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FEATURES

HOME & STYLE

French Flair Find gathered goods with Parisian flea market allure in Bristol

35 SPECIAL SECTION

Homebuyer’s Guide Handy facts and insights for planning and making your move in the Ocean State

47 CO V E R S TO R Y

Spring Refresh Local pros offer advice for projects large and small, inside and out

66 A R T & C U LT U R E

Organic Appeal Sustainable furniture maker in Portsmouth designs and builds heirloom pieces

Yellow Laburnum brings bright colo r to a l a nd sca p e d g a rd e n P ho to cou rtesy of An drew G ros s m an

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RUSTIGIAN RUGS

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CONTENTS

Photo by Grace Lentini, courtesy of Michelle Lee Designs Ph oto cou rtesy of Epi c D ecade

Photo courtesy of Joe Afonso

News & Life

Home & Style

Food & Drink

Art & Culture

14 Bristol writer’s residency

24 HOME: An accessory

56 A new East Greenwich

70 Volumes of reasons to

cafe infuses Ocean State hues at every turn

celebrate Independent Bookstore Day

58 RHODY RECIPE: A savory street food to celebrate Ramadan

68 RHODY READS: Spring into reading with picks by authors with local ties

60 Stock up on ice

72 CALENDAR: This

cream by the pint from 10 local churners

month’s must-do’s

draws inspiration from Linden Place’s complicated past

16 RHODY PETS: Animal-themed art from a Cumberland maker + the adoptable pet of the month

18 RHODY GEM: A studio and retail

shop filled with handcrafted housewares in Warren

19 Social entrepreneurs introduce innovation space in Jamestown

20 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO: Newport City

dwelling unit keeps grandparents nearby on a South Kingstown property

28 INFLUENCER: How trial and error in a small yard led to a lifelong love of gardening

30 A luxury campsite in Coventry makes USA Today’s top 10 in New England list

62 IN THE KITCHEN: The chef at the helm of a PVD homeless shelter’s cooking program

73 #HEYRHODYPHOTOS : A pet spotlight of our staff’s furry friends cozying up at home

Council moves to restrict Airbnbs

On the Cover: An accessory dwelling unit in South Kingstown ready for spring. Photo by Robert Brewster, courtesy of DiStefano Brothers Construction.

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My family moved around a lot while I was growing up, but no matter where we lived, my mom always made it feel instantly like home. Looking back, she had tried-and-true tricks: set up the bedroom first, keep the cupboards stocked with food you love, and invite in plenty of sunshine. I’ve been writing about homes for over 10 years, always drawn to how people make even the smallest spaces their sanctuary. While some days we may dress to impress, outfitting our homes is all about what makes us feel comfortable and happy. In our first-ever Spring Home & Garden issue, we talk to creative Rhode Islanders to get the scoop on their special methods for making a dwelling much more than an address. For the cover story (page 47), experts share how to choose the proper rug, hire a landscape designer, make a place coastal without being kitsch, and secrets for selecting paint. Tales of ingenuity abound! You’ll discover how a Coventry couple turned part of their property and some extra time into what USA Today has named one of the “10 Best Spots for Luxury Camping in New England,” or how trial and error in a yard led a first-time Providence homeowner to becoming a Master Gardener and licensed arborist. Meet a retired school teacher in South Kingstown with a passion for

cooking, who now teaches both kitchen and life skills at a homeless shelter in Providence. We love our small businesses and entrepreneurs and check in with booksellers from around the state in time for Independent Bookstore Day on April 30, and of course, offer six recommendations in Rhody Reads. Maker features include a national brand of illustrated products based in a Cumberland home, metal and ceramicware made in a Warren shop/studio, and a sustainable furniture-making surfer in Portsmouth. Enjoy a good binge watch on the couch? Find 10 local brands of ice cream with pints available to fill the freezer. Try your hand at a savory recipe for samosas, and get a tour of a stylish coffee shop in East Greenwich. Explore a tiny home in South County, revisit the complicated history of an East Bay mansion, and peruse brocante goods from a shop in a Bristol mill complex. It’s all here and more. Enjoy, be inspired, and stay well! Editor In Chief

Elyse Major

April 2022

Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell

General Manager & Creative Director Nick DelGiudice

Editor in Chief Elyse Major

Managing Editor Abbie Lahmers

ONLINE

Editor Karen Greco Digital Media Manager Sascha Roberts Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas

Senior Editorial Designer Abigail Brown

Senior Designer Taylor Gilbert Account Managers

P ho to g ra p hy by N i c k D e l Gi ud i ce

Shelley Cavoli Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher

Web Extra: South County women chefs and restaurateurs taking ownership of the kitchen

Kristine Mangan Olf Elizabeth Riel Interested in advertising? Email Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

NEWSLETTER:

207-592-4775 www.awshucksoysteropener.com

Contributing Photographers Robert Brewster

Eric Levin

Jennifer Convey

Jennifer Massotti

Elaine Fredrick Photography

Erin McGinn Photography

Brandon Harmon

Nat Rea

Robert Isenberg

Steve Sabo

Laurel Leaf Photography

Sabrina Scolari

Grace Lentini

Brad Smith Photography

Contributing Writers Antonia Ayres-Brown

Rose Kenyon

Julia Barber

Hugh Minor

Patty J

Liz Murray

Belinda Jones

Joe Sprague

Kim Kalunian

P ho to by @a ni nsp i re d o ut l et

Interns

Share your Ocean State photos on Instagram using #HeyRhodyPhotos to be featured here!

Casey Williams Looking for an internship? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com Distribution Services Special Delivery

First Quality Fabrics • Design Assistance Custom Bedding • Custom Fabrication Hardware (Rods) • Outdoor Selections Pillows • Reupholstery • Slipcovers Shades • Shutters • Trims Window Treatments • Wallpaper

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fabrics and full custom tile collection in the showroom, getting a feel for colors and textures and delighting in special details like paneled appliances or pull out spice racks and other cabinet accessories that will make your kitchen or bathroom luxurious and custom. Exodus Design Group’s affinity for quality is reflected in the brands they carry. Find fine American-made cabinets by Tedd Wood, Bellmont, and Wellborn Forest; lighting fixtures by Hudson Valley and Quoizel; hardware by Richlieu; and custom fabrics by Carole, Lee Jofa and Kravet. Clients can also select from brand-name appliances and plumbing fixtures; high-end stone, tile, and countertops including quartz, granite,

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and concrete; and home automation features. The best part: Discover all of this and more under one roof. Working with a professional design team brings a sense of cohesion and expertise to home projects that can’t be matched. When you partner and purchase through the team at Exodus, their design services are provided at no charge, and if you choose to use their builders, clients also enjoy further discounts on materials. So, for your upcoming remodel, skip the scrolling online and make an appointment with Exodus Design Group for a one-onone consultation with an expert designer and tour of their envy-worthy showroom.

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NEWS & LIFE

R e s i d e n c y | R h o d y P e t s | R h o d y G e m | Co m m u n i ty | T h e P u b l i c ’ s R a d i o

19 A design-for ward space in Jamestown encourages conversation and community Photo courtesy of Epic Decade

NEWS & LIFE

Old House, New Stories Bristol’s Linden Place hosts eight writers of wide-ranging genres to explore the home’s complicated history

n the same halls and quiet offices that over two centuries saw Hollywood actors, presidents, and famous writers pass through, many flocking salons and poetry readings – now a group of local wordsmiths reflect on Linden Place’s lineage through a unique residency happening this month. Not all glamorous, the historical home in Bristol also carries a sordid past, built in 1810 by a slave trader. Devised by local author and editor Leigh Medeiros, the April daytime-only residency invites writers to spend time in the mansion, unpack its often contradictory threads, and create anew. “I’ve been in the arts for nearly 30 years, so I know from experience that artists, particularly

storytellers, have a special place in culture,” says Medeiros. “They make connections between things that most people cannot see. They can communicate new ideas in ways that expand consciousness and promote healing. Linden Place – like America – has a complicated history. I think the residency is a great way to support writers while fostering creative perspectives on that history.” With Linden Place’s aim of “enhancing the artistic, cultural, and educational life of the community,” eight residents (who are yet to be selected at time of press) will carve out time and space to work amongst the home’s period furniture, sculptures, and archival collections,

beginning a new piece that engages with the setting in some capacity. A free residency, writers benefit from a self-guided audio tour, on-site workspace, access to museum professionals for research, a small travel stipend for transportation, and discounted rate at the Bradford-Dimond Norris B&B if they choose to stay nearby. The tie-in to the place itself is open-ended. “It could be anything from using Linden Place as a setting, or including a person who once lived or worked there, or integrating an object from the collection into their story,” says Medeiros. From novice to established writer, criterion for choosing residents doesn’t come down to accolades, but rather the merit of their

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Photo by Sabrina Scolari, courtesy of Linden Place

By Abbie Lahmers

Writers flock to Linden Place this month for a unique residency

writing sample. Three judges also seek a diverse range of perspectives and genres. Giving a few examples, Medeiros says, “I think of things like an LGBTQ+ historic romance, or a Hamilton-style anti-racist rock opera that sheds light on the DeWolf enslavers, or a children’s book about visiting the museum, or a classic mystery with Oscar-winning actress Ethel Barrymore [a former Linden Place occupant] at the center of it.” The residency will culminate in a reading and moderated discussion of works in progress on June 2, inviting the public to listen and engage with the work. LindenPlace.org/ Writers-Residency

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NEWS & LIFE

Animal Prints

A love of pets provides creative inspiration for a family-owned national brand based in Cumberland By Belinda Jones, Animal Rescue Rhode Island

RHODY PET OF THE MONTH: JOEY By Karen Kalunian Fun-loving Joey lives to be part of the action. If you’re an avid walker, hiker, or runner, then Joey is the perfect companion for you. He’s a three-year-old Terrier mix with the biggest smile and palpable love of life. A house with a fenced-in yard would be Joey’s dream home so he can romp around whenever he desires. If this beautiful boy speaks to your sense of adventure, contact the shelter for more information and the chance to invite this infectious ball of joy into your home. Learn more at Hotel for Homeless Dogs Humane Society in Cumberland via email at Contact@HotelforHomelessDogs.com or visit HotelForHomelessDogs.com If you have been looking to adopt or know of an animal in need, please contact Karen from Animal Talk directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com

