This zealous gardener was tired of her pool taking up so much space in her landscape. She asked me for ideas. The answer was simple. Since her garden brings her so much joy, I proposed adding more garden rooms to experience. We removed the large expansive pool and replaced it with a small reflecting pond that doubles as the pool. This allowed us to create 4 new garden spaces. We replaced all concrete pavers with natural PA flagstone. The traditional square lawn provides elements of simplicity, elegance and classical style while creating a new play space for the grand kids. The pergola creates depth and a great focal point from the loggia. We illuminated all the walkways and garden rooms with Escort Lighting. One of the most fun transformations was converting the spa to a fish pond. The pond provides just enough sound to drain out all neighborhood activities. In the front, we created a new permeable brick paving parking area. The parking area was designed to keep visitors from venturing to the back parking. We chose the permeable brick pavers to collect runoff that is becoming more of a problem in the neighborhood. Our final piece to this property was to come up with a unique solution creating additional privacy while minimizing root damage to the existing plant material. Our client was looking for a permanent solution that required little to no maintenance. Masonry walls were out due to the necessary footers. We looked at fence options. Wood and plastics were out, so we created post out of steel “I” beams and setting concrete lintels in between the lintels. It was perfect. This has to be one of my favorite projects to design and implement of my 25 year experience.

We The People Construction is proud to present its recently completed project, a remarkable backyard remodel that has turned ordinary outdoor spaces into vibrant, functional, and aesthetically pleasing havens. This project embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity, redefining backyard living through the integration of various elements that harmonize seamlessly to create a unique and captivating environment. The centerpiece of the Oasis Courtscape project is the exquisite basketball court, providing a dedicated space for family and friends to enjoy endless hours of fun, competition, and physical activity. Designed with precision and attention to detail, the court incorporates high-quality materials, ensuring optimal playability and a professional-grade experience. To further enhance the overall appeal and functionality, artificial turf has been artfully integrated throughout the backyard. This synthetic grass solution not only adds a touch of lushness and vibrancy but also eliminates the need for tedious maintenance, providing a consistently green and inviting atmosphere for all to enjoy. Recognizing the importance of sustainable landscaping, a section of xeriscape has been thoughtfully incorporated into the design. This water-efficient and low-maintenance landscaping technique not only conserves water resources but also brings a touch of natural beauty to the space, with drought-resistant plants and strategically placed rock formations adding depth and texture to the overall aesthetic. To offer respite from the sun and rain, a stylish patio cover has been constructed, providing a comfortable and sheltered outdoor area. The patio cover allows for uninterrupted enjoyment of the backyard, regardless of the weather, while its design complements the overall theme of the project, enhancing the visual appeal of the space. Completing the transformation, carefully selected pavers have been installed, creating an inviting sitting area that seamlessly blends with the surrounding elements. These durable and visually striking pavers provide a solid foundation for outdoor furniture, encouraging relaxation, conversation, and memorable gatherings with loved ones. Oasis Courtscape, showcasing their expertise in transforming ordinary backyards into extraordinary spaces. The project's distinctive combination of a basketball court, artificial turf, xeriscape, patio cover, and pavers has resulted in a breathtaking oasis that reflects the harmonious coexistence of recreation, sustainability, and style. With meticulous attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence, We The People has successfully created an outdoor paradise where unforgettable memories are made.

Rob and Danielle have three children and wanted a kitchen redesign that would function better for their active household. Their kitchen contained tight spaces with a narrow island that blocked flow through the room. Two cooks in the kitchen were one too many as the space wasn’t conducive for it. For entertaining, the island proved to be too small to set out all their food and have room around it for guests to congregate. The only way to walk to the great room, which was where the family hung out most often, was to go through the kitchen and dining area, proving to again congest the area. They are avid sailors, and wanted to bring in the color of the sea into their contemporary design. I added a separate entry point directly from the kitchen to the great room, and created a work triangle in a separate area to relieve the congestion from people passing through the room. The island shape and size were uniquely designed to allow the person at the sink to be able to look directly into the great room, and provide ample space to spread out food for entertaining. A bookcase was integrated into the island to display cookbooks, and the paneled refrigerator made for a seamless wall of beautiful cabinetry. The entry into the formal dining was relocated to remove the necessity of having corner cabinetry. A separate bar area allows family and guests to make their drinks without needing to go into the chef’s space. The glass backsplash tile was selected to reflect the sea colors they love, with crystal pendants to add bling similar to the light that reflects off the water.

