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Custom Residential, Landscape Architecture

Footloose and Fency Free

Fences and retaining walls are more than just simple demising lines: they're our walls in our outdoor living rooms. And sadly, so many of the fences that get put up end up being bland, boring, and basic boards. I'm sure that the people who live in these homes AREN'T boring, of course, so what options do they have instead? Plenty. Take a look at a few personalized options.

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Other Tangents

The Beautiful Critic

A friend of a friend recently sent me a link to a project (which will go nameless) with a comment about how interesting it was and all of the new technologies used in construction. It was also really ugly. "Beautiful" doesn't have to be a taboo word in architecture, let's not forget that.

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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential, Interior Design

Stop Super-Sizing Your Furniture Please

Americans are big people, we all know that. But as big as we are, our furniture is even bigger. I hesitate to call it a national epidemic but it is pretty close. Stop abusing your furniture and put it on a diet! Your home will be more comfortable for it!

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Custom Residential, Interior Design

IKEA Kitchen Cabinets

While we love a good custom cabinet, sometimes, IKEA cabinets are the perfect choice for your budget. Here are a couple of tips for getting the most out of this product.

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Ask a Designer, Custom Residential, Interior Design

Painted Trim

When should you paint the trim in your house, and when should you leave it as natural wood? And, if you paint it, what color should it be. Here are some simple guidelines to help you out.

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Custom Residential

Small Spaces Are Opportunities

Don't shy away from small spaces: often these can become some of the greatest opportunities in your home. You have to put some effort into making a small space work, but you end up with a much more designed space that adds a ton of value.

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Would you like to read more from the team?

If you enjoy reading our blog as much as we enjoy writing it, that simply makes our day. You may also enjoy a few of the related posts below.

A well established garden that has been growing for three years. The plants are colorful and healthy.

What Happens After Your Landscape is Installed?

You hire a landscape architect to update your yard, go through the design process, and select a beautiful landscape that you love and have it installed... and it’s not quite what you were expecting. What next? Your landscape architect is here to help.

Backyard Artist Studio – Board & Vellum
Layering of Space

The backyard oasis is comprised of layered spaces and programs — framed by the new garage and studio, and the main house. Backyard Artist Studio | Photo by Meghan Montgomery

Using Drones for Site Planning

You’ve probably heard of drone technology — but did you know it can be an effective tool for design projects? We’re breaking down all the ways drone technology can improve your project, create efficiencies, and help you collaborate with your design team.

Cantilevered Home – Modern Cantilevered Residence – Board & Vellum

Do I Need a Feasibility Study?

A lot of questions come up before embarking on a design project! A feasibility study, especially for complex or potentially complicated sites or projects, might be just what you need to kick off a successful project.

Living room space in a Mid-Century style with a large, stone fireplace.

Fireplace Options For Your Home

If you’re considering adding a fireplace to your home or restoring an existing fireplace, the options may seem overwhelming. There are many things to consider, like aesthetic goals, ambiance, and sustainability. Luckily, we've assembled this essential guide on fireplaces to help you decide what’s right for you.

Denny-Blaine Outdoor Revival - Board & Vellum

The Value of Hiring a Landscape Architect

Are you unsure if your project requires a landscape architect? Spoiler: it likely does. Landscape architects can help you gain a deeper understanding of your site, its composition, limitations, and areas of opportunity. If your project touches the soil, it’s ideal to include a landscape architect early in the design process.

Craftsman Manor Resurrection – Architecture & Landscape Architecture by Board & Vellum

Navigating Updates to Historic Homes

Are you curious about updating your landmarked home, or your home within a historic district? What kinds of considerations do you need to keep in mind? Is there anything you can’t do? What about things you have to do? These questions might seem overwhelming, but don't worry! We’re here to help.

Considering a project, or curious about something?

Say hello, and send us your questions via the form below. We’re always pleased to make new connections, and eager to get to know you, your project, and your goals.

Get in touch.
Board & Vellum receives Just label from the International Living Future Institute, a voluntary reporting tool for social justice and equity indicators in the workplace.

Achieved a Just label from the International Living Future Institute in 2023.

Board & Vellum is honored to be a Gray Awards Finalist for landscape design, earning the recognition for the rooftop garden at the Lucille on Roosevelt.

Honored as a finalist for residential landscape design.

LEED Certified in White

Our team includes LEED-accredited professionals.

Certified Passive House Consultant in White

Our team includes certified Passive House consultants.

NGLCC Certified as LGBT Business Enterprise – Board & Vellum Recognition

A Certified LGBT Business Enterprise Since 2016.

PSBJ’s Top 25 LGBTQ-Owned Businesses 2016 in White

Honoring companies that lead in promoting equality.