I want to start by sharing how grateful I am and to thank you all for trusting me with your projects! So here is a fun recap of some work and play. As with everyone, life is not always peaches and cream — and there were some not so great moments, funerals, hospital visits, missed flights, water in the basement, weird rashes, elections…and all the other moments in life that get you down or throw you a curve ball. But our family and team are choosing joy — so we are sharing some highlights!
JANUARY!
Working away on the Retro Motel Makeover in Maine… coming together! Opening this Spring/Summer 2025! Follow Camp DeForest for more info!
My crazy drawings… but they get the point across…
I cannot wait until you see this place. Who needs closets? We opened up the large closets and created a mini-bar area! So excited!! Plan a trip to Maine this summer!
I was back at Main and Mountain Bar and Motel, to liven up the lounge areas of the bar (five years ago we did a simple budget-friendly design of this area — now we had some time and $ to give it a good facelift). Beyond thrilled how these spaces came out. They have some of the best cocktails and food in the entire state, not to mention, now some of the best design. If I do say so myself. :)
I love vacation rentals. Simple and cozy in Vermont.
From chilly Vermont to warm Florida, enjoyed working with Manasota Beach Club. Lots of fun working on the lovely refresh. It was so fun to just move the pieces around, add some paint and show off their family heirlooms.
Before Picture. Everyone always thinks my job is so glamourous. Ha!
Then after the busy time at Manasota Beach Club, my parents drove up from their house in Florida and picked me up (just like I was a kid again) and I got to spend some lovely quality time with them. I’m so lucky to have them in my life. It is truly a gift.
I’ve been making some fun coloring pages… and of course, I made my Mom test a couple — cause that’s what Mom’s do. I’m thinking about putting a coloring book together. I’ll keep you posted.
And of course, we cannot forget Basin Harbor renovations. Every year for over 10 years, in the middle of the winter, I’ve redesign a few cottages. So when you are there in the summer, swimming in the lake, playing pickleball, golfing, reading on your porch of your cottage, lounging by the pool… take a moment to think of me — freezing my butt off in the unheated cottages in the middle of the winter!
After picture. Each cottage is unique.
FEBRUARY!
Spent the entire month of February in California - loved every minute of it!
Gabrielle moved there in November 2023 for her job — and in Jan got a 2-bedroom apartment — while looking for a roommate — we stayed with her. I cannot tell you how much joy that brought me. I’m getting the hang of working remotely. Visited family in L.A., visited clients near Palm Springs and enjoyed many walks on the beach, some great meals and warm weather! What a month of memories.
Weekends away were super fun!! Including Joshua Tree! Incredible!
YUMMY!!!
The universe must have known I was in California. I got a call to work on a Motel in Northern California. It was a quick turnaround, budget-friendly project — so I enlisted my twin sister, Rosanne Palmisano, who works with me on quite a few projects. Together, I think we knocked it out of the park working away from my daughter’s kitchen table!
This project proves how much you can change a room with paint, wallpaper, art and bedding. The custom pillow really adds the final touch. We kept the beds, headboards and side tables and many other features…because this was just a refresh and a very snug budget — but when you see the BEFORE and AFTER, you will be amazed.
If you find yourself in the Mt. Shasta area, go stay at the Angler Lodge!
Anyone have a California project I have to do for 2025?
MARCH, APRIL, MAY
What an spectacular project— helping friends redo their condo — which was once a church! After a year and half of construction, we were able to style and photograph the project. With one on my dearest friends, Karin Lidbeck-Brent, who happens to be one of the best magazine stylists in the nation — and the talented photography team, the project is revealed! Great story in Modern Luxury Magazine out of Boston.
Then there is Basin Harbor cottage install…
Material Selection for the new build Post and Beam in Vermont. Great clients — knock your socks off — project. More coming soon. Finishing this beauty up in December.
Then there was the sailing trip to the Grenadines with Friends.
My friends should know better by now. “Hey, let’s walk from one side of the island to the other then up over the mountain back to our boat.” So what if it is over 100 degrees. Okay everyone, try not to look like you are going to kill me. Smile!
Three projects in the middle construction. The team is on it. Perfect time to head to Italy. This trip I am traveling with my twin sister, actually house hunting (or should I say — tiny apartment, shed or something that is going to cost very little money). Sadly, no luck on this trip. Andiamo!
I always get inspired when I’m in Italy. Not sure if it is the pasta, wine or coffee, but it seems to work. #workingremotely
Amazing antiques are everywhere!
Rosanne plans 90% of our trips. She is just better at it. And she finds some of the coolest places. She jokes about starting a YouTube Channel on Italy travel advise. So follow her on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/rosie_josie_travels/ Message her to tell her to started!
If we ever do get a place in Italy — we will let you know ASAP! Here is Rosanne contemplating the amount of work this place would take. I said — just leave the tree growing in the bathroom — instant decor! Needless to say — we sadly, passed on this beauty.
What we love about Italy (or one of the many things) is we walk so much! So these beautiful plates of pasta are not only tasty but necessary for our calorie intake!