"Stunning Hallway Wallpaper Installation in San Marcos – Where First Impressions Flourish!" Elevate your home’s flow with our expert hallway wallpaper installation services. As San Marcos’ premier wallpaper installer, we specialize in creating durable, eye-catching designs that withstand daily foot traffic while showcasing your unique style. Why Choose Our San Marcos Hallway Wallpaper Services? ✔ Texas-Tough Materials – High-traffic vinyl and scrubbable finishes ✔ Space-Enhancing Designs – Vertical patterns that lengthen narrow hallways ✔ University-Inspired Styles – Bold school spirit or subtle academic elegance ✔ Quick & Clean Installation – Most projects completed in just 1 day ✔ Free Pattern Scaling Consultations – Ensuring perfect proportions for your space Popular San Marcos Hallway Styles ? Texas State Pride – Bobcat motifs or river-inspired designs ? Hill Country Natural – Weathered wood & limestone textures ? Modern Southwestern – Geometric patterns with desert tones ? Historic Home Charm – Classic damasks for vintage houses Exclusive Local Perks ✅ FREE 3D design preview of your hallway ✅ Student & Senior Discounts ✅ Peel-and-stick options for renters Serving All San Marcos Areas: Downtown lofts Blanco River homes The Retreat student housing Kissing Tree active adult community "Ask about our San Marcos River Collection – featuring flowing water patterns inspired by our beautiful waterways!"

