LAKE HOUSE RETREAT
This wonderful lake home was purchased by a couple who hoped to adorn it with beautiful, fun yet practical furnishings. The room began with the purchase of a multi-fabric sofa in and of itself a charming piece. An area rug with some of the colors in the fabrics was the next purchase with a loveseat in brown leather to secure the room. For fun an ottoman was covered with a soft green textured fabric edged with trim. One of the fabrics on the sofa covered a large, comfortable chair for the corner of the main seating area. To center the arrangement, a large square coffee table with a richly colored stain sits in front of the sofa. A second seating area in front of the dual-sided stone fireplace was created with a second area rug, a small sofa in a tone on tone raised pattern and an interesting "captain's" chair placed on the opposite side. Tables varying in height, wood and worn painted pieces grace the area to add interest and use. Lamps with different bases, shades and trim were chosen to add charm to the room. It was important that while nothing matched perfectly, all pieces felt as though they belonged in the room. The result is an interesting mix of method and magic.

  

2003 Silver Award Winner: New Hampshire Home Builders & Remodelers Association

GENTLEMEN'S RETREAT
This new space was creatively remodeled using two rooms. One wall was removed, plenty of closet space added, the stairway to the upstairs closed in with a wall and door. All flooring was removed and new chestnut flooring installed. Lots of windows were added and a front door removed as it was never used. A wood burning fireplace was placed in the center of the room with a surround and hearth in green granite and a custom mantle was made to enhance it. Other custom cabinetry was carefully designed to fit a large screen television, stereo components, DVD player and storage for speakers and videos. The doors on the cabinet recess on both sides to close the equipment from view. The sides of the cabinetry were made with raised paneling for a rich look. On the opposite wall, a large custom bookcase with fluting and decorative trim to match the TV cabinet was constructed with large, deep drawers and two side cabinets on the bottom. This gentlemanly room was finished with brown leather furniture, wooden blinds and swags in a bird toile with plaid trim. Pillows and cushions in rich burgundy fabrics as well as brown plaid added accent and comfort.

  

Entered in 2001 NH Home Builders & Remodelers Association Awards
2002 Gold Award and 2 Silver Awards for Masonry/Stonework and Finish work

CULTURAL
When called to work on a showhouse, the designers at Village House decided to create something different. What developed was a multi-cultural living room

The large, 2 cushion sofa was covered with a red Chinese print on its inside back and arms and on the cushion tops but on the face, back and cushion bottoms, the designers used a neutral suede. The bottom edge of the turned-leg sofa was accented with large nail heads. Two deep side chairs were upholstered in a reddish brown low pile fabric and the down seat cushions covered in a raised red floral that complimented the Chinese fabric. A large tribal area rug secured the conversation area on top of which sat a large, plank-style coffee table with two side tables with large iron pulls. The tables were distressed and their chunkiness reflected southwestern style. A wide webbed stripped tree limb rocker sat in the corner and a hand painted game table skirted in silk and edged in beaded trim along with fringe at the bottom sat in the opposite corner with slipcovered and tassled Parson's chairs at their sides. A large window seat covered in the raised red floral decked with trimmed pillows welcomed the outside views. The large bay window was covered with a silk Austrian shade under which a flat lace panel hung. Heavy table lamps, an iron fireplace gate and several musical instruments finished the space. The walls were painted below the chair rail and above a metallic wallpaper of iridescent cubes rose to the crown moulding.

The room shimmered with the metallic bronze and silver in the paper and from the multicultural effects. The room truly evoked a true melting pot of comfort and style.