Author: Stacy Thorson

Fall Maintenance Guide

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

 

Summer is breathing it’s last breath, kids are preparing to head back to school and here in New England the weather can turn fast. Prepare now for the impending chill of Fall and winter with some easy home maintenance tasks you can do yourself and some you may want to call in the Pros for. 

Indoor Fall Maintenance

For you…

  The introduction of the heating season brings new potential for fire hazards, so take a moment to review fire safety in your home as well performing some yearly routine maintenance tasks listed below.                                                                                                                                             

  • Check and replace fire extinguishers if necessary.
  • Change the batteries in your smoke detectors.                                                                                                                  
  • Go over the home fire evacuation plan with your family.
  • Clean the lint from your dryer vent lines. 
  • Change the air filter in your furnace and stock up on several more filters for the winter.                                                                                                                             
  • Ensure all vents and returns are clear of debris and open.
  • Check your windows and doors for any air leaks that may compromise energy efficiency
  • Prepare your seasoned firewood and store it covered, at least 30ft from your home.

For the Pros…

  • Call in an HVAC professional to test the heating output and give the system a tune-up. This technician can also check for and correct possibly hazardous carbon monoxide levels generated by your heating system.
  • Have your duct system cleaned and sanitized.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to help lower your energy costs.
  • Have any door weather-stripping in disrepair fixed
  • Call a chimney sweep company for an annual sweep before the start of the season.
  • Have your attic insulation inspected and added to if necessary

Outdoor Fall maintenance

For you…

  • Cover or put away outdoor furniture for the winter
  • Disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the section of pipe just inside the house.
  • Empty out unused fuel from any gas-powered equipment because sediment can build up and clog the fuel lines. Store gasoline in tanks out of children’s reach and have it ready for use in your snow blower or emergency generator.
  • Test your emergency generator & snow blower. Make sure they are in good working order and remember never to run a generator in any enclosed space as this presents a carbon monoxide hazard.

For the Pros…

  • Have your gutters inspected and cleaned.
  • Have inefficient windows/doors replaced or repaired.
  • Install a Storm Door 
  • Install an electrical sub-panel for your main circuits to be routed to your generator in case of a power outage.

For help with your seasonal maintenance needs call 508-279-0656 or inquire online. 

 

Accent lighting

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

Design & Detail Spotlight

Accent Lighting

Lighting or lack thereof can really make or break a space.  Many people think of lighting in terms of what is appropriate for performing specific tasks but strategically placed accent lighting can create drama & increase the impact of a specific design element.

From our projects…

The custom mahogany floating shelves pictured here from our Jerusalem Kitchen & Interior were outfitted with recessed LED lights that illuminate and highlight the glassware & decorative accessories but they are very low profile allowing the shelves and their contents to be the star.
The directional recessed lighting in the custom bookshelf photo from one of our latest basement renovations (bottom left) really brings a sense of drama to the bookshelf architecture. The  backlit bathroom vanity mirror (bottom center) creates a soft ambient glow and makes the mirror appear to float off of the wall.
Accent lighting can also be it’s own design element creating visual interest and even focal points within a room, as is the case with the crystal chandelier(bottom right).

Planning is key…

Be sure to make lighting a part of your planning process. If working with an architect or designer, have them draw up an electrical or lighting plan that outlines the specific locations and different types of lighting fixtures you want in your finished space. Planning for lighting in advance will help you to consider the overall design and how light impacts each area.

Nickel Gap Shiplap

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

Design Trends

Nickel Gap Shiplap

Even though the popular HGTV show “Fixer Upper” has come to an end the shiplap craze it created is still going strong. Shiplap comes in many different varieties but nickel gap shiplap seems to be the clear winner in popularity amongst our projects lately.  Nickel gap is a tongue & groove product that has a distinct gap between the horizontal boards; admittedly a bit larger than a nickel but with the same crisp squared edge.

