Loon Mountain Rustics

Shop Local: How a Condo Renovation Helps Support a Small Town

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 21:45:00 GMT

We recently finished a complete renovation of a 27 year old condo on the Pemi River in Lincoln, NH.

See photos of the completed project HERE.

The scope of the project was the renovation of a kitchen and 2 bathrooms, new paint throughout, new carpeting in the bedrooms, furniture, lighting, window treatments, accessories, new stone hearth, and a new fireplace.

For this 1200 sq. ft. condo, we directly supported approximately 15 local businesses, and 30 or so local people, all living and working around a 15-20 mile radius of the condo. These included painters, electricians, plumbers, carpet and tile installers, home furnishings stores, hardware stores, counter-top suppliers, cabinet maker, appliances, finish carpenters, stone masons, moving company, and a cleaning company.

These 15 businesses in turn support other local manufacturers, who themselves support suppliers and partners for their materials and services, and these 30 or so people support other local businesses within the community who have their own network for goods and services.

Take the fireplace renovation section of the project for example. A local stone mason was employed to complete the hearth. He employed 3 people for the job using local stone, supplies purchased locally, and bought the fireplace insert, blower, and other materials from a small local fireplace dealer.

Going further, and tracking all the materials back to their original manufacturers who literally dug the stone, forged the iron parts, assembled the blower components, and the shippers who drove the products here to name just a few, the amount of people and business that saw benefit from this 5 day stone/fireplace project is endless. The money stayed within the communities, helped people and business pay rent, buy food, enjoy entertainment, etc.

Using this same logic for each of the other components of the project, we can see how important it is to be conscious of how much support can be given to communities, towns, cities, and the entire country.

Many large businesses today carry cheap, foreign goods (usually produced by a workforce making pennies a day), send most of their money away from the towns straight to corporate headquarters, and although they employ local people, they rarely use local suppliers, vendors, or materials.

See this brief list of some of the professionals and materials that went into this renovation project, keeping in mind all the businesses behind them, and the benefit they can have on a local economy.

Painting: Painters / Hardware Store / Paint Store / Paint / Brushes & Rollers / Dropcloths / Ladders / Misc. Supplies / etc.

Electrical: Electricians / Electrical Supply Store / Hardware Store / Tools / Electrical Components / etc.

Carpeting: Carpet Layers / Carpet Manufacturer / Carpet / Pad / Tools / Vacuum / etc.

Tile: Tile Layers / Tile Manufacturer / Tile / Sub-flooring / Grout / Tools / etc.

Kitchen Renovation: Cabinet Makers / Hardware / Counter-top / Appliances / Installers / Delivery / etc.

Home Furnishings: Furniture / Lighting / Window Treatments / Mattresses / Upholstery / Manufacturers / Installation / Shipping / Accessories / Designers / etc.

Hearth / Fireplace: Masons / Manufacturers / Stone suppliers / Equipment Suppliers / Tools / Shipping

Plumbing: Plumber / Faucets / Sinks / Toilets / Manufacturers / Pipe / Fittings / Tools / Supplies / etc.

Cleaning: Cleaners / Supplies / etc.

All this support to a small town in Lincoln, New Hampshire and for a 1200 sq. ft. condo. Imagine all the condo and home renovations in this ski town alone, and all the money, support, jobs, and camaraderie that is created when we make a strong effort to shop, buy, and invest locally.

Check out our brand new Panoramic / Virtual Tour

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:25:00 GMT

We just released a brand new Panoramic / Virtual Tour of a ski home we furnished at the new South Peak Resort on Loon Mountain in Lincoln NH.

When furnishing this Timber Frame home, the idea of a quintessential Ski House was in mind throughout the entire design process. Cozy, comfortable furnishings, warm colors, and soft lighting creates a relaxed feeling, ideal after a long day of skiing.

New Portfolio of Pictures Uploaded

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:25:00 GMT

Check out our newest portfolio of pictures uploaded to our gallery HERE in our Portfolio Section:

This is a brand new ski home steps away from the new trails at South Peak Resort on Loon Mountain.

