Photo by: Shawn St. Peter Photography - What designer could pass on the opportunity to buy a floating home like the one featured in the movie Sleepless in Seattle? Well, not this one! When I purchased this floating home from my aunt and uncle, I didn’t know about floats and stringers and other issues specific to floating homes. Nor had I really thought about the hassle of an out of state remodel. Believing that I was up for the challenge, I grabbed my water wings, sketchpad, and measuring tape and jumped right in! If you’ve ever thought of buying a floating home, I’ve already tripped over some of the hurdles you will face. So hop on board - hopefully you will enjoy the ride. I have shared my story of this floating home remodel and accidental flip in my eBook "Sleepless in Portland." Just subscribe to our monthly design newsletter and you will be sent a link to view all the photos and stories in my eBook. http://www.designvisionstudio.com/contact.html

Our craftsmen recently installed 13 SeasonGuard windows at Janet & Daryl’s Twin Cities home. SeasonGuard triple pane windows feature a narrow frame and an abundance of glass, maximizing views, as well as Latitude Glass that is engineered to improve thermal performance. These replacement windows also come with a lifetime, non-prorated, transferable warranty that also covers accidental glass breakage, protecting their investment for years to come.

Central El Paso Backyard Renovation: Fifteen years is a long time for a backyard to quietly wait. At first, it was full of intention—a pool that promised summers, laughter, and long evenings. But time has a way of settling in. The water turned still, then green. Edges cracked. The space became less of a destination and more of something you looked past. Life moved forward, but the backyard stayed behind. Then came the decision: it was time. Not a patch job. Not a quick fix. A complete reset. The transformation didn’t begin beautifully—it began with demolition. The old pool was drained, exposing years of neglect etched into its surface. Crews stepped in, breaking, clearing, reshaping. What once held stagnant water became an open cavity of possibility. Steel rebar formed a new skeleton, precise and intentional. Every line measured. Every elevation reconsidered. This wasn’t just construction—it was rethinking how the space should live. The shell was rebuilt. Surfaces were refined. Plumbing, structure, and flow were corrected at their core. What had once been outdated and failing was now engineered to last. Then the shift happened. Hardscape came in—clean, warm-toned concrete replacing worn decking. Stone walls, once just boundaries, were elevated into features. Subtle textures, intentional lines. A visual language that matched the architecture of the home instead of competing with it. The pool returned—but not as it was. Now it was sharp, modern, and inviting. A long, clean body of water with a shallow tanning ledge that catches the sun just right. Stainless steel scuppers arc water into the pool—movement, sound, life. Steps are crisp, geometry is balanced, and the water reflects clarity instead of neglect. Around it, the yard found purpose. Artificial turf introduced contrast—green, controlled, low-maintenance. A pergola structure rose in the corner, creating a destination within the destination. Beneath it, a built-in outdoor kitchen turned the backyard into a place to gather, not just pass through. Lighting stitched everything together, making the space just as alive at dusk as it is under the midday sun. By the end, nothing felt accidental. What was once forgotten is now deliberate. What was once avoided is now the center of attention. Fifteen years later, the backyard didn’t just come back—it finally became what it was always supposed to be.

Schroeder Design/Build created seven different layout options and our clients selected an “L” shaped design that required removing a bearing wall. This allowed us to open up the kitchen area and create a laundry area that was formerly an under stair closet. The new kitchen features loads of counter space for working and cabinets and drawers for storage. Appliances were placed to maximize flow and prevent traffic jams. A well-planned layered light plan offers overhead, task and accent lighting throughout. The peninsula seating area allows the kids to sit and do homework or socialize while mom’s preparing meals. This kitchen remodel includes many special touches that make it perfectly suited for this family. The knee wall under the peninsula is tiled to prevent damage to the cabinets from accidental kicking while the kids sit on stools. There’s a niche behind the sink to add extra counter depth for plants.

Lines and angles make up the world. Sometimes, though, those lines and angles make something a bit more unique and elegant. When this happens in a kitchen renovation, whether designed or accidentally (this time it was designed, of course), it’s a thing of magic. This Ottawa kitchen renovation creates a very simple but timeless look that combines clean lines, bright cabinetry, and a small space to make something brilliant. The dark floor compliments the white cabinets, which go well with the slate counter, and so on and so forth.

