Paint Color Design

We've moved!

2010-10-11T12:39:00.003-04:00

We've moved! If you are not automatically redirected to our new blog, please click here.

new displays at greenovations, portsmouth nh

2010-09-14T22:10:00.000-04:00

I recently did a demonstration of American Clay at a Greenovations. It was great to introduce the product to some that had never seen it before. Owner Christopher Ring, was left with some lovely panels to keep on site as a display.

Out autumn workshop schedule will be posted soon.

she's coming...

2010-08-30T11:35:00.000-04:00

she's really coming!

Announcing the arrival of Andi Teague (yep, we're related!)

I'm thrilled to announce that my youngest daughter Andrea will be arriving in a couple of weeks to take on the position of marketing director for Lisa Teague Studios. Andi graduated with a degree in art history from Gettysburg and has since had several successful positions in the bio-tech industry (huh?), and kept herself busy living and traveling in lovely, dynamic cities. I have been begging for her for a long time and she has finally agreed to give me a chance.

Andrea will take on all of the marketing and promoting of American Clay and will also be working at launching our custom paint line. Though Andi is an artist she knows how to work from both sides of her brain, she is detail oriented and uber organized--really, I am thrilled....

save the date!

2010-08-26T08:37:00.005-04:00

courtesy of Greenovations

I am happy to announce that I will be running a cost free workshop at Greenovations in Portsmouth, NH on Septemeber 10. Owner Christopher Ring and I have agreed to collaborate on a demonstration featuring American Clay Earth Plaster. Christopher's shop stocks many wonderful, smart living products including responsible paint products and surfaces. Organic earth plasters are a natural fit.

American Clay training and product in Portsmouth will continue to be available exclusively through Lisa Teague Studios. The studio will supply samples and training to various home design resources over the next few months.

Our first workshop in this series will be on Friday September 10 from 10 to 1. The demonstration will be a condensed version of my one-day in studio workshops focusing on an introduction of clay surfaces, benefits and natural beauty, colors and application techniques.

plaster with lime wash

Look for our expanded autumn workshop schedule soon. We will also be participating in the Building NH Trade Show and Conference in November.

Dunes and Duchess

2010-08-16T21:04:00.015-04:00

Dunes and Duchess

One of my very favorite stylists (and people), Stacy Kunstel, along with her partner--photographer Michael Partenio, introduces a new venture. Along with continuing very busy careers, they are launching a lovely new line of home accessories. I didn't make it to the New York Gift Show this week, but sure wish I had, just to stop in and let Stacy know how much I love their beautiful candelabras.

Dunes and Duchess

Stacy was instrumental in getting my Hollis home published in the premiere issue of NH Home Magazine. (If you click on the link, those that know the home will see that it is still used in the banner) It was a great shoot and one that brought me many new clients. Happily the relationship continues, NH Home will be here to shoot my Portsmouth home in a couple of weeks. Stacy will also be with me to style my home for an upcoming issue of Country Living. I'm lucky and I know it.. Stacy has an unerring eye for all things lovely. She is an extraordinary talent and extraordinarily beautiful.

It is with deep pleasure that I have been following their new blog, Dunes and Duchess which starts with a love story--love of a new partner (Michael), love of a new house, and love of life and beauty in general. It is a hopeful story and I am a fan. I will be following just to keep track of Michael's lovely images and to see what this talented couple continues to bring to the world of tasteful design. Great job you two--and best of luck!

holding on to summer

2010-08-16T10:40:00.000-04:00

The nights are lovely and cool now in New England. Can summer really be closing down already? I can hardly stand the thought.

sneak peek

2010-07-14T21:29:00.001-04:00

The York Show House, in beautiful York Harbor, Maine opens on Saturday, July 17. I chose to work on a lower landing, stairwell, and large upper landing leading to the guest suites.

