Classic black and white styling is prevalent throughout this home and is carried through into the kitchen with Nordic white cabinets in a simple ‘Shaker-esque’ style and a soft black island. These contrast beautifully with the rich wood floors. Glass doors in the top portion of the sink wall cabinets let the homeowner display a collection of red and white stoneware. The client used red accents throughout, including red-bound cookbooks and dish towels to add that country flavor and create a happy, playful look. The centerpiece of this kitchen is the Cottage Black Island - stout chamfered posts support a French Country shelf, open on both sides and front. A carved top valance and French Country trim around the bottom give a handcrafted look, and the bun feet are a playful addition. Many of the drawers have specific inserts calculated exactly to fit the clients various items, from placemats to knives, to spices and utensils. Reminiscent of times past, the client chose hot-rolled and waxed steel for the island top, giving it a rustic-industrial look, and setting it apart from the leathered black granite of the perimeter.

When deciding to either keep a tub and shower or take out the tub and expand the shower in the master bathroom is solely dependent on a homeowner's preference. Although having a tub in the master bathroom is still a desired feature for home buyer's, especially for those who have or are excepting children, there's no definitive proof that having a tub is going to guarantee a higher rate of return on the investment. This chic and modern shower is easily accessible. The expanded room provides the ability to move around freely without constraint and makes showering more welcoming and relaxing. This shower is a great addition and can be highly beneficial in the future to any individuals who are elderly, wheelchair bound or have mobility impairments. Fixtures and furnishings such as the grab bar, a bench and hand shower also makes the shower more user friendly. The decision to take out the tub and make the shower larger has visually transformed this master bathroom and created a spacious feel. The shower is a wonderful upgrade and has added value and style to our client's beautiful home. Check out the before and after photographs as well as the video! Here are some of the materials that were used for this transformation: 12x24 Porcelain Lara Dark Grey 6" Shower band of Keystone Interlocking Mosaic Tile Delta fixtures throughout Ranier Quartz vanity countertops

When deciding to either keep a tub and shower or take out the tub and expand the shower in the master bathroom is solely dependent on a homeowner's preference. Although having a tub in the master bathroom is still a desired feature for home buyer's, especially for those who have or are excepting children, there's no definitive proof that having a tub is going to guarantee a higher rate of return on the investment. This chic and modern shower is easily accessible. The expanded room provides the ability to move around freely without constraint and makes showering more welcoming and relaxing. This shower is a great addition and can be highly beneficial in the future to any individuals who are elderly, wheelchair bound or have mobility impairments. Fixtures and furnishings such as the grab bar, a bench and hand shower also makes the shower more user friendly. The decision to take out the tub and make the shower larger has visually transformed this master bathroom and created a spacious feel. The shower is a wonderful upgrade and has added value and style to our client's beautiful home. Check out the before and after photographs as well as the video! Here are some of the materials that were used for this transformation: 12x24 Porcelain Lara Dark Grey 6" Shower band of Keystone Interlocking Mosaic Tile Delta fixtures throughout Ranier Quartz vanity countertops

When deciding to either keep a tub and shower or take out the tub and expand the shower in the master bathroom is solely dependent on a homeowner's preference. Although having a tub in the master bathroom is still a desired feature for home buyer's, especially for those who have or are excepting children, there's no definitive proof that having a tub is going to guarantee a higher rate of return on the investment. This chic and modern shower is easily accessible. The expanded room provides the ability to move around freely without constraint and makes showering more welcoming and relaxing. This shower is a great addition and can be highly beneficial in the future to any individuals who are elderly, wheelchair bound or have mobility impairments. Fixtures and furnishings such as the grab bar, a bench and hand shower also makes the shower more user friendly. The decision to take out the tub and make the shower larger has visually transformed this master bathroom and created a spacious feel. The shower is a wonderful upgrade and has added value and style to our client's beautiful home. Check out the before and after photographs as well as the video! Here are some of the materials that were used for this transformation: 12x24 Porcelain Lara Dark Grey 6" Shower band of Keystone Interlocking Mosaic Tile Delta fixtures throughout Ranier Quartz vanity countertops

