Blau-Thompson Residence This Civil War era, 1680-square-foot three-story row house is located in the Italian Market section of Philadelphia. The BluPath Design principals and their young child were the clients. The project goal was to upgrade a traditional housing type to meet a contemporary lifestyle, applying both sustainable criteria and clean, modern yet sensual aesthetics. The challenge of the property (only 830 square feet in lot size) was to create a design that was small, but smart. The structure formerly housed a luncheonette with two apartments above. The interior was gutted and renovated into a single family home. The construction of a small rear addition added a new kitchen on the first floor and new bathrooms on the second and third levels. The east-west orientation of the home was ideal for the roof-mounted solar collectors, which were installed to provide domestic hot water and supplement the new radiant floor heating system. Exterior sensors improve the efficiency of the heating system's response to fluctuations in outside temperature. A new white-coated, rubber membrane roof reduced the structure's heat gain by 20 percent. A water catch system collects rainwater and air conditioner condensation to water the home's small rear garden. Large windows and skylights bring light deep into the row house and reduce the use of light fixtures. The rear yard garden features ipe decking (a dense, water-repellent hardwood) on permeable compacted gravel to minimize storm water runoff. BluPath Design’s principals used the project to demonstrate how sustainability can be integrated with beauty and function, with sensual materials and colors, well-proportioned and light-filled rooms, economic use of space, and thoughtful details. Cherry flooring and custom stairs complement the Indian slate tile in the kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen features custom walnut cabinets with blue granite counters and backsplashes. The first floor dining area is illuminated by a BluPath-designed fiber-optic chandelier. Ipe hardwood is also used for the master bath tub-surround and shower floor. Sliding frosted glass panels separating the master bath from other living areas allows light from the corner windows to naturally illuminate the adjacent room. Awards Honorable Mention for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency IIDA Philadelphia City Center Chapter 3rd Annual Interior Design Awards, June 2007 Bronze 2006 Commonwealth Design Award 10,000 Friends of PA, May 2006 Media HGTV ‘What You Get for the Money’ February 2007 Philadelphia Style Magazine March/April 2007 Philadelphia Inquirer June 11, 2006 Philadelphia CityPaper September 25-October 2, 2003 Photography by Barry Halkin

This kitchen was beautifully transformed into a Modern Rustic masterpiece. We were honored to have a part in the design and installation of the cabinets and countertop as well as being the general contractor for the project. The homeowners, Mr. Scott & Ms. Rauhofer are not new to architecture and home design. Their home had previously won an architectural award for its construction and design. Mr. Scott & Ms. Rauhofer utilized the expertise of many different artists and contractors on this project. Our designer, Tracy West, worked with them on the design of their new kitchen. They did have a separate contractor who took care of the rough-in work (wall removal, refinishing the floors, electrical, and plumbing) as well as configuring the installation of the unique 3Form Lightbox above the sink. Julie Gabrielli with Gabrielli Design Studio masterfully designed the above-mentioned lightbox, which was then installed by Baltic Custom Construction (additional contractor). Ken Girardini with Girardini Design artfully designed and constructed many metal artwork pieces to showcase in the space. Ken also beautifully crafted the distinctive cabinet hardware pieces seen throughout. This stunning kitchen was incredibly well thought out and planned, using the many talents of some local artists and craftsmen to truly showcase what is possible to create a beautiful space within the home. New Cabs: DeWils Blanco Supermatte Luxe Countertop: Cambria Warm Britannica with Waterfall island Hardware: Ken Girardini with Girardini Design Backsplash: customer supplied Sink: Kraus KHU32 Stove: Miele 48” Rangetop with Grill Model: KMR 1355 G / KMR 1355 LP Stove Hood: Miele Décor Island Ventilation Hood DA 424V-6 Refrigerator: Subzero Convection Oven: Miele ContourLine 30” H 6780 BP Dishwasher: Miele EcoFlex Series Microwave: Miele PureLine 24” Microwave Oven M 6260 TC Cabinet accessories by Dewils and Fineline accessories in the drawers. Lightbox Info- https://www.3-form.com/collaborate/light_design/ Tracy West Kitchen Designer O’Hanlon Kitchens, Inc. 47 Loveton Circle, Ste. D Sparks, MD 21152 443-285-0558 717-755-5555 www.OKitchens.com Melanie Sammons Project Coordinator O’Hanlon Kitchens, Inc. 47 Loveton Circle, Ste. D Sparks, MD 21152 443-285-0558 717-755-5555 www.OKitchens.com Baltic Custom Construction, Inc. 8 Havenfield Dr, Parkville, MD 21234 410-375-1283 Ken Girardini keng@girardinidesign.com 927 Buckhorn Rd Sykesville, MD. 21784 410-549-3499 Julie E Gabrielli, NCARB, LEED AP Gabrielli Design Studio, LLC 2224 Crest Rd Baltimore, MD 21209 julie@gabriellidesign.com 410-530-0389 www.gabriellidesign.com blog: juliegabrielli com

