Example of a transitional home office design in DC Metro

Custom open rise white oak staircase wrapping around a pneumatic elevator shaft.
Example of a large trendy wooden floating staircase design in Richmond with wooden risers

Benefits of Plantation Shutters Plantation shutters offer advantages and benefits to homeowners over other window coverings including: • A permanent addition to a house: While they don't add much to the sale price and don't guarantee a return on investment, the curb appeal helps the house sell faster. The permanency of plantation shutters allows them to be included in appraisals. • Versatility: Many have the ability to open only halfway if desired. If you want to let in all the light, plantation shutters swing away from the window to grant an unobstructed view. • Insulation: When all louvers are closed, a good insulating barrier is created, trapping unwanted temperatures and saving you money on your energy bill. • Easy maintenance: With wide louvers, a simple wipe-down is often all that's needed. Vinyl shutters can be taken off their hinges and sprayed off for a major cleaning. • Elegance: The classic, yet modern look conveys a permanency like no other window dressing can. Whether painted or natural wood, they all have a look that says; welcome home. Wood vs. Faux Wood It's not hard to argue that natural wood is more appealing than vinyl or PVC. However, "faux wood," as it's sometimes called, has some advantages: • Price -- Faux wood shutters are often lower in price than real wood. • Weight -- Because some shutters are made "hollow core" (as opposed to vinyl-wrapped medium density fiberboard, MDF), they can be significantly lighter. • Moisture Resistance -- If you live in an area with high humidity, hollow faux wood or aluminum core will resist expanding and sagging. (MDF core louvers will tend to expand and crack as the material swells with moisture.) Natural wood is the choice for those who have a very healthy budget or for whom a specific appearance is a must. Among the advantages are: • Size -- Because wood plantation shutters are made of hardwood, they can be quite a bit larger than plastic or vinyl. Vinyl shutters larger than 29 inches may be prone to sag, so they need divider rails or other supports which can destroy the traditional look of a plantation shutter. • Natural -- While vinyl or plastic shutters can be painted to match any color scheme, the natural shades and finishes of the various species of wood have something for every look. • Classic -- While many plastic shutters can be made to look like real wood, the faux wood finishes can vary significantly depending on manufacturer and model. Up close, it can be easy to tell they're plastic. The warmth of natural wood is a classic feel that's impossible to beat. Popular Plantation Shutter Brands When you go to purchase your plantation shutters, brands names may offer a good representation of high-, mid-, and low-cost range of what's available. Which one you choose depends on your budget and your tastes. Hunter-Douglas and Norman Shutters produce three lines of plantation shutters in both real wood and faux wood styles. A higher-end product, Hunter-Douglas may be worth the cost for beauty and quality of workmanship. The Window Outfitters and Sunland produce a mid-cost line of shutters. The mid-range pricing may be for those who are balancing aesthetics with a budget. National franchise and or box stores may not offer an in-house expert or designer. Look to local companies that specialize in plantation shutters looking online may offer a low-cost brand for budget-minded DIYers. Available in both faux and real wood, the affordability combines with the visual appeal to make this a very popular choice for plantation shutters. Regardless of which line you go with, be sure to ask about frames. Generally all manufactures offer frame choices and may add to the cost, but they add an unsurpassed beauty and warmth to a room with plantation shutters. Plantation shutters look like similar to wooden blinds, but there are significant differences. Blinds are often narrow, made of aluminum or vinyl, and the slats tilt based on a gear and pulley mechanism and they hang in the window with cords. By contrast, plantation shutters have wide compound louvers that fit into a frame and are controlled by way of a wooden rod running up the middle. When not needed, they can be manufactured to swing back onto the wall. Options to are available to build a more contemporary look with a larger view with a “hidden tilt” feature. Cost of Plantation Shutters Nationally, the cost of plantation shutters, depending on their size and the material, whether or not they are custom arches and colors or stains, may vary. Most manufacturers want their shutters to be professionally installed to keep the warranty intact which is a benefit to the customer in the long run. They will usually have a limited lifetime warranty. Cost of Installation Costs for having plantation shutters installed by a contractor are a bit more predictable. Contractors who have installed plantation shutters before can quickly get accurate measurements and suggest which materials would work best in different rooms. For example, while natural wood may look beautiful in your living room, it might not be so practical in a bathroom where moisture will cause the wood to warp. The size, material, and quality of the shutter will have a significant effect on the cost. Contractors usually go through a shutter supplier and can get various sizes that are not normally available at home improvement stores. Hiring a professional team of knowledgeable suppliers and installers is a good choice. Here are some sample prices of the shutters most contractors use for standard-sized windows: In general, plantation shutters should cost approximately $20 to $26 per square foot. Labor costs depend on factors such as the contractor's workload, remoteness of the location, environment, and the contractor's overhead. Labor generally runs about $100 per hour and will be added to the shutter cost. • 16x20 -- Faux wood $120. Real wood $156 • 24x50 -- Faux wood $160. Real wood $208 • 36x54 -- Faux wood $270. Real wood $351 • 36x60 -- Faux wood $300 Real wood $390 • 42x72 -- Faux wood $420. Real wood $546 • 48x82 -- Faux wood $550. Real wood $715 DIY Plantation shutters can be purchased and installed by the homeowners. How much they cost will depend on size and material. Faux wood shutter’s cost depends on size and wooden shutter’s cost will depend on size and whether or not they are painted or stained. • Natural wood is $90-$600 depending on size. Many companies offer standard stained selection but custom color matching may be available from $175 -$250. • Faux wood will be from $120-$500. • Additional tools include: Hang Strips $4-$15 and about $4 for mounting hardware. Locks or closures can cost up to $15 for each shutter. Finally, if you order them online, you can expect to pay $30-$70 shipping per shutter or per set of shutters per window depending on the supplier. Keep in mind that even if you're handy with tools, installing shutters can be time-consuming if you've never done it before there is defiantly a learning curve.

