Home Improvement

My work requires that I shop, and shop often, whether it’s to make purchases or simply do research for my decorating clients. The frequent in-and-out of stores lets me see the latest decorating trends that are available locally here in the NH seacoast region. Here are three fun trends we’re seeing on the seacoast.

Old and intentionally distressed furniture in fun colors

Old armoires, dressers, dry sinks, and cupboards have long been abundant in antique shops in the seacoast area and throughout New England. The current twist on these classic pieces is color: turquoise, aqua, and all shades of vibrant blues and greens.
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Having attended the Pasadena Showcase House Tour for many decades, I was particularly impressed with how well the designers managed to preserve the integrity of the period while updating this beautiful 1927 Spanish Colonial to a modern family home. Like many people, I try to relate what I see in the design world to my own surroundings or those of clients. This year’s home was a shining example of staying true to the period.

Two bedrooms stood out as far more modern and current than any of the other rooms, but then there are always have exceptions. The young boy’s room had built-in features that had to stay in the room, creating a challenge for the designers. Original to this room were built-in shelves and a desk as well as a high “captains bed” in dark wood. Breaking the purist’s rule of never painting wood, the designers did just that, relieving the small room of its heavy and somewhat cramped feeling.
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Reported incidents of children falling off a window due to the lack of sturdiness on some window screens are really disturbing. How do you protect your child from this without having to install unsightly metal bars that block off the beautiful view outside?

The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in Sydney has reported that from 1998 to 2008, there are 171 incidences of kids brought to the hospital as a result of falls from windows and balconies. 2 of them died and 169 were severely injured. This is a disturbing news and parents need to be alerted about protecting their children from it.
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