As general contractors in San Jose, we understand that designer homes in big cities seek the best in home renovation in San Jose, as performed by experts like Turner Home Remodeling that specializes in custom upgrades & improvements. It can be in the area of kitchen & bath remodels, ADU design & construction, room addition or backyard services, to mention a few. General Contractors in San Jose at Home Remodeling in San Jose, CA - https://www.turnerhomeremodeling.com/ ZIP Code 95134, ZIP Code 95135, ZIP Code 95136, ZIP Code 95138, ZIP Code 95139, ZIP Code 95140, ZIP Code 95141, ZIP Code 95148, ZIP Code 95150, ZIP Code 95151, ZIP Code 95152, ZIP Code 95153, ZIP Code 95154, ZIP Code 95155, ZIP Code 95156, ZIP Code 95157, ZIP Code 95158, ZIP Code 95159, ZIP Code 95160, ZIP Code 95161, ZIP Code 95164, ZIP Code 95170, ZIP Code 95172, ZIP Code 95173, ZIP Code 95190, ZIP Code 95191, ZIP Code 95192, ZIP Code 95193, ZIP Code 95194, ZIP Code 95196

I WISH I had before pictures of this project. The home was built in 2001. And after living 20+ years with a builder's grade kitchen, the lovely couple was eager to revamp. This time around, we brought the wall cabinets to the ceiling (which always give the illusion of taller ceilings, not to mention the additional storage); And topped the wall cabinets with a beautiful molding detail. An added island, in a dark gray stain added visual interest and weight to this white shaker kitchen. ?Designer Tip- Want an island with seating? A dark, stain is a great finish choice. For ☝️, a stain is more durable than a paint. And ✌️, the darker finish will hide scuff marks and wear and tear the island may endure from company and littles.

With solid wood construction and birch veneers the Kateri is a fresh take on a rustic style. The two-tone finish of hazelnut and ebony is stylish and soothing. Extra storage is always a must, the Kateri combines style with function by adding 2 storage drawers for blankets, clothes and more. The case pieces have English Dovetail fronts and backs and finished drawer interiors that are dust proofed with custom designed bronze pulls. The 8 drawer dresser has removable dividers in the top drawer to help with organization and the matching mirror features a beveled edge.

Our clients priority was to have a more functional bathroom & optimize storage. See our project scope: -Change the tub faucet location, before they had to “jump” over it to get in and out the tub. -Change the shower head to a handheld spray. -New ceiling recessed lights layout -Add a LED Mirror and Wall Sconces -Floor Heating System -Towel Warmer -Quartz/Solid Surface Tub Deck and Shower Bench -Add a Shampoo Niche -Linear Shower Drain -Custom Floating Vanity w/ (2) Towers for additional storage and convenient access to skin care and daily used products. -Wall Mounted Faucets to clear up vanity space. -Exhaust Fan w/ Bluetooth Speaker And more. This master bathroom has everything they needed and more, not to mention the stunning finishes and eye catching wall tiles. Interior Designer: Vivian Costa General Contractor: Weslei Costa

Project: Hamilton Street – New Westminster About this Project The snow had melted, and our past clients were ready to have us back! This time, to transform their kitchen from its cookie cutter aesthetic to a space that was sophisticated and timeless. Kitchen: The previous kitchen had a layout that worked well but was in serious need of a makeover. The visual focus in this renovation is the harmony of the materials used; how the cool and warm tones come together to create this inviting space. The backsplash adds a sense of personality along with the carefully placed open shelving in both the upper cabinets and island. Working around the existing sprinklers was one of the obstacles we faced while designing this kitchen. At the fridge, we worked around this by setting back the upper cabinets and creating a landing space above the fridge. One of our favourite things about this kitchen is the use of interior organization. These custom additions make for a well equipped and organized kitchen. Special Mentions: The black plumbing fixtures by Riobel and sink by Blanco offer some contrast against the white countertops and backsplash. We jazzed up the old fireplace mantle and surround by using White Oak for the mantle and tile from Julian Tile.