From our projects…

Nickel gap bench & wainscoting

White painted Nickel gap shiplap was paired with a custom natural walnut seat to create this unique built-in bench from our Lincoln Kitchen Remodel. The Nickel gap spills over from the bench onto wainscoting that carries around the rest of the eat-in portion of this kitchen.

    

Nickel gap fireplace surround

White oak nickel gap with a rubio oil finish was used to surround this Hingham Master suitefireplace, creating a clean modern feel. Although a less common application, the nickel gap in the natural finish becomes the focal point in this master bedroom.

Classic Nickel gap wall paneling

In the most classic applications nickel gap is used as a horizontal wall paneling in one of our recent Century Lane kitchen Remodel & Addition projects. This mudroom gets a clean fresh feel taking the shiplap from floor to ceiling.

The Grid Faucet makes a statement

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

Product Spotlight

NEW Kallista Grid Faucet

This inspiring faucet has an almost magical quality to it’s design and would make a statement and be a conversation piece in any home.
 
The designer was given creative freedom to create something that transcended traditional manufacturing thought processes.  The use of negative space has immense impact but created challenges when function was introduced. This is where good design inspires amazing innovation. The faucet employs 3d printing techniques to precisely manufacture the water path through the minimal simplistic body of the faucet. 
 
We have a feeling the new Kallista Grid faucet will be showing up on some of our future projects, maybe even yours. 
 

Arched Doorways

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

Design & Detail Spotlight

Arched Doorways

   

Arches have been used in classic architecture for Centuries. Dating back to Roman times arches were used as a means to span large distances and create structural integrity that was hard to achieve before the use of modern steel & engineered lumber were available.

Today arches are still used but typically more for decorative purposes. The Elliptical arched doorway has become a popular choice in many of the projects we complete. This classic detail can add depth & drama to an entryway as shown above or be a decorative transitional element between two spaces.

The execution of the detail is not quite as simple as you might think however. Most building materials don’t naturally bend to conform to a curved or arched shape. With a little know how, some precise math and a whole lot of glue & clamps the Thorson Team is able to create this beautiful & timeless finish detail at many of our projects.

Want to incorporate an arched detail into your next project?

Contact us to start planning!

 

Wallpaper makes a comeback

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

Although wallpaper has been around for decades, it’s popularity waned for a while with paint being the preferred choice for creating classic (easy to change) statements in a home.

Industry wide there seems to have been a resurgence in the use of wallpaper and we are certainly seeing this trend reflected in many of our recent projects and also in some articles on Houzz.com.

Although most homeowners are still hesitant to commit to a wallpaper in a large great room they are willing to take the risk in smaller areas like powder rooms, entries, halls and even bedrooms. In many cases these smaller spaces are being used to make a design statement. With the wide range of new modern patterns and graphic print papers to choose from, there truly is a paper for every style.

Custom options are also becoming popular with hand printed patterns, full scale mural installations and even design your own options that are fully customizable!

Get inspired by Houzz’s 20 wallpapers that make the room

2017 Magazine Feature

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

Our Pool house project was featured in Home Remodeling Magazine’s Spring 2017 issue. The eight page spread highlighted how the collaboration between client, architect and our company created “The Ultimate Family Space” that no one would want to leave! Read all about it online or pick up a magazine available in newsstands near you!

See photos of the entire project here

Skylights & Sun Tunnels

Posted on by Stacy Thorson
Skylights are a great way to bring natural light into an otherwise dark space. The latest technology in skylights has them fully automated with touch screen remote controls and water sensors that can automatically close the unit if rain is detected.
 
The unit in the photo (left) brings much needed natural light into this bathroom with no windows and also affords additional ventilation in an area where it is needed most.
 
In the case where there is a space restriction or limited budget sun tunnels are another viable option. They work by channeling the sunlight down a much smaller cylindrical tube into the finished space. In our COTY Award winning Bath remodel we used 3 sun tunnels that were finished to mimic the look of full skylights but allowed us to work around obstructions in the attic space giving the illusion of a full size skylight from the finished space.
 

