Ideas and Looks We are Loving Now

    This morning on my daily walk with Max I bundled up because of the cool temperatures. But the sun was about to shine so I ‘pivoted’ to the thought that it was going to be a beautiful day after all. It seems we are all instructed to ‘pivot’ or re-direct our strategies at… Read More

How to use Colors to Change Your Mood

If you’re like us, you may feel a bit challenged with the near future. That’s certainly understandable, yet there are many things under your control. You can face the day and see the lack, the things you don’t ‘have’. Or, you can take a moment to realize the many things you have around you that… Read More

How to Select the Best Coastal Paint Colors

How to select paint colors for the home. Read More

Designer’s Best Tips for Your Coastal Home

Did you decide to update your summer home this year? That’s great news and well worth the time it takes to achieve your goals. But having a goal is only a wish, although it’s a great start. The real deal in achieving your goal is to have a plan. A plan sets the stage for… Read More

Save Time and Money with this Trend

Trend II – Fabrics for your busy life  Since forever, I’ve not been a coupon saver. But, who isn’t happy to save money and time with something you use everyday? Indoor/outdoor fabrics are a ‘what’s happening’ trend for use inside the home (almost as much as they are known for use on patio furniture). They… Read More

5 Top Trends in Coastal Homes this Year

TREND 1 – Color makes a comeback inside the home  I am not the best advocate of following trends. I steer toward classic design that is timeless. But, once in a while, I’ll see or use a design style that might be considered trendy. One of those trends is the use of color on the… Read More

This Color Can Make You Feel Better and Look Better!

If one of your goals this season is better health and the other is a more beautiful home, read on! According to the ‘Worlds Healthiest Foods’ website, eating apricots not only helps to protect your health. But you might also consider adding this colorful beta carotene fruit to feel better on the inside as well. But it’s great for other things as well,… Read More

5 Ways to Feel Happy Soon

In Barry Yeoman’s article “Why The Beach Makes Us Happy” the words “You come back from a beach vacation (or day trip) and find that you’ve got a verve, an energy” mean so much to those who love the Jersey Shore and the Connecticut or Long Island beaches. If you’ve been hesitant about taking a break and… Read More

Coastal Inspiration for You

  Start With a Dream No matter where you are today, you may feel a lack of enthusiasm, or feel doubtful or anxious about the future. Maybe you are still a victim of the hurricane Sandy or working on a home renovation or all the above. Perhaps it all seems overwhelming – you need a quick re-start.… Read More

What Smart Coastal Homes do to Stay Safe and Connected

A few weeks ago I was invited by a coastal architect to discuss how we work with clients. Architect Paul Rugarber, AIA of PDR Designs in Point Pleasant, New Jersey asked if my clients include smart home technology when building or renovating a home. “Yes”, I replied (somewhat tentatively). Though I can’t say I’ve been… Read More

Easy tips to Design your Coastal Home with Color

  Part I –  Kitchen and Open Plan Family Room Colors One of the hardest yet most important parts of creating your coastal home is your choice of color. Perhaps you are working on a whole house or maybe just a room. Either way, before you set foot in the kitchen and bath store, the… Read More

Quick or Efficient Ways to Get a Coastal Look in your Home

How to design a coastal home Read More

The Changing Tide of Coastal Architecture

Trends in coastal architecture Read More

The Nitty-Gritty on Living near Sandy Shores – Part I

How to select flooring for a Coastal Home  If you’re considering flooring for a new home or remodeling an existing space, sit back and think about how your home will be used during the summer months. Those are the days when flip flops are back on the street and you think about hours to enjoy the… Read More

A ‘Shake’down on how Salt Air can affect your Coastal Home

The 3rd Element to consider when living coastal: salt air Exterior Lighting ‘sprinkled’ with too much Salt Air A beautiful home a block from the ocean, had a ‘Salt Air’ problem. Although built one year ago, the exterior lantern was corroding at a fast pace. My new client loved her previous fixture but the damage… Read More