and often challenging. She tells us that offering a “personalized shopping experience is very rewarding. I’ve even been hugged a few times with joy and relief when after a bit of collaboration we discover, and wrap up, the perfect gift in a matter of minutes.” Whether you’re popping in for a gift or seeking help with accessorizing your home, you will leave with confidence in your gift giving, design, and style decisions. No matter what your dream may be you will have, as the store’s tagline states, “a lifestyle experience.”

Ellen Cesario Ferns (pictured) has assembled a fine collection of home essentials at her retail boutique in Wakefield.

Home Guide 2015 |

Dream Homes

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InsIde style Lee Chartier, owner and interior design consultant 155 Main Street, Wakefield 401-783-7800 Some people just have it - that innate sense of style that allows them to create timelessly chic spaces inside their homes. The rest of us, well, don’t. We need some help to make living spaces that are both functional and beautiful. That’s why it’s such an inspiring experience to work with interior design consultant Lee Chartier at her Wakefield home boutique, Inside Style. The beautifully curated store is a mixture of new, refinished and repurposed furniture along with carefully chosen home decor items. Think of it like a designer showroom, except you can take anything home with you that you’d like. But when your vision of how you’d like your home to look isn’t quite clear, that’s where Lee can help. “We offer complete interior design services to help clients blend their existing treasures with unique pieces to create a comfortable elegance that fits their lifestyle,” she says. In addition to redesigned and antique home furnishings, the store offers lighting and accents in a variety of styles. They also carry fabrics for custom window treatments and bedding, and offer upholstery service. Inside Style also carries stylish plantation shutters, shades and blinds. And, of course, they welcome in-home consultations and projects both large and small. Inside Style has been in Wakefield since 2012, and has been featured in So Rhode Island and received a Best of RI award for Best New Home Store in 2013 from Rhode Island Monthly. Though her store is new, Lee has extensive experience with interiors. Before owning the shop, Lee worked as a designer in the East Bay. She has over 30 years

Urban chic meets South County style

| Home Guide 2015

experience designing spaces, including remodeling projects like additions and major floor plan changes, and holds an art degree from Brown University and a Master’s from URI. She’s also had one of her home projects in Kingston featured on the Historic Homes Tour and in the Providence Journal. “We’re different from other design services because we offer a one-stop-shopping experience for the client who loves an eclectic approach to decor,” Lee says. It’s easy to think creatively about how to reimagine pieces you own - like using a dresser as a bathroom vanity, for example and to refresh the things around it so that you’ve got a completely updated look, but with your family heirlooms. They can also repair and refresh beloved pieces that are showing their age, returning them to pristine condition, and make sure you have them for years to come. Working with a designer of Lee’s talent and experience can help you not only create the home of your dreams, but will save you a lot of nightmare hassles. The proof comes from her happy clients. “For several years, I contemplated a major home renovation project, but I didn’t know where to start,” says Nancy Roberts of Narragansett. “Within minutes of meeting Lee I knew I was in the right place, with the right person. Lee is a natural at her job - she puts you at ease and inspires confidence, plus she has a fabulous sense of design and color.” Don’t settle for a house you don’t love. Call Lee Chartier and let her creativity help you create a space that truly feels like home.

Inside Style in Wakefield

Efficient living on the Matunuck waterfront

Inside Style’s furnishings and lighting

Dream Homes

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Wickford kitchen and Bath Rob Lovejoy, owner 8194 Post Road, North Kingstown • 401-294-4494 www.wickfordkandb.com The kitchen is the heart of the home. No matter the time of day or the season, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a big party, the kitchen is where family and friends gather. You spend more waking time in your kitchen than in any other room in the house. Yours should be a space you truly love. “The ideal kitchen should combine the homeowner’s personal sense of style with the elements required to make it functional and enjoyable,” says Rob Lovejoy, owner and president of Wickford Kitchen and Bath. If you are considering a kitchen remodel, Wickford Kitchen and Bath is ready to transform ideas into action. “We can help you achieve your vision for the custom kitchen of your dreams,” Rob says, “and for less than the competition.” If you dream of having a new kitchen but think it’s out of the budget, you might be surprised by how attainable that dream actually is. By offering full custom, semi custom and stock product lines, Wickford Kitchen and Bath, located just outside Wickford Village in North Kingstown, is able to work with clients to suit virtually every budget. Their products have been carefully selected from manufacturers to maximize value without sacrificing quality. The goal is to provide quality products at the industry’s most affordable prices. Manufacturers at Wickford Kitchen and Bath include Grabill Cabinet Company, Cabico Unique, Cabico Essence, Greenfield Cabinetry and 6 Square Cabinets. Reimagining your space can be daunting even for the most creative people - design magazines, Houzz and Pinterest can give you ideas, but realistically can only take you so far. That’s why it’s so helpful

to consult the experts. Wickford Kitchen and Bath offers complimentary design sessions: the first one typically happens at their showroom, and the next is an in-home visit to take measurements and gain insight on the customer’s preferences and personal style. Then, they craft a computer design, working to find the best balance of function and design for each individual space. Although cabinetry and design is their specialty, Wickford Kitchen and Bath also utilizes engineered quartz counters, natural stone, solid surface counters, and even wooden counters, an increasingly popular and unexpected options in kitchens. Storage accessories and distinctive decorative hardware are also on display at their showroom. “Our clients would describe us as hands on and accessible,” Rob says. The team at Wickford Kitchen and Bath, including showroom manager Denise Turner and office manager Meg Healy, is available throughout the process to gently guide and advise customers. They’re two-time recipients of “Design of the Month” from Group Cabico, and are members of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. As Rob explains, “We will work tirelessly to achieve the vision of the ‘could be kitchen’ of their dreams.” That’s why so many of their clients are repeat customers, and referrals by clients to family and friends. “We can’t thank you enough for a job well done,” says one happy client. “We love our new kitchen. It was so nice working with you and being in such good hands.” Take a look around your space. If it’s not exactly what you want, it’s time for a change. When you’re ready to make the kitchen of your dreams a reality, call the experts at Wickford Kitchen and Bath.

Wickford Kitchen and Bath builds quality kitchens at affordable prices

Home Guide 2015 |

Catering that exCeeds

your expectations! www.thecateringgourmet.net (401) 773-7925 email inquiries to: daveg@thecateringgourmet.net

Renovation Improving your home and how you live in it

Photography by Michael Cevoli

Room makeoveRs • HistoRic pReseRvation • easy eco-fRiendly upgRades • living gReeneR

p.46 Writer Jorge Luis Borges famously said, “I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library.” One creative homeowner made her personal paradise inside the former Rumford Public Library. Read on to find out how she did it.

Home Guide 2015 |

Renovation profile

By the Book

How one preservationist made the Rumford Library a home

Instead of being a daunting undertaking, homeowner Rita considered turning the library into her home an exciting opportunity. “It’s the kind of project I thrive on,” she says.

When eight-year-old Rita Danielle Steele declared she would one day own a library, her parents dismissed the statement as childhood musings. So when Rita, armed with a law degree and a passion for restoring historic properties, tossed her hat in the ring for the Rumford Library, she had a shot at making her prophecy a bonafide truth. “There was a substantial amount of interest in the property,” Rita explains, and a lengthy process, including going before the City Council, and having the 108-year-old building structurally evaluated. After pleading her case, the historic library was hers for $230,000 along with a deed restriction that ensured the structure would not be adapted into commercial space. The project soon became both a personal and professional affair. “My company Geo Properties specializes in historic restorations. We focus on unique properties that don’t make straightforward sense to other contractors,” says Rita. She worked with her grandfather, an architect, to bring the building into the next millennium without compromising its architectural integrity. “The property is unique,” she explains. “I didn’t want to compromise the original design.” Like many century-old properties, the design features throughout were stunning, but many more were uncovered as the transformation progressed. “The building had gorgeous detail.

| Home Guide 2015

Naturally, friends and neighbors in the surrounding Rumford neighborhood were curious about Rita’s renovation project. For them, and friends and family, she launched a blog – rumfordlibraryproject.com – featuring images and entries all about this ambitious adventure. Soon, former library employees, trustees and those with fond memories of the library, as well as neighbors and well-wishers, were supporting Rita with comments along the way.