I will be writing about more details regarding this Timber Frame home and the design soon. In the meantime please enjoy the pictures and leave comments below, I welcome any and all feedback and look forward to posting more pics of our work around NH.

Also, if you are interested in a home like this ski-in / ski-out to the slopes of Loon Mountain, please let us know.

February Vacation Sale! 2/18 - 2/27

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:03:00 GMT

Massachusetts February School Vacation runs from 2/18 - 2/27 and is the busiest week of the season for skiing at Loon Mountain.

This has been a record breaking year for snow and skiing conditions and to celebrate such a great season we are offering sales on all of our in stock and custom ordered items.

From furniture to lighting, mattress and window treatments, to accessories and bedding, stop by our showroom or give us a call to make a deal on our unique, rustic, home furnishings.

Pick up a fun piece of art, framed print or fun accessory for the ski house or condo, replace an old sofa or mattress, or choose some new lighting to enhance a greatroom or den.

We are located in the Village Shops mall opposite Fratellos restaurant on Main Street in Lincoln NH.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Custom Orders: Not As Expensive As You May Think

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 20:01:00 GMT

We use the word "custom" all the time when describing our products. We speak about custom made dining tables, custom window treatments, custom upholstery, custom lighting, custom made in the USA, etc.

In most cases our clients are impressed that almost all of our items can be ordered to their exact specification. They like the fact that a table can be ordered 30" wide to accommodate a small area of a condo, a sectional can be designed to fit in a corner that has one side much longer than the other, or a chandelier that's made to an exact height in a large great room.

Our clients are ultimately more satisfied with the final product because it not only fits perfectly, but was made to their design and vision.

On the other hand, some clients are overwhelmed discussing custom made products. They are usually site unseen, hard to visualize, and there is the reputation that custom made items are expensive and take a lot longer.

We try to eliminate these issues and show our clients that ordering something custom is easy, hassle free, and in almost all cases, costs the same as anything on the showroom floor. We have to order it from the manufacturer and have it shipped at a certain cost for the gallery floor, why would it be more of a hassle to order the same for a client?

Instead of trying to seek out the perfect piece by wandering through huge furniture showrooms, browsing the web, and spending hours doing so, we try to wrap all that time into one visit either at the shop or the home. We discuss all the specs, sizing, style, price point, and function. Where will it go? What will it be used for primarily? What are the dimensions of the space it will be going, and the room it will be going in? Do you have a budget? What style and theme do you like?

After answering these questions and any others, we will develop a small portfolio of ideas based on the information gathered. These ideas usually come from items on the showroom, but also in catalogs and websites of our vendors. We can create the portfolio on the spot, going over options, or send an email with all the ideas and specs for our customer to review at their convenience at home.

In almost every case, we find a piece with the style and price point our clients are looking for. Then we go over all the custom options, finishes, fabrics, exact sizes, time frame and the final price. After the order is made, in anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks or so, the piece shows up at our shop. It is inspected for potential issues or damages, and ready for delivery or pickup.

Although on average a 6 week process, where 5 weeks and 6 days of it were spent simply waiting for the piece to arrive, our customer has a home furnishing item that fits perfectly in the space, serves the appropriate purpose and function, coordinates with the colors and theme of a room, and is brand new and in perfect condition.

Why not get exactly what you want in a short amount of time with very little hassle, at a comfortable price, and have personal service before, during, and after the transaction. There is a lot of value purchasing an item this way. It is an enjoyable process, and one that ends with the perfect piece you sought out to find.

So the next time you are out shopping for home furnishings, window treatments, lighting, or accessories, stop into a small local dealer like us and ask about a custom piece. You will be surprised to hear all the options available.

Faux Leather: A great alternative to real leather

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 23:52:00 GMT

Faux leather is a great alternative to real leather when choosing upholstery such as a sofa, sitting chair, or dining chair.

It maintains the look of real leather, it is very durable, soft, and inexpensive. It does not get sticky hot in the summer, or cold in the winter, it doesnt get scratched, or easily punctured.

We often recommend faux leather for sofas, dining chair seats and backs, and pair it with colorful fabrics for an exclusive look and feel.

This picture shown below uses a faux leather on the body, paired with a colorful themed fabric on the seat and back. The faux leather gives a great look, costs less than real leather, and is soft and durable.