Central El Paso Backyard Renovation: Fifteen years is a long time for a backyard to quietly wait. At first, it was full of intention—a pool that promised summers, laughter, and long evenings. But time has a way of settling in. The water turned still, then green. Edges cracked. The space became less of a destination and more of something you looked past. Life moved forward, but the backyard stayed behind. Then came the decision: it was time. Not a patch job. Not a quick fix. A complete reset. The transformation didn’t begin beautifully—it began with demolition. The old pool was drained, exposing years of neglect etched into its surface. Crews stepped in, breaking, clearing, reshaping. What once held stagnant water became an open cavity of possibility. Steel rebar formed a new skeleton, precise and intentional. Every line measured. Every elevation reconsidered. This wasn’t just construction—it was rethinking how the space should live. The shell was rebuilt. Surfaces were refined. Plumbing, structure, and flow were corrected at their core. What had once been outdated and failing was now engineered to last. Then the shift happened. Hardscape came in—clean, warm-toned concrete replacing worn decking. Stone walls, once just boundaries, were elevated into features. Subtle textures, intentional lines. A visual language that matched the architecture of the home instead of competing with it. The pool returned—but not as it was. Now it was sharp, modern, and inviting. A long, clean body of water with a shallow tanning ledge that catches the sun just right. Stainless steel scuppers arc water into the pool—movement, sound, life. Steps are crisp, geometry is balanced, and the water reflects clarity instead of neglect. Around it, the yard found purpose. Artificial turf introduced contrast—green, controlled, low-maintenance. A pergola structure rose in the corner, creating a destination within the destination. Beneath it, a built-in outdoor kitchen turned the backyard into a place to gather, not just pass through. Lighting stitched everything together, making the space just as alive at dusk as it is under the midday sun. By the end, nothing felt accidental. What was once forgotten is now deliberate. What was once avoided is now the center of attention. Fifteen years later, the backyard didn’t just come back—it finally became what it was always supposed to be.

This residential home showcases the Quarry Mill's Carson Pass real thin stone veneer as exterior siding. Carson Pass is a fieldledge style natural thin stone veneer with an impressive depth of color. The stone has an abundance of natural mineral staining and lichen growing on the individual pieces. Upon close inspection Carson Pass almost appears to have been painted due to the vibrant colors, however, the colors are a completely natural occurrence. There are two types of lichen present on the stone. The first type provides some of the black tones and the second type gives more grey tones. The grey lichen is less abundant and almost looks as if mortar was accidentally splashed on the stone.

Moved by the desire to create a home that would be an antithesis to the concrete jungle, the design drew from the invigorating season of Autumn; earth and nature represented in the humble treatment of wood throughout the abode. - www.0932.am Type . Residential Location. Singapore Floor Area . 1,216 SQ FT Year of Completion . 2012 Photo Credit . Tai Heng Text Credit . Pamela Lim Interior . 0932 Design Consultants www.0932.am

Calligaris is a company that keeps up with the times, perceiving the present with that sensitivity that allows for the most interesting and fruitful ideas to be transformed into furniture and decorative accessories ready to enter people's homes and find their place, creating unique spaces that speak volumes about their occupants. ORBITAL extending table: pedestal base and elliptical top. Pininfarina Design. The ORBITAL table has a technologically advanced automatic extending system. Thanks to one fluid movement of its metal arms, the two extension leaves slide out from underneath the top and simultaneously position themselves at the same level, maintaining the table's elliptical shape. A locking device prevents accidental closure. The pedestal base in rigid polyurethane, with a large central hole, and the metal support plate ensure the frame's stability. ORBITAL is a high-tech, design savvy extending table, a scenic presence in your domestic ensemble, the true protagonist of your dining room. Discover all the details! Features: Automatic extension mechanism Elliptical table top shape Extends up to 100.5"" Tempered glass top Specifications: Maxium Length: 100.5"

A wine cellar that literally takes your breath away when you walk through the door. The Barrel ceiling with custom forged staves takes you inside the barrel. The Waterfall racking on both sides gives dimension to the room with a wine barrel as the focal point. The lighting valance around the room supports the lighting which illuminates that warm glow. A cork floor provides a unique look as well as protection for those bottles that may accidentally fall. The back of the custom door was completely covered by corks. The pull out computer drawer supports the computer inventory system attached to the individual metal wine tags attached to the racking. Photo taken by Inviniti Cellar Design