All photography by Michael Cevoli

It was a mess, but everything was there and preserved,” explains Rita. For other components she had to bring in, like pieces for her bathroom, Rita intentionally sought out ones with a history akin to her new home. Her discoveries during the process, both architectural and decades-old items turned objets d’art, became an unexpected treasure hunt of sorts. “They left behind so many items,” Rita says. “Filing cabinets full of historic newspapers, pieces of art, arts and crafts materials, card catalogs... the basement was a treasure trove.” Today, the two bedroom, 2,900-square-foot one-story home boasts enviable oversized windows that invite natural light, original and reclaimed wood floors in a rich, glossy finish, built-ins and naturally, countless bookshelves throughout. Good thing she hung on to that vintage rolling library ladder she bought years ago. “I’m an antique collector of unusual objects,” she says. “Everything is from something or somewhere different. It’s like a treasure hunt.” -Andrea McHugh

As Rita was choosing pieces to make the house a home, she felt that now familiar “personal meets professional” swirl of emotions. “I think just on the business side of things, every project I have done, it has to appeal to a wide market of consumers... It was very exciting to tailor it to my personal taste, which I never had before.” Favorite finds she had acquired through the years from various projects, including light fixtures, were all incorporated into the finished product. “Pieces from every part of my life are in my home,” Rita says with pride.

Home Guide 2015 |

You’ll

love

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Renovation space upgrades

DIY Room Makeovers: $100 or Less Step One:

DIY: Shop flea markets and create a new headboard from old shutters.

Focus on Design “Look first at what you are working with, determine a color and style direction and then shop the market for what you need before actually buying anything.” -Lisa Newman Paratore, Lisa Newman Interiors and Homestyle, Providence. lisanewmaninteriors.com DIY: Utilize websites such as Pinterest to gain inspiration and instructions for DIY projects.

Step Two: Upcycle and Reuse Whenever Possible Edit the items you already own. “Take everything out of the room: take window treatments down, take art off walls, then bring things back into the space one at a time. Bring in the things you love most or that coordinate best first. When the room looks and feels good stop!” -Lee Chartier, Inside Style, Wakefield. insidestyleri.com

Step Three: Freshen Up a Room With Paint “Since the walls of a room take up the largest amount of surface, changing color is the least expensive way to dramatically change the appearance of a room. A good inexpensive paint is C2 Studio Paint, which retails from $29.99 to $43.99. If you are taping, make sure it is either the safe-release blue masking tape or FrogTape. They don’t pull off old paint and don’t leave an adhesive residue.” -Harry Adler, Adler’s Design Center and Hardware, Providence. adlersri.com When choosing paint for a bedroom, remember that dark-colored walls reflect less light. If you have trouble sleeping in on weekends, try olive green or navy walls. “I like to choose wall color last to compliment and pull together all of the other elements in the room.” -Lisa Newman Paratore

This Rumford home used color to liven this space

Step Four: Try New Fabrics and Light Fixtures

Photography by (Top) Michael Cevoli

“Change the light bulbs to all LED in the correct color temperature for your room’s coloration, warm or cool.” -Prudence Stoddard, RI Kitchen & Bath, Warwick. rikb.com. Add pillows in bold colors and patterns to inject a pop of color to a neutral room. “Pillows are easier and less expensive to change than furniture!” -Lee Chartier DIY: Change a lampshade. It can make a big difference in a room.

Step Five: Interior designer Lee Chartier recommends

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

updating a dining room with a statement chandelier

“Purchase

some

wood

metal

frames of various sizes and create a family gallery wall.” -Michelle Lee Parenteau, Michelle Lee Designs, Johnston. michelleleedesigns.com Make a big impact with a small change. “Update your dining room by adding a light centerpiece on a dark table or a darker centerpiece on a light table.” -Lee Chartier Add fun, personal touches to a child’s bedroom. “Benjamin Moore now mixes their paint colors in chalkboard paint. You can stick a vinyl cut appliqué of the child’s name or stencil a monogram above the headboard.” -Kristen Martone, Graceke Design, Narragansett. gracekedesign.com DIY: Purchase a few cans of stain and paint a dark color on your hardwood floors to contrast with white walls. -Erin Balsa Home Guide 2015 |

Renovation space upgrades

DIY Room Makeovers: $500 or Less Step One: Focus on Design Clip photos of rooms you love from home décor magazines. Shop with these images in hand. DIY: Be your own interior designer. Purchase an affordable, user-friendly home design software (HGTV makes a good one) to guide you in your vision. You can upload your own digital photos to redecorate your existing space.

Step Two: Upcycle and Reuse Whenever Possible DIY: Create original repurposed art. Surround planks of old, weathered wood with a new, modern frame. Lee Chartier suggests using stationary fabric panels to save on

DIY: Refinish old kitchen cabinets and use them for storage in a laundry room.

“We are seeing a trend in the increased use of warm gray paint colors, in both lighter and darker values. I recommend C2 Luxe Paint, which retails from $41.99 to $54.29. Use the best quality rollers and brushes possible. We love Corona brand. With best quality brushes, taping may not be necessary.” -Harry Adler, Adler’s Design Center and Hardware, Providence. adlersri.com “Try test patches of paint and find your new inspiration color to use on an existing piece of furniture.” -Kristen Martone, Graceke Design, Narragansett. gracekedesign.com

Step Four: Try New Fabrics and Light Fixtures Add color to a room with window treatments. “Try stationary panels

| Home Guide 2015

rather than heavy draperies that close. They will let more natural light into the room and you’ll save on fabric costs.” -Lee Chartier, Inside Style, Wakefield. insidestyleri.com

a space, especially if you rework the floor plan around it.” -Lisa Newman Paratore, Lisa Newman Interiors and Homestyle, Providence. lisanewmaninteriors.com

DIY: Transform your bedroom into an oasis of relaxation with ambient lighting. Swap harsh ceiling-mounted fixtures for a pair of sconces flanking a wall mirror.

DIY: If you have vaulted ceilings in your living room or bedroom, add architectural detail with faux rustic wooden beams.

Step Five: Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment Add an accent wall of grasscloth wallcovering. “Grasscloth is very trendy right now and works in contemporary as well as traditional settings.” -Lee Chartier Inside Style, Wakefield. insidestyleri.com “Splurge on a stainless steel deep single bowl sink for your kitchen. Replace the backsplash with a beautiful glass mosaic.” -Prudence Stoddard, RI Kitchen & Bath, Warwick. rikb.com “A new area rug can help to reinvent

Kristen Martone from Graceke Designs recommends painting old furniture, like this bureau

“Makeover your teenage son or daughter’s bedroom. After you paint and swap out the light fixture, add a new comforter and sheets and buy a desk for their laptop. You could also add an area rug, hang shelves for books or scatter some small ottomans for their friends to hang out on.” -Michelle Lee Parenteau, Michelle Lee Designs, Johnston. michelleleedesigns.com Update and organize your whole bathroom for under $500. “Replace all the hardware, towel bars and towels. Buy a new shower curtain rod and curtain. Add new organizational aids to your drawers, backs of doors

and sink cabinets.” -Prudence Stoddard, RI Kitchen & Bath, Warwick. rikb.com -Erin Balsa

Photography (Top) Melissa Stimpson

Step Three: Freshen Up a Room With Paint

curtain costs, like she did in her Middlebridge home, pictured here

Renovation space upgrades

DIY Room Makeovers: $1,000 or Less Step One: Focus on Design Hire a pro. “Engage a design professional to create a master plan for the projects that you would really like to accomplish. Many of the master plans that we create are implemented over years; taking the time and the resources necessary at the outset avoids future headaches such as going over budget or having to undo last year’s project for this year’s project.” -Gregory Bressler, Picus Woodwrights, Inc., Shannock. picuswoodwrights.com “When I work with clients we first take inventory of what they are working with and what they require in order to finish the project.

