Nicole Yee of NY Interiors writes in with this update from the Old York Designer Show House, where she is designing the Master Suite.
Designer Nicole Yee
Tackling the Master Suite
The McIntire master suite immediately appealed to my problem-solving nature. Apparently, I wasn’t the only designer who saw it as a challenge: when I met my esteemed Showhouse colleagues (a warm and welcoming bunch, by the way) they deemed me “the brave one” for proposing to design that room.
The master suite does have some undeniable design maladies. For starters, it’s completely disjointed from the rest of the house. It is a recent addition tacked on without any design transition from the original house. (A big no-no for us decorators who are always in search of cohesion.) Further, there is no obvious placement for the bed, large built-in wall speakers occupy almost every spot that a piece of art could hang, and the over-scale chandelier would be lovely in say, the lobby of the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas, but it dwarfs the 16×20′ room!
So why stake my reputation on this flawed room? The view of the York River Watershed is a site to behold. Using that as a building block for the design, I know that I can mine a diamond out of the rough! And I can’t wait to get started.
Design Challenge #1 - My 2,700 Mile Commute!
I’m honored to have been chosen to design the master suite at this year’s Old York Showhouse, especially since the panel of judges was completely unfamiliar with my work. Though I am a New Hampshire native, I have
been living–and designing–in California for many years. The Showhouse kicks off the expansion of my San Francisco Bay Area-based business to the New England Seacoast. As of June, I’ll be officially based in Kittery, ME and Oakland, CA and will divide my time between coasts.
My first challenge in May, which is “dirty work” month at the Showhouse, is my 2,700 mile commute! I flew in to get things started at the beginning of the month, but had to return to California to finish a mid-century
modern kitchen remodel. Luckily, I made good headway on my visit–drywall, prep, painting and rug stretching are all underway.
Organization is always important in design and in this case it’s critical! I’ll be back in Maine for the duration of the Showhouse in early June. Nothing like a wonderful New England summer to look forward to, along with a
fantastic design project.
In Plain View
When I walked in to the master suite at McIntire Farm the first time, the bed was completely blocking one set of windows. It was wonderful to see the view of the old barn revealed when I returned to the empty room for the “Before” tour.
Master Suite, Before
On the other hand, the other things that were exposed once the room was emptied are what we’ll spend a month covering back up! Wall cracks and drywall seams will need to be blended back into the walls. These types of issues are only properly addressed with excellent preparation before paint. Paint alone cannot hide these sins. This is where an experienced painter makes all the difference.
Working on the Room
I love technology—and good acoustics—however, the sound system in the master bedroom, while may be good for the ears, is NOT easy on the eyes. Oversized speakers are placed conspicuously all over the room making it tough to place pictures on the walls. They are laid out in such a way that artwork won’t fully cover them, but instead overlap. We received permission to remove the speakers and repair the walls for the Showhouse. (They’ll be replaced later.)
Master Suite, Before
Finally, the condition of the carpet needed to be addressed. Improper installation had caused it to buckle over time. This was resolved by having a professional installer re-stretch the carpet and trim off the excess. A good cleaning will have it in ship shape.
First Impressions
Master Suite, Before
The entryway to the McIntire master suite is in a word; odd. It’s my job to define it as something other than an extension of the upstairs hallway. I’ve got big plans for this little space. All a surprise, of course, but suffice it to say that the space will be given a purpose and transformed into an interesting, style-packed dressing area.
NY Interiors | 62 Whipple Road Kittery, ME 03904 | (510) 326-5390 | www.nicoleyee.com
June 15th, 2009 at 02:47pm
Jamie
Janet Swanson and Georgie McGowan of Fiona’s Porch write in with this update from the Old York Designer Show House, where they are designing Frankie’s Room.
The starting point for me, as a designer, begins with revisiting the room and aligning my initial idea with the actual physical room. I started the redesign of the room by meeting with my painter, Cider Hill Painting, (lucky for me, it’s my son, and I get a great deal on a professional job!) and we asses the condition of the walls and ceiling. They weren’t bad and it will take a day or two of prep and a few days for paint and it will be fresh and new! That’s the wonder of paint, it can make a room look fabulous very easily! The single best way to change something up!
Frankie's Room, Before
After finalizing the colors, based upon my inspiration piece,the hand made quilt ‘Flying South”, I move on to the fabric for the window treatments and the slip cover for the vintage chair we acquired for the room. I met with Mary Trigge our seamstress and we measured the window and discussed our idea for the valances for Frankie’s Room. We are going to create an ‘envelope’ style valance using two different fabrics that tie in with the slipcover and quilt, executing ideas are always fun and exciting for me!