If you’ve bought a decorative dog pillow from East Providence’s Up Country, or a peppy petthemed greeting card from Barrington Books, or a dog birthday cake from Jack’s Snacks in Warwick and added a mini felt party hat, you are familiar Giorgia Florena Shaban’s bright, bold designs and her brand, Tatutina. Pre-COVID, Shaban worked out of a studio shop at Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket where she was also able to sell her smile-inducing wares at the Saturday Farmers Market, thoroughly enjoying the sense of community. Unfortunately, the pandemic changed that and Shaban moved

back into her family home in Cumberland, bringing Tatutina full circle as the company was actually founded over 30 years ago by her Italian mother Barbara Ottmar. “I went to work for her the summer after completing my biolog y degree and never left!” says Shaban. “Back then Tatutina’s focus was children’s clothing and decor, but ever since I was a kid, pets have been my favorite thing to draw – it’s what comes right out of my hand without me thinking about it.” Shaban currently has three furry muses: an orange cat named Thor who likes to lie on top of

the computer and attack the sewing supplies, a gray cat Miek who was adopted from 10 Lives Cat Rescue in Warwick and is still a little shy, and Oscar the mini Goldendoodle who she describes as “the sweetest, easiest dog in the world.” Shaban says Tatutina’s signature style features “charming characters that tell a story.” She enjoys incorporating words or phrases and notes that her favorite item is the reversible dog bandana with “Happy Birthday To Me” on one side and “Happy Birthday To You” on the other. Other popular items include cat-lover eyeglass cases and the “Counting Dogs With My Paw”

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Photo courtesy of Tatutina

Shaban’s pup Oscar poses in a birthday bandana

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daycare soft baby books made from organic cotton. Shaban is currently excited about a new line of greeting cards with space to write your pet’s name on the cover, plus a French cat motif collaboration with Bristol’s Blanc + Bleu (with 20 percent of sales benefitting Friends of the Bristol Animal Shelter). “‘Tatutina’ is a term of affection my Neopolitan father used for my mother. She began by calling him Tatutino and, in turn, he called her Tatutina!” – a memorable pet name that couldn’t be more apt for the design studio. Tatutina.com, @tatutina

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DOGTOPIA OF WARWICK

30 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick 401-903-4900 | Dogtopia.com/Warwick HeyRhody.com

NEWS & LIFE

Beehive Handmade Arti sanal Ho us ewares & G ifts What it is: The studio and retail shop of Beehive Handmade, the husband-and-wife enterprise of Sandra Bonazoli and Jim Dowd, makers of thoughtfully designed handcrafted metalwork since 1999. Find stamped and engraved heartshaped coffee scoops, arrow cheese markers, keepsake boxes, and more. The shop also carries their line of ceramic pieces, designed by the couple and made by artisans in Peru.

W h e re to f i n d i t : Look for the hanging branded sign along Warren’s Water Street across from Blount Clam Shack. There’s also an open sign pitched on the sidewalk so find a spot to park and walk in.

W h a t m a k e s i t a R h o d y G e m? If you’re a devotee of beautiful handmade housewares, this stunning store is for you. Inside the sun-filled space, discover work featured on the pages of magazines like Better Homes and Gardens and O, The Oprah Magazine. You’re likely to catch the owner-artists on site for conversations while perusing displays of their jewelry, folk art-inspired ceramics, baby and wedding gifts, and more. “We have so many spring things in our little shop, like linens, beeswax candles, and hand blown vases in garden-inspired colors. We’re also introducing some little ring dishes with floral motifs,” says Banazoli. “We’re committed to the special quality of small-batch, handmade goods. All our metalwork is made here in Rhode Island and is designed by us – we craft each original piece.”

BEEHIVE HANDMADE 332 Water Street • 508-678-4335 BeehiveHandmade.com

Photography by Elyse Major

We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-thewall spot that locals love. Email Elyse@ ProvidenceOnline.com or use #RhodyGem on IG to suggest yours for consideration!

NEWS & LIFE

Curiouser and Curiouser Design-minded social entrepreneurs open an artful space in Jamestown to foster creativity By Julia B arber

Photos courtesy of Epic Decade

hen husband-and-wife team Seth Goldenberg and Liz Newton tackle a project, they don’t do it by halves. Goldenberg’s multivalent design and experience hub, Epic Decade, just celebrated its tenth anniversary by launching a brick-and-mortar “anchor” of the firm’s mission to foster community and creativity. The Curiosity & Co. store, which opened in Jamestown in October of 2021, is conceived as a “giant innovation showroom” housed in a hybrid bookstore, wine bar, and community gathering place. At the height of the pandemic, Goldenberg and Newton, a Brown alumna and co-founder of Pawtucket’s Blackstone Academy Charter School respectively, decided the time was right to reinvent Epic Decade – just in time for its next 10 years. Now under parent company Curiosity & Co., the Epic Decade team has broadened its scope to work more directly with the public. The couple are ardent believers in the transformative power of books, art, and conversation, and are eager to share their passion with their neighbors in Jamestown. Last summer, Goldenberg and Newton purchased the vacant building on Narragansett Avenue that formerly held the Jamestown Fish restaurant, a flower shop, and in the more distant past, a one-room schoolhouse that served the entire island. The couple partnered with Hey Rhody HOME & GARDEN APRIL 2022 |

Providence design firm HB Design & Build to transform the storefront into a “strange and wonderful place,” as Goldberg says, meant to surpass the traditional boundaries of a bookstore-bar. The Curiosity & Co. store presents a curated collection of books for readers of all ages and tastes, along with a sophisticated menu of organic and natural wine and snacks. The space also contains an art gallery and design studio, as well as a welcoming open area intended to host readings and other events. Goldenberg explains that the store is meant to be “a beacon of our local community here,” a space to push boundaries, ask questions, and above all, foster curiosity. The store built an ambitious programming schedule for the spring and summer, bolstered by relationships with local businesses and community figures. A recent event brought over 100 guests to the store to celebrate the life of Toni Morrison and participate in a reading of the author’s masterpiece Song of Solomon. A new partnership with Jamestown favorite Village Hearth Bakery will yield a seasonal pop-up restaurant in the store’s outdoor pavilion, opening May 22. In the summer, adults and children alike can attend a birthday party in honor of the 25th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, featuring costumes, food, and drink from the wizarding world. Goldenberg and Newton hope that Curiosity & Co. will help revitalize the community HeyRhody.com

Clarke Dalton reads from a Toni Morrison book during a February event to celebrate the author’s birthday

of downtown Jamestown, which was hit hard by the pandemic, and become a cultural destination on the island. Goldenberg’s first book, Radical Curiosity: Questioning Commonly Held Beliefs to Imagine Flourishing Futures, will be released by Penguin Random House Publishing on August 23. Check it out at the Curiosity & Co. store, where it will undoubtedly be in stock. Learn more at EpicDecade.com

NEWS & LIFE

Facing Housing Shortage, Newport Moves to Restrict Airbnbs in Residential Zones New p o r t ’ s C i ty Cou n c i l p l a n s to p ro h i b i t n ew sh or t-ter m renta ls in th e coa sta l c ity ’s residenti al zones , citin g co nce r ns t h at p ro p e r t i e s l i ke A i r b nb s a n d VRB Os a re contr ib u tin g to th e loc a l h ou s i ng crunch

By Antonia Ayres-Brown • In Partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org

nder current law in Newport, people can operate short-term rentals in residential zones if they receive a special use permit from the Newport Zoning Board of Review. On March 9, however, the City Council unanimously voted to prohibit these kinds of properties in residential zones. The proposed changes will also require short-term rental hosts to

According to an October 2021 presentation by city staff, the majority of 307 suspected short-term rentals identified in Newport were not in compliance with the city's registration requirement.

obtain a special use permit to operate in the city’s limited business districts, where these properties have previously been permitted. The move comes amidst a broader effort in Newport to address short-term rentals, and their impact on the seaside destination’s strained housing stock. As Airbnbs have become more prevalent, the city has hired a short-term rental compliance officer to crack down on the roughly

180 unregistered properties suspected of operating illegally. Earlier this year, Newport’s legislators championed the passage of a bill at the state level that requires short-term rental owners to register with the state Department of Business Regulation, or otherwise face financial penalties. “I have people ask me ever y single week, ‘Oh, this house is for sale. I know it’s going to go for an Airbnb,’” said Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano. “It affects ever ything. It affects neighborhoods, families, parking , people that want to live in Newport.” It remains unclear, however, what effect this ban on new Airbnbs in residential zones could have on Newport neighborhoods. According to a presentation by city staff last October, only 10 short-term rentals had been granted special use permits over the previous five years. The much larger problem, local officials say, is the swath of unregistered rentals that operate under the radar. Although prohibiting new short-term rentals in residential zones won’t change the fact that these properties are already operating illegally, proponents say an outright ban would make it easier for neighbors to identif y and report these illicit rentals. “ This is not an earth-shattering move for a large group of people,” said Newport resident Penelope Hunt, who spoke at the March 9 City Council meeting. “But I do feel that having a special use permit option in residential zones confuses the issue for a lot of residents. You know, people say, ‘Oh well, I just thought that house has a permit.’” According to an October 2021 presentation by city staff, the majority of 307 suspected short-term rentals identified in Newport were not in compliance with the city’s registration requirement. During the March public hearing , a number of Newport residents spoke both in favor and in opposition to the proposed zoning change. A couple of residents who currently operate Airbnbs claimed they rely on revenue from those businesses, with one adding that the city

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Image courtesy of City of Newport

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is “being steered a little bit too far in the anti-[short-term rental] direction.” Newport City Solicitor Christopher Behan said, however, that city officials have not observed a large number of Airbnb owners who depend on their businesses to afford staying on the island.“ We are not finding what we call the ‘mom and pop’ — the person who really needs short-term rentals to get by,” said Behan. “We’re seeing people making a lot of money.” Newport zoning still permits locals to rent out up to two rooms in residential zones, if the owner lives in the house. Under the new rules, short-term rentals that already hold active special use permits in residential zones will also be grandfathered in. City Council Member Angela McCalla supported the zoning changes, but also called for a broader study of the housing market and factors driving displacement in Newport. “I do think that we are treating the symptom and not necessarily the problem in terms of housing,” said McCalla. “Yes, short-term rentals could be one aspect, but there are many that are preventing a lot of our year-round residents from being able to occupy our homes.” For the time being , however, there’s consensus on Newport’s City Council that more regulation of short-term rentals is long overdue. The zoning changes will require a second reading later before taking effect. “It’s gone for so long where past councils haven’t done anything about this, or the current zoning hasn’t been able to do anything about it,” said Council Member Charlie Holder. “If we don’t do something now, if it’s not already too late, then we might as well just turn this whole town into a commercial district and have at it.”