We then look at a color palette and coordinate all of the selections before we purchase anything.” -Lisa Newman Paratore, Lisa Newman Interiors and Homestyle, Providence. lisanewmaninteriors.com

Step Two: Upcycle and Reuse Whenever Possible “We recently renovated a kitchen in Jamestown. The building that the kitchen was in was originally a barn and the new design included colors, cabinets and appliances that were very modern. We suggested reusing some of the original framing lumber that we removed as a wooden island counter top.” -Gregory Bressler

Interior designer Lisa Newman used unexpected pops of color in the kitchen and living room of her Warren home, here and below

Step Three: Freshen Up a Room With Paint “One trend we’re seeing is the increased use of high gloss paints. Dutch-made Fine Paints of Europe brand has the highest sheen paints available and look great on cabinets, trim doors, and even walls and ceilings. The Eurolux Matte retails for $110 per 2.5 liter can.” -Harry Adler, Adler’s Design Center and Hardware, Providence. adlersri.com Paint your kitchen cabinets. “For $1,000 you could also install new HD laminate countertops, change the wall color and add a tile backsplash.” -Michelle Lee Parenteau, Michelle Lee Designs, Johnston. michelleleedesigns.com

Step Four: Photography by James Jones

Try New Fabrics and Light Fixtures “Roman shades are in great demand. You can add something to them to make them unique – borders or a double band of grosgrain ribbon. When hung inside a window frame, Romans add great visual interest to complement the decor.” -Lee Chartier Inside Style, Wakefield. insidestyleri.com

Buy a new piece of furniture. “A room’s design is the sum of its parts, so if you delete something worn or dated and replace it with something fresh and potentially of a different style, the change can be quite dramatic.” -Lisa Newman Paratore

Step Five: Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment “Some projects you can do yourself to save money: install prefinished hardwood floors, remove non-bearing interior walls, change out light fixtures and build first level porches – but I would not recommend a second level deck. There is so much information on YouTube for DIY.” -Steven Lawrence, Lawrence Builders, Narragansett. lawrencebuildersinc.com Update your bathroom. “Install a new granite countertop for the vanity, accent tile around the perimeters, new light fixtures, a new mirror, new faucet, new towels, and a shower curtain.” -Michelle Lee Parenteau “Purchase multi-purpose furniture that is modular and moveable.” -Kristen Martone, Graceke Design, Narragansett. gracekedesign.com -Erin Balsa Home Guide 2015 |

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Renovation historic preservation

Old is New Brent Runyon, executive director of the Providence Preservation Society, on the joys and pitfalls of owning one of Rhode Island’s many historic homes

Joy PPS Executive Director Brent Runyon

was used as a foot warmer for children who attended the school when it was an Open Air School.

The Shoppes

pe s

Why should someone consider owning an historic home? Well-built historic homes that have retained their integrity can enliven the soul. The proportions used for rooms, the high ceilings, the generously sized moldings, the craftsmanship evident in the details – these allow us to incorporate beauty into our lives. Historic houses bring history to life, surrounding us with the products of trees that were felled generations ago, demonstrating the skills of the immigrants that contributed so much to building Providence and Rhode Island, and breathing hints of previous owners and occupants. ppsri.org -Grace Lentini

RI’s Largest Dealer of Benjamin Moore Paints

Could you give me some tips for the first time historic homeowner? First time historic homeowners should seek out advice when they seek to replace or repair a significant element of their house. We encourage people to keep those things that make the home special, whether decorative or functional. Often, windows are the first to go when a house is found to be drafty. Unfortunately, studies show that this is the least cost-efficient way to save money on heating bills. Fix those old windows and they’ll last another 100+ years. A great resource for owners in Providence is the Providence Revolving Fund, which provides loans for historic house rehabilitation and offers technical advice to owners they work with. Check their website (revolvingfund.org) to see if you are eligible for their services.

Evolved Bean Bags, etc 1220 Kingstown Road, Peace Dale (at the Rotary) • 783-5300 • Tues-Sat 10 to 6

Photography by Mike Braca

What’s the most interesting artifact you have found in an historic home? It’s always interesting when renovating a house to find artifacts that give clues to a former owner’s life, or that speak to what was happening in a house at certain periods. The space behind mantles often captures photographs and other documents. Last year, we found a partial slate in the crawlspace of the Old Brick Schoolhouse, a PPS property on Meeting Street (in Providence). The Public Archaeology Lab proved through photographic documentation that the slate

Comfort

What special things do you have to consider when owning a historic home? Owning a historic home isn’t much different than owning one that is of more recent vintage. Those that are maintained better last longer and have fewer problems. Although houses built in the 1960s are now considered historic – due to the national standard of a 50year cut-off – the primary advantage to owning a house built before World War II is that the materials and craftsmanship used were typically superior to materials used today. Some owners must take extra care for houses built before 1978, which is the year lead paint was prohibited in the United States. If a house has flaking paint, especially on the interior, homeowners must remediate the paint if the house will be occupied by pregnant women, children or people with compromised immune systems. Another danger is asbestos, which, like lead, is not a danger unless it is crushed or ground, which can release it into the atmosphere. There are rules on how much a homeowner can do to fix these issues themselves and when a licensed contractor is required. In general, owners should seek out contractors who have experience working with historic houses. Craftsmanship is not something every contractor can bring to a project, so we recommend checking references. For larger projects, a qualified architect or interior designer should be consulted. In our experience, that person can help save homeowners a lot of money in the long run. The Providence Preservation Society maintains a list of contractors and others who have been referred to us by members.

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Home Guide 2015 |

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A Rhode Island Tradition For Over 65 Years

Tom Morra T.F. Morra Tree Care

do I protect my trees from invasive species like Q How winter moths? What about once I’ve spotted them?

Unfortunately, once you have seen winter moth damage, it’s generally too late to get acceptable results. Preventive measures for winter moths do exist, but they typically involve toxic pesticides; the preferable treatment is an organic chemical spray called Spinosad, derived from bacteria. The best course of action is to get on our list for treatment. Our Plant Health Care program (PHC) also includes treatment for hemlock woolly adelgid, Dutch Elm disease, mites, scale insects and many other invasive pests.

the best way to maintain proper tree health? Don’t Q What’s older trees take care of themselves?

As trees mature, they do become more self reliant, but landscape trees often do not have the correct soil conditions, and have limited access to water and organic material. Additionally, many of the products used by homeowners and landscapers for lawn care conflict directly with tree health. Creating large mulch beds, even for mature trees, is a great start. We offer organic fertilization options as well, which the trees really appreciate. Organic fertilizers and compost are more easily taken up by the tree’s roots system, providing rapid and substantial results.

about taking care of younger trees? Should I prune Q What them myself?

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Pruning young trees can really help with the development of good structure, so I would recommend that homeowners limit pruning to low limbs. Structural pruning, as well as anything requiring working aloft, should be left to the experts. Mulch beds and organic fertilization are also beneficial for young tree development.

Q How often should I have a tree expert treat my yard? A

Generally, structural tree pruning, canopy raising, and clearance pruning should give about three to five years of benefit. PHC, fertilization, and soil treatment options differ, in some cases annual or even multiple treatments are required, in other cases we can treat and monitor as needed. Optimal tree health is the key goal, as healthy trees with healthy soil are able to thrive even under some of the worst conditions. Our PHC program, which includes soil aeration, soil amendment with organic compost, organic fertilization, and preventive and targeted treatments, is a holistic approach to tree health. Combined with proper pruning and maintenance, we work literally from the ground up in caring for trees.

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| Home Guide 2015

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Renovation greening your home

It’s Easy Being Green Simple, eco-friendly upgrades for your home Owning a home is one thing. Owning a home that is environmentally friendly is another. Although it might seem like a tall order, there are ways – big and small – to make your home more energy efficient, from saving on water resources to adding property value to your home... all while giving Mother Nature a break.

