Now we have a sort, and it’s off-grid homes which can be handsome in addition. So once we noticed entrepreneur/designer Alice Saunders’ cabin New Hampshire a number of years in the past—with no operating water, no electrical energy, and no cell service however a great-looking kitchen, classic finds, and a board recreation desk—it was our kryptonite. (See: Unplugged: A Couple’s DIY, Completely Off-the-Grid Cabin within the New Hampshire Woods.) And we’ve been following Alice ever since.
Alice is the founder and creator of Forestbound, and also you’ve in all probability seen one in all her rustic-cool totes round. “I primarily make basic, utilitarian tote luggage and carryalls in addition to a line of house items. My design ethos is translated via the merchandise I create but in addition the areas I’ve renovated and embellished; I give attention to working with antiques and located supplies which have a historical past and inform a narrative.”
And, these days, she’s been busy. “I not too long ago expanded the Forestbound studio to incorporate a 1200-square-foot retail house in Amesbury, MA, which I’m calling Souvenir and plan to do seasonal pop up retailers all year long” (together with for Valentine’s Day, open now). My husband and I are additionally renovating a circa-1875 one-room schoolhouse within the White Mountains of New Hampshire. We’re within the thick of it proper now (the home is gutted!) and have a protracted method to go, but it surely’s an extremely rewarding undertaking that we’re each very enthusiastic about.”
As we speak, for Fast Takes: Valentine’s Version, Alice writes in along with her go-to winter accent, a simple stylish couch hack, and the ’90s rom-com that made an influence, design-wise. Learn on…
You’re invited to dinner. What’s your go-to present?
I really like bringing hostess presents. Primary is at all times a basket stuffed filled with contemporary flowers or greens from my backyard and a detailed quantity two is a candle made by my firm, Forestbound.
What’s in your bedside desk?
A pile of books, my favourite little estate-sale lamp, a jar of Honey Bee Pores and skin Therapeutic Cream (I slather myself in it each evening), a number of little candies, and rogue bobby pins.
What’s your desert island design/artwork/architecture-related guide?
Something by Terence Conran, however particularly The Home E book, because it’s fairly complete and stuffed with so many nice pictures and diagrams. I feel I’d need that on a desert island!
