Exposed beams are no longer only for log cabins and industrial lofts. This design technique can add warmth, interest and raw, natural beauty to nearly any style home. Whether you have high ceilings or you simply want to take the architectural appeal of your home to the next level, exposed beams can be a wonderful way to enhance the aesthetic value and add unique appeal.
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The meticulous planning and engineering that goes into designing staircases is sometimes overlooked. While they are a necessity in any multi-level structure, staircases can also be designed to become aesthetically significant architectural features.
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Skylights open your home to beautiful blue-sky days and luminescent night skies, adding ambiance unmatched by other architectural features. They are ideal for opening and brightening spaces where conventional windows may not be applicable. Skylights can also be a wonderful way to bring the outdoors in without sacrificing privacy, nor do they compete with fireplaces, furniture or appliances.
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Perhaps one of the most well-known examples of gables can be found at Green Gables, the home and farm site that inspired the author of the novel “Anne of Green Gables.” And, yes, if you were wondering, Green Gables, which is located on Prince Edward Island in Canada, does indeed have a green gable roof.
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TMS Architects is proud to have two winners in the 2014 Emerging Professionals Design Competition which was announced by AIANH on January 10th. TMS ‘s project manager,Gillian Baresich, was awarded 1st Place for her entry which we covered in yesterday’s blog post and today’s post focuses on TMS Project Manager Tim Giguere’s 2nd Place winning entry.
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Porticoes are not only stylish additions to the front entrance of a home, but also functional. A portico is defined simply as “a small entrance porch” by the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, while Houzz describes it as a roof supported by columns that create a covered porch, entrance or walkway. It’s the spot outside an entrance where you can seek shelter from the elements while finding your key or greeting guests. Porticoes also offer protection to the home itself, keeping rain, snow and wind off of the door, hardware and stoop.
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TMS Architects received a design award given by the American Institute of Architects NH Chapter (AIANH) during their 2014 Annual Excellence in Architecture Design Awards. This award program was founded 30 years ago and according to a statement released by AIANH, the purpose is to provide “ the highest recognition of architecture that exemplifies excellence in overall design, including aesthetics, clarity, creativity, appropriate functionality , sustainability, building performance and appropriateness with regard to fulfilling the client’s program.”
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Most of us are familiar with the iconic silhouette of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. So let’s move on to something a little closer to home here in New England – the Massachusetts State House in Boston. What do these two structures have in common? Cupolas!
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Even if you are not familiar with the term “turret,” you’ve most likely seen a turret that has turned your head. They are hard to miss! A turret is simply a small, circular tower attached to a larger structure, usually on a corner or angle. The difference between a turret and an actual tower is that turrets typically don’t start at the ground level and, rather, cantilever out from another upper level.
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The pillars of England’s Stonehenge, 2900-1400 B.C., might be the earliest example of sophisticated column design. These primitive pillars did not serve a structural purpose, rather, they were used to tell time and track celestial paths. The Egyptians are accredited, however, for carving the first true column out of stone. The Egyptians used columns, including fluted designs, to support and adorn pyramids.
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As 2013 comes to an end, we’re enjoying a look back at some of our most popular blog posts of the year. As promised, today we’re rounding out the top 10 posts of the year with a look back at five more posts readers found the most enjoyable!
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In addition to taking a look back at some of our most popular pins of 2013, we thought it would be a good time to also take a look back at some of our most popular blog posts of the year. We hope you enjoy our year in review and gain a few home design ideas to include in your 2014 remodeling plans.
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Architectural Digest just released its list of the most popular Pinterest pins of 2013, and House Beautiful also made sure to showcase their photos that received the most re-pins this year. We couldn’t help but be inspired, so we decided to share some of our own top pins from the past year. In case you missed them, here’s your chance to savor some home design eye candy from TMS Architects.
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Cold Weather + Extra Layers = Gargantuan Piles of Laundry. Is your home prepared for the onslaught of wet and muddy cold weather gear this winter with a laundry room that will allow you to work efficiently? Or, do you find yourself dreading the idea of another afternoon spent in a cramped and dull laundry room? If so, a functional, efficient, and stylish laundry room it what your home needs to make the task quicker and less boring!
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As most of us will be gathering around our fireplaces with our families for the holidays, we wanted to add another style of fireplaces to our series on fireplace design. As you’re enjoy the warm glow of your fire, we hope you’ll also enjoy this look at the Arts and Crafts style!
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According to a new report by Builder magazine, “There are clear trends in house plans.” Top-selling homes are revealing that homeowners are favoring larger floor plans with first-floor master bedrooms and home offices, among other features. Looking at these top trends can help homeowners decide how to infuse their existing homes with the most value possible during 2014 remodels.
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If the nineteenth century fireplace was the cast iron design, then the twentieth century fireplace was the tiled design. It was towards the end of the Victorian period that fireplaces took on new stylistic features, including tiles and simpler patterns, that later became characteristic of the Edwardian Era.
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They work with you, they play with you and they sometimes even eat with you. Dogs are more than pets; they are a part of the family. But if you are tired of messes from tripping over dog bowls, a built-in feeding station may be just what your household needs.
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As we open our homes to welcome family and friends in for holiday celebrations, it’s often during this busy season that we notice little improvements or details that may have been left out of the original design. Little changes that make a room more functional or those that add visual interest or complete the room’s look are equally as important and, although seemingly miniscule, can be the finishing touches your space needs.
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