When deciding to either keep a tub and shower or take out the tub and expand the shower in the master bathroom is solely dependent on a homeowner's preference. Although having a tub in the master bathroom is still a desired feature for home buyer's, especially for those who have or are excepting children, there's no definitive proof that having a tub is going to guarantee a higher rate of return on the investment. This chic and modern shower is easily accessible. The expanded room provides the ability to move around freely without constraint and makes showering more welcoming and relaxing. This shower is a great addition and can be highly beneficial in the future to any individuals who are elderly, wheelchair bound or have mobility impairments. Fixtures and furnishings such as the grab bar, a bench and hand shower also makes the shower more user friendly. The decision to take out the tub and make the shower larger has visually transformed this master bathroom and created a spacious feel. The shower is a wonderful upgrade and has added value and style to our client's beautiful home. Check out the before and after photographs as well as the video! Here are some of the materials that were used for this transformation: 12x24 Porcelain Lara Dark Grey 6" Shower band of Keystone Interlocking Mosaic Tile Delta fixtures throughout Ranier Quartz vanity countertops

When deciding to either keep a tub and shower or take out the tub and expand the shower in the master bathroom is solely dependent on a homeowner's preference. Although having a tub in the master bathroom is still a desired feature for home buyer's, especially for those who have or are excepting children, there's no definitive proof that having a tub is going to guarantee a higher rate of return on the investment. This chic and modern shower is easily accessible. The expanded room provides the ability to move around freely without constraint and makes showering more welcoming and relaxing. This shower is a great addition and can be highly beneficial in the future to any individuals who are elderly, wheelchair bound or have mobility impairments. Fixtures and furnishings such as the grab bar, a bench and hand shower also makes the shower more user friendly. The decision to take out the tub and make the shower larger has visually transformed this master bathroom and created a spacious feel. The shower is a wonderful upgrade and has added value and style to our client's beautiful home. Check out the before and after photographs as well as the video! Here are some of the materials that were used for this transformation: 12x24 Porcelain Lara Dark Grey 6" Shower band of Keystone Interlocking Mosaic Tile Delta fixtures throughout Ranier Quartz vanity countertops

When deciding to either keep a tub and shower or take out the tub and expand the shower in the master bathroom is solely dependent on a homeowner's preference. Although having a tub in the master bathroom is still a desired feature for home buyer's, especially for those who have or are excepting children, there's no definitive proof that having a tub is going to guarantee a higher rate of return on the investment. This chic and modern shower is easily accessible. The expanded room provides the ability to move around freely without constraint and makes showering more welcoming and relaxing. This shower is a great addition and can be highly beneficial in the future to any individuals who are elderly, wheelchair bound or have mobility impairments. Fixtures and furnishings such as the grab bar, a bench and hand shower also makes the shower more user friendly. The decision to take out the tub and make the shower larger has visually transformed this master bathroom and created a spacious feel. The shower is a wonderful upgrade and has added value and style to our client's beautiful home. Check out the before and after photographs as well as the video! Here are some of the materials that were used for this transformation: 12x24 Porcelain Lara Dark Grey 6" Shower band of Keystone Interlocking Mosaic Tile Delta fixtures throughout Ranier Quartz vanity countertops

When deciding to either keep a tub and shower or take out the tub and expand the shower in the master bathroom is solely dependent on a homeowner's preference. Although having a tub in the master bathroom is still a desired feature for home buyer's, especially for those who have or are excepting children, there's no definitive proof that having a tub is going to guarantee a higher rate of return on the investment. This chic and modern shower is easily accessible. The expanded room provides the ability to move around freely without constraint and makes showering more welcoming and relaxing. This shower is a great addition and can be highly beneficial in the future to any individuals who are elderly, wheelchair bound or have mobility impairments. Fixtures and furnishings such as the grab bar, a bench and hand shower also makes the shower more user friendly. The decision to take out the tub and make the shower larger has visually transformed this master bathroom and created a spacious feel. The shower is a wonderful upgrade and has added value and style to our client's beautiful home. Check out the before and after photographs as well as the video! Here are some of the materials that were used for this transformation: 12x24 Porcelain Lara Dark Grey 6" Shower band of Keystone Interlocking Mosaic Tile Delta fixtures throughout Ranier Quartz vanity countertops

