Pity our poor old Animated Life-size Bernard Butler. He’s long past retirement age and still working—plus there’s a rather cheeky raven on his shoulder that won’t leave him be. When activated, the raven flaps his wings and two exchange bickering banter. Bernard maintains his dignity, and looks dapper in his velvet jacket and ruffled shirt. His face and hands are rendered with remarkable detail.

SCHULER CABINETRY Thornberry cherry Harvest Bronze Ebony Glaze; range area and island cart in cherry Walnut Thornberry conveys the simple dignity of Georgian style with classical features like the detailed center panels. The finish gives this kitchen a strong, traditional look. Decorative insert panels add texture while unique storage solutions add function to this timeless space. www.schulercabinetry.com/ www.Lowes.Com/KitchenandBath

Door style: Covington | Species: Cherry | Finish: Merlot with Ebony glaze Showplace cabinetry adds warmth, dignity and utility to a teleconference room. A small executive conference room is graced by a corner unit that houses AV resources and keeps materials nearby and out of sight. Learn more about FREE Showplace glazing: http://www.showplacewood.com/ProdGuide1/ProdGuideGlaze1.html

Winter Wainscot Lincoln, MA Builder: D.B. Schroeder & Co. Inc. Cabinetmaker: Walter Lane, LLC design: Tim Hess and Jeff Dearing for DSA Architects Interior Design Collaborator: Tricia Upton Interiors Photographer: Greg Premru Photo Stylist: Stephanie Rossi This project started small, with the clients’ desire to remodel the existing kitchen. When our analysis of the existing conditions revealed the extent to which the house’s many previous additions had failed to enrich each other or unify the whole, the scope of work bloomed to include extensive renovations throughout the first floor. We’ve sought to bring a cohesion and clarity to this already commodious house quite beautifully sited. Much of the design attention in this project was focused on meetings and overlaps. The autonomy and dignity of individual spaces was restored with the creation and use of interstitial spaces; the spaces between. The doorway between kitchen and dining becomes a display pantry and wet bar, the entry foyer is framed with a narrower opening, and the way to the Living Room is re-shaped with a paneled deep jamb. The story is recounted in the January / February 2013 edition of New England Home.

Aging in Place Primary Living Suite When designing their forever home, the owners envisioned a space that would adapt to their changing needs over time—a sanctuary where they could gracefully age in place without sacrificing comfort or independence. This vision came to life in a thoughtfully designed primary living suite that blends functionality, accessibility, and warmth. Bedroom: The bedroom is a peaceful retreat, anchored by wide pathways and minimal thresholds to allow easy navigation—whether on foot, with a walker, or in a wheelchair. The flooring is smooth, non-slip hardwood with area rugs secured safely to avoid tripping hazards. The bed itself sits at a height optimized for ease of getting in and out, with plenty of clearance underneath for future lift systems if needed. Living Area: The adjacent living space provides a cozy, flexible area for reading, television, and visiting with family or caregivers. Furniture is arranged to allow for clear walking paths and easy transfer from chairs. Windows bring in natural light, reducing eye strain and lifting the mood. Bathroom: The en suite bathroom is the true heart of the aging-in-place design. A zero-threshold, roll-in shower with grab bars and a handheld showerhead allows for seated or standing use. The toilet is comfort-height with adjacent grab bars and enough surrounding space to accommodate mobility aids. Non-slip tile covers the floor. Design Intent: The homeowners were deeply intentional about creating a space that allowed them to maintain independence and dignity as they aged. They consulted with a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) and incorporated universal design principles throughout the suite. Ultimately, this primary suite reflects the couple's commitment to staying in the home they love, surrounded by familiarity and comfort, with peace of mind knowing their space is ready for whatever the future brings.