Highfield Hall is one of Falmouth’s brightest architectural marvels. And on July 20, it casts its glow on more of the town’s stellar buildings during the Architects’ House Tour. Read more…

Posted in Architecture

Green Inspirations

By its very nature, sustainable architecture requires a different perspective.

There is a premium on efficiency in design and materials, seamless integration into a building’s surroundings—and close communication between designer and homeowner. Read more…

Posted in Architecture, Interiors, Sustainability

Architect John Dvorsack’s office, located in historic Highfield Hall in Falmouth, is a picture of subtle color and form. Look closely and you’ll see the hand-cut nails that stud the pumpkin pine floor. In late afternoon, you may notice a particular golden light that pours through the deep original windows. The bright, spacious office, tucked away on the second floor of the grand 1878 former estate—now a cultural center—perfectly melds historic craftsmanship, the natural world, and modern architectural practices. Read more…

Posted in Architecture, Interiors

John Viola can plan a massive project, move tons of concrete, design like a madman, and does it all with the attitude of a kid on summer vacation. As the owner of Viola Associates in Hyannis, Viola and his team design, build, and install swimming pools, spas, outdoor lighting, water gardens, sprinklers, and irrigation systems. Another part of the business is dedicated to pool and spa maintenance. Read more…

Posted in Architecture, Design

Mary LeBlanc and her husband, Michael, literally built their Cotuit home brick by brick. Their property, backing a conservation area, is dotted with a constellation of flowers, shrubs, and trees, including her favorite, a Japanese Stewartia that LeBlanc got as a seedling from the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens many years ago that now towers over her half Cape house. Read more…

Posted in Landscaping

For Chuck Hart, the kitchen has always been, and always will be, the most important room in the house. “It’s more than where people cook and eat meals,” Hart says. Besides being the emotional center in most homes, the kitchen is also the site of great movement. As Hart says, “Almost any activity within the scope of the home starts or finishes in the kitchen.” Read more…

Posted in Architecture, Interiors

Margo’s in Osterville is a sumptuous haven that combines comfort and sophisticated style. On Cape Cod, this home décor shop has a very special niche. “Our goal is to be original, and we are, in almost everything we do,” says owner Margie Huggard. “When I have clients come in, they are often pleasantly surprised.” Read more…

Posted in Interiors

When a client consults with Cape Cod furniture maker Dick Kiusalas, everything is on the table. Freeform, structured, conceptual, artistic—Kiusalas has rendered these and almost every other style imaginable in his 40 years of business. Read more…

Posted in Architecture, Interiors

Working at the nexus of design, construction, and art, Brian Burbic occupies a special domain. As the owner of Brian Burbic Custom Homes & Woodworking in Barnstable Village, Burbic works with wood as high art: trim work is flawless; cabinetry has the look of sculpture; wood shines with a silky gleam. So it makes sense that his new office on Route 6A, near the Barnstable County Courthouse, opens into an art gallery. The bright, sunny space is a place to hang art, display gorgeous tables he has built, and provide an area for clients to browse. “It gives a different side of me,” Burbic says. “People get to see the artistic side.” Read more…

Posted in Architecture, Interiors

Treasure Island

Tonkin of Nantucket brims with beautiful antique furniture, collectibles, and art, and most of the items have a story that is as captivating as the pieces themselves. Take the hefty marine paintings burnished with the deep patina of British history. Owner Robert Tonkin explains that in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Royal Navy had an artist on all its major ships. “The paintings were done on wood panels,” Tonkin says, “so if the ship sank hopefully the painting floated and they would know what happened.” Read more…