HOUSEBABY

Designing our dream home in New England meant deciding between a ranch layout and a multi-story home. This post compares both options through accessibility, cost, energy efficiency, and land use, and explains why we ultimately designed a hybrid layout that blends the best of each for long-term comfort, efficiency, and resale value.

Our goal is to create a space that not only meets the needs of our family but also supports our lifestyle for the long term. Through thoughtful architectural programming, we're defining essential spaces and ensuring each one has a purposeful role in the layout. While we’ll likely make adjustments as we consult with a contractor, this is the exciting starting point of our dream home; where everything on the wishlist is possible, and the focus is on crafting a functional, famil

Few names in American design, lifestyle, and homemaking hold as much weight as Martha Stewart. For decades, Martha has been synonymous with gracious living, thoughtful design, and effortless style. But on the cusp of 2026, we are witnessing something remarkable: a full-fledged Martha Stewart renaissance. From interior design and color palettes to kitchen trends, kitchen-centered entertaining and gathering , and garden-inspired living, Martha's influence is more relevant than

A Room-by-Room Guide to Designing a Right-Sized, Flexible Dream Home When we started designing our dream home, one of the biggest questions was: How big is too big? We wanted enough space to live comfortably but not so much that we'd be maintaining or heating rooms we rarely use. Striking that balance meant asking tough questions about lifestyle, long-term needs, and how we actually use our home. In this post, we’re walking through our full process for determining the ideal s

Designing a home as an architect is both an exciting opportunity and a unique challenge. Unlike designing for a client, where the needs and preferences are defined externally, this process requires deep introspection—translating personal habits, lifestyle, and aspirations into a physical space. Every decision, from the overall layout to the smallest material detail, becomes an exploration of how our family foresees living, working, interact with our surroundings, and most imp

Winter is the perfect season to cozy up indoors, get creative with your little ones, and inspire new activities. If you're looking for...

Wall paneling is one of those design choices that feels decorative on the surface, but in reality, it’s architectural. When done well, it can permanently elevate a space, add character, and increase a home’s perceived value without a full renovation. As an architect and homeowner who has renovated an early 20th-century home and is now designing our forever home from scratch, I approach wall paneling as more than an aesthetic layer. It’s a tool for shaping how a room feels, ho

Ever see the Portlandia sketch called "Put a Bird on It?" It humorously satirizes a popular trend in arts and crafts culture, where...

Lighting plays a critical role in interior design, influencing the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetics of a space. Here's a general...

Before buying that first bucket of paint, there is an incredible power in thinking carefully about a cohesive color scheme that works...

Buying a fixer-upper can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. From structural integrity and renovation scope to budgeting, permits, and resale value, these ten critical considerations help you evaluate whether a fixer-upper home is the right fit and how to plan wisely before you buy.

The choice of the best interior paint color plays a significant role in setting the mood, ambiance, and overall aesthetic of a space. ...

At the foundation of design, it is critical to understand how to unleash the power of color. At the cross section of science and art, you...