We have several faux leather options available that can be used in just this way, see the other pictures below for an idea of the style.

Please email call, leave a comment or stop by to check out this great option for upholstery.

Using a Bench with your Dining Table

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:45:00 GMT

When customizing dining rooms in the homes we decorate, we often recommend benches to place on one side (or both) of the dining table. Many companies we work with make benches that match the dining tables we sell.

Benches look great, can be pushed in to eliminate clutter, accomodate children and adults and create extra seating if many guests are sitting down. Benches in most cases are much less expensive than the 2, 3, or 4 dining chairs it will replace.

Many homes are now being designed with large open concept great rooms with kitchen, dining, and living rooms connected in one large space. A dining table is sometimes placed in between a kitchen and living room and having 6, 8, or 10 chairs in that space can create a lot of clutter. With a bench pushed in neatly under the table, a nice flow is created in the room.

The picture in the middle of the slopeside ski condo, shown here in our portfolio section uses a bench at one side of the dining table that connects to the kitchen. There are bar stools at the counter, and the bench does not interfere with the layout. Having chairs on that side would have created a cluttered, uncomfortable space for the home owner.

The picture above gives a great example of a bench that accomodates a dining table. Pair this table with some custom hickory chairs and get a stylish, comfortable, and functional look.

Furnishing Ideas: Starting Point for Empty Rooms

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 23:47:00 GMT

Furnishing a home or room can and should be a fun and rewarding project. Although it is often a daunting task, overwhelming many owners with roadblocks such as expense, time, and an extraordinary amount of options, there are ways to avoid these issues and create a comfortable satisfying experience.

Thoughts about time, money, and hassle usually start flowing when first staring at an empty room. Furnishings should be considered throughout the entire building or purchasing process, however usally the idea is to simply get the room filled once a new home is bought or built. This is often done at a large discount retail store where a whole set, like the one shown below is purchased.

This set will look ok in a room, fulfill the need, and create a functional furnished space.

Our idea when looking at an empty bedroom focuses on a slower, more customized and personalized approach that concentrates on each piece individually. This approach considers the following ideas:

1. Time. The room doesnt have to be completed in a day. Its ok to take the time to find the pieces you think are perfect. You will be rewarded in the end when you have pieces you care about, rather than a standard set found anywhere. A perfect bed in a bedroom doesnt have to be accomodated by nightstands and a dresser from day one. Its ok to have just a bed in a room for a while. Even just a mattress on a frame is ok until a great bed is found.

2. Budget. Start by having a budget in mind for the room. There are countless options for furnishings and fall into all different price ranges. A general budget will allow you have an understanding of how much can be spent on each piece. This way, for example, if you come across a chest or dresser you really like, you can buy it and then know how much you can spend on nightstands, or a bed, and not waste time looking for pieces out of the price range. The same goes for any piece; a special bed, nighstands, even a mirror can be used as the focal point.

3. If you see a piece you love, buy it, and use it as the focal point of the room. In the example above, if you come across a chest or dresser that is perfect for the space, buy it, set it up in the room, and then coordinate other pieces to accomodate.

When looking for a bed, for example, it will now be easier to choose the right one as you will envision the bed in the room with the chest. If the dresser takes up a larger percent of the budget, seek out a more plain, standard bed, or maybe just a headboard, that coordinates. You can always spice up a bed/headboard with colorful, stylish bedding. Now, you will have 2 coordinating pieces, a stand-out dresser you really like, fit within a budget, and already have a more stylish room that you are much more proud of.

4. Wait on accessories until you find ones you really enjoy. Accessories can make a whole room come together, and are very important to the end result. A mirror, shelf, or wall hanging can have a profound effect on the room. Special pieces can be collected over time, and before you know it, the room will be filled with items that are valued and cared for. Accessories can also be moved around a house, creating new ideas and themes in other rooms that will change the look/feel.

Time for a New Mattress?

