2023 Kitchen Design: Contemporary Winner: White Mountain Retreat

This condo, nestled into the hillside of Loon Mountain and surrounded by trees and ski trails, provides a relaxing yet highly functional space for a family of five to spend their weekends. The kitchen cabinetry perfectly blends warm and rustic with clean, modern lines. The frameless constructed cabinets are made using Nature+, a material sometimes referred to as “Technical Veneer,”…

2023 Architectural Design: Modern and Home of the Year Winner: Elevated Camp

This four-season lakeside retreat, composed of a 2,733-square-foot residence and a 382-square-foot guest cabin linked by an elevated boardwalk, is conceived as an arrangement of spaces grouped as solid blocks, which are arranged to frame and hold the common, open family room—the nexus of the house. On approaching the entry, the building dynamically wraps around the glacial erratic, framing the…

2023 Interior Design: Primary Suite/Bedroom Winner: Spa-Inspired Primary Suite

The clients wanted a respite from their busy lives; a spa-inspired suite was the solution. Set against a palette of light and dark greige tones, rich walnut brown and polished nickel accents, an oversized horizontal channel-tufted Vanguard velvet bed sets the stage for luxury. New custom-stained beams that match the newly stained floor provide polish and structure. By extending an…

2023 Interior Design: Living Space Winner: Feast Your Eyes

You wouldn’t want to miss a meal gathered in this stunning dining room! The beautiful architectural beams soaring high above the long table are complemented by a pair of sparkling, oversized chandeliers hanging from the rafters—a perfect combination of rustic and elegant. In the center of the room, the table comfortably accommodates 12 or more family members and friends. Generous…

2023 Outdoor Design: Outdoor Living Space Winner: Historic New Boston Farmhouse

Respecting the rural setting of the colonial-style home built in 1991, careful consideration was given to mature tree preservation, extended views from the house, and newly incorporated features such as stone walls to maintain the farmhouse feeling of the property. The comprehensive design plan incorporates walkways, retaining walls and a large patio, along with a seasonal driveway for easy summer…

2023 Remodeling/Renovation Design Winner: 1812 Plank House

The client wanted to revive a family-owned Cape-style house that had been neglected over time. Its personal significance to the owner influenced the decision to retain the primary structure—a combination of heavy timber floors and roof supported by plank walls—and design it to conform with contemporary residential code requirements. After moving the house to a spot on the property where…

2023 Historic Renovation Winner: Downtown Federal

Originally destined to be a smaller-scale renovation, as the design progressed and construction started, it was decided to gut the interior of the Portsmouth building down to the original brick walls, which dated to 1817. Awkward layouts and non-stacking stairs that did not make efficient use of the already small footprint were among the challenges. An existing stairway was widened…

2023 Green Design: Net-Zero Ready Home Winner: Downtown Net-Zero Ready Residence

Despite some unique challenges, the client’s ambitious vision of a contemporary, sustainable new residence in a densely populated downtown Portsmouth neighborhood was brought to life. The gabled structure, a nod to the neighborhood’s aesthetic, is modernized with high contrasting color, shape and scale. Horizontal, white, low-maintenance siding joins wide, black, vertical paneling and trim—all with extended warranties to guarantee long…