It is that time of year for renewal as we move into the Spring season. We are all gearing up to wash away the residue of winter and make space for budding plants and leaves. Some people are planting seeds and planning gardens, I just rake leaves and wait for the Hosta to grow.
This first quarter of the year kept me busy with a few projects and managing my three vacation rentals. At the Brick House (my former retail shop) I had the kitchen floor repainted with an oil gloss to replace the latex matte finish and it is so much more vibrant. You can see it in the virtual kitchen tour. Click here.
Homer and J spent the winter by the woodstove and by playing in the snow. We have three cats, but only one is not camera shy.
When I run into people on my newsletter recipient list they always refer to the recipe portion. This is great feedback. Recipe this edition is for One Pot Mac & Cheese. A friend shared this super easy recipe and I gave it a try and thought it was easy and delicious. So I'm sharing it so you can share with your family and friends. It is a great main entree or it can be a side dish.
Thank you so much for your time in reading my newsletter. Enjoy Spring now that "Ice Out" has been declared on Lake Winnipesaukee. I look forward to connecting with you. ~Julie
My husband Tom and I.
Connect with me at:
From Sketch to Reality
A quick sketch to illustrate a potential headboard design.
Custom upholstered headboard and bed drapery,
I have to be careful sometimes when I get out my pen for sketching. Because when I do a sketch and a client likes it, it has to be come reality. My workroom and I go over the details to fabricate the design so that it works.
Kitchens for Living A view of the kitchen from the second floor balcony.
Read more about this kitchen for living on my blog. Click Here.
Product News
Motorized Roller Shades
Motorized shades are perfect when multiple windows need to be covered in one space. See the video click here.In this example the shades were installed and then a custom wood valance covers them for a seamless look.
Shades
After the wood valance was in place a double track for a wall of sheers and stationary panels were installed.
In the Works
Roughing out layout ideas for a small house with one floor living for the owners. The goal is to capture morning sunlight in the kitchen for breakfast and coffee time and to place the porch on the southwest side for evening of sunsets.
The bedroom is placed on the north side to minimize the morning sun breaking in too early.
Food & Recipes
One Pot Mac & Cheese
Ingredients:
4 cups whole milk plus one cup water
3/4 pound elbow or shells macaroni
8 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
8 ounces extra sharp cheddar, shredded
3 ounces of cream cheese, cut into small pieces
6-8 strips of bacon fried, reserve dripping, chop bacon (for vegetarian recipe omit bacon and add 2T butter instead)
1 t. Dijon mustard
Large pinch of cayenne pepper
Large pinch of nutmeg
Kosher salt
Put the milk, water, salt, and uncooked macaroni in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to keep the macaroni from clumping.
Cook until macaroni is tender and the milk has thickened to the consistency of heavy cream.
Remove the saucepan from heat, add all the remaining ingredients and stir until combined and the cheese melts.
Dish will thicken as it cools.
If you want a baked mac and cheese style place the cheesy macaroni in a large glass baking dish and top with buttered breadcrumbs and broil till bubbly.
I hoped you enjoyed this newsletter. Please keep in touch with me. I'm active on Facebook and Instagram. If you'd like to connect, please connect with me and I'll reciprocate. If you do check out my new website, I thank you.
My beloved Homer and I.
Thank you all for your continued business and interest in my design ideas and tips. I'd appreciate it if you referred me to a friend or two by forwarding this email and suggest that they sign-up for my e-newsletters. I truly thank you.
Julie Fergus, ASID Creating beautiful functional homes for your everyday living with one-stop shopping.
Are you a busy homeowner with not enough time to devote to your home design, decorating, and remodeling projects? Are you and your spouse at odds over design style? Are you overwhelmed with the multitude of choices for home design products?
Julie Fergus American Home designs and remodels kitchens, bathrooms, and any other part of your home using a highly skilled team of professionals. You can achieve and complete all of your home design projects with one-stop shopping because we have access to everything for your home.
To get you started on creating your dream home or interior, call 603.569.8989 or email us to schedule a complimentary "get acquainted" meeting to discuss your project and to learn about Julie's 7 Steps to Design for Everyday Living.
Visit my website for blog links and more information about my services.
