Stone House Collective Is a New Home Design Hub in Shorewood

Living Swell, a design studio and boutique in Marblehead’s Old Town, is led by founder and principal designer Diana James. The establishment embodies a coastal elegance, blending the unique natural light of Marblehead, characterized by expansive sky and water, into its aesthetic. Living Swell functions as a dual entity: a retail boutique offering home accessories, décor, lighting, rugs, kitchenware, and gifts, and a comprehensive interior design studio. James and her team provide a range of services, from assisting with minor selections like light fixtures or window treatments to managing extensive residential and commercial renovation projects. Diana James developed an early interest in design, building dollhouses as a child. Her professional journey initially led her into telecom after college in Boston. However, a pivotal experience designing a restaurant for a friend, who recognized her talent and encouraged her pursuit of design, marked a turning point. James subsequently immersed herself in the design industry, joining the IFDA (International Furnishings and Design Association), networking with seasoned designers, and engaging in extensive self-study. She gained experience with companies such as Hunter Douglas and California Closets before establishing Living Swell. The business transitioned from a smaller location on Atlantic Avenue to a larger, historic building on Washington Street in Old Town approximately a year and a half ago. The current space, nearly double in size, includes a showroom kitchen designed for hosting parties, events, and client consultations. The interior design of the studio itself reflects Living Swell’s core principles, featuring grass-cloth walls, sophisticated lighting, high ceilings, layered textures, and a blend of elegant and whimsical elements. The overall ambiance is bright and coastal, aligning with the brand’s identity. Living Swell continuously updates its inventory, with a recent focus on spring and summer collections. James notes a shift in design trends from an earlier preference for gray tones to warmer palettes and vibrant colors. The resurgence of interesting shapes, intricate details, darker wood furniture, and antique rugs also influences their selections. The boutique carries a unique line of tableware that emulates antique serving pieces with ruffled designs, alongside rich fabrics and wallpapers. In addition to retail and design services, Living Swell hosts “Living Swell Sessions,” a series of events aimed at teaching practical design skills. Recent workshops have covered topics such as styling a front entryway and decorating around a fireplace. One popular session allowed participants to design their own pillows using fabrics from Living Swell’s collection, which were then custom-crafted by in-house artisans. James views Living Swell not merely as a business but as an extension of her personal passion, allowing her to live authentically and share her love for design with others. #InteriorDesign #Marblehead #CoastalElegance #HomeDecor #DesignStudio #Boutique #Renovation #DesignTrends #Workshops

Coastal design, a timeless aesthetic that bridges the gap between land and water, holds significant historical roots in the North Shore region. Its enduring versatility allows it to seamlessly integrate with modern 21st-century lifestyles. Tobin Shulman, AIA, Principal at SV Design, and Katy Finkenzeller, AIA, Associate at the firm, shed light on how coastal design principles are woven into their multidisciplinary architectural and interior design projects. Coastal design is fundamentally defined by its response to the unique opportunities and challenges presented by the meeting of ocean and land. This encompasses everything from the strategic placement of a home on its site to intricate details of the building envelope and overarching aesthetic choices. While various architectural styles fall under the coastal umbrella—from traditional shingle-style cottages to contemporary glass and steel structures—several core elements consistently define the genre. These include maximizing and framing views of the water, fostering a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, and arranging living areas casually to face the ocean. A typical coastal design features a dramatic transformation from the front façade to the rear, opening up to expansive water vistas. Crucially, meticulous architectural detailing is employed to ensure the structure can withstand harsh coastal conditions such as storm surges, intense sun, wind-driven rain, snow, and high winds. Finkenzeller highlights that coastal design styles are highly localized, with a home suited for West Palm Beach differing significantly from one in Ipswich, Massachusetts. The enduring popularity of coastal design stems from a fundamental human attraction to the ocean's serenity and dramatic beauty, which enhances a person's connection to their specific location. The design varies not only by region but also by individual site characteristics, as the unique nature of the land dictates the most appropriate design and construction methods to optimize the living experience. For North Shore residences, the distinction between primary homes and vacation homes also influences design choices. A primary residence for a family necessitates a substantial mudroom for winter gear, ample bedrooms with generous closet space for each family member, and a kitchen and dining room equipped for large gatherings like Thanksgiving. These homes often include a two- or three-car garage. In contrast, a summer home for the same family might feature a simpler back entry for beach items, shared children's rooms with bunk beds, less formal closets, and family spaces tailored for leisure activities such as puzzle tables, reading nooks, and napping areas. The historical context and climate of the North Shore significantly impact coastal design. The region boasts a rich history of coastal architecture, tracing back to the late 19th-century summer cottages, many of which were shingle-style homes. Modern construction frequently incorporates elements reminiscent of these classic designs, such as deep porches, sweeping roofs, and prominent ocean-facing windows. Historically, deep shingle-style porches provided protection from summer solar gain and winter snow accumulation. White cedar shingles, a staple in New England construction since colonial times, are valued for their durability and low maintenance, developing a distinctive silver-grey patina when exposed to salt air. Finkenzeller notes that the grand coastal homes of Beverly and Manchester-by-the-Sea, built as summer retreats for the 19th-century elite, established a benchmark for the New England coastal home. Conversely, the port cities of Marblehead, Salem, Gloucester, and Newburyport exhibit a different type of coastal dwelling—the year-round sea captain's residence, built to endure harsh weather. These homes often feature widow's walks, now repurposed as roof decks offering prime views for events like Fourth of July fireworks. The choice of materials, colors, and textures in coastal design is driven by a desire to enhance the natural environment. The emphasis is on natural materials and material integrity; elements should appear authentic. Wood shingles retain their natural wood appearance, copper flashing develops a natural patina over time, and stone is often used for foundations. Windows are strategically placed and sized to frame water views, effectively turning the landscape into artwork within the home. Color palettes are inspired by the surrounding environment, such as the colors of coastal rock formations, and should reflect and amplify the natural light. This approach of bringing the outdoors in firmly grounds the house to its site, acknowledging the ever-changing colors of the sea, from blues and greens to grays and blacks. Coastal design demands a comprehensive approach, balancing aesthetics with engineering to create homes that truly enrich the lives of their inhabitants and seamlessly integrate with their unique coastal locations. #CoastalDesign #NorthShoreHomes #SVDesign #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableDesign #NewEngland