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours The second-largest and most developed of Georgia's barrier islands, St. Simons is approximately twelve miles long and nearly three miles wide at its widest stretch (roughly the size of Manhattan Island in New York). The island is located in Glynn County on Georgia's coast and lies east of Brunswick (the seat of Glynn County), south of Little St. Simons Island and the Hampton River, and north of Jekyll Island. The resort community of Sea Island is separated from St. Simons on the east by the Black Banks River. Known for its oak tree canopies and historic landmarks, St. Simons is both a tourist destination and, according to the 2010 U.S. census, home to 12,743 residents. Early History The earliest St. Simons Island Village record of human habitation on the island dates to the Late Archaic Period, about 5,000 to 3,000 years ago. Remnants of shell rings left behind by Native Americans from this era survive on many of the barrier islands, including St. Simons. Centuries later, during the period known by historians as the chiefdom era, the Guale Indians established a chiefdom centered on St. Catherines Island and used St. Simons as their hunting and fishing grounds. By 1500 the Guale had established a permanent village of about 200 people on St. Simons, which they called Guadalquini. Beginning in 1568, the Spanish attempted to create missions along the Georgia coast. Catholic missions were the primary means by which Georgia's indigenous Native American chiefdoms were assimilated into the Spanish colonial system along the northern frontier of greater Spanish Florida. In the 1600s St. Simons became home to two Spanish missions: San Buenaventura de Guadalquini, on the southern tip of the island, and Santo Domingo de Asao (or Asajo), on the northern tip. Located on the inland side of the island were the pagan refugee villages of San Simón, the island's namesake, and Ocotonico. In 1684 pirate raids left the missions and villages largely abandoned. Colonial History As Fort Frederica early as 1670, with Great Britain's establishment of the colony of Carolina and its expansion into Georgia territory, Spanish rule was threatened by the English. The Georgia coast was considered "debatable land" by England and Spain, even though Spain had fully retreated from St. Simons by 1702. Thirty-one years later General James Edward Oglethorpe founded the English settlement of Savannah. In 1736 he established Fort Frederica, named after the heir to the British throne, Frederick Louis, prince of Wales, on the west side of St. Simons Island to protect Savannah and the Carolinas from the Spanish threat. Between 1736 and 1749 Fort Frederica was the hub of British military operations along the Georgia frontier. A town of the same name grew up around the fort and was of great importance to the new colony. By 1740 Frederica's population was 1,000. In 1736 the congregation of what would become Christ Church was organized within Fort Frederica as a mission of the Church of England. Charles Wesley led the first services. In 1742 Britain's decisive victory over Spain in the Battle of Bloody Marsh, during the War of Jenkins' Ear, ended the Spanish threat to the Georgia coast. When the British regimen disbanded in 1749, most of the townspeople relocated to the mainland. Fort Frederica went into decline and, except for a short time of prosperity during the 1760s and 1770s under the leadership of merchant James Spalding, never fully recovered. Today the historic citadel's tabby ruins are maintained by the National Park Service. Plantation Era By the start of the American Revolution (1775-83), Fort Frederica was obsolete, and St. Simons was left largely uninhabited as most of its residents joined the patriot army. Besides hosting a small Georgia naval victory on the Fort Frederica River, providing guns from its famous fort for use at Fort Morris in Sunbury, and serving as an arena for pillaging by privateers and British soldiers, the island played almost no role in the war. Following the war, many of the townspeople, their businesses destroyed, turned to agriculture. The island was transformed into fourteen cotton plantations after acres of live oak trees were cleared for farm land and used for building American warships, including the famous USS Constitution, or "Old Ironsides." Although rice was the predominant crop along the neighboring Altamaha River, St. Simons was known for its production of long-staple cotton, which soon came to be known as Sea Island cotton. Between Ebos Landing the 1780s and the outbreak of the Civil War (1861-65), St. Simons's plantation culture flourished. The saline atmosphere and the availability of cheap slave labor proved an ideal combination for the cultivation of Sea Island cotton. In 1803 a group of Ebo slaves who survived the Middle Passage and arrived on the west side of St. Simons staged a rebellion and drowned themselves. The sacred site is known today as Ebos Landing. One of the largest owners of land and slaves on St. Simons was Pierce Butler, master of Hampton Point Plantation, located on the northern end of the island. By 1793 Butler owned more than 500 slaves, who cultivated 800 acres of cotton on St. Simons and 300 acres of rice on Butler's Island in the Altamaha River delta. Butler's grandson, Pierce Mease Butler, who at the age of sixteen inherited a share of his grandfather's estate in 1826, was responsible for the largest sale of human beings in the history of the United States: in 1859, to restore his squandered fortune, he sold 429 slaves in Savannah for more than $300,000. The British actress and writer Fanny Kemble, whose tumultuous marriage to Pierce ended in divorce in 1849, published an eyewitness account of the evils of slavery on St. Simons in her book Journal of a Residence on a Georgian Plantation in 1838-1839 (1863). Another Retreat Plantation large owner of land and slaves on St. Simons was Major William Page, a friend and employee of Pierce Butler Sr. Before purchasing Retreat Plantation on the southwestern tip of the island in 1804, Page managed the Hampton plantation and Butler's Island. Upon Page's death in 1827, Thomas Butler King inherited the land together with his wife, Page's daughter, Anna Matilda Page King. King expanded his father-in-law's planting empire on St. Simons as well as on the mainland, and by 1835 Retreat Plantation alone was home to as many as 355 slaves. The center of life during the island's plantation era was Christ Church, Frederica. Organized in 1807 by a group of island planters, the Episcopal church is the second oldest in the