New Native Streetscape at Post Office

As a capstone to last week’s town‑wide Arbor Day celebrations, the area in front of Manchester’s Post Office received a fresh new look with the planting of three native trees and a variety of shrubs, creating an inviting streetscape in the heart of downtown.
“Snowshoo,” 47”x 21”x 5” ($1,000) by Rocky Neck Art Colony member artist Brian Murphy, was created using a vintage snowshoe, film cannister parts, reclaimed wood, ski pole, and a porcelain door knob.

The Return of Craft Why Handmade Matters in New England Interiors

In an era defined by speed and convenience, there is a quiet but meaningful shift taking place inside New England homes.  

Spring on Cape Ann Starts Long Before the Snow Melts

Planting seedlings

After one of the snowiest winters in recent Massachusetts history, it’s hard to picture pansies in pots or tomatoes on vines.  Snowbanks still edge driveways, and the ground remains frozen solid in places.  But inside Cape Ann’s greenhouses, spring is already well underway.

Reports from Paris and London of Design Trends—and How to Decide if They Belong in Your Home

Antique vintage desk in the Culzean Castle - Maybole in Ayrshire Scotland, United Kingdom. 22nd of July 2021

January was a busy month for the interiors industry with new products introduced in Paris at Deco Off and Maison Objet as well as at Design Destination London.  These trade shows attract interior designers near and far and the vendors host elaborate launches of their new lines for the 2026 season. 

Painting Your Home: Life – In Color

When I was little, there was always a big to-do with my sister and me around our “Sunday shoes.” Each year we got a new pair around Easter.   They were usually MaryJane’s and …

Year of the Snake: The Art of Letting Go
If you ask my family and friends, they will tell you that every year I have the same New Year’s resolution which is to get organized.  I suspect I am not alone.  The New Year has long symbolized renewal, reflection, and the opportunity to reset.
The Copper Shed’s Cai Cai Fritzinger on sight at the shop’s Manchester location, which opened after years of success at its sister store in Wenham.
The Copper Shed Brings New Energy to a Long-Quiet Corner
Somehow, in the past couple of months, it seems that the corner of School Street and Union/Beach Street in Manchester has at long last woken up from its seemingly eternal slumber.  Lavender …
old dark wood cabinet with selective focus
Home Design: Working With Antiques
There has been a lot of discussion in the interior design world about “brown” furniture.   Is it in style or out of style?   Is it classically beautiful or does it evoke …
Creating Coastal Chic: A Sophisticated Take on Seaside Living
As an Interior Designer working on Cape Ann, I’m often asked to help create homes that feel “beachy” or coastal.   It’s no wonder: coastal living remains one of the most …
Throw Out the Paper Recipes (After You've Been Inspired)
Years ago, I walked into the kitchen at my restaurant in Marblehead— Rosalie’s —and spotted the new “girl” (as we used to say back in the day) in the middle of …
Same Time Next Year
Last weekend I had to perk up my window boxes.   I took out some struggling plants that were past their prime and replaced them with hardy ones that I think will take me into fall.   …
Rockport Farmers Market
This past Saturday, the Rockport Farmers Market was in full swing, with booths stuffed with crisp, peak-season produce and artisanal items of all kinds.  Beets, fennel, peas, and more, …
Lessons on Gardens, and Mutuality
Growing up, I was surrounded by gardens with vegetables and flowers. To me, it seemed like every neighbor had one. My grandparents, “Noni” and “Nono,” were good partners in the garden. Mr. …
The town of PIttenweem, the picturesque fishing village just south of St. Andrews, in Scotland, where the story of the Manchester by the Sea Museum clock begins.
From Scotland to Manchester: The Musical Clock with Royal Ties
What does the King of England and the Manchester-by-the-Sea Museum have in common?  Both have musical clocks made by Scottish master craftsman John Smith. Our story starts in Pittenweem …
Getting the Dirt on Curbside Composting
Composting isn’t just good for the soil, it’s good for the soul. It feels good to keep food waste out of landfills and turn it into nutrient-rich soil that can nurture future …

The unseen, unsung hero of the water you drink

(BPT) - By Ned MonroeIt happens so often we hardly notice: Head to the kitchen, grab a glass from the cabinet, fill it with water from the faucet.Tap water is one of many conveniences of modern …
How Radiant Heat Benefits Homes Inside and Out
(BPT) - From warm floors to fogless mirrors to driveways free of snow and ice, radiant offers countless solutions for energy-efficient comfort, convenience, safety and sustainability.Have you ever …
What is the Florida housing market doing right now?
(BPT) - Key takeaways:Data from Florida Realtors® shows the housing market is stabilizing.Sustained sales, balancing inventory and steady pricing give buyers time to weigh options.Homebuyers and …
This St. Jude Dream Home Is Rethinking What It Means to Build for Resilience
(BPT) - An alternative approach to residential construction shows how a home can be comfortable to live in, easier to maintain and better prepared for whatever comes next.Most homeowners don't spend …

When Using a Generator Keep Safety In Mind

(NAPSI)—It’s a good idea to have a generator handy when the power goes out. Heeding these hints will help you use it safely and efficiently. Word Count: 25

Staying Safe When Power Goes Out: 10 Tips for Generator Use

It’s a bright idea to have a generator on hand when your power goes out.