Running on Sunshine Like the idea of solar power for RI by RI? So does Newport Solar. Owner Doug Sabetti started Newport Solar in 2009 with the goal of bringing affordable solar installations to the state. He even has a solar array that provides 100% of his home’s electricity. “I quickly realized that the more I did with electricity, the fewer things in life I’d have to pay for. I now do everything I can with electricity in my home and I haven’t had an electric bill in years,” he says with a smirk. “I still pay $5.73 a month for maintenance of the grid that I still use.” There are even tax credits available at the state and federal levels to subsidize the costs. 14 Vernon Avenue, Newport. 864-5024, newportsolarri.com Another player in the solar power game in Sol Power Cooperative based

in Providence. Owner Eric Beecher started the company in 2013 with the strategy of having Sol Power be a workers’ cooperative. This means that they are owned by their employees and thus make decisions democratically. Aside from generating carbonfree energy, this green energy source has an 11% annual return on investment. Not bad. And with all the upfront state and federal incentives, you’ll save roughly half on the installation costs. 6 Messer Street, Providence. 680-0765, solpowercooperative.com

Conserving Water One thing gardeners always think about is water. Beverly O’Keefe, The Rhode Island Water Lady, recommends conserving natural resources with a rain barrel. Rain barrels capture water from downspout gutters, which is then fed into 60-gallon barrels. This

Solar panels by Newport Solar can heavily reduce electric bills in your home

is especially important during peak summer months when water use is high. In fact, it can save up to 1,300 gallons during the summer. “Harvesting rainwater saves money on the water-sewer bill if the homeowner is on the public water supply. Homeowners who get their water from a private well will place less demand on the well during the summer thus avoiding drying up their well water during periods of drought,” explains Beverly. Her two main recommendations for a healthy landscape include keeping as much water as possible off paved surfaces, and keeping the water that does run off as clean as possible. 72 Gardiner Road, West Kingston. 539-0667/4865389, riwaterlady.com.

Sow the Seeds

The RI Water Lady says rain barrels will collect water from any rooftop

| Home Guide 2015

“Many homeowners are surprised to know that their trees are green assets and can increase their property values by as much as 15%. Trees and plants provide great value and benefit the homeowner’s quality of life, and affect neighborhoods and towns with their green power,” says Matt Largess of Largess Forestry, an arborist and urban forester. Often times Matt will get calls to remove a tree because it makes a car dirty or could hit a house during a storm, but once he explains its value and benefits, it often changes the

homeowner’s decision. Matt even has customers who leave dead trees in their yard for wildlife habitat. Some tips from Matt on how to green your home’s landscape include having the landscape mimic the natural world, such as a meadow, forest or wetland habitat. Choose native plants and trees that grow well in the region and ecosystem. Invasive species, insects and disease can also be reduced with these planting techniques. Also, plant trees near houses and buildings to reduce electricity and energy costs by over 10%. The average forest is 12 degrees cooler than the surrounding urban areas. Trees act as windbreaks and can reduce a home’s space heating needs by 5-15%. Largess Forestry Inc. 221 Shady Lea Road, North Kingstown. 849-9191, largessforestry.com

Being Green From the Ground Up Steve DeMetrick has been building houses since he graduated from Georgetown University in 1995. Now, he’s the owner of DeMetrick Housewrights in Wakefield, and he has a passion for incorporating green building procedures into every project he works on. “My approach to green building is less focused on products and gadgets and more focused on applying attention to detail to standard building practices to create more durable, comfortable and healthy living

Renovation greening your home

carPet Pre-FinisheD harDwooD

spaces,” he boasts. “Energy savings are a positive byproduct of this approach.” Steve is currently the only certified Passive House contractor in RI, which basically means that he applies rigorous standards during the building process to make homes as energy efficient as possible. As a builder, Steve’s green building focus is on high performance building materials and long-term benefits. He recommends putting the majority of your efforts into the “shell” of the house: the windows, siding, framing, air sealing and insulation. This is where the most longterm impact can be made on the energy consumption of our structures. Then insulate houses with much higher than code minimum values. Build houses to be as airtight as possible and then install mechanical ventilation to bring continuous fresh air into the house. Also, install simple heating and cooling systems, preferably air source heat pumps (ductless mini-splits) that are inexpensive and easy to maintain. Lastly, focus on interior finishes that are renewable, local and environmentally friendly. DeMetrick Housewrights. Wakefield. 3786257, sdemetrick@gmail.com

Green on the Inside Martinha Javid is the owner of MI Interiors of North Kingstown, an interior design firm that specializes in eco-friendly designs and practices. Fifteen years ago she began by working on projects for herself, friends and

family after attending RISD. “When I first started, most [clients] didn’t understand what eco-friendly was,” she says. It’s taken some time, but now she is finding that clients are much more educated on the environment and on green materials, and most are very enthusiastic about repurposing and using energy saving building materials. Eco can be very chic, and it can also mean supporting local businesses to keep the economy growing in your community. For example, she would rather repurpose a beautiful antique piece of furniture made from quality wood rather than going to a big box furniture store. “By repurposing you are reducing your environmental footprint as well as saving energy,” she says. Here are some tips from Martinha on how to incorporate green design inside your home. When redoing a room, something as simple as a new dining room set or new bedroom set, don’t to run to a big box store – go to your local second hand location and see if there’s something there that’s well built, that you can reinvent and make it into something that will resonate with you. Then, if you are painting a room, go for the environmentally safe paint widely available at any paint shop. And use eco-friendly cleaning materials. It is essential for your home and your health. 650 Ten Rod Road #2, North Kingstown. 206-1451, facebook.com/MIInteriors -Grace Lentini

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Home Guide 2015 |

Ask the WAter treAtment speciAlist

Gary Keats

ou r s e rVice s Landscape construction

• Lawn Sprinkler Systems Installation • Hydroseeding • Bed Design • Seed and Sod Lawns • Plantings - Shrubs, Trees & Perennials • Retaining walls • Walkways, Driveways & Patios (cobblestone, brick, cement)

eXcaVation

• Grading & Site work • Drainage & Drywells • Erosion Control • Foundations Dug • Excavator & Skid Steer Service

tree remoVaL

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professionaL Lawn care

• Professional Mowing • Balanced Fertilization • Weed and Insect Control • Overseeding • Aeration • Thatching • Soil Testing

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Q How have water needs changed over the years? A

We have had a local presence for over 50 years, and we are recognized as one of the leaders in the industry. We are a full service company, which prides ourselves on our products and services. Over the years pollution, population, and mother nature has caused dramatic changes in the way we view water. The important part is that Culligan is here to help.

• Monthly Plans & Special Events

401-954-6464 • visionlandscaping_ri@yahoo.com www.visionlandscaping-ri.com

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Call Fran Dickervitz at netWORKri (401) 680-8578 now to schedule an appointment Services are provided in partnership with Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston, without regard to race, gender, religion, origin, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Q What are the benefits of water softening? A

There are many benefits to soft water. Softeners can extend the life of water using appliances and plumbing. These systems even make your hair and skin softer! And there’s a cost savings when you have a water softener installed. You save on your cleaning expenses – and more importantly – your time spent cleaning will be cut in half.

Q What’s really in our water? A

There are many contaminants that are found in the water throughout New England. Whether you’re dealing with orange or green stains, a whitish buildup, or odor, Culligan can treat it all. It all starts with a free in-home no obligation water analysis, which will help determine what is causing the problems.

Q How can a homeowner diagnose the problem? A

Without a water test, it would be very difficult. However some find it handy to go to www.culligan.com and navigate to the Find Your Solution or Symptom Checker, and give it a try.

Culligan of New England 149 James P Murphy Hwy, West Warwick 1-800-842-1116 www.culliganwaterwestwarwick.com S p o n sored Content

| Home Guide 2015

res, g Outdoor a u t n e v dve orreasd , gardenin Outdnotu g

Renovation green living

Debuting

Make Everyday Earth Day Interio Easy lifestyle r dechanges sign, h istoric for a greener planet pres

mid-May

and more! c preservation, home entertaining more! Interior design, histori Outdoor adventures, gardening and

ervati

Sure, you recycle and use energy efficient light bulbs. But there’s so many other easy ways to re-

duce energy and waste within your own home.

spring SPRING 2015

2015

FRee FRee

on, ho me en tertain ing an d mor e! .com www.HeyRhody www.HeyRhody.com

015

Here’s 10 simple ways to go green(er).