The walls were done in American Clay Earth Plaster. The plaster is comprised of natural mineral pigments, crushed sea shell, recycled marble dust and responsibly mined clay. It is non toxic, 0 VOC. and all sorts of other stuff that is low impact and good for us--plus it is super beautiful--don't you think?

All furnishings are up-cycled. The painted canvas rug is unbleached cotton canvas painted with 0 VOC paints. Art is Daniel Thibeault of Peterborough, NH and Lisa Teague.

The show house will be open to the public from July 17 through mid August. Please come and check out all of the amazing rooms done by a team or talented New England designers.

summer

2010-07-04T19:33:00.003-04:00

house of turquoise

2010-06-28T22:24:00.001-04:00

I was so honored to be featured on the blog House of Turquoise today. Erin has a great eye and it was a treat to be featured on a site that always seems to find fabulous, innovative, and yes--turquoise designs. She also has a great website featuring wonderful designs and products sorted by color. Please check out her site, you won't be sorry. Thanks Erin!!

preview--boston brownstone

2010-06-27T21:45:00.003-04:00

Here is a small sampling of a beautiful project we recently completed in Boston using American Clay Earth Plaster. The glass "wallpaper" is by Beth Lipman.

Lovely--yes?

pretty posts

2010-06-22T19:26:00.001-04:00

added finials and paint to my stair posts last night....it feels good to be adding fun details...

angst over pansies

2010-06-13T15:17:00.005-04:00

It's a rainy Sunday here on the seacoast. I had wanted to take a long bike ride, but instead I am mucking about in the very wet earth and wondering if I really have to pull the pansies from my window boxes. I am one of those people that hates doing something twice. Every spring when I plant pansies I mentally steel myself for the day that the weather will be too warm and they will be leggy and exhausted looking. Always in the spring I think--why bother? But pansies are so hopeful, particularly here in New England where from February on, it is one long slog to the day one can actually get into the garden.

I planted boxwoods, hostas, tomatoes, peppers and impatiens.

But it is only the pansies that cause me angst. All of the other plants have a nice long season. By the time they wither there is a hint of autumn in the air and I am preparing myself for change. But when the pansies wither, I am just hitting my summer stride. I think I feel sorry for these earnest little plants. Each year I think--no more pansies...but I know myself--I am sure I will be one of the first in line next spring, jacket buttoned up to my neck, a flat of pansies in my arms and hope in my heart.

kitchen to die for...

2010-06-11T20:37:00.005-04:00

I was delighted to receive these new photos from John Stanek, of John Stanek Custom Builders in Peterborough, NH. John's company designed and completed an extensive renovation in the Monadnock region on which I was privileged to be the interior designer.

These beautiful photos are by photographer Nancy Belluscio. She did a lovely job of capturing the rich colors in the kitchen which was crafted by Gabriel Parker of Dublin, NH.

My clients were an absolute delight to work with. One can see they are not afraid of color, nor are they frightened by mixing some contemporary lines with more traditional pieces. The chairs were designed in the studio and upholstered by Mavrikas Upholstery in Nashua.

This is just a preview for you. I will do a post on the rest of the house once I have photos that do the project justice. And speaking of photos...a sad note--my hard drive crashed the other day and I lost 4000 (yep--4000) photos from my archives. Let that be a lesson to any of you that procrastinate like I do. External hard drive--gotta' have one.....

evolution of a painting

2010-06-11T16:08:00.002-04:00

I started this painting for a show house I am doing in York, Maine.

I knew I wasn't quite done here....

Time to walk away now.......

done!

2010-05-15T14:27:00.001-04:00

Just a little grass seed, a tool shed, some flag stone and some muscle and the livin' will be easy!

for sale

2010-05-11T17:47:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite clients custom ordered this beautiful chandelier for her dining room.

And then she found herself (as we all have) to be suffering from buyers remorse. It is simply too big.