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Antonia Ayres-Brown is the Newport Bureau Reporter for The Public’s Radio. She can be reached at antonia@thepublicsradio.org Hey Rhody HOME & GARDEN APRIL 2022 |

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401-825-7670 65 Manchester Street, West Warwick

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HOME & STYLE H o m e | I n f l u e n c e r | Trave l L o c a l | S h o p

24 650 square feet of Craftsman cottage charm in South Kingstown P h o t o s b y R o b e r t B r ew s t e r, c o u r t e s y o f D i S t e f a n o B r o t h e r s C o n s t r u c t i o n

HOME & STYLE

An acce sso r y d we l l i n g u n i t i s t h e p e r fe ct solu tion to keep a Sou th K in g stown fa mily con ne cted

By Elys e Major

hen Lucille and Kumar Madom’s married son moved to Rhode Island and started a family, the retired physician and his wife began spending a lot of time in the Ocean State. Five years of frequent visits and four grandchildren later, the Florida-based retirees decided it was time to have a place to call their own. The solution to be separate but oh-so -close ? Build a tiny home on their son’s property in South Kingstown. This wasn’t an all-hands-on-deck family build – the Madoms turned to DiStefano Brothers Construction in nearby Wakefield. “This was our first and we have

more on the way. Building on family land can allow better care for loved ones as well as offer a secondary means of income,” begins Peter DiStefano, president of DBC. “Accessory dwelling units (ADU) are a growing market due to the advantages they offer homeowners with the extra land, and as you see, designed correctly, can fit right into the neighborhood. We’re excited to be leading the way !” The 650-square-foot Craftsman cottage built by DB C checks all the boxes for the Madoms and despite its small size, doesn’t feel cramped thanks to all-white walls, plenty of windows, recessed lighting , and furnishings that are at once casual but

A neutral palette keeps the small space interesting without feeling cluttered

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Photos by Robert Brewster, courtesy of DiStefano Brothers Construction

Tiny House, Big Style

HOME & STYLE Sliding closet doors optimize space

Get Rhody Style T i p s fo r m a k i n g t h e m o s t o f w h a t yo u h ave – i n s i d e a n d o u t .

Good Vibes “Keep spaces calm and casual; think about what makes you happy!” says Lucille.

S h o p Wa k e f i e l d The Madoms enjoy Wakefield’s Belmont Market and Brickley’s Ice Cream.

Lo c a l Re s o u rce s

refined with hints of modern transitional style – and often work double-duty. Plentiful built-in storage helps keep clutter at bay. Throughout, a muted palette of grays, as seen in tiled bathrooms, takes its cue from the coastline. “ This home is packed full of details and clever ideas of storage, with a full area for laundr y, floating bedside tables, high ceilings, and lots of natural light, never

Photos by Robert Brewster, courtesy of DiStefano Brothers Construction

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making you feel closed in!” says Lucille. Of course to the Madoms, the best feature is the location – being a stone’s throw from their four grandkids. “Next is the back porch and all the natural light that comes into the house. And the front door color, and being so close to shops and the water,” says Lucille. “ We are excited about venturing out to all of the local restaurants, shops, and culture.”

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HOME & STYLE

Meet Joe Afonso With a little help from daughter Laura of Buns & Bites, this Master Gardener and Arborist with a growing TikTok following shares how to get a green thumb By S ascha Roberts

What made you want to start gardening? My interest in gardening began as a way to improve the look of the small yard at my new house in Providence in 1986. The yard had no flowers or plants of interest. I had no gardening experience, but from reading gardening magazines and books, knew that plants can transform any space into something beautiful. I must have bought a hundred plants the first year; some sur vived a season or two, but most did not. But with each new season, my knowledge and hands-on experience grew, leading to my love of gardening. If you had to choose your favorite plant, what would it be? I love the cardinal flower, lobelia cardinalis. This two- to threefoot-high plant has brilliant sharp red flowers that are hummingbird and butterfly magnets. Plant several in a grouping and sit back and enjoy the show. Cardinal flowers like moist soil, so don’t let the soil dry out. What are your favorite garden centers around the state for buying plants? Central Nurseries in Johnston, The Farmer’s Daughter in South Kingstown, and Smith’s Nurser y in Smithfield. All have great plant selections and helpful staff.

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Gardening Tips from Joe LEARN: Plant the right plant in the right place. Before buying any greener y, read the planting conditions usually found on the pot to see if your garden has a place for its requirements. DESIGN: Plant flowers in groups of odd numbers and repeat; this catches and holds your sight along the entire bed. Set tall plants at the back of the bed, and medium to shorter ones toward the front, for interest. Add flowering shrubs and grasses to create height and add texture.

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PREP: Add one to two inches of compost to the garden each spring to increase the fertility of the soil. Apply an organic fertilizer in the spring to give plants and lawn a boost. Add mulch before the hot weather arrives to retain moisture in the soil and keep the plant’s roots cool. When buying potted plants, tease out the roots before planting to ensure the roots don’t continue to grow in a circular fashion, causing girdling and choking the plant.

Photo courtesy of Joe Afonso

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HOME & STYLE

Happy Glampers A Coventry couple’s boutique spin on luxury camping receives national acclaim By Joe Sprague

ho doesn’t love to spend a starry evening next to the firepit? There’s nothing like that crackling sound or the smell of glowing embers. But that’s as far as many of us get to the notion of camping. Maybe you’ve toyed with the romantic idea of spending a night in the great outdoors but don’t know where to begin, or maybe it sounds good but sleeping on hard ground doesn’t hold much appeal. Enter glamping , where you can enjoy the rustic experience of camping without forgoing some of the amenities of everyday life like a mattress and bed linens. A mashup of “glamorous” and “camping ,” glamping became a thing in the early-aughts and really gained popularity during COVID. Consider it the Airbnb of camping. There are multiple places to go glamping right here in our own little state, including Glamp Frogmore in Coventry. Owned by married couple Justin Peters and Amy Barrett, the glampsite sits on their 35-acre property. (Frogmore is a nod to the historical name of the property.) After

moving into their house 11 years ago, they brainstormed ways to best use and share the land. A schoolteacher by trade, Justin found extra time on his hands when online teaching eliminated his 80-minute-each-way commute. Amy, a realtor and artist, says, “He spent a lot of time outside [doing projects]. He built an 18hole disc golf course, a stone fire pit outside the house, and an arbor made of fallen trees.” Justin referred to it as “my therapy.” Justin came across an article about Tentrr, a website that lists the location and information on camping and glamping sites around the country. A conversation with the company followed and the rest is history. Justin began building the site in the fall of 2020 and it was ready to go the following spring. “We were hopeful that we would get some bookings,” remembers Amy, “and that people would enjoy the property.” What they got was a whole lot more. The couple were booked solid from May to November. The following June, it was featured in USA Today’s 10 Best list of glamping sites in New England. The property – which abuts the 295-acre

Maxwell Mays Audubon Refuge – features a pond, streams, and open fields. A large canvas tent sits on a wooden platform and inside there is a bed with pillows and linens. Glampers will also find firewood, fire starters, cooking pans, and utensils. Additional options include a second pop-up tent, as well as a menu with items like fresh-baked muffins, a thermos of hot chocolate, pot of chili, stocked cooler, and more delivered to guests. There’s a private outhouse and an antique copper basin with a foot pumpoperated sink. And there’s also a solar shower just a short walk away. Amy sums up it by saying , “It’s like roughing it but not really.” Guests at Glamp Frogmore have many activity options – hiking on a private trail, canoeing (or row boating ), playing horseshoes or just relaxing in the Adirondack chairs overlooking the picturesque pond. Some guests take day trips to the beach or visit parts of South County. Glamp Frogmore sleeps up to six. A second site on the property is under construction and will be ready for the spring of 2022. Learn more at GlampFrogmore.com.

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Photos courtesy of Glamp Frogmore

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HOME & STYLE

French Accent

A gathered goods shop with Parisian flair is Bristol’s own brocante

“

By Elyse Major

MARKET BASKETS

I love the French baskets we have in the shop and own most of them myself. They are all handmade so each one is a one of a kind. They are also a staple in any European home. They’re not just to take to the farmers market, but you definitely could. The Marseille bag is my everyday bag. You could also use them at the beach, as an overnight bag, or even a gym bag. I’ve even given them as a housewarming gift filled with goodies. To clean them, simply hose them down and air dry. They are versatile, stylish and long lasting.

”

“

PILLOW COVERS

Changing out your pillow covers adds a fresh new look to any room. In my own home, I have a spring/ summer set with lighter and brighter colors and a fall/winter set with cozy fabrics like velvet and knits.