Diocese of Georgia. Embargoes imposed by the War of 1812 (1812-15) prevented the parishioners from building a church structure, so they worshiped in the home of John Beck, which stood on the site of Oglethorpe's only St. Simons residence, Orange Hall. The first Christ Church building, finished on the present site in 1820, was ruined by occupying Union troops during the Civil War. In 1884 the Reverend Anson Dodge Jr. rebuilt the church as a memorial to his first wife, Ellen. The cruciform building with a trussed gothic roof and stained-glass windows remains active today as Christ Church. Civil War and Beyond The St. Simons Island Lighthouse outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 put a sudden end to St. Simons's lucrative plantation era. In January of that year, Confederate troops were stationed at the south end of the island to guard the entrance to Brunswick Harbor. Slaves from Retreat Plantation, owned by Thomas Butler King, built earthworks and batteries. Plantation residents were scattered—the men joined the Confederate army and their families moved to the mainland. Cannon fire was heard on the island in December 1861, and Confederate troops retreated in February 1862, after dynamiting the lighthouse to keep its beacon from aiding Union troops. Soon thereafter, Union troops occupied the island, which was used as a camp for freed slaves. By August 1862 more than 500 former slaves lived on St. Simons, including Susie King Taylor, who organized a school for freed slave children. But in November the ex-slaves were taken to Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Fernandina, Florida, leaving the island abandoned. After the Civil War the island never returned to its status as an agricultural community. The plantations lay dormant because there were no slaves to work the fields. After Union general William T. Sherman's January 1865 Special Field Order No. 15 —a demand that former plantations be divided and distributed to former slaves—was overturned by U.S. president Andrew Johnson less than a year later, freedmen and women were forced to work as sharecroppers on the small farms that dotted the land previously occupied by the sprawling plantations. By St. Simons Lumber Mills 1870 real economic recovery began with the reestablishment of the timber industry. Norman Dodge and Titus G. Meigs of New York set up lumber mill operations at Gascoigne Bluff, formerly Hamilton Plantation. The lumber mills provided welcome employment for both blacks and whites and also provided mail and passenger boats to the mainland. Such water traffic, together with the construction of a new lighthouse in 1872, designed by architect Charles B. Cluskey, marked the beginning of St. Simons's tourism industry. The keeper of the lighthouse created a small amusement park, which drew many visitors, as did the seemingly miraculous light that traveled from the top of the lighthouse tower to the bottom. The island became a summer retreat for families from the mainland, particularly from Baxley, Brunswick, and Waycross. The island's resort industry was thriving by the 1880s. Beachfront structures, such as a new pier and grand hotel, were built on the southeastern end of the island and could be accessed by ferry. Around this time wealthy northerners began vacationing on the island. Twentieth Century The St. Simons Island Pier and Village opening in 1924 of the Brunswick–St. Simons Highway, today known as the Torras Causeway, was a milestone in the development of resorts in the area. St. Simons's beaches were now easily accessible to locals and tourists alike. More than 5,000 automobiles took the short drive from Brunswick to St. Simons via the causeway on its opening day, paving the way for convenient residential and resort development. In 1926 automotive pioneer Howard Coffin of Detroit, Michigan, bought large tracts of land on St. Simons, including the former Retreat Plantation, and constructed a golf course, yacht club, paved roads, and a residential subdivision. Although the causeway had brought large numbers of summer people to the island, St. Simons remained a small community with only a few hundred permanent residents until the 1940s. The St. Simons Island outbreak of World War II (1941-45) brought more visitors and residents to St. Simons. Troops stationed at Jacksonville, Florida; Savannah; and nearby Camp Stewart took weekend vacations on the island, and a new naval air base and radar school became home to even more officers and soldiers. The increased wartime population brought the island its first public school. With a major shipyard for the production of Liberty ships in nearby Brunswick, the waters of St. Simons became active with German U-boats. In April 1942, just off the coast, the Texas Company oil tanker S. S. Oklahoma and the S. S. Esso Baton Rouge were torpedoed by the Germans, bringing the war very close to home for island residents. Due in large part to the military's improvement of the island's infrastructure during the war, development on the island boomed in the 1950s and 1960s. More permanent homes and subdivisions were built, and the island was no longer just a summer resort but also a thriving community. In 1950 the Methodist conference and retreat center Epworth by the Sea opened on Gascoigne Bluff. In 1961 novelist Eugenia Price visited St. Simons and began work on her first works of fiction, known as the St. Simons Trilogy. Inspired by real events on the island, Price's trilogy renewed interest in the history of Georgia's coast, and the novelist herself relocated to the island in 1965 and lived there for thirty-one years. St. Simons is also home to contemporary Georgia writer Tina McElroy Ansa. Since Epworth by the Sea 1980 St. Simons's population has doubled. The island's continued status as a vacation destination and its ongoing development boom have put historic landmarks and natural areas at risk. While such landmarks as the Fort Frederica ruins and the Battle of Bloody Marsh site are preserved and maintained by the National Park Service, and while the historic lighthouse is maintained by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, historic Ebos Landing has been taken over by a sewage treatment plant. Several coastal organizations have formed in recent years to save natural areas on the island. The St. Simons Land Trust, for example, has received donations of large tracts of land and plans to protect property in the island's three traditional African American neighborhoods. Despite its rapid growth and development, St. Simons remains one of the most beautiful and important islands on the Georgia coast.

