The Psychology of Space & Color: How design impacts the way you live

The Psychology of Space & Color: How design impacts the way you live

Author: Paul LaRoche & Emily Aborn December 24, 2025 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 patterns, from room flow that encourages family connection to ceiling heights that influence how energized or calm we feel. This conversation covers activity zones, the psychology of open versus closed floor plans, strategic natural light placement, and how to design for your actu...

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…
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…
From the Jobsite: Lessons & Insights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:23
After years of experience in the world of home building, Paul’s seen A LOT. In this episode, we get his insights and lessons learned from job-site challenges and successes. In the episode: Unexpected problems with innova…