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hile the down-to earth Jenna Kinghorn probably wouldn’t use the term “Francophile” to describe herself, her adoration of all things French is obvious in the best possible way. Often spotted in a Breton French fisherman’s shirt, the energetic Kinghorn shares that she’ll be embarking on a buying trip to that countr y’s famed brocantes (flea markets) in April for her shop, Blanc + Bleu. “I’m really looking for ward to our trip and taking my Instagram followers along for the ride as I hunt for some great items and show a bit of life in the French countr yside,” says Kinghorn. The business began with Kinghorn and then-partner-in-paint Rebekah Willenberg (since moved to the midwest) setting up their wares at farmers markets. Popularity led the pair to take a leap and open a shop and studio at Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket. Before long , demand prompted them to seek a larger space, and today, Kinghorn has outfitted a 1100-square-foot space in the Unity Park Mill Complex in Bristol with her trademark style, best described as Ocean State coastal meets Parisian farmhouse. Filled with picked vintage items in the signature color way of its name, Blanc + Bleu also carries various lines sourced from across the sea, US, and closer to home. “I don’t buy in deep quantities, so if you see something you like, grab it because it might not be here on your next visit and I might not be able to get it again.” Shop buzz continues to build from decor enthusiasts excited to peruse an ever-changing stock of bespoke furniture for sale, which is oftentimes curbside finds that Kinghorn herself has transformed with paints, hardware, and decorative techniques including affixing wallpaper. “ Whether it’s a new product or a vintage piece I’ve found, ever y week it’s a different look in the shop,” says Kinghorn. Learn more and get updates on workshops at BlancAndBleuHome.com, @blanc.and.bleu

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Rankings based in whole or in part on data supplied by the State-Wide Listings Service. The MLS does not guarantee and is not responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Based on information from Statewide Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of January 2022.

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HOME BUYER’S GUIDE

Spring forward into homeownership with handy facts and insights for planning and making your move in Rhode Island

| By the Editors

As winter snow melts away, revealing the brightly colored bounty of blooms that usher in spring, homeownership begins to look downright appealing. Front porches with overflowing flower boxes invite you to sit a spell and enjoy a glass of lemonade. Neighbors smile and wave as they walk by. The idea of homeownership is idyllic. But owning a home isn’t all backyard BBQs and brightly colored roses. There are pros and cons of being both a homeowner and a renter. Hate yard work? Rent. Love fuchsia walls? Own. Keep life flexible? Rent. Want to get a big dog? Best to own. We could go on.

Owning vs. Renting With all major life decisions, making the move from renter to owner is highly personal and depends on myriad factors. Sometimes due to mortgage rates, the cost of rent vs. a mortgage payment is a wash, but it’s the other factors that come into play. For example, if you rent an apartment and need a new water heater, the property owner should handle that; but if you’re a homeowner, the burden is on you. And, there’s always a good chance that soon after you take ownership, something big will need repairing or replacing , so as you make your budget, pad for the unexpected.

BEFORE YOU BUY: A Handy Checklist

HOME INSPECTION AND APPRAISAL

If you decide that homeownership is right for you, congrats! It’s exciting and scary, and the process is not always as glamorous as it looks on TV. In tandem with making your wishlist of half-baths and fireplaces, school systems and dog parks, get real about your financial situation and work to get your credit score in good standing , if needed. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) offers this checklist and advice: Check your credit

Decide how much you want to spend on a home

Assess your spending

Consider whether it’s the right time for you to buy

Budget for new or changed expenses

Build a network of advisors

Determine your down payment

Create a loan application packet

Set aside some money to cover initial home expenses: from a fresh coat of paint to something more major, new homeowners often have to pay for some fixes before moving in. If upsizing , you’ll need additional pieces of furniture to fill the new home. Moving expenses (see sidebar) and utility set-up fees can also add up. When thinking about how much you can afford for a down payment, make sure to set aside some money to cover these expenses. Start to gather names of real estate professionals recommended by friends, relatives, and colleagues: Ideally, you want someone who does this full-time and is on top of what continues to be a rapidly changing market. Throughout this process, you need to work with many professionals, including real estate agents and loan officers.

MOVING COSTS Unless you are minimalist and can fit all your stuff in a friend’s pick-up for the cost of pizza and beer, you probably need to hire movers. According to Consumer Affairs, hiring movers can cost anywhere between a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on how far you’re moving and how much work you’re willing to do yourself. The amount of personal property you’re transporting also affects the total cost. The average cost for a local move is $80 to $100 per hour for a team of two movers. The total cost you’ll pay for a local move is mostly a function of how long it takes the moving crew to load and unload the truck — meaning the more items you have, the more you’ll pay to move them. Movers will also pack for you, for a fee, and therefore are responsible for “accidents.”

After falling for the first house or visiting many, you have found “the” house and made an offer. Next steps are inspections and appraisals. The inspection is for your own protection and is a step that should not be skipped. Ask your real estate or buyer’s agent to recommend a home inspector and make sure this person is reputable (check those creds). An inspector will examine the property inside and out, looking for serious flaws. According to CFPB, if your purchase contract is contingent on a satisfactory inspection, you should be able to cancel the sale without penalty. You can also then be in a position to negotiate with the seller for certain repairs, etc. If you are applying for a mortgage, most banks will do a home appraisal. If the appraisal comes in lower than the purchase price — which can happen in an overheated market prone to bidding wars — you might need to make up the difference in cash or the homeowner will need to come down to match what the bank will lend. If the appraisal comes in higher than the purchase price, you’ve hit the real estate jackpot.

ALL IN THE TIMING You put in an offer, and it gets accepted. That’s wonderful! But don’t call the movers just yet. The homebuying process can take anywhere from weeks to months, depending on what needs to be done. You still have to go through the inspection and negotiate any problems that may turn up. If the sale is contingent on the homeowner finding a place to live, this can drag out the process. Be sure you have key dates in writing and stay on top of any work that the homeowner might need to address before you sign on the dotted line.

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Location, Location, Location Many factors go into deciding where to live. Do you want city-living with cafes within walking distance? Maybe something by the water? Or it could be based solely on how school systems rank. This is where going down various real estate website rabbit holes can help. RILiving.com, for example, offers neighborhood reports, tax rates, and helpful stats about cities and towns, even the monthly median temperature (especially handy if you live in East Providence and wonder about the weather in North Smithfield). Don’t forget to visit at various times. A quiet neighborhood by day may turn into a party palace once night falls. Consider checking in with local law enforcement to ask about the area. Many lenders require prospective buyers to participate in classes to help understand the process of buying and keeping a home, and most continue to offer remote options. Also ask lenders about any special programs, like RIHousing’s 10kDPA program, which provides a $10,000 down payment assistance loan to eligible homebuyers in Rhode Island.

The Financials LOANS & RATES Terms to understand for the buying process Long term: Lower monthly payment but you’ll pay more in interest. Short term: Higher monthly payment but you’ll pay less over time in interest. Fixed rate: Your interest rate and monthly principal and interest payment will stay the same, but your total monthly payment can still change – for example, your property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, or mortgage insurance might go up or down. Adjustable rate: Adjustablerate mortgages (ARMs) offer less predictability but may be cheaper in the short term. Source: ConsumerFinance.gov Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): An additional cost that will be required by your lender if you don’t put 20 percent down.

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CLOSING COSTS Generally speaking , the seller incurs the bulk of the closing costs, including line items like the real estate commission and sales tax. But even buyers can incur certain closing costs, such as paying the balance on real estate taxes and city provided utilities (water, sewer) as well as any fees associated with the mortgage such as “points” purchased (used to lower your interest rate), plus any loan origination or writing fees. You may be able to negotiate the fees with your bank, so be sure to check before agreeing to the loan. The seller may also be willing to cover the costs, although this is rare in a seller’s market. Scheduling the closing at the end of the month could also help keep some line-items lower.

PROPERTY SURVEY A FIRST GENERATION HOME BUYER PILOT PROGRAM In February, Governor Dan McKee and RIHousing launched FirstGenHomeRI, a pilot program intended to open home ownership doors to first-generation buyers. Owning a home is one of the best paths to generational wealth and this program aids with $25,000 for a down payment and closing cost assistance. Only residents of specific cities are eligible. Visit RIHousing.com for program details.

According to a report by accounting software company Stessa, the Providence metro-area had the 19th highest home loan approval rate in the country, with 91.6 percent of mortgages approved.

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Rhode Island does not require a property survey as part of the homebuying process, but you may want to add this line item to your expenses for peace of mind. After researching the property, a surveyor will go out and physically examine the land, creating a map that details the legal boundaries, easements, etc. Knowing the physical property boundaries can help any disputes that may arise and help protect your investment.

According to a report from the Inspection Support Network, using data from the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council’s Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, women account for 25 percent or more of the home purchase loans in the state. This makes Rhode Island one of four states with the greatest number of female homebuyers in the nation.

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Real Estate WHO’S WHO A glossary of titles to help decide which professional is right for you

Buyer’s agent: Assists and represents their clients through every step of the home-buying process, including finding the right home, negotiating an offer, recommending other professionals (e.g., mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, settlement companies), and troubleshooting problems (e.g., home inspection or appraisal issues).

Real estate agent: Someone with a professional license to help people buy, sell, or rent all sorts of housing and real estate.

Listing agent: A real estate agent who represents a home seller and helps clients who are selling with a wide range of tasks, including pricing their home, recommending home improvements or staging, marketing their home, holding open houses, coordinating showings with homebuyers, negotiating with buyers, and overseeing the home inspection process and closing procedures.

Real estate broker: Someone who has taken education beyond the agent level as required by state laws and passed a broker’s license exam.

Realtor: A licensed agent with the ability to use that widely respected title, an agent needs to be a member of the National Association of Realtors®. The Rhode Island Association of REALTORS® is one of the largest trade organizations in Rhode Island with more than 6,000 members in approximately 900 offices.

Rental agent: Help consumers find properties to rent.

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DEDICATION ...is a word that is both used and abused these days. But I want you to know that I really am dedicated to my customers and to my profession. If a real estate transaction is in your future, let’s talk. Then you can decide for yourself if you really believe that I am...