Rob and Danielle have three children and wanted a kitchen redesign that would function better for their active household. Their kitchen contained tight spaces with a narrow island that blocked flow through the room. Two cooks in the kitchen were one too many as the space wasn’t conducive for it. For entertaining, the island proved to be too small to set out all their food and have room around it for guests to congregate. The only way to walk to the great room, which was where the family hung out most often, was to go through the kitchen and dining area, proving to again congest the area. They are avid sailors, and wanted to bring in the color of the sea into their contemporary design. I added a separate entry point directly from the kitchen to the great room, and created a work triangle in a separate area to relieve the congestion from people passing through the room. The island shape and size were uniquely designed to allow the person at the sink to be able to look directly into the great room, and provide ample space to spread out food for entertaining. A bookcase was integrated into the island to display cookbooks, and the paneled refrigerator made for a seamless wall of beautiful cabinetry. The entry into the formal dining was relocated to remove the necessity of having corner cabinetry. A separate bar area allows family and guests to make their drinks without needing to go into the chef’s space. The glass backsplash tile was selected to reflect the sea colors they love, with crystal pendants to add bling similar to the light that reflects off the water.

Montessori tower Step stool Activity Kitchen helper Kitchen tower Bathroom Step Stool Montessori furniture Kitchen helper tower Wooden stool ADVANTAGES •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ● The Climbing furniture is made from high-class polished birch plywood. Birchwood is very strong and flexible. The products are tested at a load of 100 kg, but the maximum load for use is 60 kg. We make sure that everything is brought to perfect condition. ● It is absolutely safe for children: for painting, we use only high-quality, sustainable water-based paints, environmentally friendly varnish. And that’s why our products do not cause any allergic reactions, does not emit harmful substances. ● Climbing set like one of the foundations of Montessori teachings helps developing independence. Children independently work on the improvement of their motor skills (explore their body limits in a safe manner) and encourage children's imagination. DIMENSIONS •━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━• ● Tower Height: 90 cm / 35.4 inches Width: 42 cm/ 16.5 inches Length: 53 cm / 20.8 inches ● Table: Height: 45 cm / 17.7 inches Width: 42 cm / 16.5 inches Length: 82 cm / 32.2 inches

The owners wanted to take advantage of their views, add more natural light, increase storage, and have the kitchen function more efficiently. From dark and feeling closed-in, it was transformed to open, inviting and a place they enjoy every day. All the wall cabinets were removed and a bank of three tall windows were added for more light and ventilation. After a new layout was designed, materials and finishes were selected. The first thing that is noticed when you walk into the room is the wall behind the range. The large expanse is very unique, like a work of natural art. When viewed it can look like waves or patches of clouds. The wall is a full slab of Dekton. The color is inspired by the industrial look of oxidized steel, with shades of grey, brown and black with metallic effects. Mixed woods and stains were used for the cabinets. Storage was maximized, each drawer and cabinet have a function. The island is a perfect landing spot for groceries, meal prep or a buffet. Floating shelves add and open look. The elegant banquette was custom built for the space. It has a slanted back for comfort and with styled legs it keeps it airy and light. The “L” shape optimizes the space and created a natural conversation spot and view of the water. The kitchen has French doors that access an expansive deck, perfect for entertaining. The space was designed for this active couple making it a place to entertain and live everyday with joy.