In most cases, the replacement of a vanity top can improve the look of a bathroom drastically and add additional value to a house. It is a relatively simple process and can be done in a short period of time. With more than 4,000 stone slabs and a warehouse for production on site the time of replacement of an existing vanity top, kitchen countertops or a matching stone table top is shorter since we can address any issue right then and there. For many years, the Architecture Stones team has been working on helping customers from the DC Metro Area with any desire regarding custom-made stone related products such as: shower thresholds, fireplace mantels, custom-made stone sinks, quartz kitchen countertops, marble tiles, shower wall stone slabs, granite table tops, and as it was mentioned above, quartz bathroom vanity tops. Any size, shape, thickness and color of a vanity top can be custom-made by our team at Architecture Stones shop in Rockville, MD.

Ben is an experienced DIYer although he hadn’t ever done an IKEA kitchen design before. “I wasn’t familiar with the product line, nor how to get started with the process. The design we came up with was largely our design, and we spent countless hours researching the door fronts, and of course decided on the VOXTORP doors in Walnut from IKEA. We find IKEA offers great quality for the money and we love the neat customization options.” Ben does admit that he and his wife often second guessed their design decisions, however. Therefore, they recruited IKD to help them develop a layout that would work stylistically and functionally for their needs. “Having an IKEA design expert from IKD provide additional insight was incredibly helpful for us to move forward though the process,” he says.”But as an avid DIYer I felt this was well within my realm to complete.” And the design certainly was! In fact, Ben says the installation process was seamless. He does mention that the plumbing and electrical was relocated to accommodate the IKEA kitchenette layout though. “The overall experience of building the boxes was straight forward. Once you get the hang of doing one, they almost all go together about the same. It was a rewarding experience seeing everything come together,” he notes.

Our clients house was built in 2012, so it was not that outdated, it was just dark. The clients wanted to lighten the kitchen and create something that was their own, using more unique products. The master bath needed to be updated and they wanted the upstairs game room to be more functional for their family. The original kitchen was very dark and all brown. The cabinets were stained dark brown, the countertops were a dark brown and black granite, with a beige backsplash. We kept the dark cabinets but lightened everything else. A new translucent frosted glass pantry door was installed to soften the feel of the kitchen. The main architecture in the kitchen stayed the same but the clients wanted to change the coffee bar into a wine bar, so we removed the upper cabinet door above a small cabinet and installed two X-style wine storage shelves instead. An undermount farm sink was installed with a 23” tall main faucet for more functionality. We replaced the chandelier over the island with a beautiful Arhaus Poppy large antique brass chandelier. Two new pendants were installed over the sink from West Elm with a much more modern feel than before, not to mention much brighter. The once dark backsplash was now a bright ocean honed marble mosaic 2”x4” a top the QM Calacatta Miel quartz countertops. We installed undercabinet lighting and added over-cabinet LED tape strip lighting to add even more light into the kitchen. We basically gutted the Master bathroom and started from scratch. We demoed the shower walls, ceiling over tub/shower, demoed the countertops, plumbing fixtures, shutters over the tub and the wall tile and flooring. We reframed the vaulted ceiling over the shower and added an access panel in the water closet for a digital shower valve. A raised platform was added under the tub/shower for a shower slope to existing drain. The shower floor was Carrara Herringbone tile, accented with Bianco Venatino Honed marble and Metro White glossy ceramic 4”x16” tile on the walls. We then added a bench and a Kohler 8” rain showerhead to finish off the shower. The walk-in shower was sectioned off with a frameless clear anti-spot treated glass. The tub was not important to the clients, although they wanted to keep one for resale value. A Japanese soaker tub was installed, which the kids love! To finish off the master bath, the walls were painted with SW Agreeable Gray and the existing cabinets were painted SW Mega Greige for an updated look. Four Pottery Barn Mercer wall sconces were added between the new beautiful Distressed Silver leaf mirrors instead of the three existing over-mirror vanity bars that were originally there. QM Calacatta Miel countertops were installed which definitely brightened up the room! Originally, the upstairs game room had nothing but a built-in bar in one corner. The clients wanted this to be more of a media room but still wanted to have a kitchenette upstairs. We had to remove the original plumbing and electrical and move it to where the new cabinets were. We installed 16’ of cabinets between the windows on one wall. Plank and Mill reclaimed barn wood plank veneers were used on the accent wall in between the cabinets as a backing for the wall mounted TV above the QM Calacatta Miel countertops. A kitchenette was installed to one end, housing a sink and a beverage fridge, so the clients can still have the best of both worlds. LED tape lighting was added above the cabinets for additional lighting. The clients love their updated rooms and feel that house really works for their family now. Design/Remodel by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging

