Extending The Season: Luxury Patio Design

The weather is getting cooler but don’t let those nippy evenings drive you inside. Autumn in New England is so beautiful and really the perfect time to continue to embrace your outdoor spaces. Bring out some cozy throw blankets, light up your firepit, break out the hot toddies and maybe even a portable outdoor heater, and settle in to enjoy the stars and serenity.

Below you will find a collection of inspiring Rhode Island homes with incredible patio spaces to take advantage of crisp fall days and cozy evenings in style.

The home above is at 46 Pojac Point in North Kingstown. It truly has a luxury retreat feel. Tucked away on 6 acres, this property has abundant privacy, stunning views and that incredible feeling of being immersed in nature without losing any of your creature comforts. Asking $3,500,000

At 120 Sakonnet Point Road in Little Compton this unique and contemporary home boasts panoramic water views from its multilevel decks. Plenty of outdoor room for dining, lounging, dancing and everything in between! Asking $2,550,000.

This historic estate at 144 Gibson Avenue in Narragansett sits on one lush acre within walking distance to the ocean. It’s landscaping, plantings, trees, shrubs, flower gardens, koi pond and dining gazebo were masterfully planned to remind one of a classic English garden. A serene, romantic and luxurious escape. Asking $1,675,000.

To view these or other RI homes with inspirational patio potential please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505.

The Latest in Lighting: Homes with Illuminating Features

The importance of proper lighting cannot be understated. It can set a mood, a tone, a feeling just as strongly, in many cases more so,  as any other décor.   Warm ambient lighting is perfect for a cozy living room and relaxing bedroom atmosphere.  Bright, directional lighting should be used in areas where focused work needs to be done, like the kitchen or office. Not only is the quality of light important but a light fixture itself can make a strong statement on its own.  Below is a collection of lighting ideas to inspire and delight.

The dramatic, artistic and unexpected lighting choices above are all featured in a home in Narragansett. They marry form and function in a way that creates interest and whimsy while also providing lighting for so many important areas in the home. 518 Ocean Road, Narragansett. Asking 14,750,000.

For the more traditional, the home above in Jamestown features classic and elegant light fixtures that add warmth and atmosphere. 1076 East Shore Rd, Jamestown. Asking 3,995,000.

Modern light fixtures pair fabulously with a clean and minimalist kitchen as seen in the two homes above.

Above, vintage inspired pendant lights set off the sparkle in an upscale, farmhouse style kitchen.

For more information or a personal tour of these and similar homes, please contact Lisa Pagano at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505.

Work From Home Here

In the past months many of us have found our working schedules have been flipped upside down and inside out. You may be working from home full time or on a much more regular basis than normal. Suddenly our homes are being called upon to act as schoolrooms, offices, gyms, the list goes on. It may be worth investing some time and money now to create a space in your home where you can truly focus on the work at hand. Below we’ve collected some inspiration to get you started on a calming and luxurious office oasis.

The only downside of this sunny office with a view in Jamestown is that it might just inspire you to knock off a few minutes early and enjoy a cocktail on your porch.

This super functional home office in Bristol has all the storage you could possibly need to stay organized and efficient. The lit glass cabinets keep the space bright. Two separated work stations make it possible for you and your partner to each focus on your own work as well as collaborate when needed.

This sprawling office in Little Compton with views of the water has lots of space for comfy seating, including a daybed, for when a quick catnap is just what you need to power through the rest of your workday!

This unique home office in Smithfield feels grounded and masculine with dark toned walls and a spiral staircase.

Wood plank ceilings and built in shelving warm up this lovely office space in Westerly.

Not enough space in your current home to create your own private work oasis? Contact Lisa at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505 to view these and similar homes to make all your office dreams a reality.