Pocket Doors

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

Design & Detail Spotlight

 

The Pocket Door

By nature the pocket door is meant to be out of sight but it’s practicality will never be forgotten.  This door style has been used for centuries and it’s benefits are still as useful today as they were 100 years ago. 
 
Pocket doors are framed to slide into a “pocket” in the wall when not in use. Unlike a normal door they require zero clearance around them for operation which makes them ideal for small and tight spaces. 
 
The doors pictured to the left are from our featured Hingham Addition project and were used in two areas where space was at a premium; the pantry and a small office just off of a main hallway. Both areas would have sacrificed a lot of space by using a traditional door and both are spaces that require closing off for either sound control or to conceal messy kitchen prep. When opened the doors are completely out of sight. In the case of the office,  glass doors were used to provide sound dampening while still allowing light into the space.
The Pantry door was one that although they opted for the look of a french door, frosted glass was used to have the option to close off the space visually. If entertaining they can keep messy prep contained in the pantry by just closing the door. But really when you have a pantry as nice as this one you may want the door open more often than closed!  
 
The sometimes overlooked pocket door was the perfect solution to both of these space & design dilemmas, and thankfully they look pretty nice too! 
 

For more information on pocket doors or to incorporate this design detail into your next project contact us online or call our office to speak with one of our representatives. 

Plane Large Format Tile

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

Product Spotlight: Plane Large Format Tile

Plane Large format tile installed in an entire bath.

This new product has been creating a lot of buzz among industry professionals. Why you ask? Simply put because it brings the best of many products together into one.

The look of expensive marble or stone slabs with the durability and ease of porcelain tile. Super durable and versatile for any surface inside or out. Some may hesitate to install natural stone in certain environments or settings due to it’s porous nature but with porcelain as the material and highly convincing printing techniques that mimic real stone veining this large format Tile has the look and feel of polished stone but can hold up to a lot more abuse. 

The large format, as large as 5’x10′ tiles, means fewer grout lines. For many showers this could mean no grout lines to clean at all!

PLANE is available in 15 different colors from several variations of marble/stone prints to the look of concrete or metal.

Want to incorporate Plane Large Format Tile in to your next project? Contact us to start planning!

Thorson Goes GOLD

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

Thorson Goes Gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness

The Thorson Crew had the privilege of being at Fenway Park to watch the Red Sox battle the Yankees and to support Childhood Cancer Awareness. The stadium “Went Gold” and invited some small guests that are battling some large challenges out onto the field. Among the children of honor wearing gold was Stacy & Eric’s nephew Dylan who is battling brain cancer.
The Crew sported gold ribbons, bandannas and some home made signs to show their support for Dylan.

The crew enjoyed dinner in the State Street Pavilion and a behind the scenes tour of the Green monster before the game. The evening was a loss for the Sox but a huge win for Childhood Cancer Awareness and we were proud to a part of it! ​

Watch the video of the memorable evening!

2015 Magazine Feature

Posted on by Stacy Thorson
Our Newfield Street Historical Renovation was recently featured in Home Remodeling Magazine!  The article touches on the details and motivation for the project as well as some words from our very own Eric Thorson on our role in the project. 
Be sure to grab the Summer Edition in news stands now.

Click here to view other articles we’ve been featured in!

LG Art Cool heating and a/c

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

Product Spotlight

LG Art Cool Gallery Mini split A/C


Ductless mini-split heating & air conditioning units are an efficient and effective way to get heating and cooling in a space that may have limited accessibility for traditional heating and cooling options. New innovations from LG have made the wall mounted unit required for the system more stylish and able to blend with any decor.

Designed to look like a photo frame this streamlined unit can be customized with personal photos or artwork. The vents are located on the sides of the unit and deliver remotely controlled hot or cool air on demand. This award winning design takes one of the few negatives about the ductless mini split system out of the equation by replacing the clunky rectangular wall unit with this lower profile photo frame design.