Chicology Cordless Vinyl Mini Blinds are an industry game changer. Durable and smooth 1-inch slats pair nicely with an easy cordless lift. We upgraded all the mediocrities that come to mind when you hear “vinyl blinds”. Our signature cordless mechanism breathes new life into traditionally tedious corded vinyl blinds. This blind offers outstanding value with its durable construction which resists warping, fading and sagging. Why deal with messy, hazardous cords when you can go completely cordless, with the lift of a finger. These blinds are designed to stop precisely where you want and provide accurate light control. The slats provide privacy, shade, and allows you to control exactly how much light to allow in. Being cordless, our Vinyl Blinds are free of drawstrings which can be a hazard to pets and young children. They come with a color coordinating head rail, sturdy bottom rail, and handy wand control. Available in 2 colors with wide appeal, Gloss white and Gloss gray, Chicology Cordless Mini Vinyl Blinds are guaranteed to be a gorgeous and exceptional accent for your home, business or office at the vinyl price.

Elegant dark wood floor hallway photo in New York

Benefits of Plantation Shutters Plantation shutters offer advantages and benefits to homeowners over other window coverings including: • A permanent addition to a house: While they don't add much to the sale price and don't guarantee a return on investment, the curb appeal helps the house sell faster. The permanency of plantation shutters allows them to be included in appraisals. • Versatility: Many have the ability to open only halfway if desired. If you want to let in all the light, plantation shutters swing away from the window to grant an unobstructed view. • Insulation: When all louvers are closed, a good insulating barrier is created, trapping unwanted temperatures and saving you money on your energy bill. • Easy maintenance: With wide louvers, a simple wipe-down is often all that's needed. Vinyl shutters can be taken off their hinges and sprayed off for a major cleaning. • Elegance: The classic, yet modern look conveys a permanency like no other window dressing can. Whether painted or natural wood, they all have a look that says; welcome home. Wood vs. Faux Wood It's not hard to argue that natural wood is more appealing than vinyl or PVC. However, "faux wood," as it's sometimes called, has some advantages: • Price -- Faux wood shutters are often lower in price than real wood. • Weight -- Because some shutters are made "hollow core" (as opposed to vinyl-wrapped medium density fiberboard, MDF), they can be significantly lighter. • Moisture Resistance -- If you live in an area with high humidity, hollow faux wood or aluminum core will resist expanding and sagging. (MDF core louvers will tend to expand and crack as the material swells with moisture.) Natural wood is the choice for those who have a very healthy budget or for whom a specific appearance is a must. Among the advantages are: • Size -- Because wood plantation shutters are made of hardwood, they can be quite a bit larger than plastic or vinyl. Vinyl shutters larger than 29 inches may be prone to sag, so they need divider rails or other supports which can destroy the traditional look of a plantation shutter. • Natural -- While vinyl or plastic shutters can be painted to match any color scheme, the natural shades and finishes of the various species of wood have something for every look. • Classic -- While many plastic shutters can be made to look like real wood, the faux wood finishes can vary significantly depending on manufacturer and model. Up close, it can be easy to tell they're plastic. The warmth of natural wood is a classic feel that's impossible to beat. Popular Plantation Shutter Brands When you go to purchase your plantation shutters, brands names may offer a good representation of high-, mid-, and low-cost range of what's available. Which one you choose depends on your budget and your tastes. Hunter-Douglas and Norman Shutters produce three lines of plantation shutters in both real wood and