5 Stunning Master Bathrooms in Rhode Island

The kitchen may be the heart of the home but the bathroom is the other hardest working room of your house that often doesn’t get the credit it deserves. For many people it may be the only room where they get a bit of peace and quiet from the hustle and noise of family life.  Why can’t such a hardworking room also feel like a peaceful oasis? These 5 bathrooms prove you can marry form and function to create a tiny (or not-so-tiny) retreat in your own home that soothes.

1. Who needs his and hers sinks when you can have his and hers shower heads? This large shower with gorgeous tile and marble is the star in this East Greenwhich Master Bathroom.

2. This Narragansett bath feels light and airy with a unique twist. The white subway tile combined with the black framed shower door feel both bright and grounded at the same time.

3. A tub with a view. The standalone tub with a sunny window view in this Barrington bath is a dream (with shutters you can close when privacy is needed) for anyone who enjoys a long soak to wash away the stress of the day.

4. You don’t often see hardwood floors in the bathroom. In this South Kingstown Bathroom they help to warm up the space. The sprawling window, pedestal tub and large shower stall all combine to create balance in this calm and sunny space.

5. Last but certainly not least is this jaw dropping bath view in Narragansett. Can you imagine a more serene spot to unwind?

For more information or to view these or other homes please contact Lisa at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505.

Top 4 Ways to Make the Most of Your Outdoor Living Spaces

During these past several months most of us have been spending more time than ever at home. Why not use that as an opportunity to more fully enjoy and cultivate your outdoor space? Investing in your yard and gardens can have many benefits. Not only can it offer you an oasis that is incredibly therapeutic and enjoyable but a beautifully landscaped home with curb appeal does wonders for your resale value!

There are so many options, ranging from big-picture ideas to smaller projects that can add a little something special and help you fall in love with your outdoors again.

1. Bring the Indoors Out

Being able to entertain outdoors is crucial this summer now more than ever before. Having comfortable seating and warm ambient lighting will encourage you to spend more time outdoors relaxing.  A table ready for an intimate dinner party that can take advantage of these endless summer evenings is a must.

Cozy up with a good book in your hammock or catch up with a friend over a glass of wine in your rocking chairs. Don’t forget the lighting! Twinkle lights or string lights create a wonderful atmosphere and can easily be hung on decks, porches and pergolas.

2. Plant a Kitchen Garden

Now more than ever; eating healthy, clean food is so important. Knowing you grew it yourself from seed to harvest is about as clean as it gets. Gardening can be overwhelming at first but a great place to start is a small herb garden or a couple of tomato plants. Even potted plants can work well if your space is limited. Popping outside to pick a handful of fresh basil or a ripe tomato to add to your dinner is a truly wonderful experience.

3. Add a Water Feature

Never underestimate the soothing effect of running water. If your budget has some wiggle room a gorgeous fountain or a natural pond would be a great choice. Another unique option that is more budget friendly is a rain chain. These take the place of a downspout as a more decorative way to divert water away from the roof, they have been used in Japan for hundreds of years and can be found in a wide range of styles and materials. A bubbling birdbath is another simple water feature that is enjoyable for both you and your feathered friends.

4. Grow Your Own Flowers

Growing your own flowers to enjoy in your yard as well as to cut and bring indoors for custom arrangements can be easy and so rewarding.  Perennials are great options that you only have to plant once and will bring you blooms for years to come.  Some of the most reliable and colorful flowering perennials are Hydrangeas, Lilacs, Hosta’s, Black Eyed Susan’s, Iris’s and Lilies. Once planted, many of these really only need sun, water and maybe some occasional pruning. A little online research or your favorite local nursery can help you figure out what will work best with the light and space you have available.

Lastly, don’t forget about your inner child. An unexpected swing tucked under a favorite shady tree might just become your new favorite place! Put a little effort in now to fully take advantage of your outdoor spaces and the beautiful weather our special little state has to offer this time of year.

To view homes, online or in person, with spectacular outdoor living please contact me at lisa.pagano@mottandchace.com or 401.447.9505