Project: Hamilton Street – New Westminster About this Project The snow had melted, and our past clients were ready to have us back! This time, to transform their kitchen from its cookie cutter aesthetic to a space that was sophisticated and timeless. Kitchen: The previous kitchen had a layout that worked well but was in serious need of a makeover. The visual focus in this renovation is the harmony of the materials used; how the cool and warm tones come together to create this inviting space. The backsplash adds a sense of personality along with the carefully placed open shelving in both the upper cabinets and island. Working around the existing sprinklers was one of the obstacles we faced while designing this kitchen. At the fridge, we worked around this by setting back the upper cabinets and creating a landing space above the fridge. One of our favourite things about this kitchen is the use of interior organization. These custom additions make for a well equipped and organized kitchen. Special Mentions: The black plumbing fixtures by Riobel and sink by Blanco offer some contrast against the white countertops and backsplash. We jazzed up the old fireplace mantle and surround by using White Oak for the mantle and tile from Julian Tile.

Creating a Dreamy Atmosphere Artificial potted grasses have become a must-have for couples aiming to create a unique vibe at their weddings. They provide a lush backdrop without the hassle of maintenance. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by vibrant, carefully curated greenery that lasts long after the nuptials! The best part? No wilting flowers to worry about. Finding just the right kind of grass is essential. From elegant artificial pampas grass to more subtle, grass-like options, brands like Longjin Craft offer a variety of styles that can cater to different themes. Whether you’re going for boho chic or something more classic, these additions can really pull your decor together. Versatility in Design One of the major perks of using artificial potted grasses is their flexibility. You can place them in strategic corners, use them as table centerpieces, or even have them flanking the aisle. They can be effortlessly moved around, which means you can easily update your look throughout the day. Couples might not realize how well these grasses can play with other elements like twinkling lights or flowing fabrics. A little creativity goes a long way. Oh, and did I mention their weight? They’re stable enough not to tip over, but light enough to transport easily from the ceremony to the reception. Cost-Effective Elegance Let’s face it: weddings can be pricey. Using artificial potted grasses can save a couple a bundle while still adding that touch of elegance. Since they are reusable, they can even become part of your home decor after the big day. Isn’t that a win-win? Investing in high-quality artificial options, like those from Longjin Craft, ensures that you don’t have to compromise on style for cost. Plus, these grasses require no watering or sunlight, allowing you to focus on the things that really matter—like enjoying a piece of cake! Just be careful when choosing colors to match your theme; it can make a noticeable difference. This article is sourced from Longjin Craft Artificial Potted Grass (longjincraft.com).

This simple kitchen design is completely transformed by the natural light filling it from the perfectly placed window and patio door. The white marble countertops and Fabuwood's Galaxy Frost cabinets are brought to life by the sunlight, while the glossy offset subway tile backsplash and Galaxy Nickel Island supply just the right amount of subtle contrast. Additionally illuminated by the rectangular pendant light hanging over the island, paired with recessed lights, this space is as bright, open, and welcoming as a kitchen can be. Not to mention our favorite feature yet, the butler’s pantry, a great way to add an abundance of space to the kitchen.