faux wood styles. A higher-end product, Hunter-Douglas may be worth the cost for beauty and quality of workmanship. The Window Outfitters and Sunland produce a mid-cost line of shutters. The mid-range pricing may be for those who are balancing aesthetics with a budget. National franchise and or box stores may not offer an in-house expert or designer. Look to local companies that specialize in plantation shutters looking online may offer a low-cost brand for budget-minded DIYers. Available in both faux and real wood, the affordability combines with the visual appeal to make this a very popular choice for plantation shutters. Regardless of which line you go with, be sure to ask about frames. Generally all manufactures offer frame choices and may add to the cost, but they add an unsurpassed beauty and warmth to a room with plantation shutters. Plantation shutters look like similar to wooden blinds, but there are significant differences. Blinds are often narrow, made of aluminum or vinyl, and the slats tilt based on a gear and pulley mechanism and they hang in the window with cords. By contrast, plantation shutters have wide compound louvers that fit into a frame and are controlled by way of a wooden rod running up the middle. When not needed, they can be manufactured to swing back onto the wall. Options to are available to build a more contemporary look with a larger view with a “hidden tilt” feature. Cost of Plantation Shutters Nationally, the cost of plantation shutters, depending on their size and the material, whether or not they are custom arches and colors or stains, may vary. Most manufacturers want their shutters to be professionally installed to keep the warranty intact which is a benefit to the customer in the long run. They will usually have a limited lifetime warranty. Cost of Installation Costs for having plantation shutters installed by a contractor are a bit more predictable. Contractors who have installed plantation shutters before can quickly get accurate measurements and suggest which materials would work best in different rooms. For example, while natural wood may look beautiful in your living room, it might not be so practical in a bathroom where moisture will cause the wood to warp. The size, material, and quality of the shutter will have a significant effect on the cost. Contractors usually go through a shutter supplier and can get various sizes that are not normally available at home improvement stores. Hiring a professional team of knowledgeable suppliers and installers is a good choice. Here are some sample prices of the shutters most contractors use for standard-sized windows: In general, plantation shutters should cost approximately $20 to $26 per square foot. Labor costs depend on factors such as the contractor's workload, remoteness of the location, environment, and the contractor's overhead. Labor generally runs about $100 per hour and will be added to the shutter cost. • 16x20 -- Faux wood $120. Real wood $156 • 24x50 -- Faux wood $160. Real wood $208 • 36x54 -- Faux wood $270. Real wood $351 • 36x60 -- Faux wood $300 Real wood $390 • 42x72 -- Faux wood $420. Real wood $546 • 48x82 -- Faux wood $550. Real wood $715 DIY Plantation shutters can be purchased and installed by the homeowners. How much they cost will depend on size and material. Faux wood shutter’s cost depends on size and wooden shutter’s cost will depend on size and whether or not they are painted or stained. • Natural wood is $90-$600 depending on size. Many companies offer standard stained selection but custom color matching may be available from $175 -$250. • Faux wood will be from $120-$500. • Additional tools include: Hang Strips $4-$15 and about $4 for mounting hardware. Locks or closures can cost up to $15 for each shutter. Finally, if you order them online, you can expect to pay $30-$70 shipping per shutter or per set of shutters per window depending on the supplier. Keep in mind that even if you're handy with tools, installing shutters can be time-consuming if you've never done it before there is defiantly a learning curve.