Frankie's Room, Before
After that discussion, it was on to ‘The Sewing Room’ and a quick meeting with Linda to review our ideas for the slipcover, very simple and fun with red covered buttons that will tie in with the window treatments. It’s now on to gathering the rest of the accessory items for the room, cleaning up and painting the old iron bed, and managing the work on the room, while keeping the design idea intact and going with the flow!
Fiona’s Porch | 7 York Street York, ME 03909 | (207) 363-6270 | www.fionasporch.com
June 15th, 2009 at 02:26pm
Jamie
I am glad that there are so many green options available these days. From food to clothing, recreation to home products, it seems like every area of our lives have gone green. Although that is a very good thing, it can be a bit overwhelming to sort through all of the choices available, and finding good deals can be even more difficult.
That’s where the Green Alliance comes in. Based in Portsmouth, the Green Alliance promotes local businesses that are committed to sustainability, fostering a community of like-minded businesses, consumers, and activists. Businesses can become a partner of the Green Alliance, and individuals can join their Green Co-Op. The Co-Op not only offers great savings from local green businesses, but also it is a way for the average consumer to get involved in the green community.
For $35, you can become a member and enjoy thousands of dollars in savings at 57 local businesses. With the Green Card, you will save money on your morning coffee, organic duds, home renovation supplies and services, summer recreation, and much more.
A quick glance at the discounts from participating businesses reveals so many great deals. For example, Seacoast Energy Alternatives is offering 5% off solar hot water hardware, and 10% off all products in store, under $500. That’s a savings of $250 on a solar hot water system, or $50 on a solar powered attic fan.
Planning a renovation this summer? Ridgeview Construction offers 10% off all labor, and a free energy audit with insulation and home sealing job. With the free energy audit alone, you could save $350. A sustainable kitchen remodel will save you $800, and save $500 on a green bathroom makeover. Pick up your supplies at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in Dover, and you will save 10% on every purchase.
As a yoga enthusiast, there are many discounts to tempt me, including Zev Yoga’s promotion: the first five classes will be only $5, for a savings of $70! Blue Moon Yoga is offering 50% off your first five classes yoga punch card, for a savings of $32. Blue Moon also has a café and market, and both are offering percentage savings on any purchase.
As a member of the Green Alliance, ACCENT hopes to encourage the community to get active in the green movement. With the Green Card, it is easy and fun to support locals that have gone green.
To learn more about the Green Alliance, and how you can become a member, visit www.greenalliance.biz.
June 8th, 2009 at 07:28am
Jamie
In the last week or so I have met, interviewed, and gotten to know some really fabulous people in the Home Design/Build industry here in New Hampshire, Southern Maine, and Northern Massachusetts. I have some photos that I am trying to load (keep your fingers crossed) to give you a visual. It has been fun, and not at all like work. I hope you enjoy this experience. I will keep you updated as I go along. Those who were in touch with me for this post are, The Boardwalk North team in Londonderry New Hampshire, Sandy Lepore of Lepore Fine Art, Newburyport Mass., and Shane Carter of Ridgeview Construction. Shane is doing a beautiful 1700s home in Amherst, New Hampshire.
Also, Norman Mancusi of Mancusi Builders who specializes in green, sustainable, and affordable housing. Thanks Bob of Maine Coast Builders for the Dairy Queen, it was absolutey delicious! Bob builds amazing homes along Maine’s coast. I also met Josh Moody from Richard Moody & Sons, a 4th generation master craftsman from Wells, Maine. Josh just built the sherriff’s house and another wonderful build on along the shore. At the Kittery Oultlets I found a sweet consignment store for those of you who want to do more recylcing, renewing and reusing. Have fun!
June 6th, 2009 at 12:20pm
Kathy
The Museums of Old York just announced their lineup of designers (both inside and outdoors) for their 2009 Decorator Show House. You’ll recognized some familiar faces and meet some new talent:
Back row, left to right: Debby Ronnquist, Valerie Jorgensen, Linda Hentschel, Patricia Finn, Chuck Hugo, Michael Jones, Janet Swanson, Margareta Claesson and Eric Anderson. Front row, left to right: Nicole Yee, Frank Hodge, Amy Thompson, Diane Hughes, Amanda Colosi, Sarah Duquette, Maya Travalgia, Michaele Boehm, Andrea Maher, Jen Spencer, Tom Dunn and Joyce Jordan. Not pictured: Anne Cowenhoven, Nichole Donovan, Annie Kiladjian, Jay Goldsmith, Georgie McGowan, Kacey Graham, and Christine McGill. Photo courtesy of Jay Goldsmith of Goldsmith Fine Portraiture.