When deciding to either keep a tub and shower or take out the tub and expand the shower in the master bathroom is solely dependent on a homeowner's preference. Although having a tub in the master bathroom is still a desired feature for home buyer's, especially for those who have or are excepting children, there's no definitive proof that having a tub is going to guarantee a higher rate of return on the investment. This chic and modern shower is easily accessible. The expanded room provides the ability to move around freely without constraint and makes showering more welcoming and relaxing. This shower is a great addition and can be highly beneficial in the future to any individuals who are elderly, wheelchair bound or have mobility impairments. Fixtures and furnishings such as the grab bar, a bench and hand shower also makes the shower more user friendly. The decision to take out the tub and make the shower larger has visually transformed this master bathroom and created a spacious feel. The shower is a wonderful upgrade and has added value and style to our client's beautiful home. Check out the before and after photographs as well as the video! Here are some of the materials that were used for this transformation: 12x24 Porcelain Lara Dark Grey 6" Shower band of Keystone Interlocking Mosaic Tile Delta fixtures throughout Ranier Quartz vanity countertops

When deciding to either keep a tub and shower or take out the tub and expand the shower in the master bathroom is solely dependent on a homeowner's preference. Although having a tub in the master bathroom is still a desired feature for home buyer's, especially for those who have or are excepting children, there's no definitive proof that having a tub is going to guarantee a higher rate of return on the investment. This chic and modern shower is easily accessible. The expanded room provides the ability to move around freely without constraint and makes showering more welcoming and relaxing. This shower is a great addition and can be highly beneficial in the future to any individuals who are elderly, wheelchair bound or have mobility impairments. Fixtures and furnishings such as the grab bar, a bench and hand shower also makes the shower more user friendly. The decision to take out the tub and make the shower larger has visually transformed this master bathroom and created a spacious feel. The shower is a wonderful upgrade and has added value and style to our client's beautiful home. Check out the before and after photographs as well as the video! Here are some of the materials that were used for this transformation: 12x24 Porcelain Lara Dark Grey 6" Shower band of Keystone Interlocking Mosaic Tile Delta fixtures throughout Ranier Quartz vanity countertops

The hangers have a rich natural finish and polished chrome hook, which add warmth and sophistication to any closet décor, all while providing convenient storage and organization. These wide, rounded shoulder, wooden hangers prevent garments from unsightly hanger bumps and help maintain your garments’ natural shape. They also help to increase hanging space in your closet, by keeping coordinating components stored on a single hanger. The skirt/pant hangers, with the no-slip grip clips, also allow you to conserve closet space, as well as prevent unwanted wrinkles. With 4 large shelves, each supported by an innovative hanging system, this unit is well equipped to store all types of accessories, caps, sweaters, crafts, etc. Made from heavy duty polyester canvas material, this durable fabric breathes and neatly stores all of your items. Quick and easy installation (no tools required), on a standard sized closet rod. This system is the perfect organization solution for your home, dorm room, or office! These handy storage solutions are just a small example of the many products by StorageManiac and J.S. Hanger. The innovative and sophisticated styling and design of each piece make these a welcome and useful addition to any home. These products allow you to keep everything tidy, neat, and in order, while providing a modern and sleek look. No matter the space, these products are bound to fit any need you may have! Photo Credit: Lambert McOwusu

The hangers have a rich natural finish and polished chrome hook, which add warmth and sophistication to any closet décor, all while providing convenient storage and organization. These wide, rounded shoulder, wooden hangers prevent garments from unsightly hanger bumps and help maintain your garments’ natural shape. They also help to increase hanging space in your closet, by keeping coordinating components stored on a single hanger. The skirt/pant hangers, with the no-slip grip clips, also allow you to conserve closet space, as well as prevent unwanted wrinkles. With 4 large shelves, each supported by an innovative hanging system, this unit is well equipped to store all types of accessories, caps, sweaters, crafts, etc. Made from heavy duty polyester canvas material, this durable fabric breathes and neatly stores all of your items. Quick and easy installation (no tools required), on a standard sized closet rod. This system is the perfect organization solution for your home, dorm room, or office! These handy storage solutions are just a small example of the many products by StorageManiac and J.S. Hanger. The innovative and sophisticated styling and design of each piece make these a welcome and useful addition to any home. These products allow you to keep everything tidy, neat, and in order, while providing a modern and sleek look. No matter the space, these products are bound to fit any need you may have! Photo Credit: Lambert McOwusu