Envision By Tech Lighting Specification grade head with precision internal gearing mechanisms that allow for hot aiming and are self-locking. Rotates 360° and pivots 0° to 90°. Up to two MR16 size lenses or louvers (sold separately) are held captive inside the lamp cartridge which includes an integral glare reducing snoot. Lamp cartridge and lens orientation adjust 180°. Lamp cartridge is keyed to maintain accurate focus during re-lamping. All functionality can be fine-tuned using a phillips or flat head screwdriver and with the guide of accompanying markings. Low-voltage, MR16 lamp of up to 50 watts (not included).

This piece is one of our industrial horizontal filing cabinets that would look great in any industrial office or home office setting. It has been beautifully handcrafted of solid steel that has been finished in a vintage style patina. We can make this lateral filing cabinet in any size and configuration, but the one listed here has been constructed with four large pullout file drawers of equal size, with inner mesh doors, and in the dimensions of 72” W x 20” D x 30” high. It could be made with more drawers or less, depending on your needs. Locks could also be installed to secure your confidential documents or whatever belongings may be inside. The top is made with durable solid steel but for a more rustic industrial look, could be outfitted with any of the reclaimed woods you see on any of our other pieces. We even have a few on hand that have historical significance, but these add significantly to the price and have very limited availability. We can also make it in any of the steel finishes you see on any of our other items. The center compartment has been built with two mesh doors, but could be made solid steel or reclaimed wood to complement the vintage look. Behind the doors is one removable shelf inside the cabinet. This area can be used to store more files or office supplies. The shelf could also be constructed to adjustable (for an additional price – please inquire). The impressive modern industrial style has been enhanced by the use of decorative rivets. We can always add more or less or none at all. The filing cabinet sits on legs adorned with industrial style brackets, but could be replaced with casters for a mobile file cabinet. These also make great industrial dressers. When used for such, they can be made with dovetailed wooden drawer boxes. Please inquire for information and pricing on any changes you would like. Model: Remington Dimensions: 72” W x 20” D x 30” H Price as shown: $4,000.00 __________________________________________ **EACH PIECE IS HANDMADE. Therefore, no two pieces will be the same. The patina will vary from piece to piece, and the lighter more splotchy pieces will vary greatly. --- **TURNAROUND IS ABOUT 3 1/2 WEEKS, but varies from time to time so please feel free to contact me for a more accurate time frame. --- **Shipping will be quoted for "Standard Delivery" If you would like a quote on inside delivery, be sure to indicate that choice when requesting a quote. _____________________________________________ ABOUT US: We create custom, unique furniture unlike anything you will find. Our intention is to give you a piece of furniture that you will admire and enjoy for years to come and that will leave your house-guests envious! Our work is 100% hand crafted in the United States and made to last a lifetime. These unique pieces fit perfectly with any urban/modern, mid-century, or rustic décor. All of our pieces can be made in many configurations and sizes to suit your specific style and needs. There are many options available as each piece is designed just for you, so, if you have any thoughts, please contact us and we would be happy to let you know what your options are. * All rights reserved; Combine 9 Design, LLC