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PRO ADVICE Don’t forget on your federal tax return, you can claim any state and local property taxes you paid. Remember, however, this only applies to those itemizing their deductions. - Fabiola Brunache, Broker/Owner, Fab Living

Today’s real estate market requires buyers to think and act quickly. The best way to accomplish this is to work with an agent who educates you on market data and arms you with great knowledge. It is simply not enough to just show a house ; strateg y and skill are paramount. - Kira Green, Partner and Sales Consultant, Greene I Sweeney Team, Residential Properties

For buyers: do your homework up front. Be prepared for multiple offers. Know your limits in terms of price, financing , and inspection contingencies. Perseverance is the name of the game in this market. For sellers: resist the urge to overprice. Prepare your home to show well against the competition for the maximum result. The highest price may not be your best offer. Follow the advice of your realtor. - James DeRentis, Sales Associate, Residential Properties LTD

Make a connection with a successful local agent in your market; you can find them by checking reviews online! Once you secure someone you think you would want to work with, request a buyer consultation and schedule a time to meet with them in person. You can get a feel for how they operate, how responsive, and professional they will be during the buying process. - Rachel Jones, Team Leader and Sales Associate, The Jones Group, Residential Properties

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Refresh Local Pros Offer Advice For Projects Large And Small, Inside And Out By E lys e M a j o r

Best area rug placement

fter months of cozy hibernation, we’re ready to fling open the windows, shake out the rugs, and refresh our living spaces. With the days slightly longer and the temps slightly higher, the motivation to make some changes is on. They say the weather for a perfect golf game (low wind, low humidity) is also perfect for painting – so perhaps you’re thinking of taking that on yourself or hiring a pro. In this special Spring Home & Garden section, you’ll find advice from experts from around the area on everything from choosing paint, to hiring a landscaper, to selecting a rug. An interior designer shares what went into her choices to transform a small lakeside house into a coastal retreat for its owner, and did you know you can test-drive cabinet pulls? It’s all here.

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If you’re hesitant about committing to a certain paint color or bringing in a new decor element, you might want to consider more than just a 2”x3” color chip. Harry Adler of Adler’s Design Center & Hardware in Providence has options. “When it comes to paint, there are a few different types of samples to choose from: Rent-A-Color of any C2 Paint, purchase a pint of C2 Paint, or buy an Ultimate Paint Chip – an 18”x24” chip made from actual C2 Paint,” he says. “Adler’s offers samples in several departments. You can rent cabinet hardware from the decorative hardware department or order samples of fabrics and wallpapers.” Adler’s also offers at-home or office design consultants available to come to your home or office to offer design assistance. “We know the best general contractors, painting contractors, and other reliable tradespeople, and would be glad to recommend one.” Learn more at AdlersRI.com

The paint department at Adler’s

Photos by Erin McGinn Photography, courtesy of Moore House Design

Advice from the Tiverton-based interior designer as seen on Magnolia network

Working with neutrals takes skill and one that the team at Moore House is building quite a rep on. The family-helmed business based in Tiverton and New York City was recently featured on the Magnolia Network & Discovery Plus show Point of View: A Designer Profile, where an episode was devoted to a full-scale design, renovation, and furnishing of a coastal cottage in Maine. CEO/principal Blair Moore is the mastermind behind the designs, which are based on respect for historical architecture and often infused with unexpected materials and elements; think unhemmed linen for curtains, plaster on walls, worn oars as stair rails. This inventive take on minimalism and a neutral palette results in spaces that are imbued with warmth while a mix of durable and luxe materials adds to the casual-meets-elegant vibe. “Choosing the right paint color and finish is a key piece in creating a balanced material palette,” says Moore. “ There is more that goes into choosing a color than whether or not it makes our eyes happy.” Moore notes that they always begin with a slew of paint swatches because natural light and surface material play a big role in how color appears in a space. After selecting swatches in a general palette, they embark on a process of elimination to find the color(s) that work best with other material selections.

“Always order eight-ounce samples of selections to brush on the walls,” says Moore, who notes that this will help gauge both the true paint color as well as how many coats will be needed to achieve the desired finish. Though paper swatches are great tools to keep on hand, paints can sometimes look different when applied to a surface, so it’s important to test them before fully committing. Moore also advises that color affects color. “Sometimes a forest green will bring out the red in a tan, or a gray will look pink next to a brown. Be sure to look at your color choice with all other existing elements in your space like your rug , floor color, hardware, and chairs.” Another biggie: “Always make sure you’re testing swatches on the same plane for which they are intended,” says Moore. If you’re looking at floor colors, paint a 6”x8” swatch on the floor or look at your paper swatches lying flat on the ground. This will give you a more accurate idea of what the paint will look like from the intended direction. And, if you’re looking at wall colors, be sure to paint multiple swatches on every wall as the light will vary throughout the room. Learn more at MooreHouseDesign.com, @moorehousedesign and @moore.house (Instagram)

OUTDOOR Design Tips on hiring a landscape designer or a landscape architect from an award-winning professional BY ANDREW GROSSMAN

If we’ve all learned one thing during the pandemic, it’s the invaluable role outdoor spaces play in our lives. Whether for relaxation, socializing , or simply as a balm for our collective mental health, spending time out of doors has never felt more important. Now, as the days leng then and the temperatures warm, many people emerging from the confines of their homes are setting their sights on outdoor projects. Whether confronted with a blank slate following a new construction or an overgrown yard, some property owners may feel intimidated by the prospect of undertaking an outdoor renovation on their own. Others simply don’t know where to begin. It’s at these times that contacting a landscape professional might be the best course of action. If you have a ver y definite idea as to the scope of your project and what you intend to accomplish, you may simply be able to hire a contractor, be it

a stonemason, landscape contractor, or irrigation company. However, most builders will expect you to have a clear plan in hand and won’t help much with design. For assistance with outdoor design, it’s best to engage the ser vices of either a landscape designer or a landscape architect. Although basically interchangeable, designers often excel at residential work and plant selection. A landscape architect, however, might be a better choice for projects that require extensive engineering or permitting. Once you’ve decided on the type of professional that best suits your needs, you may want to inter view a few different design firms. To get the most out of your first meeting , it’s useful to provide potential candidates with as much information about your project as possible. Here’s four questions to help you organize your thoughts.

AFTER

BEFORE

Andrew Grossman (AndrewGrossman.com) is an award-winning landscape designer based in Seekonk, MA. His own extensive gardens in Seekonk have been featured in many national publications and will be open to the public on June 11 as part of the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program. Learn more at GardenConservancy.org/open-days

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS ON YOUR PROPERTY?

These may include creating privacy, assigning a play area for children, designating a space for dining or lounging , the layout of gardens or foundation plantings, installing a swimming pool, etc. Be sure to include everything on your wish list and arrange the items in order of importance. WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET FOR THE ENTIRE PROJECT?

This question is key as your budget will affect what you can accomplish and may eventually help you to streamline your wish list. Having little idea as to what different projects cost, some people may feel daunted by this question. Much like purchasing a new home or car, however, it helps to give serious thought to the total amount of money one feels comfortable spending. To that end, it may also be useful to consider the resale value of your home or the price of other houses in your neighborhood. Bear in mind that nothing sells a house faster than “curb appeal” and these days homes with beautiful grounds and swimming pools are in demand. In fact, since the onset of the pandemic, pools have become such a hot ticket item that many installers are booked months, if not years, in advance. WHAT IS YOUR MAINTENANCE LEVEL?

Photos courtesy of Andrew Grossman

This question relates primarily to plant selection since hardscaping (walls and patios) usually doesn’t require much care. As a rule, trees and shrubs require less attention than perennials or annuals. Of course, there are exceptions; tea roses, for example, top the list of high-maintenance shrubs. So, if you plan to manage the property yourself, do you like to garden? How much time can you commit to working in your yard? If you intend to hire a maintenance service, what is their skill set? Sadly, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find knowledgeable workers that can do more than mow the lawn or trim bushes into balls. Also, it’s vital to remember that new plantings are often expensive and must be watered almost daily during the heat of the summer. Failure to do so for at least a few years may result in loss. It might come as a surprise that, despite the need for weekly mowing and consistent watering, the lawn is probably the lowest maintenance and least expensive planting option available today. WHAT ARE YOUR AESTHETIC LEANINGS REGARDING LANDSCAPE DESIGN?

Do you have a particular landscape style in mind; formal or informal, modernistic, English Country? Images gleaned from websites, books, or magazines that reflect your taste can both solidify your desires and convey your aesthetic preferences to a design professional. When it comes to your front yard, it may also prove worthwhile to consider the architectural style of your home. For instance, I probably wouldn’t install a Japanese garden in front of a Tudor house. In your backyard, however, I encourage you to let your imagination run wild.

Floor SHOW

An Ashaway design pro’s well-worn tips for selecting the right area rug for any space BY KIM VALENTE

When you don’t want wall-to-wall carpeting or bare floors, an area rug is the perfect choice, but it can be hard to know where to begin. Area rugs are a great way to add coziness to your home with pattern, color, and texture, and can be used in all rooms of the house, including entries, living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Adding runners to wood stairs not only adds visual interest to the stairwell but makes the hardwood stairs less slippery and safer in stocking feet. OPEN CONCEPT

In an open floor plan, you can add a lot of visual interest by using differently patterned area rugs in the open rooms. The keys to creating a balanced look are to vary the scale of the patterns and to keep a common color between the rugs. If you have a living room, dining room, and entry all open to each other, use a large-scale pattern in one room, a small-scale pattern in another room, and a highly textured rug in the third room. The rugs could have different overall color palettes, but if they each have one color that ties them to the other rugs, they will feel cohesive. MATERIAL MATTERS

Wool rugs are great for high-traffic areas because wool is a durable and naturally stain-resistant material. Area rugs made from polypropylene are also designed for high-traffic areas and easy to clean, they’re also less expensive than wool. When selecting a rug for a high-traffic area, especially one where food will be consumed, look for a low-pile or flatweave area rug. SIZE AND SHAPE

An area rug acts as an anchor for a room and when all of the pieces of furniture are on the area rug, it helps them feel connected. There are a few rules of thumb to follow for selecting the appropriate size of an area rug. In a living room or sitting room, the area rug should be large enough that at least all of the front legs of the chairs and sofas are on top of the rug. The rug could be larger so that the entire chairs and sofas are on the rug, but the area rug shouldn’t be so large that it goes wall to wall – you still want at least 12” to 18” of wood flooring showing between the edge of the rug and the wall. In a dining room, the shape of the rug should be based on the shape of the table – a rectangular rug under a rectangular table, a round rug under a round table. The rug should be large enough that the legs of the chairs are still on the rug when they are pulled out to sit down.