1. Plastic water bottles are a massive drain on our energy resources, from barrels of oil for creation to fuel for transportation. Even if you drink just one per day, you’re personally contributing 365 to the recycle bin annually. Green tip: Invest in a filtered pitcher or water filtration system, and ecofriendly water bottles.

2. Plugged in appliances and devices consume energy even when they’re not turned on. Green tip: Use power strips for your charging stations and other areas where you have multiple cords plugged in, and turn them off when they are not in use.

3. Plastic bags cannot be recycled and are a significant contributor to the landfill. Green time: Most supermarkets have an in-house recycling program. Better yet, purchase reusable shopping bags and ditch the plastic all together.

4. Coffee cups, for those of you buying one each day, are another wasteful habit. Green tip: Bring an insulated thermos to the coffee shop instead. Some local coffee

Hey Rhody! As a Barrington teenager, Ava Anderson started her own line of non-toxic personal care products. Today, her burgeoning company includes baby, home cleaning and pet products. avaandersonnontoxic.com

sprin g 2

FRee

houses even offer a small discount for bringing your own cup.

5. Paper bills

not only are a bummer to pay, but are an unnecessary waste. Green tip: Opt for ebills and e-banking for an easy way to cut down on paper usage.

Paper

www.H eyR

The

7. Junk mail is a nuisance in our mailboxes and our environment. Green tip: Unsubscribe from catalogues you don’t want, and stop unsolicited credit offers at optoutprescreen.com.

8. Recycle bins

are typically found only in the kitchen, but trash piles up around the house. Green tip: Place a reciprocal for recycling in each room that has a trash bin, like the bathroom (for toilet paper tubes and tissues), laundry room and office.

9. Washing clothes with heated water can use up to 80% more energy than non-heated. Green tip: You guess it – use cold water instead.

G re a t

Outdoors

towels

are a modern day convenience, but a whopping 3,000 tons are disposed a year by Americans. Green tip: Create rags of old clothes to clean with, and use dishtowels to wipe up spills.

hody.c om

nd this spring Hike, bike and explore Rhode Isla

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Home Guide 2015 |

THE TIME TO SELL IS NOW Spitz-Weiss proudly participated in the sale of these homes for the 2014 year. Add your home to our ever growing list and locations. EAST SIDE / PAWTUCKET 50 Woodbury (Twice) 143-145 Ivy 132-134 Eleventh St 215 Fifth St 42 Dana' St 92 Keene St ( Twice) 54 12Th St 525 Hope St 19 Clarendon 121 Butler Ave 1 Rhode Island Ave (Twice)

29 Candler 1171-1173 Smithfield Ave 236 Camp St 66-68 Spring St 106 Crescent Rd 61 Crescent Rd 758 Newport Ave 125 Butler Ave 114 Upton 30 Laurel Ave

ELSEWHERE 199 Laurier, Attleboro Ma (Twice) 0 Sowams Rd, Barrington (Twice) 1945 Wallum Lake Rd, Burriville 113 Burnside,Cranston 28 Dennis, Cranston 30 Norwood, Cranston 34 Vermont Ave, Cumberland 381 Wrentham, Cumberland 68 North Garden, Cumberland 81-83 What Cheer, East Providence 45 Ferris Ave, East Providence 74 Appian Way, East Providence

54 Swan St, East Providence 173 Leonard Ave, East Providence 7 David St, North Providence 13 Friendship, North Providence 4 Highland Ave, North Providence 2 Adams Circle, North Smithfield 45 Arbor Dr, Providence 25 Elmcroft, Providence 84 Tell St, Providence 86 Clematis, Providence 259 Jacobs St, Seekonk Ma 65 Bergeron, Seekonk Ma 400 Narragansett Blv, Warwick

Assisting Buyers, sellers And renters Aleen WeissH Karen MillerH HAlso licensed in MA

Jon WeissHF Howard Weiss Claire sennott gail Jenard

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785 Hope Street providence, ri 401-272-6161 SpitzweiSS.com 60

| Home Guide 2015

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Home Guide 2015 |

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Real Estate Buying, selling and making the most of your money

Photography by Grace Lentini

Home profile • expert advice • Buying and selling • dream Homes

p.65 When opportunity struck, a Boston-based family found their dream second home in Jamestown – but not without a lucky drop in the asking price and the sellers’ appreciation of their Conanicut Island roots. Read on to learn more about their forever home. Home Guide 2015 |

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A great way to browse for ideas is at a Riverhead Building Supply Design Showroom, which have displays that allow you to feel the quality and get a sense of our product lines. Finding inspiration online is easier than ever: check out our photo gallery at rbscorp.com, or Houzz.com, which allows you to create your own idea book. When you’re ready for a consultation, we can look at your ideas together and find the elements that represent your signature style. Then, I can guide you to the perfect cabinetry to fit your home, your budget, and most importantly, your lifestyle. I’m also happy to collaborate with your general contractor, interior designer or architect so you know your whole team is behind you, getting all the details just right.

Q What choices do I have for countertops if I don’t want stone? A

Reflect Yo u R Home's stYle...

Stone is only one of an array of options. More and more customers want wood for countertops, which we supply through our exclusive brand, Heritage Wide Plank Flooring & Millwork. Picture a nearly 2”-thick gorgeous wood top in walnut, mahogany, oak or a number of species that will stand out as a feature in your kitchen. Wood countertops don’t require much more care than natural stone, and they age beautifully and take on the character of your home. With a little planning, and proper care, wood can be a great accent to your kitchen.

Q Can I get creative with other features? A

Consider Riverhead Building Supply Design Showroom your one source for any construction project. We’re a full service lumber and building materials supplier. From framing to finishing, I can help you to select the right products for your home. Windows and doors? I can offer you suggestions that will enhance the look of your home while conserving energy. Architectural hardware? I can show you quality brands, with styles and finishes to compliment any décor.

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6000 Post Road, North Kingstown 1366 West Main Road, Middletown www.rbscorp.com • 401-541-7480 S p o n sored Content

| Home Guide 2015

real estate at home

Living History

Photography by Grace Lentini

For one family, a lucky find in Jamestown became a lesson in the important things in life

Megan Renaud fondly remembers her formative years spent in Jamestown. But it wasn’t until she settled in a Boston suburb that she realized just how special life on Conanicut Island was. So a few years ago, she and her husband Michael began looking for a summer home in Jamestown, where Megan’s mother still lives. Their realtor suggested the couple take a look at a turn of the century Victorian with ample bedrooms, space to entertain and an asking price well outside their budget. She and Michael agreed to take a look. Not long after, their realtor called and said the price had dropped. When the owners heard that Megan had Jamestown roots, they accepted the offer. The couple knew the home would need some updating, but they continued to visit with daughters Estelle, Margarite and Vivienne on holidays and long weekends. After a year, the family had a better sense of their wants and needs. Megan and Michael began looking for a builder. “We knew we wanted to work with someone who would respect old homes and try to maintain as much of the character as possible,” explains Megan. Their electrician suggested Greg Bressler of Picus Woodwrights in Shannock. As Michael and Megan knew their Jamestown home would be used as a hub for gatherings, a large kitchen was at the top of their list. “The existing kitchen was a narrow space. We knocked down a wall and turned [unused maid’s quarters] into the kitchen. I wanted

“I kept almost wanting to move back, but my husband is from Boston, and his family and work are there. I would get frustrated we couldn’t spend more time in Jamestown, and thought we would live there in retirement,” homeowner and native Rhode Islander Megan says.

Home Guide 2015 |

The kitchen island is made of yellow pine that predates Plimoth Plantation. “Greg spent a long time looking at wood he thought would look best, and he knew what existed in the home at that time, and what wouldn’t have been in a home at the time,” Megan explains. “He’s so knowledgeable about old homes; he’s passionate about it.”