She found another fixture which is much more suited to her space, and this one sits in my studio while looking for a home. It's beautiful, never used, and available for a very good price (good being relative as it was not inexpensive). She is willing to let it go for almost half of what she paid. Please let me know if you are interested.

progress

2010-05-11T17:38:00.004-04:00

Could you tell? Could you tell from my last post that I am super tired of all of this? But spring is here and it is time for porch sitting, and last weekend I finally sat.

The porch is not done, but it was done enough to enjoy a couple of glasses of wine with dear friends that came by to keep me sane. My contractor stays late every night working hard to make this home for me.

There are flowers to cheer me, sweet lettuce for salad and warm afternoons ahead.

Progress--I love it!

just when you think the end is near...

2010-04-21T13:07:00.007-04:00

I did fall in love with the sweet little neighborhood when I bought my brick house, but I also fell in love with the idea of never painting again (odd coming from a painter, but sometimes I just get tired!).

Well--I don't have to paint, but I do have to re-point the brick on the river side of the house. Hmmm....way beyond my skill level.

Along with the brick work, the existing steps are being removed to make way for a lovely porch where I can sit and sip tea as I watch the tankers float by. I have to say I'm a bit tired of all of this...reno fatigue, I think.

Meanwhile the cherry tree blooms, and a few bright spots of color cheer me.

Speaking of cheer, I came home from the tropics struck by the absence of color in my own living room. I decided to add some small punches to remind me of all of the beautiful colors I had seen while traveling.

The first thing I did was to add some soft orange tones to the risers of the stairs. Earlier this winter I had painted them various shades of blue. The addition of some warmer tones was a subtle change, but makes for a big difference in mood.

The next thing was to hang more art. The sky paintings are a part of a painting journal I kept while in Tanzania. I completed a quick sky study from the same spot each day. There were many, many sunny days.

I also added one brightly colored pillow to the otherwise softly toned living room. I brought in this old bench that had been my grandmothers and painted the base a shiny turquoise.

Replacing the rugs with natural sea grass adds texture and warmth.

Small vignettes that give me pleasure also add to the feeling of home.

I hope your home gives you the same pleasure (and a lot less work) as my home gives to me.

one more dream job

2010-03-29T09:15:00.005-04:00

Somebody has to do this job and I am so happy it is me. It is a rainy day here in Naples Florida, but it wasn't in Green Turtle Cay.

I love collaborating with creative people and Lynda Johnson, of Lynda Johnson Interiors is one of my favorites. An empty corner in this dining room cried out for a decorative accent and happily for me, Lynda thought a painted palm would be just right.

It didn't take much persuading (or any) to get me to jump on a plane and whip down to the Bahamas for a quick little paint job. There was a bit of time left over to take in the beautiful colors of the island.

I was able to take a lot shots for an on-line series on color studies I will be starting this summer.

Tomorrow I return to New England where I will be busily setting up my new studio. Our next American Clay Earth Plaster class is on Friday, April 16. Please look for our full class schedule by the end of the week.

a new me?

2010-03-10T18:39:00.005-05:00

What do you think? I worked hard to re-design my website last year, but I'm still not sure it's where I want it. Would you click on and tell me if you like it as is, or if you prefer this cleaner, more graphic me? I definitely think that with me being me--there needs to be color added, maybe deep turquoise in the circle with a bronze over-lay on the lettering. Is it too clean for me? I will have signs made for the new studio and it seems like now is the time to make this decision. I would love your feedback either by commenting on this post or via e-mail.

great kitchen

2010-03-07T20:05:00.005-05:00

I was happy to be invited to a lovely kitchen party the other day. A snowy weekend and a menu of delicious soups in beautiful Northern Berkshire County hit just the right note.

My friend and client (also a Lisa), is a fabulous cook. She makes the most of her award winning kitchen.

Eighteen of us gathered around the antique french baker's table.

Yep--all one table--amazing.

The bar was set up in the formal dining room. Striped walls were painstakingly painted by yours truly.

The soft candlelit tone is a beautiful backdrop to the couples extensive art collection as well as their antique quimperware.