This project involved the removal of an aging wood shower enclosure and surrounding fencing, which had begun to deteriorate and contribute to poor drainage conditions. The existing area retained moisture, creating a muddy, unstable surface that impacted both usability and long-term durability. The redesigned space introduces a fully upgraded outdoor shower system positioned discreetly behind a new white privacy enclosure. The structure was selected for its clean architectural lines, low-maintenance material, and ability to brighten and modernize the space while maintaining privacy. A primary focus of the project was drainage correction. The ground plane was regraded and rebuilt using a permeable system consisting of oversized stone slabs set within polished black river rock. This layout allows water to move efficiently through the surface while maintaining a stable, clean, and visually refined finish. The contrast between the large-format slabs and the dark stone creates a structured, intentional foundation that elevates the overall design. Planting was incorporated with both aesthetic and functional intent. Lavender was installed and trained along the enclosure to soften the structure and introduce seasonal fragrance. In addition to its visual contribution, it serves as a natural pest deterrent, helping to reduce mosquito activity and improve comfort within the space. Supporting plant material was kept minimal and scaled appropriately to maintain a clean, uncluttered environment. The result is a fully integrated outdoor feature that transforms a previously underperforming area into a functional, durable, and visually cohesive extension of the home. The space now supports consistent use while delivering a refined, spa-like experience aligned with the surrounding landscape.

This zealous gardener was tired of her pool taking up so much space in her landscape. She asked me for ideas. The answer was simple. Since her garden brings her so much joy, I proposed adding more garden rooms to experience. We removed the large expansive pool and replaced it with a small reflecting pond that doubles as the pool. This allowed us to create 4 new garden spaces. We replaced all concrete pavers with natural PA flagstone. The traditional square lawn provides elements of simplicity, elegance and classical style while creating a new play space for the grand kids. The pergola creates depth and a great focal point from the loggia. We illuminated all the walkways and garden rooms with Escort Lighting. One of the most fun transformations was converting the spa to a fish pond. The pond provides just enough sound to drain out all neighborhood activities. In the front, we created a new permeable brick paving parking area. The parking area was designed to keep visitors from venturing to the back parking. We chose the permeable brick pavers to collect runoff that is becoming more of a problem in the neighborhood. Our final piece to this property was to come up with a unique solution creating additional privacy while minimizing root damage to the existing plant material. Our client was looking for a permanent solution that required little to no maintenance. Masonry walls were out due to the necessary footers. We looked at fence options. Wood and plastics were out, so we created post out of steel “I” beams and setting concrete lintels in between the lintels. It was perfect. This has to be one of my favorite projects to design and implement of my 25 year experience.

The driveway installation started with the excavation of existing asphalt and sub base. New concrete base with fiber mesh was installed with Amagansett granite pavers is laid over a thin layer of graded sand. Stone was selected from the Gappsi natural stone collection. Jumbo Belgian block was installed for the street curb and driveway entrance. The sealing process begins with pressure washing the entire patio, removing all dirt/debris from the stone surface and in between the joints. Next, Nexgel Techniseal synthetic sand is applied in between the pavers joints and vibrated with a mechanical plate compactor. The plate compactor has rubber rollers to prevent the stones from cracking or scratching. This vibrating process allows the sand to fall in between the joints and density. Then, we clean the pavers with brooms and landscape blowers, to clean the excess sand from the pavers surface and to evenly spread the sand in between the pavers joints. The next step is to wash the pavers by misting water to penetrate the synthetic sand into the paver joints all the way down below the pavers. The sand and water activate a chemical reaction of the pollen that’s in the sand to cause the sand to harden. Finally, the application of the sealer, two parts components urethane dealer, specially formulated for Gappsi, is applied to the pavers surface and the sand joints to prevent stones from staining, extend their life cycle and further enhance their texture, color, and surface. From design concept to finish execution Gappsi provides natural stone supply/installation, Cleaning and sealing services. For more information about design and installation in Dix Hills NY, visit www.gappsi.com or call us at 631-543-1177 for a free estimate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFjStxnDXEY&t=1s