Learn More about the LG Art Cool Line of comfort hvac solutions

A Race for Research

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

On Sunday October 26th Stacy ran 26.2 miles in support of her nephew Dylan & Dana Farber’s Pediatric Brain Cancer research.

A lot of hard work went into preparing for the race. Besides the months of physical training, Stacy with the help of all of our clients, friends and associates was able to raise nearly $10,000 for the cause-exceeding her initial goal of $5,000 by almost double!

Stacy ran the race sporting her “Run for Dana-Farber” shirt which she had custom printed with an image of her nephew Dylan. With Dylan on her mind (and shirt) she was able to cross the finish line and get Dana Farber one step closer to a cure! As the Marines that encouraged & volunteered on the sidelines throughout the entire course and the many serviceman & women that were running side by side with her that day would say: “Oorah! Mission Accomplished!”. Stacy would like to sincerely thank all who donated in support of this great cause!

More About Dylan

In 2011 our nephew Dylan Berio was diagnosed with Pilocytic Astrocytoma at the age of 3.  Dylan’s journey with Brain cancer has lead him through two surgeries and multiple rounds of chemo therapy. Currently Dylan has lost 50%  of his vision but his tumors are stable. 

Dylan travels bi‐weekly to The Dana Farber Institute with his mother for his chemotherapy treatments. He continues to be a
happy go lucky little boy with a positive attude towards life. Dylan will be entering the first grade in the fall and is also currently
learning Braille at the Perkins School for the Blind. One of Dylan’s main passions is his matchbox & hot wheel cars. He
can recognize most makes and models of cars and trucks at a glance. Dylan continues to amaze us every day as he smiles his
big smile all while he races to conquer his challenge in life, to rid the world of cancer!

We tell you our family’s story with a very heavy heart. We know that Cancer touches the lives of many families and the need for fundraising is immense but for our family this specific cause is a very personal one. Having to watch our nephew deal with the effects of the cancer & treatments for more than half of his life without the hope of a permanent cure has been a tough pill to swallow although Dylan remains happy & active despite his many trials. 

Click here to donate to Dana Farber in support of Pediatric Brain  cancer research 

Care Free PVC Decking

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

High Style meets Low Maintenance

Azek PVC Decking

The trend for decking is moving away from wood and composite and towards a more durable, scratch, stain & fade resistant option ~ PVC.

Cellular PVC products have risen to a high level of style and are available for more than just decking. Trim, rails and architectural mouldings are also available in this durable, versatile material and it comes in a wide range of colors and textures to resemble stained or painted wood. The high quality, longevity and visual appeal of products Like AZEK decking, rails and trim make it the standard for most if not all of our exterior projects. Check out the list of advantages below and see how it compares to your current trim and decking material:

Advantages to PVC vs. wood or composite

  • Resists stains, fading, scratches
  • Resists rot, mildew, mold and damage due to insects
  • Lasts in excess of 25 years
  • Never requires, stain or paint
  • Available in a variety of colors and textures
  • Offers options for hidden fastening systems
  • Material is 100% recyclable With all of these advantages you may ask why anyone would select anything else?

Some of the reasons why AZEK isn’t covering everyone’s deck …yet:

1.) Education -many people are still of the mind that “plastic” means “cheap” or low quality -these products are far from low quality -in fact they are quite the opposite. Others aren’t aware that these products even exist.

2) Higher initial cost -being that the product is technologically advanced and has such a long life the initial price is higher -but the smart consumer knows that cost difference will be recouped over the life of the product. The savings will come in the form of lack of maintenance bills to repair, replace, stain or paint the product.

3.) Some prefer the feel of real wood and may choose wood products like Ipe or mahogany for their aesthetics and these woods do have a higher tolerance to moisture but do still require regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure their longevity.

So if you are a fan of high quality, low maintenance, durable finishes that will stand the test of time and ultimately save you money then this design trend may be one to follow.

Want to make PVC decking part of your next renovation project? Contact us and let’s start planning!