“It was such a great house and close to my mom. We could see having it for such a long time, and it had enough bedrooms so when the kids get older they could come back and visit with their families,” Megan says.

| Home Guide 2015

Photography by Grace Lentini

to maximize seating and counter space. We do a lot more entertaining than ever before,” Megan says. An old second floor addition became the master bathroom, with double vanities handcrafted with teak by Greg. “That was a lot of fun,” he says. “They have reclaimed hardwood floors, which is not done all that often. I worked in boat restoration and am confident with how we make wood work with water.” Greg also crafted a surface for the kitchen island, choosing a southern yellow pine that is somewhere between 200- and 300-years-old. The galley kitchen cabinets were repurposed for a wet bar, and period pieces, like a pair of pocket doors found in Newport that were stripped, refinished and mounted to exposed barn sliding track for a functional but aesthetically pleasing element. Though owners of an old home will agree that the work is never really done, the Renauds have recaptured the past as they look to the future. “When I go there, when I cross the bridge, I feel the drop of ten degrees and it’s just so beautiful,” says Megan. “It’s a special place.” -Andrea McHugh

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real estate ask the realtors

No Nonsense Tips for Home Buyers Ready to buy? You better get your facts straight first. Here are pro tips from local realtors to help you shop smart.

“Understand what you can afford and what you’re comfortable spending before you start looking. A preapproved buyer will fare much better in a negotiation – especially when there are multiple parties interested in a property – than a buyer who hasn’t done this important first step.” -Jim DeRentis, Residential Properties. residentialproperties.com “The worst thing is falling in love with a house and then finding out you are not approved for that mortgage amount. Do your homework and call a mortgage rep.” -Aleen Weiss, SpitzWeiss Realtors. spitzweiss.com “Make sure to get pre-qualified before you go out to look. This will put you in a stronger negotiating position and allow you to move quickly if you need to.” -Jay Readyhough, Bay Realty. baysold.com “Have your pre-approval in hand when looking at homes. This way you are prepared to make an offer right away. The good listings sell very quickly.” -Debbie Chennisi, Rhode Island Real Estate Services. debbiechennisi.com “Don’t use the bigger banks, use a mortgage broker. The ones I work with I can contact seven days a week, 24 hours a day. You can’t do that with the banks.” -Kevin Fox, Residential Properties. residentialproperties.com

sure that you trust the person you are working with.” -Aleen Weiss “Choose a realtor who knows the areas where you want to live. They will help you refine your search and may even show you neighborhoods you hadn’t considered. A good realtor will quickly deduce what you are looking for and then guide you to areas that will best fit your goals and your budget.” -Jim DeRentis “A great agent helps buyers – in particular young buyers – look beyond staging. Staging is seductive but I always tell my clients, “Let’s look beyond this.” Did they just put lipstick on this house? Has nothing been done for 30, 40, 50 years? What do the mechanicals look like, have they been updated? I don’t want my customers to be seduced by snazzy furniture. I want them to look at the bones of the place.” -Kevin Fox

Determine Your Must-Haves… But Be Sensible “Determine your must haves up front and know what you are willing to give up in order to have a successful transaction. There will always be a negotiation and if you know what is most important going in, it will make the process a bit easier.” -Jim DeRentis

Find a Buyer’s Agent You Trust

“I meet buyers who have a $300,000 budget but they want soup to nuts. They want four bedrooms, two-and-ahalf bathrooms, a finished basement. In the market I work in, that’s just completely unrealistic.” -Kevin Fox

“Talk to friends, check websites for recommendations. Meet with agents. Make sure the agent fits your needs and time constraints and knows the area. Do they return your calls? Do they email you back? Do they make you feel comfortable? You are about to make one of the biggest purchases in your life – make

“Do you want a neighborhood? Are you looking for a specific school system? These are important factors that your agent can help you with. But only you can decide if you are willing to swap one for another if you fall in love… and you will.” -Aleen Weiss

| Home Guide 2015

Find your dream home like this one in Bristol and below in Tiverton

Do Certain Things the Old-Fashioned Way “Today buyers are inundated with information from the internet – from sites like Zillow and Trulia – and they feel that they are empowered. And they are. But they still need someone who can extrapolate that information and help them understand it from the market point of view.” -Kevin Fox “Houses look great online but sometimes those ads are misleading. Make sure you drive around the neighborhood.” -Aleen Weiss “Go out and look at as many properties as you can with your agent. Go out and look at open houses. You will begin to get a sense of what is over-valued and what is under-valued. You’ll also know when something is priced well and you’ll have to pay full price for it.” -Kevin Fox

Be Flexible Regarding the Property Inspection “Have the property thoroughly inspected by qualified professionals but remember that no home is perfect. Don’t let inspection results overwhelm you; be fair and reasonable. If it’s a property you really love, work at renegotiating sticking points through credits from the seller or an adjustment in the sales price.” -Jay Readyhough “Realize you are purchasing a used home. Don’t nickel and dime with the seller after the inspection.” -Debbie Chennisi -Erin Balsa

Photography (top) Janice Lee Kelly, (bottom) Mike Braca

Get Pre-Approved

real estate ask the realtors

Top Notch Tips for Sellers Looking to sell? Don’t panic. Local realtors weigh in on the best strategies to get top dollar for your property.

Work With a Seller’s Agent “Once you’ve made that decision to sell, get yourself an agent. Although we have all heard stories about ‘I sold my house myself,’ people usually don’t share the amount of time and energy they put into this. It’s best to let an experienced agent handle all of that. They know the market, they know the trends. Selling a house is an emotional and personal experience; as agents, we take that burden off of you.” -Aleen Weiss, Spitz-Weiss Realtors. spitzweiss.com “One skill of a great agent is to minimize the emotional connection that people get to a property. You need that emotional buffer.” -Kevin Fox, Residential Properties. residentialproperties.com

Have Your Home Inspected and Correct Maintenance Issues

Photography by Michael Cevoli

“Consider doing a home inspection before you list to discover unknown issues that you can deal with ahead of time – they’ll probably come up later anyway! Correct things that you know could be an issue. Address all or some of the issues, and disclose the rest. -Jay Readyhough, Bay Realty. baysold.com “Prepare your home from top to bottom. You should have a pre-listing inspection. This allows you to mitigate some issues before you list your property. It won’t matter if the pretty white towels are in place in the bathroom if someone then walks in your basement and sees significant evidence of old water damage.” -Kevin Fox “Take care of those pesky little maintenance issues you have let go. In the long run they will come back to

haunt you. Walk through your house as a buyer. What would you want to be fixed?” -Aleen Weiss “Repair deficiencies before putting your home on the market so that when the home is inspected the transaction doesn’t fall apart.” -Debbie Chennisi, Rhode Island Real Estate Services. debbiechennisi.com

Clean, De-Clutter and Beautify Your Home “In order to get the best price, your home needs to look its best. There are simple fixes a seller can do such as apply fresh paint, make sure the landscaping is trimmed and neat, clean the windows and ensure that all lighting and plumbing fixtures are working properly. If not, replace them with new ones for an instant up-todate look.” -Jim DeRentis, Residential Properties. residentialproperties.com “De-clutter. Listen to your agent – they do know what they are talking about. Pictures of your family and stacks of books make your house your home, but buyers are looking to make this their home. Highlight the space you have… de-clutter.” -Aleen Weiss “Listen to reasonable recommendations made by your agent as to improvements that will enhance your property’s value and expedite the time it takes to make the sale. It may be a simple as moving some furniture, cleaning out a garage, weeding and mulching planting beds or repainting the front door.” -Jay Readyhough “Homes that are staged can bring in as much as five to ten percent higher offers. Over a third of buyers are willing to overlook a home’s shortcomings if it is properly staged.” -Jim DeRentis

Removing clutter and personal items is the key to staging, as in this Tiverton home

Price Your Home at Market Value “Work with a professional Realtor who knows your market to properly price your home. If your home is six percent or more over the market, it will likely not sell or take longer and sell for less than a properly priced home.” -Jim DeRentis “Sellers call us in, they want our expertise, but then they say, ‘I know you think I should list at $600,000 but I want to list at $950,000.’ Or they’ll say, ‘Hey, my friend Charlie up the street sold his house two years ago for $900,000… I know the market has gone down since then but I have better granite countertops.’ Understand that even if we put your house together at a higher price, an appraiser has to appraise the value. Then it goes to an underwriter and they have all their computerized algorithms.” -Kevin Fox “Lost time on the market due to overpricing can really hurt you – you only get

one chance to make a first impression in the marketplace.” -Jay Readyhough “Price your home at or around market value. Buyers are very well educated and know when a home is of good value. Pricing it correctly out of the gate is critical to get the most for your home.” -Debbie Chennisi

Remember to Enjoy the Ride “Most importantly, breathe. There are a lot of emotions that go into this… It will all work out.” -Aleen Weiss -Erin Balsa Home Guide 2015 |

THE NEWPORT ANTIQUES SHOW

JULY 24-26 2 015 GALA PREVIEW PARTY THURSDAY, JULY 23

Scan to visit the Show website

Loan Exhibit Presented by

5 NewportAntiquesShow.com 4

St. George’s School, Middletown, Rhode Island 401-846-2669

William Waller’s Powder Horn, 1775. From the Museum of the American Revolution.

