Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/54815
special advertising section is also an advocate for pressure washing brick and stone patios to bring back their original color and give them a fresh, clean look for the season. "Incorpo- rating a pergola over an existing deck to grow climbing vines, such as wisteria, will provide partial shading and give structure to the outdoor space," Steve notes. "In anticipation of the warm New England weather, rely on design and construction professionals when considering the possibility of building out- door living spaces. Your newly designed space should align well, both aes- thetically and functionally, with your existing home to allow for easy outdoor entertaining," says Tad Cunningham, director of custom homes at Windover Construction, Inc. Erik Swanson, project manager and designer of Corliss Landscape & Irri- gation, suggests lining up your contractor early. "We get busy and if you book early, you can guarantee a completion date and also have the best selection of plant material. Hardscape projects are typically the slowest to complete, so if you can get those going early you can enjoy them sooner." Erik also suggests addressing lawn issues: "Remove any debris left by the winter, apply a pre- emergence crabgrass preventer/fertilizer in early spring, and adjust your irri- gation system to water efficiently and only as needed—a smart controller will do this. Don't forget insects. Apply dormant oils to eliminate winter moths on trees and wooly adelgid on hemlocks." Bruce Comak, owner of Comak Brothers, agrees with assessing your lawn situation. "One of the most important and least expensive things that people should consider in the spring is aerating their lawns. The benefits of aeration in the New England area are well documented. Just remember that spring aer- ation should be done early—no later than the second week in April. Although the benefits to the lawn are the same, punching holes in the turf surface too late in the spring opens the lawn to places that weed seeds can germinate." The Timeless Kitchen Northern New England's largest selection of residential lighting. 437 Shattuck Way, Newington, NH 03801 Tel: 603.436.2310 Fax 603.436.9665 Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. While we can't stop the passage of time, most of us like a kitchen that doesn't feel dated just a few years from upgrading the cabinets or countertops. And although kitchen trends and fads seem to last about as long as a high school crush, many of us continue to come back to the look of a period-inspired kitch- en—a space with glass cupboards brimming with Grandmother's dishes and a sturdy farm table taking center stage. Kitchens based on historical designs seem to transcend the ages and look appropriate even in the 21st-century. But what makes these kitchens timeless? The right proportions, materials, and de- sign details hold the key to their success. " A timeless kitchen is one that blends beauty and function and takes into consideration the style of the home and the tastes of the owner. Quality materials are utilized, from the cabinets to the appliances to the fixtures. A timeless design also serves many purposes and should reflect the needs of the cook as well as the rest of the family. There should be adequate workspace for cooking and food prep, eating or gathering, and thoughtful storage. Leanne Smith, Owner of Family Kitchens "