This piece is our modern industrial retail cabinet and shelving unit. The sleek design could fit any modern boutique or vintage style retail setting. When used as a retail fixture, the small footprint does not take up valuable real estate in your establishment! It is handmade by us and can be made in any size or configuration imaginable. The lower cabinet area measures 24” W x 27 ¾” D x 27 ¾” H and is ordained with vintage industrial rivets. We have treated the sides and doors of the piece with a chemical patina that gives it its neutral dark color that matches any décor. The doors could be made with a mesh face or one of our beautiful reclaimed woods. Behind the doors is a fixed center shelf, but it could be made with a removable shelf, none at all or a vertical partition. Locks could also be installed to keep your belongings safe. The upper hutch has been designed with three removable shelves to display your wares, but more could be added. The hutch measures 24” W x 14 3/8” D x 54 ¼” H. The shelves are spaced at 12 ¾” and could also be made fixed or adjustable. The sides of the hutch are constructed of the same durable steel, but could be made with new or reclaimed wood (stained any color you like), or mesh for more visibility. Doors could also be added to the hutch to make it a cabinet area, with options including solid steel, mesh, and glass. The back of the unit is decorative, so it could be used as the centerpiece of your retail store. The back paneling is solid steel, but holes could be made in the back at no additional charge to accommodate power cords for LED lighting. This unit is made with straight legs but could be outfitted with casters for a mobile industrial retail fixture that can continue to adapt with the dynamic of your establishment. Overall dimensions of this piece are: 24” W x 28” D x 82” H Price as shown: $1,500.00 Model: The Montgomery __________________________________________ **EACH PIECE IS HANDMADE. Therefore, no two pieces will be the same. The patina will vary from piece to piece, and the lighter more splotchy pieces will vary greatly. --- **TURNAROUND IS ABOUT 3 1/2 WEEKS, but varies from time to time so please feel free to contact me for a more accurate time frame. --- **Shipping will be quoted for "Standard Delivery" If you would like a quote on inside delivery, be sure to indicate that choice when requesting a quote. ____________________________________________ ABOUT US: We create custom, unique furniture unlike anything you will find. Our intention is to give you a piece of furniture that you will admire and enjoy for years to come and that will leave your house-guests envious! Our work is 100% hand crafted in the United States and made to last a lifetime. These unique pieces fit perfectly with any urban/modern, mid-century, or rustic décor. All of our pieces can be made in many configurations and sizes to suit your specific style and needs. There are many options available as each piece is designed just for you, so, if you have any thoughts, please contact us and we would be happy to let you know what your options are. * All rights reserved; Combine 9 Design, LLC

Exterior of historic renovation and additional featuring shellstone decking around the custom pool and spa, cedar lap siding, historically accurate "X" railing design with cable railing and Ipe decking at the porches, and a snap-lock light grey metal roof.

Exterior of historic renovation and additional featuring shellstone decking around the custom pool and spa, cedar lap siding, historically accurate "X" railing design with cable railing and Ipe decking at the porches, and a snap-lock light grey metal roof.

Exterior of historic renovation and additional featuring shellstone decking around the custom pool and spa, cedar lap siding, historically accurate "X" railing design with cable railing and Ipe decking at the porches, and a snap-lock light grey metal roof.

The Tashman’s carpentry team recently installed this new pre hung and pre finished door from Escon doors. Kenny Tashman
Inspiration for a rustic entryway remodel in Los Angeles

This is a "flush with the wall" system. The aluminum frame is fully built in, and the door leaf is painted or finished to match the wall — the door literally disappears. The result is minimalism, clean lines, and spatial harmony. Each project is unique. Specify the opening dimensions, finish type, and timeline — and we will provide an accurate quote.

This is a closer photo of the cabinet lacquer work. This finish is not done with oil-glaze, but with lacquer. Different layers of oil-tint are rubbed on using mineral spirits as a vehicle. Each layer is locked (or melted.....to be more accurate) in with another coat of lacquer. This one had just 2 layers of tint. Altogether, this finish took around 10 coats from start to finish.

This is a "flush with the wall" system. The aluminum frame is fully built in, and the door leaf is painted or finished to match the wall — the door literally disappears. The result is minimalism, clean lines, and spatial harmony. Each project is unique. Specify the opening dimensions, finish type, and timeline — and we will provide an accurate quote.

This is a "flush with the wall" system. The aluminum frame is fully built in, and the door leaf is painted or finished to match the wall — the door literally disappears. The result is minimalism, clean lines, and spatial harmony. Each project is unique. Specify the opening dimensions, finish type, and timeline — and we will provide an accurate quote.

This is a "flush with the wall" system. The aluminum frame is fully built in, and the door leaf is painted or finished to match the wall — the door literally disappears. The result is minimalism, clean lines, and spatial harmony. Each project is unique. Specify the opening dimensions, finish type, and timeline — and we will provide an accurate quote.