Kim Valente is the founder and principal designer at Brick + Beam Studio, a full-service residential and commercial interior design studio based in Ashaway. B+BS specializes in creating homes and offices that are functional, liveable, and inviting with a collaborative approach, ensuring each project is a reflection of the client, their lifestyle, and the things that are important to them. BrickAndBeamStudio.com

RESEARCHING the Blu A Johnston interior designer shares how to Cultivate a coastal palette BY ELYSE MAJOR

After years of renting , Silvia Miller was ready to buy a place of her own. The systems administrator found a charming ranch-style home on a treelined street in Coventry, steps from Tiogue Lake. “Living near the water and seeing a beautiful sunset and all the colorful birds, how can you not want to have the same type of theme in your house?” she asks with a smile. At 808 square feet, Miller wanted to be mindful of choices to maximize space, add much-needed storage, and create a breezy coastal vibe. Also in the mix: keeping her comfy blue couch. “My client was having problems with storage,” says Michelle Parenteau,

interior designer and owner of Johnston-based Michelle Lee Designs. Only one side of the kitchen had cabinets; and there was zero countertop space and an extremely low ceiling. The solution: the kitchen layout was reworked with cabinets on both sides of the kitchen walls, and a peninsula was added for more work/eating space. The ceiling was raised and a wall was cut back so a pantry cabinet could be installed. Pendant lights and recessed cans were added over the peninsula. The old wood laminate floor was removed and vinyl plank was installed. A beautiful glass tile backsplash was added behind the stove. Michelle Parenteau takes us through each step of the home’s transformation.

Chevron is distinguishable by an upside-down V pattern where each side meets at the point without interruption, creating a zig-zag. It’s often confused with a herringbone pattern, which has a broken zig-zag due to one rectangle cut so that the end of one tile or plank meets to the side of the other.

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Parenteau has a solid rep for using local talent – including herself. The painting above the couch was done by the designer/artist. Other local vendors include EastCoast Countertops, Lighting & Design by J&K Electric, contractor Jason Thomas, Rhode Island Design Center, Rhode Island Tile, Sherwin-Williams Paint Store and Supply New England (various locations). “I strive to use the best quality of materials. I listen to my client’s needs and wants and try to bring that vision to life.” Learn more at MichelleLeeDesigns.com

Photography by Grace Lentini, courtesy of Michelle Lee Designs

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Taking a cue from the deep blue couch, Breezy and Repose Gray (Sherwin Williams) were selected for the wall colors. I wanted to stay neutral so I could go bold with the tile and countertops. The quartz countertops have multi-tonal blues that look like the inside of a mussel shell. PATTERN

The stools are custom two-toned metal and the chevron fabric was chosen to coordinate with the glass chevron tile backsplash. TILE

I love mixing it up! Adding the ocean blue subway tile against the glass chevron tile pulled the entire space together. I decided to carry it all the way to the ceiling for a huge impact when you walk through the door. CABINETS

When adding cabinets, it’s always great to add glass so the space doesn’t feel heavy but not everyone wants to show off what’s in their cabinets. Frosted glass gives the open feel but still hides what’s behind them.

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My client wanted a floor that was soft on the feet and durable, so a vinyl plank with tones of driftwood was installed. The rug was chosen with various blues that resemble ocean waves. LIGHTING

To break up the linear elements, I had geometric shaped pendant lights installed over the peninsula, and to keep with the ocean vibe, a circular pendant in a washed wood finish was installed over the sink.

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FOOD & DRINK C a f e I n s p o | R e c i p e | I c e C re a m | I n t h e K i tc h e n

62 From pasta sauce to knife skills, Amos House’s culinar y instructor teaches it all Photo by Nick DeCamp

FOOD & DRINK

Splashy Entrance

E a st Greenwich’s newest cafe is awash with coastal flair and comfy loung e seat i ng B y Ro s e Ke nyo n

flooring , etc. She is a pro at her craft,” he says of the Johnston-based interior designer. With a penchant for mixing colors and textures, Parenteau started with a palette of bright blue, white, and tan, complemented by navy for accent walls and doors (Sher winWilliams’ Anchors Aweigh). For texture, she incorporated a grass-weave wallpaper, pendant lights wrapped in a thick rope detail, and a mix of metal and leather chairs and stools. To further tie in a coastal vibe, she included ocean-inspired artwork. Described simply, she identifies this aesthetic as “warm and inviting with bold pops of color.” When it comes to function, Mignanelli was hoping to create a space that would lend itself to relaxed downtime with friends and family, or professional time spent working on laptops or meeting with clients. For this reason, they chose to include both high- and low-top stools, and a comfortable lounge area, with most seats in close proximity to outlets or USB ports. To establish a streamlined flow for customers, they kept the ordering and sitting areas open.

TASTY BITES Whether you’re picking up a cuppa to go or sitting down to enjoy the ambiance, you’ll find only locally roasted beans at Drip Coffee House, along with plenty of fresh baked goods, including bagels, muffins, donuts, cookies, breakfast sandwiches, assorted sweets, and more.

The cafe has only been open for a couple of months, but Mignanelli says the early feedback has been extremely positive. “We cannot say enough how grateful and thankful we are to have the support of our customers and community,” he says. “We look forward to continuing to serve those who come in daily and all new customers that come through our doors for many many years.” 2725 South County Trail, East Greenwich

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Photos by Grace Lentini, courtesy of Michelle Lee Designs

f you were lucky enough to be one of the first g uests at the recently opened Drip Coffee in East Greenwich, you’ve likely already been swept away by the energetic blue walls, the relaxed and open floor plan, and the elegant-meets-nautical fixtures that imbue the espresso bar. This vibe is exactly what owner Steven Mignanelli, along with wife Allie and business partner Sarah Grillo, envisioned for the new cafe. “Our goal was to create an open concept that captured a comfortable, relaxing-yet-fun atmosphere for our customers to sit in and enjoy or grab a quick order and go,” he says. To bring his vision to life, Mignanelli enlisted local expert Michelle Lee Parenteau of Michelle Lee Designs to transform the 2,600-square-foot space. Having designed for his family in the past – the popular Richard’s Pub and Ritrovo, both in East Greenwich – Mignanelli knew Parenteau’s signature “sand and sea” aesthetic would be the perfect fit for Drip Coffee. “ We knew she would be our goto for help with colors, lighting , countertops,

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Sweet and Spicy Samosas A n a i r- f r i e d s pi n o n a t ra d i t i o n a l d i s h , p e r fe ct fo r R a m a d a n By Liz M u r ray

venly crispy on the outside and loaded with steaming sweet potato, ground meat, and spices on the inside, these air fr yer samosas are irresistible. Creating the filling is a breeze, and though hand-made dough in a triangular shape is traditional, this recipe uses egg roll wrappers for easy assembling.

SAMOSAS FOR RAMADAN Along with being a great appetizer for any party or family get-together, samosas have a rich cultural history spanning India, the Middle East, and other parts of the world. Often eaten when breaking fast at sundown during the Muslim holiday of Ramadan in April, this recipe can be made halal by sourcing meat from one of these local markets. Apna Bazar Food Mart, Pawtucket Foodland Farm International Halal Market, Providence Kaloo Halal Market, Warwick Middle East Market, Cranston Photos by Liz Murray

Alicia Reynolds

Air Fryer Samosas with Sweet Potato INGREDIENTS • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

• 1 Tbsp coriander

• 1 large onion, diced finely

• ½ tsp mustard seed

• 16 oz ground meat (I used sausage but can be substituted for ground beef, ground turkey/chicken, or meat alternative) • 10 oz cooked green peas • 1 tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper • 1 tsp cumin • 1 inch ginger, peeled and minced • ¼ tsp salt • 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp ginger powder

• ¼ cup water, plus more for sealing egg roll edges

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 12 pre-made egg roll wrappers

STEPS 1. Heat oil in a large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add meat of choice to the pan and break up with a wooden spoon. Toss in the diced onion and cook until the meat is no longer pink. 2. Add the cubed sweet potato and stir to combine. Pour in water and place the lid over the dutch oven. Allow ingredients to cook for 15-20 minutes, until the sweet potato is easily pierced with a fork. 3. Remove the lid and make a well in the middle of the dutch oven. Add the minced ginger, salt, and all of the spices to this well and cook for 30 seconds, mixing aromatics with the wooden spoon the entire time. Then combine the spices completely into the sweet potato mixture. 4. Remove the dutch oven from the heat. Using a handheld masher, mash the sweet potatoes into the meat and spices. Now pour in the cooked peas, and mix to combine. 5. Place the egg roll wrappers on a clean surface, along with a small bowl of water. Place the first wrapper in front of

you in a diamond position. Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of the sweet potato mixture into the middle of the egg roll, just south of the midline.

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6. Fold the bottom corner up and tuck it tightly under the filling. Next fold the two side corners over. Dip your fingers in the water and run them along the seams of the corners to seal the egg roll. 7. Now tightly roll up towards the top corner. Once it is completely rolled, dip your fingers in the water again and run them along the seams to seal it. Do this for each egg roll.

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8. To air fr y, place as many samosas as will fit seam side down into the air fr yer. Leave a small space between each one. Place the crisper lid over the tray (if you have one), then the reg ular lid. Set the air fr yer to 400ºF for 6 minutes, then flip and repeat for another 6 minutes. 9. Repeat in batches until all of the samosas are cooked, and enjoy !

For step-by-step egg roll wrapping images and more recipes, visit RecipeHippie.com or follow @recipehippie on Instagram.