The lovely bank of windows opens to the back garden. We had originaly discussed painting the windows an accent color but decided to let the beautiful architecture stand alone. The right choice I believe.

A study hangs over the kitchen and makes for a great place to view the preparations.

The formal living room connects the kitchen and the dining room. These Schumacher loveseats were repeated in different fabrics in two other rooms.

The reading room tucks in at the very front of the house.

Great design is great design. I thought these shoes worn by a guest were fabulous.

A view of the aftermath--I was not on dish duty thank goodness.

Lisa's husband and I collaborated on the design of the floor cloth depicting two well loved pets. The painting was done by Elizabeth Whelton.

Two tired Lisas at the end of the evening.

My own kitchen is a thumbprint in comparison, but I thought I'd show these great antique egg and nest prints I picked up at the NY gift show.

The beautiful cup painting is by Daniel Thibeault. And speaking of Daniel, just look at what he can produce from the comfort of his own beautiful kitchen.

Another wonderful party in another great kitchen.

american clay earth plaster workshop

2010-02-28T16:51:00.001-05:00

Please join us for a one-day American Clay Earth Plaster Workshop in our new seacoast location
1 Falkland Place, Portsmouth NH 03801

Details can be viewed at our website lisateague.com or by calling 603 493 4516.

color, glorious color

2010-02-24T17:04:00.001-05:00

Some of you know that I just returned from a trip to Guatemala where I was cooking at a writer's workshop on beautiful lake Atitlan. I arrived back in New Hampshire early Monday morning. The day was gray and I was struck by the absence of all of the color that had surrounded me for the past couple of weeks. This post will be mostly photos-- a feast of color for all of us that are slogging through the drab days of late winter.

view from the porch

entrance from dock

end of the day

my bedroom up in the peak

views from my bed

housekeeping day--I was so touched that the housekeeper had placed my glasses carefully beneath my books--pretty sweet

view from the shower

from my room

market day

Danny painting from the deck of his room

beautiful flowers

kitchen scenes and Danny's postcard paintings

local boys at play

attendees arriving in the pouring rain

Lisa and Joyce

It is nice to be home, but I have to say that spring can not come quickly enough!

out with the old...

2010-01-18T15:15:00.007-05:00

...and in with the new--even if it's scarey.

So it's official--well almost, and practically a certainty unless things really fall apart, which of course they could, and often do--

I have a sales agreement on the Nashua studio. Those of you that have visited know what a remarkable space it is. I have been lucky to have owned it for the last six years drawing from the great creative spirit of the place. We have held workshop after workshop, and so many wonderful people have shared time with me there. But keeping a studio that is over 70 miles from my new home is logistically difficult and certainly not very green. So....

I am moving--and this is almost official as well--and this space is mere steps from my home. I will be renting the space on the left side. There are large windows, creative space, and a kitchen--those of you who have taken our workshops know how important food--in particular, chocolate--is to the energy of the class. The space is only 1/3 the size of my current studio, but there is plenty of room to teach American Clay and all of the other workshops we offer. The new studio is in Portsmouth NH, which just bustles with creative energy. I am looking forward to getting through this next phase and working to become a part of this vibrant community.

And so when....?

Well, right after I return from yet another dream trip--I am so unbelievably fortunate to be heading to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala to act as an assistant cook at a writer's workshop. I will be assisting my dear friend and very talented artist, Daniel Thibeault.

The above painting is one of Dan's. More of his work can be viewed here. His beautiful home can also be viewed in the latest addition of Country Living.

I will return in early March just in time to close on the studio and start working on the new space. Spring will be near and I will look forward to inviting you all to view the new space once I settle in.

Happy New Year. Wishing all a healthy and happy 2010.

PS--Below are two links to charities involved in relief work in Haiti. My heart goes out to all that are suffering through this unimaginable crisis. Blessings to those who are able to help.
Mercy Corps
IRC

home for the holidays...

