Existing conditions and schematic design provide the foundation for every successful interior design and renovation project. The design journey begins long before fabric swatches, color palettes, or furniture plans take shape. While the earliest steps may not be glamorous, they are essential: documenting what already exists and envisioning what could be.

A stroll through Bristol, Rhode Island, reveals the kind of architectural inspiration that makes this a must-visit for any New England historic home designer. A quiet waterfront town just north of Newport—about an hour from Boston if you’re lucky with traffic. I take projects throughout New England, and this one landed me in a place I hadn’t explored before.