Designer’s Checklist for Fall

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1. Go apple picking at Butternut Farm, 195 Meaderboro Road, Farmington. It might be a drive from Portsmouth, but they’ve got an apple schedule on their website that will keep you in the know. As of “press” time, Zestar apples were in their prime. Haven’t heard of Zestar? They’ve got a description: mild sweet flavor, and fresh eating.

2. Start a Pinterest/Houzz board for home studio. Chances are, you’ve heard of Pinterest. It’s a visual discovery tool used to collect ideas for projects and interests. And, if Houzz is new to you, in its most elemental sense, it’s Pinterest for houses. From the kitchen to the closet to the wine cellar, you’ll find it on Houzz. SOMMA is working on our Houzz page. When we’re ready, we’ll be sure to share!

3. Pick out curtains by actually going in a store to see and touch them. You have your favorite stores, but don’t be afraid to get inspiration from places not on your usual route. Here are just two stores you could head to: The Curtain Shop at 39 Water St. in Exeter. They’ve been serving the Seacoast for more than 30 years. And Exeter’s always fun to explore. (Hit Blue Moon Evolution if you head there around lunch time. Yummy seasonal soups, sandwiches and more.) And there’s Country Curtains, 2299 Woodbury Ave., Newington. They’ll let you shop their collections or mix and match, all on your way to the mall.

4. Walk the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine, just as the leaves turn. It’s one of New England’s only paved, public shoreline footpaths. At just over a mile, it connects Perkins Cove to Ogunquit Beach with spectacular coastal views. And, get your dog back on the beach, Oct. 1 at Ogunquit and Oct. 15 for York!

5. Bake and apple pie from number 1’s bounty. We’re game to try this! And of course we’ll need some special cheese.

6. Buy some cheese from C’est Cheese, 61 Lafayette Road (Route 1) in North Hampton. Again, it might not be on your normal route, but it’s worth it. Hit here to get a sneak peek.

7. Dream big! Cruise favorite design mags for inspiration for your home. Mine online are: Design*SpongeDwellWallpaper*; designboomDezeen; and the bldg blog.

8. Museums are GREAT in the fall. The PEM is running a Calder exhibit starting Sept. 6, and The Currier Museum is anticipating an MC Escher exhibit Sept. 20.

9. Sign up to run the Turkey Trot to support Friends in Action and Friends Forever. You’ve got a bit of time to train for this one. It’s Nov. 27. Bawk!

10. Oh, my, gosh! Leaves, leaves, leaves. Perhaps pick up a rake? (No.)

 

SOMMA Studios is a design firm based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Our specialty is building design with a focus on residential; new homes, additions, renovations and urban living. design@SOMMAstudios.com,

603.766.3760 ext. 12.