Design snapshot: Edgartown Light

Click on this photo to see it in the note cards/prints gallery.Low, winter daylight can be striking. Here it illuminates the Edgartown Light which in turn lights the way for visitors and returning residents alike. After the Hurricane of 1938 demolished the original lighthouse, this 1881 cast-iron structure was relocated to Edgartown from Crane’s Beach in Ipswich. At 45-feet tall, with a few simple, hooded windows, the white and black tapered tower is a cheerful, welcoming marker. Currently cared for by the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, it includes a memorial at its base dedicated in the names of children. The Museum recently renovated the lighthouse and opened it to the public for on-season tours.

As we enter a new era, this purposeful, yet inspirational lighthouse, standing steadfast to guide us, may resonate with you as much as it does with me.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

Design snapshot: Shaker sink

Click on this photo to see it in the note cards/prints gallery.As the New Year approaches, I'm increasingly in a back-to-basics mood. This no-nonsense sink (equipped with separate hot- and cold-water faucets along with a sliver of stone-like, black soap) is purposeful and engaging. Its straight-forward design sends a loud message. Keep it simple. What better time to refresh and regroup than now? Scrub up and start anew.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

Design snapshot: Classic Georgian

Salem's oldest brick building, the Derby House c. 1762, is an exquisite example of Georgian Colonial architecture. The pedimented entry and symmetrical arrangement of 12/12 double-hung windows are hallmarks of the style. Decked out for Christmas and captured here in yesterday’s snow storm, it’s a fitting New England image for the season. With it, I wish you a warm home, health, and happiness over the holidays and in the New Year.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

Design snapshot: Cable guardrail revisited

This sophisticated, metal guardrail beautifully offsets the weathered, cedar stair, deck, and cottage it serves. The marriage of the marine, industrial, tech look with the wood, natural, low-tech context is inventive and playful. The curved hand rail is another fun contrast with the straight, hard edges that otherwise predominate. See another take on a cable guardrail in this earlier design snapshot.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast

Design snapshot: Fishing shack duo

Here are two quintessential New England charmers. These simple forms, cloaked in rugged shingles and outlined with quiet green trim, have enormous back-to-basics appeal. They work together as sibling structures or perhaps as an old, married couple: living side by side, each distinct, but compatible, with a comfortable space between them in which they welcome others to gather in their overlap. They look like they’ve led happy lives.

by Katie Hutchison for the House Enthusiast