The hangers have a rich natural finish and polished chrome hook, which add warmth and sophistication to any closet décor, all while providing convenient storage and organization. These wide, rounded shoulder, wooden hangers prevent garments from unsightly hanger bumps and help maintain your garments’ natural shape. They also help to increase hanging space in your closet, by keeping coordinating components stored on a single hanger. The skirt/pant hangers, with the no-slip grip clips, also allow you to conserve closet space, as well as prevent unwanted wrinkles. Great for jewelry and many other storage uses, this organizer has 28 soft, clear see-through pockets to easily view and protect jewelry and other small accessory items. Alternatively, you can fill the compartments with sewing or scrap-booking notions as the perfect crafting companion! The provided hook hangs over any standard closet rod or door. With this combination of space-saving shape and accessible convenience, our organizer offers a great storage solution no matter the location. With 4 large shelves, each supported by an innovative hanging system, this unit is well equipped to store all types of accessories, caps, sweaters, crafts, etc. Made from heavy duty polyester canvas material, this durable fabric breathes and neatly stores all of your items. Quick and easy installation (no tools required), on a standard sized closet rod. This system is the perfect organization solution for your home, dorm room, or office! These handy storage solutions are just a small example of the many products by StorageManiac and J.S. Hanger. The innovative and sophisticated styling and design of each piece make these a welcome and useful addition to any home. These products allow you to keep everything tidy, neat, and in order, while providing a modern and sleek look. No matter the space, these products are bound to fit any need you may have! Photo Credit: Lambert McOwusu

A humble staircase rises to the occasion in this contemporary renovation in Huntington Woods. A favorite aspect of this 2018 project is the mitered stair treads and tapered risers of the lowest three steps that angle out in a delicate, slightly exaggerated fashion. The subtle acute angles add a sense of lightness and panache to the staircase. Wrapping the stairs allows the staircase to open to the great room and eliminates the need for a handrail on the great room side. A custom iron railing with walnut handrail extends from the floor all the way to the upstairs landing in a continuous fluid motion. The iron supports are adorned with parallelograms that echo the rise of the staircase and add to the lighthearted mix of disparate angles in the space. The iron rail design runs parallel with the stair stringer, creating a linear relationship between the stair and railing. An inspired pattern of interlocking hexagons on the black and white carpet runner adds playfulness and movement. A figure appears to fly up the stairs in a 1925 advertising poster by Jean d'Ylen, whimsically placed above the landing. Natural light from above floods the steps.

The hangers have a rich natural finish and polished chrome hook, which add warmth and sophistication to any closet décor, all while providing convenient storage and organization. These wide, rounded shoulder, wooden hangers prevent garments from unsightly hanger bumps and help maintain natural shape. They also help to increase hanging space in your closet, by keeping coordinating components stored on a single hanger. Great for jewelry and many other storage uses, this organizer has 28 soft, clear see-through pockets to easily view and protect jewelry and other small accessory items. Alternatively, you can fill the compartments with sewing or scrap-booking notions as the perfect crafting companion! The provided hook hangs over any standard closet rod or door. With this combination of space-saving shape and accessible convenience, our organizer offers a great storage solution no matter the location. With 4 large shelves, each supported by an innovative hanging system, this unit is well equipped to store all types of accessories, caps, sweaters, crafts, etc. Made from heavy duty polyester canvas material, this durable fabric breathes and neatly stores all of your items. Quick and easy installation (no tools required), on a standard sized closet rod. This system is the perfect organization solution for your home, dorm room, or office! These handy storage solutions are just a small example of the many products by StorageManiac and J.S. Hanger. The innovative and sophisticated styling and design of each piece make these a welcome and useful addition to any home. These products allow you to keep everything tidy, neat, and in order, while providing a modern and sleek look. No matter the space, these products are bound to fit any need you may have! Photo Credit: Lambert McOwusu