Central El Paso Backyard Renovation: Fifteen years is a long time for a backyard to quietly wait. At first, it was full of intention—a pool that promised summers, laughter, and long evenings. But time has a way of settling in. The water turned still, then green. Edges cracked. The space became less of a destination and more of something you looked past. Life moved forward, but the backyard stayed behind. Then came the decision: it was time. Not a patch job. Not a quick fix. A complete reset. The transformation didn’t begin beautifully—it began with demolition. The old pool was drained, exposing years of neglect etched into its surface. Crews stepped in, breaking, clearing, reshaping. What once held stagnant water became an open cavity of possibility. Steel rebar formed a new skeleton, precise and intentional. Every line measured. Every elevation reconsidered. This wasn’t just construction—it was rethinking how the space should live. The shell was rebuilt. Surfaces were refined. Plumbing, structure, and flow were corrected at their core. What had once been outdated and failing was now engineered to last. Then the shift happened. Hardscape came in—clean, warm-toned concrete replacing worn decking. Stone walls, once just boundaries, were elevated into features. Subtle textures, intentional lines. A visual language that matched the architecture of the home instead of competing with it. The pool returned—but not as it was. Now it was sharp, modern, and inviting. A long, clean body of water with a shallow tanning ledge that catches the sun just right. Stainless steel scuppers arc water into the pool—movement, sound, life. Steps are crisp, geometry is balanced, and the water reflects clarity instead of neglect. Around it, the yard found purpose. Artificial turf introduced contrast—green, controlled, low-maintenance. A pergola structure rose in the corner, creating a destination within the destination. Beneath it, a built-in outdoor kitchen turned the backyard into a place to gather, not just pass through. Lighting stitched everything together, making the space just as alive at dusk as it is under the midday sun. By the end, nothing felt accidental. What was once forgotten is now deliberate. What was once avoided is now the center of attention. Fifteen years later, the backyard didn’t just come back—it finally became what it was always supposed to be.

Large modern brown two-story stucco house exterior idea in San Francisco with a shed roof

Appliances and storage were carefully designed in ergonomic locations, simplifying and increasing functionality. Wall ovens are placed at a comfortable height, easier to use than a range oven close to the ground. An induction cooktop adds energy efficiency and safety: they are cool to the touch, alleviating accidental burns. A new exhaust hood replaced under-powered and ineffective ventilation. Upgraded lighting design and use of visual textures in materials increase visibility and make the space easy to navigate. Pendants provide extra lighting to the island for meal prep, and undercabinet lighting brightens countertop space. Recessed cans are located to illuminate the interiors of cabinetry, hot spots of activity, and entrances and walkways to and within the space. SHOWN IN PHOTO: Dura Supreme Cabinetry | Grothouse Butcher Block | LG Hi-Macs Countertop | Elk Lighting | Thermador Wall Ovens and Induction Cooktop | Zephyr Vent Hood | Top Knobs Cabinetry Pulls | Walker Zanger Tile

Customer needed a bronze exterior window and a cherry wood laminate interior and received quotes of $60,000 - $90,000 from competitors. She got a top of the line window from Home Improvement Professionals LLC for $28,000 to replace all her windows in her home with professional installation and a lifetime warranty including accidental glass breakage and seal failure.

These doors were salvaged from the owner's collection and the 8'6" height informed the height of the new opening to the vestibule shown to the left. The doors are painted in a high gloss creamy white, spray lacquered in a smooth car paint like finish. The door trim shown was salvaged from another Victorian house in the neighborhood, spotted accidentally at a local wood stripping shop. A deal was made to buy all of it, and it fit perfectly in this house. The door trim in this room matches the brown painted walls. The "C" shaped door pulls are vintage polished brass from teh 60's. New baseboard and plinth blocks were made to trim out the new vestibule.