Solar Attic Ventilation Fans

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

Product Spotlight

Solar Attic Ventilation Fans

Have you ever had to run up to your attic to grab something in the middle of a hot day in summer? Do you ever notice how stifling hot it can get up there? Believe it or not that heat can transfer into your main living space and cause your cooling system to work overtime, even more so if your cooling components are located in the attic. A system that has to work harder is much less efficient and ultimately could be costing you a lot more money. Increased temperatures in your attic can also cause added wear & tear on your roof shingles and reduce their longevity. The solution? Active Attic ventilation.

Why do you need an Attic Fan?

In summer, temperatures in an unventilated attic can exceed 160 degrees. A properly sized attic ventilation
system will reduce attic temperature to 5-10 degrees F above the outdoor temperature. Ventilating
the attic reduces the amount of heat transferred from the attic to the home, decreases the load on the air
conditioning system (reducing your electric bill), and extends the life of your roof shingles.
In winter, heat trapped in the attic may melt snow on the roof, which trickles down and creates destructive
ice dams in the colder eaves.
Everyday home activities such as cooking and showering create moisture which collects in the attic and
promotes mold and mildew growth, reduces the effectiveness of insulation, and attacks the wooden attic
structure. Year round fresh air circulation from an Attic Fan removes this moisture and helps prevent
moisture related problems.

Attic fans offer an environmentally friendly and economical solution to summer time cooling problems
resulting from attic heat penetrating your home’s insulation. . The higher the temperature of your attic,
the less effective your attic insulation will be at stopping heat from entering your home.
Installation of an Attic Fan on your home minimizes the amount of heat entering through the attic by
reducing your attic temperature. By minimizing the amount heat entering your home, you will save
money on your summer cooling bill and make your house feel more comfortable (see diagrams below).

Things to Consider

• The cost savings due to reduced air conditioner load depends on the price of electricity in your area, and can be
even greater when installing a solar unit. Other factors include: the amount of attic space in your home, the efficiency
of your attic insulation, and the amount of ventilation your attic vent is able to provide. A typical installation
will usually pay for itself in savings within 1-2 summers of use.

• An Attic Fan should not be used when air from the living areas of the home can freely enter the attic. This would
result in conditioned air being removed from the home. Any openings between the attic and the home should be
sealed before an Attic Fan is installed.

Want to make an attic fan installation part of your next renovation project? Contact us and let’s start planning!

Switchable LCD Smart glass

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

Switchable LCD Smart Glass

New innovations in glass technology allow for glass to go from clear to opaque at the flick of a switch. A layer of electrically charged LCD film is laminated between pieces of glass and allows for a clear view in “on mode” and for privacy when turned off. The product has been used largely in the commercial sector to create instant privacy in offices, conference rooms and hotels and is now popping up all over the residential building & remodeling industry.

Some companies that offer this technology also have it available in film form that can be retro-fitted and applied to existing glass almost anywhere. Smart Glass can also be used as a projection surface and can have touch-screen film added as well, making the possibilities almost endless.

Wondering how you can incorporate Switchable Smart Glass in your next remodel?

Shower Doors
Room Dividers
Walls
Windows
Interior & Exterior Doors
Cabinetry
Projection Surfaces
Anywhere glass is installed!

Watch this video demo to see how it works:

Leave Room for Growth

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

Leave room for growth

Any one who gardens knows that a plant should be placed in a pot that will leave a little room for growth. You would be forced to re-pot pretty often if the subsequent pots were only a fraction larger than the last. With that in mind think of your next remodeling project…Why you ask? Because the same principle applies.

When planning for a project, particularly a large one, you want to be farsighted and “leave room for growth” as it were. It always makes sense to plan ahead… sometimes way ahead.

Think about how your life might change over the course of the next several years (or as long as you expect this renovation to last). For instance if you are approaching retirement and plan to spend your elder years in your current home, you may want incorporate some features that would make those years a bit easier. Or if you know you will be out growing your current home due to a growing family or changing needs you should consider what would appeal to the next potential home buyer.