The "Home Trends" section, curated by Better Homes & Gardens editors, offers insights into current and future trends in home design and decoration. The editorial team actively researches new styles by examining furniture trends, analyzing popular Pinterest boards, and reviewing home magazines to identify emerging aesthetics and design directions. This collective expertise allows them to not only report on existing trends but also to forecast new ones, a practice they have maintained for over a century. The articles cover a wide array of topics, reflecting a comprehensive approach to home aesthetics and functionality. Key themes explored include color application, such as the debate around "color drenching" and predictions for popular shades like warm yellow in upcoming seasons. Bathroom trends for 2026 emphasize personal style, while kitchen design is addressed through discussions on popular color palettes and cabinet colors for the same year, along with outdated kitchen elements that designers suggest avoiding. Holiday and seasonal decor receive significant attention, with articles focusing on inventive ideas for Christmas, New Year's, and Halloween. These include DIY crafts like embossed metal ornaments, felt stars, and cookie cutter candles, as well as creative ways to repurpose items like Christmas trees for New Year's decorations. The section also covers specific holiday aesthetics, such as the "Ralph Lauren Christmas" look, and provides practical advice on holiday hosting essentials, gift-giving etiquette, and creating a festive atmosphere. Broader home improvement and lifestyle trends are also featured. This encompasses real estate trends for 2026, advice on designing at-home wellness retreats, and practical tips like window treatment trends and home storage solutions. The articles often provide actionable advice for homeowners, such as a step-by-step guide for a wellness retreat or tips for updating living spaces. Decorating philosophies like "cluttercore" are examined, along with methods for incorporating popular design elements like modular sofas. The content extends to practical home-related issues, such as what to do if a snowplow damages a mailbox and efficient ways to organize and refresh spaces, including a no-cost trick by Nate Berkus for room transformation. The editorial team also shares their favorite products and trends, particularly in their "Bookmarked" series, which highlights items and styles they endorse. The collection also considers historical perspectives, revisiting '90s fall trends and forgotten Halloween traditions that are being re-evaluated for contemporary appeal. This extensive coverage aims to keep readers informed about the evolving landscape of home design and living. #HomeTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #SeasonalDecorating #DIYHomeProjects #KitchenDesign #BathroomTrends #ColorPalettes #RealEstateTrends #HolidayDecor

Torrison Stone & Garden, a landscape construction company based in Durham, is introducing a home design trend focused on natural stone veneers for the winter season. These veneers offer a contemporary yet classic aesthetic for various areas within a home. Tyler Gerry, owner of Torrison Stone & Garden, highlights that natural stone veneers are straightforward to install and significantly enhance a home's value, potentially increasing it by 150% upon resale. The installation process can be completed in as little as one day, making it feasible to implement before the holiday period. Homeowners have access to a wide array of stone styles, shapes, and patterns, including ashlar, mosaic, square, and rectangle, available in various colors to complement existing decor. The company maintains a local stone yard with a substantial inventory of popular, locally sourced materials, which helps prevent delays in project completion. Materials such as bluestone, travertine, and pavers are readily available, contributing to an efficient workflow. For homes with electric or gas fireplace inserts, natural stone veneers can be used to create a striking architectural feature around them. Additionally, these veneers can be applied to stone columns, bathrooms, and accent walls to refresh the space without requiring extensive renovations. Gerry notes that natural stone imparts a warm and inviting atmosphere, dispelling the misconception of it being cold or dungeon-like, and instead adding texture and dimension to a room. Torrison Stone & Garden facilitates the design process by offering a computerized system that generates 3D renderings of proposed project upgrades, helping homeowners visualize their design concepts. Beyond interior applications, natural stone veneers are also recommended for exterior use due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. They can be applied to step risers, home foundations, siding, and pool scapes, effectively boosting a home's curb appeal. The company's Landscape Architect is available to create customized plans that align with various budgets. Common outdoor applications for natural stone veneers include patios, walls, walkways, outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens, fireplaces, fire pits, steps, and pool scapes. In addition to its business operations, Torrison Stone & Garden is involved in community service. The company was recognized with the Blue-Ribbon Business Award in Durham for its philanthropic contributions, including offering free yard clean-ups to local veterans in the spring and fall. They also regularly participate in the annual Relay for Life event in Durham. Established in 2000, Torrison Stone & Garden specializes in stone and landscape design, installation, and maintenance, serving homeowners across Connecticut. Their showrooms in Durham, CT, provide extensive indoor and outdoor displays for design inspiration, including virtual tours of fire rooms, tap rooms, and a 10,000 sq ft outdoor showroom. #NaturalStoneVeneers #HomeDesignTrends #TorrisonStoneAndGarden #InteriorDesign #ExteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #FireplaceUpgrade #LandscapeArchitecture #CommunityInvolvement