Central El Paso Backyard Renovation: Fifteen years is a long time for a backyard to quietly wait. At first, it was full of intention—a pool that promised summers, laughter, and long evenings. But time has a way of settling in. The water turned still, then green. Edges cracked. The space became less of a destination and more of something you looked past. Life moved forward, but the backyard stayed behind. Then came the decision: it was time. Not a patch job. Not a quick fix. A complete reset. The transformation didn’t begin beautifully—it began with demolition. The old pool was drained, exposing years of neglect etched into its surface. Crews stepped in, breaking, clearing, reshaping. What once held stagnant water became an open cavity of possibility. Steel rebar formed a new skeleton, precise and intentional. Every line measured. Every elevation reconsidered. This wasn’t just construction—it was rethinking how the space should live. The shell was rebuilt. Surfaces were refined. Plumbing, structure, and flow were corrected at their core. What had once been outdated and failing was now engineered to last. Then the shift happened. Hardscape came in—clean, warm-toned concrete replacing worn decking. Stone walls, once just boundaries, were elevated into features. Subtle textures, intentional lines. A visual language that matched the architecture of the home instead of competing with it. The pool returned—but not as it was. Now it was sharp, modern, and inviting. A long, clean body of water with a shallow tanning ledge that catches the sun just right. Stainless steel scuppers arc water into the pool—movement, sound, life. Steps are crisp, geometry is balanced, and the water reflects clarity instead of neglect. Around it, the yard found purpose. Artificial turf introduced contrast—green, controlled, low-maintenance. A pergola structure rose in the corner, creating a destination within the destination. Beneath it, a built-in outdoor kitchen turned the backyard into a place to gather, not just pass through. Lighting stitched everything together, making the space just as alive at dusk as it is under the midday sun. By the end, nothing felt accidental. What was once forgotten is now deliberate. What was once avoided is now the center of attention. Fifteen years later, the backyard didn’t just come back—it finally became what it was always supposed to be.

Central El Paso Backyard Renovation: Fifteen years is a long time for a backyard to quietly wait. At first, it was full of intention—a pool that promised summers, laughter, and long evenings. But time has a way of settling in. The water turned still, then green. Edges cracked. The space became less of a destination and more of something you looked past. Life moved forward, but the backyard stayed behind. Then came the decision: it was time. Not a patch job. Not a quick fix. A complete reset. The transformation didn’t begin beautifully—it began with demolition. The old pool was drained, exposing years of neglect etched into its surface. Crews stepped in, breaking, clearing, reshaping. What once held stagnant water became an open cavity of possibility. Steel rebar formed a new skeleton, precise and intentional. Every line measured. Every elevation reconsidered. This wasn’t just construction—it was rethinking how the space should live. The shell was rebuilt. Surfaces were refined. Plumbing, structure, and flow were corrected at their core. What had once been outdated and failing was now engineered to last. Then the shift happened. Hardscape came in—clean, warm-toned concrete replacing worn decking. Stone walls, once just boundaries, were elevated into features. Subtle textures, intentional lines. A visual language that matched the architecture of the home instead of competing with it. The pool returned—but not as it was. Now it was sharp, modern, and inviting. A long, clean body of water with a shallow tanning ledge that catches the sun just right. Stainless steel scuppers arc water into the pool—movement, sound, life. Steps are crisp, geometry is balanced, and the water reflects clarity instead of neglect. Around it, the yard found purpose. Artificial turf introduced contrast—green, controlled, low-maintenance. A pergola structure rose in the corner, creating a destination within the destination. Beneath it, a built-in outdoor kitchen turned the backyard into a place to gather, not just pass through. Lighting stitched everything together, making the space just as alive at dusk as it is under the midday sun. By the end, nothing felt accidental. What was once forgotten is now deliberate. What was once avoided is now the center of attention. Fifteen years later, the backyard didn’t just come back—it finally became what it was always supposed to be.

Schroeder Design/Build created seven different layout options and our clients selected an “L” shaped design that required removing a bearing wall. This allowed us to open up the kitchen area and create a laundry area that was formerly an under stair closet. The new kitchen features loads of counter space for working and cabinets and drawers for storage. Appliances were placed to maximize flow and prevent traffic jams. A well-planned layered light plan offers overhead, task and accent lighting throughout. The peninsula seating area allows the kids to sit and do homework or socialize while mom’s preparing meals. This kitchen remodel includes many special touches that make it perfectly suited for this family. The knee wall under the peninsula is tiled to prevent damage to the cabinets from accidental kicking while the kids sit on stools. There’s a niche behind the sink to add extra counter depth for plants.

The design challenge was to create a bookcase without interfering with the end-of-hall closet door-opening or shrinking the hallway width too much. The solution was to put the books facing out and use something to make sure they don't FALL out. I used 3/4" copper tubing ("L" type with thicker walls for less chance of being accidentally bent over time with kids) and black pipe flanges (specialty versions with a smaller (2 1/2") diameter). One of the main challenges in execution was providing a 45 degree angled left side that became continuous with the existing 45 degree angled wall. The apparent seam in the picture is only from the fact that I only took it to the stage of being primed. The customer will paint it and any seams should disappear.