2009-12-30T15:26:00.008-05:00

We had our first Christmas together on the seacoast this year. Christmas Eve was warm...balmy even. The kids and I went into town to pick up Christmas dinner. Sanders Lobster was our first stop. What a find...they were passing out complimentary servings of their fabulous lobster chowder. It was such fun to hang out on the dock slurping hot, delicious chowder. My son-in-law Mike, promised to take on all lobster wrangling duties as I am a bit squeamish about such things.

My wonderful builder, Peter Coyman worked overtime to get the lights installed and the last of the shelves in place. Dear friend and kitchen designer Susan Durling of Amherst NH had carefully re-worked my designs to make sure I made the most of every tiny inch. We weren't the least bit uncomfortable gathered around the kitchen island.

Don Mavrikas of Mavrikas Upholstery did a beautiful job on my grandmother's chair. Remember the chair? I switched from the bold orange to this lovely cobalt. The fabric is from Schumacher. Thanks to Sami, Michelle and Timothy of the Schumacher showroom at the BDC.

Breakfast featured the family favorite--sausage bread. Not quite having gotten used to cooking in a gas oven, I have to say this was not my best effort, but we each managed to put away our fair share.

The tiny living room with the equally tiny tree (Bedford Fields) was warm and surprisingly comfortable.

Unhappily for the lobster, chowder was the theme of Christmas this year. Fresh greens, goat cheese and Prosecco from Fresh Market, along with wonderful bread from Ceres Street Bakery rounded out the meal.

With most renovations complete until we begin again late winter this will be the last post on the house for a while. It's time to take a break from this and post photos of some of the fabulous projects I have been priviledged to work on this year.

The bigger news is that it looks as though the Nashua Studio will be sold and I will be moving operations to a wonderful space in Portsmouth which I hope to settle into soon.

Wishing you and yours a joyful new year.

a light at the end of the tunnel

2009-11-20T15:34:00.015-05:00

Those of you living in New England may remember the torrential rains of last weekend. Not a good day to move, but move I did.

My sister Ann, (redacted recipes) came from Brooklyn to help . She is a good big sister. I spend my life being quite capable, but I definitely become the little sister when Ann is around. It was just the two of us--quality sister time if there ever was. We rented a van and tried to keep our heads above water, literally. It never stopped raining the entire day. Picture drowning muskrats....a very bad hair day for sure.

The living room was set up by the end of the day. We spent the evening drinking good wine, listening to music and celebrating sisterhood and my new home. Ann even kept me calm when I awoke to water (lots of it) in my basement the next morning.

The kitchen too, is almost complete.
The back wall is a custom color of chalkboard paint, Solid black was a little too scary for me, but I love this deep, deep blue. The blue tape and chalk outlines mark where the rest of the shelves will be placed.

There is still a bit of painting to be done, and more belongings still need to be packed and moved. I find this astounding as I feel I have relieved myself of so many possessions the past couple of years—but there are always more, more, more. How can I possibly have so much stuff?....and yet, I am grateful for the abundance. Wishing you and yours an abundant and peaceful Thanksgiving holiday.

thank you

2009-11-11T17:35:00.005-05:00

Thank you to the veterans and their families who give so much. I deeply appreciate your service and grieve for your sacrifice.

I realize that design is trivial in troubled times. But I also believe that creating a space to tuck in with ones family offers comfort and peace.

Workshops are always free of charge to returning veterans. I would be honored to have you in any class.

pretty and pink

2009-11-11T07:26:00.012-05:00

I have never been a fan of pink. As a matter of fact I would describe myself as pink averse. I never had a pink bedroom as a child, rarely wear the color, and never, ever thought I would voluntarily spread the color cheerfully over my own walls. But that is exactly what I have just done. And not just any pink either, but a deep, hot pink. So deep and hot that upon entering the room one can imagine heat radiating from the walls. And yet it is also the pink of peonies. It speaks of raindrops on green leaves and petals. Shade on a warm day. I think it is the perfect pink.

