From the Ground Up: Living Rooms & Cozy Spaces

From the Ground Up: Living Rooms & Cozy Spaces

Author: Paul LaRoche & Emily Aborn May 7, 2025 Duration: 8:22
Not all living rooms and cozy spaces are created equal! In this episode, Paul walks us through the custom functional and aesthetic considerations for the comfiest rooms in the home! In this episode of the Craft of Custom: Questions and considerations to customize your living space The balance of function and inviting in these relaxing spaces Ideas for creating ambiance-filled, warm, and spacious living rooms full of characterFlooring and finishes for high-traffic loungin...

Ever find yourself sketching floor plans on a napkin or saving inspiration photos for a house that doesn't exist yet? The Craft of Custom is for anyone who feels that pull toward a home that’s truly their own. Hosts Paul LaRoche and Emily Aborn guide you through the nuanced journey of creating a personal sanctuary, whether it's a primary residence, a vacation retreat, or a renovation that finally aligns your space with your life. This isn't about generic advice; it's a deep, practical conversation focused on the unique considerations of building and designing in the Monadnock Region. In each episode, you'll hear the unvarnished realities-the art, the science, and the often-overlooked details-of the custom home industry. Think of it as a series of candid conversations with seasoned experts who help demystify the process, from initial concepts to the final walkthrough. The goal is to equip you with the insights and questions you need to navigate your project with confidence. Tune in for a podcast that treats your dream home not as a fantasy, but as a thoughtful, achievable craft.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 46

The Craft of Custom
Podcast Episodes
Then vs. Now: Building in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:20
The home-building industry has changed a lot in the past twenty years, but some principles have remained tried-and-true. In this episode, Paul shares from his two decades of construction experience as we take a look at w…
Materials Matchmaking: Choosing Materials that Make the Perfect Pair [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:44
While some materials go together like cheese and wine, not all materials play well together so nicely! The difference between a cohesive custom home and a chaotic one often comes down to thoughtful material selection. In…
When to Walk Away Before You Begin: Builder Red Flags Not to Ignore [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:44
How do you know before breaking ground whether or not a builder is the right one for YOUR custom build? In this episode, we get into the earliest red flags so you can identify when to walk away before getting in too deep…
The ONE Question to Ask Your Builder Before Breaking Ground [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:07
Just like every home build client is unique, every builder is too! In this episode, we get into some of the special touches that set LR3 apart as a luxury home builder in the Monadnock Region. From non-negotiables to bal…
The Psychology of Space & Color: How design impacts the way you live [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:46
Design isn't just aesthetic; it also impacts behavior. Good design has to align with functionality needs and work seamlessly for everyday life. In this episode, Paul explores how the spaces we create shape our daily patt…
Keys to a Seamless Build with LR3 Client, Nathan Kono [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:02
What are the keys to a beyond successful new build? Because you’ve heard plenty of our thoughts… we wanted to offer a fresh perspective on the matter! So, we brought in special guest, Nathan Kono, to share a peek behind-…
Renovation vs. New Build: Which is right for you? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:36
While LR3 doesn't focus on remodels and renovations, there are instances where they accommodate these projects. In this episode, we get into what type of home remodels make a good fit for our team and how Paul helps home…