This bedroom was designed to accommodate a teenager boy who will be pursuing in the music industry. We took in consideration the need to have a additional queen size bed for guests. This space can be used for gatherings to listen him playing tracks or just to have friends over to play video game. The use of this space is endless! The rare picture of Basquiat in the desk area and a very interesting table lamp, vintage, and made of clay welcomes everyone who walks in, without forget to mentioned, we incorporated the hall entrance with the rest of the room, adding the ceiling pendant that reflects an abstract interesting pattern in the ceiling, making even more artsy and fun!

Project: Hamilton Street – New Westminster About this Project The snow had melted, and our past clients were ready to have us back! This time, to transform their kitchen from its cookie cutter aesthetic to a space that was sophisticated and timeless. Kitchen: The previous kitchen had a layout that worked well but was in serious need of a makeover. The visual focus in this renovation is the harmony of the materials used; how the cool and warm tones come together to create this inviting space. The backsplash adds a sense of personality along with the carefully placed open shelving in both the upper cabinets and island. Working around the existing sprinklers was one of the obstacles we faced while designing this kitchen. At the fridge, we worked around this by setting back the upper cabinets and creating a landing space above the fridge. One of our favourite things about this kitchen is the use of interior organization. These custom additions make for a well equipped and organized kitchen. Special Mentions: The black plumbing fixtures by Riobel and sink by Blanco offer some contrast against the white countertops and backsplash. We jazzed up the old fireplace mantle and surround by using White Oak for the mantle and tile from Julian Tile.

This kitchen was beautifully transformed into a Modern Rustic masterpiece. We were honored to have a part in the design and installation of the cabinets and countertop as well as being the general contractor for the project. The homeowners, Mr. Scott & Ms. Rauhofer are not new to architecture and home design. Their home had previously won an architectural award for its construction and design. Mr. Scott & Ms. Rauhofer utilized the expertise of many different artists and contractors on this project. Our designer, Tracy West, worked with them on the design of their new kitchen. They did have a separate contractor who took care of the rough-in work (wall removal, refinishing the floors, electrical, and plumbing) as well as configuring the installation of the unique 3Form Lightbox above the sink. Julie Gabrielli with Gabrielli Design Studio masterfully designed the above-mentioned lightbox, which was then installed by Baltic Custom Construction (additional contractor). Ken Girardini with Girardini Design artfully designed and constructed many metal artwork pieces to showcase in the space. Ken also beautifully crafted the distinctive cabinet hardware pieces seen throughout. This stunning kitchen was incredibly well thought out and planned, using the many talents of some local artists and craftsmen to truly showcase what is possible to create a beautiful space within the home. New Cabs: DeWils Blanco Supermatte Luxe Countertop: Cambria Warm Britannica with Waterfall island Hardware: Ken Girardini with Girardini Design Backsplash: customer supplied Sink: Kraus KHU32 Stove: Miele 48” Rangetop with Grill Model: KMR 1355 G / KMR 1355 LP Stove Hood: Miele Décor Island Ventilation Hood DA 424V-6 Refrigerator: Subzero Convection Oven: Miele ContourLine 30” H 6780 BP Dishwasher: Miele EcoFlex Series Microwave: Miele PureLine 24” Microwave Oven M 6260 TC Cabinet accessories by Dewils and Fineline accessories in the drawers. Lightbox Info- https://www.3-form.com/collaborate/light_design/ Tracy West Kitchen Designer O’Hanlon Kitchens, Inc. 47 Loveton Circle, Ste. D Sparks, MD 21152 443-285-0558 717-755-5555 www.OKitchens.com Melanie Sammons Project Coordinator O’Hanlon Kitchens, Inc. 47 Loveton Circle, Ste. D Sparks, MD 21152 443-285-0558 717-755-5555 www.OKitchens.com Baltic Custom Construction, Inc. 8 Havenfield Dr, Parkville, MD 21234 410-375-1283 Ken Girardini keng@girardinidesign.com 927 Buckhorn Rd Sykesville, MD. 21784 410-549-3499 Julie E Gabrielli, NCARB, LEED AP Gabrielli Design Studio, LLC 2224 Crest Rd Baltimore, MD 21209 julie@gabriellidesign.com 410-530-0389 www.gabriellidesign.com blog: juliegabrielli com