To Benefit the Newport Historical Society and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County

De La Salle Middle School

INFORMATIONAL SESSIONS TUES MARCH 10 6:30 PM TUES APRIL 7 6:30 PM Enter through the Brother Michael Mc Kenery Arts Center Entrance Next to the Athletic Center

Contact ALANA PARENTEAU Principal, De La Salle Middle School (401) 351-7750, ext. 165 aparenteau@lasalle-academy.org

www.lasalle-academy.org z 612 ACADEMY AVENUE, PROVIDENCE 70

| Home Guide 2015

home guide directory

Home Resource Directory Antiques

Builders

Newport Antiques Show On July 24-26, the Newport Antiques Show will feature over 40 of the country’s top dealers’ paintings, furniture, folk art, jewelry, and decorative arts. 401-8462669. newportantiqueshow.com

Davitt Design Build Architects and builders work as a team to create uniquely styled new homes, renovations and restorations. 4 Frank Ave., West Kingston. 401-792-9799. davittdesignbuild.com

Appliances Gil’s Television & Appliances Gil’s TV & Appliances is a familyowned appliance and electronics store. They offer well-known brands, affordable prices, with a selection that suits any budget. 397 Metacom Ave., Bristol. 401-253-9789. gilsappliances.com Kitchen Guys Supplying new, refurbished and scratch and dent residential and commercial appliances for over 23 years. Wide selection and delivery services available. 416 Roosevelt Ave., Central Falls. 401-723-0500. kitchenguys.com

Art & Framing Picture This Custom framing, antique maps, photography and art gallery. 158 Wickenden St., Providence. 401-273-7263; Quo Vadis Shopping Center 552 Kingstown Rd., Wakefield. 401-7896200. picturethisgalleries.com Providence Picture Frame The biggest art and frame company In New England providing consultation, service and inspiration. 27 Dryden Lane, Providence. 401-4216196. providencepictureframe.com

Banking Services People’s Credit Union Offering full service banking solutions, as well as mortgages, construction loans, home equity, and a first-time home buyers program. Locations in Middletown, Newport, Bristol, Portsmouth, Wakefield, and North Kingstown. 401-846-8930. peoplescu.com

Site Specific With a focus on sustainable and green building materials, Site Specific is a design build firm, general contractor and a construction management company. 45 Dike St., Providence. 401-6324400. sitespecificllc.com Sixteen on Center A design/build firm offering complete project services, project management, all forms of custom millwork and stages of carpentry, handling major renovations, additions and new construction projects. 41 Eagleville Rd., Tiverton. 401-.8160324. sixteenoc.com Sweenor Builders Custom home building and remodeling since 1989. 12 High St., Wakefield. 401789-4341. sweenorbuilders.com

Building Supplies Riverhead Building Supply Featuring building materials, cabinetry, windows, doors, architectural hardware, trim details, and their own exclusive Heritage Wide Plank Flooring. 6000 Post Rd., North Kingstown, and 1366 West Main Rd., Middletown. 800874-9500. rbscorp.com

Island and Connecticut. 401-300-8009. southcountycarpetcleaning.com

Ten Rod Rd., North Kingstown. 401295-2760. fabricgalleryri.com

Closet Design

Fireplaces & Grills

Closets Etc. Custom closet designs for home and office since 1987. Locally and female-majority owned, services include building and installation, and complimentary design. 866-642-1705. closetsetc.com

Stovepipe Fireplace Shop Offering a large selection of pellet and gas stoves, gas and wood-burning fireplaces, and grills. 654 Warwick Ave., Warwick. 401-941-9333. stovepipe-usa.com

Custom Closet Geeks A New England based closet organization company with 30 years experience of custom closet design, manufacturing and installation. 877266-1398. customclosetgeek.com

Fabric & Upholstery artéé fabrics & home Fabrics, trims and accessories for window treatments, sofas and bedding. Consultation to installation services. 228 Main St., Pawtucket. 401-723-2400. arteefabricsandhome.com Custom Slipcovers by Linda Toti Professional and affordable services, including free estimates. 508-695-2474 Fabric Gallery A large selection of interior decorating fabrics, wallpapers and trims. Personalized design assistance. 606

Floor Covering Bart’s Carpets Offering a wide selection of brand name floor covering selections, including oriental and area rugs, vinyl floors, ceramic tile, laminate and hardwoods. 491 Davisville Rd., North Kingstown. 401-884-8300. bartscarpet.com Ruggieri Carpet One Floor & Home A large selection of carpet, hardwood, laminate, ceramic tile, vinyl, area rugs and more. 1191 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, 888-748-7161. ruggiericarpetonecranston.com Rustigian Rugs Eco-friendly sisal, wool wall-to-wall and custom area rugs, as well as hand knotted contemporary and traditional carpets from around the world. 1 Governor St., Providence. 401-751-5100. rustigianrugs.com

Cleaning Paradise Cleaning & Restoration Offering a full service, 24-hour, oncall emergency disaster recovery program for issues like fire damage, mold and flooding. 170 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown. 401-849-6644. paradisedisasterrestoration.com South County Carpet Cleaning Carpet, fabric care, upholstery, tile and grout cleaning for homes and businesses throughout Rhode

The Newport Antiques Show returns on July 24-26

Home Guide 2015 |

home guide directory

Dupuis Oil Dupuis Oil, established in 1898, provides delivery, service and installation for oil, natural gas and air systems. 401 Walcott St., Pawtucket. 401-722-0080. dupuisoil.com Statewide Plumbing and Heating Prompt and professional service in all phases of commercial, industrial, and residential plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and drain cleaning, as well as total remodeling. 160 North View Ave., Cranston. 401-944-5752. statewideplumbinginc.com

Hobbies Wild Birds Unlimited Your source for fresh bird food, as well as locally made, high quality bird feeders, garden accents and unique gifts. Trader Joe’s Plaza, 1000 Bald Hill Rd., Warwick. 401-826-0606. wbu.com/warwick

Home Accessories & Decor Arcade Providence A blend of retail and residential spaces, the new Arcade Providence preserves a national historic landmark and enhances it with a modern concept. 65 Weybosset St., Providence. 401-4544568. arcadeprovidence.com BasketCase Mariposa serving pieces and glassware, pottery and wall art, and other fine gifts for the home. 343 A Main St., Wakefield. 401-284-1551. basketcaseri.com

Comfort & Joy A boutique featuring stylish yet comfortable products, such as beanbag furniture from Yogibo. 1220 Kingstown Rd., Peace Dale. 401-783-5300 environs Soaps, scented candles, table linens, artisanal olive oils and other gifts for the home in the newly-renovated Arcade. 65 Weybosset St., Providence. 401-588-5185. facebook.com/ environsstylishgifts Homestyle Artful objects for life and home, including furniture, décor, tableware and art. 229 Westminster St., Providence. 401277-1159. homestyleri.com Stock Culinary Goods Kitchen tools, gadgets, gifts and resources for those who love to cook. Wedding registry of Rhode Island and New England crafted gifts. 756 Hope St., Providence. 401-521-0101. stockpvd.com store*four A collection of tableware, linens, decorative accents, artisan foods and other lifestyle products. 673 Kingstown Rd., Wakefield. 401-7837388. storefour.net Warwick Mall Completely renovated in 2010, the Warwick Mall features top retailers and restaurants, a restored carousel, bright concourses and much more. 400 Bald Hill Rd., Warwick. 401-7397500. warwickmall.com Wickford Gourmet Quality European kitchen and bar ware at factory outlet prices. 21 West Main St., Wickford. 401-294-8430