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:21:00 GMT

A good mattress is an absolute necessity these days. Many people experience back, shoulder, or hip pain every morning when they wake up. They suffer from sleep apnea, insomnia, and stress, they take prescriptions and other drugs to get to sleep and to stay awake every day. This can be due to a number of factors such as hours of sitting at a desk or behind a computer, bad posture, genetics, personal issues, and medical problems, but more often than not, these issues are in direct correlation to sleeping on a dated, uncomfortable, and even defective mattress.

Besides the fact that most conventional mattresses should be replaced every 6 to 7 years, there isn't a strong desire to invest in a mattress from day one. Choosing can be tedious work, salespeople can be pushy, and it is overwhelming to see so many different styles, brands, price points, gimmicks, and advertisements. We try to choose wisely, but we often end up sitting on the edge of a display, lying on it for a quick minute or so, and even push on it with our fists a couple times to test softness.

With all this going on, and budget constraints weighing as well, a decision is often made too hastily without proper focus on the appropriate mattress.

Loon Mountain Rustics tries to look at mattress shopping in a different way. We view it as as a significant, personal, and meaningful investment. You are purchasing an item that will be used for about 17,520 hours over the 6 year average life span of a conventional mattress. It can be looked at as the same type of investment as a reliable car, a comfortable sofa, or the right television. In fact, a mattress in most cases gets more use than all of these.

The right mattress provides many benefits to mental and physical health. It promotes improvement in back, shoulder, and hip pain, better and deeper sleep, less stress, and overall better general health. If these are some of the major benefits, we feel each customer should have access to them.

Two major things to consider during the process:

1. Support:

Does the mattress provide uniform support across the entire body. If gaps are noticed between the body and the mattress, you are not getting the appropriate support needed. Gaps in the back or hip area (for example) can create harmful pressure points, which lead to pain.

Side sleepers should go for a plusher mattress. A plush mattress will conform to the angles of the body when on its side. It will contour around the shoulders and hip areas, giving the proper support needed when on your side. This is the same for stomach sleepers where gaps can occur with a mattress that is too firm. Side sleepers also have less pressure on the lungs which makes for easier breathing during sleep. Studies have shown that side sleep is an ideal sleeping position.

Back sleepers on the other hand should opt for a firmer mattress to keep proper alignment and avoid any hammocking of the body. A mattress that is too soft will not give the appropriate support on all areas of the back and hips.

Stomach sleepers should consider something in between, a plush/firm for example. Something too hard or too soft can lead to the body not being properly aligned during sleep. The other issue with stomach sleepers is the pillow, which is often times too large for good alignment. Stomach sleepers should opt for a very small low pillow, or no pillow at all.

Overall, proper support is essential. There is nothing wrong with a soft mattress that will give your body the support it needs during sleep.

2. Comfort:

Lying on a display mattress for 30 seconds will not give you the correct amount of time to establish if the mattress is comfortable. Our recommendation is to lie in your sleep position for at least 15 minutes trying to get comfortable and establish the overall comfort level of the mattress. The sales people will not mind and if you do not feel comfortable after 15 minutes, this will not be the right mattress for you.

After establishing these two major issues, price is almost always going to play a role. A budget can keep people from purchasing the perfect mattress, and this is understandable. One thing to remember is, a new mattress, regardless of price, is going to help greatly in many ways. Although more expensive mattresses are specially designed to provide ideal comfort and support, a very basic new mattress has fully aligned and properly positioned springs, foam, and other components in their best positions. Simply purchasing a new mattress, regardless of price, will improve sleep, and give you access to all the benefits explained.

A mattress is an essential investment and one that will pay off with great returns. We try to explain this investment and give people a good reason to purchase a proper mattress.

Overall, no matter what, there is a new mattress out there that fits any body style, sleep position, budget, and size. We are here to help you with the process and look forward to the opportunity to give you the good nights sleep you deserve.

Please give us a call, email, or leave comments below. There is much more that can be discussed regarding mattresses and we are happy to do so with you anytime.

A Varied and Dynamic Line of Home Furnishing Vendors

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:18:00 GMT

Loon Mountain Rustics works with a varied and dynamic list of home furnishing companies located across the United States.

Companies like Old Hickory Furniture and Shadow Mountain Furniture provide an extensive catalogue of furniture and accessories. Troy Lighting and Meyda Custom Lighting provide countless options for lighting both indoor and out.