Project: Hamilton Street – New Westminster About this Project The snow had melted, and our past clients were ready to have us back! This time, to transform their kitchen from its cookie cutter aesthetic to a space that was sophisticated and timeless. Kitchen: The previous kitchen had a layout that worked well but was in serious need of a makeover. The visual focus in this renovation is the harmony of the materials used; how the cool and warm tones come together to create this inviting space. The backsplash adds a sense of personality along with the carefully placed open shelving in both the upper cabinets and island. Working around the existing sprinklers was one of the obstacles we faced while designing this kitchen. At the fridge, we worked around this by setting back the upper cabinets and creating a landing space above the fridge. One of our favourite things about this kitchen is the use of interior organization. These custom additions make for a well equipped and organized kitchen. Special Mentions: The black plumbing fixtures by Riobel and sink by Blanco offer some contrast against the white countertops and backsplash. We jazzed up the old fireplace mantle and surround by using White Oak for the mantle and tile from Julian Tile.

Better Homes & Gardens landscaping software is very user-friendly, which means you’ll be creating the moment you load the software onto your computer. You merely tell the software what kind of dimensions you’re working with and then you can play around with the options available by the software program. For instance, with the click of a mouse, you can add a bush here, a rose garden there, or you can even put in a little man-made pond, the choices are all up to you. Playing with the different options available is all part of the fun. Of course, the best part is when your vision is actually realized and when you finally get the yard you’ve always wanted. In choosing a home and garden decor, first, you have to know what you want and what style you are looking for. One way of determining which décor to buy is by setting a theme for your garden. Thin about what you would like your garden to look like — what accessories you would like to see, and what plants and trees you’d like to add. Here are some of the theme ideas that you can incorporate with your home and garden decor: butterfly, temple, sundial, Japanese, water, winter, and jungle. Home furnishing: As any professional interior decorator will tell you, each room within the house has a certain function and a certain character. It is necessary to recognize this innate character before one can go about furnishing the room appropriately. Indoor decor leans heavily on the right use of color, lighting, and furnishing. For instance, the role of curtains, decorative rugs, objects of art and other decorative materials must be complimentary. Every object within the room must contribute seamlessly to the total effect. Garden furnishing: The garden is typically the extension of the home. It is where we seek to establish an instant connect with nature. For many, it is the place dedicated to the pleasure of cultivation and abundant growth. Even homes in urban areas where garden space is limited make the effort to transform the garden into a haven of sorts. The use of unusual, whimsical and colorful furniture and objects of art can transform the garden into something that is out of a fairytale book. For example, whimsically designed benches and tables are available in the most stunning colors. These pieces of furniture greatly add to the appeal of the garden. In addition to this, pieces of art may be strategically scattered around the garden to make it colorful and beautiful. By adding these pieces of art to your garden space, it is possible to achieve the perfect balance between beauty and utility that characterizes great outdoor spaces. When you want to landscape your yard, you typically hire someone to come out and give you a quote. However, what if you could do it all yourself with Better Homes & Gardens landscaping software? You’re probably thinking that you don’t have the artistic ability, or the know how to landscape your yard yourself. However, with Better Homes & Gardens landscaping software, you don’t need to be artistically inclined, nor do you need any knowledge of how to landscape a house or yard. All you need is a computer, a mouse, and a little time and a lot of imagination. With Better Homes & Gardens landscaping software, the sky’s the limit as far as what you can create, not to mention it’s a lot of fun to create the yard you want.

Kitchen, Sliding Doors & Storage by Komandor. With any good kitchen layout, storage and flow are key. Continuing from last week’s theme…sliding doors can be a great addition to your kitchen or pantry. The main features being the increase in flow and the decrease in clutter in the kitchen. An open cabinet door protruding into your space is always cumbersome. Sliding doors can save valuable space and increase flow in high traffic areas. Not to mention that they are right on trend! Sliding doors can also be used to create a work station with a counter top and extra storage above and below. Food prep and frequently working appliances can be hidden away with the push of a door. Unexpected guests…no problem…with sliding doors a tidy kitchen is always just a slide away!