I love this wallpaper. I found it in the Kravet showroom at the Boston Design Center. I could never do something as easy as simply buying the paper and installing it (and thanks to my mother, Mary Anne of the Wallflowers, I am a darn good paper hanger). Nope, I have decided to replicate it in paint. One more project to add to this endless list. But I am pleased and excited. This pink speaks of creative energy. I know it will make for an inspirational work space. Already I see a glass desk floating in front of the window--a Lucite chair tucked under. Nothing to disrupt the view. Have I told you that I have a view? :)

update...the house

2009-11-04T08:12:00.007-05:00

Did I tell you that my house is small? That she is a sweet, tiny, nurturing space? How is it then, that I fear she may just put me into the ground?

It is early November. I have been in a relationship with her for nearly twelve weeks--longer if you count the weeks before I was really committed. My relationship with this house seems to follow the path of most relationships. Attraction and cautious optimism in the beginning turning to excitement and delight as time goes by. I have gotten to really know her now, and I like her--I really do. However, we have hit a snag. She is a demanding little house and is far too consuming of my time. I have let her take over my life. I work all day trying to make sure I can meet the mortgage. When I come home she is there competing for my attention.

I slide through the door greeted by my two pieces of furniture--a small, borrowed (very hard) chair, and a lovely, comfortable, beautiful bed. The bed beckons always, but there is more to do. Painting and scraping and sanding and such. Endless! With each task I accomplish she seems so pleased. Happy to be dressed in her finest. It is seductive and I am her victim.

Two more weeks I tell you. I will be in. Boundaries will be drawn. She and I will learn to co-exist. I will take care of her and she will shelter me.

ahhhh......

2009-10-29T08:33:00.002-04:00

A working bathroom....

american clay workshop 10/30

2009-10-26T10:22:00.004-04:00

There is still space available in our one-day American Clay Workshop this Friday, 10/30.

Details

relationship with a small house--first night

2009-10-18T08:01:00.011-04:00

I slept in my house two nights ago for the first time. There is no kitchen and now with the discovery of a leaking sewer pipe, there is no bathroom. Fortunately (though I haven't thought so until now), I have not yet rented out the house next door, so none of this is really an issue.

I can watch the sun rise over the bridge from the window of my non working bathroom. From my bed, I view the freighters as they slowly make their way up river to the electrical plant. The tiny house is cozy and warm and she seems to welcome me whole heartedly.

She is decidedly feminine. A great nurturer tucked into a tiny little shell. Really. I come to this house feeling at sea myself, and though I am completely overwhelmed, each time I allow myself to just really be here, I know that things will be OK.

Dear friends came to offer labor and support yesterday. It is hard to work when you don't have your own tools and nothing seems to go as planned, but much was accomplished. The fence sits stacked in the yard ready for another work party next weekend. The old refrigerator has a new home in the basement and the stove has moved next door. There are new exterior lights and a few window boxes are in place.

Friends who are not painters diligently followed my instructions and primed woodwork that has never seen more than a coat of varnish in 90 years.

There is still much to be done but I am hopeful now. Winter is on the way, but I am secure in the fact that I will be tucked in and feeling at home before the holidays.

falling slowly....

2009-10-04T14:13:00.008-04:00

It is already October. Here in New England the leaves have started to turn and summer is falling away. Mixed with the joy of a crisp fresh apples and cool evenings, Autumn always brings to me a hint of sadness. Perhaps it is simply missing the days of leggy little girls hopeful for what the new school year will bring.

I feel like a schoolgirl myself this year. Hopeful, but with trepidation and not a small bit of anxiety. It is a big time. A house not yet completed, my studio for sale. A search for a tenant to share space next door. I find myself chirping and running like a busy chipmunk frantically getting ready for the winter ahead.

If anyone is looking for a small sweet space to spend the winter on the NH seacoast please let me know. lisateague@lisateague.com

and really...