There are vendors who specialize in bedding and bedsets such as Berry Creek, companies that offer accents and accessories like Big Sky Carvers, and companies that provide window treatments and awnings like Hunter Douglas, and Alutex.

Working with a furnishing and design organization that works closely with such a large variety of vendors ensures the client receives the perfect pieces needed. Each potential customer has different and unique requirements for style, size, durability, price, etc. Loon Mountain Rustics has the access and expertise to ensure each of these requirements can be met.

Please give us a call, leave comments below, or stop by our gallery to see the large variety we have to offer.

Design Services

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:55:00 GMT

Loon Mountain Rustics offers a unique shopping experience to any potential client interested in home furnishing.

Furnishing a home can be a daunting task, often overwhelming when trying to choose different pieces, coordinate colors and fabrics, design room layouts that will ensure proper fit and function, and decide between the various items available.

This all needs to be done in a timely manner, while keeping within a certain budget.

The homeowner is also often unavailable on a regular basis due to work schedules, time constraints, and travel inconveniences. There often isn’t a clear understanding of all options available for each item need whether its bedroom furniture, lighting, or accessories. Prices are often hard to pinpoint and quality and style is not always understood.

These obstacles, however, do not have to create any additional stress, slow the process, or create any additional expense to the client.

Loon Mountain Rustics has created a design process that eliminates these constraints and allows the client to choose the exact pieces that are right for them, ensuring satisfaction in all areas. The end result is a home furnished with the perfect pieces, to specification, with the least amount of hassle and added costs.

Furnishing Ideas: Sitting Chairs vs. Loveseats

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:53:00 GMT

When designing a layout for furnishings in a home, the living room usually gets the most attention. Dining rooms and bedrooms are pretty straight forward in their design, as each piece has its own specific place in the room.

The living room, however, is often more difficult to plan according to seating arrangements, television and fireplace locations, windows and views, and other factors. Despite all the options, many people will choose the go-to setup of a sofa and loveseat situated perpendicular to each other. An end or side table in between, and a coffee table centered in the middle.

This setup will usually fit any living room, provide enough seating, and accomplish all the needs of the area. There is another easy option, however, that may create better function and style by making a small change.

Try replacing the loveseat with two sitting chairs.

More often than not, a loveseat is used by only one person (rather than two) and many times ignored totally for the space available on a sofa nearby. Loveseats, usually measuring about 60-65 inches wide, stay true to their name as two people must really like each other when sitting together on one. There can be a certain discomfort or awkwardness that arises if two colleagues or new acquaintances find themselves sitting together on a love seat at a party or function. Therefore, loveseats usually function as one seat, rather than two.

Replacing the loveseat with two sitting chairs, in coordinating fabric, leather, or other finish, create two separate and distinct seats while taking up the same amount of space in the room. This gives guests more comfort and eliminates any possible awkwardness as each has his/her own space.

Adding a pedestal or small side table in between the chairs also allows for both people to have access to a flat surface for drinks, etc. rather than a table placed at only one end of a loveseat (as seen in most love seat/sofa arrangements).

This is not to say that a loveseat is not a good option. It is a space saver, and a comfortable coordinating piece. This is just a thought to keep in mind when visualizing the layout of a living room. If you're thinking sofa and loveseat, take a few minutes to consider two sitting chairs as another option. It works very well, especially for those who like to entertain.

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Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:38:00 GMT

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Retractable Deck and Patio Awnings: Summer is Here

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 23:43:00 GMT

Loon Mountain Rustics offers motorized and manually operated patio awnings designed to transform your deck into a shady outdoor retreat.

A retractable awning keeps you and your furniture cool and proctected from direct sun and rain. An area under an awning can be up to 20 degrees cooler, and is far beter than any other shade device.

The awning retracts easily against the house effortless with the touch of a button. They can be installed over any kind of siding, and can stay on the home all year long.

Awnings are durable and reliable, and are often overlooked as an affordable option. Choose from a wide variety of strong waterproof fabrics in different colors and styles.

Please email, call, leave comments below, or stop by our showroom to learn more about this great product.

The summer will be much more enjoyable under a new awning.