The hangers have a rich natural finish and polished chrome hook, which add warmth and sophistication to any closet décor, all while providing convenient storage and organization. These wide, rounded shoulder, wooden hangers prevent garments from unsightly hanger bumps and help maintain natural shape. They also help to increase hanging space in your closet, by keeping coordinating components stored on a single hanger. Great for jewelry and many other storage uses, this organizer has 28 soft, clear see-through pockets to easily view and protect jewelry and other small accessory items. Alternatively, you can fill the compartments with sewing or scrap-booking notions as the perfect crafting companion! The provided hook hangs over any standard closet rod or door. With this combination of space-saving shape and accessible convenience, our organizer offers a great storage solution no matter the location. With 4 large shelves, each supported by an innovative hanging system, this unit is well equipped to store all types of accessories, caps, sweaters, crafts, etc. Made from heavy duty polyester canvas material, this durable fabric breathes and neatly stores all of your items. Quick and easy installation (no tools required), on a standard sized closet rod. This system is the perfect organization solution for your home, dorm room, or office! These handy storage solutions are just a small example of the many products by StorageManiac and J.S. Hanger. The innovative and sophisticated styling and design of each piece make these a welcome and useful addition to any home. These products allow you to keep everything tidy, neat, and in order, while providing a modern and sleek look. No matter the space, these products are bound to fit any need you may have! Photo Credit: Lambert McOwusu

ELIMINATING ECHOS IN A LUXURY POOL HOUSE Innovative & Unobtrusive Acoustic Treatments Engaged By WSDG-Brasil BELO HORIZONTE, BRASIL: How do you keep your pool house from reverberating like a gymnasium? For the owners of a luxurious villa set amidst of one of Brasil’s most breathtaking landscapes, the views and the pastoral silence were priceless. A wide expanse of windows surrounding the infinite lap pool draw attention to the spectacular mountains and gardens framing this opulent weekend residence. Intrusive echoes of laughter and music were unacceptable. The critical acoustical designs devised by WSDG Brasil for the villa’s home theater and other living spaces were inspired by the firms’ professional recording studio expertise. Inhibiting sound from invading or escaping sensitive listening areas is a WSDG specialty. The enclosed pool and spa area, however presented uniquely troubling waters. Especially challenging was the requirement that the acoustical treatments unobtrusively compliment the sumptuous custom finishes. In addition to the 46’ long, 10’ wide lap pool, the 2100 sq. ft structure includes a gym, Jacuzzi and wet bar, bounded by three walls of double height windows. A movable glass sealing system was installed to maintain interior warmth during the cool, mountain region evenings. Prognosis? Warm, but noisy. Here, professional recording studio design techniques provided solutions. Each window, including an expansive skylight grid comprised of 24 individual 7’x5’motorized Italian glass panels, was fitted with two layers of Clearsorber™ Foil special micro-perforated transparent foil with 1” of air space separating the layers. Mounting the foil layers 2” below the glass skylight insured optimal sound absorption. Developed in Germany, these innovative translucent plastic sheets absorb medium and high frequency reverberation to resolve sonic reflection issues. “We have hung panels of this material in front of glass windows in recording studios,” explains WSDG Brasil, GM Renato Cipriano. “They have proved very effective in helping us ‘tune’ rooms without obstructing views. Now they are proving equally helpful in this residential application.” The foil’s full transparency insures unimpeded views and eliminates traditional pool house reverberation. Happily, the product also serves as a UV ray filtering system. Cipriano reports that special attention was also devoted to the pool house floor which is situated over a large machine room. “A number of generators, pumps and air conditioning units live beneath the pool,” he says. “Thanks to our acoustic treatments, they hum away doing their jobs without making their presence known to the guests.” Morro do Chapeau was designed by celebrated Brasilian architect Eduarda Correa. The extensive A/V installation was designed and installed by Versao Brasileira, a leading Belo Horizonte-based high-end home theater specialist. “We have participated on a number of challenging projects with Versao Brasileira,” Cipriano concludes. “They are extremely knowledgeable and we welcome the opportunity to collaborated with them.” ### Photos: Five views of the Morro do Chapeau pool house in Belo Horizonte, Brasil. All glass windows including the expansive skylight are insulated by a special micro perforated transparent foil to eliminate audio reverberation and also serve as a UV ray filtering system. Please credit photos by Jomar Braganca