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FOOD & DRINK

Scoops To Go Bring home you r favorite ice cream flavors from ten makers se rv ing up p int s By Patty J

Foraged spring flavors from Big Feeling in Providence

Big Feeling If something like Fig Leaf Ice Cream or Pluot Sorbet intrig ues you, follow Big Feeling on IG for their weekly menu drops. Pints of small-batch deliciousness are thoughtfully crafted using in-season, locally sourced ingredients, for pick-up at Bolt Coffee and other spots. They return from a spring break April 24. Providence, BigFeeling.co

Brickley’s For many Ocean State dwellers, nothing signals the start of nice weather like some Brickley’s (with their beloved jimmies made from real chocolate). Their Wakefield shop reopened for the season in March, which means you can zip over for a waffle cone for now and a container for later. Wakefield & Narragansett, Brickleys.com

Gray’s Ice Cream Open 365 days and offering an extensive menu of house-made flavors (more than two dozen, plus frozen yogurt, sugar free, and sherbets), Gray’s is iconic among Rhody ice cream connoisseurs. Celebrate spring with a quart plus to-go toppings or a Hot Fudge Sundae Kit. Tiverton & Bristol, GraysIceCream.com

Greenline Apothecary Want to bring a little of the old time-y soda fountain feeling home ? Build your own float by picking up scoops packaged to go of the same ice cream (made from local milk and top -shelf ingredients) you’d dip into at the beautiful counters at both Greenline locations. Providence & Wakefield, GreenlineApothecary.com

The Ice Cream Machine This Diamond Hill fave, known for variety as well as generous portions, has a freezer stocked with grab -and-go offerings. Don’t see the Birthday Cake or Mint Chocolate Chip you’re craving ? No need to scream – they’ll whip up a

container on the spot while you wait. Cumberland, IceCreamPie.com

Kow Kow From cart to cute Ives Street storefront, Kow Kow’s enormous bubble waffle cones continue to be a crowd pleaser. A takeaway option means you don’t have to worr y about dripping if you want to enjoy a cone on your porch – convenient kits come with ever ything you’ll need to recreate this dazzling treat at home. Providence, KowKowFood.com

Like No Udder Another East Side spot that started out as a food truck, Like No Udder stands out for their dair y-free hard and soft ser ve ice cream, to enjoy anywhere. There is a threepint minimum for carr yout orders, but with over a dozen flavors to choose from, choosing just three is the real challenge. Providence, Like-No-Udder.com

The Sacred Cow An offshoot of Munroe Dair y, this ice cream parlor and marketplace mash-up has hand-

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Photos courtesy of Big Feeling

his month we’re dishing about ice cream to go. While it’s still a bit chilly to enjoy a cone outdoors, it’s the perfect time to stock your freezer for your latest bingewatch. Here are 10 best bets for handpacked and house-made frozen dair y treats.

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packed containers of icy cold yumminess. In addition to the core eight flavors, you can walk out with a vegan vanilla or an allergenfree strawberr y or lemon sorbet. It’s easy to spot, too – watch for the cow spots. East Providence, SacredCowIceCreamShop.com

Three Sisters Named for owner Michael Stern’s three daughters, this neighborhood cafe has become synonymous with house-churned ice cream. Watch for B OG O pint specials because a bowl of Cake Batter or Peanut Butter Heaven for dinner now and again is a necessar y indulgence. Providence, ThreeSistersRI.com

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Warwick Ice Cream Next time you’re shopping at your local market of choice (whether Dave’s, Clement’s, Roch’s, Belmont, or the East Side Marketplace), keep an eye out for this familyowned wholesaler that started in 1930. RIinspired flavors include Moonstone Beach Vanilla, Coffee Milk made with Autocrat Syrup, and a tang y sweet Del’s Lemon. WarwickIceCreamCo.com

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FOOD & DRINK

The Joy of Cooking

Am o s Ho use c ul i n a r y i n st r u cto r N i c k D e C amp h elp s stu d ents n avig ate th e kitc h en a n d life By Karen Greco

“I

Photo by Jennifer Convey, courtesy of Nick DeCamp

got into eating at a young age,” jokes Nick DeCamp, the culinar y instructor at Amos House, a nonprofit ser ving the homeless and unemployed since 1976 in Providence. When DeCamp took an early retirement from the Providence Public School system, where he taught elementary school, he began looking for his second act. His wife suggested cooking. That led him to the RI Food Community Bank’s Community Kitchen, a now-defunct free program that gave students the skills to work in the culinary industry. “That was a huge turning point in my life,” he says. “ Within the first hour, on the first day, I knew I found my calling.” But part of that calling remained in teaching. His first job after graduation was with Cookie Place in Providence, teaching culinary arts to students with disabilities. In 2018, he landed at Amos House as an instructor in their Culinary Education Program, which launched in 2002. “The three most important things in cooking are knife skills, knife skills, knife skills. It’s the foundation of everything we do in the kitchen.” DeCamp teaches not only how to move the knife efficiently and safely, but also how to care for it. “It’s the first thing an employer looks for, how you pick up a knife.” DeCamp, who makes his home in South Kingstown, works to expose students to as many different flavor profiles as possible. “There’s a difference between a Chinese dish and an Italian dish,” he says, noting that the aromatics for each cuisine are different. “What are you going to put at the bottom of your pan?” The pandemic meant less students could take the course at a time, but with fewer

Chef Nick DeCamp teaches students at Amos House the ins and outs of cooking

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enrolled, they were able to cut the 16-week course down to eight. The first three weeks are spent learning “soft skills,” things like communication and handling conflict, as well as financial training. Required reading and math classes are contextualized for the individual programs. Culinar y math, for example, works with fractions. The students spend the next five weeks with DeCamp in practical training , which includes the aforementioned knife skills, as well as allergen training and CPR . “ They walk out of the program with three industr y certificates,” DeCamp says, which makes them more attractive to employers. More than simply practical training – like ways to thicken a sauce, or different methods of cooking eggs – DeCamp teaches students “the dance of the kitchen,” learning how to negotiate all the moving parts, from dodging baking racks to working with enormous ovens. “ There’s a difference between waking up and having to do something and getting to do something ,” he says. “ When I wake up, I think ‘I get to cook today’ or ‘I get to teach risotto today.’” And when a student gets a job offer ? “I feel like I got the job!” When former pupils come back to visit, their stories of “I moved up the line,” or “I’m running my own kitchen” make his job particularly rewarding. DeCamp spends most of his down time networking with chefs and restaurant owners to place graduating students in industr y jobs. One of his former students, he notes with pride, is an ex-gang member with a prison histor y who is now the second in command in one of the state’s most prestigious kitchens. “For me, eating and cooking is universal. Food is anthropolog y, it’s histor y, it’s art and philosophy. Food is what brings people together. Food is memor y,” DeCamp says, then he shares a sly smile. “You got to be a little crazy about it.”

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ART & CULTURE M a ke r | R h o d y R e a d s | B o o k s to re s | C a l e n d a r

72 Fair y Garden Days infuses the RWP Botanical Center with whimsy Photo courtesy of Roger Williams Park Botanical Center

ART & CULTURE

Organic Appeal Jeff S o d er be rg h an d h is f u ll-service furn i t u re d esign and build company in P o r t s m o uth have a mission of s usta i na b l e exce lle n ce By Abbie Lahmers

A collaboration with Hutker Architects, this patio table was inspired by an antique Parisian table and made with reclaimed late 1800s redwood from a New Hampshire navy yard

t can start with a windfallen tree or a barn door, maybe a magazine clipping of a vintage mid-centur y modern coffee table you can’t find at a store, or simply a room in need of a standout piece of furniture to pull it together. No matter the nature of your inspiration, Portsmouth-based designer and craftsman Jeff Soderbergh says, “we’re the design house that can produce it.” Reclaiming found materials and honing non-toxic furniture finishing techniques dating back to the 1800s, Soderbergh and his team of passionate designers have built a uniquely sustainable practice that’s earned him national recognition in the likes of Esquire magazine, New England Home, Architectural Digest, and more. Since getting his start 30 years ago, selftaught Soderbergh has been challenging the notion that sustainable can’t also mean luxury. Before he was a designer, Soderbergh recalls, “I was traveling quite a bit and seeing all of these buildings being demolished and all of the cool interesting elements ending up in dumpsters. These are beautiful shapes – if we take them completely out of context, cut them up and put them back together in a different way, we can make more beautiful things and give

them a second life.” From there, the creative wheels started turning and through sheer will and countless hours spent in the library, Soderbergh dove into furniture making. Describing a round 12-foot dining table project – from the process of sketching it out by hand to the different cur ves of each leg and the four-inch center tapering into a quarter inch on the edges – Soderbergh’s reverence for the craft is palpable. He’s reluctant – unable, even – to choose a favorite style. “I love the most simple furniture to the most delicate and modern pieces. I just love design and I think there’s a right fit for every project. We don’t pigeon hole ourselves,” he shares. “Sometimes you want a very archaic, antique-looking piece, and that has a certain surface to it, and then another time you want something very clean and very contemporary, and that can’t look like a barn.” Soderbergh relocated to his current 6,000-square-foot, near-waterfront dream studio and showroom just a month before COVID hit, and though the pandemic has made it difficult to visit each of his client’s spaces, it’s his preferred method of getting a feel for the room first. “You come to me when you want your home to feel like there’s a lot of authentic parts to it,” he says.

Originally from the Ocean State, the East Bay’s Farm Coast scenery and travels influence Soderbergh’s creations. “I’m quite literally immersed in the ocean. I surf year round. If I’m not getting in the ocean a few times a week, I become a different person,” he says with a laugh. “Part of what’s lovely about what I’ve carved out for myself is one week we get to do really fine inlay work in the studio, and the next week we’re literally blacksmithing outside, or felling a tree and milling it out in the middle of the woods. Another week we’re walking a site and picking out the proper stones that will work for the space. Nature influences everything for me.” With each new project comes new spatial solutions to find, fresh methods to achieve a particular color of finish, and the sculptural work that goes into building something truly unique – and Soderbergh wouldn’t trade a minute of it for any other profession. “You play. It’s pure play until you get it right, and then you know it’s right,” he says. “It’s wonderful. I absolutely love my job.” For custom interior and exterior furniture commissions, Jeff Soderbergh Sustainable Furnishings & Fine Art is available by appointment, with galleries in both Portsmouth and Wellfleet, MA. Jeff Soderbergh.com

DESIGN 101

Photos by Eric Levin (R) and Nat Rea (L), courtesy of Jeff Soderbergh

Soderbergh’s tips for choosing custom furniture and making sure ever ything fits just so. Harmonious Spaces Whether you’re seeking an heirloom table to make a statement or a set of chairs meant to blend in, Soderbergh shares, “It all has to talk to each other. It’s like a piece of music – it all goes together seamlessly but each part of the song features something a little different. Here’s the horn section or here’s the string section – the orchestra has to do its job as a unit, but each piece has a chance to shine.” Natural Color Soderbergh avoids synthetic pigments in his work, instead letting the artwork lend color. Furnishings should feel warm and welcoming : “ They have to have an appeal that makes you want to walk across the room and touch them.” Going Green “I want people to not know that it’s sustainable by the look and then have that second layer come through,” says Soderbergh of his eco -minded mission. “You can do this in a way that’s beneficial to ever ybody ; you can do this in a way that’s for the world we all share.”