Back home hit the ground running shopping for clients. This beauty is now part of a bar in a new build post and beam home — photos to come soon! :)
JUNE, JULY and AUGUST!
Signing books never grows old!
Collecting vintage skis for a DIY project for a client.
And of course I’m crafting, every second I get a chance. Here I am testing a craft idea for my annual ladies night craft gathering. :)
Gabrielle (on the right) brought home five of her dearest friends. What a joy to have these beautiful and kind ladies in our home. I could not ask for more.
Picking out wood with Josh at Schwa Custom Woodworking! These pieces of old barn board from an early 1800’s barn are incredible — but not easy to work with. Thank you Josh for making the effort! Ten foot dining table and 4’ square coffee table — just two of the beauties that are coming out of these babies!
TADA!
Sunsets in Vermont… Pinch me moments almost every night in the summertime! (Neighbors boats) :)
Getting our farm share every week is like Christmas. Thank you Head Over Fields!
September and October
Road Trip to see my BFF and another dear friend in Oregon. Laughs and Crafts and lots of Design Work in McMinnville, Oregon! Because that’s what we do!! Trips to the Goodwill Bins, Second Hand Shops and Rebuild Centers — that is what brings us joy! (Okay… full confession… here we are at a wine tasting to celebrate her big birthday.) Shannon Quimby is not only my best friend, but one of the most talented stylist, DIYer and Designer I know. Grab one of your favorite magazines and you will probably see her name as the designer and/or stylist! Now… she is creating this amazing vacation rentals homesite in downtown McMinnville - wine country Baby! Follow along — so you can be one of her first guests when it opens! Hoff Homestead!
Then I zipped up to Bend, Oregon with another close friend to help her with some house projects to get her house ready to go on the market. This is one of my favorite places on earth and will miss sitting along the edge of the canal watching the sunset with a glass of wine with her. But wherever she goes — will be home.
My first time ever to High Point Market. Hard to believe. Meeting with old acquaintances and meeting lots of new folks in the industry made it all worthwhile. No, it was not all wine and tasty treats. Thanks Jana for helping me navigate this huge show!
I couldn’t believe I had to go all the way to High Point Market to find out about an crazy awesome rug company based in my home state of Vermont! Asia Minor Carpets! Wow!
I’m sure it does not surprise you that our team spent most of our time in the Antique + Design Center at High Point. Not only that, but we got to hear the most amazing talk from Toma Clark Haines, the Antiques Diva. We may know lots about salvaged material, but it was wonderful to learm more about antiques, their styles and how to make sure you are getting the real deal. Thanks Toma! Hopefully, we will meet up in Italy sometime!
Back at Basin Harbor… time to do a few more cottages! Part of our job is to not only come up with designs for the renovations but to make sure that all the materials that are being removed are reused (employee housing, rebuild centers, habitat for humanity, etc.) or recycled. Yes, contemplating a dress or skirt — a Sound of Music moment!
Working with friends is always the best. A fun design project — update furniture install job at Sugarbush Resort. Having to go through over 61 units and make sure we had the correct measurements for everything.
And in between all the travel and work, I asked for Christmas a HOT ROCK SAUNA. And Steve said YES! So for two months he has been drawing, designing and building me a beauty! He is the best DIYer I know! Beyond thrilled.
Remember the vintage skis earlier in the year? Here they are in place!
LOVE LOVE LOVE Original Concepting… working with owners and Kim Deetjen (one of the most talented interior designers in the hospitality industry) on concepting for a hotel. More to come.
More Shopping for Clients at Champlain Valley Antiques.
More Shopping… Mason Brothers Salvage!
What!?! Is it November and December already!
You guessed it! Back to Italy — House Hunting. But first, Scrabble. Don’t forget to follow Rosie and Josie Travels to see more of our adventures.
November in Italy.
A bucket list trip….Egypt. We went with Lindblad Expeditions and we would never do Egypt with anyone else. The access and special places we got to visit were outstanding!
Steve and I enjoyed ourselves immensely.
Honestly, it is a trip you cannot even explain. This is a picture I took of our two Egyptologist who were with us for the entire trip. We learned so much about the history and about today’s modern Egypt.
Egyptian colors, textures, textiles from 4000 years ago till today… Mind Blowing! Nicest people in the world as well! Thank you Lindblad and your incredible team.
Channeling Indiana Jones… :)
After 3 months of building it… my husband completed my Christmas Present! My hot rock sauna. Seriously — he worked so hard — drawing up his own plans, prepping the space, tiling, insulation, siding, roof and more… I’m beyond thrilled! Enjoying it!
I must confess… I’m not a great cook or baker — but my friends are — so of course I’ll join in on the cookie making party… I’ll just watch… yeah… that’s it… watch…
This is the kind of parties we throw! Craft Night!
Guess who is home!!! The best holiday gift ever!!
Thank you for following along. Our hope for you… work hard and play equally as hard. :)
Holidays to you and your family. xoxo Joanne