Heith Comer Photography This beautiful lake house included high end appointments throughout, until you entered the Master Bath, with builder grade vanities, cultured marble tub and counter tops, standard trim. It now has an elegant his and her vanity with towers at each end, a center tower and make up station, and lots of drawers for additional storage. The newly partitioned space (where the original tub was located) now serves as a fully accessible shower, with seat, hand held shower next to seat, shower head in ceiling and three body sprays. A lateral drain was used to minimize the required slope. Stone surfaces produce feel of old world elegance. The bathroom is spacious, easy to maintain, the cabinetry design and storage space allows for everything to be at your finger tips, but still organized, put away and out of sight. Precision Homecrafters was named Remodeler of the Year by the Alabama Home Builders Association. Since 2006, we've been recognized with over 51 Alabama remodeling awards for excellence in remodeling. Our customers find that our highly awarded team makes it easy for you to get the finished home you want and that we save them money compared to contractors with less experience. Please call us today for Free in home consultation!

With education being key to our remodel process, our designer discussed lighting elements, space planning, cabinet options and finish materials with our homeowners. To begin, she talked about under cabinet and above cabinet lighting options. They also discussed the popularity and functionality of LED lights for task, decorative and ambient lighting scenes. Eavesdropping on our conversation, one of the brothers chimed in on how often they had to change the recessed ceiling fixtures. That comment from the brother led our designer to increase our scope of work to add dimmable LED can lights in the color frequency close to daylight. Now it was time to complete the finish selections. Product selection had to go quickly, as the homeowner was only able to dedicate one long weekend to shop. With this goal in mind, our designer made choosing plumbing products and decorative lighting an online event. Then they went to an appliance showroom and granite/tile showroom to make the final choices. Our designer made sure they found a gorgeous set of slabs for the granite above the cooktop, since it was a key factor for the client and her mother. With all the selections made, final space plan drawings and the electrical layout complete, the client met with our designer to sign off on all the paperwork and move forward with their new kitchen. The key improvements incorporated into the final design were: LED can lights, under cabinet and above cabinet lights all on dimmers. Accessible items for wheelchair use with a touch-free faucet and microwave drawer . Extra deep counter space and seating at the island. Additional storage cabinets under the seating area of the island. Decreased traffic flow issues by adjusting refrigerator/freezer location and double oven cabinet. Plug strips under the wall cabinets to eliminate backsplash outlets. An expansive granite slab backsplash centered on the cooktop area. Our project manager started the job with rough electrical and rough plumbing, as the homeowner had enlisted the assistance of a family friend to remove the kitchen cabinets and re-install them in her garage. The plumbing was straight forward with the gas line already in place and the sink location staying in the island. The electrician wired for the new under-cabinet and above cabinet LED strip lights. The sconce locations were adjusted for the new bar top location, as were a row of can lights to accommodate for an even pour of ambient light throughout the space. The new LED can lights are a hit, as none have needed to be changed out. Our project manager specializes in trim carpentry so he did the cabinet install to keep our schedule on time. The cabinets went in smoothly except for the custom refrigerator panel. One of the panels needed to be remade three times, as each time it was produced the manufacturer’s quality control caught a defect. Our project manager worked closely with manufacturer and homeowner to keep everyone in the loop waiting patiently on its arrival. When it came time for the quartzite installation, we worked closely with our fabricator at cut layout to create the focal point at the hood. His team did an excellent job with the installation. The sink area was a surprise. They went above and beyond in framing the sink with the similar vein to the hood backsplash. Upon installation, the tile backsplash just did not do justice to the amazing quartzite. Discussion with the family and pictures sent to the homeowner lead to a decision to call the fabricator to see how much quartzite might be left. He had just enough to complete the island and beverage center. In the end, the backsplash worked out beautifully in all stone. We met our schedule for the end date of the project and the wheelchair-bound sister was able to move in. For this large Italian family, big meals with lots of family and friends in the new wonderful hub/kitchen is now a part of their happy life. Mission accomplished.