Builder: AVB Inc. Interior Design: Vision Interiors by Visbeen Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography The Holloway blends the recent revival of mid-century aesthetics with the timelessness of a country farmhouse. Each façade features playfully arranged windows tucked under steeply pitched gables. Natural wood lapped siding emphasizes this homes more modern elements, while classic white board & batten covers the core of this house. A rustic stone water table wraps around the base and contours down into the rear view-out terrace. Inside, a wide hallway connects the foyer to the den and living spaces through smooth case-less openings. Featuring a grey stone fireplace, tall windows, and vaulted wood ceiling, the living room bridges between the kitchen and den. The kitchen picks up some mid-century through the use of flat-faced upper and lower cabinets with chrome pulls. Richly toned wood chairs and table cap off the dining room, which is surrounded by windows on three sides. The grand staircase, to the left, is viewable from the outside through a set of giant casement windows on the upper landing. A spacious master suite is situated off of this upper landing. Featuring separate closets, a tiled bath with tub and shower, this suite has a perfect view out to the rear yard through the bedrooms rear windows. All the way upstairs, and to the right of the staircase, is four separate bedrooms. Downstairs, under the master suite, is a gymnasium. This gymnasium is connected to the outdoors through an overhead door and is perfect for athletic activities or storing a boat during cold months. The lower level also features a living room with view out windows and a private guest suite.

The owners wanted to take advantage of their views, add more natural light, increase storage, and have the kitchen function more efficiently. From dark and feeling closed-in, it was transformed to open, inviting and a place they enjoy every day. All the wall cabinets were removed and a bank of three tall windows were added for more light and ventilation. After a new layout was designed, materials and finishes were selected. The first thing that is noticed when you walk into the room is the wall behind the range. The large expanse is very unique, like a work of natural art. When viewed it can look like waves or patches of clouds. The wall is a full slab of Dekton. The color is inspired by the industrial look of oxidized steel, with shades of grey, brown and black with metallic effects. Mixed woods and stains were used for the cabinets. Storage was maximized, each drawer and cabinet have a function. The island is a perfect landing spot for groceries, meal prep or a buffet. Floating shelves add and open look. The elegant banquette was custom built for the space. It has a slanted back for comfort and with styled legs it keeps it airy and light. The “L” shape optimizes the space and created a natural conversation spot and view of the water. The kitchen has French doors that access an expansive deck, perfect for entertaining. The space was designed for this active couple making it a place to entertain and live everyday with joy.

Rob and Danielle have three children and wanted a kitchen redesign that would function better for their active household. Their kitchen contained tight spaces with a narrow island that blocked flow through the room. Two cooks in the kitchen were one too many as the space wasn’t conducive for it. For entertaining, the island proved to be too small to set out all their food and have room around it for guests to congregate. The only way to walk to the great room, which was where the family hung out most often, was to go through the kitchen and dining area, proving to again congest the area. They are avid sailors, and wanted to bring in the color of the sea into their contemporary design. I added a separate entry point directly from the kitchen to the great room, and created a work triangle in a separate area to relieve the congestion from people passing through the room. The island shape and size were uniquely designed to allow the person at the sink to be able to look directly into the great room, and provide ample space to spread out food for entertaining. A bookcase was integrated into the island to display cookbooks, and the paneled refrigerator made for a seamless wall of beautiful cabinetry. The entry into the formal dining was relocated to remove the necessity of having corner cabinetry. A separate bar area allows family and guests to make their drinks without needing to go into the chef’s space. The glass backsplash tile was selected to reflect the sea colors they love, with crystal pendants to add bling similar to the light that reflects off the water.

The owners wanted to take advantage of their views, add more natural light, increase storage, and have the kitchen function more efficiently. From dark and feeling closed-in, it was transformed to open, inviting and a place they enjoy every day. All the wall cabinets were removed and a bank of three tall windows were added for more light and ventilation. After a new layout was designed, materials and finishes were selected. The first thing that is noticed when you walk into the room is the wall behind the range. The large expanse is very unique, like a work of natural art. When viewed it can look like waves or patches of clouds. The wall is a full slab of Dekton. The color is inspired by the industrial look of oxidized steel, with shades of grey, brown and black with metallic effects. Mixed woods and stains were used for the cabinets. Storage was maximized, each drawer and cabinet have a function. The island is a perfect landing spot for groceries, meal prep or a buffet. Floating shelves add and open look. The elegant banquette was custom built for the space. It has a slanted back for comfort and with styled legs it keeps it airy and light. The “L” shape optimizes the space and created a natural conversation spot and view of the water. The kitchen has French doors that access an expansive deck, perfect for entertaining. The space was designed for this active couple making it a place to entertain and live everyday with joy.