2009-09-20T18:02:00.006-04:00

who in their right mind, goes from this?

to this?

relationship with a small house--2

2009-08-31T18:17:00.012-04:00

So, here is the connection to my ranting on food from a couple of days ago...and by the way, that's the last time I blog on a rainy day when I'm cranky and hungry.

I spend a lot of time thinking about the term "green design". I am all in favor of the wonderful new products on the market that use sustainable material and product that is easy on the earth in it's manufacture. I support these products and often use them when appropriate. What excites me more is finding pieces that already exist, that may have had another purpose but that can be re-made and re-used. I love the idea that an actual person saw potential in old or discarded parts and found a way to make something wonderful.

I fell in love with the stained glass window back in the corner. It looks like a funky surf board to me. I can't wait to see it propped up to balance my couch which has to be placed off center due to space limitations.The little metal mirror is not old, but made by an actual person rather than a factory. Again, the touch of the human hand. I know it will make me happy every time I look into it.
Both pieces were found at Summer House Furnishings in Rye, NH. There are a lot of new fresh pieces but there are some lovely antiques mixed in.
This sweet little cabinet will have a home somewhere even if it only holds laundry supplies. I found this at The Bower Bird which is a lovely consignment shop in Peterborough, NH.
Also in Peterborough is one of my favorites, Red Chair Antiques. Owner, Jocie Sinauer has an unfailing eye for all things beautiful. The hanging cabinet is made from salvaged moldings and created by a local furniture maker. In my tight little space it will store my collection of small paintings.

I want so badly to make my kitchen island from this apothecary chest. I fear my space is too small, but we will see.

These salvaged balusters make beautiful, sturdy candle stands. I found them in a salvage yard in Great Barrington. I bought every single one.

And wait, just wait until you see what I've found for the kitchen.

conscious choice

2009-08-29T15:01:00.004-04:00

I try to live with an awareness of how my choices affect my home, my family, my community, and my planet.Lately, I have tried to eat in a way that impacts my health and my community for the better.

I was raised on fresh food. My grandparents had a cattle ranch and extensive gardens. Not only did we know where our food came from, we watched it die. Butchering days were big days, festive actually. There was nothing foreign about watching a calf be raised to slaughter. We spent hours riding our horses checking the herd. We had a lovely life and so it seemed, did the livestock. They grazed freely, ate only grass, and seemed placid and happy, but I always knew they were a food source.

I promised myself this summer to try to eat only foods that were touched by a human hand. That means no prepackaged factory-produced foods. To my great sadness, that means no potato chips...OK, a confession, I have stopped buying them, but I heartily enjoy them when other people buy them. I don’t buy meat unless I know where it was raised and how it was killed. I want to know that the farmer, the baker, the maker of my food is a person who actually benefits from my relationship to their product.

I know I am supposed to be worried about my carbon footprint. That I am not supposed to eat pineapples or avocados because they come from so far away. I don’t worry about that. If it is food in it’s natural state...an avocado picked by a human hand.... I eat it. At least someone touched it; at least it isn’t some weird food product that is made of chemicals I can’t pronounce.

This whole subject has a tie-in to the way I will renovate and furnish my home. It does, it really does, but it’s Saturday and it’s raining, I’m tired and I’m craving a sandwich with local tomatoes on seeded bread from my favorite baker, a sprinkle of Celtic sea salt and mayonnaise, oh mayonnaise, that’s a problem...

The lovely photos come from my sister Ann's food blog Redacted Recipes. She is not doing much writing these days, but the recipes are still there and boy are they worth trying.

relationship with a small house...the beginning

2009-08-26T21:20:00.008-04:00

“You did it”, he said with a congratulatory smile and an extended hand.

“I did it”, I said and burst into tears.

So begins the relationship between one designer, and one very, very small house.

