TMS Architects Portsmouth NH
See our blog for new projects, announcements, and all things TMS Architects.Real or Rendering? You Decide
The following amazing photo-realistic images were commissioned by TMS Architects to provide a client with a full understanding of the rather unconventional concept and design of cottages for their extended family and guests. These renderings will be used as a visual reference for the homeowners, the contractor and the architect to develop construction documents for future construction and were provided to TMS by Jonn Kutyla of PiXate Creative.
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Historic “Refreshing” of Three Chimneys Inn
TMS Architects’s principal , Rob Carty and interior designer, Cristina Marais, recently worked with the historic Three Chimneys Inn on a project to provide some changes to the inn that will be in keeping with the time period of the historic structure. Built in 1649 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Three Chimneys Inn is one of the oldest homes in New Hampshire. It now serves as an inn in Durham NH, home to the University of New Hampshire, with twenty-three guest rooms, dining in the historic ffrost Sawyer Tavern and serves as a host for many weddings, events and conferences.
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Likely Lightning Rod Legend Lives On
TMS Architect’s guest blogger and local historian, J. Dennis Robinson, provided us with a December post that, in this season of light, appropriately turns its attention to electricity, Ben Franklin and an historic Portsmouth home.
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What’s Cooking in the Kitchen: Part Three
In this series, TMS has covered countertop materials and appliances and now turn our attention to trends in kitchen cabinets; colors, materials and built-in functionality. While white cabinets are still the leaders in popularity, according to design sources, “grey is the new white”.
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What’s Cooking in the Kitchen? Part Two
As we continue our discussion of trends in kitchen design, materials and appliances, it is interesting to note that kitchens are combining a mix of cutting-edge technology and materials while also incorporating “retro” designs and a wide array of colors. Long gone are the days of avocado and gold appliances and in addition to stainless steel, kitchens are sporting appliances in a wide array of styles and colors. KitchenAid just introduced the industry’s first-ever black stainless steel finish which they term a “new neutral look”.
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What’s Cooking in the Kitchen? Part One
September and October seem to be months in which the focus of many shelter magazines turns to kitchens. Perhaps this is because we are coming inside from a summer of grills and outdoor living and realize that our kitchens might need some work! As Bill Soupcoff, AIA, one of TMS’s principals always says…”It doesn’t matter whether a home is historic or modern; the kitchen is still the heart of the American home.”
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Historic In-Town Home Renovation
The new owners of this historic residence wished to retain its formal aesthetics but recognized that their young and energetic family needed some additional casual space. The kitchen and the spaces in the rear ell did not meet the owners’ needs and the second floor master bedroom also served as access to the second floor spaces in the rear ell. All bathrooms were antiquated and the home also lacked direct exterior access to the large back yard and swimming pool.
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Elements of the Ultimate Vacation Home
If you could build your dream vacation home, which fun features would you add? That’s a question that has been on our mind ever since we shared this Family Playhouse under construction, which will eventually include a half basketball court and 9-hole mini golf course! When designing a vacation home — especially one in a rural area — many families are finding creative ways to keep the fun in-house. So what would we put in our ultimate vacation home? Read on for a little inspiration…
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Designing Your Dream Home, Inside And Out
As the saying goes, it’s what’s on the inside that counts. But when it comes to designing your dream home, we know that the inside and outside are equally important. When you think about it, architecture and interior design go hand-in-hand if you’re looking to create a cohesive, functional, and beautiful spaces.
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Changing the Meaning of Space
TMS Architects is delighted to have our second August post from local Portsmouth historian, J. Dennis Robinson. As is usual with Dennis, his examination of the past and the history of Portsmouth often leads us on voyages of discovery of the present. This article describes a very special place in Portsmouth; the Portsmouth African Burying Ground Memorial Park.
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Step Inside Dover, NH’s, Oldest House
After taking a breather from the publication of his latest book, Smuttynose Murders, and spending some time on the Isle of Shoals, local historian, J. Dennis Robinson returns to the pages of TMS Architects’ blog, with a piece on Dover’s Woodman Museum. There is still time to visit this wonderful piece of New Hampshire history before school vacation ends!
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A Family Playhouse Under Construction
Family vacations are all about having fun and creating memories that will last a lifetime. So when our clients approached us to build the ultimate Family Playhouse in Maine’s back woods, fun was our number one priority! Take a look behind the scenes at our progress so far…
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Create Synergy with Your Outdoor Spaces & Landscape Designs
Great landscape designs all have one aspect in common — balance. And the wonderful thing about balance is that it doesn’t have to be elaborate to be effective. Simply adding a few structures for your kids to enjoy or creating a small garden room can resurrect a bland landscape. Below are some key tips to help create more harmony in your outdoor spaces.
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A First Look at Great Horse: A Lifestyle Club in Western MA
In recent years, many country clubs have transitioned from exclusive and stuffy to a modern, family-oriented feel. This is exactly what the Antonaccis had in mind when they purchased the Hampden Country Club in 2012 and brought on TMS Architects to update the entire facility. Drawing inspiration from the Four Seasons and Shooting Star resorts in Jackson Hole, we set forth to bring their vision of a relaxing lifestyle resort to life.
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Warm, Inviting Porches & Verandas Embrace the Summer Season
Although porches haven’t been as common as they once were in new home construction, they are making a comeback in a big way. Originally designed for space to relax, enjoy a cool breeze, and possibly socialize with neighbors, porches are also being appreciated as extensions of our living spaces and adding architectural interest. If your home currently has a porch or veranda and you are not making use of the space, or if you are considering building a porch, there are several things that will help you maximize this space.
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Courtyards Bring the Outdoors In with Architectural & Natural Elements
What kind of image do you conjure up when you think of a courtyard? Many people think only of the grandiose types that are found at mansions or public venues, resplendent with large fountains and lush gardens. In fact, courtyards are an under-utilized architectural detail that can change the whole look and feel of your home. Indoor & outdoor courtyards offer natural light and a sense of outdoor space regardless of where your home is situated.
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Matching Old Mortar Matters, Says Mason
TMS received its 34th post this morning from J. Dennis Robinson, Portsmouth’s historian. Who knew that the mortar could be so important when restoring old brick structures? Apparently Master Mason John Wastrom did!
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Create Airy Spaces with Beautiful Breezeways
Have you considered including a breezeway as a component of your landscaping? They offer great architectural interest as they connect portions of your home, offer protection from the elements, and they can help direct cooling breezes to your outdoor space. While designing a breezeway is best left to professional architects, the following information can provide you with some inspiration.
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Lighting the Way: Outdoor Spaces Exude Beauty with Lighting
Follow the light — it’s an idea humans have clung to since our humble beginnings. Light can make or break a space. Without the right kind of light, a space can be bland, uninviting, and even scary. But, with truly inspired and thoughtful lighting, a space can exude warmth and beauty. Lighting outdoor spaces can be tricky, because light direction and shadows greatly alter our perception. However, we think with our simple three step plan, you’ll become a pro at outdoor lighting:
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Active, Bold Colors for Energized Outdoor Spaces
Since the beginning of time, colors have evoked certain emotions in human beings. We’re drawn to ideas and motifs that make us feel something, and colors are no different. Individual colors have distinct connotations — some color combinations can even be off-putting with their cold and uninviting nature. But, whether it’s a soothing space you’re going for or something a little livelier, choosing a coordinating palette of colors will help everything flow together visually.
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