In this Summer Issue of Nest, we’re thinking about outdoor living. Vermont’s climate gives us precious few months to do so, but we make the most of it. Go ahead and drool a little over the cover photo,and more inside, from Burlington landscape architects Wagner Hodgson. Not all of us have a stunning mountain view or sprawling property, but, as H. Keith Wagner and Jeff Hodgson tell Xian Chiang-Waren, the goal is to create an ahhh moment no matter where you live.

We recommend settling into a chaise and perusing this issue, wherein you’ll learn about an enterprising contractor in Burlington and an amazing upholsterer in Shoreham; read about some commercial real estate guys who know from office space; learn about perennials that are happy in shade; and find out how to spiff up tired furniture with trendy chalk paint.

You’ll find a new Nest tucked inside the pages of Seven Days each summer, fall, winter and spring. Enjoy, and let us know what you think!

Summer 2014:

Czech, Please!
Vermont Restaurateurs Order Up Construction Manager Peter Smejkal
By Ken Picard

Stitch in Time
A Shoreham Upholsterer Puts the Bounce in the Seat
By Kathryn Flagg

Beyond Lawn
Landscape Architects Wagner Hodgson Sculpt the View
By Xian Chiang-Waren

Side by Side
V/T Commercial Navigates the (Office) Space Race
By Ethan de Seife

Seven Shady Natives
Prime Perennials for Vermont's Climate
By Hannah Palmer Egan

Chalk Paint, a Quick and Versatile DIY Option
By Xian Chiang-Waren