Leaving room for growth also means planning for styles & finishes that will endure the test of time. I’m sure we all know someone who had to pull out a full “avocado” bathroom suite circa 1972…and it probably probably lost it’s appeal sometime in the 1980’s. The lesson? Sometimes the latest design trend can be a little too trendy, meaning it will quickly fade and be replaced by the next big trend.  To avoid renovating too often…leave room for growth!  

Velux Solar Powered Skylight

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

Velux Solar Powered Skylight

The new Solar powered skylight by Velux was one of many products we had the pleasure of learning about at our latest visit to the JLC Live industry trade show. Skylights  have the ability to bring light into a space that may not allow for a window.

In the case of this bathroom from our Lincoln Master Suite Renovation, the client did not want a window in the shower for privacy concerns but desired natural light in their updated master bath. The need for ventilation in the bathroom was also a factor and made the velux solar powered skylight the logical choice. 

 

The skylight caught our attention… and here’s why:

  • Remote controlled solar powered skylight requires no wiring, which makes for easy and cost effective installation.
  • The included touch screen remote is intuitive and convenient eliminating the need for long cranks or devices to open or close the unit. 
  • The solar panel will work on cloudy days and with indirect light. It does not have to be exposed to direct sunlight to function.
  • With the integrated rain sensor the solar powered skylight will close automatically in case of inclement weather.
  • 10 year “No leak” warranty
  • 30% Tax Credit available for product & installation
  • Another 30% tax credit available with the purchase of the integral solar blinds available for the skylight in a variety of colors.

Want to incorporate the Velux Solar powered skylight into your next project? Contact us to start planning!

Why Replace Your Windows?

Posted on by Stacy Thorson

 

When assessing whether you should replace your windows, ask yourself the following questions:

• Do my windows get condensation or a frost buildup?
• If you touch the interior pane of glass is it cold to the touch in the winter? How about in the summer;
is the interior window pane warm to the touch?
• When sitting next to your window in the winter does it feel colder than the rest of the house?
• From inside your home, take a lighted candle and hold it so the flame is in line with the window
frame and slowly trace the entire frame of your closed window. Does the flame flicker anywhere
around the frame?
• Take a look at your windows outside; is the trim rotting, cracking or missing?
• Is the glass broken or cracked anywhere?
• Do your windows ever get stuck closed or open or won’t stay closed or opened?
• Are you unhappy with the way your windows look?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, it is time to replace your windows and here’s why…

• Utility bills are significantly lower when older windows are replaced with energy efficient windows.
The amount of money saved in energy costs adds up quickly and the windows often pay for
themselves.
• If your windows get a condensation or frost buildup it means that they are not insulating your
home well enough. This extra moisture can cause serious problems from rotting frames and increased
heating costs to dangerous mold growth that can harm your family’s health.
• If your window is cold to the touch in the winter and hot to the touch in the summer it means that
your window is not insulating your home correctly and is putting an extra work load on your
HVAC system and costing you money.
• If sitting by your window in the winter feels colder than the rest of the house it means that there is
either a draft, your window is not insulating properly, or both. This means more money spent on
your heating bill.
• If a flame flickers next to your closed window it means there is a draft. This can lead to water infiltration
causing mold growth, water damage to carpet and furniture, rotting window frames and
extra heating and cooling costs.
• If the glass is cracked or broken anywhere it is extremely dangerous for your family and can cause
accidents or injury. In addition, cracked windows put an extra burden on heating and cooling costs.
• If your windows don’t operate correctly it is a sign that they are too old and are beginning to fail.
The frame is most likely warped, which can create multiple problems.
• New windows allow you an opportunity to update the aesthetics of your home, with various finishes,  grid patterns and window styles, windows are becoming an important design element. 
• Newer windows provide better UV protection and can prevent fading and home damage as well as
keep your family safe from the sun’s harmful radiation.

If you would like to incorporate new windows into your next project call 508-279-0656 or inquire online