Not all architectural imagery is created equal. Some renderings look obviously computer-generated, with flat lighting and plastic-looking materials that fail to convince viewers. Others are so precise that they are indistinguishable from photographs. That second category, realistic architectural visualization rendering, has become the standard expectation for architects, developers, and marketers who need imagery capable of withstanding close scrutiny from investors, buyers, and planning authorities. As audiences grow more visually literate, the tolerance for obviously artificial, video-game-like imagery in professional presentations continues to shrink. What Sets Realistic Visualization Apart Realistic architectural visualization goes beyond simply modeling a building in three dimensions. It requires physically accurate lighting simulation, true-to-life material properties, and careful attention to the small imperfections that make real-world photography convincing, such as subtle reflections, ambient occlusion in corners, and natural depth of field. The goal is an image that a viewer would believe was captured by a camera on-site rather than generated by software. Achieving that level of believability typically means dozens of small adjustments layered on top of one another rather than any single dramatic setting. Realistic Versus Stylized Rendering Approaches Stylized or conceptual renderings still have their place, particularly in early design phases when a looser, more artistic representation helps convey mood without locking in every detail. But once a project moves toward marketing, investment, or permitting, stakeholders need to see exactly what they are getting. Realistic visualization removes ambiguity, showing true material colors, accurate proportions, and honest lighting conditions rather than idealized abstractions. Understanding which approach a project actually needs at each stage helps clients avoid paying for a level of polish that a given milestone does not yet require. Why Realism Builds Client and Buyer Confidence Buyers and investors are understandably skeptical of overly polished or unrealistic marketing images. When a rendering looks convincingly real, it builds trust rather than raising doubts about what the finished project will actually look like. This is especially important in real estate presales, where buyers are committing significant sums based largely on visual material rather than a finished physical space. A rendering that later turns out to have misrepresented the finished product can also create legal and reputational exposure for developers, making accuracy a genuine business risk rather than just an aesthetic preference. The Technical Pillars Behind Every Realistic Scene Achieving true realism depends on several technical disciplines working together: physically based rendering engines that simulate how light actually behaves, high-resolution texture libraries that replicate real materials like stone, wood, and glass, and careful camera work that mimics real photographic lenses and exposure. Post-production adds a final layer of color grading and atmospheric effects that ties everything together into a cohesive, believable image. Each of these pillars depends on the others; even flawless material work can be undermined by lighting that behaves in a physically implausible way. Applications Across Residential, Commercial, and Institutional Projects Realistic visualization serves a wide range of building types, from single-family homes and luxury condominiums to office towers, hotels, schools, and healthcare facilities. Each typology has its own material palette and lighting expectations, and an experienced studio adjusts its approach accordingly, whether that means warm, inviting tones for a residential lobby or crisp, professional lighting for a corporate headquarters. Institutional clients such as universities and hospitals often have additional requirements around accessibility signage and wayfinding, which need to be represented accurately alongside the architecture itself. How AIMIR CG Delivers Photorealistic Accuracy Our studio specializes in realistic architectural visualization rendering that holds up under close inspection. Every project moves through a disciplined pipeline of modeling, texturing, lighting, and post-production review, with artists cross-checking material references and lighting studies against real-world photography. This attention to detail is why clients consistently describe our end product as impressive and our process as easy to work with. A dedicated quality review stage before delivery catches inconsistencies that might otherwise slip through a faster, less structured pipeline. Common Challenges in Achieving True Realism Realistic rendering is technically demanding. Common obstacles include accurately simulating how light bounces between surfaces, matching material reflectivity to real product specifications, and avoiding the uncanny, slightly artificial look that comes from over-processed images. Overcoming these challenges requires experienced artists who understand both the science of light and the craft of photography, not just software proficiency. Rushed production schedules are often the real culprit behind unconvincing renderings, since realism typically requires several iterative passes rather than a single render. What to Look for in a Realism-Focused Rendering Studio When evaluating a rendering partner, review their portfolio critically. Do the images include convincing shadow detail and material variation, or do surfaces look uniformly smooth and artificial? Ask about their revision process and how closely they work with architects to source accurate material and lighting references, since realism is ultimately the product of disciplined collaboration, not a single software setting. It also helps to ask for examples of past projects in a similar building type, since a studio's strengths can vary across typologies. Ready for Renderings That Look Real If your project deserves imagery that can stand up to the scrutiny of investors, buyers, and planning boards, AIMIR CG is ready to help. Our team combines technical precision with artistic judgment to deliver visualization that looks and feels genuinely real. Contact us to discuss how photorealistic rendering can strengthen your next presentation or marketing campaign, and let us show you examples from projects similar to your own.