As part of our service we advise customers on best practice for maintaining the appearance of the floor and I’m happy to report this client in Ampthill who has a Terracotta tiled floor that we had fully restored a few years ago had followed to the letter. Having two dogs and two children, the floor gets a lot of traffic and as expected over a period of time the sealer does wear thin in the busier areas. Should the sealer become too damaged dirt can get underneath and gradually the seal will deteriorate to the point where restoration will be needed again. By keeping on top of the maintenance our client has kept a beautiful terracotta floor in great condition however as the sealer was wearing he called us back to do a maintenance clean and top up the sealer an activity which we are able to complete in one day rather than the several days needed to do a full restoration. To maintain the floor, I applied a Tile Doctor fine diamond burnishing pad fitted to a rotary machine and with a little water sprayed onto the tiles to lubricate the process the top was burnished, this took the dirt off the top of the tiles and left a clean surface to top up the seal. The floor was then rinsed to remove the soil generated by the process. Having removed any damaged sealer an industrial air mover was switched on to get the floor as dry as possible, we then tested the damp levels at various intervals until the floor was dry for re-sealing. To re-seal two coats of Tile Doctor Seal and Go we applied to the floor allowing the first coat to dry before applying the second. Once the second coat had dried a white polishing pad was used to buff the tiles. Andrew Evans Bedfordshire Tile Doctor

This space was created as a master bath for this client and was part of a larger master suite and dance studio addition. Textured tile makes a perfect transition between the shower wall tile, porcelain plank flooring, and shower floor in this soothing space. Brushed nickel hardware and fixtures also serve to tie the space together. With home prices rising and residential lots getting smaller, this Encinitas couple decided to stay in place and add on to their beloved home and neighborhood. Retired, but very active, they planned for the golden years while having fun along the way. This Master Suite now fosters their passion for dancing as a studio for practice and dance parties. With every detail meticulously designed and perfected, their new indoor/outdoor space is the highlight of their home. "We found Kerry at TaylorPro early on in our decision process. He was the only contractor to give us a detailed budgetary bid for are original vision of our addition. This level of detail was ultimately the decision factor for us to go with TaylorPro. Throughout the design process the communication was thorough, we knew exactly what was happening and didn’t feel like we were in the dark. Construction was well run and their attention to detail was a predominate character of Kerry and his team. Dancing is such a large part of our life and our new space is the loved by all that visit." ~ Liz & Gary O. Photos by: Jon Upson

This zealous gardener was tired of her pool taking up so much space in her landscape. She asked me for ideas. The answer was simple. Since her garden brings her so much joy, I proposed adding more garden rooms to experience. We removed the large expansive pool and replaced it with a small reflecting pond that doubles as the pool. This allowed us to create 4 new garden spaces. We replaced all concrete pavers with natural PA flagstone. The traditional square lawn provides elements of simplicity, elegance and classical style while creating a new play space for the grand kids. The pergola creates depth and a great focal point from the loggia. We illuminated all the walkways and garden rooms with Escort Lighting. One of the most fun transformations was converting the spa to a fish pond. The pond provides just enough sound to drain out all neighborhood activities. In the front, we created a new permeable brick paving parking area. The parking area was designed to keep visitors from venturing to the back parking. We chose the permeable brick pavers to collect runoff that is becoming more of a problem in the neighborhood. Our final piece to this property was to come up with a unique solution creating additional privacy while minimizing root damage to the existing plant material. Our client was looking for a permanent solution that required little to no maintenance. Masonry walls were out due to the necessary footers. We looked at fence options. Wood and plastics were out, so we created post out of steel “I” beams and setting concrete lintels in between the lintels. It was perfect. This has to be one of my favorite projects to design and implement of my 25 year experience.

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