Jeff Soderbergh in his Portsmouth gallery and studio

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ART & CULTURE

Rhody Reads A bouquet of spring-themed

picks by authors with local ties

By Hug h Minor

n April, the world comes back to life. What better time to don a rain jacket and visit your favorite bookstore than on Independent Bookstore Day, Saturday, April 30. Pro vided are some suggestions to help you pluck a title that renews and refreshes. Floral designer Jill Rizzo does it again with The Little Flower Recipe Book. For her third book, she has teamed up with fellow Middletownian, photographer Maaike Bernstrom. All arrangements are miniature and make use of the smallest blossoms but are still beautiful to assemble and behold. A hundred easy-to -follow recipes are arranged by season so your projects can feature the freshest posies at any time of the year. Get your hands dirty and enjoy the beauty of blooming flowers. Nature comes alive in spring. Experience it all with botanist and Citizen Potawatomi Nation enrolled member Robin Wall Kimmerer as she integrates science and nature in Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants. Let her share the gifts and lessons she has gained in this book of essays, which was the 2021 Reading Across RI Adult Nonfiction Companion Read. With spring comes change, often causing us to find new ways to adjust and adapt. In the children’s book The Blue House by RISD graduate Phoebe Wahl, Leo and his father must learn to accept that their lives will be different, whether they like it or not. Join them on their journey together as they learn to understand the true meaning of home. Fans of illustration will be drawn to the enchanting drawings.

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In Providence resident Annie Hartnett’s Unlikely Animals, Emma Starling , a natural-born healer returns home from medical school to care for her ailing father. When she steps up to search for a missing friend, she begins a journey of redemption, no matter how unlikely. Will Emma find her way back on her journey home ? Set against the backdrop of the opioid crisis, this tragicomic stor y of new beginnings is a pitch-perfect spring read. For sports fans, spring means the start of the baseball season. Local author Dan D’Alessio pens a love letter to the game in his book, Baseball From Providence To Prominence. This collection is presented in three sections: baseball quotes, stories on ballplayers from 1880 to 1970, and D’Alessio’s own poems on baseball “and the men that brought the game to life.” This second effort is sure to thrill anyone who loves to hear the words, “Play ball!” shouted on the diamond. If spring is here, then summer must be right around the corner. Explore stunning architecture from your armchair with pages full of notable homes in Bret Morgan’s Summer Houses by the Sea: The Shingle Style. Among the notable homes featured are Shope Reno Wharton’s Black Watch in Jamestown and McKim, Mead & White’s Ochre Point in Newport. From Maine to Montauk, you’ll long for a life by the sea in all of its romantic glory.

SHOP INDIE A statewide listing of Rhode Island booksellers: Barrington Books: BarringtonBooks.com Book Nerd: Barrington, Facebook Books on the Pond: Charlestown, BooksOnThePond.com Books on the Square: Providence, BookSq.com Cellar Stories Bookstore: Providence, CellarStories.com Charter Books: Newport, CharterBookStore.com Curiosity & Co.: Jamestown, Facebook: CuriosityandCompany.store Inkfish Books: Warren, InkFishBooks.com Island Books: Middletown, IslandBooksRI.indielite.org Island Bound Bookstore: Block Island, IslandBoundBookstore.com Lovecraft Arts & Sciences: Providence, WeirdProvidence.org Paper Nautilus Books: Providence, PaperNautilusBooks.com Rarities Books & Bindery: Wakefield, RaritiesOnline.com Riffraff Bookstore + Bar: Providence, RiffRaffPVD.com Savoy Bookshop & Cafe: Westerly, BankSquareBooks.com Stillwater Books: Pawtucket, StillwaterBooksRI.com Symposium Books: Providence, SymposiumBooks.com Twenty Stories: Providence, TwentyStoriesLA.com

Send your Rhody book recommendations to Hugh at RhodyReads@gmail.com

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Wakefield Books: Wakefield, WakefieldBooks.com

ART & CULTURE

Symposium Books abuzz with activity on Westminster Street during Walk PVD’s Ped-Friendly Program Photo courtesy of Walk PVD

By the Book

Celebrating bookstores on April 30 and beyond By Hugh Minor

Barrington Books Photo by Jennifer Massotti, courtesy of Barrington Books

Paper Nautilus Photo by Robert Isenberg

Ink Fish Books Photo by Brad Smith Photography, courtesy of Ink Fish Books

t’s pretty safe to say, Rhode Islanders love our bookstores. We have many all over the state, each independently owned and with their own vibe. Throughout the year, but especially on April 30, be sure to visit at least one for Independent Bookstore Day, a national celebration that takes place annually on the last Saturday in April at participating indies across the country. Bookstores are so much more than retailers. Each unique brickand-mortar offers a space for people to come together – both in person and virtually – to exchange ideas and share in the human experience. Shopping at local bookstores is a great way to support neighbor-owned businesses who in turn bring employment opportunities and other ser vices right back into the community. Operating during a global pandemic has been challenging , but booksellers adapted in order to sur vive ; they’ve come up with creative ways to engage their audiences and, fortunately, customers have responded. In Providence, Symposium Books on Westminster Street partnered with DASH Bicycle Shop to offer PVD DASH Deliver y, where shop goods are delivered by bike for a small fee. In Charlestown, former Rhody Gem Books on the Pond, an idyllic spot housed in three barns on 2.2 acres, created an outdoor reading patio last spring , which continues. Warren’s Ink Fish Books cleverly bundled books and gifts from local makers into Rhody Reader Boxes for the holiday season. “Every community needs a strong bookstore,” says Steven Porter, who owns Stillwater Books in Pawtucket with his wife, Dawn. “It’s a place where you can browse slowly and learn about local writers, local books, and local issues. You can’t do those things online very well.” In addition to selling books of all kinds, the Porters are published authors and their Stillwater River Publications produces a wide range of titles from writers of myriad genres. Laurie Sutherland, who took ownership of Island Books in Newport last summer, notes that her favorite thing about owning an indie is providing personalized service. “Many people come in the store not knowing exactly what they want to read, but because our booksellers are extremely well-read and know the store inventory so well, we are able to help customers get books they love – and they come back and tell us how much they enjoyed the experience, too! We also custom order books l – if we don’t have a book someone wants in the store, we find it for them from one of our publishers,” she says. “Rhode Island is a small place with a whole lot of people, which includes an array of nationalities and cultures that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. All those influences have the potential to make RI’s indie bookstores true centers of culture and literature,” says Porter, who credits small businesses for adapting during the pandemic crisis. “If there is a positive side to COVID for bookstores, I believe it caused us all to become better merchants.”

RI INDIE BOOK TOUR As we celebrate IBD, let’s recognize the importance of these hubs in our community while acknowledging the commitment and dedication of the local business owners who keep their spirit alive. See a full list of bookstores in Rhody Reads, page 68.

ART & CULTURE

10 essential events this month

Through April: Over a million yellow blooms are popping up in Newport for Daffodil Days! Take in the flowers and watch for programming all month, including a bike ride, 5K Rhode Race, Dog Paw-rade, and more. NewportDaffyDays.com April 2-3: Over 85 vendors will be showing their wares at the Bloom Flower & Home Market, held at WaterFire Arts Center. Tickets include a beer, cocktail, or nonalcoholic bevvie so you can sip as you shop. Providence, BloomFlowerandHome.com

April 2, 9 & 16: Get ready to create stunning coastal scenes with flatfish cottage’s Paint Nights led by artist Melissa Taurisano at their South County Commons location, all materials included. South Kingstown, FlatfishCottage.com

April 3, 10, 24: The Providence Flea is open for

April 16-May 1: An annual fundraiser hosted by Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, this year’s Fair y Garden Days celebrates NASA Artemis missions and invites participants to craft miniature abodes fit for space travel. Providence, Facebook: Fairy Garden Days

business! Through select Sundays in April, dive into the Farm Fresh RI Market Hall to find hidden treasures, fantastic deals, and good oldfashioned nostalgia. ProvidenceFlea.com

April 7-10: The 72nd annual Rhode Island Home Show will feature a Specialty Flower Show with top designers of floriculture. Also find kids activities, energ y efficiency programs, and more all at the RI Convention Center. Providence, RIBAHomeShow.com

April 9: The Audubon Society of RI hosts their annual Camouflaged Egg Hunt at locations around the state, challenging kids to hunt for realistic eggs in their natural setting, with special prizes for their finds. Bristol, Exeter, Seekonk, Smithfield, ASRI.org

April 10: This month’s edition of Music at the Farm features cellist and artist in residence

ide statew For a f events o listing online! s visit u m ody.co h HeyR

Yunwen Che for an afternoon of classical tunes at the historic colonial setting of Grace Note Farm. Pascoag , GraceNoteFarmWeb.com

April 14: As part of Blackstone River Valley National Parks’ virtual Parked at Home Series, learn about Slater Mill’s histor y as the first water-powered cotton spinning mill and the slave labor it relied on. NPS.gov April 23: Celebrate the iconic lighthouse’s 150th birthday with the Pomham Rocks Lighthouse Run. The 5K begins and ends at Rose Larisa Park, across from the Crescent Park Carousel, with entertainment to follow. Riverside, PomhamRocksLighthouse.org Please note that events may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test and mask-wearing regardless of vaccination status. Be sure to check each venue for updates.

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Photo courtesy of Roger Williams Park Botanical Center

The Must List

Fairy Garden Days return with hand-crafted miniatures and a celebration of space travel

RHODY SNAPSHOTS Our staff ’s furry friends cozying up at home

Ivory

Ellie

Jilly

Josie

Kenobi

Fin & Penelope

Quonnie

Lemon

Scout

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