Want to really meet the designers? Come to the annual preview gala on July 17 where you can meet the designers and enjoy food from the Green Monkey/Brazo, drinks, and live music! Accent will also be announcing our 2009 best of award winners so it should be an exciting and fun time. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by calling the Museums of Old York at 207-363-4974.
In the six weeks leading up to the show house opening, you’ll also be hearing from the designers on Accent’s blog, where they will share updates on how their rooms are coming along, what inspires them, what challenges they face, and anything else that comes to mind. If you’ve ever visited a show house, I think you will enjoy hearing from the designers as they get ready for opening day on July 18. The list of designers and their rooms is below.
The Dooryard Garden
Maya Travalgia
Charles C. Hugo Landscape Design, LLC
P.O. Box 263
South Berwick, ME 03908
(207) 752-3046
www.charleshugo.com
Barn Patio
Tom Dunn/Jen Spencer
Stoney Brook Landscaping
138 Woodside Meadow Road
York, ME 03909
207-408-2705
stoneybrookllc@yahoo.com
Farmer’s Porch
Brian Howland and Margareta Claesson
Eldredge Lumber Company
627 U.S. Route One
York, ME 03909
(207) 363-2004
www.atlanticdesignctr.com
Powder Room
Nichole Donovan
Distinctive Tile and Design
1132 U.S. Route One
York, ME 03909
(207) 351-3300
www.distinctivetileanddesign.com
Annie Kiladjian
Annie K. Designs
www.anniekdesigns.com
Living Room
Sarah Duquette
Duquette & Company, Inc.
7 Lilac Lane
York, ME 03909
(207) 363-1827
www.duquetteandcompany.com
Reading Room
Diane Hughes
Diane Hughes Interiors
150 Lafayette Road
Rye, NH 03870
(603) 964-9543
Dining Room
Anne Cowenhoven
Accent & Design, Inc.
P.O. Box 352
York, ME 03909
(207) 363-7949
www.accentdesignmaine.com
Main Stairway
Jay Goldsmith
Goldsmith Photography
32 Cottage Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-2343
Savannah’s Room
Joyce Jordan
Joyce Jordan Interiors
Shoppers Village, Unit 8
Hampton Falls, NH 03844
(603) 929-7700
www.joycejordaninteriors.com
Marjorie’s Room
Frank Hodge
F.D. Hodge Interiors
748 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 267-8103
Family Bath
Amy Thompson
Standard of New England, LLC
100 West Road
Portsmouth, NH 03801
(603) 436-1400
www.standardne.com
Jim Wood
Signature Builders, Inc.
173C Dover Point Road
Dover, NH 03820
(603) 749-2188
www.signaturebuilders.com
Charlotte Rose’s Nursery
Andrea Maher and Michael Jones
Andrea Maher Interior Design
111 Seamist Lane
Wells, ME 04090
(207) 216-0287
Frankie’s Room
Janet Swanson and Georgie McGowan
Fiona’s Porch
7 York Street
York, ME 03909
(207) 363-6270
www.fionasporch.com
Secret Hideaway
Linda Hentschel
Renaissance Interiors
P.O. Box 142
North Reading, MA 01864
(978) 664-0064
www.renaissanceinteriors.com
Master Bedroom and Balcony
Nicole Yee
NY Interiors
62 Whipple Road
Kittery, ME 03904
(510) 326-5390
www.nicholeyee.com
Sitting Room
Michaele Boehm and Kacey Graham
Boehm Graham
25 Darby Lane
Bedford, NH 03110
(603) 472-5830
Mudroom
Amanda Colosi
Diane Hughes Interiors
150 Lafayette Road
Rye, NH 03870
(603) 964-9543
Kitchen and Pantry
Frank Hodge
F.D. Hodge Interiors
748 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02118
(617) 267-8103
Trophy Room
Patricia Finn
Finn-Martens Design
1 Bridle Path Lane
Beverly Farms, MA 01915
(978) 927-9959
www.finn-martensdesign.com
Family Room
Valerie Jorgensen
V. Jorgensen Design, LLC
241 Preble Street
Wells, ME 04090
(207) 251-0447
www.vjorgensendesign.com
In addition to the wonderful items brought in by the interior and landscape designers, items will be available to purchase through a boutique and at a juried art exhibit in the barn:
Boutique
Christine McGill
Christine’s Crossing
1000 Washington Road
Rye, NH 03870
(603) 964-6063
www.christinescrossing.com
Barn Art Exhibit
Debby Ronnquist
611 Haley Road
Kittery Point, ME 03905
(207) 439-3981
June 3rd, 2009 at 06:15pm
Melissa
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