It was an inauspicious beginning. Walking through the door for the pre-closing inspection I blithely sang out “Well, it sure didn't get any bigger”. I swear I felt my house shudder. She seemed to puff herself up and to square her tiny shoulders as if to say....”And who are you exactly? I have sheltered entire families here for years... happy families. Get over your self.” ...and so I did.

My little house is sturdy brick. Two houses actually as she is a duplex, mirrored twins separated by a three-foot brick wall. I will live on the side that faces the river and look to find tenants, small tenants for the other side. The house sits in a neighborhood tucked under the tall bridge that spans the distance between New Hampshire and Maine. The land was developed in 1918 to house the shipyard workers who were frantically expanding our fleet during the war. Each house is tiny, a mere 740 square feet. The ceilings are high though and the floors are lovely ash. These diminutive brick structures sit clustered together creating the feeling of a small village that abruptly disappears as the banks slope down to the river. The homes have never been plush. “The Heights" had a derogatory ring which only worsened through the depression and for decades after. Good bones are good bones though and affordable property so close to the bustling center of town is hard to come by. This Old House recently named this neighborhood one of the best choices in the northeast.

I am already more fond of my tiny home then I imagined. Layers of shingles are being stripped as we speak. The chain link fence is nearly gone. Neighbors walk by with small dogs and the tugs chug up the river. It will be weeks before I move in, but I am delighted.

For the next few weeks Paint Color Design will serve as a journal while my house and I get to know each other through the renovation process. Please click on subscribe in the right side column if you would like to be notified of updates. Wish me luck! Lisa

classic blue and white

2009-07-26T18:10:00.008-04:00

I love this classic blue and white kitchen. The yellow tulips add just the right note.

The deep french blue paint gives a dramatic but happy backdrop to the crisp cabinetry.
Isn't it amazing that no color scheme is original?

Big Sky....Serengeti National Park, Tanzania 3/09

would your grandmother approve?

2009-07-21T14:11:00.012-04:00

Do you remember that I said I wanted a navy and orange color scheme in my new house? Well, I was struck with an idea.

My sister Ann and I have shared custody of our grandmothers chair for many years now. It was always meant to go to Ann, but her apartment is small and the timing has never been right. Well things are changing all around us and the opportunity to move the chair to Ann's apartment has finally arrived. Yep, the opportunity arrived and I found that I didn't want to let the chair leave my studio. Ann nicely agreed to a trade and now Grandma's chair is all mine. The only problem is that I don't think my grandmother would approve of the fate of her chair.
Here we go.....an over size blue print and a very bright, very shiny orange frame. I know grandma, I'm sorry.

I think I'm going to love this and my grandmother loved me, so I think it's all OK.

american clay workshop july 31

2009-07-20T09:57:00.003-04:00

We still have room available in our next American clay workshop. Come get dirty with us. Details

getting home design.....

2009-07-17T13:57:00.008-04:00

I was honored to be featured recently under the "what's hot" section of this great new design resource getting home design. The founders, John Altobello and Phillip Clendaniel are constantly updating the site bringing forth fabulous product and design ideas. I'm thrilled to have another wonderful resource to peruse and enjoy. Check them out!

....and she's off!

2009-07-15T19:45:00.003-04:00

I love this sweet card by Curly Girl Design, and I am taking it to heart. Perhaps it should say..."she pulled her heart off the shelf, packed up all of her courage, and took off for the sea...."

I have bought a house (a teeny, tiny, 700 square foot house), with a glimpse of the water on the seacoast. I can't wait to get in and start making it my own. The size of the space will make it a challenge. I am thinking of white walls and navy and orange as accents....a complete departure for me. I hope I am as successful as the beautiful designs below below.

photo credits here.

starting fresh...

2009-07-14T20:31:00.002-04:00

After two years of blogging I find my old site cluttered and confusing with too much information. When we re-designed my website many photo links were broken on my blog site. Too much fixing to do, especially in the summer. It is time for a fresh start. You can still view old posts here.