(NAPSI)—Generators are critical during severe weather events, when the power can go out. They can bring power to remote job sites, aid in disaster recovery and assist homeowners in emergencies. To …

Caring for your home and family
More ideas for your home
10 reasons your thermostat may be reading wrong
HomeServe reports 10 reasons your thermostat may read wrong temperatures, including dust buildup, faulty sensors, outdated models, improper placement, HVAC issues, and more. 
No AC? No sweat. How to make a DIY air conditioner and 3 other heat wave hacks
HomeServe reports on DIY hacks for cooling your home during heat waves, including making a simple air conditioner, using shade, adjusting ceiling fans, and managing humidity.
The most efficient way to run your window unit
HomeServe reports that to run your window AC efficiently, choose the right size, set it to 78°F, use eco mode, enhance air circulation, and seal leaks.
10 Tips to Vacation-Proof Your Home While You're Away
(Feature Impact) Whether you're headed toward the beach, the mountains, a new city or your favorite quaint small town, it's exciting to look forward to a vacation. Use these 10 steps as a pre-vacation checklist so you can enjoy a worry-free trip.
Why More Homeowners are Making the Switch to Composite Decking
(BPT) - For decades, building a backyard deck meant choosing wood and accepting the ongoing upkeep that came with it. Today, homeowners want more from their outdoor living spaces: the timeless beauty …
Real Estate News
5 home projects to complete this summer
Splitero reports summer is ideal for home renovations like window replacements and roofing due to weather benefits, enhancing efficiency and value.
5 Summer Safety Risks Homeowners Often Overlook When Hosting
(Feature Impact) Summer is the perfect season for gathering outdoors with friends and family.
How the freedom to pick your electricity supplier can help you save money
Shipley Energy reports that electricity deregulation in states like Pennsylvania has lowered average rates, expanded choices, and encourages competition, benefitting consumers. 
Art without artifice: Why intentional kitchens are defining the next era of design
(BPT) - As homeowners increasingly seek spaces that feel personal, functional, and enduring, a new design philosophy is taking hold: intentionality through restraint. Today's kitchens prioritize …
Beyond the thermostat: What today's homeowners really need to feel comfortable at home
(BPT) - When homeowners think about indoor comfort, temperature is usually the first consideration. Thermostats are adjusted, or vents are opened or closed. But if you have ever walked into a room …
More Home Improvement News

Ducted or Ductless: Improve Home Comfort with an All-Climate Heat Pump

(Feature Impact) Making your home a comfortable, welcoming place starts with the choices you make about heating and cooling it. To figure out what factors you should take into account while planning your HVAC system revamp, consider this guidance.

7 benefits of linen sheets

Naturepedic reports that linen sheets offer multiple benefits, including health safety, durability, breathability, ease of maintenance, and ethical production.

How to whimsy-max your spaces with dopamine decor

(BPT) - Key takeawaysWhimsy-maxxing is a growing lifestyle trend often found in home design.Adding special decor to your home helps create a playful, joyous feeling.MacKenzie-Childs decor features …

The True Cost of a Deck: Why Long-Term Value Outweighs Upfront Price

(BPT) - When homeowners begin planning a new deck, the first question is often, "How much will it cost?" It's an understandable starting point. After all, a deck is a significant investment. But the …

How homeowners can prepare before hurricane season peaks

TheZebra.com reports on hurricane preparedness, emphasizing that homeowners in vulnerable areas should stay informed and gather emergency supplies before the 2026 season.

Backyard transformation ideas for the perfect summer relaxation spot

(BPT) - In summertime, backyards come to life, becoming destinations for fun, gathering and relaxation. Whether you're hosting cookouts, lounging poolside or unwinding after a long day, thoughtful …

Home improvement coverage from around the web

Statement lighting: A defining feature of modern luxury architecture

Bees Lighting reports that statement lighting is essential in luxury architecture, enhancing grand spaces with artistic design and smart technology, creating focal points and defining zones. 

Weather It Better: Prepare Before Summer Storms Strike

You can feel safe at home if you take proper precautions before storm season becomes severe.
Think Ahead & Keep Safety in Mind, Says the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (NAPSI)—Summer storm season is here, but having the right outdoor power equipment on hand can help you weather …

Transformer Table Outdoor Collection Helps Summer Gatherings Adapt to Every Occasion

Transformer Table Outdoor Collection Helps Summer Gatherings Adapt to Every Occasion
(NewsUSA) - Summer gatherings rarely stay small for long. A quiet patio dinner can quickly turn into an evening filled with family, friends, and neighbors. When the guest list grows, your outdoor …

Effortlessly Relaxed Bedroom Style Starts Here

(NewsUSA) - Two Bedsure PureWoven™ styles now carry the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval Naturally Textured Comfort with Elevated Everyday Bedding from Bedsure PureWoven™Creating a bedroom that …