Zero Wampum Large retail boutique with a wide selection of beach inspired and nautical themed home decor and gifts. 161 Old Tower Hill Rd., Wakefield, 401-7897172. zerowampum.com

Home Entertaining The Dorrance Known for their seasonal cocktail programs, The Dorrance also offers private bartending lessons for small groups. 60 Dorrance St, Providence. 401-521-6000. thedorrance.com Johnson & Wales University A wide range of evening, weekend and online continuing education programs perfect for working professionals, career changers, degree completers or first-time students. 8 Abbott Park Place, Providence. 401-598-2300. academics. jwu.edu/chefs-choice/

Home Furnishings Cabot House Featuring quality and value in home furnishings including living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, home office and patio furniture. 555 Quaker Lane, West Warwick. 401-828-6002. cabothouse.com. Reliable Furniture Gallery Quality furniture and antiques buyers and sellers. 881 Westminster St., Providence. 401-861-6872. rjlgallery.com

Home Supplies Adler’s Hardware Since 1919, Adler’s has been Providence’s neighborhood hardware store. Large paint department, wall coverings, window treatments, interior design services and housewares. 173 Wickenden St., Providence. 401421-5157. adlersri.com Benny’s Locally owned and operated, this superstore carries housewares, bikes and sporting equipment, patio furniture and grills, paint mixing services and more. Multiple locations throughout Rhode Island and neighboring Massachusetts. hellobennys.com

Outfit your kitchen at Stock Culinary Goods

| Home Guide 2015

Sears Hometown Store Owned and operated locally in North Kingstown, Sears Hometown Store

offers brand name appliances, power tools, lawn mowers and more. 6655 Post Road, North Kingstown. 401885-1120. searshometownstores.com/ locations/north-kingstown-ri

Insulation A.A. Insulation Over 38 years of experience delivering quality insulation, workmanship and materials. 401-421-3782. aainsulationinc.com

Interior Design East Coast Designs Full service firm specializing in custom window treatments, bedding, wallcoverings, designer fabrics, and cork and bamboo flooring. 306 Main St., East Greenwich. 401-885-8585. ecoastdesigns.com Graceke Design Interior and exterior styling with a focus on layers of colors, textures and patterns. 22 Sextant Lane, Narragansett. 401-219-1669. gracekedesign.com Inside Style Affordable interior decorating services, plus a storefront including home accessories and furniture. 155 Main St., Wakefield. 401-783-7800 jaeWdesigns Designer Jae Wyllie Willard offers comprehensive interior design services, including custom wallpaper, paint colors, textiles, lighting, window treatments, furniture and more. Barrington. 401-7446990. jaeWdesigns.com Joan Bishop Interiors Offering services in one-day redesign, decorating plans, color consults, curb appeal, organization, custom art and more. East Greenwich. 401-556-5828. JoanBishopInteriors.com Kreatelier Interior decorating services including window treatments, interior accents, upholstery, and locally made fabric creations, such as pillows, quilts and children’s products. 804 Hope St., Providence. 401-4327995. kreatelier.com Linda M. Supron Interiors From two-hour consultations to complete design and project management, they help you find creative, yet practical and cost-effective

Photography by Katie Poor

Heating & Cooling

home guide directory

Real Estate

Basket Case

A Unique Boutique

Residential Properties Rhode Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest independent real estate company with over 180 agents and five offices located throughout the state. 140 Wickenden St., Providence. 401-274-6740. residentialproperties.com

Spruce up your home at Wickford Kitchen and Bath

solutions for home renovation projects. Jamestown, 401-423-0010. lindamsuproninteriors.com The Studio 19th century interiors by designer Michael J. Chellel, including upholstery, window treatments, stenciling, antiques and art restorations. 117 Parade St., Providence; 401-965-6460 taste Multi-disciplinary design firm specializing in historic and coastal homes, with creative services in renovation planning, interior design and decoration. 34 Narragansett Ave., Jamestown. 401423.3639. tastedesigninc.com

Kitchen & Bath Heritage Kitchen Offering complete kitchen and bath design and reconstruction utilizing the finest in craftsmanship and materials. 7736 Post Road, North Kingstown. 401-294-6500. heritagekitchendesignri.com Wickford Kitchen and Bath Wickford Kitchen and Bath offers budget friendly full custom, semi custom and stock cabinetry product lines for kitchen and bath projects. 8194 Post Rd., North Kingstown. 401294-4494. wickfordkandb.com

Landscaping All-Scapes A full service company offering landscaping, hardscapes, tree service and pool and water needs. 354 South County Trail, Exeter. 401-294-3725. allscapesri.com City & Estate Gardener Led by certified horticulturist Thomas

Bennett, a professional landscape gardening company providing services throughout the state. 401-935-2312. cityestategardener.com

Spitz Weiss Realtors A boutique real estate firm that has been serving homeowners for over 50 years throughout New England. 785 Hope St., Providence. 401-2726161. spitzweiss.com

Roofing

Vision Landscaping Landscape construction, excavation, tree service and lawn care maintenance programs available for South County. 401954-6464. visionlandscaping-ri.com

Done-Rite Roofing Systems, Inc. Full service roofing company offering replacements and emergency repairs. 555 R Atwood Ave., Cranston. 401467-8200

Leather & Vinyl Restoration

Tile

LeatherWorks, LLC Mobile service to repair and restore leather and vinyl materials. Fixing cuts, tears, scratches, burns or worn out and faded upholstery for home or vehicle. 401-837-0548. leatherworksri.com

Renaissance Tile Gallery Specializing in tile and stone, Renaissance offers a 5,000 sq ft showroom and complimentary onsite interior design consultation. 271 Post Rd., Building D, Westerly. 401-3224080. renaissancetilegallery.com

Painting & Supplies

Tree Care

ELCO Painting Family owned and operated,a fullservice painting company specializing in residential, commercial and industrial painting since 1980. 290 Smith St., North Kingstown. 401295-2201. elcopainting.com

T.F. Morra Tree Care, Inc. Hand pruning, tree preservation, hazard tree removal, tree evaluation and diagnosis, hazard tree removal, and shade and specimen tree planting. Organic pest management. 401331-8527. tfmorra.com

The Paint Shoppe Providing supplies for your painting project, inside and out. Offering color consultations and decorating services. Locations in East Providence, Providence, Johnston, Warwick and West Warwick. thepaintshoppes.com

Chic

Water Treatment

Pool & Patio

Culligan by Waterco of New England Providing water treatment solutions to both commercial and residential properties, including bottled water. 149 James P Murphy Hwy, West Warwick. 1-800-842-1116. culliganwaterwestwarwick.com

Pool & Patio Center A local source for pools, hot tubs, spas, swimming pool and spa chemicals, water chemistry products and accessories. 475 Tiogue Ave., Coventry. 401-8237290. poolandpatiocenter.com

NorthEast Water Solutions Providing comprehensive water and wastewater systems including engineering, construction and operating services. 567 South County Trail, Suite 116, Exeter. 401-667-7463. nwsi.net

unique

& comfortable 343A Main Street Wakefield (401) 284-1551

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Finishing Touch

When Tripp Evans and Ed Cabral purchased this two-floor unit in Providence’s Pearl Street Lofts, it didn’t look anywhere close to the way it does now. Tripp is a professor of art history, and handy when it comes to DIY home design. In fact, he built the pergola over their dining room area himself. He and Ed filled their space with incredible art from local artists like Kik Williams, Gregory Poulin, Jungil Hong, Dan Wood, Andrew Raftery and C.W. Roelle. Other innovative design touches throughout the loft include an upstairs Moroccan-inspired guest room, silver-leaf kitchen cabinets, a tv hidden by a swinging painting in the bedroom and a roof deck overlooking the city. –Julie Tremaine

| Home Guide 2015

Photography by Melissa Stimpson

The Lofty Life

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